by Lisa Eve | Wisdom
Dear World Wide Web,
When I first heard about you, I was in college. I remember being in the school library, ready to begin a research paper. I had heard that I could find out more information about my topic by logging into one of the computers and typing “www” and the title of a page which I believe was supposed to lead me to the information I needed. I was so nervous and scared. What if I walked up to the computer and did it wrong? You, World Wide Web, at that time, seemed like this “other world” that only a few knew of and existed in. What really existed on the other side? Would it really be easier for me to search for the information I needed rather than browse the 30,000+ books on 4 different floors? I was daunted by the task at hand, to learn something new. A new way of being. A new way of researching. What really was on the ‘other side?’ Would I get lost on the other side? Would it be easy for me to find my way home? Who would I meet there? What would I learn?
That day I didn’t complete my task at hand. I sat on the computer stool, I read the instructions, I even asked for help, and I felt overwhelmed by all the new things I needed to do to connect with you.
Now, about 15 years later, I spend most of my time with you, on the other side. If I’m not sleeping or driving, you can usually count on me visiting with you at some point during my day. I’ve even had days when I couldn’t pull myself away from you! Usually when I wake up, you’re the first place I visit, and when I go to sleep, I check in just to make sure I didn’t miss anything before I drift off into the other, other world.
Well, World Wide Web, you’re not going to be very happy with what I’m about to share.
On November 21st, I had the most amazing day! I spent the majority of the day living on the side from which I was born! The side where I’m connected with nature! (You probably won’t understand what I’m about to share, the experience, so I’ll understand if you become idle after a while and go to sleep.)
My day started with a great and sweaty Yoga session and then I proceeded to enjoy a yummy farm-to-table breakfast outside. After, I had a beautiful walk amongst the trees, I listened to the birds, and I sat by a stream, allowing my feet to connect with the earth. I connected with the beautiful sun, the gentle breeze and all the beautiful energy around me. After a deep inhalation, I was reminded that this exists for me all the time! That I do not have to wait to connect with nature! After my walk, I still wasn’t ready to visit with you yet, so I decided to stop by a private airport nearby where helicopter tours are offered. Lucky me, they had one seat available for an afternoon tour! I quickly jumped at the opportunity and purchased the best seat for viewing all of the beauty – front row, next to the door.
Well, the tour was as breath-giving, as one could possibly imagine. I was moved to tears by the beauty of it all. I continuously thanked God, my Angels, Kaua’i, Hawai’i for allowing me to be part of something so beautiful. I was grateful that I could call Kaua’i home. I was grateful that I was able to see exactly how beautiful nature can be and is. And all of this beauty exists, all the time, and I can see it anytime I want, just by going outside. Just by choosing not to visit with you.
That day, I LIVED. It was an epiphany for me! That I’ve been teaching folks to live, rather than exist, to do what they love. And for the last few years, I’ve been spending most of my time existing with you, World Wide Web, and missing out on the things I love to do. Like traveling, reading books, playing in nature, taking new classes, connecting with and meeting new people by looking them in the eye, shaking their hands, hugging them and sharing meals with them.
When I came home I thought to myself, “Who can I share this amazing day with? Who will be happy for me, authentically?” The person who came to mind was not on the other side with you. She was someone who appreciates the voice-to-voice connection. And she also doesn’t spend much time with you anymore. In fact, she told me that she just spent 4 days with her family and didn’t pick up her phone once to connect with you. She said she wanted to be fully present in the moment and enjoy herself, and she did just that. And I could completely relate.
Before I went to bed that day, I caved, and I visited with you. I shared with people on your side about my amazing day. And even though a few people “liked” what I shared, it didn’t compare to calling my friend, and sharing the experience with her.
So, as I write this, I wanted to let you know that I will be spending less time visiting with you. I still love being able to share my thoughts with you, as I love to write, I will just be doing so less frequently, and the locations from where I share may change too. As for my businesses that need to stay connected with you, I have asked people who understand my vision to help me. This way I can truly “practice what I preach”, and not just be the teacher. 😉 After all, I was given this gift of life, and what’s the point of receiving this amazing gift, if I’m not going to use it fully and LIVE?
To the people who still love connecting with me through you, they can visit LisaEve.com, and this blog will stay up and running, though they might see some changes to it over time. I am a creative person, and that too, has been missing from my life, like arts and crafts! Remember that? Oh no, I don’t think you know what I’m talking about. Well, like the arts and crafts I used to make, my posts might change to include more pictures, maybe even some music, or a video of me talking with you! There is no limit to how fully I can live, so this will be an adventure!
Thank you for being so understanding World Wide Web. We’ve enjoyed a wonderful partnership over the years and I’m truly grateful for all the amazing people I’ve been able to connect with and things I’ve been able to learn, and things I’ve learned about myself!
I’ll see you again soon, I promise! (Though probably later rather than sooner!)
With love and gratitude,
Lisa Eve
by Lisa Eve | Love, Wisdom
“Is that a bruise on your leg? Does it hurt?” asked the Nail technician as I was receiving a pedicure. I responded, “No, it’s a vein. I’ve had it there all my life.”
I felt good about saying that.
I remember a time when having that vein-like bruise caused me shame. In fact, I was embarrassed to wear shorts and skirts until about 2011.
My legs have been a huge source of insecurity for me all my life. I’ve had spider and reticular veins in my legs for as long as I can remember. I’ve also had a cyst in one thigh since I was 15. And, in terms of muscle tone, I have to work the hardest on my legs to maintain their strength. I joined the track team in high school mostly because I wanted toned legs and sexy calves. (I liked to run too, but I mostly wanted strong, firm legs.)
Many times during my youth I wished for “perfect” legs. In terms of solutions, all they had during that time was a leg cream that was like a concealer. But it was never an even application and had to be reapplied every day. I also went to the doctor to have my cyst removed, but was told it would leave a scoop in my leg, like scooping out a ball of melon. Rather than risk more embarrassment, I chose to leave it. It’s benign anyway, so the only people I’ve had to explain this weird bump on my leg was with massage therapists or if I became intimate. And yes, that caused a lot of insecurity for me in the area of being intimate.
For some reason though, I never felt to get surgery, or laser treatments when there was a solution for unsightly leg veins. There were many times I’d pass by the offices that advertised that my legs could look beautiful, and still, as insecure as I was, I could never bring myself to make an appointment. I dreamed of a day when I would feel comfortable enough in my own body, just as it was, to show off my legs and be proud.
Thankfully, that day came when I moved to Maui and began strength training. I didn’t actually wear shorts until I felt my legs were “tight” enough to be exposed. What that meant for me was that there was little to no cellulite, and they felt firm. They didn’t need to be rock-solid, just smooth and toned. So, it wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I began wearing shorts, skirts and felt sexy. (Crazy, right?) And, with this new found freedom, I also didn’t care about the veins in my legs. I didn’t care who saw what, if it made them uncomfortable or embarrassed for me. I was good. It was a miracle!
The true miracle though, was that day with the nail technician. Why? Because on that day, I was not in my prime “tight” shape. I trained for a while, and then I became very busy with work and I couldn’t do it all. I didn’t have the energy to train as hard, or as much, and my legs were the first to change. So even though my legs were not “perfect” by the media standards, I didn’t care. I rocked what my momma gave me (in some short shorts too) and knew and felt that I was STILL beautiful. Veins, cellulite, a little jiggle when I wiggled, I let it all hang out.
But why would I have to fear or be insecure about my body in the first place? In my last post titled “#Mirror“, I addressed how many people scorned Miley Cyrus’ performance at the MTV VMA’s. It’s not the first time the media has gone ballistic over what a woman has worn, or not worn in a performance. And sadly, much of our world seems to think that what the Media says, is the “truth.” But how many times does the media scorn a man and how he looks? It’s rare. So we have a bunch of copycats, and misguided young people (who become misguided adults) who don’t know how to think for themselves, or honor themselves and understand that they are beautiful, regardless of what they see in magazines or on the news. It’s sad.
Do you remember back in the day when full-figured women were the predominant images portrayed by painters? A woman just as she was, au-natural, was beautiful, and was considered art. I have learned over the years that men love a confident woman. Period. Rock those lumps, bumps, curves, and everything your momma gave you and trust me, there will be men, (and women) who will find you sexy. It’s not about what the Media finds sexy, it’s what you hold as the truth for yourself.
Additionally, I would like to say that eating healthy and exercising has contributed to me feeling good in my body. I now choose exercises that are in resonance with what my body needs on a whole, rather than choosing to exercise from a place of insecurity.
So as I am a work in progress, so is much of the World. After all, we are a reflection of one another. And isn’t it time we (all) felt good about ourselves? Just as we are? Appreciative of one another and knowing that we are good enough, worthy enough and attractive without having to alter ourselves using non-natural methods? I pray and dream of that day. Do you?
‘Til next time, thanks for reading, and yes, YOU are beautiful.
by Lisa Eve | Love, Wisdom
Here’s the truth about Life.
From the moment we are born, we are dying. Those who are actually told when they will die (from diseases, accidents, surgeries, etc.) have an opportunity to choose how they want to leave earth, whenever that is. They have the choice of how they want to live while they are here, and if they have anything they’d like to change, or people with whom they’d like to make amends with, they know how much time (approximately) they have to do so.
However, for the rest of us, WE are given that same opportunity, it just looks different. Because we haven’t been given a timeline, we have an opportunity in EVERY DAY of our lives to make amends and choose how we want to live.
Questions to ask yourself: If you were going to die tomorrow, would you change anything about your life? Would you reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in a while? Is there anyone you would like to apologize to? Are you proud of how you have lived your life?
Since you really don’t know when your time is “up”, every day is another day for you to make a change, if you wanted to. When people say, “be grateful you have another day”, it’s true! Think about all the people who went to work in NYC on the morning of September 11, 2001. Even though I didn’t work in or near the World Trade Center, my life was affected by what happened. And imagine all those who woke up and went to work that day and never woke up again.
Our intuition serves as a guide even in that area. Some folks knew it was “their time”, and others made peace with it. And I bet there was a handful who really weren’t expecting to die that day.
So, the truth is that we’re ALL going to die one day. At this very moment, you are dying. When is that day? You don’t know, unless you are tuned into your intuition and you trust your guidance system.
The questions to ask yourself now are:
How do I want to live?
Am I happy with my life?
Do I have a ‘bucket list’, and if so, have I crossed anything off it yet?
If I am not happy with my life, what can I do to change it, even if it’s a small step?
(A step is a step, no matter its size, it’s still moving you forward.)
Is there anyone I wish I could speak with? Is there anyone I miss and with whom wish I could communicate?
(If any of these people have already passed, you CAN tell them you miss them. If you feel you need to make amends with someone who has passed, you CAN do so. Just call their name, internally in your mind or out loud, and share with them what you feel is in your heart. It’s never too late, they can still hear you.)
Are there any dreams I wish I would have pursued?
(It doesn’t matter your age, it’s never too late. I know a woman who, at 92 went back to school to get her college degree.)
Choose to live a life you’re proud of and think about how you want to be remembered. THIS is YOUR TIME, RIGHT NOW, and NOW, and NOW. Go! Live! Be Happy! You deserve to live a great life!
‘Til next time, thanks for reading & Happy Dreaming! 🙂
by Lisa Eve | Personal Growth & Development, Wisdom
It sounds like something Oprah would ask you, and I want to know too! Are you living your best life?
Do you love your life? Do you enjoy your line of work? Do you even consider it ‘work’? Do you have a life you’ve always dreamed of? It’s time for you to say YES!
I love my life. I love traveling, I love being of service to people & dreams have come true!
Just so you know, this wasn’t always the case.
To give you some background, I used to struggle, suffer, complain, be the victim, blame others, and where did that get me? Upset and unhappy. And I was sick a lot. Can you relate?
I spent many years thinking that ending my life would be better than living it until one day I met a man who had a grin ear-to-ear for no reason! (If I’ve shared this with you in a previous post, please bear with me, it’s still relevant. LOL) At first I thought there was something wrong with him, but every time I saw him he was smiling and what really bugged me was that I wanted that! I wanted to be happy and smiling all the time! So, I asked him why he was always smiling, how he got that way, lol, and he told me how he transformed his life. He told me about a few courses I could take, but all I had to do was go online, do a search and go with the one I liked! I had enough of being miserable, so I scoured the internet for transformative programs to help me turn my life around. And thus my personal growth began.
This blog post isn’t about all the classes I’ve taken, or what I’ve taken or where I went to transform my life. This blog post is about the fact I changed my life and so can you!
The moment I started to take an interest in becoming the best me I could be, things began to shift. As I invested in myself, I began to understand why & how I ticked and how to tick differently! The more I yearned to rediscover myself, the more my life changed. You might be wondering, how did it change?
First, how my life looked before; I disliked my job and stayed in it because I didn’t think I could find something better. I had almost no female friends. My dating life looked like a revolving door. I was insecure and scared, putting myself in dangerous situations almost on purpose, like I had nothing to lose and didn’t care! I was living a life of fear!
I loved to play the victim. If I was the victim, I got attention. I thought that was how to get attention, how to get love, but it was really manipulation. I had to get out of my own way to see how I was responsible for not having the love I wanted or the friendships I desired.
When I started to invest in myself, I learned how to LIVE.
What I learned was that I wasn’t able to attract men who were honest, kind and respectful until I became honest, kind and respectful with myself first. I wasn’t able to attract loving, generous & open friends until I became the same. You attract who you are.
My friendships changed, my relationships with my immediate and extended family changed, my view of myself changed, I became responsible for my actions and choices and now I live a life with integrity!
Just so you know, investing in yourself does take some work. It takes courage to look at yourself and the choices you’ve made thus far. It takes the willingness to learn, to be open to a new perspective. The reward though, is worth it!
Life is an on-going journey, with lessons to be learned daily. When my life started to change, I kept going. I continue to take classes in areas of interest because I want to have a mastery of how to live my best life!
As a result of my hard work and dedication to myself, I have a life that I love! I live in Hawaii, in a home I love, I’ve started 2 new businesses that I intend to grow to help millions of people and I’m continuing to see my dreams come true! 🙂
So, what I want to know is, are you ready to invest in yourself? Did you once invest in yourself and then stopped when you didn’t see the results you wanted? Keep going! You are more ready than you know and you deserve to live the life of your dreams! 🙂 What are you waiting for? Your best life is waiting for you now!
‘Til next time, thanks for reading, and Happy Dreaming! 🙂
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