Well, since we all had so much fun blogging on our Caringbridge site this last year (www.caringbridge.org/ny/danomara), I decided to give this a try in "bloggerland"! In a busy world, it is sometimes hard to "sync up" in person, or even on the phone. One cool thing about blogging is that I get to do it when I have a free minute, and you get to view it and respond (if you so choose) at your leisure! So we don't have to make an appointment, but we can really spend some quality time "together" if we choose.
Dan and I continue on the O'Marathon, which is all about getting Dan back to full health and happiness! We will continue to post semi-frequent updates on the Caringbridge site. As you all know, the O'Marathon was pretty much a full-time job for quite awhile. It's becoming a part-time job now, and I will be heading back to IBM in a couple weeks (part-time). And I will be pursuing some other really cool stuff, which I want to share with anyone interested in that part of the journey!
This is the spot for sharing my new "Bigger Game", and for getting your input, and for having you "walk with me", if you so desire! And I HOPE that you do, and that we'll all learn a lot along the way.
About this "Bigger Game"... I don't think that many go through the kind of changes that Dan and I have been through (and you with us) without being changed in some way. In fact, for us, this was our intention. We wanted to grow and create as much that was positive as we could. We wanted to share our journey, so our friends, family, and fellow travelers could grow with us. And of course, we wanted to put incredible effort into creating the best possible outcome for Dan. In essence, that was our O'Marathon "Bigger Game".
So, we've changed. I've changed. And I'm ready for a new Bigger Game. And I'm starting to play it. Stay tuned to learn more about what I'm up to! And of course, I want to hear about what you are up to.
One more thing, if you want to "play along"... I will challenge you each to think about what's next for you. I believe that we are all exactly where we are meant to be, at any given time. I also believe it's up to us to determine where we go next!! And it's all about learning, growing, loving and sharing.
To close this first blog entry, I am sharing this poem. It says a lot about what I value, and who I am. And it is another way of inviting you to join me for the next leg of the journey.
Life Calling
My life is a journey, destination unknown.
My path is revealed only as far as I can see,
Yet more often than not, I choose its direction.
I navigate my path thoughtfully,
with deliberate choices grounded in values and guided by intuition.
Even when faced with unexpected circumstances,
I choose my path, by choosing my reaction.
I choose to live in love, optimism, faith, beauty, warmth.
I choose spontaneity, nature, deep conversations, dreams.
I choose passion, risk, change, color.
I choose light, music, texture, spice.
I laugh, I cry, I experience, I give.
I nurture myself to be strong.
Sometimes my path is clear and my journey is effortless.
I savor these times, gathering strength,
languishing in bounty.
On rare occasions, my path seems blocked,
weather clouds my vision and dampens my spirit.
I trudge on in faith,
overcoming obstacles, trusting the sky to clear.
Sometimes I seek temporary shelter
and wait out the storm.
I believe God nurtures me in ways I cannot fully understand.
His grace is at work within me, and He walks with me.
I am a beam of light and many choose to walk with me,
warmed by my love, nurtured by my strength,
trusting my integrity, enrolled by my spirit,
stretched by my pace, comforted by my touch.
I am blessed by their presence.
I am supported, I am loved.
I am thankful.
On certain segments of my journey, I have chosen to follow others,
nurtured by their spirit and love,
Guided by their wisdom.
I am thankful.
I walk with increasing purpose,
as I reflect on whom I have become,
and how my journey has enriched me.
My need to help others choose their paths
becomes ever stronger,
like a calling.
I see possibilities ahead that are exciting.
Mountains to climb that are more challenging
than any behind me.
I will choose the climb that calls me,
perhaps joining with others
so we can forge a new path,
that becomes a lighted way for others
drawn to higher ground.
Melissa O'Mara
February 18, 2003, Dallas, Texas
Copyright 2003
Life Coach
Specializing in helping others choose their path forward
Hi all! My purpose here is to share my personal journey, my writing, my musings and wonderings, and to encourage deep dialogue about this life we get to live. Each generation evolves humanity, and I'd like us to get a bit more intentional about who we are becoming! So let's evolve together...
1 comment:
Linette, thanks for posting that. I first read this by Marianne Williamson in a coaching class! In fact, it may have been the very class that inspired the Life Calling poem. And I think it is a wonderfully perceptive truth about human nature, and actually reflects a current fear that I have. "Who am I to write a book? To offer coaching and consulting services to cancer patients? What makes me think that what I have to offer is worth their time and money? And while I'm at it, who am I to "blog"? To think that anyone would want to read what I have to say? After all, it's not about saving someone's life anymore - that was compelling! It's seems like it's all about me! And who would even care about that?"
My wonderful friend Peg called me brilliant last night. She suggested that the key might be in humility. Offer what I have in humility, humbly. And be okay with whatever happens.
What can you offer? What are you willing to share? How do you shine?
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