The other day I looked at Spencer (my 5lb Papillion, human dog) and got teary eyed.  Spencer is nine (10 on 7/2/07) years old, and I try very hard not to worry about his health.  Instead, I thoroughly enjoy and cherish, with a warm heart, who he is. 

It is the happiest feeling in the world to come home and be greeted by him.  As soon as I lock my car (and the horn honks), I hear him start barking in the house.  He eagerly awaits my arrival, and can’t wait for me to get in the house.  How precious is that. 

He gets out of the way as I toss my lunch box and purse to the top of the stairs, and then comes to give me kisses. This is our routine.  I love how he stands there and looks at me, just watching.  Wherever he is, he positions himself so he can watch me.  Sometimes when I am on the toilet (I know, too much information) he comes in and stands with his back to me, and he faces the door.  He is guarding me.  How precious is that, that this tiny 5 lb dog would risk his life for me.  Wow, how can I not love him so much.

Also, we play catch.  I’m at the bottom of the stairs, he at the top, and I toss a little cat ball to him.  He hits it in the air with his nose so it comes back to me in the  air and I catch it.  He could do this for hours.

Spencer also knows sign language, and responds perfectly with a bark to the sign for “more” and “speak”.  He used to roll over, but now he refuses, and growls at me when I try to make him do it.  Don’t know what’s up with that.  Another unique and very cute thing he does is bring me several pieces of food out of his dish.  I will say, Spencer, go get mama some food (several times), and he brings it and drops in in front of me.  Then I make him do tricks and feed them to him.

I try to enjoy him with out worrying about the future, but the truth is, sometimes I do.  I worry about how I’m going to fall apart when he will no longer be in my life.  I will miss every one of these routines we have that create our wonderful relationship.  I will miss his company, and how he gets me outside of myself, and how he teaches me to love.

It is so sad that these wonderful creatures are with us for such a short time.  Unlike my two birds (another post…) Krioni and Kinsasha who will out live me.  Spencer, If I’m really blessed, will be here for 17 years.

Please share your comments about your pet.

Blessings,
Patricia

Family Child Care Providers:

I am teaching a 2.5 hour workshop at the Child Care Resources Family Child Care Conference on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the Red Lion Bellvue Inn.  The conference  is from 8-4:30.  Registration deadline is May 25th.  Call Child Care Resources if you want to attend. 

My workshop is on Extraordinary Self Care, uncovering your Core Heart Essence, (CHE).  Here’s the description:

The pressures of daily living cause us to switch on autopilot and not be purposeful in what we do.  Deeply connecting with and caring for ourselves becomes buried beneath layers of “to-do” lists, stress and the usiness of life.  In this workshop you will gain clarity about your Core Heart Essence, CHE, and learn to make conscious, purposeful life decisions in support of who you are.  You will create a self care plan that honors your CHE.  You will love this workshop, guaranteed!

Blessings,

Patricia

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I gave a motivational speech to approximately 90 business owners at the Tour of Homes gathering, at Bates College in Tacoma, WA. These, mostly women attendees are a group of kind, compassionate, caring, and concerned individuals, committed to improving the lives of children and families.

What an important “calling” they have, to influence and teach the young children who will be our leaders tomorrow.  Performing this kind of work takes lots of motivation. 

My speech was on Motivation, which can be a challenge for many of us.  Even so, it is critical to our existence. Without motivation, nothing could be accomplished.  Books would not be written, children would not be born.  Houses would not be built, and child care facilities would never be attended. 

Here are some excerpts from my speech, including “Tips” to stay motivated from highly successful people, and some self reflection questions for you at the end:

One powerful characteristic of highly motivated people is their strong conviction that they will succeed.  They possess a fierce determination to achieve success, and they are committed and do what ever it takes, including overcoming obstacles in order to reach their goals.

Three Tips:

1. Surround our office or living space with evidence of our success, such as photos, certificates, and awards. Make a point of looking at them often to remind yourself of your success, and this will inspire you toward future action.

2. Take control of your SELF-TALK.  Many of us say negative, demeaning and cruel things to ourselves, and we are not aware of it.  Start talking to yourself the way you would someone you deeply care about. Be encouraging and positive with yourself.  How would you encourage and motivate a friend? What would you say?

3. Use the power of VISUALIZATION to help you stay motivated.  This is a widely utilized method to help athletes improve their performance and can help us too.  Visualize your success, in vivid details, and lin iving color.  Add your senses, feelings, seeing, hearing too.  Do this on a regular basis and see how your life changes.

Consider the following questions:

   1.  How are you affected by failure and setbacks?
   2   How do you benefit by being motivated?
   3.  What will it take to overcome these obstacles?
   4.  What will you begin?

Abundant Blessings,
Patricia

Your comments & feedback are always welcome and encouraged. For an appointment call 206-459-2898 or e-mail me at:   patricia@integritylifecoach.com   Home page http://www.integritylifecoach.com Copyright© 2007 Patricia Eslava Vessey…All Rights Reserved
 

To all the Mothers in the world, Happy Mother’s Day.

May you know you are deeply loved and appreciated not only today, but everyday. The work you do today shapes the future of humankind. This is not only an awesome responsibility, it is very difficult one. May those around you recognize this and support you in many ways.

Finally, may you be strengthened in body, mind and spirit for this most important role, and may you dwell in joy, peace, love and contentment always.

Blessings to you, Patricia

Hi everyone and Happy Spring!

I absolutely love this time of the year, I think it’s my favorite.  The cherry, crab apple andmagnolia trees are in full bloom in the Northwest, and so are the goregous tulips and  rhododendrons. I don’t know why it is, but every year my appreciation for the new life in the springtime grows. 

I created a new Spring ritual for myself recently.  Every time I go outside to get in my car or get out of my car to come into the house, I take a few minutes to stand under the vast array of blossoms from our extraordinarily amazing decorative cherry tree.  I gaze up at the beautifully formed and perfect flowers, and I reach up and touch one.  In doing this I am filled with appreciation at the wonder and beauty that fills the earth.

This ritual allows me to step outside my busy schedule, and bring something new into my life.  It gives me a fresh perspective and expands my view of the world, and my life.

What new Spring ritual are you willing to create in your life? Will you take a different route to work, go for a walk at lunchtime, spend more play time with your kids, or take time to smell the flowers?  What?

Blessings,
Patricia