Cherie's Random Thoughts

What is money really was not issue? Would you be happier? Would life be easier? Would you pursue your true purpose?  The answer to this question is: YES.  If you are fortunate and wise you have long since learn that money does not buy you happiness. There are many wealthy and comfortable people living a life that is a lie. A life that does not reflect their true self. A life that denies them true happiness and makes them simply do things because others do and want them to.  As I have gotten older I have learned that it really doe not matter how much money is in my bank account (although it does sometimes makes things easier), what matters is that I am doing what I was born to do and doing with passion: TEACHING.  Here is a great video by Alan Watts: What If Money Didn't Matter?  http://youtu.be/xaLDRSg6vic

Alicia Key's Brand New Me is my new anthem for life. As I take time to reflect my journey over the past 39 1/2 years I realize that I have gone through and overcome many challenges. I am thankful for all the wonderful adult role models, great parents, and friends who helped me during my journey to a "Brand New Me".  Without them I could never have done the following:  Commit my life works (passion) to something worth doing and will impact many: teaching and help others achieve their goals. The courage to speak up when I disagree with people, yet still respect and love them as human being.  To remain drug free.  Survived school- High School, BA, M.Ed. and PhD-coursework all while having to deal with very challenging circumstances (mother's illnesses and death, my father's Parkinson, challenging bosses, and one step from being truly homeless).  The ability to take ownership for the choices I make about how I live my life and own them. Excuses not allowed. 

Tonight I listen to Michael Hyatt's podcast: The Importance of the Leader's Heart and as I listen to it I realized how profound it was. Often as leaders we forget how important our heart is and how we need to protect it. Between 2006-2010 tremendous strain was placed on my heart. I found myself progressively going through cycles of burnout and losing my love for work. I learned three things during this period:  1) My heart is stronger than I thought but it is not invincible. Although during a 5 year period I experience changes in my work, starting and completing a masters degree, dealing with a mother's illnesses, three deaths in 45 day period (boss, friend's mother, and my mother in 2007) I some how survived but had several warning signs that I had to change my outlook on life. During this period, I experienced frequently eye ticks, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and irritability.  2) If my heart is unhealthy my ability to help others is diminish