Sieze the Opportunity

One day I was at a motivational seminar and there were over 200 people in the room. 

 I was seated toward the back of the room. The speaker came on and  said, as he pulled a 10 dollar bill from his pocket and held it up, "Most people do not recognize an opportunity when it is presented to them, they are afraid to get up and take it" I promptly got up and walked up to the speaker and took the $10.00. As I got to the front, another woman saw what I was doing and got up but she was stuck in the middle of the row and couldn't get out.

 The speaker laughed and said, "That's what happens, people are inspired only when they see someone else going for it...but not you," he said to me " But ,you didn't wait for anyone to give you permission to go for it."For the rest of the event ,that woman gave me the stink eye.  

Don't wait for anyone to give you permission, or approve of you going after an opportunity.There will be many, who will not cheer for you in your efforts, but resent you for getting the prize..Go for it.~ Marianne Goldweber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People are flawed, what they do to us is not personal- even if it appears personal. We may have been victimized by their behavior, however we are not victims; but actually we are targets- and they are really great teachers...sent to force us to learn... to grow.. So if we can believe that WE choose them for that experience- there is nothing to forgive, in fact our prayer is 'Thank you'- Marianne Goldweber

My Symphony

My Symphony

In the silence, I have discovered a sound.
I call it My Note.
One single note that resonates within me.
Emanates from me.
I play my personal sound throughout my days,
and the resonance of that sound has attracted other vibrations.
Some in perfect chord and harmony with my own.
and yet,
there have been those that are sharp
and some flat
But....
When I stop to reflect
upon all of the notes I've met
and play them in succession and unison
it has revealed a great work
which is, the Symphony that is my Life.
Marianne Goldweber

Conscious giving this Holiday season

As we embark into the holiday season-please, rethink what we are purchasing as gifts. Please, support local owned businesses and artists. Try to avoid companies that outsource jobs, or import foreign goods and materials. 

Help your children make their gifts for family and friends- or even make them yourself. Or make a family agreement to purchase personal care and household items for those in need at this time of year. Donate your time as a family to a shelter or elder care facility.Donate toys for children who would love and cherish your gift. 

Together we can make this a kinder and more meaningful holiday season, and who knows- you make get the holiday bug all year long...:)

 

If you need ideas or sources- just send me an email!-
Remember- It takes A Village- Marianne Goldweber
A Village- Development Center, Cleveland ohio
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com

Getting serious about Serving.. Join us!

When I realized that I was about to embark on this Spiritual journey, I knew that once I went through that door, there was no turning back. I would be forever changed. There was no going back to my illusionary, problematic life- where I was whining and resistant to seeing anyones suffering but my own.

A Spiritual life is selfless- not in that you don't care for your own needs, but in a way that if my needs aren't met- I cannot fully Serve the needs of humanity.

Part of our Village philosphy is about  Selfless serving and  compassionate giving.
What the hell is that, you ask?
Well, Selfless Serving is unconditional, without condition- without  being thanked, rewarded or acknowledged for  our contribution.
Compassionate giving is to everyone, even those that some feel are not deserving- the addict- the  imprisoned- the greedy- the demanding. the ungrateful. Because you see- it is not in what is given- it is given with compassion- the energy attached is not about the recipient, it is about the giver.

I began this journey serving women in transitional housing, and then contributed through the  homeless shelters and then through other non profit outreach facilities- like the Salvation Army.

I didn't know (at that time)  the impoverished commutity firsthand, so I alligned myself with those who work directly with those in  need.
Since that time- I have advocated, raised awareness, collected non cash donations, solicited non cash donations from businesses and supported individuals, families and agencies that make a difference directly.

There are risks too-
There are liars, criminals, and deviant behaviors. There is pedophilia, rape and rap sheets. There is only a basic survival instinct to take- some are rude and ungrateful- somehow created by our separateness as a society and lack of Love.
 and ...you may fall in love...with mankind- even if they haven't bathed- or are mentally ill- or elderly and alone..their eyes tell a story, and their stories are amazing. They connect to your god light and you will become the weeping Buddha- for someone created their suffering and their suffering is palpable.
It can overwhelm and consume you.

Then there are the children-who never got to believe in Santa- because it is an illusion that parents can't fill. Like flowers in  the sidewalk crack- they grow and  thrive in spite of their  living conditions, they laugh and play and wish wishes and dream dreams. Some, who's reality is your worst nightmare.

And we choose to Serve, even at great personal risk of insignificance.

Beginning this year- our Collective effort as a personal and spiritual development center is to commit  to making a difference in our communities. Last year- we served over 100 individuals and falmilies with  every day products, food and clothes, advocacy and spiritual support. This year, our goal is over 500 individuals and families that we can make a difference to. Sound like a tall order? Not really. Here is what we can do;

If every person on my facebook friends list contributed the following- Today, that would be 778 people. If those shared it with 1 friend- that number would double. So 500 seems relatively easy!
If you can give 1 thing. on the list.
Also, it doesn;t matter where you live- there are shelters and agencies in your area that need the support.

Here is what each person can contribute;
1 tube toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 pack of mens socks
1 washcloth
1 towel
1 lotion
1 shampoo
1 laundry soap
2 paper towels
1 large toilet  paper
1 pack light bulbs
laundry detergent
cleaner
hydrogen peroxide
bandaids
feminine products
hairbrush
mens under wear(new)

Now....there are  other items that are in desperate need- new or used and CLEAN
mens clothing (all kinds)
Boots (men women and children)
Shoes (mens women and children)
Coats (mens women and children)
hats, scarves and gloves (mens women and children)
long under wear
Blankets and throws- new or used  and CLEAN please. (no comforters -they are too hard to wash)


Care Alliance-Will take old prescription meds to redistribute to the sick homeless by doctors.There are a number of their health care facilities in Cleveland.

Health Care Alliance (216) 781-3414 2227 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH Get Directions

Thank you for being part of my Village, and together- we can make a difference in our changing world.
Peace and Love
Marianne Goldweber
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com
www.avillagecleveland.com

Maneuvering Life's Highway

There are always going to be people and things that cut you off on the highway of life.. but how you maneuver and respond makes all the difference...- Marianne Goldweber

This quote was inspired by a car adccident the other day. I was driving along- listening to  the radio, the sun was out when all of the sudden- I saw an accident about to happen. I check the rear, tried to maneuver around it, but one of the drivers cut in front of me and I when I tried to maneuver away  we collided anyway.

After the initial shock and aftermath I had some quiet tome to reflect on that situation and how it pertains to Life. 

Many times, we see  the situation coming- but we can only prepare so much and there are going to be times that no matter how much we prepare- things are not up to us. There are others involved and we can never anticipate how they are going to respond in the same situation. The outcome is  now out of our control and  we are left with  the impact and the cleanup.

Had I not been  careful and alert; armed with many years of driving and past experiences- this could have been much worse. So the lesson here is; You can only be adequately prepared for the unknown- how everyone will respond  in  life's situations will affect us- but there is great purpose and learning in each and every one for us and everyone else. :)

The Path

crawling
rising
stepping
unsteady
falling
crying
rising
angry
determined
panting
puffing
climbing
slipping
defeated
bruised
broken
resolute
resilient
excited
careful
curious
strong
courageous
grateful
methodical
pondering
believing
purposeful
aware
conscious
liberated
grateful
jubilant

Marianne Goldweber