“…I create. I’m incredibly excited by what I get to do, I’ve still got a lot to achieve.” – Gordon Ramsey
Last week I shared with you some things that I’d rather have not shared. Granted no one twisted my arm and made me do it, I chose to do it in order to take a huge action step forward toward fully embracing myself and my life. In order to do that, for me, I felt that I needed to get from behind the veil of perfection and be vulnerable and candid with you. If you want to read the scoop on the dark side of Jen, check it out.
The Law of Polarity states that everything has a polar opposite.
If that’s the case, which it is, then I decided that I’d be sharing with you some things I’m excited about. I think often we don’t give ourselves permission to state what’s really great. We tend to gloss over how amazing we really are for fear that we’ll make someone else feel badly about themselves. What we need to understand is that the more we share, both painful and amazing things, the more we encourage others to feel comfortable sharing.
“…and as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same…” – Marianne Williamson (excerpt from “Our Deepest Fear”)
It is my desire that you’ll take these two posts – this one and last Sunday’s – and make your own lists. Be brave and share them with someone else. Share them with me. Unless and until you voice it, you can’t fully embrace it. It’s time own ourselves – all of us – the light and the dark, the blessing and the curse, everything and move forward with comfort.
I’ll start and share some of the things I’m really excited about. Here goes…
1) Having the opportunity to spend a month in Bali. 
Although completely terrifying and overwhelming, I feel incredibly blessed that I was selected to participate. I was given the gift of a month to focus on me, my work, my dreams. Writing a book has been on my list for a while and I never made it a priority. Following my gut telling to me participate was a huge blessing and dream come true! Actually, I had “write in Bali” as an intention about 2 years ago. Little did I know.
2) That I wake most mornings absolutely loving my life.
Although not always easy, this choice has been extremely rewarding. I don’t have the most money or the fancy cars or a big house, but I do have a life that I love. It isn’t perfect by any means, but I wake up next to the man I love more than anything, with an amazing daughter across the hallway, a dog that is much too excited, surrounded by people and things that light me up. You can have it too – it’s been one small choice at a time.
3) I get paid to speak and share with others.
My so far all-time favorite thing in the world is standing up in front of a group – large or small – and speaking. I used to want to sing or be an actor – I’ve always wanted the limelight. I wasn’t given the voice to sing and I’m not interested in pursuing acting but speaking, I absolutely love. I know I was born to be in this space and I get so much energy when I share and present. I’m excited to do it more often! Let me know if you want more info! I’m always willing to make it work for any group.
4) I love to travel – anywhere and everywhere! 
Ever since I was tiny I’ve always wanted to travel and explore the world. That dream left when I got married the first time at age 19. I thought it would never happen. Since that time, though, I’ve been on over 300 flights and I’m always planning my next trip. This year I was not only in Bali for a month, but also spent nearly 2 weeks in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. I also got to explore Chicago for the first time, along with a couple trips to Grand Marais – my new favorite Minnesota destination. I will be combining my travel with speaking and leading retreats soon, too. BLISS!! (photo taken in Steyr, Austria)
5) I feel honored to be a Coach.
Although, I don’t always like the word “coach”, I am extremely honored and blessed to be able to hold and share the space with some amazing individuals. I don’t coach that often anymore as my focus as turned toward speaking and sharing on a wider level, so those that I do coach and support are some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. I am grateful to learn with them everyday and I’m inspired by them every moment. It’s empowering to witness their desire for growth.
6) I am an extremely proud Momma.
Ever since Jasny was tiny she’s called me Momma. This has and always will be, by far, my favorite “title”. I am so blessed and grateful that this little tiny being tugged on God’s robe telling him that she needs to be my daughter and that she picked me to be her Momma. It goes without saying that I know she’s the reason I’m on the path I’m on. She once said to me, shortly after my “lightbulb” moment… “Momma, thank you for becoming who you’re meant to become. Now I can become who I’m meant to become.” One of the most proud moments of my life. That girl is the most compassionate person I’ve ever met.
7) I am finding my “tribe”.
We all need people that love us and embrace us, no matter what. For a long time I’ve felt like I’ve needed to fit in and not show all of myself for fear that I’d be rejected or misunderstood. I’m so thrilled that as I embrace me completely, I’m finding more and more people that also embrace me completely. We’re out there and when I fully express me, others know where to find me too. As I stand up, so do they. It’s beautiful and so loving when you really step fully and you see that not only are you not alone, but instead, you are suddenly surrounded by people that get you and love you. It’s so incredible!
8) I just wrote the first draft to my book and I have no idea what’s next. (see #7)
Seems a little like an oxymoron to say after writing the same thing last Sunday, but it’s true. I’m so excited about having my first draft and starting on the re-write. This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a couple years now and although it’s not perfect (yet) and I don’t have publishers beating down my door, it’s so thrilling to know I’m that much closer.
9) The open space that was created when I got fired. (see #13)
Again, this definitely feels like an oxymoron and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was still embracing. However, one thing I’ve learned for sure is that when a doorway closes… and it’s true. I have no idea what the next year will bring once I release my book, or even before that, as I continue stepping into ME. I firmly trust, believe, and know that something spectacular is around the corner for me. Because I was fired, next year I now have the time to dedicate whatever I need to my travels, speaking, book launch, media interviews, etc. If I was still volunteering as much as I did with Aquatennial, then I wouldn’t be able to put my time and attention in this space to bring this message further. For that, I am grateful.
10) May 7, 2009 – Life Changing Moment
No, I didn’t have a baby or get married. I didn’t find the love of my life and I didn’t have some amazing whirlwind adventure. On May 7, 2009, I was sitting in a conference room with about 200 people and next to me was my good friend, Jordan. Together, we sat listening to the presenter share some incredible information. For me, it happened to be life-changing. It was the start of my amazing awakening journey. I’m eternally grateful for this moment.
11) The next phase.
I’m not sure what’s to come and it’s very exciting. I have no idea what is around the corner or what is going to unfold. Looking back I would have never imagined I’d have done what I’ve already accomplished and now I have intention and love behind my actions – two of the most powerful forces. I really don’t know what to expect, but I do expect and know great things are coming! Where will I live? Who knows! In another country, maybe! The opportunities are endless and I’m wide open to exploring whatever comes my way!
12) My vision board. 
Each year I spend time updating and reviewing my vision board. As I look at it now, I have things like “published author” and “amazing adventures” and “feel the love” on it – all of which have unfolded and are continuing to unfold. I also have “meet and work with Wayne Dyer” on my board. This has yet to happen, and there is plenty of time! For me it’s a great reminder of what I”m working toward. I use it as a home base and something that keeps me centered, inspired, and focused.
13) Sharing my love with a partner.
It’s true that it scares me to death to share this with you and at the same time, it’s so exciting!! I’ve experienced some great moments in my life, but I’ve never felt like I was in full partnership AND love with someone. I feel like I’m a testimony to the fact that it doesn’t matter what you’ve been through, you still deserve love and can receive love as long as you give love and you believe in love. Love is such an incredible force and when you truly open up to it, miracles happen! I’m so blessed to be able to embrace this and I look forward to what’s ahead.
So, what about you? I’ve shared things I’d rather not (last week) and now I’ve also shared things I’m really excited about. I’d love to hear your thoughts and what you’d share. Again, as noted, I am still learning how to work this website so the comments are off here, but you can connect with me via email at info [at] inspiringradiance [dot] com or go to my facebook page.
I look forward to hearing from you!! Sending you love and light as you journey through fully embracing yourself – all of you!!
Make a Difference . . . Lead with Love
Jen xoxo