Debra Ruh’s Post

Regardless of what people think of birthdays, I always use them as a prime opportunity to reflect on the life I’ve led and the lessons learned. And boy, am I feeling grateful to be celebrating my 33rd lap around the sun. Some say that the 33rd year is the year of enlightenment. Maybe it is?! But I don’t actually believe that enlightenment is a thing you can achieve. Like healing, I think it’s a process - it’s not linear. It’s not an endpoint. It’s ongoing. And isn’t that a blessing in itself?! 3 things I’ve learned: 1. Just because something is done or believed by the majority doesn’t make it right. Listen to your intuition... If it feels off, it usually is - no further explanation needed. 2. It’s okay to change your mind. We evolve and learn new things. Embrace it, baby! 3. Most people are doing their best with what they know. Try not to take things personally. 3 things I’m grateful for: 1. All the experiences I’ve gained, lessons I’ve learned, and people I’ve met along the way. Particularly you Alec Dunning 2. My curiosity and hunger for learning. Essentially, my unwillingness to accept “the norm”. 3. The love & support I continually receive from my family and friends. I truly feel LOVED. And that really is something to be grateful for. Life is magic. 🤍✨🪄

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. When faced with a difficult situation, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the many things that are going well in your life. Despite the challenges, there are always things to be grateful for, such as your health, relationships, and personal accomplishments. By recognizing the positive aspects of your life, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and resilience that can help you navigate through tough times. So, when something goes wrong, try to focus on the good and take a moment to be thankful for all the things that are going right.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. When faced with a difficult situation, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the many things that are going well in your life. Despite the challenges, there are always things to be grateful for, such as your health, relationships, and personal accomplishments. By recognizing the positive aspects of your life, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and resilience that can help you navigate through tough times. So, when something goes wrong, try to focus on the good and take a moment to be thankful for all the things that are going right.

When meditating: Reflect on three things you're grateful for, spending a minute on each to truly feel them. Identify three tasks for the day and visualize them as done. Send a sincere message of acknowledgment to someone. Doing this daily will improve your focus, positivity, and well-being.

We celebrated my Mum’s 95th birthday on the weekend, family travelled from near and far. We all had long chats about our great times, and the highlights always included time with each other, not the things we had accumulated. Imagine you are 95, what will you look back on fondly? Here’s a lovely exercise to help you get started on your planning journey. 1.  Find a place to sit and work without interruption.  This may be simply sitting in a favourite chair, or you may have a place you love to go that inspires you. Perhaps it’s in nature, somewhere beautiful or that has precious memories for you. 2.  Write a letter from your 95-year-old self to your current self.  Describe yourself at 95, and your key milestones along the way. How did you live and work 50-70 to set yourself up well for your later years? 3.  What would you tell yourself? What interests would you urge yourself to pursue? What dreams would you encourage? When planning for what’s next, take in consideration what life and career will enable you to collect moments and memories worth telling one day. Make it epic. don’t play safe and pursue what you truly want.

Thank A Teacher Did you know that September 21st is International Gratitude Day? I know that I’m certainly grateful for having autumn arrive with cool winds. The nights aren’t quite as warm as they were even a few weeks ago, and stores have already begun stocking everything pumpkin related. I’m also grateful for something much more traditional as so many people go back to school in the fall: teachers. I am appreciative of all the teachers who turn up throughout the course of our lives. Those unexpected teachers come out of nowhere and change us forever. They are the elderly ladies with time to chat, the child who surprises us with insight that most adults overlook, and the average person who takes the time to explain a process, that is specific to their field of expertise, in common terms. Who are the unexpected teachers in your life? Have you told them that they positively changed you, irrevocably, by teaching you something new? Perhaps this would be a good week to share your gratitude. A simple card, an unexpected phone call, or even an email would likely be much appreciated by a teacher who made a difference at some time in your life. It might just lead to a larger conversation and a deeper friendship. If nothing else, you made someone’s day with a positive comment by simply expressing your gratitude. After all, one of the first things that we are taught in preschool or kindergarten is to say, “thank you”.

As the first day of September arrives I have spent the morning reflecting on this time of year. September is a transition from summer to autumn and it reminds me so much of my childhood days when summer was all about joyful playing outside from morning to evening. Then responding to the call of our mothers when it was time to come inside, and with grubby faces and muddy hands, off we would go to our safe retreats and wonderful home-cooked meals – life seemed so simple back then. Then there was the childhood excitement and trepidation as the new school year was upon us bringing growth and development. The feelings have always remained bittersweet. It’s hard saying goodbye to the longer warm sunny days and accepting the change in seasons will bring winds, rain, and also beauty with the amazing colour of trees as they shed their leaves and go into hibernation during the cold months ahead. Of course, traditionally January is the month for setting new goals and aspirations but this time of year can be a celebration of how far you have come and looking forward to all that still can be accomplished. Here are some of the questions I have pondered today. ·      When and where have I felt free and in flow? ·      How have I brought authenticity to my relationships? ·      How have I grown and nurtured my sense of purpose? ·      What has been my greatest contribution to others? ·      When and how do I experience ease, peace, and grace? ·      What am I doing when I feel most alive? ·      What more do I want to achieve this year? I wonder what memories this time of year evokes in you?

Life is the endless classroom with the hardest courses.

As I celebrate my birthday, I find myself deep in contemplation, reflecting on the trajectory of my life thus far and the formidable journey that still lies ahead. Birthdays are not merely a celebration of another year of existence but a profound opportunity to assess our accomplishments, failures, and the perpetual pursuit of meaning and purpose. Years ago, I made the deliberate choice to depart from the structured path of formal education and immerse myself in the service of my community. This decision was not made lightly; it was a manifestation of my commitment to contribute tangibly to the fabric of society. In doing so, I have experienced profound fulfillment, forged through the trials and tribulations inherent in genuine community service. However, the horizon remains vast and my aspirations unbounded. The reflection on my past achievements only serves to underscore the vast potential that still lies dormant within me. There is much to be done, much to be achieved, before I transition out of this world. As I look forward, I am resolved to exert even greater effort, to apply unyielding pressure in the pursuit of my goals. This involves not only advancing my personal and professional endeavors but also deepening my commitment to the principles and values that guide my actions. It is through this relentless pursuit that I hope to leave a lasting legacy, one that resonates with the virtues of service, integrity, and unremitting dedication. To all who have stood by me, your support has been a cornerstone of my journey. It is your faith and encouragement that embolden me to strive for greater heights and to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with courage and resilience. Here’s to another year of relentless pursuit of meaning, purpose, and the noble endeavor of making a difference. #ReflectingOnLife #BirthdayContemplations #CommunityService #PursuitOfExcellence #LegacyOfMeaning

To those working through the holidays: Your dedication and hard work don’t go unnoticed. While the world celebrates, you are the quiet force keeping things running, spreading care, and making a difference. You embody resilience, compassion, and strength, and that’s something truly extraordinary. Take pride in knowing that your efforts are meaningful and impactful. When it feels tough, remember this: you are someone’s reason to be thankful today. Stay strong, stay inspired, and may your moments of rest and joy come back to you tenfold. You are appreciated more than words can express.