Since the election, I have been on an emotional roller coaster. I find myself moving from moments of despair and feeling immobilized to an almost manic flood of ideas and action I can take to push back. This frenzied swing of emotions has finally come to a more centered place. After I participated in the Women’s March in Las Vegas, I realized what we all need to do is to find our way to do something. Because it was such a beautiful blend of ideas and causes, a true intersection in the fight for human rights, I really got the point that we all must find our unique way to contribute. This means discovering ways to use our gifts in a way that feels joyful and natural. For that is the only way we will be able to sustain the focus and energy for the long haul.
For me, that means finding a way to use my gifts as a community creator, idea sharer, and people developer. After much thought and discussion about this, I know what I will do. I will become a caretaker for the Flame Keepers. I will find ways to nourish, encourage, and replenish those of you who are out there fighting to keep the flame of fairness, civility, inclusion and respect alive. I want to support all of you who are fighting for a fair and just Amercia and have committed to being jealous guardians of democracy.
I know this work can be overwhelming and exhausting. That is why I will be your fueling station. When you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone, I will be here for you. While I am still developing the details, I know my Flame Keeper work will include the following:
- Using this blog and my personal Facebook page to share resources. If we are not yet freinds on Facebook, I invite you to send me a friend request. I will only use my personal page for this. My business page, Cindy Clemens Life Coach, will continue to focus on the Recipe for Joy.
- A special coaching package that focuses on how you can become a Flame Keeper – how to identify your special gifts to contribute and the causes that speak to you, how to incorporate your activism into your lifestyle, how to build a community to support you, and how to consistently fill your joy tank so you have plenty in reserve to share with others.
- Flame Keeper retreats where we gather for a weekend to gain inspiration and ideas from one another in an environment that feeds and nourishes us. I anticipate doing these at Red Mountain Resort and Zion National Park. I have a vision of us gathering under the magical desert night sky around a warm fire spreading love and encouragement to each other. And of course hiking, getting spa treatments, and eating delicious, healthy food.
For now, let me share two quotes that have been helping me get throught these past few days. The first one I saw on Facebook and cannot find it again to give credit. It said – You cannot insult me unless I value your opinion. This has helped me refrain from getting into useless Facebook wars and reserve my comments and energy for places where I feel it could make a difference. The second is a quote by Mahatma Ghandi – First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. As I hear about all the ways people are making fun of the Women’s March, I realize we have reached step 2 and need to be preapred for the fight ahead. I want to help keep you warriors ready for battle!
Reactions? Thoughts? Suggestions? I would love to hear from you.
With much love and hope that we will keep the flame of love, inclusion, and progress burning brightly.
Hugs,
CINDY
