life with meaning

Finding that Meaningful Life

Posted by Barbara Techel

Finding that Meaningful Life

I think it takes courage to live a life that feels meaningful. To not live the status quo, but to live from that inner space within that yearns to trust that inner voice, while at the same time not knowing what that may really look like as we try to move toward it and what we believe it is that will bring us joy.

I feel like I’ve been down this road hundreds of times – and no doubt it will surface time and again as I grow and evolve. Though I am much stronger in my convictions which feels liberating. But isn’t this what being human is all about?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my almost 54 years is that happiness isn’t outside of us, though it can feel like an uphill battle because it is what is in front of us constantly in TV, ads, etc. if we allow it to be.

So when I hear of a breakthrough from someone who I’ve shared the SoulCollage® process with that I facilitate in my studio and online, my heart overflows with ecstatic happiness. To know another person on this planet is learning to accept who they are – well – it is very rewarding. 

Kathryn, who is part of my online SoulCollage® True Essence class is a beautiful example of taking the steps necessary to move toward living a meaningful life. I was so touched by a recent posting she did on our private Facebook group that I asked her if I could share it with you. She graciously agreed. Thank you, Kathryn.

This is a recent SoulCollage® card she created for her altar: 

Kathryn wrote, “It (the card) was created intentionally, the image of the woman had a quote by it and the woman said that she loves who she is just the way she is. The locusts represent my fear of bees and wasps. This is the first summer in many years where I no longer feel afraid of getting stung. The card is about being proud of who I am today, stepping into my power and releasing fears that no longer serve me.”

Kathryn’s insight for herself not only no doubt freed her in many ways and brought deep meaning to her life, but in sharing with the group, she made my life (and likely others in the group) feel even more meaningful. 

Finding a meaningful life takes work and is truly an inside job. And why I continue to do my own inner work too so that I can support others on their path to a meaningful life. This summer I’ve devoting myself to a 22-week online course to help me grow in who I am and expand my workshops online which began this past Monday.

Because truly, it’s moments like this that Kathryn shared with me that are food for my soul – me as facilitator guiding others toward deeper meaning for their lives, in-turn makes for a meaningful life for me. Win-win not only for me and participant, but a big win for the planet!

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If you’d like to learn more about the SoulCollage® True Essence online course details are here.

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First Draft of My New Book Now Complete

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Frankie snuggled in as I read last night

Though I’m not satisfied with the last chapter I wrote, I also know ending a book, or article for that matter, is usually a challenge for me. So letting it rest, I know in time, the end will work out perfectly. But I’m taking great joy in knowing the first draft of my book is complete– now the real work begins.

I welcome the “real work.” I can now plunge back in and concentrate on each chapter, word by word, thought by thought. Getting it all out onto the pages was the first step and that is complete. I struggled greatly with writing the last chapter. In part because I talk about my thoughts on Frankie dying one day- which was prompted this summer by it seeming like so many people asking me what I will do when Frankie is gone. She turned 12 in August, so I suspect people worry the end is nearer than further away. I suppose they have a point. But none of knows when we are going to die.

The other part I struggled with, not only with the last chapter, but in my writing of late is because of some things that have been bothering me. While I don’t want to go into the particulars, I was very aware of how when my mind is full of other worries, I find it hard to come to my writing. This in turn upsets me and I have a little war that goes on inside my head. Today I had enough with the million thoughts in my head and sat down to write. I’m so glad I did. It felt so good.

My writing brought me back to what has meaning to me– what makes me happy– what brings me joy. Though yes, I was writing about grief, I’ve learned so much in the past two years about myself and new possibilities when Frankie does pass on. 

I’m still not quite sure of the title, Through Frankie’s Eyes, Lessons Learned from a Dachshund on Wheels but I try not to put too much thought into that for now. I’m better now at being open and knowing all things have their time and place. It will all come together. Trust the process, I remind myself.

So today I celebrate that I wrote my first draft of my very first nonfiction book! Woo hoo! Next I will print out the pages and begin dissecting each page of each chapter. Once that is complete I will have my 2nd draft which will then go to my editor. Life is good.

PS:  My reward is that I will put up my Christmas decorations in my studio now. Oh, what joy!