Positive reminiscence

Jul/Monday/2010 11:00 AM Filed in: Appreciation of beauty and excellence

Positive reminiscence or looking back with positive regard on our lives is a powerful piece of happiness. We can choose to remember all the things that happen in our lives that didn't go well or right, where we were wronged, or how painful something was. Or amidst the not so wonderful memories, we can find the beauty and positive pieces to sooth our souls . Our peace and happiness can be improved if we choose to find the beauty, the thing we learned, or the moment that might not have happened had things turned out differently. I had the awesome privilege of being with, learning from, and hearing Dr. Edie Eger, a holocaust survivor and psychologist speak this spring. What a beautiful soul! Her stories of her early years are a testament to that power. More than that, her genuine love for other human beings shines through when she takes your hands and listens intently to your words with kindness. She appreciates life, people, and all the moments she has on this earth.

In coaching people, I've observed that clients think that everyone else has THE perfect life. What I know for sure, is that everyone has "stuff" going on behind the scenes. We are all dealing with the ups and downs of life and no one is immune to disappointment, stress, or heartache. The impact on our overall happiness is how we decide to view and reflect on the things that life throws our way that are not so perfect. We have all seen people live under circumstances that are less than perfect, yet they are happy and thrive in spite of them. Positive emotions help us be more resilient and bounce back.

My summer has been a whirlwind with highs and lows, but in the spirit of positive reminiscence, I will share some of the high points!

My youngest graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design's film school and premiered his senior film here in the Raleigh area on the big screen. Watching him with others, both at the premiere and the wedding that followed a few days later, sharing his work, has been one of the greatest blessings of the summer. I would even go so far to put it in the category of blessings in "my life" so far.

My oldest was married here at our home and we gained a beautiful daughter-in-law or daughter-in-love as one of my friends likes to say! Watching the tender love in their eyes for each other, particularly during a "hands" part of the ceremony, blessing and honoring what they represent, was incredibly comforting, moving, and spiritual. Oh, what a reminder of the love we share with our hands (here's a link to an example-not theirs, but very similar: hands ceremony ). Oh, happy days! :-) It was so wonderful to see family and friends all together in one place, many who traveled afar to be a part of this beautiful event.

Having a rehearsal dinner and reception, hosting many out of town guests, and having the wedding at our home involved much more than this one person could handle. I am so grateful for special friends and family who supported me both before and after! It was a special time.

Hosting a group of survivors for the filming of a special public service announcement regarding early detection for breast cancer, was a thrill. More to come on that one! I loved meeting and getting to know each one of them.

Meeting and working with a special photographer for my book cover, filled my heart with appreciation and gratitude. He is a special man. I will post more on that later, as well.

Saying goodbye to a beloved doctor who is moving to be the head of the breast program at Wisconsin, is sad, but will bring opportunity to make lives better for many more.
We will miss you, Lee Wilke!