“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a session presented by Mattieu Ricard, the closing keynote speaker for the 2008 International Coaching Federation (ICF) Annual Conference. Quite frankly, it was a life altering experience for me, and because it happened so unexpectedly, the illumination was made even sweeter.
Having worked in healthcare for many years, including at the University of California, Irvine, I come from a background steeped in evidence based research and subsequent practice. Therefore, I tend to gravitate towards speakers who can produce scientific evidence to corroborate their theories or concepts. For example, while at the University I learned of the tremendous research conducted by Dr. John Longhurst and his lab on the benefits of acupuncture in reducing hypertension. His findings have been published in numerous medical journals throughout the world and he receives substantial government grants to continue his research.
Naturally, when I learned that Matthieu Ricard had been a cellular geneticist with the Pasteur Institute in Paris, I was fascinated to hear about his studies pertaining to meditation and the effects on the brain and physiology. I was even more fascinated to learn that he left Paris over 30 years ago for a life as a Buddist monk in the Himalayas.
Matthieu Ricard has often been dubbed the “happiest man in the world.” Indeed, I believe he probably is. In the most flawless form, and one that is contingent on no one nor any thing, his happiness is a way of living. One could assume he left Paris and his scientific research to live a life of a recluse. On the contrary, he continues his research on meditation, contributing to explore the evidence based effects of meditation on the brain and physiology. He is also an accomplished and renown photographer who sell his prints to support Projets-Karuna. He has succeeded in building schools and hospitals in areas of the world in which the poorest live and in doing so has changed the lives of thousands.
He is an intelligent man, funny, sensitive, insightful and he’s leaving an amazing legacy.
How ever we attain true happiness may look different for each of us. I learned that happiness really is a way of living.
Blessings,
Janice
In her book, “Just who will you be?”, author Maria Shriver states: ” I’ve learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives, not just when we’re starting out in the world. That’s because in a way, we’re starting fresh in the world every single day.”
Recently, because of the difficult economic times we are experiencing, I am seeing many women, young and older, being tossed out of jobs they have never been passionate about but, ones in which they felt secure. Many of these women have harbored dreams of other careers or life paths that have never been realized, or for that matter, even verbalized. Because they have feared the loss of security, they have never ventured to take the risk to chase their dreams, to make them a reality and live a truly fulfilling life. They’ve accepted what’s been given.
Do you, perhaps, see yourself in this picture? Now is your opportunity! One door has closed but another is open and beckoning you to explore. Who will you be? What do you want? What fulfills you? What are your values? If you could ever dream big, now is the time. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If money were not an issue, and people’s opinions did not matter, what would your future self look like? Where would you be? What would your home look like? Who would be in your life? What would you be doing? What advice would your future self give to your present self? What is the legacy you would like to leave?
Too often we don’t allow ourselves to think BIG. Why is that? What does thinking small accomplish? People who change the world step outside of “small”. You have an opportunity each and every day to start fresh – to re-invent yourself, your life, the way you think.
Be everything you want to be! Be true to yourself. Work hard. Share. Connect. Celebrate others. Be kind. Open doors for others. Gift humanity with your best. Be AUTHENTIC. Be passionate about your time on earth. Life is a banquet of unlimited opportunities. What is it you want? How will you get there?
Just who will you be?
Blessings,
Janice
I want to recognize then following organizations for the wonderful work they do to further the careers of women entrepreneurs. I am proud to be a member of the following organizations and delighted to share the knowledge!
NAWBO – National Association of Women Business Owners
Ladies who Launch
Ewomen Network
BPO
A great group for men & women is: SCORE – sponsored by the SBA
KUDOS!!!!!!!!
Janice Briggs is a professional Life Coach and the President of La Dolce Vita Retreats. She is the mother of two adult daughters, step-mother to one adult son and daughter, and the grandmother of four. She is married to Mark Briggs and resides in Southern California.
Janice was reared and educated in New York City until moving to the West Coast to attend her last year of high school followed by college. She received her degrees in English Literature and Art History. Having traveled extensively and lived internationally throughout her life, she is multi-lingual, speaking English, Spanish, French and currently studying Italian.
Janice has had a very diverse and rewarding career, beginning in the commercial interior design arena, followed by careers in the arts and healthcare philanthropy. Most recently, Janice retired from the University of California, Irvine – School of Medicine, where she was passionately involved with 2 programs – The Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine (SSCIM) and the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (AYA), among others. Always an advocate of integrative medicine, she is also an advocate of evidence based research and practice and has observed the many scientific benefits of acupuncture, tai-chi, meditation, yoga and mindfulness and numerous other modalities.
Janice has also been an active philanthropic volunteer for the arts, healthcare and underserved populations for over 35 years. Janice feels very strongly that a critical component of total wellness is giving back to our communities, leaving our world a little better than when we arrived. Janice is committed to empowering women to become self-sustaining through education, scholarships and microfinance. Janice is establishing the La Dolce Vita Women’s Charitable Trust, which will receive a portion of the profits from La Dolce Vita retreats, LLC. The funds will be designated to global programs that foster self-sustainability among underserved women.
Janice’s passions include time with family and friends; travel; visual and performing arts; holistic lifestyles; on-going education; gastronomy, floral design, hospitality; scuba, skiing, cycling, equestrian sports, yachting; the camaraderie of women.
As a Life Coach, Janice supports women as they define their goals, clarify their values and pursue a path to living a fulfilling and authentic life.
“The concept for La Dolce Vita Retreats evolved about a decade ago, at a time of reflection and transition in my life. I pondered those relationships and experiences that were of utmost importance to me and that brought pristine joy to my life. I embarked on a self-exploratory journey in which I determined what most fulfilled me. I noted, on a single sheet of paper, those values I most cherished and was not willing to forego. I also documented all of life’s enriching opportunities to which I had aspired but, for various reasons, had not accomplished. I still preserve that sheet of paper, as a testament to what each of us can achieve if only we maintain the confidence and courage to pursue our dreams.
I realized that I had the capacity within me to create the life I wanted to live. I envisioned a life that embraced my passions and my values. I set my goals. With the support of the women in my life, my dearest
friends through “thick and thin”, I envisioned a place where the camaraderie of women could be celebrated and nourished. Hence, La Dolce Vita Retreats was born – the fulfillment of my dream, one I wish to share with you so that you can ponder yours.” - Janice Briggs
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. “ Mary Anne Roadacher Hershey
