Know Thy Strengths
January 25th, 2012 | 
Author:
Sister Safe Talk has taken a Quantum Leap.
January 10th, 2012 is a date to mark in 2012 Almanac. Why? Many friends, to name them: Judy, Virginia, Rosamond, Emma and Cheryl joined us, Harriette Blye and Nell Elliott to set the beginning meeting.
They set the standard for’ being safe’ with our relations, acknowledging themselves and each other. Discussions are private and confidential; however, there were lots of laughter and hugs. Occasions like this one are remembered…for years if not for life times.
Beliefs
“If you attack another person’s beliefs, you are creating an enemy.”
Dennis Waitley
2012 on the Aztec Calender
We haven’t had a surprise like this one, that I can remember, a prediction that the end of time has been on the books (Aztec calendar, that is) for a long time.
I recall a few years ago that the threat of computers going down because the programmers had not used the first two digits of the century and it was not certain what would happen when the clock ended 12-31-99 and ticked on into 1-00
There was panic in some minds and hearts.
Some folks stored extra food. Some people, the newscasters reported on national T V stations, feared personal invasions and bought guns.
How does one protect themselves from ‘the end of time’.
The new year of 2012 will have many changes in many towns and cities for many citizens. For example, each of us grows older. New babies are born. There are deaths. All these events mark the end of something and the beginning of another. If a baby has come into your life and routine you can rest assured your life will not be the same.
If you have reached the time of entering college, the time to go for war, time for filing for divorce, going to jail, losing your home, been in a fire, flood, tornado….when you experience life each hour, each day, in a sense, that can be the end of a “time”. Perhaps you have had events in 2011 by which you will mark time. Sharing with a friend the value of celebrations and the burden of drama can also be ‘remarkable’.
One of my sons remarked “when I was young and heard you and Dad saying you remembered 20 years ago I was in awe. Now that I can say that, I am viewing it differently”. Sounds like another story of ‘end of time’.
The method we use to put to ease the alarming happenings and gleeful occasions of daily life is legend. Some find a helpful, personal way, is to write in a journal. There is, often, cleansing when surprising words flow from our pen when journal keeping. When the thoughts are freed from guilt, shame, or regret by the simple exercise of free flow writing, even writing with the non dominate hand, is comforting and rewarding. Another way is talking.
If the story has been such that it has not been heard…aloud…by you…to you…for you, it can be as freeing as writing. However, retelling more than once or twice can be detrimental to the “ending the time” of that story. Retelling can be energizing to the emotions, such as happy emotions as well as uncomfortable emotions. Repeating the event in thought or verbally, over and over, can often seal the story, deeply, in memory.
Sister Safe Talk is a comforting way to have new ears hear your story. Or if not a story, just to say, to another person who has had a similar twist, what is on your mind, in safety and acceptance.
2012 could be just what you have been wishing for…the whole year! Come join us for a morning meeting or after work. Written by: Nell Elliott
Autumn A New Beginning
What could be finer than the fall we have experienced lately, including the slow, much needed rain. We do not have the radiant colors on trees in North Texas as we see in magazine pictures in the north and east and in the mountains out west.
However, have you taken notice of the sunsets of late.
Breathtaking!
The change from l00 plus degrees of heat to cool nights and warm afternoons catches our attention, and gives rise to being glad, thankful, even, that we completed summer. Soon we will be into winter coats and marveling over the speed of coming to the end of another year.
Changing seasons puts me in a mood to number the goals reached, victories celebrated, and all the laughter we have experienced. Oh, yes, there have been other emotional stories that developed, sometimes monthly, weekly or in a day. If that has happened to you, leaving a quickening in your heart and midriff, then you will be glad to find http://SistersSafeTalk.org
Harriette and I have benefited greatly by having a place and friend to share “what’s up”. The bonding and unity that occurs when sharing, in comfort and trust, is priceless.
A quote from Dave G. Llewelyn: ‘Just being there for someone can sometimes bring hope when all seems hopeless.:
We have changed the meeting place for our gatherings. Both morning and evening gatherings are on the same day, Tuesday, starting November 8th, 2011, then the schedule will be every other week at Shambhala Wellness Center, 215 East University, Denton, 76209.
You will feel calm seated in overstuffed chairs in a room lighted by winter’s south sun during the morning meeting starting at 10:00 AM, for an hour.
For those who are occupied during the day you can meet in the evening at 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
Tell us when you plan to be there, by phone or email, as there will be those wanting to meet and greet you.
Article by Nell Elliott
Open Up And Talk
First, one has to feel safe to speak openly from the heart and expose themselves totally. I am an open person and there have been times and places that I will not open up and speak freely because the environment I am in is not conducive to speaking my feelings.
The key to expressing ourselves verbally is being in a safe place with people who truly listen to what we have to say. We are not always looking for answers, we are looking for expression.
Talking in a safe place about what is on your mind helps you put things into the proper order. Things that seem overwhelming can become minimized by talking about the challenge to an outside person without emotional attachment to the issue who truly listens to us is extremely healthy.
It is interesting that our thoughts lead to our feelings and most times our feelings lead to behavior good or not. If you are having negative thoughts you can flip them in an instant by talking openly about them without condemnation from the listener.
Hermann Hesse says, “Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud.”
The point I am making is when you put your thoughts out there in the open you can find clarity and peace as well. Opening up and talking freely is like letting pent up emotions flow out and is replaced by a serene calmness. It can be quite a wonderful experience.
Lets face facts. Do you agree that is so much easier to talk about happy times and events than difficult and challenging times? When you realize there is nothing new under the sun, and you begin to talk about what is going on in your life you realize you no longer have to face setbacks in the lonely oneness of your mind.
Being a good talker is good but being a good listener is Great. I am sure there have been times in your life when you were not able to talk. You just wanted to figure out the situation in your head, because you feel stuck.
These are times when not talking about what is on your mind may be emotionally healthy. The time will come when you want to express your feelings verbally and only you will know when the time is right for you. If you find yourself in this situation listening to others can be very helpful and give you valuable insight into your own issues.
If exercising is good to release stress, so is talking and releasing your fears, sharing your joys and happy times is a big stress buster. Let others celebrate with you.
Finally talking to another person about what is going on in our lives (good and bad) is a basic need. Some of us drift alone in our lives fearful and feeling alone. Some of us fear we will not be accepted because of our differences and the multitude of things that make us unique. What better way to understand others different from us than to listen intently to their lives through their eyes?
I don’t know how you feel about this but I am on a natural high with anticipation of the myriad of wonderful sisters I can meet and learn from this journey.
How about you?
Honor yourself
Written by: Harriette Blye
Posted in Talking is Important, Uncategorized | 
Tags: express yourself, free talk, listen, safe talk, why talk | 
No Comments »
How We Evolved Into Sisters Safe Talk
In early fall 2010, Harriette organized a Meet-Up for those who were seeking to increase their contacts and grow their business.
Then things to do were quickly listed…meeting place, when,where,what time, what name and for what purpose. Email messages carried plans during the week until we reunited at Starbucks the next Tuesday, literally hugging in a dance of gratitude.
Barbra Streisand sings “People Needing People” , reminds us that we do not live in a vacuum, we need each other and as sisters we need to listen and support each other.
Now, here we stand with you embarking on a new and exciting challenge to engage our senses, expand our horizons and grow our minds in the most profound ways.
Join us on this adventure.
Written by Nell Elliott