Do you know what’s your Purpose?

So alas! It’s December. We’re now officially into the final month of 2018. Just by speaking to folks, I realized that many of us have been experiencing some (ongoing) form of tribulation. A very dear friend echoed my thoughts when she said that we all experience tragedies, but what matters is how we handle it (outwardly and inwardly).

Without getting into a whole song & dance (not literally of course) about the (supposed) deep philosophical meaning of life, I’ll get right to today’s topic. This follows from my most recent post on the subject of LOVE.

Today I write about Career Fulfillment. I spoke about this a lot in the past in an attempt to ‘market’ my events, but I feel there’s a need to address it from a different angle, since I’m brought to the realization that many of us, though seemingly fulfilled and/or financially comfortable at different points in our lives are still searching for more. 

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Having worked in two very integral fields (communications and human resources) at various organizations, I reckon that I’ve finally seen the light. Being a writer and creative first, I see life a bit differently (as many creatives do) and so I’ll share my silent epiphanies on what Career Fulfillment means to me (hopefully without being cliche):

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While many work out of sheer necessity and others out of passion; I think what makes one fulfilled and the other just comfortable, is our reason for being.

While one may have a naturally ‘sunny’ disposition on the outside, what goes on internally is what makes a career worthwhile for those people and translate to success.

Not only personal success, but satisfaction for internal/external customers (stakeholders). Who wants to be stuck at one ‘rung’ of the ladder all.the.days.of.their.life anyway?

 

I’m sure no one ever had these life goals as a young person. 

Imagine no upward/financial mobility and having to suffer through the agony of being at a job day in and day out that you hate, just as a means of survival.

Still many do it (especially previous generations) because life happened: kids, a death in the family, other expenses associated with the reversal of fortunes/health etc. Of course, there are other factors which may make unpleasant jobs bearable. Like fun co-workers; a good boss, good customers, location, other perks and such.

These factors may even allow us to overlook the fact that the pay may suck in some cases; or the fact that it’s a long commute, or the reverse of the other things previously mentioned (i.e. a bad boss, horrible co-workers, a crumby location that is totally unconducive to our mental equilibrium to produce our best work.)

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I read an excerpt from a book some time ago that stated (to paraphrase) that a person’s presence is only missed when the silence is deafening. I think this is the connector to how we handle each stage of our life and the inevitable changes that come with it.

Whether it is a job, friendship or relationship. Sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is to disconnect from something or someone that bring us some sense of stability or comfort. The whole point to truly living this life unabashed, is not to merely settle.

This is living an average/mediocre half-lived life (or existing).

Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash

It’s like eating a sandwich with only the bread and settling for being half-filled. This is the reason most of us are constantly looking outside of what we already have to seek satisfaction.

Show of hands those of us ‘guilty’ of (obsessing) about this at some point:

• The other person at the traffic lights in the supposed ‘bigger, better ride’.
• The other family at the supermarket/mall/table who appears so picture perfect.
• The girl/guy at school who seems so popular/smart/cute and has it going on.
• The person who comes to work without a hair out of place; meets all their deadlines, gets the special/important projects and is the apple of the boss’s eye.
• The family member who gets all the attention and praise from their parent/s.

The thing is this. Nobody really knows what goes on when the ‘party’ ends and the doors are shut to the outside world. Things are seldom what they seem (at least not all of the time). To whom much is given, much is expected and I can think of several other cliche adages throughout the centuries to emphasize this point. 

[Virtual Reality] Photo by Kyaw Tun on Unsplash

The essence of life is not about having it all together, because the reality is no one has it ‘all together‘ ALL of the time. And what you think you know/see/hear is open to interpretation (unless you are that person with their precise sensibilities/emotions).

 

The essence of life is about focussing on what YOU were placed on this Earth to do and trying to make the best of your circumstances, opportunities, talents/gifts, simple blessings and the hands we are each dealt.

When we stop looking outside of ourselves for validation or approval to live our life on our terms, then what we are doing becomes way easier.

 

There’ll be no pressure to conform to what has become a man-made world filled with values, ideals and ideologies that do not echo what’s in our own hearts.

We will find that when we stop using others as a yardstick for measurement – whether it’s our happiness, success or appearance, our joy becomes pure + real.

We would find that we now have the discernment, tenacity and bravery to let go/drop off those people, situations and attitudes that do not serve our greatest good.

We will begin to attract people and situations who are also able to detect our heart and are genuinely interested in who we are and what we are truly about. When we begin living for us, our detection radars become a lot sharper (which may not be readily apparent to those who aren’t yet tuned into that frequency/mode of being).

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We would be able to gradually let go of our insecurities, defenses and judgements to allow the right people in at the right time, knowing without a doubt what/who is true for us and what/who is not – at ANY given moment.

We would be better able to communicate what we are going to accept without appearing ungrateful/obnoxious to the other person. But rather become able to yield/compromise when necessary receiving the respect and compassion we deserve.

Once we begin to master these practices along our life’s journey, we’ll experience life in a different way. We’ll begin to trust that the right people will see our heart/intentions beneath the surface and accept us as we evolve, calling us out [on our foibles] when necessary.

If they cannot do this without undeniable love/authenticity, then we too must accept that perhaps that person/situation is not truly for us. Or at least not at this point in time, since there may be something that needs to change (within us/them/the circumstances) for it to happen/evolve naturally in Divine Order.

Hope this serves as a guide to attracting not only career fulfillment, but more wholesome personal and professional relationships to get you one-step-closer to abundance.

Until next time.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

Oh! Before I go, please find below our Holiday Specials which include a combination of all things to make you sparkle a little brighter in 2019!

Photo by Yanutama David on Unsplash

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November! You taught me a lot

November 2018 is almost history! And December is virtually on our doorstep. What a thing when actually thought/said out loud! Goodness me.

When it’s nearing the end of anything – fill in the blanks with your own situation. End of exams. End of term. End of school. End of an illness. End of your career. End of holidays. End of … It usually signals the beginning of something else.

How you choose to deal with your end (whatever that may be), is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to look at it as a sad end; or an end at all. Or simply a different direction/way of dealing with that chapter of your life and what/who was attached to it.

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Many of us look at “ends” as a devastation or tragic loss – which it may very well be for a period of time.

To (intensely) FEEL pain we may express as anger, sadness, frustration, confusion or withdrawal/numbness is a totally understandable & relatable experience.

We experience this as a human reaction due to our physiological make-up and environment (work, home, school etc) we were placed in at any point during our lives.

It is a reality and fact of life I am almost certain that none of us will be able to escape while on this planet.

Somehow some of us are able to conceal it better than others for various reasons. Perhaps due to our gender/socialization, societal/familial pressure/commitments, or our jobs and financial obligations.

At the close of October and the beginning of November I remember making a mental (and physical note) that at times we need to make time to pause long enough to consider who we are, what we want and relinquish what we thought held true for us.

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When (negative) patterns reoccur in our lives (in terms of people, situations, jobs, financial or health issues), sometimes we have to really sllooooow down to figure out if there is a common denominator and what that may be. For example:

1. Our environment (sense of peace, stability, privacy, flow of positive energy);
2. Our communication (body language, articulation) or lack thereof;
3. Our sense of self (knowledge, confidence, worth, standards, discernment);
4. Our baggage/hang-ups/insecurities/lack of knowledge.
5. Our advisors/confidants/detractors/naysayers (do they have all the info/are they more advanced/happier/have baggage of their own/in a position to truly ‘advise’).

Are you ready for December?!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

I still feel a bit strange handing out ‘advice’ (especially on a Friday night and the eve of a brand spanking month). But in actuality, this profession chose me when I decided to listen to everyone and everything that was pointing me towards it for several years.

I could have taken the easy-way-out and just get a regular job with all the perks and ‘security’. But I continued (in spite of) since it appears that what I share; echo the universal feelings of pain, loss and the voids associated with the gaps in most, if not all of our lives. Whether it be career, family, health, lasting joy or love.

So here goes the November wrap-up! I’ll start with loVe. Since once you have love for yourself, you can attract most other things to yourself and to your life in Divine Order. 

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

 

LOVE. To receive love, we must give love (in different ways). To experience an intimate love that is TRUE and can stand the test of time + circumstance, we must first heal our past and our hearts (which few truly take the time and perceived torment to do).

Honest 2-way communication is the glue that keeps a lot together. It may not always work for some, since many are fearful to even ask or answer the right questions.

Perhaps since depending on where we are on our journey, we may not truly know who we are underneath it all and what we want from others. As such, we can’t ask for it with resolute confidence to get a response.

Possibly because we are asking the wrong people. Or not asking at all, but settling.

Forgiveness is what seals everything together since most pair up with people we do not fully understand or appreciate. We may act on surface level only, failing to discover what is beneath the surface of a pretty or otherwise attractive package.

Photo by Eduardo Dorantes on Unsplash

Tomorrow is December! A brand new month to figure out what YoU want from 2019!

Make a Wish Upon a Star and set your intentions into the universe for your dreams to materialize + manifest into your deepest desires.no.matter.what life may bring our way.

Remember the Secret to ANYthing you want is honest 2-way-open-MIND-ed-communication! 

Without that; we are just making assumptions, casting aspersions (causing resentment) and playing guessing games that may last the rest of our lives (depending on where you sit).

With it; there’s no real fear, hate, prejudice, judgement or doubts. Just pure love + joy + a reasonable degree of trust 🙂

Carpe Diem!

Until next time.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

www.carolyncorreia.co

 

Guys we loVe you! Happy Men’s Day

So men everywhere are/have celebrating/ed International Men’s Day! Yeahhhh

photo credit – http://www.unsplash.com

A radio host rightfully said this morning that women are usually the ones getting all the credit on Mother’s Day and Women’s Day, but when it comes to being celebrated men (in this regard) take the back seat.

What she said sorta stuck with me all day as I went about my day’s activities and now I have some ‘quiet’ time to pause and reflect on my day, I ponder WHY.

Could it be that it’s a given that men are the champions anyway? After all, they’re the ones that get to wear the pants!

 

Then I’m brought back to what a mature fellow said on another morning show. I could tell the guy’s had some practice with difficult women and was getting quite heated that he was getting put on pause by his lady friend (if ya catch my drift).

His explanation which received quite a humorous reaction from the host and callers who followed was this: This jolly erudite guy that’s a frequent caller to the programme said that women are too demanding  (and to paraphrase – I could be wrong in this instance – materialistic!).

Needless to say, some of the female callers did not agree! He said because of changing times women have become more educated, sometimes earning more (or appearing more advanced professionally) and ‘their men’ are made to feel emasculated and almost bullied into doing whatever their female companion says.

Photo by Dawn on Unsplash

Of course this opened up all sorts of debates (at least in my mind) whether this was true and if in fact leads to infidelity and domestic violence. Phew! What an amazing way to begin the day … Made me wonder if each day could begin + end like this (on or off-air).

Food for Thought. Ain’t life grande!? I’d love to hear your views. What qualities do you look for in a partner and how do you communicate issues relating to a healthy balance?

Here’s to men everywhere: Fathers, sons, brothers and all who serve as role models. Of course my Dad (RIP), brothers, uncles and even the ladies that had to wear the pants in our family at one point or another.

Of course I could not forget (even if I wanted to) my male co-workers, friends and ‘dates’ (ha!) who became almost like family to me (you guys truly warm my heart in a very humorous and real way!).

I wouldn’t be as strong, discerning and resilient as I am (now) without each one of them — Thank You from my Heart-to-Yours!

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

www.carolyncorreia.co

Photo by Steve Ody on Unsplash

Are you ready for November?!

November! You’re here. A new season. For various cultures, it may signal a literal change in seasons: autumn, winter, rainy/hurricane (season).

Thanksgiving in some parts, Christmas and New Year’s soon come. 

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

A new season of life for some.

Death of some things, people and places which may be necessary for a rebirth of sorts.

Life can be strange to navigate. Career, business, friendship, romance, family – old + new.

Who knows the real meaning of life or why/what this metaphysical existence is really all about.

Wanna hear a secret? I was never a master of the sciences, or even the arts, nor business (and nope I’m not selling myself short, nor disregarding my worth. I’m being real).

 

Somehow I was led to formally and informally study various disciplines that crafted a holistic work-in-progress understanding to elicit my true gifts and purpose in this world.

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

THIS November, MY WISH for YOU (and also myself) is for US (all) to:

1. Let go of our preconceived notions of who (or what) we think we are,
2. Who (or what) we think others are, (more importantly) what they think of us,
3. How we think our life is supposed to turn out.

(Sure, you can read the above over a few times sloww-ly. No worries, I had to as well).

I urge you to ASK yourself 3 questions to guide and motivate you toward the decisions that are right for you and the greater good of all involved.

Bear in mind, we do not live in a capsule. Every thought, action or decision we make throughout our lives propel us toward some other action or outcome.

Whether we label that as physics, religion, spirituality or sorcery, we choose what happens to us ultimately setting off a chain reaction of events: positive or negative.

photo credit – http://www.unsplash.com

So HERE are the 3 Questions I strongly believe will make you slow down and think about your life and what you want to occur (& with whom. I hope you’re ready for it):

1.How do YOU define happiness? 

2. What or who makes YOU happy? Like, really happy in the moment? (Hint: It could be a place or activity or person. Perhaps even an animal or pet. Hey, I’m not judging nobody)

Here’s the BIGGIE (no, not Biggie Small [silly billy], cos we all know how that ended for him+Faith. My condolences tho, cos I really loVed the feeling the guy brought to the world).

Wait for it … Get ready … here it comes: Question #3

(this one requires lotsa thought to come up with a big answer that can change your life 😉 )

 

3. Out of those things, places & people, what brings You JOY? Would you still be joy-FUL if they were not a part of your routine? Do they assist, or are you joyful all on your own?

I’ll end this here blog with this ‘short‘ note. I believe this has been said before, but I’ll add my take on it – now that I have lived and experienced it for myself (firsthand).

When you become WHOLE and you don’t necessarily need anyone for validation; approval or dare I say love or support (although as humans we all need hugs, acceptance + lasting love when it comes right down to it).

But when we become WHOLE, it’s only then we can attract + experience unending forever love, joy, success + peace.

If you gravitate to a person, place or experience/activity to feel whole or accepted, when this (wholeness) comes and this person, place or experience (e.g. fame, power) builds you up to the point where you feel you don’t necessarily need them/it anymore – it’s then you begin to transform into someone/thing you never (thought you) were.

Photo by Maryna Yazbeck on Unsplash

If you’re not whole to begin with, you may become easily influenced in order to ascend to a new level of perceived wholeness, joy, peace or success.

You may become like a seed or flower blowing in the wind looking for a comfortable ‘abode’ to plant your roots, until another attractive comfort or adventure comes along for you to experience a new fleeting ‘high’ to bring the illusion of wholeness/joy/success/love.

If on the other hand, you know who you are inside & out and can function independently, finding joy + wisdom in your own beliefs and consciousness, you will undeniably attract lasting goodness, joy, peace, success, fulfillment and loVe to create more loVe + abundance in this world.

The Law of Attraction (and Detachment) are but concepts, if you haven’t fully grasped the true essence of its meaning to apply it to your situation. The same can be said for theories, doctrines and such. It becomes a given when it truly resonates with the masses and has been widely accepted because it resonates with YOU.

If you feel this message, please share with someone who may also find value in its contents and let’s spread the love 🙂

Photo by Maryna Yazbeck on Unsplash

I recall an advert on tele as a teen with the tagline: “Patience is a virtue and virtue is grace.” Here are my thoughts …

Grace can only happen with a collective effort of positive reinforcement. Change happens when everyone is walking in the same direction towards the same destination/outcome without looking back. – Carolyn Correia

Folks look back when others pause too long and fail to take action on the things we all desire deep within our souls for progress and the greater good of all involved.

Only then, can competition be annihilated in a world where everyone knows what they are about and are secure in what they bring to the table.

Namaste. My soul bows to you as you find the courage to discover your purpose in this world and to find … (sustained) loVe.

Only with love and acceptance for ourselves (and others), can we truly attract an abundant and sustained supply of success, peace and joy.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

www.carolyncorreia.co

“Let nature be your teacher.” – William Wordsworth

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Location: Farmroad – Mason Hall, Tobago

Adieu October, Welcome November

2-more months to go for the END of the YEAR! Woa. Are we really here already?!

What’s your mood TODAY?!

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

At times we may feel the need to push and pull and force, or delay life. We may want to question or doubt our faith, or that of our loved ones. We may lay blame and say to ourselves (and others), “How the heck can this befall ME!?”

But in life, we always have choices. We may choose to make a series of choices that lead to that ONE ultimate choice that may be pivotal to our future and those around us. Either for our greater good, or our downfall.

We choose. Our ultimate fate rests in our will to create a new path despite the obstacles that may present themselves in our way.

When we do not take the time to pause and reflect and silently observe our world around us, we fail to become aware of our choices to shape our (future) reality.

Sometimes it’s not up to us, since we live in a world with other people in it. But our mind holds our power to change any situation.

We can choose to either seek other mere mortals like ourselves for help, or pray to a Higher Power for guidance to not only heed His call, but listen and accept the ones He sends our way.

When our human leanings allow our pride and ego to get in the way of our progress, peace and joy we fail ourselves and our service to humanity in fulfilling our ultimate purpose in this world.

As we say adieu to this month of October, let’s take the time to pause and reflect on the signs that are there to guide us toward what we truly desire in our heart of hearts.

Let’s leave our bags at the door as we let go of our fears, insecurities, prejudices and lack of knowledge that exists within us all.

Thank you and goodbye October. Welcome November! We’ve been waiting for you 😉

My Endless Love,
Carolyn xx

How do you know when it’s time to change gears?

Holay! It’s been a while since my ‘last’ … b/log. I woke up this morning with an idea and new energy for this blog post as I get asked this stuff a lot (over the years).

Since starting this blog in November 2008, I (and it) has[ve] been through so many different changes. Back then I had a full time job, then when I switched jobs (and careers) in 2013 I still couldn’t be separated from my first love (writing).

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

I found new ways to incorporate my love into my new job (via newsletters etc). And on weekends and after work I blogged my heart away.

Here’s a bit more about how this journey and way of life sort of came together subconsciously through intent.

(I promise I won’t start from the beginning since that may be another book!)

 

After 15 years of various forms of expression, I still don’t get weary of pursuing this passion. Whether it’s for money or a hobby, I will never retire (from writing).

Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

In those days I often looked to my co-workers for feedback and advice since I was unsure of the impact I was having with this new type of lifestyle writing as it’s now being called. 

They were all very encouraging. Soon my sideline passion morphed into column writing for one of the largest and most read local Sunday magazines (circa 2008-2010). The response though not overwhelming was very moving and re-ignited my passion.

Disclaimer: What I’m about to describe is in no way meant to boast or brag about my accomplishments; but to demonstrate one simple, but life-changing point.

How much you do with your unique talent(s); how much money you make and more importantly – the impact you make is totally dependent on what are your ever-changing goals, how hard you are willing to work, reinvent, engage and put yourself out there.

It all comes back to your true love. If you don’t love what you do, there’ll never be any drive to continue reinventing to attract what and who you need to enjoy more fruits of your labour.

While still holding down a full-time job (I had plateaued at); pursuing post graduate studies and a broadcasting course, I volunteered, contributed and found more ways to grow my talent and skills at and outside the confines of my job.

The column writing filtered into writing for regional and international magazines during that same period. That then morphed into book writing, which later morphed into public speaking, presenting and poetry (you can also say humourous writing + speaking).

That then morphed into (documentary) scriptwriting, content writing, human interest stories, workshops and [self-produced] entertainment events. And well, I guess the rest is the future!

(There’s more though … please scroll with me 😉 )

Photo by Alok Sharma on Unsplash

To reinforce the reason for sharing this, I’ll say that most of those adages that have become so cliche are true to the letter. Most apt here is: ‘nothing worthwhile happens overnight‘.

Here’s another shocker: I really did not choose this profession. It’s a vocation I was led to every step of the way.

My heart was not completely into my full time jobs and careers. Though there were many priceless moments and learning experiences I enjoyed and people I met along the way, many would say to me that I had way more to offer the world.

I myself didn’t fully believe it. I thought some were patronizing me (to be honest).

But in retrospect those moments in between is what led me to this rich life experience I now enjoy daily doing what I love on my own terms (most times).

Even on the days I’m not super busy (rolling in $$$, or being positive because of the rain), I silently build on what I learnt during those decades that helped me to finally ‘JUMP’ and begin building my brand.

It was a huge risk at times, but somehow there was always a stronger positive ‘force’ leading me back to my rightful destiny (which ironically is still sort of a mystery).

When the challenging times arise, I fully immerse myself in them to go way beyond the surface to find solutions for overcoming and share with others in some form.

Many of the great incomparable life gurus who have (visibly) made it BIG personally, financially and spiritually tell us that one of the surefire ways to receive abundance is to give what you have been blessed to have/enjoy.

It does not always have to be monetary, but simple unconscious (natural) gestures may mean more than we know. A thought, a sincere prayer, an apology, a hug, advice. Or just knowing that someone believes in you wholeheartedly with no strings attached.

Whether or not the other person truly appreciates it, or receives what you ‘give’/extend in the same way you intended, matters little if you give from the heart.

Photo by Josh Shaw on Unsplash

People receive gestures and express appreciation and loyalty based on where they’re at on the journey. 

Our socialization, history, hang-ups, insecurities and burdens all influence the dynamics of human behaviour.

 

 

Of course it may sting a bit if you expected to be treated in the same way, but time heals most wounds and new experiences allow you to forget (though the memory may never be totally erased under ‘normal’ circumstances).

Photo by Kate on Unsplash

In life, you always have 2 options: be the victim, or the victor. It’s not always an easy choice or action. But if you are pure in heart and passionate in thought, nothing in life will be difficult.

If you find yourself stuck, attracting the same people and situations in different ways, remember you attract what you are and what you exude.

It’s truly a balancing act between confidence + humility and assertiveness + aggressiveness, depending on where you find yourself at any given moment.

If you find yourself having to explain; justify and defend yourself, your decisions, your stance, your words and your abilities multiple times and in multiple ways, then attempting to placate and compensate, then you have a pivotal decision to make.

Photo by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash

In order to find our catharsis and progress in all aspects of our life, we either have to find a way to change/shift our energy, change/shift our surroundings or change/shift the people with whom we closely associate as required.

(Of course, this is easier said than done. If it was as easy as drinking a potion, then there would be world peace, no crime, no hate, no poverty, just love + understanding 😉 ).

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Best wishes for an amazing Thursday, Friday and weekend. Remember we are being led.

Be still, reflect, observe, discern and obey the signs.

Stay true to the undeniable truths anyone (past or present) has ever said to you throughout your life.

Listen to your heart and go with your gut to make the choices that are right for you at any given moment.

At the same time, keep in mind that everyone is coming from a different emotional, spiritual and social place, so don’t take it for granted that each person we encounter understands our words and actions and can receive them in the same way.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

www.carolyncorreia.co

Photo by Camille / Kmile on Unsplash

Oh October!

So we’re here … another month has ended and another one just beginning.

Like most things in life it brings with it new lessons, joys and perspectives. Depending on how long we choose to focus on the previous month(s) it/they can provide us with a different spin to guide our future.

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

What may seem obvious to some, may be an illusion to others. We sometimes take it for granted that when we speak, the intended party gets us (totally).

But alas!

The ones who are meant to receive the message, obtain from it what they can at that particular juncture on their journey.

Over the years I tried to almost force the point (if you catch my drift), so others would receive what I wanted to convey in the way I intended.

It intensified over time, so much so that I would literally find it frustrating that others can’t (or won’t) see the glass from where I sit. 

Recently a random stranger said the wisest thing to me which was essentially to stop expecting others to change. He said unless you have supernatural powers, the people in the world have been existing in their ways since time immemorial and things aren’t gonna change drastically any time soon.

As a young girl I somehow thought I could have changed the world. As I grew older and wiser, I tried within my own sphere. I again attempted to do it with my writing and speaking and some of the careers I choose or rather that choose me.

It seemed to only go so far. Change I’ve realized matters little to those who don’t see it’s value, or hang with a crowd that are wary of real and sustained change.

Change can be scary.

It can seem ominous.

It can seem surreptitious.

It can even seem duplicitous as the ‘forces’ fight again positive change.

I remember working from an employer’s house (many years ago) and the housekeeper said to me the adage I now seem to repeat whenever I encounter someone as obstinate and stuck in their ways as a bull that sees red.

“A leopard can’t change its spots.”

Indeed. We are now entering into a very serious era. The end of another year. The countdown to a new one.

The past few years have been a whirlwind of changes – personally and globally. Some good, others not so much.

I lost so many beautiful souls who were dear to me around this time of year. My dad, a client and a co-worker. Each have touched me in different ways that are indescribable.

Photo by Abdul Azis Nurrahman Febrianto on Unsplash

Never having to look death in the eye until then, it was a tragic loss I can’t seem to place into words.

I almost came face-to-face with my own death a few times in my life from the age of 9, then more recently over the years.

I seemed to ‘magically’ escape it each time.

Life is never what it seems. Almost every experience and person I have met taught me so much about life … and death.

Who matters and who matters not.

How much you really matter in the grand scheme of things and their life, regardless of what you did or they did.

Or how you made each other feel in those moments in time.

It taught me why I am the way I am, and why change is such an illusive thing to many people.

Of all my years, the quantum and intensity of joys and despairs seem to be getting more and more intense. This allows me to journey deeper within my mind, heart and soul to understand the meaning of life with each new year that finds me.

I learn to navigate the storms without the ones who I thought would be around to hold my hand and heart for what I thought would be forever.

To continue to live your life with joy is a mystery I thought I would never master, until 2018. Few capture it in quite the same way, especially in the face of adversity. 

For some, joy means a silent inner peace and contentment. For others, it’s a ball of fire which in itself is in a constant state of flux as the world and people around us change.

The ability to process experiences and discern situations and people, gives us the justifiable right to own our reactions to adversity and injustice and stand by them without shame or regret, until we find our catharsis and healing.

It is easy to say we don’t have to prove our prowess or love to another. But as the world continues to change and we realize we have less control over the loyalty and character of people we thought we knew, we are left with changing ourselves with the self-knowledge of what we know to be true and what we consciously choose to allow to unfold in our lives. – Carolyn Correia

Here’s to an October to experience in all its intensities and shades as if there’s no tomorrow. Regrets are for the faint hearted. Procrastination are for those that lack a sense of self. Carpe Diem!

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

Photo by Viktor Juric on Unsplash