Modern Table

modern table

Smells Like Teen Spirit

As a HUGE music enthusiast with the most eclectic collection of songs, my Sunday’s Lyrics was initially based on the lyrics of songs I enjoyed immensely.  I’ve shared songs that have moved me to tears like “One” and songs that inspire me to dig deep like “Ali in the Jungle.” 

Music is powerful!  It can make you happy, glad, inspired and it can heal.  Too often we may like a song without actually listening to what is being said and so I wanted to shine the light on lyrics.  Overtime I’ve expanded my Sundays to include the likes of poems and stories I’ve found inspirational or to carry a heavy meaning.  I usually write a little blurb on my interpretation of the lyrics and how I apply it to life. 

So, today I thought I’d share a song, I loved when it first came out and memorized the words long before you could “google it” to find out what was being said.  It never fails, to this day, when Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is played I’ll start singing along and someone will inevitably say “You know the words to this song???” 

See, although this song was a chart topper most people didn’t know the words to it.  And if you did you’d realize it didn’t make sense... AT ALL!  Lyrics that contradict each other and reflects meaningless (as Kurt Cobain once explained.)  Think about that for a second. 

Should songs have meaning?  And if not, why are lyrics important?

 

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (1) von Electric_Eye

Load up on guns
Bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's overborne and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word


Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello ,hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
Yay

I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
Yay

And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard it's hard to find
Oh well whatever nevermind

Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
A denial

End Table With Bamboo Top:

end table with bamboo top:

A Date with Shakespeare at the Lake

 Every year about this time, I head up to Lake Tahoe to spend time with a couple of girlfriends I have known for 18 years or more. We all lived in the same neighborhood when we met, and one of the trio, Diane, moved to Lake Tahoe about 12 years ago. Ever since, we have gotten together at Diane house which overlooks the Lake up on Kingsbury Grade.

We all have summer birthdays, so we exchange gifts the afternoon we arrive. And it never hurts to celebrate with a little wine and a few things to nosh....a little triple cream cheese with fig jam....do not mind if I do! We discovered that a few sprigs of Lemon Thyme in a dry Sauvignon Blanc is quite wonderful as well! We caught up sipping cool wine and took in the breathtaking view. The weather decided to be very kind!

 As for the gifts, we know each other very well. We all love to cook, and garden and entertain....so pretty easy to please us all. I gave the girls each a set of napkins and some great marinades for Asian cooking. Diane gave Lori and I some special herb and spice blends from her company, Heart Rock Herb and Spice Co. (ahem....we were hoping she would! They are so fantastic and makes dinner that much easier). Lori gave us beautiful candles, one shaped like a pear, and a pair of tapers...perfect for hosting that next party!

 We talked and talked while letting go of the weekday world. Pretty soon it was time to hit the hay.....

The next day we relaxed over  a breakfast of pastries from HERE and peaches from my tree HERE. Then we headed off to the Thunderbird Lodge, where Diane is Master Gardener. We never pass up an opportunity to use the beach there. It is one of the most beautiful anywhere around the lake. We caught a glimpse of the Thunderbird Yacht, the 55 foot speedboat owned by the infamous George Whittell commissioned while he was building his beautiful estate on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It was completed in 1940. The Yacht has quite a formidable history.... HERE

Diane laid out a beautiful picnic while Lori and I braved the winter melt in the Lake....yes, we went swimming. Refreshing, bracing, and one of the best parts of the weekend! (That is me on the rock out in the Lake!)

 I little more relaxing was in order before freshening up for the drive up to Incline Village, home of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. I had never been, although I had known of the Festival for years. I was so happy to get a chance to experience a little Twelfth Night with beautiful Lake Tahoe as the backdrop, stars onstage and stars overhead. If you are ever at the Lake when the Festival is open, it is not to be missed...

 It was worth the wait. The sets were exotic...

 Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek left us in stitches....

It was a beautiful performance and a beautiful night....

And this was just Saturday.......

I wish you all a beautiful weekend!

Unique Table Top Ten

Unique Table Top Ten

Mission Style Square End

Mission Style Square End

Barry Dixon Inspirations, A Give Away!

I am always excited when a new design book comes along....even more so when the book is all about a designer for whom I have the greatest admiration. Barry Dixon is a household name: listed in House Beautiful's Top 100 Designers, "A-list designer" by the Washington Post, and "2010 Hall of Fame Designer" by Home and Design magazine. The list does go on! You can imagine my excitement when I received a copy of Barry Dixon's newest book, Barry Dixon Inspirations from the kind publishers at Gibbs Smith.    

Many of you may already have Mr. Dixon's first book, Barry Dixon Interiors. If you enjoyed it, get ready for his newest work in this beautiful book. It is full of ideas that are, as the title represents, nothing less than inspiring.Written by Brian D. Coleman with beautiful photographs provided by Erik Kvalsvik, it is as beautifully put together as are the designs on its pages.

One of the the things I most admire about Barry Dixon's work is that he mixes things up: modern and traditional, refined and rustic. And he seems to do so effortlessly. That is the mark of a master...the seeming effortlessness. In the kitchen above, Mr. Dixon mixes rustic finishes with clean modern cabinets, and then throws in bar stools that reference traditional style. It all works!

 You can see Barry Dixon's attention to detail and, again, his ability to mix things up right on the front cover. At first glance, everything is of course lovely, leaning towards a tailored traditional look. But when I took a closer look, details such as the grommets on the curtains and modern drapery hardware, the contemporary lines of the sofa, and the modern accent table all combine to make the space much more interesting. And just take another look at that chandelier....fantastic!

The book is all about inspiration. It so happens, I have been working on a remodel of a house in the Sierra foothills where I am using metal panels on the face of the kitchen peninsula. My clients and I have been reviewing metal samples, and we finalized the choice today. I was inspired to include metal in the design since I had recently been looking at metal strapping that was holding together the wine barrels on a recent trip to the wine country. It is just a bit of positive reinforcement to see metal panels used in a kitchen design by Mr. Dixon pictured above.

I wanted to show you a few of the pages that inspired me. The whole book is beautiful and it was hard to narrow it down for you. These images just struck me, and all for different reasons.

 This bath looks so serene and beautiful. The 18th century marble tub is decadent and set perfectly in the symmetrical space. The exotic touches of the Ming Dynasty carved teak window screen and the inlaid mother of pearl chair transports me to another place. I love the Kathryn Ireland toile fabric on the curtains and the Walker Zanger tile floor....all so very pretty.

 Another favorite project of mine in the book is the converted brick building in Corinth Mississippi that Mr. Dixon turns into an Urban Loft. Again, Barry uses his design alchemy skills mixing up elements. He kept the walls as they were: brick with plaster worn away. He deliberately left the electrical conduit showing on the walls behind the painting...perhaps the detail I liked most in the space. He differentiates the Dining Room from other spaces by using horsehair and linen sheers keeping everything open and light. He used the open Plantation style caned back chairs with a nod to the warm Southern evenings. Southern Industrial style....a new trend?

The Master Bathroom in a home outside of Washington D.C. caught my attention because Barry used a 1930's Lucite English chair covered in zebra at the traditional vanity table. What a great way to shake things up! Just a "glass slipper" of a thrown for a lady's bathroom.

It is all in the details: the nailhead trim on the onion dome screen, the decorative tape at the bottom of the ottoman, the contrast welting on the custom designed chair and the metal chain link floor lamp....it all takes design to that next level.

 At the beginning of the book, Barry Dixon describes where he finds inspiration:

"Inspiration is everywhere. It lives in the memory of our past, the vibrancy of our present and the possibility of our future. It hides in plain sight in the view outside our window and it sits on the shelf inside our home. It lurks in foreign ports of call and waits patiently in our own backyard. It whispers to us in our dreams and screams at us in our waking moments, urging  that moment of glorious combustion when our thoughts collide to spark out imagination."

I am putting that up on my wall.

So.....have I whetted your appetites?

 I think you will be happy to know that the generous folks at Gibbs Smith have saved a copy of 

Barry Dixon Inspirations

for a lucky winner! To enter this GIVE AWAY all you need to do is:

1) become a follower by clicking the Google Followers button on my sidebar

2) Leave a comment with your contact information so I will be able to let you know if you are the winner.

3) Hop on over to the Gibbs Smith website and let me know the other books that inspire you! I am always on the lookout for great books!

I will be picking the winner Friday August 5th at 5:00 PM California time.

Good Luck to you all!

I've Discovered End Tables And

I've discovered end tables and

Single in the City - ANOTHER 8 GREAT PLACES TO MEET SOMEONE (the summer edition)

A little while ago I provided a list of 8 great places to meet someone when you are “Single in the City.”  Well, I’ve decided to revisit that list and provide you with an updated version.  It appears I may have missed some spots, and with a couple months left of summer you will want to make use of these new additions. 

ANOTHER 8 GREAT PLACES TO MEET SOMEONE

1. Golf Course – Ladies if you haven’t teed off you are missing out.  Whether you are in the club house, driving range or on the green, working on your putting skills, the golf course presents an ocean of male counterparts.  And seeing a girl hit + 200 yard tee shot or a ball lost in the trees might make you appear instantly hot or adorable.  Either way you are definitely gaining some attention.  The best time to go might depend on the golf course and the age group you are fishing for.  My suggestion is arrive early and stay late, lingering in the club house and engaging in some small talks with the passer bys.  You never know who you might meet. 

2. Cooking Class – Even if you are a queen banana bread baker and chef like me ;), taking a cooking class might be well worth it, if not to learn cooking terminology.  A recent encounter with a chef who teaches cooking classes across various cities confirmed for me what I always thought – cooking classes is a great place to meet someone.   My source revealed that he usually has an equal amount of women and men that take his classes.  The benefit of course is that, if you do meet someone you can be assured that if they can’t cook at least they are ambitious enough to learn.

3. Running Group – This is speed dating meets exercising.  Joining a running group is a great way to get fit and meet various people. You can find a running group as simples as checking out your local running shoes store, like the Running Room. You can usually run at your own pace and through partnering up enjoy some good conversations with various people.  If you don’t like who you are running with or don’t feel that spark, than that might be your insensitive to run faster and start chit chatting with another person.

4. Beach Volleyball – Does this need any further explanation???  Just get out there… Please remember to wear sunscreen though… safety first. ;)

5. Beer Store – Ladies much like golfing, this is YOUR haven.  You are likely to be the only girl in a beer store at any given time!  If you are a beer connoisseur you may be able to use that as your angle to begin small talk.  If not, go for the dark beer and or ask for help with getting that 12 pack from the top shelf and you’ll definitely have conversations coming your way.  Please note a Beer Store is NOT the same as a liquor store in the USA…. In fact, a liquor store is definitely not where you want to encourage small talks with strangers. RUN!

6. Head North - Oh, the joy of cottage living – relaxing, fun and another great place to meet someone.  However, you cannot do this by staying inside your cottage all weekend.  Head into town to the local “hot spot.”  This might be where you get great burgers, lures, or it could be the local convenient store (ok, hopefully it’s not the latter).  Something about being at the cottage typically makes people friendlier.  Engaging in small talk you might find yourself the honoured guest later that evening at a cookout or BBQ or invited on a boat ride the next day.  If you don’t have a cottage, don’t worry, rent a cottage with friends for the weekend or just head north anyways (as if you have a cottage) and hang out at the “hot spot” all weekend (but without looking creepie)…

7. Visit an Exhibit – This you can do solo, but be sure to carry yourself confidently, looking good and approachable (wear a smile).  You don’t have to be an expert or even a lover of the exhibit you are attending.  Curiosity is enough.  In fact, with curiosity you might have the courage to strike up a conversation about an exhibit piece to a stranger.  You’ll be surprised how many people may kill a weekend afternoon at an exhibit. 

8. Cocktails – Especially on a Thursday or Friday this can almost be synonymous with a meet market.  But, if you are interested in brushing up on your approachability and small talk skills this is the place.  I do suggest limiting yourself to bringing only one other friend (of the same gender).  A big group can seem intimidating for any possible suitors.  Also, location, location, location is key.  So, grab a chair close to the bar where people will be placing orders and traffic is high.  And as always, look good, approachable and wear a smile.

At the end of the day it’s all about putting yourself out there, without the stench of desperation and appearing approachable.  You might not find “The One” but you’ll be surprised at the incredible and fascinating people you’ll meet, simply by engaging in small talk.  And don’t be afraid to be the one that starts up a conversation.  One suggestion to my male readers: if a girl is responding to your small talk and you like her, don’t let it fizzle.  Ask her out!  (You’d be surprise how many guys might wimp out on this last step… you snooze you lose.)

And last but certainly not least, enjoy your time being single.  Meeting new people is also a chance to get to better know yourself.

Your Relationship Non-Expert,
Nicole

Mission Style Coffee And End Table Set With Cool Little

Mission style coffee and end table set with cool little

LONDON 2012 Olympic Games, ARE YOU GOING??

With 1 year and 1 day to the start of the 2012 London Olympic Games the magic question we athletes can anticipate hearing (possibly daily) is “Are you going to be competing in the Olympic Games?”

It is a question that can conjure excitement and anxiety.  For athletes in an amateur, where attention may be limited to our pursuits every 4 years, it is nice to see this interest in our endeavors.  But, at the same time the road to getting to the Olympic Games isn’t nessarily as simple as a yes/no answer.  There is a little thing called selection, and depending on your sport may involve politics, standards and performance at a National Championship.

In Athletics (Track & Field) we are actually the last sport to name our team.  Which means, while our fellow athletes in other sports may punched their tickets to the big dance as early as October of this year, we have to wait until one month before the start of London 2012, before knowing if we will be going.

Pretty incredible, eh?  But, this is a reflection of the selction process in Athletics demanding fitness and competitive level demonstrated closer to the start of the games.  A LOT can and will happen within a year.  My 12 years as a professional athlete has taught me that.  So, by the time May 2012 roles around that question “Are you going to be competing in the Olympic Games?” can be met with a lot of stress, because the real answer is most Athletic athletes don’t know for certain. 

Yet, at the same time, as athletes we must prepare as if we KNOW we are going.  Because if you can’t see it happening than your chances for its occurrence is unlikely… I believe. 

For some athletes being an Olympian is all that they may strive for, but for many the journey doesn’t end there.  It is all about performance AT the Olympic Games.  Not, surprising once someone finds out you are going to the Olympic Games, their next question is “Are you going for gold?”  Clearly, not everyone who goes to the Olympic Games will medal, but in an event which gathers the very best athletes across various sports, whose every fibre is about competing, I have to believe most athletes share the goal of going for the gold.  That’s what championships are about, to see who can perform on THAT given day.

The saying “success isn’t about the destination but rather about the journey” never meant so much to me, until in 2008, after failing to make the Olympic Games three times before I finally was named to the Olympic Games team.  And even now has I prepare for London 2012, this journey for success has taken on a brand new meaning… But, that's what success is all about, I guess.

One last note, we should never forget those who come up short with qualifying for the Olympic Games.  Most Olympians, at one point have worn those shoes. Indeed, it is also apart of the journey, and only breathes more life into the term perseverance. 

The Summer Olympic Games happens every 4 years and for 2 weeks the world seems to stand still.  But, for us the athletes, this journey to the Olympic Games is one taking longer than 4 years… maybe more than a decade for some of us.  And we look to the Olympic Games with appreciation, excitement, determination and courage to display our passion and ability to the world on the grandest stage of all, the Olympic Games.

London 2012, I’m coming for you,

Nicole

Mission Style Side Tables In

Mission Style side tables in

Sorry, I Can't Be Anymore Real Than I am - ACHTUNG, Baby!

“Measure your success not by comparing your achievements to others, but by how close you approach your own potential. You may discover you’ll surpass exceptional along the way."  ~ Nicole Forrester

Last week, I wrote a blog about being real, and as I anticipated I was challenged about my own authenticity.  It was from someone who didn’t know me, nor followed my blogs to know of the various tell-all blogs I’ve shared.  Just someone, who probably looked at a profile picture of me and assumed I was filled with self-conceit.

What I took from that comment, was the importance to impress upon all that I do not wish for anyone to envy my life.   I wish only to be an example of the different cards life can hand us and what is possible, in spite of setbacks or rare beginnings. 

I've been deliberate in my use of social media to show all sides of myself, while also daring to discuss those taboo topics.  It's actually a tough line to tow sometimes, because of the various hats I wear, but at the end of the day I don't want to be shackled by a false version of myself.  I just want to be me... outspoken, silly, humerous, academically minded, consummate multitasker and whatever else that includes.

Some stuff I’ve shared have been good and some of it bad , including going to the Olympic Games, finding a lump in my breast, being diagnosed with 20 brain lesions, my struggles with the high jump, my love of track and field, my hot dates with Mr. Dissertation, taboo topics/opinions and most recently my challenge with overcoming a serious foot injury and the list continues to grow.  My quest is not to be envied or declare my excellence, but just to be REAL.  This is me. 

In fact, the vice of envy and feeling not enough irritates me to no ends.  It is for that reason, (I’m ashamed to admit it, but) I am actually not fond of beauty pageants and anything that evaluates beauty.  Particularly, because of the message it sends to young girls… wishing they looked a certain way.  I know this, because I was one of those little girls. (This is actually an interesting story, I’ll have to blog about another time… especially considering I use to model.)

I don’t wish to create an image of myself that I can’t live up to.  Nor do I wish anyone to ever put me on a pedestal, because I will certainly be knocked off it at some point.   I wish only for people to recognize the sky is the limit and that anything is possible for anyone.  I mean if I can be discovered working at McDonald’s and go onto becoming an Olympian, who knows what is possible for anyone else.  And make no mistake, all that I have achieved and I am achieving I’ve had to work hard for. 

I cannot express enough my belief that we are each equipped to do amazing things in life.  No one should ever look upon another and wish they had their life.  Your life is amazing, and may be on the verge of blossoming. And if anyone makes you feel less of yourself or that you should envy them, DON’T!  They are probably far from being authentic and happy with whom they are. 

Any confidence you desire must come from the inside – by you recognizing how truly amazing you are, while also remembering to not compare yourself to others. Indeed there is room for the spotlight of success to shine on everyone.  You don’t have to put out someone’s light to make your's brighter than theirs.

It is my hope that my actions may inspire others, cause no harm and demonstrate my authenticity; for I am certainly far from perfect.

Measuring myself against myself,

Nicole

P.S.  Ok... Well, there may be one thing I'll stand on a soapbox and proclaim my excellence for... and compare it to Perdita Felicien's dry bread... My incredible Banana Bread...lol  :) You might have to taste it to believe it!   ;)

A Good Size For End Table,

a good size for end table,

Sunday's Lyrics - PAID IN FULL

Something to make us think... 

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited  signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning  of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and  told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me  a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book. 

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at  his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears,  he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read  those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible.

It  had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports  car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

~Author Unknown

Coffee Table X3d 44" X 22" X3d $85

Coffee Table x3d 44" X 22" x3d $85

Stickley Mission Oak End

Stickley Mission Oak End

These End Tables Are From Our

These end tables are from our

THE WINDOW

A Touching Story About the Pursuit of Happiness...

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man  was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and   families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military  service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the  man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where  his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and  color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while  children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite  detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.  Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive  words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see  anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt  ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He   began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that  window - and that thought now controlled his life.

Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window  began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man   watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking  stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.

The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no  words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he  could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his   first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

Moral of the story:

The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.

The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like   programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips  just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.

~AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Big Things

This is what it is like in my head

I have to apologize....things have been a mite busy of late. But it will all be revealed soon....I promise!

Here is a hint. In part, it has to do with THIS.

I am very excited. (Ahem....an understatement!)

I hope you will stay tuned!

Laptop Storage End Table.

Laptop Storage End Table.

GET REAL: Being Authentic - ACHTUNG SERIES!

There is something incredibly refreshing about people who are real.  Over the years, I have found myself creating a circle of friends who are pretty real.  I always know where I stand with them.  Sure, there may be times I don’t like what they have to say and it may sting, but with time (usually 24hrs) I see their side, and often they were right. 

Sadly, far too many people hide behind masks, in an attempt to present their version of their “best self.”  What any and everyone wants is to feel like they matter…like they are important.  And through hiding behind these masks people attempt to gain that validation.  However, if you aren’t being authentic then people can’t really get to know and enjoy YOU.  Moreover, fake attracts fake… so if you are being inauthentic, well guess what?  You are going to attract friends, people and things that are inauthentic. 

Come on that’s not really living!

The notion of keeping up with the Joneses reflects this need by some to present an image of importance.  Think about it – sometimes people are so busy trying to provide the appearance that their life is so amazing and superior to others and one to be envied.  Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Myspace and other social networks have become a perfect means of self-promotion and feeding this narcissistic behaviour.  But, the truth of the matter is anyone who is concerned more with appearing important and vying for validation from others, probably should be pitied.  This goes right back to my previous blog on pride.

People who are truly fulfilled in themselves do not have to stand from a soapbox and declare their excellence.  They are not concerned with appearing superior to anyone else.  In fact, they enjoy the success and improvements of those around them.  They are clear on who they are and what they believe in.  And their actions are not second guessed by what they anticipate the assessments of others might be.  They are authentic.

Last week, we lost Betty Ford and wise and brave woman.  I have much respect and love for her authenticity.  Her ability to honestly state her position on issues considered taboo during her time.  There was no mincing of words with her and you always knew where she stood.  The world should be so inclined to experience more authentic people.

I truly believe by being authentic and real you encourage others to be the same.  And really be loved, appreciated and of importance for WHO they really are and NOT how they think they should be.

Often, when I’m not sure upon an action I’m about to take I’ll take time to question my motive.  And if my motive is about currying favour for a measured appearance, I know that that action is not correct.  I encourage you to do the same and to go so far to ask how “real” are the people you surround yourself with? 

Getting Real,

Nicole