Never underestimate the power of connection is what I was going to write but I left it as simply Never Underestimate. As I was typing the words I realized that I often underestimate myself, not just the power of connection or the ability of a good cup of coffee or a belly laugh to steer my day in the right direction. I underestimate myself in ways big and small.
How many times do I take for granted the effect I am having in the world? How many times do you? How many times a day do I feel redundant or small? I am not sure the exact count but I will say that it’s not always easy to acknowledge ourselves, that sometimes it feels like we are jumping out of a plane. Hell, it feels like we are being pushed out of the plane.
What I am saying is this: how often do you stop and say Holy Shit, my words are having an impact on someone? Who I am being in the world is directly affecting someone else’s life as well as my own?
Now, you may not curse as much as I do. I hope you don’t because I am like a dirty sailor but curse words or not, get clear on the fact that who you are being today, right now, in this very moment is NOT IRRELEVANT.
The power of connection.
Most of you know that my nickname is the Connector. Since I was a kid.
I now use social media to connect in a way I wasn’t able to do before. And yes, I was underestimating how far and wide that connection was reaching.
This morning i woke up to a tweet from a sweet girl @WriterYoga2 aka Chelle.
She had written me a poem. She had written me a poem?!!
To say I am blown away and humbled would be an understatement.
Here it is:
Dreaming In Paris: Poem To and Inspired by Jennifer Pastiloff
I’m sitting at a mustard linen table in Paris.
Someone speaks.
I barely hear a whisper.
Today is not the day to care about what I can’t or don’t.
I’ve practiced among fellow life lovers.
Those who fearfully dance to music only to release worry through
Flailing arms, shaking hands, pointed feet and hair leaping without care.
How perfectly imperfect the dancing was that manifested such joy.
This day is to be in wonder of small things usually unnoticed.
Making life feel larger than sighing stars about to die in another solar system.
The soft air in morning that makes me laugh
Like it was raining feathers from heavens bedspreads
When tossed by dawn’s prayers.
My wine tastes like this flower unfolding on the table.
Bold. As it buds orange petals sweetly to summer air.
Leaning back in my metal chair I feel the universes “Om” underneath my skin.
I spread my arms not to miss greatness causing goosebumps under sundrenched flesh.
The waiter asks with bored lips, “Are you alright?”
I gaze at him wondering how he doesn’t taste the strawberry sugared breeze
Where children with innocent pink lollipop fingers have unleashed a thousand hopeful dreams.
I laughed and said, “Of course! I am happy. Why wouldn’t I be? Now pour me another glass of wine.”
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Last line are words by Jennifer Pastiloff herself. I read that line and went, “Got to write about it!” Jen, you’re really inspiring, sweet and I appreciate how open and honest you are in sharing your experiences with us! You are only yourself and I Love that so much. I hope all enjoyed.
Until next time my friends, Namaste,
Thank you Chelle for the gorgeous poem. I am so touched. Keep doing what you are doing.
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Remember this, what I am about to say to you right now.
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Thank you Jennifer for the share! Thank you for the reminder! <3 Much love <3
Yes, thank you for sharing that. I am an Environmental Planner for the Heart of Texas Council of Governments in Waco, TX. One of my job responsibilities is to do public eduation about Environmental Issues. My favorite place to teach about Environmental Issues is at schools. Adults already have bad habits, children are easier to teach and then they go home and teach their family about Environmental Issues. I call it the trickle up theory. Many times when I visit rural schools their local newspaper shows up to take pictures and write about my visit to the school. I’ve been told many times about the changes that people have made because of things I have taught them about making small changes ond step at a time. I tell them, “Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to make huge changes. Just start with one change, like reycling cans, and then when you feel comfortable with that, add another change.” I love, love, love my job and making a difference in peoples lives and for the Earth! I am so passionate about it and people tell me all the time the passion they see in me about Environmental Issues. I became friends with you on FB because I can see that passion in you with what you do and I love to feel that energy. I want to do yoga, but haven’t started doing it yet. I guess I should use the same logic about yoga as I do Environmental Issues, start with a little at a time and grow from there. I have many slogans that I have written so it feeds my creativity too. Here are some:
One Life, One Planet, Don’t let it Flash Before your Eyes.
Grasp it, Grow and Go!
Learn it and Live it!
I am so touched by this!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Grasp it, Grow and Go! Yes!!!
You are amazing.
And then today, you motivated me to start a blog because of this post. I’ve been wanting to start one, but have been putting it off. I finally created it! I am starting a business with Essential Oils for Earth Friendly and Body Friendly Products. I’m going to blog about anything and everything Environmental, but will also put information about Essential Oils such as their character traits and what they do for your mind and body. People will have the ability to create their own body care product such as shampoo or lotion and pick the Essentials Oils they feel will benefit them with whatever it is they need. Check it out if you get a chance. I’ve just befun the business, so I don’t have a website or anything yet. I still have a long way to go. I will be selling at the Farmer’s Market here in downtown Waco on Saturdays first. Thanks for the wonderful energy and support! https://greendazeblog.wordpress.com/
Love this post.
A good lesson for us all — and a wonderful poem as well. 🙂
It is a great lesson and I am so glad you enjoyed!
I was thinking of this sentiment yesterday. Thank you for expressing it so well.