Inspiration and Relationship

January 31st, 2010 1 Comment

This post expands on the thoughts in the Inspiration vs. Change post on Love, Staci.

I had the rare occasion yesterday of meeting someone in person who has inspired me for years. It was a rare gift, given to me by a beautiful friend.  But that’s not the point of this post. To expand on it would take away from the real lesson I learned yesterday. So, we’ll save that story for another day.  :-)

As I got to listen to, hug, spend time with this person I realized that my encounters with his music, talents and gift from afar was nothing compared to the transformation that came from being able to exchange ideas, energy and love in person. Listening to an interview with them was nothing like being fully engaged and in their presence.  That kind of transformation only comes with being present with someone, hopefully regularly.  We can be inspired by a song, a chance meeting, a piece of art, a moving commercial.  Growth and change come from getting to know the sources of that inspiration.  Change comes from being in relationships; having conversations; sharing ourselves and our ideas, being open to love and even criticism.

Relationships help us develop. They teach us. They challenge us. They frustrate us, but ultimately they enrich us.

Encounters inspire us.  Relationships Change us.

And so, I hope this post inspires you to open yourself up and get to know someone better, love someone, share with someone. Connect with a friend, take the relationship with an acquaintance to another level.  Talk with someone. Listen to someone. Learn something from someone. Just be with someone. Today.

“Love, Staci™” is a trademark of Staci J. Shelton

Posted via email from Staci J. Shelton

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My Place Or Yours?

January 30th, 2010 No Comments

My Place Or Yours

This post is an expansion of the My Place Or Yours Post on Love, Staci

How many times have you been told “stay in your place”, “don’t forget where you come from”, or “that’s impossible”?

We receive feedback from people that discourages us from pursuing our dreams, doing those things that truly bring us joy or living our best lives. People who we love and admire can often be blinded by their own percieived limitations.

For some of us, If we cannot see it for ourselves, we cannot see it for others. We’re fearful that people will leave us behind or that we won’t get to where we want to be.  People’s growth challenges us in ways we may not ready to be challenged. We have to admit to ourselves that we’re not committed enough to pursue our dreams. We’re afraid that it’s impossible.

We share our visions, looking for encouragement and support, but instead get admonitions, reminders of past mistakes and tons of examples of other people’s failures.  Advice veiled as concern can be unveiled jealousy and fear once peeled back.  When we get the kind of advice that tells us not to branch out, grow and pursue bigger and better things, it can be from genuine concern.  That advice can also be placed in the “if I can’t do it, neither can you” category. We can be threatened by greatness. When we see people living out loud, it inspires us to move, or reminds us of how we’re not moving. We either instrospect or project.  The same goes for others.  When the threat of someone growing up and away becomes too great, fear kicks in and causes people to dash dreams and discourage forward motion.

The truth is, nothing is impossible. Dreams may require some time, commitment and discipline, but they are not impossible. Sometimes, we unconsciously discourage others from moving forward out of fear of being left behind. Being challenged and questioned about our plans is okay. Telling ourselvs and others what cannot be done, isn’t.

The next time someone discourages you (or your feel yourself tempted to discourage others)  from living an amazing life, ask yourself: “Whose place am I in, mine or yours”?  Remember, no one can tie you down or hold you back unless you let them.

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“Love, Staci™” is a trademark of Staci J. Shelton

Posted via email from Staci J. Shelton

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Warmheads – How Skype, Twitter and Facebook Helped Us Help The Homeless

January 25th, 2010 No Comments
A Story of Social Media and Social Responsibility

I love a good Social Media story, in which people connect, and inspire for the greater good.  This blog post is one of those stories.
One day while on Twitter, my friend Felica Fett was tweeting about knitting hats for the homeless.  I said I would help.  My thought was to help knit some hat and spread the word.  I didn’t know how to knit hats, but we’ll get to that part later.
She created the hashtag #warmheads and tweeted one or two tweets.  I retweeted.  Pretty soon, a few other people helped to spread the word.  (Now is about the time I figured I better learn how to knit).  Felicia and I got on Skype and she showed me how to knit on a round loom.  I had my first had done the next day.
I knew if  I could learn to knit in 5 minutes on Skype, that I could probably get a few more people to help.  I put a post on Facebook and in two days received a bag full of brand new knit hats and scarves donated to the project.  Felicia had a blog set up and Warm Heads was officially in business.
We’ve since gotten people in other countries to join in and help.  We’re delivering our first batch of  hats and scarves via my daughter who’s going to volunteer at a homeless shelter this week.   We still need help and lots more hearts and hands to make WarmHeads a success. I hope you’ll spread the word!

Here’s a simple flow to help you!

Posted via web from Staci J. Shelton

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