just what I needed to hear; I'm struggling with so many things: children, love, money, self confidence.... I so need this, I need to trust & I need to know how to ask. Most of the time I feel guilty for asking for more because I compare myself to many others in the world who have it worse than me and I feel as if I shouldn't ask for more, as if I already have been blessed enough.

Thank you for remininding me that I deserve more and it's ok to ask....

[...] back • the challenges of work/life balance • the quadruple crisis that redirected her path • the meaning and value of surrender • the value of synchronicity • enlightened, holistic self-care • The Woman Inside project, a [...]

This was in the newsletter we just sent out today, Beth. It pretty much speaks to your question. Hope it helps, sweetie. xoxo

MojoTip: Surrender doesn't mean giving up. It means having faith.

When we hear the word "surrender," we think white flags. Giving in. Halting our efforts. Turning back. Being defeated. None of us wants that. So what do we do? We cling. We control and plan and drive and scheme. We try and fight and barrel forward. And when none of that works, ironically, we do start to feel that hopeless sense of defeat. We retreat back into our shell. We stop living. We are a society of do-ers ... believing that in order to affect change in our lives we need to plan and execute, plan and execute. If we fall short of our goal, or the picture looks different at the end of the road, we've failed. The trouble with this - besides all of time and effort and struggle it takes, not to mention the mojo-drain - is that when we become so single-minded in our purpose, we fail to see the miracles and gifts unfolding in our lives while The Thing We Hoped isn't happening.

What if we tried Owning Surrender by letting go? Not letting go of our dreams, our goals, our hopes, our relationships - but rather, letting go of how we think we can MAKE them happen. Having faith enough in the universe that what is meant for you will occur, and that your only job is to dream up the picture, intend it, bless it, and then to let go and enjoy the ride. Appreciate the bounty of what we receive in answer to our question - even if it doesn't look the same as what we had in mind.

Perhaps you clinging to some notion of what will make you happy - you're yearning for that promotion, or that marriage proposal, or that miracle cure, or that baby you're trying to conceive. Rather than trying to wrangle an outcome to match your will, I invite you to offer up this prayer. "God, grant me inner peace and the strength to surrender to the Universe. Release me from any attachment to particular outcomes and fill my heart with love and joy." Because really, what else matters in life? Peace and surrender, Lissa

You're welcome Laila. Things like this don't happen by accident, I think. It's all part of the Master Plan. We're so honored to have you here among us. Please join us at www.owningpink.com/forum There are a lot of us in our Pink Posse community learning to let go...

Lissa....beautifully said!! Love it!

Renee....you are NOT crazy at all!

My son and I had this conversation a couple of days ago. He has had a rough few years and now things are turning around. He said he finally realized that he needed to let go and live on God's plan, not his own.

I told him that I was right there with him. I can look back at so many situations in my life where I pushed and pushed things to happen. None of those things worked out...not a single one!

Letting go and letting God brings peace. I'm really liking it!

Funny thing. I have been yearning to bend the world to my will for that marriage proposal I've been wanting.

Sunday I was at church & really heard the sermon about finding peace with what God gives you, and within your self & life. That night I had a very profound dream about letting go, and letting my boyfriend take his own journey to where I am. Am I crazy to think God was speaking to me?

Lissa - you have a truly amazing perspective on life. I hope that your book is part of God's plan for you and that the editorial board sees great value in it!

Wow! You are brave! And Honest! And willing to say "Whatever the universe gives me, it will be useful. It will be just right." WOW!

Amen, Mommy! And yes, it's taken me 3 1/2 years to see any blessing in losing Dad, but in some ways, as much as I miss him and love him and wish he was here, it was a sort of opening for me. I don't believe I'd be doing what I was doing if he was still here, but because of the pain I suffered from his loss, my whole world shifted.

Thank you so much Sophie! Means so much to me. Still waiting on pub boards. But yes, as you say, I believe and my heart is where it's meant to be, I think. Now I just have to trust the Universe. Is your book out yet, fellow Monkey girl? So excited for you! xoxo

Yes, Leslee. Everything else is just our own stubborn will! And still waiting....several powers that be are still reading. I'll let you all know when I have an answer, but until then- peace.

Thanks for the wisdom, Fiona. Inspiring words. I was fortunate to get a publisher for my first book about art. Random House will publish Summer 2010. But this second one is a thorn in my side! I keep hoping if I keep on keepin' on, someone will get me. I guess I really want expert help putting out a really good book and making sure it gets right up front at Borders. But maybe that's just my silly ego talking. We'll see. I trust the process.

Thank you Cheryl!

I love it too! In my experience, we are always tested. It's like the poem I posted about following the bird.

The Appointment, by Mark Nepo

What if, on the first sunny day, On your way to work, a colorful bird Sweeps in front of you down a Street you’ve never heard of.

You might pause and smile. A sweet beginning to your day.

Or you might step into that street And realize there are many ways to work.

You might sense the bird knows Something you do not and wander after.

You might hesitate when the bird Turns down an alley. For now There is a tension: Is what the Bird knows worth being late?

You might go another block or two, Thinking you can have it both ways. But soon you arrive at the edge Of all your plans.

The bird circles back for you And you must decide Which appointment you were born to keep

My favorite line- You might go another block or two, Thinking you can have it both ways. But soon you arrive at the edge Of all your plans.

I think that's what happens. We get tested. Sometimes we must put everything on the line to display our commitment. We try to see if we can have it both ways, but it's not until we jump off the cliff with both feet that we start to fly.

This is a great reminder for me today too, as I wait to hear back on two job interviews. If I'm not supposed to have either job, if my perfect job is waiting a few months further down the road, that's fine.

It also reminds me of a quote that I've been trying to live by lately:

"Miracles happen when you have no money and no plans." - Satish Kumar

Lissa, once again, you have bravely put yourself out there and said what so many of us, me included, needed to hear. Amazing gift you have of doing this, and you are such an inspiration!

I wish you the inner peace to feel good about any outcome, and understand the white knuckles as well. Letting go is one of my challenges, and you really embody the means of doing so. I aspire to be like you in so many ways!

And by the way, I agree with Maggie - publish the first one yourself - we're all interested and would pass it on - even to Oprah! :)

All love, Alice

Lisa, you are absolutely right. As I have told some people, how often do we get the chance to breathe and think about what we want to be when we grow up? :) I have been doing quite a bit of volunteer work to keep growing my skills and I really did need a rest. :)

Publishing folks want convention because they think that's what the world wants to read. They are just scared to invest their funds into something many people (want to understand and) don't get... yet.

Books like yours are the ones that help push the world into understanding.

I pray your book gets out there as a messenger of boldness to those who are scared to get out of their boxes - - and perhaps, just perhaps, the St. Martin's board has enough of those unboxified folks to make a world-shifting decision.

Lissa,

I have no doubt your words will find many a listening ear. I'll be one of the first to purchase your new book!

Marjorie

Thank you Esther and Megan- Amen. Joy DOES lie in surrendering. How can we feel rejected if we believe things happen for a reason? I know, sometimes, it's hard to mine the gold from tragedy. But there's always a lesson to be learned, a heart to be healed, and opportunity for growth, even when we experience pain.

Simply beautiful.