Category: Self Exploration - PRISCILLA CL RAJ

All the Single Ladies

9/4/2015

Huffington Post:
12 Quotes to Remind you that Being Single is a Wonderful Thing

Priscilla's Quote:
"I am single because I can count on my own five fingers, love myself with one heart, and walk through life connecting with people rather than being lifetime distracted by soley one human being."

"My alone feels so good, I will only have you if you are sweeter than my solitude."

"My fairytale has absolutely changed. I don't need a prince charming to have my own happy ending"

"To be left alone is one of the most precious things one can ask of the modern world."

"I don't like being labeled as lonely just because I'm alone."

"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."

Daily Message: Our Platform

7/17/2015

We have come to a time of "technology overload." The social networking revolution has made it's attempts to compete with my passionate principles about psychology, but it lost. I came to my senses and have disappeared for three years with random guest appearances to the comfortable home of my many friends and followers. The world continues it's love affair with tweets, tumbles, faces, and books. The writing world, especially publishers, encourage you to get on social networking and promote yourself. If you have a business, promote your services. When you want to share that significant, intimate piece of your life, face book is your space to do it.

While technology provides a space, it also creates a platform. A platform to bring attention to ourselves in the best ways, the worst ways, or the neutral ways. It's always available as a platform to meet new people, tag more friends, select more "likes", and have a supporter from close and afar. It is the platform that people respond to with by having followers and being a "socialite" in your own right and space. We have a platform available to reach our "success." The amazing qualities are proven in the tech world, but what happened to our own "organic platform?"

Our own "organic platform" stems from the flowers that are blossoming within ourselves. We have our own personality traits, strengths, and abilities that can be shared interpersonally. It's not about having a thousand friends and having twenty who truly understand your passion behind your business. It's not about the number of friends to indicate you have a successful book. It's about utilizing what we already know and promoting ourselves. Book signings, conventions for a small business, home gatherings to promote a new product, or giving out free DVDs, products, brochures. We can't underestimate how resourceful, persistent, and eager we are when we are sharing our passion.

A social platform does not have to be in cyber world to show everyone that "You've arrived." It needs to be in the place it has been all this time-in your heart and in your own human actions and behavior. You have the potential to build your own platform "successfully" with that definition being created by you. The cyber world has it's amazing benefits, but it doesn't have to make you shine by numbers. Lets yourself shine with real people and your real self-not the outside noise that tells you to follow what everyone is doing. Use social media if you like, but make sure to place your organic platform in first place.

Can you stand tall without your social networking platform?
You can and you will and you shall..... PCR

Time 100 Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

7/8/2015

This photo is from the Wordpress of Dr. Taylor. It is a beautiful representation of the Left and Right Brain

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor has one of the most famous ted talks:
http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight?language=en

Found on:
www.ted.com

She is a researcher of the Brain at Harvard University who shares her personal story and education with the brain. When you watch her video, your mind is transported to thinking about your brain and how it functions. Even if you don't have interest in the learning all the details about the brain, she makes you interested for twenty minutes to an hour.
Dr. Jill had been studying the brain as a passion and career. She especially was interested in studying Schizophrenia as her brother is diagnosed. It was her own stroke that changed her life at age 37 that resulted in having to relearn everything she knew i.e. how to write, read, speak, eat, talk, and walk. She called herself "an infant in a woman's body." It took her approximately 7 YEARS for her brain to recover back to it's normal state.
When you can study the brain and then sit and analyze, experience, observe your brain fall apart-it turns out to be a fascinating experience of learning and as Jill titled her book "A Stroke of Insight."

At NAMI, Jill briefly shared her incident and passionately moved onto the brain. The Amygdala vs. the Hippocampus, Right Brain vs. Left Brain, Addiction, Neurocircuitry, and various feeling states/messages sent to the brain.

An important overview of the brain from Dr. Jill:
Left Brain Right Brain
Serial Processor Parallel Processor
Black Vs. White Nonverbal
Thinks in Language/Details Thinks in Pictures
Competetive Present Moment
Confrontational                                                Hollistic thinking
Sense of Urgency                                            Compassionate
Critical analysis Non-confrontational
Right vs. Wrong                                                Contentment/Energy in Flow

Do you feel more connected to one side over another? Or Both?
Dr. Jill says, "The left brain is dominating society. We need more right brain!"
Teenage behavior expected: No Frontal Lobe-Can't plan ahead-High Impulse Control, and Do not Understand Consequences. Brain Not Fully Developed until Age 25

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a true inspiration with an uplifting spirit and charisma towards starting life over and being insightful into the human mind and behavior. She lost it all, but it came back to her ten fold and she is using this experience to make a difference.
She is on my Top 100 and the deserves a spot on the Most Influential of Time Magazine.

Classical Revolution

7/6/2015

Source: http://classicalrevolution.org

**Classical Revolution is an organization of musicians dedicated to performing high-quality chamber music in non-traditional settings. Founded in November 2006 at Revolution Cafe in San Francisco’s Mission District, we have two important objectives: to enrich the San Francisco Bay Area with accessible chamber music and to create a support network for local musicians.**

Definitely fun feeling the energy of the place where Classical Revolution all began-San Francisco Mission district-great neighborhood, great music, and great restaurants.

I

GO ALONE AND MEET A NEW FRIEND.....

Priscilla has enjoys intimate moments with music and events, but almost always there is someone wonderful who is sent my way. If you give alone exploration a chance they might just come your way...

It's quite easy to meet new people in San Francisco because most people are kind and welcoming. I approximated his age to be about 65 and I was right on the money. He was an artist and also a psychologist and professor. Could it be a more perfect evening with a fellow psychoanalytic friend, classical music, and.........

The first up was a young girl from Southern Illinois who played the Cello, had vocals like an angel, and had the most melancholy yet bittersweet sound. It was mesmerizing and I lost myself in it all.

Next set were the boys above who were playing Mozart-also fantastic.
Classical Revolution-creativity, beauty, and organic sound.

After the show, we decided to walk very far, all the way next door, to "Escape from New York." This is what I ended up escaping to............

OK so this picture does not really do it justice. This place was trying to make NY style pizza and Priscilla gave them an 8 out of 10. It was pretty fantastic, Of course, I had to have a conversation with this great mind eating pizza, but he didn't mind my tourist like ways. He had only visited the Classical Revolution since the days it opened therefore he was not escaping from pizza rather he was arriving every Monday with it in his vision.

It's Just So Fascinating......

When you are speaking with someone who sees out of the same prescription lenses-it's a whole different kind of conversation. The accountant and the accountant, the doctor and doctor, teacher and teacher-it all usually goes the same way where common ground is found within work similarities. In this case, plain matters of the human mind and behavior.

He shared some very interesting insights in regards to PTSD with those in military. PTSD is actually one of the hardest things to treat clinically because it scars the unconscious on such a deep level that it can take years of therapy and years to recover from the trauma. I have little to no experience with this population, but a quick explanation from my new friend.

PTSD->>Basic training>>>Strong character Broken down>>>Dualism of the MInd-friend of enemy?>>>Extreme Paranoia>>>>Consciousness Split with Trauma>>>
No defense mechanisms in place>>Possible Suicide-identifying Enemy as yourself-the mind is split and confused

Of course, this is absolutely satisfying for me. Does the process appear to be complicated to you? Well, it this is to show you that it definitely is. This is one of the worst human traumas to the mind that could happen. And these soldiers are risking their life everyday coming around with their minds flipped inside out. Could you imagine?

Besides PTSD, he also studied "Psychedellic therapy" at a local University and he traveled through India to do his research. I also was in Northern India meeting once with a "Trancendental Meditation Guru." This is what I would call "Jerry Garcia" methods when you take a drug to expand the conscious state of mind. That is a suppose to be a joke, but in reality it works in certain circumstances.

Can't give it all away, but some interesting brainstorming and a spontaneous encounter with a fellow analyst living in San Francisco, California.

Daily Message: Sports Wins

7/3/2015

Recently in Chicago, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup Final. I had friends who were busy because they were constantly watching the game and feelings positively or negatively impacted from wins and losses. One night in a writing event, I witnessed a man talk about the Blackhawks win and I saw the incredible amount of joy in his facial expression and mannerisms. It looked like he was actually short of breathe and took pauses to just wrap up all his joy together. I thought in my mind, "Okay, okay this is a hobby that makes him very happy as it does for many other Americans." But my heart said, "There are so many other interesting and amazing philosophies, hobbies, travels, art, science, and things for people to educate themselves."

Around the world and in America, sports give people a sense of pride and passion in their city, state, or country. People revolve their lives around sports and the may rarely pick up a magazine, a newspaper, or a book unless it involves sports. Sports in moderation with many other hobbies, trying new things, reading, browsing interesting new things on the internet-this is okay. To make sports your whole entire world and never experience a new hobby or activity and live for sports-it's just not beneficial to self-growth and the experiential learning that is needed.

With this man in the writing event who was speaking about sports, he was also obsessed with reading. He reads two books a week, almost every newspaper, and works a job full of learning opportunities. He loves sports, but he dabbles into other things-politics, religion, self-help, and having meaningful conversations to try and improve his life and parenting. Many times people read something and assume that this is a post hating on sports-it is not. Sports are a great hobby especially when people play sports rather than just watch them as that contributes towards social skills and team building.

For instance, a man's love for the New York Yankees can lead them to a lifetime of baseball games and spending all their money on shirt, hats, bumper stickers etc. . What about the rest of the beautiful things that life has to offer? Are they making an investment in these? It's just something to think about.

Do you have a favorite team? Do you consider yourself to be a Sports lover extremely passionate about sports? This is great to have this passion, but are you passionate about other activities? Are you trying kayaking on the weekend or taking a walk to a new park? Are your children being exposed to different things as they learning and growing with every moment?

YOU CAN enjoy your sports life in moderation if you find something else that you are just as passionate about. The job might be a bit routine and it's just a paycheck, but what else is out there to explore for you?

IT'S YOUR SKY THAT IS THE LIMIT...PCR

Daily Message: Which Way Should I Turn?

7/3/2015

Today I was riding my bike and I ended up on a street with major construction. This is quite common in Chicago- Tis the season for construction everywhere you go. As my bike pulled up at the stop sign, I could have went left- fresh, smooth black cement or right-cracks in the road with little riding space. Either way I was going to encounter some difficult riding, but I had to choose the fresh, smooth route, which appeared to be all finished. When I put my foot down on it to start riding, I felt my shoe slightly stick and it was all black. Clearly, it wasn't ready and maybe it would not have been so bad going right and riding over some cracks and bumps.

We come to these times in life where we have to make the decision to go left or right. We can choose what appears to be the "perfect" or "easy" route or we can choose a more realistic route that may have some trial and error, but it's beneficial to the self.
To stay in that dysfunctional relationship or to start a new one. To lose weight facing many challenges or eat healthier. To choose a new job or stay unappreciated by a boss, but loved by a staff.

This fork in the road is a time to make a conscious decision on what direction to take. If you are always turning left into the fresh paved, flat cement and your life is consistently the same-maybe it's time to turn right. There is fear with turning right and thinking that those bumps are going to Break us when they are actually going to Make us. PCR
Those bumps in the road are the trial and error, the challenges, the learning opportunities that are going to contribute to our growth. It's not recognized in the moment, but with time insight and understanding will grow.

For instance, the person losing weight chooses liposuction instead of learning healthy eating habits through self control and discipline. The woman breaks up with her boyfriend instead of creating solutions for their difficulties together. It is common to run from those bumps in the road, but we don't have to run anymore. We are given the gift of experiential learning that sometimes takes us in directions we don't choose. Why?
Because these are wake up calls to start learning and appreciate your life.
This is your time to fall off the bike, clean off your leg from the stones, and get back on and keep riding.

Choose a conscious direction that will allow you to learn about yourself and your true lifestyles. It's not going to be easy, but it could or should be worth it.

No matter what direction you take you will find your way.......

Beauty and the Blind

7/2/2015

Sometimes I can just look at someone and know they have a great story behind their being. It's just the connection I have been given with God's people especially those with special circumstances.

At my Toastmaster's meeting, an older gentlemen caught my eye in the most innocent and kind way. He was wearing a blue shirt, khaki colored slacks, and suspenders. He always had someone sitting next to him to help him get up to the podium and back to his seat. When he spoke, his intellect shined right through his voice and he spoke clearly and confidently. His eyes were distant from the audience yet oh so clear. He just had such a presence this man with his kind nature and very eloquent when speaking.

When he sat there, I just kept staring to the front as he would make comments on the club roles or functioning. When we had a "cookie and milk" break-no we are Toastmasters we have cookies and juice. Another Madam Toastmaster spoke highly of his accomplishments and humbly he did not say much, but I told him he had the aura of a great speaker-and yes he did...yes he did.

What struck me was how content this man was with his condition. He reminded me of a handful of cases abroad with the blind. It connects with my post about miracles and how sometimes we are given challenges that bring us closer to our strengths and capabilities. From my eye, this man appeared to be an example of that person.

After the meeting, it was confirmed that he was one of those people and he did not just have a story, but an incredible story. Both his parents are also blind, he takes after his ambitious father who is an architect and business man working off his gifted eye for design. He has a movie called, "What Love Sees," which was a television movie that came out in 1996.

Below is a summary from IMDB:

Based on a true story, spanning fifteen years during the turmoil of the Second World War, this is an incredible and inspiring saga of two young people whose very special relationship helps them fulfil each other's dreams. Jean Treadway, a beautiful young girl in her twenties, comes from a world of wealth and privilege. Gordon Holly is a handsome but humble rancher, the pride of his small town and honest to a fault. But they share something which makes the love that blossoms between them all the more pure and intense, they are both totally blind. Against all the odds they marry and head out West to Gordon's ranch. There, side by side, they build a future which includes responsibility and independence.

Within his career, he has been a Radio Founder, Interviewer, Producer, a teacher, a musician, an engineer, and more. He can read and write in Braille and has a Speakers Technology computer.

Many people don't understand my deep connection with people. They just think that I like to do "nice things" for people. It is the depth of the ocean and beyond-my love for people. This man is an example of my true theories and beliefs on people living their life to their maximum potential. A disability is not something to hope that a miracle comes along to save them rather it is a platform to rise and utilize the other beautiful senses that God has given.

Like Beethoven and perhaps like this man, sound... What is gone appears in other senses. This is what is fascinating how one is taken away, but another is enhanced. This is definitely the case with this lovely man who doesn't spend time complaining about his disability rather he decided to accept it a long time ago and live life at his best like the rest of the world around him. When a man has so many strengths, his disability is not focused on in fact I don't even like using the word "disability" as I believe it's a challenge, a blessing, a new perspective, and the ability to be thankful for what you do have....

Thankfully, I have sometime to get to know him on a more personal level as I will see him when I get back from my trip:)

For now, Thanks for setting an example to those who have challenges and feel that life is over. It's just the beginning and God doesn't give us something that we can't handle-in all true belief.

PCR

Salvation

6/28/2015

Saturday-second night of the Gospel Crusade Chicago. After the first event- Friday, everyone left a bit different than they were before they came in the door. Maybe they couldn't recognize it, they were to afraid to, they were hesitant, and still in shallow waters. One rain drop fell, a second, a third and this happened throughout the night until people were poured on-poured on like a tsunami rain.

They came out proud and different and I was different. My role had changed as I knew I needed to follow my service to God and connect with others. It was my responsibility to constantly do this with the Indian population especially, but everyone as always. While I thought initially about promoting my church, there was a change in plans from above-"Promote me Priscilla and promote what I gave you."
That is exactly what I did as "Believe in Your Purpose" flyers were created to pass out to such beautiful, kind, inspirational, caring, supportive people. They got the message and thankfully I did too.

In the middle rows with a nice couple Pastors I had met. It felt different....It was different....With the sermon and prayer, it was time for those who were non-believers to come forward. To face any shame, guilt, or fear and walk forward to the front. I....I...came forward to be closer to the spirit that was present and cleanse myself of it all.

Slowly the space on the floor was gone and people were continuing to come through the aisles. The space filled up for intense prayer with hands up praising the Lord, eyes intently closed, intimacy with the moment, tears, and pure intensity. This nice man was behind me and I was speaking with him after this prayer and informed me "Get ready it's about to go to another level."

"Wow, there is another level?" It was a level that I just didn't expect myself to participate in and especially be front and center for such intense praying and..... "miracles." "Hallelujah." "Hallelujah." "Hallelujah." Intense prayer, hands of healing, eyes of healing, crying, people lying on the floor and there I was also finding my own healing cleansing away the bad and embracing the good work and future I have ahead.

It was one man leading this miraculous experience. Pastor Bonnke stood up there intensely preaching the gospel and no matter what relationship a person did or didn't have-he made sure everyone knew that it didn't matter. We were all sinners who needed to accept Jesus and move forward in our lives.
Pastor Bonnke may not quite be my style of ministry, but the word is the same at the end of the day praising the lord with all we got.

After the event was where the real work was done connecting with so many fantastic people. Adults, families, friends from church, prayers and blessings with strangers, conversations about heaven and our existence-it was like I said....That one drop of rain turned into a whole tsunami. A tsunami of vulnerability, stories, prayer, and connection. It was not a concert where everyone left with who they came with and went on their way. People left with friendship, supports, ministry connections, a new church, a new perspective, and a new protector. People were alive and opened up their heart to Jesus. Two of my ministry students had the biggest smile from a distance and big hug upon arrival. People of all ages, all backgrounds and cultures- we all united...under one roof....for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What is Your Bucket List?

6/22/2015

Speaking with my lovely, adorable friend from church about my trip, she had a difficult time understanding all of this "traveling alone." As well as my reasoning behind some my travels. The reason for my recent trip to the Philippines was to work with the Missionaries of Mother Teresa charity. Why? It was a calling it was the charity started by Mother Teresa. One may also ask why I went Bungee jumping in Nepal. Why I went by myself to Alabama to see the Dalai Lama. Why I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. Why I ran a half marathon and intend to run a full. The list goes on and on and on for a lifetime. For some the list starts later and for others  they just never quite get to it. Thankfully, it started at a young age for myself. I just always wanted to live, see, explore, and experience the beauty of life. While I conformed to societal standards and have always worked hard. I knew the importance of making time for Life.

Sometimes I just want to conform to society and say, "Yes, I went with an organized group." "I had this planned a year in advance." "I travel with the group on tours throughout the city." But as they say.....the truth shall set you free.

Therefore, when my friend asked me these questions, I shared with her that I went to the Philippines because it was something I wanted to accomplish for my own personal values and inspiration. It was also to..... "check it off my bucket list."
She says, "Bucket list? I thought that was something you start when you are 60."

This innocent comment just confirmed a belief and it did not surprise me as that is exactly what our culture teaches us and shapes our beliefs in this closed mindset. This is not to call my friend "closed minded" at all, but it is to comment on what is the societal norm for true exploration. It doesn't happen NOW rather it all happens LATER.

This is the main problem in our society that we work a career until retirement. We have our 401K and social security and then it is the time to travel and enjoy your life. What is this saying? This is saying that work is being prioritized until your retirement and then the society is saying, "Okay go enjoy now. Get those items checked off your bucket list."

A person can work, explore, experience, travel, and have a family. It sounds easier said than actually done, but it is truly possible. Why? Because I see amazing individuals, couples, and families that are living that way NOW. These people are living moment to moment and day to day. Instead of postponing the Grand Canyon for three years in a row-they take off the days, they start their own business, they explore one of the one hundred ways to make money online(legally of Course). These people take risks, they make sacrifices, they have the ability to say "No" and they are aware of when to say "Yes", they face their fears, they ask questions, they do not listen to what society is constantly whispering in their ear, they think outside the box, and they are responsible with smart decision making.

What the society does not account for is the fact that maybe at 60 years old-a person will not be around to complete that bucket list? A person never truly knows when their time is up. But besides this significant fact, there is something else that takes high priority. A high percentage of that bucket list may not be available when you are 60! For instance, seeing Elton John in concert and then he passes away-gone, watching a tennis match of Andre Agassi who then retires, try a new profession that has always been on your mind, going skiing(at sixty you have a bad knee), see the Northern Lights on a trip with close friends, watch a special movie in Central Park, or attend events that just don't repeat over.

When a moment comes and it is not seized. This pattern repeats itself with a cycle of "Being busy" that continues and reduces the chances of spending time choosing new experiences. Comfort settles in and work is prioritized leaving a person to talk about "Going to Italy or taking the kids to Hawaii," but action does not surface. a vicious cycle that basically repeats itself until the age of 60. Some may have an epiphany at 40, 50, or maybe 35 that they are not happy, life is passing by and they have so many things to see and do, and then what happens? People start living and making check marks on that bucket list. It is their "Ah Ha" moment where they start living and realize that they are missing out on life.

It is always the worst thing for me to hear people who are sick and talking about all the things they wish they could have done. They might be 30 and they may just be 50. They did have a chance and they lost it because other things than their own interests, passion, curiosity, and exploration were important.

On the contrary, there are those people who have a life or death experience and decide that now is the time to start life. Yes, it is definitely the time for them to live and I couldn't be happier for this enlightening moment. It is their "second chance" at life.
What about a first chance at life? What about seizing the beauty that a higher power or just life has given us? It's almost like cheating when we just disregard the first half of life
and then decide to live the second.    The majority of people will say, "I don't have the time" and "I'm busy" connected with work and family. Everyone has to work in this country, that has been established a hundred years ago, but what is suppose to come from a life that is only focused on something monetary. What about the heart? What about the soul? What about stimulating the mind? What about meeting new people and exploring different cultures? The depth of our mind and human behavior will not grow without these experiences on our bucket list.

These experiences or achievements that a person hopes to accomplish during a lifetime(definition) have varying levels of difficulty. One might be having a boyfriend while another one might be skydiving. They address wants, desires, passions, needs, etc and the are possible to be accomplished at any age. Someone who is sixty absolutely has the potential to complete their bucket list, but the likelihood of that happening is significantly lower.

The goal of this post is to open up the eyes of those who are waiting. They are waiting for a easier or better time, they are waiting for more money, they are waiting for job to slow done, they are waiting for their kids to grow up, they are waiting until they are stable. The word "waiting" is repeated because people are prioritizing around work and commitments and this leads them to live the same life checking off a few on that bucket list.

Those who are simply happy might have a bucket list with five check marks, but many people are recommended to dig deep inside their heart, follow their intuition, and make that bucket list and start planning today-yes TODAY. Trips can be planned a year in advance or a event can be attended next month.

Remember that... Life happens NOW not LATER

Post continued with How to Make a Bucket List and Start Planning....

We Don't Get IT

6/16/2015

While I live quite the fulfilling, adventurous, stimulating, interesting, passionate, experiential, educational life-it is a life that foreign to many people. I live a Full, Full Life where sometimes I look back to my twenties and think "Wow, did I really do all of that?" Those who live in a similar manner and those who are believers with my ministry work give kindness and appreciation. Unfortunately, there is a common misperception of my life that leads to labeling and this leads to misunderstanding of what I am doing with my life.

In America, the country I often write about how it does not encourage people to explore themselves. It is a majority of people who live their life "The American way," which leads to comfort rather than embracing change. Foreign travel is dangerous, the same friends for years are standard, starting a new job is not preferred over staying in the same career for twenty years, and being multi-talented serves as a bit of confusion.

It is my lifestyle that may intimidate people, produces fear, anxiety, confusion, and concern about safety. When we don't recognize something or fully experience it, it comes up in the self as fear, which makes a person react in this manner. Fortunately, I study human behavior and make cultural comparisons frequently. It's all a part of my human understanding and awareness is produced. I understand why people behave this way, but what if someone else who is trying to explore themselves, experience, and live in a way different than societal norm? They can feel discouraged to explore in a different way.

When it comes to my life, it is kept quite private in terms of in person conversations with family and friends. It's just not understood and comes off as unsafe and one word "Why" Why extend yourself to people in such a consistent and caring way. It's part of "Practicing what I Preach." Live in your purpose and don't let opposition discourage you.

Perhaps my travel experiences are shared through writing, but that is the extent of it. I rarely come home and share how great my trip was with people-eighty percent don't want to hear it.  It's best to keep it brief and simple, tell people the socially constructed statements they can recognize and are comfortable with and want to hear "Oh it was beautiful weather I was helping an organization following everything they told me to do, I missed the US so much and I just couldn't wait to come back."

If I mention street missions with the poor instead of building a house with ten other kids who know nothing about people and culture-it just doesn't make sense. Why am I traveling alone rather than with a group and formally. Some organizations such as United Nations, Amnesty International, and Doctors without Borders may be exceptions, but the connection I have with people gives me an abundance of work. The starting of my own programs, individual missions with those who need my spirit, guidance, ad professional expertise as well as realistic goal setting.

While I do make attempts to fully explain this and I do with passion and excitement. It's often shut down with a list of questions that just make me forget a next time. The reactions discourage me from sharing it again unless it is a person engaged in full ministry and a social work career. Those brave, amazing souls out in the world working for a cause with passion and who haven't returned to the US in years and have my same theories. There are a large amount of travelers that I have met, amazing minds who start small businesses, and those individuals who take RISKS and they leap into something foreign to them. They jump out of the box or safety zone to truly LIVE. These people I admire and I look up to them. They get it!!!!

It's simple to measure the difference between the response. "Telling them what they want to hear" and telling them about a foreign experience or a religious moment that was exciting. Most people want to hear what they know and what they can relate to rather than something new and great you are exploring.
They wonder, "Why can't I do that?"
Look at her just traveling all over by herself.
Does she ever settle in one place?

While I do appreciate their feedback and agree with the elements of short term and not always committing to one place- I just follow my heart and mind. People just respond based of caring, confusion, love, and also resentment and insecurities. When a person has three kids and they can't do what you are doing and they missed the boat-not happy. Perhaps they feel "stuck" in their current life and they would love to be doing the same thing. And with these opportunities I always, always encourage people to go out there and be brave.

Over the years, I'm aware of it all and I have felt a lack of support and true understanding of what I am doing. People think all I do is travel and I waste my time on Missions helping others "for free." When God hears those statements he is up there shaking his head because if I stay on my path, do my best, and weave all my gifts into one-all those comments, the negativity, and the disrespect will disappear. I will be and am in a place where absolutely none of it matters.

This is the beauty of my personal and loving relationship with my higher power-all I need is his approval and the approval/opposition of others should be pushed to the side. It should not block my vision as I am strong, determined, intelligent, gifted, and passionate. With the confirmations from clients, students, churches, businesses, religious leaders-I am successful in what I do and I will reach my full potential of success. It's not a thought, being a dreamer-it is reality that will come when the time is right. There is a plan for me to follow and not be forced by society and people surrounding me to rush it.

These "ordinary" people living in the safe zone that society has created-Absolutely No disrespect- I adore them and feel bad they can't live a more full life. And many times they are just content and happy with their life and that is great! I will always encourage them to live in purpose, off their gifts, try new things, face fears etc. But just because my life is different I shouldn't be judged and labeled as a "traveler with no direction." I am Christian and 100 percent on that path with no derailments.

Overtime, I have learned to just act ordinary when back in the US and not emphasize or discuss many of the things that I do. It is just unnecessary because I have one audience to impress. Bits and pieces are explored and built upon in ministry, but I take a vow to not get excited and share to be let down.

There is always going to be someone to say something or react the wrong way and upset me. But what is important for me is to avoid the negativity and stay with positive people who support me and what I do. Those who are believers have a good understanding, but surrounding me is a society that I know needs a lot of education, real experience, change, new environment, new people etc.

People may just "not get it" and you know what that is perfectly okay because these people mean well and are just trying to understand. I wish I had a better explanation for it all, but it's just times that I truly, truly cannot even try to describe or expect someone to understand.
Hope this blog sheds some light on my life and helps people understand bits and pieces of this Crazy/ Beautiful Life!!!

Regardless, I know when people are respectful and people are not and even though "People may not get it." It's my choice to be around those people or stay around those who are open minded, caring, and positive people. Stay in my lane, drive with caution, and drive with passion.