Silver-Linings

It's true that we've had our fair share of frustrations since training and now production. I think we've all had moments when we were centimeters away from throwing in the towel. As with all things, though, everything has a silver lining... if we just look for it.

I'm of the mind that there's nothing that can't be resolved peacefully if we are committed to resolution and not escalation. Amazing things can happen when we are open to dialogue and not so attached to our emotional mind/thinking. We must make space to feel what we do and then find the wisdom to step over emotional thinking so that we can become part of the solution instead of escalating the problem. We've seen the amazing results possible by simply standing up in integrity and being open to dialogue instead of quitting. And, it's okay to quit if the time has come. Honor self and in turn we honor all involved. I call it living an honest life.

Today, I'm grateful for one man who was willing to not only listen, but to really hear what was being said. Today, I'm reminded of how amazing and wonderful our ACPs are. They are dedicated and caring people who choose peaceful resolution over bitterness and who's hearts and minds are open to working it out and talking it through. Kudos to Juan at Arise for his wisdom and grace. Kudos to me for finding mine! ;)

Arise is new to Canada since November of 2010. There will be inevitable growing pains for "us" and "them" as we continue on the journey. "They" are learning about the spirits of ACPs in Canada and the U.S., who through peaceful and empowering means demand a voice. Today, we were given our voice. That's not to say that we and Arise aren't going to still butt heads from time to time, but today there is hope where there wasn't yesterday.

If you are considering the Arise opportunity, please know that it's every bit as hard as everyone says it is, and also know that you CAN do it. Know that you have the support of VSCs and ACPs that come before you. Know that you don't have to walk alone in the journey and that support for your efforts are here.

The silver-lining I was referring to are the many wonderful, incredible, patient, strong, determined people that I could not have come to know without this entire journey. I hold them gently in my heart and mind. You guys ROCK!

Who knows what tomorrow may bring... but today there was victory on all sides.