Overstuffed 4″ x 6″ sheer organza bag with drawstring, filled with about 1 cup of luscious 100% certified organic lavender and liberally sprinkled with exquisite lavender essential oils. Scent small spaces with the soothing fragrance of lavender….
This piping hot slice of toast is pretty hard to miss on your desktop. You’ll always be able to put your fingers on a buttery little self-stick note when you need one. Toasted Notes comes with 5 handy-pads in each pack….
Tasty and nutrition-free as a snow cone on a hot summer day, Wet Hot American Summer is a silly, hilarious throwback to those mildly smutty early-’80s teen comedies. It takes place on the last day of Camp Firewood’s 1981 season, and it’s everyone’s last chance for romance, self-realization, and of course the Big Talent show. The movie is filled with brilliant comic performances; it looks like the …
Bob Hope puts his best talents forward as Nicky Nelson, a fast-talking promoter with more angles than a funhouse. Originally titled Some Like It Hot (and since renamed for obvious reasons), the film follows the desperate schemes of a would-be entrepreneur seemingly on the verge of success. He’s got Gene Krupa’s band under his management and he’s in love with aspiring singer Shirley Ross, but after…
February is the month of love. It even includes an entire day that is set aside simply for the purpose of making grand gestures of romance and love. Valentine’s Day has been around for centuries.
One story of the origin of Valentine’s Day dates back to the 3rd century AD. Father Valentine, a Roman priest, defied what he believed was an unjust law of his day that forbade marriage and secretly married young lovers. For this he was sentenced to death, was martyred two centuries later and became one of the most popular saints of France and Italy.
LOVE
This thing called love receives more and more notice in most every area of life. Spiritual traditions have long claimed love to be at the core of healing and happiness. Philosophers have written of three types of love called eros, agape and philia. Medical research has produced scientific findings that love improves our health – it changes us on a cellular level, enhances our immune and cardiovascular systems, and increases our endorphins. A recent Oprah show highlighted a group of middle aged women who attributed their vitality and success to doing what they love. And the Law of Attraction that is rapidly gaining attention identifies love as a high energy emotion that transforms not only the “lover” but those near and far. As well it has the greatest attraction power of any energy.
ROMANCE
Since this is February I want to talk about the love celebrated in February, love that is distinguished by the “Big R word” – Romance. As I write this I am reminded that I don’t hear or read very much anymore about romance, except for a week or two around Valentine’s Day. I think something is amiss. Who doesn’t, if you are truly honest with yourself, desire more romance in your life?
Think of it. Romance is romance because of an array of delicious qualities such as genuine curiosity, adoring attention, expression of deep affection and passionate emotional involvement. Pretty good so far, don’t you think? There’s more. Romance is filled with charm and excitement. There is play, intense pleasure, profound interest and adoration. In romance one’s best self naturally shines forth, as well as the ability to see the magnificence in another. As I expect you know, there is a great deal of energy in romance – energy of vitality, passion and aliveness. Now I ask you again, “Who wouldn’t want more of that?” If you’re counting, count me in.
HOW TO HAVE MORE
The next question becomes “how?” Before answering this question, I want to remind you that any “great” relationship requires several things, one of which is romance. Now let’s get back to the question at hand, “What does it take to have more romance in my relationships?” First, let’s go back to the wisdom of Saint Valentine. He followed his heart not the dictates of something he didn’t believe in. So follow the desires of your heart, rather than the commands of “shoulds.” Second, choose to “become the Cupid in your own life.” Cupid, the Roman winged god of love, who shot his arrows of desire into unsuspecting persons has long been a symbol for Valentine’s Day. As Cupid, you get to shoot your arrows wherever you want. What relationship in your life would you like infused with more romance?
There is the obvious area of intimate relationships, whether with a long term partner or spouse, someone you are dating, or maybe even someone you are interested in but haven’t yet let them know. Is there still romance in your marriage or long term relationship? If yes, be grateful for it every day and keep doing what you’re doing that keeps romance alive. If not, let this month of love be the month to reclaim and re-ignite the playful, passionate aliveness of romance with some gesture that lets your partner know that you “see” and adore them. You can even do this with someone you are dating or begin with someone you are interested in. And there is always the long-stemmed red rose, ever the symbol of love and romance. Whatever you do, do it authentically – put your playful, thoughtful, passionate heart in it!
What about your business or career? Might it be time to start romancing your work or your business? Spend some time here with your full attention, appreciation and curiosity. What is one passionate action that would create a spark in this area of your life? Do that by Valentine’s Day. What is the particular charm or uniqueness of your work or business, even if dormant right now? Highlight that in your planning and next steps.
There are many relationships in your life that could be transformed by a little romance besides those I already mentioned – even those with money and time for starters. They all have one common denominator – You. Maybe now is the time to start some “serious” romancing of yourself? How much adoring attention, genuine curiosity and profound interest do you have for you? When was the last time you took time to “see” who you really are and what’s most important to you, or consciously gifted yourself with pleasure? Please take out your calendar and highlight an evening or an afternoon during the week of Valentine’s Day that you will treat yourself to a romantic date with “you” to do, be or have whatever strikes your romantic fantasy. And then, make it a habit.
THE THREE M’S OF ROMANCE
Romance requires that you take time, slow down and pay attention. And if romance strikes your fancy, remember that what you give your attention to grows stronger in your life.
I want to leave you with the three “M’s” of Romance – magic, mystery & miracles. These have to be present for real romance to occur. While science continually strives to “know” and find answers to or reasons for everything in life, I invite you to also allow for magic, mystery & miracles which provide much of the spice in life and the romance in love. Make sure to invite these into the Dance of Romance!
Enjoy this month, and beyond, of romance. And remember, You are a natural! You are brilliant! You are magnificent! Simply by being you. Let your light shine!
If you’d like to speak with me about connecting with your passion and creating a life and business you love, call today for a 30 – minute complimentary consultation @ 617-524-6153.
About the Author
Reggie Odom LICSW, CPCC, PCC is the founder of Inspired Works a Life Coach, inspirational speaker, and lecturer at Simmons College School of Social Work. She is considered a master teacher and unforgettable speaker. Reggie coaches professionals and practice-based entrepreneurs who want more joy and greater aliveness. http://www.reggieodom.com
Chatrapathi Full Movie – Part 13/16 (English Subtitles)
Although scarcely seen in its original 3-D, and entirely out of sight for a decade and a half after its producer-star died, Hondo has maintained a high rep among John Wayne fans–and it wasn’t even directed by Howard Hawks or John Ford. (Actually, Ford did shoot some second-unit stuff while visiting Wayne on location.) Half-breed Hondo, companioned only by an antisocial dog, tends to be more sympa…
Grand Arts resident artist’s show centers on cowboys, the frontier and spirits
Ryan Mosley got a huge bounce several years ago, when mega collector Charles Saatchi bought seven of his paintings. In May, Mosley spent a month making paintings at Grand Arts, using its main gallery as a studio. Very silly video about very silly Harlequin romance movies…
VC1272 -Gallery wrapped canvas -Artist enhanced giclee -Hand signed -Canvas only, no frame included -Overall dimensions: 40” H X 30” W X 1.5” D Special Features: -Primary color: green -Secondary color: beige -Floral art -Designed to go with any decor -Wired to hang -Great for any room: living rooms, bathrooms, and more…
The Australian Winds of Jarrah was inspired by a “Harlequin Romance” novel. Running away from a failed romance, stunning Englishwoman Susan Lyons heads to 19th century Australia. Here she pulls a “Jane Eyre”, becoming nanny for the children of woman-hating Terence Donovan. The tried-and-true formula soon kicks in, and a bodice-ripping affair commences. Sure, Winds of Jarrah is trash…but it’s cla…
The music of romance can dance the blues away. Following an injury, prima ballerina Andrea DeCaro forsakes her career to pursue the dream of starting her own inner-city ballet troupe. Bold and charismatic Rick Petersen – a blues guitarist and noisy neighbor at the dance studio – admires her vision but brashly questions her determination to carry it out. Closed-captioned….
Art imitates life in this romantic comedy, which casts Reynolds and Hawn as a successful Hollywood screenwriting team. Their harmonious working and romantic relationship goes south when they decide to get married after years of living together. Written by and based on the lives of writers Barry Levinson and Valerie Curtin, the film is a decidedly bittersweet affair: after all, Levinson and Curtin …
This unique old time radio DVD collectible features 5 digitized reels of classic Lorna Doone Romance radio broadcasts and over 4 Hours 23 Minutes of total running time on 1 DVD. Take a journey back through radio broadcasting history with this large audio library of OTR memorabilia. The golden age of old time radio has been rescued, digitized, and packaged into a gift set that any classic radio lov…
BabyGenius offers an exciting assortment of the highest quality, award-winning music. Children discover the magical genius of Mozart, the musical brilliance of Vivaldi, the enchanting sounds of nature, favorite nursery rhymes, the soothing seranade of Spanish guitars and much more! Classical music arrangements are selected by Jack Allen from Minnesota Public Radio….
Full title – Simply The Best – Classical Passion – Music For Classic Lovers. This 2 CD album from Warner Music features 24 classical melodies to help you and the one you love, stimulate your senses. Slipcase. Warner. 2003. …
Ian Kerner, the author of the much acclaimed “She Comes First” and the “New York Times” extended list bestseller “Be Honest-You’re Not That Into Him Either”, and his team of experts investigate dating dilemmas to equip you with the skills you need so you’re never again a dating victim. Are your friends tired of hearing about your constant dating dramas? Do you no longer trust your own judgment? Ha…
The greatest gift we can give one another in a relationship is our true selves – being who we are. For some this is not difficult, but for most it takes practice to take off the masks and become real.
At first it can seem frightening to stop playing games, and just be. However, much of the trouble that arises in relationships is because we are unwilling to do this. We think the games we play protect us, though they are actually the cause of the problems we have. Our need for real contact is so strong that when it is not there, our partner can easily feel lonely, rejected or as though they don’t matter much.
There are all kinds of ways we keep the games going. Instead of finding out who our partner truly is, or what they really need from us, when something happens we don’t like, we rush to label them. They become an object to us, a stranger, or opponent in some way. Before we give them a chance to reveal themselves, we throw them away. In this way we constantly separate ourselves from one another and then wonder why we feel so alone.
The biggest need we all have is to stop playing games, trust who we are and realize that each person who comes into our lives is there for a reason; they are worth knowing truly. We must learn to build bridges between ourselves and them; allow open communication to take place. When we are unwilling to do this, it is usually because we are hiding, afraid of being known.
How To Let Go of The Games We Play
To start on our journey of becoming real, it is useful to look closely at the roles we play—the fantasies we so cherish. These roles are often exactly what get in our way.
Roles can be hypnotic, it is easy to fall in love with a role or fantasy and begin to believe it is who we truly are. Or, more commonly, we fall in love with the role someone else is playing, become mesmerized by it and have no idea at all who the real person is. When that happens, we are not falling in love with the person, but with the fantasy they are creating for us. It can and does come as quite a shock when things change and, one day, we find out who they truly are. At this point, many relationships get rocky.
There are many reasons it may feel dangerous to let go of a role or image. For some, the idea of being true has become confused with the idea of being selfish, not caring about the feelings of others. Oddly enough, just the opposite is so. When we are able to respond truthfully, real caring can begin to arise.
On the other hand, when we act from our roles and games, we are implicitly demanding this kind of false response from others. This way of relating is deadening; and takes the enthusiasm, fun and aliveness away. Everything becomes predictable. Boredom sets in.
The biggest danger of being lost in a role is that we lose touch with the reality of who we really are and what’s going on, both for ourselves and others. An incredible amount of misunderstanding comes about when we are glued to a particular fantasy or role. Unglue yourself a little.
In order to unglue ourselves from the usual roles we play, it is helpful to step into another’s shoes. Try seeing the situation from your partner’s point of view. Pretend you are them for a few moments; what would you need or want if that were true? Look at yourself through their eyes. You may be in for quite a surprise. As our compassion for and understanding of others increases, our stereotyped reactions melt away.
We constantly need to broaden our horizons. No relationship can stay the same forever. If it does grow, it begins to fade. If we do not expand, we begin to atrophy as well. As we become real and respond from the truth of who we are, a sense of fresh possibilities, flexibility and aliveness comes to us. It brings excitement and adventure as well. This a sure fire way to bring the greatest gift, both to others and to ourselves.
Cc/author/2007
About the Author
Discover the surprising truths about love that will save your relationship, in Dr. Shoshanna’s top e-book Save Your Relationship (21 Basic Laws of Successful Relationships). http://www.truthaboutlove.com. Psychologist, relationship expert, speaker, and noted author has helped thousands become stable, strong and fulfilled. Get free ezine and reports at http://www.brendashoshanna.com. Contact at : topspeaker@yahoo.com
CAAM interview with Gene Rhee of THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE
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