With gratitude and blessings always! Johnny
to create engaging visuals that help others better imagine what I ' m describing, ensuring the call to action leaves a lasting impression on everyone.
Needless to say, during this presentation, I explained how even trees know when to magically shed their dead leaves in the fall to prepare for the upcoming winter hibernation. I asked everyone to imagine themselves as a tree and that it ' s time to shake off their branches to remove all the dead leaves as they get ready for the seasonal change. Like trees, we need to intentionally reflect on what has worked and what hasn ' t in our lives. Afterwards, we must be brave enough to make decisions and release the things that no longer positively impact and contribute to our personal well-being and success.
The tree visualization concept was well received; however, soon after, I was nicknamed Johnny“ Shake The Tree” Tan! At first, I was a little flustered, but I decided to go with the flow and make the most of this newfound magical“ fame.” I thoughtfully took it for a spin! I introduced myself using my nickname in several future meetings I hosted and where I was invited to speak! The result was fascinating; I felt more confident and empowered. My quiet bubble of confidence expanded as people appreciated my unique style of delivering a much-needed“ quarterly assessment” exercise that every individual and company needs to grow effectively!
Another insightful analogy about the different seasons we experience in life that I often share is one my Spiritual Progressive Mom, Elsa Mae, taught me. She told me to pay attention to the people who come and go in our lives. Our mindfulness will reveal that they are there for a reason. Some people stay with us only for a short time, while others are there for a season, and a few for a lifetime.
For those who come for a short stay, it is usually to fulfill our immediate needs. They come to provide support, fellowship, and guidance to help us overcome our current life challenges and crises. When our prayers are answered, we see their arrival as a blessing from God. However, their stay is brief. Once our needs are met and their presence is no longer needed, their departure is just as sudden as their arrival. We should be grateful for this brief encounter and be ready to move on.
Next are the people who come into our lives for a season. Spending time with them brings joy, peace, and laughter into our lives, creating fun and exciting experiences. Although their presence introduces us to something new and different, these moments of sharing, growth, and learning are only temporary.
Finally, some people come into our lives to teach us lifelong lessons. Embracing these meaningful relationships and their endless wisdom enriches every part of our lives. The lessons we learn help us build strong foundations for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being that last a lifetime.
Elsa Mae concluded by saying,“ Like the plants and vegetation around us, some are annuals, and some are perennials. Cherish the beautiful memories of the annuals, but celebrate the hardy perennials, for they are the beauty that withstands the test of time and seasons! Treasure the people and circumstances that have contributed to your happiness and success, and let go of the rest!”
Over the years, as I reflect on the magical season for mindfulness, I have learned that;
• Wisdom is about knowing others; Enlightenment is about knowing ourselves.
• Love fosters selflessness, whereas Fear breeds anger.
• All contentious situations should always end with peace rather than anger.
• Respect arises from showing Grace, not from displaying Power.
• Success is about knowing who you are, not about knowing your competition.
• Delay is not denial; it is an opportunity for refinement.
I appreciate our expert contributors for sharing their inspiring mindfulness journeys in this edition. I hope the insights and wisdom from their stories will deepen your magical season of mindfulness.
With gratitude and blessings always! Johnny
www. FromMyMamasKitchen. org
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