Michelle's Musings
Dear Friend,
What's down the rabbit hole? In C.S. Lewis' famous tale of Alice in Wonderland, Alice may represent each of us on our journey through life. As Alice falls through the rabbit hole, she wonders to herself, "Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! `I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time?' she said aloud."
This feeling of falling or the journey that 'should' have led you to your dreams isn't always about the arrival, but more about the process of getting there. For instance, have you ever been so focused on one career path only to find that once you 'got there,' got the job, or started the business, you were disappointed and you missed the journey?
Let me tell you that this is perfectly normal! Yet, you still have every right to be disappointed, but there are lessons to be learned. I know it's difficult to find anything 'good' in such a huge disappointment. I have been on similar journeys and found that while I was so focused on the end result, I nearly missed the side trips. Sometimes, it's the journey that was meant to be taken so you could find those golden opportunities along the way. This is called, Serendipity.
I met Richard and Linda Eyre, the famous parenting couple, a few years ago during a conference workshop. They explained this 'side trip' as Serendipity and it made complete sense to me. Before learning about serendipity, I didn't even know I had possibly missed many side trips. Richard Eyre was so fascinated by these side trips and the word Serendipity itself, that he wrote a book about it. Of course, I bought the book and fell in love with the word, too!
Spiritual Serendipity is the book Richard Eyre wrote.
Some quotes about Serendipity...
"Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for." Lawrence Block
"--- you don't reach Serendib by plotting a course for it. You have to set out in good faith for elsewhere and lose your bearings ... serendipitously." John Barth, The Last Voyage of Somebody the Sailor
(I think Serendib is a place. I found several references with that spelling.)
To learn more about the history of Serendipity, check out this site. Scroll to the end for other links and books.
Have you ever taken the road less traveled or the serendipitous path and found bliss, joy, peace, passion, fun or something wonderful you didn't expect? Did you fall down the rabbit hole to find some amazing side trips or journeys? Email me at michelle@thevirtualnation.com; I would love to hear your stories!
Here's to your serendipitous journey!
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich
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Check out our great selection of products. In fact, we are already creating two new directories that will help you and your clients in your day-to-day operations and to also gain more exposure!
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Featured Article: Serendipity - Chance or Destiny?
By Alexandra Watson
What a coincidence! Or is it? Whenever we have a ‘spooky’ or uncanny moment when something happens that gives us goose pimples we know we are experiencing serendipity. Thinking of your mother and then she calls you? Talking about someone and then they show up? Happens a lot doesn’t it?
We often talk about serendipity, when things happen so strangely yet so perfectly that it leaves us scratching our heads with the feeling that there is somebody ‘out there’ pulling the strings. Is serendipity destiny or just pure coincidence? You decide, but life has a wonderful way of making things happen. For instance, you miss a bus to work but your neighbor gives you a ride instead and it just so happens that in your conversation they tell you something that changes your life a little. Now if you hadn’t missed the bus, your life would not have changed…maybe!
Is it a coincidence or was it really meant to happen? How do you interpret it? What ‘coincidences’ have influenced your life so far?
If things happen for a reason then serendipity is the moment when that ‘thing’ that is meant to happen happens. It is part of your destiny and appears to us to be merely a coincidence or even an accident (if we like logical explanations). Whatever path you are on in life and whether you believe in serendipity or not, you will find that in truth, there is much we can’t predict. Sure, we can set goals and create our own futures but there will always be instances we have no control over.
When you let go of being in control all the time, and be open to serendipitous moments, life will take on a more magical form. You’ll start to notice small coincidences and moments that make no sense at first, but after a time make all the sense in the world. There will also be huge moments that totally change your life like for example my friend Nicki literally bumped into Mike on the street. That’s how they met, got talking and are now married expecting their second child. Coincidence? No! Destiny? Absolutely!
You can give your destiny a helping hand by being clear about what you want in life. Do so and watch how things start to happen to bring it together. Experiment because it can be truly magical! First, think of one thing you truly want. Be clear and state it positively. Now wait. I bet that something will happen sooner or later inline with your wish! I have seen it happen to myself and others so many times it’s just not funny. Have a go and see what happens!
Top Ten Tips: How to Let Go a Little
- Give yourself permission
- Know that letting go doesn’t mean losing out
- Stop saying ‘but what if…?’
- Have faith that your destiny will be great
- Focus on what you already have
- Share the load with a willing person
- If you cannot control or change it, forget it
- Accept your limitations
- Forgive and forget
- Enjoy and cherish the moment
Alexandria Watson wrote a book called, The Happiness System for Women. I am sure the guys reading this could learn a bit from the book, too, including how to help us move toward our journey to happiness.
About the Author: Alexandra is a Happiness Expert and author of The Happiness System for Women. Her ultimate Happiness System is for those who are ready to make the New Year a truly happy one. For more info contact her directly at HappinessAuthor@aol.com or visit http://www.AlexandraWatson.com
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Upcoming Events
The Virtual Nation Expert Teleclass Series
Presents...
The Things Your Parents Never Told You
About Planning For The Future
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
10:00 am ~ 11:00 am Pacific
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Michelle Ulrich,
Chief Villager & Founder of
The Virtual Nation™ |
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Dianna Laney,
CRPC® Ameriprise Financial Advisor |
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Join me for one hour to learn all about turning your business challenges around and making them work for you!
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 10:00 am Pacific, 11:00 am Mountain, 12:00 pm Central, 1:00 pm Eastern (1 hour)
To check your time zone, click here.
Who Should Attend? Coaches, Entrepreneurs, Sales Professionals, Solopreneurs, and Virtual Professionals
Challenges for the Business Owner:
- What is cash flow?
- Profit versus cash flow
- Business Financing
- Tax Planning
- Retirement Planning for Business Owners
- How to make insurance work for you
- Designing your own benefits package
- Exit strategies for your business
Format: Michelle Ulrich, founder of The Virtual Nation™ will have a one-on-one discussion with Dianna Laney, CRPC® Ameriprise Financial Advisor. She will share her knowledge and expertise to help small business owners with their financial challenges.
About Dianna: As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I believe success should be measured not just by your financial well-being, but by how confident you feel about your future. My mission is to help you reach your financial goals through a personal relationship based on personalized, knowledgeable advice. This focus is designed to help you reach your goals, giving you greater confidence.
Registration: This is a Complimentary Teleclass - Just click on the button below and fill out the form; that's all you have to do! We'll email you the teleclass telephone and pin number. We'll send a reminder a few days before the call. If you do not receive this information, please email us at info@thevirtualnation.com.
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With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich
Want to share your gratitude? Mosey on over to the Gratitude Club and check it out. |
