• Created on 12/28/10 by AdinaL

  I work with a lot of serious entrepreneurs. By “serious” I mean devoted, aware, hungry, keen. At conferences and parties, I come into contact with plenty of hobby-preneurs, freshling-preneurs, just-getting-on-the-path-preneurs. I adore them one and I adore them all.       But this takes the wind right out of my strategic cheerleader sails:     I ask: “So how much money do you want to make this year?”     Reply: “Um…I…well…” Knife in my heart. Hole in my sails.     You’re in business to make... read more

• Created on 12/21/10 by AdinaL

Oh would some power the gift give us, to see ourselves as others see us! - Robert Burns To be truly witnessed is a mighty thing. When we are recognized and validated by someone else, that moment of communion becomes it’s own little “satellite of love,” as Lou Reed might say. Objectivity is a powerful thing. Objectivity + love can rewrite your whole storyline. Recognition doesn’t have to be glowing to be powerful. Sometimes having a well-intentioned heart standing next you to say, “I see what you’re going through and man, it sucks,” can be the most... read more

• Created on 12/20/10 by Mothering Editorial

Issue 137 July/August 2006 The recent environmental, cultural, and political upheavals around the globe remind us of the fragility and volatility of Mother Earth and of how intrinsically bound we all are to the past, the present, and what we decide to make of the future. Music is often a barometer of the spirit of humankind and of how we are dealing with these trials and tribulations. Here are some reflections on music from some of these places and some thoughts on how music continues to offer hope during these times of great challenge. The Indian Ocean Tsunami On... read more

• Created on 12/14/10 by AdinaL

An article I wrote awhile back (titled “Sorry? Only Say It If You Mean It”) elicited some good thinking and rambling. Like this from White Hot Truth reader, “S”, who said: “… A sister has stopped speaking to me ‘unless I apologize.’ I could say I’m sorry just to have her back in my life and to soothe things over, but it would be a sell-out. It has been her pattern to “create” victimhood in her life, giving her a reason to always be angry. I am breaking my lifelong habit of enabling her.” “I demand an apology!” If you have to demand it, is it... read more

• Created on 12/13/10 by AdinaL

Don't Mess With A Martial Artist This morning my kids brought me the fairytale game and asked me to tell them a story. The game has a spinner and directions, but we never follow them. We use the raw material in the game: four backdrops and a handful of characters & magical items, and make up our own stories. I knew the story I was going to tell before I even started. As I began speaking, I second guessed myself; should I really do this? But, something bigger than my doubt urged me on. Very recently, we experienced a life-threatening... read more

• Created on 12/8/10 by Mothering Editorial

In a way, meditation is like having a room of your own. It’s a way to focus on your inner world and let the outer world go by. The focused calm that you gain through meditation can help you to handle the physical changes of pregnancy, the powerful experience of labor and birth, and the demanding early time with your new baby. Like many people with busy schedules, you may have difficulty finding the time to meditate. Designate a special place for meditation that’s uncluttered and quiet - a place where you can sit comfortably with your back straight. Choose a... read more

• Created on 12/7/10 by AdinaL

Success and failure go hand in hand. “The things you are fired for are often the things that in later life you will be celebrated and given life time achievement awards for!” Francis Ford Coppola was canned for writing an “odd” and awkward script for the now legendary film Patton. The film was shelved, took years to make, and then went on to win an Oscar for best screenplay. Meanwhile, Coppola was working on The Godfather and was also on the verge of being canned from that film. He figures the glory from the Oscar saved his butt from being fired from The... read more

• Created on 11/29/10 by AdinaL

One of my most pleasant, in fact, euphoric, car-buying experiences was at a dealership in Virginia. They had a “no haggle” policy. “So let me get this straight,” I said, leaning against the shiny Jetta. “THIS sticker price is THE price?” “Uh huh,” said Mr. Sales Guy. “Can you throw in new tires?” I pressed. “Nope, this is the price.” “You gonna hit me with some hidden costs?” I prodded. “Nope, this is the price.” “Do you think I can get it it cheaper at the lot down the road?” I asked, eyebrow raised. “Maybe, but... read more

• Created on 11/28/10 by AdinaL

It was January. My husband and I had left sunny California and moved all the way across the country to D.C. The days were heavy. Gray. Cold. I was homesick. I was struggling to build a new career. And then I had a miscarriage. It was one of the worst winters of my life. That was three years ago. I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at handling D.C. winters and my seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but I wonder. The other day, my alarm went off and I looked at the pile by my bed: yoga pants, running shoes, a warm pullover, mittens, and a hat. I knew it was... read more

• Created on 11/28/10 by AdinaL

Last year, around this time, I was pregnant. I never expected, or desired pregnancy. It was just something I never thought of or wanted. I never “tried” getting pregnant. I was never one of those women who desperately wished for children. I have never heard the proverbial ‘biological clock’ ticking. I had no trouble conceiving (four times total, one full-term pregnancy and birth), even with the added complications of being on anti-convulsants-for Epilepsy- for most of my life. I wouldn’t find out for sure until December 2, but I knew I was... read more