When I was a little girl, my mom would drag me to the stores while she shopped and I’d amuse myself by looking at stuff. I was just learning to read and was always thrilled to find items with “Pat. Pending” on the label. I didn’t know what “Pending” meant, and had no idea that the “Pat.” actually referred to patent applications, but I loved being able to read my own name on so many things!
When I was trying to come up with a name for this blog, it occurred to me that besides being kind of cute and clever (at least to me), Pat Pending is also the perfect description of where I was in my life at that time. A few years before, I had left a long-time job and career with no earthly idea of what I was going to do next. I was…pending. And the truth is, I probably always will be. Are any of us ever really finished? So, with that in mind, I offer some reflections and revelations that occur as I pend.
My Angel Card today was "Joy". I always love getting that card because it seems so positive and, well, joyful. But as I meditated on it, I realized that joy is something pretty foreign to me. I have never been what I would call a joyful or even - this may surprise some - a […]
I've been thinking a lot about freedom lately. Not on the national or global level, but in a very personal sense. Freedom is extremely important to me and has been ever since I can remember. As a child, I hated going to school, not because I didn't enjoy learning or wasn't a good student, but […]
As I mentioned last time, I'm using my Angel Cards to help me recognize and receive the gifts that come to me every day. And as predicted last time, I have recently received the gift of Understanding. I think now I understand why it's been so difficult for me to receive - really receive - […]
During this season of giving, my spiritual director, Jean, wants me to begin receiving. Come to find out, receiving is very difficult for me. Who knew? Oh, I have no problem accepting presents on Christmas or my birthday - in fact, I love 'em! But really taking in the "gift" of the present or the […]
Last night I had more "full length" dreams than I remember ever having in my life. Usually I don't share my dreams with others, because I imagine they're boring and useless to anyone but me. But two of them were especially vivid and memorable, so if you happen to be interested in dreams, or curious […]
Last night I had more "full length" dreams than I remember ever having in my life. Usually I don't share my dreams with others, because I imagine they're boring and useless to anyone but me. But two of them were especially vivid and memorable, so if you happen to be interested in dreams, or curious […]
I’m at the beach during these last few days of the paid part of my “sabbatical”, and I’m considering some of the things I have learned during these four months of down time. Some I got from friends or read in a book, others were whispered in my ear by “The Spooks”, but all have […]
In my quest for personal growth and happiness, I have developed three rules for myself: 1. No Pretend Conversations. That means not allowing a make-believe dialogue to run in my head. You know the kind I mean. Where you think of all the things you "coulda/shoulda" said in a past interaction with another person. Or […]
I need to slow down. People have been telling me that for years. I tend to move, think and speak pretty fast. I’m usually in a hurry. I form opinions and make decisions instantly. I say the first think that comes into my head. I don’t know if it’s nervous energy, an active mind, or […]
When I was laid off from my job, I was given a “transition package” – a few months of salary and benefits which allowed me to rest, relax and consider my options without having to worry about income. It was the gift of time. But as the days and then weeks passed amazingly quickly, I […]