Michael Jackson, may you finally find peace with yourself.

I feel so drawn to write this blog about Michael and what I have learned from him and his life.

He was such a talent, that, no one can deny. Looking at the pictures from his early years as a child performer, his light was shining so brightly and so much innocence. He totally drew us to him. Then, in the later years, when he started changing his appearence, I personally believe that his demons caught up with him.

He started morphing into an entirely different person. To me, he was rejecting himself. He could not accept himself. We are all guilty of that to a certain degree. I had always been very bothered by my wide hips, and longed to have those hips of the supermodels, narrow and boyish. Now, I realized that it is just one of my many womanly features which makes me Shirley!

Michael has taught me something through his pain. The one person who can give each of us the peace we seek, is the very image we see in the mirror. When I learn to fully accept myself for all my brillance and flaws, I am at peace, truly at peace and no one can take that from me.

So, for that, I am grateful for Michael for showing up in our lives, the music he left behind, the dance moves, even his pains that he had to share publicly. I am grateful and I pray, pray that he is finally at peace with himself.

Peace, Michael. You are so missed already!!

Peace everyone,
Coach Shirley

In the present moment

Well, I cannot believe it but, it's true...my little Sophia has turned 1 last Friday!!! Wow! I made it as a new mom for a year and guess what? I realized that I am mom for the rest of my life!

I caught myself looking back at Sophia's baby pictures. From the day she was born all through present day. I was lamenting to myself for not treasuring those baby moments where she was just a month, then 2 months...all the way to present day.

Then, I asked myself, what am I doing now? Am I staying in the present moment with her, enjoying her as a year-old baby or am I just wishing my time away for those "loss" days of her being a baby?

How often have I mourn the "loss" of time passed and not treasure the present moment? How often have I been mourning about the past and yet, not being fully in the present? What is the benefit to me to keep this "mourning" cycle going?

Since this cycle came to my awareness, I am determined to make of an effort to choose to stay present and be present. I am enjoying helping Sophia to learn to climb the stairs, walk a couple of steps without my assistance. I am choosing to be present when she starts to learn all the cool stuff that she is exploring as a new toddler.

And, when I look back a year from now, I will be smiling in the memories rather than mourning the passing of time and not treasure it more.

So, what do you choose to stay present for and make a memory for yourself? Are you willing to give up the "mourning" and celebrate each present moment? Imagine the richness that will add to your life!!! Let's get started, shall we?

Peace,
Coach Shirley