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Posts Tagged ‘friends’

Friendship

December 16, 2010 by Peggie

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December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

photo credit: audreyjm529

This prompt, on the day marking the anniversary of the birth of my friend Kimmy. 46 years ago today she entered the world. And we’ve known each other for 44 of those years as luck would have it. We lived across the street from one another in Mahwah, NJ. She at 10 Mohigan and I at 11.

I could look out my bedroom window and see into hers.

Friendships that are long-standing such as this (along with the third musketeer, Wendy, who lived on Mohawk) are cause for so much self-knowledge. I’ve often been amazed at the things Kimmy reflects back to me – the memories and the deep understanding of who I am because of who I was. She observed all that time together, whether we were fighting, cajoling, sneaking cigarettes or cutting class.

New friendships have surprised me this year.

I’m learning, after so very long, how to be at ease with other people. To almost believe that one can be liked and understood, for no other reason than being themselves. In years past I may have missed opportunities to connect, to truly savor friendship because I was worried. Worried that I wouldn’t be enough or worse, that I would be too much – too full — too scared — too angry to sustain a friendship.

In 2010 I’ve learned to create a deep, abiding truce and friendship with myself first. To observe what it means to accept myself for being enough. To fill myself up and be.

It’s been a wonder, making these new friends this year. Some new people appear on the scene and I feel that I’ve known them all my life and instead of thinking it would be too weird to make new friends at this age, I’m letting them know that I care, that I’m here to be a friend and have a friend. This seems like something we ought to have learned, instinctively, as toddlers. I don’t think I did.

Friendship has enhanced my life in 2010, and I’m so grateful for all the new friends and deepening friendships that have illumined my year.

I can’t wait to see what happens and unfolds and appears in 2011.

Category Personal Development, Success | Tags: #reverb10,friends | 5 Comments
More #CustomerLove – Rockstars Continued

September 1, 2010 by Peggie
photo credit: alonis

Yesterday I realized that my list was light on guys – I produced the list from the top of my mind and was surprised to see that not many dudes were on it. It’s either because I know TONS more guys in real life (wink wink) or that I’ve spent the last years cultivating friendships and alliances with women. (Let’s just say that was NOT the case when I was younger).

With that in mind, I’m happy to say that there are two guys on today’s list. I want to be clear that I LOVE men – in all their confusing, sometimes smelly ways – they are funny, they are thought provoking and they never let me get away with my whining. Frankly, I’ve long thought of myself as a guy-girl – you know – “let’s FIX this thing – stop your whimpering!” So fellas, I love you too.
1. Lee Stranahan: Honestly, I must have found Lee on Facebook or Twitter shortly after I started playing on-line. I’m sure someone mentioned him and his ‘new’ way of thinking and working and marketing. And he’s a film guy. And an artist. And he’s funny and doesn’t much cotton to whining and bull-shit – two big wins in my book. He’s also generous, smart and giving of his time. He recently spent 30 minutes with me on the phone to help me tighten up my brand, my blog and generally put all my offerings into even more marketable and serviceable containers. The dude knows his stuff, and he’s funny. I like that combo – and if for some unknown reason you don’t know him – say hi.
2. Nancy Marmalejo: I feel like I’ve known Nancy forever. It may only be two years though? Nancy was one of the first people that I thought of as “hot shit” who responded – personally – when I tweeted her – whether it was my recipe for kale or a quip that she sparked in a conversation. She is wise and passionate and she is focused on helping others succeed. I’ve never met anyone with a heart so big who seems to easily combine her business and her joie de vivre quite so seamlessly. I’ve been doing my best to emulate her. And there’s no way I could be thinking about #customerlove without including her on the list!
3. Melani Ward: We did meet, briefly, in person at an event 3 or so years ago. In fact it was BEFORE I was on any social media sites and it was so briefly that it went to the back of my cluttered mind until we reconnected. So I’m cheating and including her too. Why? Because when I REALLY needed help and wrote about it – in that raw, painful, “what the frick am I doing writing about this?” way she responded. And that one, honest, true response from her made a HUGE difference. She also is a rockstar for combining ALL of her into a coherent guide for the rest of the healers, creatives, entrepreneurs trying to find their way. She’s a yogi (always a plus in my book), a runner (not so much my dream but I admire it), a numerologist, and an astute marketing strategist. She’s also a mom who adores her kid and her husband and she lives in very cool Boulder, CO. So yeah. Melani – I thank you.
4. Shawna Attaberry: I’ve only met Shawna recently – but she’s moved me in more ways than even she knows. If we had met in real life, maybe even a year ago, I don’t know if we’d be hanging out and chatting. Her background is VERY different from mine but together we share the same sensibilities that the Spirit is for women and men. She’s an author, an academic and a deeply spiritual teacher. Thanks Shawna for always carrying on the dialogue, even when it may seem most scary. That is truly inspirational.
5. Jeanine Byers Hoag: Jeanine is full of energy and compassion. Despite her introverted ways, she’s a wise counsel with a kick butt sense of humor. I’ve known her to be a woman afire with the desire for learning and teaching and she’s amazingly astute at building communities. I’ve had the honor to work with Jeanine and give her an introduction to hand analysis and fingerprint translation – that’s where I saw her mind and her heart at work. She’s opened my mind to many different possibilities when it comes to life lessons and she’s a tireless supporter of breaking through limitations.
6. Mark Silver: Mark may be the person I’ve “known” the longest – even before Twitter and Facebook. Even before I finished my hand analysis certification. In fact, I purchased his Heart-Centered websites when I was still the proud owner of Peggie’s Pet Services. That’s a long time. Mark has ties to the DC area and he’s one of the most fun and heart-centered teachers I know. Because of Mark I believed that you could combine spirituality with business. In fact, I now know that you cannot succeed in a purpose-filled business any other way. I’m grateful for his sense of humor, I’m humbled by his literary prowess, and I’m always educated by his teachings.
7. Dougggie: AKA Carolyn or Caz. We met via Bridget Pilloud and share a mutual love animals, things spiritual and esoteric and a birthday! (She of course being much younger than I). I can count on my friend Dougggie for an off-hand comment that sends me into paroxysms of laughter or a thoughtful response to my pressing questions. This is true friendship and wisdom at work – and I’m not just saying that because we’re both born on St. Bridget’s day (no coincidence that a Bridget brought us together!)
8. Mary Havlecik: Mary has trusted me with her thoughts, her writing and her dreams. There is no bigger compliment that I could receive. The love in Mary’s heart – which is obvious in all her interactions is HUGE. She’s an amazing mom, she is a committed healer and she is always there with a laugh or an insight when I need it most.
Friends – there are so many of you and so many relationships that are growing as we speak. I’ve long kept a gratitude list but I’m embarrassed to tell you that I somehow neglected to reflect this deeply on the people in my life.

If these two posts have taught me anything, it’s this – take time – regularly – to not just list those you love, but to reflect on what it is that they bring to you and your life. You’ll be amazed at what prayers have been answered and blessings received. “Just” in the form of the people you love.
Category Success | Tags: #customerlove,friends | 6 Comments
They Rock My World and we Haven’t even Met…Yet

August 31, 2010 by Peggie
photo credit: icanteachyouhowtodoit

Okay, so I’m participating in LaVonne Ellis’ #customerlove challenge which was sparked by a post by Naomi Dunford. (it’s like a soap opera here on the web – the way we all love on each other).

So to bring the soapiness full throttle I’ve been thinking about the people I really LOVE but I’ve never even met face to face. Aside from making me a little sad for not having had the pleasure of reaching out and touching them, I’m a little misty-eyed thinking about how good these friends are. They encourage me, they inspire me and they make me laugh.

The list is actually REALLY long – which didn’t surprise me. But what did surprise me is how much I want to say about all these friends. (No, that didn’t surprise me much either). What did surprise me is all the editing I’m doing to get ready for that big, freaking bloggy program I’m launching mid-month and that it’s taking time away from all the editing and praising I want to do about these people who are rocking my world.

In honor of my commitments I’m breaking the list down and giving you a two-parter. Maybe even a 3-parter if I can get my ass in gear.

In NO particular order I want to introduce you to the people who rock my world and I haven’t met them in real life but I sure feel like I have!
1. Lisa Miles Brady – We “met” a few years ago when I read her hands through outsourcing from a 3^rd party. This year we reconnected via Facebook and Twitter – through EPW I think. Doesn’t matter, Lisa is wise, courageous and a woman who is not satisfied to sit at home and WISH things were different. She goes out and changes the world. She also has a ton of skill sets that she hasn’t even shared with the world yet (and I cannot wait til she does). Among her many talents she’s a wise counsel, a quick and astute editor and a kick-ass motivator. Oh, she calls you on your crap. That’s amazing to me and I’m so grateful.
2. LaVonne Ellis. LaVonne – the initiator and the ignitor. She calls herself a complete flake and I’ve always been mystified by that because she’s calm in a storm, wise in her counsel and a constant motivating factor for me. She’s got a great voice (duh, she IS a voice coach) and she’s thoughtful and compassionate while not being a pushover. Because of her prompting and cheering I’m writing 2500 words every day (mostly) and because of her I’m part of the #customerlove challenge. How can you NOT love this woman?
3. Jessica Droeger. A recovering Type-A lawyer Jessica is busily sharing custody of her kids and transforming herself into the healer that calls to her heart. She’s got a fire burning inside that can’t be squelched – although she can try mighty hard. When she speaks her truth as slackermomspeaks (a true misnomer if I ever I heard one) you get lit up from inside because she’s somehow, speaking your truth as well.
4. Bridget Pilloud: I met Bridget through our mutual love of animals and she was my first teacher of Animal Communication. Since that time I’ve depended on her wise counsel as a coach, an intuitive healer and a friend with great ideas. Despite her busy schedule – kids, photo shoots, the dude, publishing her popular Inner Me missives, and of course her animals and clients she’s always quick with a response when I need her.
5. Melissa McDaniel: Alright – maybe I’m cheating because I did meet Melissa once in person, but it was for a workshop and it was a long time ago, so I’m putting her on this list anyway. Melissa worked with me for a while to learn her life purpose and life lesson and to start incorporating them into her world. Watching her break through the crappy parts of her lesson and truly step into her purpose as she’s built her reputation for amazing photos of animals is truly inspiring. (her photos have been published in BARK! Magazine!) She’s proving that it only takes a plan and commitment to make your dreams happen.
6. Allison Nazarian: Okay, the girl crush started for me because I got turned onto Allison’s blog. She writes in a voice that is clear and poignant and sassy. Which is precisely how I imagine Allison to be in real life – her writing makes it clear to me that she’s thoughtful, hard on herself but trying to be more gentle and she’s also deeply committed to the legacy of her life. I like that. No, I admire the hell out of that. Plus I’m pretty sure we could drink a few martinis and laugh a lot. That’s a true renaissance woman in my book.
7. Elizabeth PW: I think Elizabeth may be directly or indirectly connected to introducing me to a ton of people on this list. So first she’s my hero for that. Most importantly though – Elizabeth used to be (in my small view of her – like from 2 years ago) just like everyone else. She probably appeared in my viewfinder even before I became very active on Face book and Twitter. And seriously, she wore suits and had perfect makeup and well she sounded like everyone else. Sorry but I don’t know how else to say it. Then one day – probably just over a year ago (yes, I stalk her now and read her blog for touchstone dates like the day it all changed) something happened. Everything about her seemed to change (except her bright blue eyes) and she was a real and vibrant and pulsing person. That is my inspiration. Not to mention that she’s a funny, real and loving mom who has gone through way more shit as a mom than most of us should in a lifetime and she’s STILL rocking the world. That is my guidance and I’m also thinking that she can teach me some pole dancing moves (although I think it’s a dangerous pursuit) and she’d be able to share a few martinis too.
8. David Burch: He’s my GoToGuy and he can be yourgotoguy too. David does what needs to be done to care for himself so he can care for his family. He’s willing to dig in and get to the base of a situation, challenge or problem so that he can move forward. He’s brave in sharing his story and he’s dedicated to making himself and his kids proud. Not only that, whenever I have a technical question that I post on Twitter David is really quick to respond with excellent help and advice.
9. Alexia Petrakos: Hmmm. The girl has a purple streak in her hair. She sings in her church – like in a rock band. She’s a whiz at creativity and she’s a wise woman on WordPress issues. She’s also insatiably curious about the world around her and working hard to bring her voice and art even bigger into the world.
10. Catherine Caine. You know Catherine right? EVERYONE knows Catherine. She’s the extrovert taking the blogosphere and web-building land by storm. I met her through EPW and since then I’ve been standing, mouth open, watching her live her truth in a big, weird way! Don’t let her exuberance and larger-than-life persona fool you. That smile is there because she’s wicked smart, picking the brains of those she wants to learn from, and applying it all in a way that not only benefits her, but benefits those she’s helping – her delightful weirdoes!
11. All of my 2500wds pals – because you cheer me on, inspire me and make sure I show up in a real and authentic way every single day.
Now – if you’re not on this list – I’m not IGNORING you – - I’m really strapped for time and I want to give you the same hugs and kisses that I’m giving here — so tomorrow (or tonight if all the worksheets are done for the blogging program) you are going to get a big fat smooch from me. Promise.

THANK YOU. You make me better. Okay, you don’t make me do anything. But I really WANT to be a better blogger and tweeter and friend because of you.
Category Personal Development | Tags: friends,heroes,rock stars | 18 Comments