Six Inspirations From My Bulletin Board

A few years back I shared a quote from my bulletin board with a client I was mentoring. Curiously, she asked me, what else do you have on your bulletin board? And I sent her a photo of my quotes, photos, magnets, and illustrations.

I gave my Instagram followers a photo tour of my office last week and realized that my bulletin board has become a part of the furniture. I have paid little to no attention lately to the words and pictures I have placed there over the years to give me inspiration.

I sat down this morning to read everything on my bulletin board and was fascinated to see that my collection still holds meaning for me, from Parker Palmer’s inspirational words that have lived there for fifteen years, to my personal manifesto written last year around this time. So I thought this week I would share some of my bulletin board inspirations with you, maybe they will give you some inspiration!

1.     It’s not how much we give that burns us out, it’s the place from which we’re giving that makes the difference.

In 1999, Parker Palmer wrote Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, a book that helped me learn how to say no, and how to give only that which mattered deeply to me. On my bulletin board are two paragraphs Parker wrote on a creased, ripped piece of paper that read,

Burnout is a state of emptiness, to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place…When what we give is part of who we are, integral to our own nature, then there is no effort involved.

Just as an apricot tree doesn’t tire of giving its fruit, gifts that are natural outpourings of who we are, are natural and self-renewing. But trying to get an apricot tree to yield apples is quite another matter! When I give something that does not grow within me I deplete myself and harm others as well, for only harm can come from a gift that is forced, inorganic, and unreal.

2.     A daily mantra

I don’t remember where this mantra came from, or whether it is a compilation of bits and pieces I have gathered on my life journey. I only know that I try very hard every day to live by these words - over the years this has become less of a struggle.

·       On rising every morning, make a conscious choice to experience the day’s blessings.

·       Choose acceptance over resistance when people or things do not turn out as expected.

·       In negative situations, make a conscious choice to respond with calmness and self-assurance.

·       Choose kindness towards yourself and others.

3.     What makes Helen different?

Prior to beginning my blogging journey, I went through a series of activities to help brand my blog – picking colours, photo style, themes, and exploring the uniqueness of my blog compared to the many blogs out there for women our age. One of the activities I was encouraged to do was to invite women who knew me well, to reflect on what makes me different. Have you stopped to think about what makes you different? The feedback helped shape the content of my blog. But it also had a powerful, personal impact. I have spent most of my life feeling different, not quite like other women, and that was often a negative experience for me. However, the following words my friends shared gave me affirmation that my differences, certainly not unique to me, are something to be proud of - and whenever I need a pick-me-up, I need only to look at my bulletin board to be reminded.

·       Authentic, gentle, approachable, insightful, and wise

·       Makes it safe to be vulnerable

·       Doesn’t let others define who she is

·       A solitary traveller - loves hitting the road by herself for 6-8 weeks

·       Not a joiner but loves feeling part of something bigger

·       Immerses herself completely when she is passionate/committed

·       Sets high standards for herself and others

·       Has a deep sense of purpose

·       Sees things from multiple perspectives and is able to put the pieces together

·       Holds deep values around family, motherhood and feminine strengths

4.     Quotes, quotes, and more quotes

I change these regularly! Three current favourites are:

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not. – Denis Waitley

It is not time to worry yet. – Atticus Finch

The real trick in life is to turn hindsight into foresight that reveals insight. – Robin S. Sharma

5.     Women Rowing North 

I love this magnet from Cedar Mountain Studios that I got in my stocking last Christmas, a constant reminder that I am rowing north.

6.     My Personal Manifesto

I’ve shared with you in a previous blog post how to write your own Personal Manifesto. I use this short and easy process to set goals and plan. This past year has felt like a ‘lost’ year to me, what with COVD and caregiving my mother, and I have not written a 2021 personal manifesto. The one I wrote last September still guides me.

There is a lot more on my bulletin board - more that I have room to share in this blog post!

I have my five guiding words - words to keep me grounded during this pandemic - hopeful, brave, kind, calm, and supportive.

I have magnets that highlight of what is important to me, including one from Anne of Green Gables that reads, kindred spirits.

And I have family photos that remind me how blessed I am.