Questions I’ve been asked:
Being my best self, or my whole self – what does that mean? How do I do that? Why did you name your blog “Faith & Sweat?” Do I have to believe a certain way to work with you?
Two quotes seem to be a good place to start. They’re both from Parker J. Palmer, author of “A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life,” and “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation.”
Wholeness does not mean perfection; it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.
Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks–we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.
I could quote Parker Palmer all day, and we’d both gain something from it, but it might be more enjoyable for you if you just pick up one or more of his books.
So what does “Faith and Sweat” mean to me?
Faith.
Faith and spirituality are central to my life. I believe it’s an important part of one’s overall health, whether a person follows a specific religious tradition or not. Spirituality is a belief in something larger than oneself, and the deepest values and meanings by which one lives. Personally, I believe in a Creator of the universe, a divine goodness operating in and through me, helping guide me. The names I use are God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. You don’t have to use the same names I do or believe as I do in order for us to work together and learn from each other.
To me, living a life of faith means trusting, listening, discerning, and then acting in response.
And having some faith in myself, too, because of it.
Sweat.
The sweat shows up during discernment and action – taking the next small step in faith and with love. In mid-2015, I noticed some little nudges that came to me multiple ways, through multiple people. I couldn’t keep ignoring them, so I started my blog and thought of it as my sandbox to play in. On a good day, I write about issues and ideas that matter to me and that I hope will encourage others. Particularly I’ve wanted to encourage people who for a long time have put others’ needs ahead of their own.
Let’s go back to Parker J. Palmer again:
Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.
I hope the experiences I share in my blog posts will encourage you as you walk your own life of Faith and Sweat. If they resonate with you, please share them with others. And if I can be a resource in any other way, or you want to share your stories and opinions, I hope you’ll reach out to me.
Thank you for being here.
Welcome!
