Mama's Musings

[Slow News] Give me a break http://ping.fm/t8P3h

[Slow News] Time Gone By http://ping.fm/kzNrN

[Slow News] Personal Productivity – A Chat with the Project Shrink http://ping.fm/U5nOG

I used to be a nice person, until I had kids

If you believe Debbie Ford (I do), we all have a shadow side: that dark, ugly part of ourselves that most like to stuff in the back closets of our being. Having kids has taught me I have one, too. Lack of sleep, improper nutrition and a seemingly endless weight of responsibility have driven me to say less than nice things on occasion. Anyone who denies they've snapped at their kids is lying.

Don't get me wrong. Most days are rather lovely. We joke, tell stories, laugh, tease each other and banter about the kitchen, growing in our appreciation for one another as human beings. But as such, we all carry a darker side that comes to light when we least expect it ~ for where there is light, there too are shadows.

Debbie Ford, who has written a number of books including Why Good People Do Bad Things, is releasing her first docudrama called The Shadow Effect tomorrow. I'm thrilled to have learned of it as I think she is brilliant. Even my sister's and my all-time favorite singer, Alanis Morissette, has benefited from Debbie's wisdom. According to the Summer 2007 issue of Balance magazine, Alanis states:

"Through Debbie Ford’s shadow work, I learned that it’s through working with the shadow part of ourselves that those challenging things pull us toward becoming who we are today.”

Thanks to Debbie, we've got cool songs to sing our hearts out through Alanis' interpretations of life as a shadow dance (my sister and I personally thank you, Ms. Ford!). May we all bask in the warmth of the light as we embrace all sides of ourselves ~ the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[Slow News] Wednesday Wisdom – No Nonsense Makes Sense http://ping.fm/1HV4p

Sunshine in a Dark World

The sun has gone on vacation ~ elsewhere. So I got to thinking. Maybe I could create a little sunshine in people's lives even if our galaxy's biggest star has decided to permanently cover herself in clouds.

And so I did.

Starting today I'll be doing an audio series on my PowerofSlow blog entitled Wednesday Wisdom. They are one-minute verbal responses from real people like you. The current topic is finding time to do what you love. You can find out more information here.

If you want to participate, email me and I can send you the details. Here's to sunshine in all corners of the world!

[Slow News] Introducing the Wednesday Wisdom Audio Series http://ping.fm/SYVwS

Love Thyself

If you haven't cried yet today, you will when you read a copy of A Better Day - A Better Life. Kelly Wilson sent me an excerpt of her book, which was inspired after she had hit rock bottom in her own life. Her baby and her mother-in-law (unrelated events) died within the same time period. Her husband landed in the ICU and she was forced to stay on the curb even when she really wanted to thrust herself into traffic. That is, until one day she woke up to discover she could make her day better, even at the darkest moment in her life.

She established a model of relationship - with herself, with others, and with God. Whether you are a practicing Christian or not is immaterial. Her message hits home. You can't love anyone, including your own life, until you love yourself.

I was moved by her candor. I think you will be, too. Grab a copy. You'll be glad you did.

[Slow News] Material Simplicity http://ping.fm/8UYjD

[Slow News] Gadgetless Travels http://ping.fm/PEijO