Monday, December 17, 2007

Passionate Mondays

Here it is Monday afternoon and I haven't written my "Passionate Mondays" post. Although there seems to be a lot of heavy stuff going on in my life this year, and most recently these last four months, I am still feeling passionate about so many things. I am growing and learning, and that I am grateful for. Just this morning, I sat with a dying friend in the hospital. I washed her face and hands, adjusted her body for comfort and just watched over her while she slept. As emotionally difficult as this is coming on the heels of watching my mother die a few months ago, it feels really good to be able to do something so simple as just being with my friend. As I have mentioned before, there is so much reward in giving - it comes back to us threefold, tenfold, maybe more.

Today, I am passionate about being conscious of what we put out there in the universe and sharing inspiration to create positive change in the world. To that effect, I stumbled upon Romancing the Crone's blog and was moved by so many great quotations she has on her site. One of her posts, "Obligation Observations", addresses the issue of blogging with obligation and I really thought it was an important read for bloggers, after all, blogging is putting forth words into the world and I believe it should be done consciously. (If you are just a reader/commenter, and not a blogger, it is still interesting.) I am adopting Mother Wintermoon's logo, with her permission of course, and encourage all my other blogging friends out there to read her thoughts on blogging with obligation, and join me.
One of my favorite blogs, Beauty in the Breakdown, mentioned this great poster she received. I followed the link to Jen Lemen's site, and ordered the poster for myself. Not only is the poster inspirational, but so is the site that is selling it - Cool People Care. Jen Lemen's site also has so many inspirational stories of people doing good and creating good...please check it out. All of this made me realize that there are so many wonderful people out there in the world who are trying to make a positive difference.
Will you join me in being passionate about doing good in the world and sharing stories and inspiration of others doing good in the world - all hopefully to inspire more people to do good. A bit of "paying it forward" you could say. It can be the smallest of gestures, the tiniest of efforts, a simple task, but it can make a world of difference. We never know the full effect of our words or deeds; there are always repercussions, like ripples on the water. So, make every word and deed a good one, and let's effect the world in a positive way. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Have a Passionate Monday, week and holiday!

13 comments:

Invisible Woman said...

Thank you for your kind words! I'm honored to part of Passionate Monday! That is a deeply powerful story you shared about your friend and mother. I'm so very sorry for your sadness and grief and very grateful for your kindness in this world.

With passionate appreciation, MW

The Passionate Palate said...

MW - A heartfelt thank you for your sentiments. And thank you for your inspiration!

Unknown said...

Jeni,
It's amazing how, at the most difficult times, we revert back to the simplest forms of human kindness. Washing someone's hands and face is just that. Well done for being able to be that person.
Julian (tuscanyandumbria.typepad.com)

Rebecca Schneider said...

I aspire to "be the change" and am happy that you reminded me of this.

african vanielje said...

Jeni, you are so right. Whatever you put out into the world comes back so it is not just paying it forward, but paying it 'around'. Life, the universe and everything is cyclical so lets all pay out passionate positive energy. Have a peaceful Christmas everyone!

Unknown said...

Mother Wintermoon is an inspiration, isn't she!

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend - and coming so soon after your mother. It is hard for us to let go of life and of the living and yet, in reality, all we do is pass to a different room while our souls endure forever and we are always together.

Alessandra Cave said...

YES!!!!

The Passionate Palate said...

Julian - Yes, I know. Thank you for seeing that.

Rebec - I'm glad...and you are that change.

AV - I love that image of "paying it around".

Absolute - Wow...I know exactly what you mean. I felt that exact same way with my mom.

The Passionate Palate said...

Gypsy Girl - I'm so glad you stopped by...and Yes!

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

I agree 100%, so important to be mindful of what we put out there!
To make it a benefit to others... and what a perfect time of year to remind all of us.

My heart and prayers go out to you and your friend.

Merry Christmas to you dear Jeni!


Scarlett & Viaggiatore

The Passionate Palate said...

Scarlett - thank you sweet one. May your holidays be wonderful.

african vanielje said...

I know why you were a little behind with your Passionate Monday post. You were too busy thinking of other people who may or nay not have been sulking in Somerset, and organising to send them the most delicious chocolate in the world to cheer them up. Okay, so it worked. I'm not sulking anymore. Thank you Bella, and a Merry Christmas to you too!

The Passionate Palate said...

AV - glad it worked! ;-) Merry Christmas to you too bella!