matters of the heart

Many of the themes in my writing are inspired by a major life transition. If you follow this blog or know me personally, you know I used to work full-time in television news. I worked my way through the ranks: college degree in journalism, intern, producer, reporter and anchor. I did what most “successful” people are taught to do. Define the goal and then map out the steps to get there.

The mistake I made was thinking that success, aka the road to happiness, was linear. I was on the fast track and never expected to get derailed. But I did. And it wrecked me. And it was the best thing that ever happened. It took me a long time to see it that way… but I learned so many universal truths and now, in this stage in my life, I feel compelled to share them.

I explore this topic further over at Hybrid Mom. Click here to read part one of my story. Click here to read part two.

The two essays in no way tell the whole story, nor are they meant to. I wrote them as a simple gesture, to encourage my readers to listen to yourself, to trust what your heart is calling you to do. For me, the heart (not to be confused with emotion) is where the deepest truths, peace and fulfillment are discovered.

If you have a story to tell, I invite you to share it with me. Thanks for reading and participating in the conversation.

Angie

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Do you believe in fate?

I was checking out my Twitter account one day, when Leslie posed the question, “Do you believe in fate?” I responded without a second thought, “I do. I believe somewhere between taking action and letting go, fate steps in.”

I know this type of question can spark all types of thoughts, conversation and debate over whether what happens to us is predetermined or if it’s a random chain of events. Yet many of us search for a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. In high school, I was active in my church’s youth group. I recall having a similar discussion about this with my friends and our minister, Chuck. Chuck challenged us to think. He didn’t spoon feed us answers he wanted us to believe… but rather, he challenged us to search our own hearts and find the truth within. Such a valuable lesson to teach young, impressionable minds. Because, at least in my case, the spiritual journey continues.

We put a lot of different labels on God and what/who that is. Sometimes I use the word “universe” to describe the force I sense is at play in the midst of our daily activities. It’s just a word. As a writer, clearly, I love words. But sometimes words can’t do justice or even begin to explain what’s going on beneath the surface of our five senses.

I have experienced some painful and confusing crossroads in my life. And each time, I have reached a point where I have to let go. (Let go, not give up. There’s a difference.)

When I let go, I move forward with no guarantee for the future. It’s a dance that requires feeling the rhythm, not controlling the steps.  But eventually, I get into the groove, the flow, and that’s where all the magic happens.

I explore the idea of fate a little further in my latest column over at Hybrid Mom. Click here to read it.

Stay gold, ponyboy

When I was in middle school, some of my best girlfriends became obsessed with the movie The Outsiders. It was actually this scene,where Ponyboy recites Robert Frost’s poem, Nothing Gold Can Stay. So as children, we made a pact to remind each other to Stay Gold. What’s amazing, is that these girls are still some of my very best friends. Our playground conversations inspired my latest essay for Hybrid Mom. You may want to read it if:

-you rely on coffee to start your day

-you’re a parent

-you want to start your holiday weekend remembering what’s truly important in your life.

Click here to read Coffee Pot of Gold. If you like it, please let the folks at Hybrid Mom know by posting your comments under the essay.

Happy Labor Day, and remember to Stay Gold.

What are your superpowers?

We all have superpowers. For example, I have a crazy memory. I can remember being two years old. People don’t believe me, but it’s true. Recently, I took a quiz posted on Denise Turner’s blog, which concluded that I am Wonder Woman. Click here to read Denise’s hilarious post (she’s Green Lantern) and find out which superhero YOU are.

All of this superhero business inspired my latest essay over at Hybrid Mom. Find out what happened to Wonder Woman when she pushed things a little too far.

Hybrid Mom

I’m so happy to be back. I’ve missed blogging on a regular basis and receiving your comments. My writing voice (and all my other ones for that matter) are still infused with fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation, but maybe that will make things more interesting!

For those just tuning in, I delivered my second son six weeks ago. Everyone is doing well.

cover-summer-2009-largeI wanted to start with a quick note that I am now a contributor to Hybrid Mom. My articles will appear on the magazine’s website a couple of times a month. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity. My first essay, Age is Relative, Life is Right Now, is already up if you want to check it out. If you do, please post comments on the Hybrid Mom site. (Even if you read the story when it appeared in the Post and Courier back in May.)  

Hybrid Mom’s tag line is “Mother Your Ambitions.” I love that message. Because what do mothers do? They nurture. I think it’s so important to hold on to the things that inspire us, recognize our unique gifts and talents, and actively seek our purpose and place in this world. In other words, nurture your ambitions!

I’m thrilled I’m at a place in my life where my personal and professional aspirations are getting their groove on and dancing in sync. It’s been quite a journey. So now, I’m expressing my gratitude and seizing the moment.

I’m so glad you’re here! I hate to dance alone. Although I’ve been known to do it.

See ya back here soon. And if you’re on your way to Starbucks, grab me a latte ,will ya? Or order an extra shot of espresso in honor of me!

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