True Love for Christmas

Photo Credit: Deviant Art

Hello, my name is Anna. And, I am totally in love.

This is that special kind of love you want to shout from the rooftops so loud that every ear in the whole wide neighborhood perks up. The kind of love that makes you feel like a comic book superhero with the power to evade sleep simply because of a pure and profound joy. I seem to have acquired a giant grin that has taken up a permanent residence from cheek to cheek from which a bubbling, seemingly contagious giggle is nearly impossible to contain. I've been praying for this kind of love. This once in a lifetime, head over heels, nothings-gonna-stop-me-now kind of love.

*happy dance!*

Yeah. Love does funny things to a person. Every sense is heightened – you begin to notice the flashy deep red of the Christmas wreath bow; the soft pitter-patter of the cool, December rain on the window pane; the sweet aroma of golden caramels still fresh and sticky at The Local Store; the lingering embrace of a dear friend complete with an extra tight squeeze to anchor in the feelings of tenderness and warmth; the icy light surprise of snowflakes landing upon your tongue, instantly enlivening every taste bud as you open your mouth wider and extend your tongue out longer to capture even more of the delicately wrapped, teeny tiny masterpieces falling quietly from heaven above.

Love makes everything more beautiful, more vibrant, more thrilling. And, this thing, this glorious thing we call love comes in many forms – and often, when you least expect it.

I wasn't really looking for it. You know, “love.” I had flown down (on my own dime) to Boca Raton, Florida to volunteer my time and talents at a major, 11 day event. My purpose for being there was relatively simple. I was there to help setup, organize, and serve over 2,700 participants in any way, shape or form at a seminar entitled “Date with Destiny” led by the world renowned Anthony Robbins.

Photo Credit: Tony Robbins

A date with who, where and a what now?

First of all, who is Destiny? And why the hell do 2,700 people from 71 countries all over the world want to date her? More importantly, can I have what she's having??

Two years ago, I attended this same seminar and, truth be told, life has never been the same again. It's difficult to put into words how a six day seminar can all of a sudden rocket your life along the path that you have always wanted to be on. Are you struggling with your health, relationships, or business? Get to this seminar. Are you filled to the brim with life as is and want more of all the good the Universe has to offer? Buy a freakin' ticket and watch your bucket overflow. The distinctions you uncover, the multiple breakthroughs you experience (and yes, as Tony will tell you, even men can have multiple breakthr“Oooh...”s), and the extraordinary PEOPLE you meet are what makes this a life changing, monumental event. The staff, the volunteer crew, and the 2,700 participants from all over the world gather together for the same reason – to take their life to the next level*.

The amount of growth, love, and connection that one receives following this seminar is nothing short of earth shattering. Hell, make that sun shattering. It's as though life suddenly bursts open with brilliant rays of adventure and opportunity, each glowing streak leading you down a golden path of discovery with treasures you never dreamed possible along the way to collect as you journey forward. Because, life is all about the journey, not the destination. And yet, there is a destiny that has been masterfully designed for each one of us. And, it's our responsibility to live out our ultimate destiny. And sometimes, we just need a little nudge or perhaps a swift kick in the bum to steer us down the right road.

So this year, in gratitude, I wanted to give back to the experience that gave me so much. Plus, there is no number of energy drinks, pre-workout scoops, or cups of espresso that come close to giving you the same electrifying buzz as a Tony Robbin's seminar. Trust me. Pair that with nearly two weeks to soak in the Florida sun during the dreary Wisconsin winter, and it was a no brainer.

From December 6^th to December 17^th, I found myself living almost entirely in the moment. An 11 day blur of totally magnetic soul connections and bringing conversations to a depth that cultivates a phenomenal understand of the human heart. I shared hugs, laughter, tears, and Florida's grandest frozen hot chocolate. I was finally able to give myself permission to let go of past hurts and emotional angst that has plagued me for far too long. And then, I forgave myself for holding on to that pain. The decision to love mySELF and fully open my heart to the beauty that surrounds me came so organically that I hardly noticed. Until I really noticed. I was asking mySELF with love and affection, “How can I embrace, even more, God's pure love and divine guidance right now?” I had fully integrated my mission into my body, mind, and soul and was experiencing the pure grace of LIVING my life's purpose.

“I, Anna, see, hear, feel, and know 

that the purpose of my life is to 

radiate joy, love, and gratitude 

for God, myself, and others.”

I have fallen head over heels in love with ME. I have a lightness in my heart, a skip in my step, and a sparkle in my eye that I've perhaps experienced before, but never fully embodied or even celebrated for that matter. But by God, I'm celebrating now! And, fair warning, this love stuff is HIGHLY contagious. And, I'm prepared to spread it to the masses.

Wishing you and yours heaps of joy, love, and gratitude this Christmas season.

With abundant love,

Anna

*An Invitation to You:  If you are interested in learning more about "Date with Destiny" or desire to attend any one of Tony Robbin's seminars, please contact me.

My First Meeting

Hello, my name is Anna. And, I am a compulsive overeater.

Nearly every Thursday these days, I attend our local Overeaters Anonymous meeting. The room is simple. There is a long folding table surrounded with seven tan, metal fold up chairs with faded pink floral seat cushions. The bookshelf is stacked with books and other OA literature for purchase or to borrow. Tacked on the bulletin board are a few special event flyers. A metallic gray boombox perches on one end of the table.

In conjunction with the layout of the small room, the format of the OA meeting is also simple. One of the members will voluntarily serve as the leader, and we typically take turns with reading or listen to a pre-recorded speaker. To begin the meeting, we recite the Serenity Prayer together. Then, we are asked to go around the room and introduce ourselves. It is here that each person states their first name only (per the tradition of anonymity) and introduces their addiction - compulsive overeater, sugar addict, bulimic, and/or anorexic.

Photo Credit: Empehi Blog

The memory of my first meeting is still fresh in my mind. I was nervous and anxious. I felt like “fresh blood” entering a room of seasoned and presumably “cured” overeaters. The members were welcoming, unassuming, and non-judgmental. And yet, I felt the heat rise high in my cheeks and my palms bead with sweat when I was asked to introduce myself. I had a momentary battle in my mind – even if I really WAS a compulsive overeater (I was still totally convinced I just lacked willpower and self-control), then why in the world would I openly identify, even label myself, as one? Doesn't coming to this meeting fix overeating? Certainly there would be strategies, goal setting, diet plans, weigh-ins and pats on the back that I would soon learn to end my overeating once and for all. I found myself feeling defensive. Had I been in a support group for cancer victims, I would have felt just as irritated if I had been asked to introduce myself by saying, “Hi, I'm Anna, and I'm cancer.” I refused to let compulsive overeating define me. As an intelligent, educated, introspective woman, I knew better. At least, I thought I did. Nevertheless, here I sat, in a cramped and cold church meeting room with five other addicts.

“Hi, I'm Anna. And, I am here.”

Thus began my journey in OA. I quickly identified a whole slew of other things about OA and the meetings that made my skin prickle with annoyance. The structure seemed drab and boring. The readings were sometimes repetitive, the process of “recovery” being slow and deliberate. And, despite the structure of the meetings, there was little advice for what I must DO to stop overeating. I just wanted someone to tell me what to do. That, or slap food out of my hand when my motivation and self-control quit working.

However, even with all the things that pin pointed and found “wrong” or upsetting about the program, I also felt a strong sense of belonging. I so deeply identified with much of the readings, the speakers, and saw myself and my struggles in the stories that other members shared aloud of their pre-OA life and recovery. Plus, I was still fearful. Fearful that I'd try OA, like I had umpteen other weight loss programs and diets, and still fail. So, I kept coming back. And, then, I'd skip a meeting. And, then, I'd go again. And, I'd ask questions. And, I'd cry. I cried in front of these men and women that I didn't even know. And, they didn't know me. But, I felt connected to them because they knew. They understood. And, we all continued to come back to OA for the same reason.

We have the desire to stop eating compulsively.