Never Underestimate.

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,

~Chelle aka Writer Yogi

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Remember this, what I am about to say to you right now.

You never know who you are affecting.

You never know how you are affecting them.

So just know.

Just know it somewhere deep in the knowing part of you and keep being exactly who you are and keep being better at it every day.

Love, jen xox