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December 22, 2010
As this year draws to a close, many of us are beginning to establish our goals for the upcoming year (what we want to accomplish) and starting to set our intentions for the future (who we want to become). There are many good books available about the goal-setting process, although material about intention-setting is more difficult to find.
For sake of discussion, let’s assume that a person sets their intention for the upcoming year to live their life with a higher level of integrity. There are many definitions of that particular quality, and these are some I pulled out of the literature:
Having sound moral principles
Living life in a state of honesty, including interactions with others
Exhibiting wholeness of character
Correlating our actions with our spoken words
I would imagine that each of us would add our own criteria, and I did this with my personal list. I learned a lot about integrity and the lack thereof, because for years I did not live my life with integrity, although I so professed it to be one of my qualities. I have come to believe that lack of integrity, and especially dishonesty, may be a natural by-product of addiction and abuse. Now, many years later, because of what I learned as I examined my life, I can detect lack of integrity in myself, and oftentimes others, the same way I can detect bull-shit on a farm.
We can write our intentions down in our journal, tell them to a friend or a group of friends, post them as a status update on Facebook, or make them part of our mission statement. These are some excellent first steps.
But none of those actions matter unless we are willing to walk the walk, for words have no power to carry out our intentions unless they are backed up with intentional actions. What we say is worthless – how we act is priceless.
No justifying. No excuses. No enabling.
Here’s to your personal intentions in 2011 and beyond, and to all of getting closer to becoming that total person, inside each of us, that is waiting to blossom. The best of luck to all!
December 19, 2010
I have tremendous respect for the Dalai Lama, for he is the embodiment of LOVE, COMPASSION AND PEACE
His recent post on December 10th struck a particular chord in me. He writes “Today, the values of democracy, open society, respect for human rights, and equality are becoming recognized all over the world as universal values. To my mind there is an intimate connection between democratic values, such as transparency, the rule of law and freedom of information, and the fundamental values of human goodness.”
I think it took great courage, actually a lot of guts, for the Dalai Lama to publicly make this subtle reference to the Wikileaks adventure. I appreciate his perspective, for he provides a view of the world’s situation from a higher level of consciousness. He is suggesting that it is our right as citizens of the world to be provided with whatever information serves the higher purpose of the planet and ALL people.
As the bright light of awareness is being focused into the dark corners of secrecy, those being exposed are currently whipping public opinion into a frenzy of righteous indignation as a way to distract us from the real story. The release of this information may well confirm that we are being controlled by powerful forces manipulating the financial markets, depleting our planet’s nature resources and eliminating the middle class.
This planet is in the midst of a tremendous paradigm shift. Whether is it next year, or a hundred years from now, love will triumph over these fear-based tactics. For the path of lies, illusions and manipulations that grip this planet will be counterbalanced and replaced with love, compassion and honesty.
And each of use has a choice as to which side of the equation we want to lend our energy. Choose wisely, for love will prevail.
December 17, 2010
It is with deep gratitude that I thank Independent Publisher magazine for the Editor’s Choice Award given today to Little Madhouse on the Prairie. This national publication represents the voice of the independent publishing industry.
Independent Publisher magazine recognizes the best of the newly released, independently published titles as reviewed by their editorial staff over the past few weeks.
“These books are honored each month for exhibiting superior levels of creativity, originality, and high standards of design and production quality. Being chosen as an Independent Publisher Highlighted Title brings well-deserved attention to the book, author, and publisher, and the credibility and recognition that can lead to further reviews, publicity, and sales.”
Independent Publisher Editor’s Choice
My deepest appreciation to Mark Bruce Rosin and Barbara Obermeier for what they brought to the book. This award really belongs to them.
December 12, 2010
Thanks to Rick Kuhlman, for the generosity of spirit he displayed in the wonderful testimonial he wrote for my book.
“Marion’s brave book comes out of the shadows of what we are not comfortable talking about and invites us into her honesty. This book had me thinking about people in my past who sent confusing messages, and now I feel that they may have been suffering silently all along. A strong, simple book of courage that speaks out about the complex human experiences of growing up scared.” Richard Kuhlman, Actor, Director and Writer, Los Angeles, California
I know Rick has a very busy schedule in Los Angeles, so it is an honor for me that he took the time to read my book and comment on it. I met Rick when he was directing a play, and I found him to be a very kind and generous man. I must say that his Facebook picture belies the devilish little boy that is just beneath the surface, ready to come out and play and entertain us all. Rick is a great actor and an incredible writer and director, and he recently landed a role in an indie feature film, The Discarded Boyz, which will be directed by Robert Townsend. He plays the head of an alternative school in North Carolina for end-of-the-line gang bangers and delinquents. Can’t wait to hear that accent!
Rick is a Second City (Chicago) alumni, and you probably have seen him in one of his many television appearances on Seinfeld, Moonlighting, Tales from the Darkside, Spin City and many others. He even played himself on Family Guy! You can find out more about Rick on his professional site or you can request to become his friend on Facebook (don’t tell him I sent you!).
Thank you, Rick.
December 3, 2010
I am in the process of working on the second edition of Little Madhouse, in which I will answer questions posed by readers and include letters and emails from fans and many of the professional testimonials I have received. Linda Purl, a veteran actor of the stage, screen and television, graciously wrote the following review for me to include.
“This is a most extraordinary book. I could not put it down. Marion firmly plants her footsteps and those of her readers on the healing path. Her book overflows with love, forgiveness, wisdom and strength. This is an important story, powerfully told! Recommend it to be read IMMEDIATELY.”
My purpose in posting this blog entry is to take the opportunity to thank Linda for the support she has given me with regards to this book. She was one of the first people to read it, to post a review on Amazon, and to make me believe it was worth the effort it would take to get it out into the world.
You may know Linda most recently from The Office or Desperate Housewives, or from her previous roles as the fiancee of Fonzie on Happy Days or Charlene Matlock on the Matlock series. She has over 100 film, television and stage credits to her name, and when she performs during her solo concerts, I think the true depth of her talent becomes even clearer.
Linda, in addition to being an incredible talent, is a kind, generous and loving human being, and I am honored to call her a friend. If you get a chance to see her in concert, you have a treat in store for you. You can read more about Ms. Purl at her Official Website.
I don’t mean to embarrass you, Linda. This just turned out to be the perfect chance for me to tell you thank you – and how much you have touched my life!
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Minnie Mouse
