Just Back From "THERE"

--"Only by understanding how I arrived, will I understand where I will next go."

What A Hectic Couple of Weeks !

We’ve all been there – Exhausting! The mystery is that we have no idea how we got to there, what the forces were to get us through it or why we are “spent”... phewwwwwwwwwwww. Obviously, it has to be the kids. No, not necessarily. [By the way, where in the hell is “there,” and why does it always sound so ominous?]

Although I’ve always been a person who has prided herself on “figuring it out” (whatever "it" may be), I had this hackneyed concept that I could find and/or develop the good in everyone - of being able to shape, to some extent, my environment and to maximize the productive potential and happiness of all of the people in my life. I really thought that with a positive attitude, I could change the world. I Was In Control – I Could Make It Better. And why not, I had the best of intentions. (Which reminds me of an Essie Pearl*: I hope I can get to heaven on good intentions... because sometimes they don’t turn out quite as planned – but I meant well).

I had never considered myself a true card-carrying spiritualist – that is until I started reading Lynn Patner’s columns in SrMeetUp!. One of the perks in my new life is that I get to develop friendships that I would otherwise never have made – what a void there would have been! To think of what I might have missed Lynn has now been adopted as my own favorite personal life coach and, believe me, this arrangement is truly amazing -- it works.

Now, when I get sucked into this whirlwind surrounding my life, I grab on to key words as a reminder to try to understand what I did to get here. Only by understanding how I arrived, will I understand where I will next go.

As Lynn would say, “you have to find your ponies”. Lynn is much better qualified to explain this, but it has brought me great comfort to realize that even though I present this illusion of seeming in control of all of the things and people in my life, I really do not control, nor do I need to control, anything or anybody. This realization is profoundly and gloriously liberating. Remarkable ---I feel as if I had lost 20 lbs. That alone should be incentive enough to put all your worries in a balloon and blow it to the heavens (I paraphrase from Lynn)... and, incidentally; losing 20 lbs. ain’t such a bad by-product either.

I highly recommend using Lynn’s talents, wisdom, kindness and unending patience. Read about her, comment and question her articles and start losing weight. Guaranteed by the end of the summer you will fit into that Speedo.


In Friendship,

Elaine


*NOTE: The oft-used term [compound noun, singular] "Essie Pearl" is used to describe the special wisdom which is often imparted by Ms. Elaine Ingis to other persons in conversation, or in her writings. These are not merely "old saws", folk sayings, aphorisms, platitudes or bromides -- oh, no...not at all -- these are far different and so much more valuable --- Each Essie Pearl is a precious glimpse into the personal philosophy and universe of wisdom acquired by Ms. Ingis through the course of her life's many experiences. The fortunate, blessed and honored recipient of an "Essie Pearl"... the lucky listener, the blessed blogreader...will be transformed...forever changed through the revelations conveyed unto him or her. The term "Minnie Pearl" is not, in any way, related to the term "Essie Pearl".

LYNN PATNER - 101

All About Lynn Patner…… lpatner@sbcglobal.net.

Most days you can find me in a tee-shirt, jeans, sneakers and a baseball hat, (because I didn’t do my hair) chasing after my grandchildren or at the dog park giving my new dog a quality life.

Being a wife, mother and grandmother has been the best part of my life. I grew up in Chicago, got married and moved to San Francisco in the sixties. It may have been the heyday in San Francisco, but I was playing Donna Reed in the suburbs; dressed up and ironing. In the seventies I made a major leap and took EST. I was officially a “kookie” Californian.

I have been a Head–Start Teacher; Interior Designer, Social Worker and now a Transformational Life Coach. If you look closely they all fit together. If anyone is looking for someone that can design a prison, and counsel the inmates at the same time - I’m your person. So far, I have not had any offers.

As a Children’s Protective social worker, I worked with families in abusive situations. This experience led me to ask questions that could not be answered. So I asked God. This step jet propelled me on my spiritual journey. That journey stared in 1994 and it has been one of the most incredible learning experiences of my life. Now I am in my sixties and I am a Transformational Life Coach. This is my passion. My business cards say that you are the producer, director and the star of your own life. I assist individuals in becoming conscious. When we are conscious, we have the ability to change the old patterns and beliefs and step into a new world of creation.

That is exciting.

Stepping into the future on a Blog is also exciting. Elaine has a fantastic idea that she is birthing, and I, for one, am excited for all the possibilities available. I look forward to actively participating in this new style of communication.

- Lynn

P.S. We are delighted at the prospect of having Lynn join us as a Featured Columnist here at SrMeetUP!