{"id":6708,"date":"2021-11-22T08:11:44","date_gmt":"2021-11-22T14:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/?p=6708"},"modified":"2021-11-22T08:15:45","modified_gmt":"2021-11-22T14:15:45","slug":"let-your-heart-guide-your-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/let-your-heart-guide-your-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Let Your Heart Guide Your Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-53px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_row disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;1640px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||0px||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|125px||123px||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Soon, it will be Thanksgiving. How are you feeling? What are your plans? And what do you envision, hope, or want to happen?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">I drove to Savannah to pick up one of my boys from college and bring him home for the Holidays. The oldest will fly home on Monday and we will all be together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">As I drove down, I made plans in my heart of how we&#8217;ll cook together, sit around our dining room table (which has lately been used more to hold musical equipment than serving dishes LOL), eat slowly and talk for a while, laugh, snuggle on the couch, and watch Mary Poppins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Then there is a vision that will probably stay in my heart for a while because it\u2019s one of those things that has to happen spontaneously\u2026It\u2019s a part of the Holidays where I imagine us all singing and making music together. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s a part that happened in my childhood so often (everyone in my family loved to sing) and that was easy to create when the boys were little. And it&#8217;s a part that is so sacred and precious to me that I don\u2019t want to force it to happen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">So I hold my desire in my heart, keep my plans loose, and focus my mind on the only thing I really want to experience (and which I know will be there):\u00a0<strong>love<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Do you know what I mean?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">I sat in Atlanta traffic and scanned radio channels for something inspiring. Several shows were discussing how to navigate uncomfortable and divisive topics at family gatherings this Thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Some were offering tips and advice, and in the end, the only good answers everyone agreed on were:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">see the\u00a0<strong>people<\/strong>, not the issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">gather in\u00a0<strong>gratitude<\/strong>, not in armor<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">set the disagreements and arguments aside and feast on\u00a0<strong>togetherness<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; min_height=&#8221;721px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Soon, it will be Thanksgiving. How are you feeling? What are your plans? And what do you envision, hope, or want to happen?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">I drove to Savannah to pick up one of my boys from college and bring him home for the Holidays. The oldest will fly home on Monday and we will all be together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">As I drove down, I made plans in my heart of how we&#8217;ll cook together, sit around our dining room table (which has lately been used more to hold musical equipment than serving dishes LOL), eat slowly and talk for a while, laugh, snuggle on the couch, and watch Mary Poppins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Then there is a vision that will probably stay in my heart for a while because it\u2019s one of those things that has to happen spontaneously\u2026It\u2019s a part of the Holidays where I imagine us all singing and making music together. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s a part that happened in my childhood so often (everyone in my family loved to sing) and that was easy to create when the boys were little. And it&#8217;s a part that is so sacred and precious to me that I don\u2019t want to force it to happen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">So I hold my desire in my heart, keep my plans loose, and focus my mind on the only thing I really want to experience (and which I know will be there):\u00a0<strong>love<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Do you know what I mean?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">I sat in Atlanta traffic and scanned radio channels for something inspiring. Several shows were discussing how to navigate uncomfortable and divisive topics at family gatherings this Thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Some were offering tips and advice, and in the end, the only good answers everyone agreed on were:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">see the\u00a0<strong>people<\/strong>, not the issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">gather in\u00a0<strong>gratitude<\/strong>, not in armor<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">set the disagreements and arguments aside and feast on\u00a0<strong>togetherness<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/FINAL_Blog-Banner-TC.com-1-1024&#215;390.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;FINAL_Blog Banner TC.com (1)&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|122px||123px||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">People won\u2019t be around forever. Remember why you are gathering in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\"><strong>Show up with a loving, compassionate, and open heart. Let go of expectations and attachments to specific outcomes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">For example, my wish to sing together with my boys is actually a desire to experience closeness, togetherness, connection, and love. My mind connects the dots, pulls up past data (from my memory banks), and brings up a picture of us singing and making music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">It attempts to interpret what my heart desires, and sometimes it can get too stuck on recreating these specific memories as a way to get to those desires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">But a past memory can never be repeated. Years have passed and we are all different now. And some of those loved ones who were a part of it in the past aren\u2019t with us any more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">What my heart really desires is to experience the closeness with my boys. And if I let my mind stay out of the way, my heart will be free to recognize it and receive it through many new moments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">The moments which my (open, reflective, and alert) mind can interpret as new gifts and place in the memory box of life\u2019s treasures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">So, ask yourself these (and similar) mindful questions this weekend as you sit in silent contemplation or meditation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\"><strong>What does my heart really desire?<\/strong><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is it connection or is it the need to prove something?\u00a0<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is it trust in God, or a need to be in control?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is it to love and to be loved?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is it a safe place where you can be seen, and heard, and accepted the way you are?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is it less judgment and more compassion to accept others so they feel safe to navigate through life\u2019s challenges?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Let your heart guide your plans and enjoy the beautiful holiday of thanks-giving. Cherish every moment with your loved ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">People won\u2019t be around forever. Remember why you are gathering in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Show up with a loving, compassionate, and open heart. Let go of expectations and attachments to specific outcomes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">For example, my wish to sing together with my boys is actually a desire to experience closeness, togetherness, connection, and love. My mind connects the dots, pulls up past data (from my memory banks), and brings up a picture of us singing and making music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">It attempts to interpret what my heart desires, and sometimes it can get too stuck on recreating these specific memories as a way to get to those desires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">But a past memory can never be repeated. Years have passed and we are all different now. And some of those loved ones who were a part of it in the past aren\u2019t with us any more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">What my heart really desires is to experience the closeness with my boys. And if I let my mind stay out of the way, my heart will be free to recognize it and receive it through many new moments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">The moments which my (open, reflective, and alert) mind can interpret as new gifts and place in the memory box of life\u2019s treasures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">So, ask yourself these (and similar) mindful questions this weekend as you sit in silent contemplation or meditation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\"><strong>What does my heart really desire?<\/strong><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Is it connection or is it the need to prove something?\u00a0<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Is it trust in God, or a need to be in control?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Is it to love and to be loved?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Is it a safe place where you can be seen, and heard, and accepted the way you are?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Is it less judgment and more compassion to accept others so they feel safe to navigate through life\u2019s challenges?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">Let your heart guide your plans and enjoy the beautiful holiday of thanks-giving. Cherish every moment with your loved ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;rgba(224,193,255,0.27)&#8221; divider_position=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;46px&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #be1e2d;\"><strong>Music<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|122px||123px||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">We played\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/647565994\/f3831a4080\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/tatianacameron.krtra.com\/c\/INKePVcd4CdT\/we7x&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1637676097491000&amp;usg=AOvVaw22m7JheRAnKk7fEL04q9YG\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0c71c3;\">this song<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>at our Zoom Gathering on\u00a0<em>25 Gifts<\/em>! It\u2019s one of my favorites &#8211; especially this time of year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">With the help of David Langley (music) and John Gasch (video) I now have my own version of it!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We played<\/span><span style=\"color: #0c71c3;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/647565994\/f3831a4080\" style=\"color: #0c71c3;\">\u00a0this song<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/647565994\/f3831a4080\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/tatianacameron.krtra.com\/c\/INKePVcd4CdT\/we7x&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1637676097491000&amp;usg=AOvVaw22m7JheRAnKk7fEL04q9YG\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0<\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">at our Zoom Gathering on\u00a0<em>25 Gifts<\/em>! It\u2019s one of my favorites &#8211; especially this time of year.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: large;\">With the help of David Langley (music) and John Gasch (video) I now have my own version of it!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/647565994\/f3831a4080&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/647565994\/f3831a4080&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;80%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;rgba(224,193,255,0.27)&#8221; divider_position=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/blog&#8221; button_text=&#8221;BACK TO MAIN BLOG PAGE&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#BE1E2D&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0)&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;%%19%%&#8221; button_icon_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; button_icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||25px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;8px|||50px|false|false&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#D0EFE5&#8243; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;12px||-2px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;50px||50px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Let music+story+<\/span><span>coaching help you figure out<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>AND live\u00a0<\/span><strong>your<\/strong><span>\u00a0dream life.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Get weekly emails, exclusive content. special offers and<br \/> <\/span><span>e<span face=\"montserrat\" color=\"#000000\">vent updates directly to your inbox.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#D0EFE5&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; min_height=&#8221;55px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||50px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"kartra_optin_containerb6d767d2f8ed5d21a44b0e5886680cb9\"><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/app.kartra.com\/optin\/7Wcar2JKZPoQ\"><\/script>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#D0EFE5&#8243; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;12px||-2px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;50px||50px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Let music+story+<\/span><span>coaching help you figure out<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>AND live\u00a0<\/span><strong>your<\/strong><span>\u00a0dream life.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Get weekly emails, exclusive content. special offers and<br \/> <\/span><span>e<span face=\"montserrat\" color=\"#000000\">vent updates directly to your inbox.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-53px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_row disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;1640px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||0px||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.5.7&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|125px||123px||&#8221;] Soon, it will be Thanksgiving. How are you feeling? What are your plans? And what do you envision, hope, or want to happen?\u00a0 I drove to Savannah to pick up one of my boys from college and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Well, I was going to write a different email today, but then something amazing happened yesterday: Olivia Newton-John and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi released a song, \u201cWindow in the Wall\u201d, which I co-wrote with two other songwriters.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I knew it was coming (and I had to keep it secret until it was officially released), but I had no idea what would happen when it was released, and more importantly, how I would feel about it.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>My Nashville friends tell me it\u2019s a big deal :) And it was a bit surreal hearing Olivia talk about the song on the TODAY show, knowing we wrote it in my piano room :)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You know how it is\u2026 You show up every day and do your work. You keep at it, you push through the hard times, and you learn to enjoy every minute of it - because after so many ups and downs, you learn to let go of your attachment to the outcome and you trust that Love (God) will organize all the pieces (that you put your heart into) for you. (I just wrote a poem about that last week. LOL)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You find satisfaction in your work - especially when it touches someone, or provides value for someone - which is the case with all meaningful work!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And you are happy. Fulfilled.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Like my son, Blais, who got himself a job at the local grocery store. After his first day of training, I asked him what his responsibilities would be. He said \u201cI\u2019m in customer service. And that means my job is to make people feel welcomed, valued, seen, and heard.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When he came home from his first day of work, he was glowing! He had been corralling shopping carts and bagging groceries for six hours, but he didn\u2019t even mention that. ALL he experienced was interacting with customers. He felt incredibly accomplished because he told me, he got to talk to people, ask them how their day went, and make them feel good. He brought me a bunch of roses because he said he was moved by someone who was buying roses for their mother.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>THIS was a life-defining moment for him. Blais\u2019 manager could have told him his job was to bag groceries quickly and efficiently, and to compete with the next kid at the number of shopping carts they can pull in one swoop. <strong>Instead, they gave him the gift of a mindset that puts people - and service - before productivity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I guess the manager also knows that with that mindset, Blais will naturally work faster and more efficiently - and everyone wins. And of course, this takes trust. Being pleasant to customers isn\u2019t something a manager can put out as a neat checklist or a measurable goal. Trust.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now, back to my song\u2026<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A few years back, when I first moved to Nashville, I met Tom Paden, a songwriter who wrote hit songs for artists like Reba McEntire. Tom suggested we co-write a song that I would record and enter it into the Eurovision Song Contest. A few days later, he showed up at my house with his writing partner, Eddie Kilgallon.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tom and Eddie had an idea for a song about the Wall (as in the Berlin wall) - an anthem about what happens when the wall comes down and people come together.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can imagine I had a few things to say about that, LOL\u2026 but the most important thing for me was that <strong>big changes don\u2019t happen fast.<\/strong> It\u2019s a process.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>(Full disclosure here: I wasn\u2019t talking about life in Europe. I was drawing from my marriage struggles. Matthew and I had just come out of our separation and were working on healing our relationship.)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>When the conflict grows too big, we build walls because we need something to keep us from charging at each other, and constantly attacking.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Then, the wall keeps us away. But our anger and unresolved conflicts grow in our minds and hearts, which makes the other side seem full of dark shadows and scary monsters.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We keep this up for a while, but eventually we get tired (because anger and fear are exhausting, and walls make us feel constricted).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Then something happens, or someone comes along who inspires us to address the wall (because there is still the Divine that finds a way to interfere with our human quarrels and stubbornness) and we feel willing to try.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What happens in that moment is what this song talks about.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tom and Eddie put a demo together and it came out so well that we decided to pitch it to some major artists (instead of having me sing it).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I released my attachment to the outcome, and trusted that Eddie and Tom knew what they were doing. We all wanted the song to get out there and reach a lot of people with its beautiful message and melody. Tom and Eddie did a lot of pitching, but they also trusted that the right artist would come along. Olivia Newton-John heard the song (through a very unconventional channel connected to her non-profit) and was immediately drawn to it.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>:)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trust. Do the work and then trust.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWindow in the Wall\u201d is perfect for the times we live in. I\u2019ve been reading the comments on Olivia\u2019s social media, and people are already commenting on how much they needed this shot of hope and encouragement.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So here are three things I hope can be a bit of an inspiration for you today:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>(1) Keep showing up. Find little joys in everyday tasks.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are out of work, keep finding meaningful work - learn something, help someone, create something. Nourish your soul, mind, and heart with uplifting content - music, art. Nurture your body with healthy foods and walks in nature. Update your resume, research or contact potential employers, rebrand yourself if you have to (I\u2019ve done that a few times\u2026), stay in shape, and then let it go.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trust. I know it\u2019s easier said than done, but pushing too hard and stressing about it will only exhaust you and you won\u2019t be at your best when an opportunity comes.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>(2) Look for a window, or a crack in the wall, through which you can look to the other side.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I know it\u2019s scary. Try to entertain a thought that those on the \u2018other side\u2019 aren\u2019t monsters, but people with the same fears, same hurt, same pain as you. Trust and be willing to mend and heal\u2026<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>(3) When something good happens in your life (unexpectedly) <\/strong>and you realize that it was always meant to be exactly the way it happened - not the way you envisioned, but often better - drop everything and celebrate :)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>That's what I did this past weekend! Check out the live online concert we did <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-UfNftot_7E&amp;ab_channel=Tatiana%E2%80%98Tajci%E2%80%99Cameron\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6708"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6714,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6708\/revisions\/6714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tatianacameron.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}