Lifelong Learning
As I mentioned in my previous post, I attended a national conference in Chicago recently. It was only my second in my 25+ year career as a dietetic professional. I have had the pleasure and privledge to attend a multitude of state and district conferences and seminars. But I forgot how different it feels to attend a national conference….be a one of thousands of professionals.
I was inspired by all I learned, eriched by the new people I met, restored and rejuvenated by time spent with “old” friends and colleagues and reignited with the lifelong learning spark.
I have always been one to do a lot of reading and to attend programs that will improve my knowledge and skills. Yet something was different this time…at this national conference with my peers. The experience reached my very being (maybe because of the intention I set prior to attending the conference). While I am still challenging myself to put it into words what I can tell you is that I came home with a new sense of wonder and possibility.
I also came home inspired to renew my goal of doing at least one thing each month geared toward self-improvement. Maybe it will be reading a book or watching a video or attending a seminar or joining a group or learing a new skill. Time will tell what will unfold each month. What I do know is that lifelong learning can and will enrich your mind, fill your heart and empower you to live your dreams…so what do you want to learn today?
Agreement #1 - Be Impeccable With Your Word
In the book The Four Agreements (Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc. 1997) by Don Miguel Ruiz it lists the first of the agreements as “be impeccable with your word”. The author states “When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions, but you do not judge or blame yourself.” This statement was very powerful to me.
How many times do we live in fear of the opinions of others or practice self-rejection? Use your word, your energy, in truth and love for yourself first. Also use your words to lift others up. You have a choice about what you do with the opinions of others…believe them or choose your own intention of self-love and sharing that love with others. Choose to be happy and free from negativity.
The Power of Intent
I recently attended a Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Professional Coaches Association of Michigan (PCAM) meeting. It is so wonderful being in a place with like-minded people.
The meeting facilitator started the meeting by asking the participants to set their intention for the meeting. I found that request powerful because instead of setting another New Year’s resolution this year, I set a “theme” word for 2008. And it was the word intention. Read more