character
Fear as Friend?
This week, we continue our exploration of fear. Last week we posted on Introducing Fear. This week, 
here … and in our upcoming broadCAST™ to be released Friday, October 11, ahead of Canadian Thanksgiving… we will continue that exploration. If you are wondering about The broadCAST™, check this out as we lead up to the October issue. It is worth the time. Now, on to checking in on fear.
Jenny says…
First, I invite you to read our first foray into fear, and my opening thoughts.
Fear can be for a multitude of things. We can be afraid of anything from spiders, to a change in careers, or maybe we are afraid of death. These things are inevitable. We will experience so many different things in the duration of our lives. Why would we allow the fear of encountering these things freeze us from moving fluidly to experience all that the world has to offer?
It is so much easier to say than to do. I get that, believe me. I spent my life questioning what it was that I was meant to do. I dabbled in different jobs. Many of them over the years. I exceled in some, but not at others. But no matter what job I was doing, something wasn’t there. Even though I felt this in the depth of my heart, mind and gut, I didn’t know what it was that I was meant to do. I was fearful of going back to school. I was fearful of failure. Or maybe a little fearful of getting an education that I either would not use, or I wouldn’t truly love. Because of this I took many years to explore, to figure out what it was that I was destined to study. From the age of 19 up until the age of 31, I kept coming back to helping people in some capacity whether large or small. I worked in retirement homes, I worked with children, I worked with adults that had Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. I grew to know that I was meant to help. Whatever that looked like? I also knew that I love hard. I genuinely care. I feel pain of others and truly empathize. So, there had to be something that fit this criteria. There had to be something that nurtured my strengths and passions. And there was. But first I had to dig deep and get to know who I am as a person. Then it took a whole other level of realness within me. Which at moments brought on a fear of its own. But I pushed through it, fear and all. I worked on my abilities and skills and the rest fell into place.
In The broadCAST™ on Friday, I will share more on my thoughts around what I consider to be the benefits of fear.
Barry says..
I love the notion of fear guiding us Jenny. I offer up this story from Baha’u’llah.
- There was once a lover who had sighed for long years in separation from his beloved, and wasted in the fire of remoteness. From the rule of love, his heart was empty of patience, and his body weary of his spirit; he reckoned life without her as a mockery, and time consumed him away. How many a day he found no rest in longing for her; how many a night the pain of her kept him from sleep; his body was worn to a sigh, his heart’s wound had turned him to a cry of sorrow. He had given a thousand lives for one taste of the cup of her presence, but it availed him not. The doctors knew no cure for him, and companions avoided his company; yea, physicians have no medicine for one sick of love, unless the favor of the beloved one deliver him. At last, the tree of his longing yielded the fruit of despair, and the fire of his hope fell to ashes. Then one night he could live no more, and he went out of his house and made for the marketplace. On a sudden, a watchman followed 14 after him. He broke into a run, with the watchman following; then other watchmen came together, and barred every passage to the weary one. And the wretched one cried from his heart, and ran here and there, and moaned to himself: “Surely this watchman is Izrá’íl, my angel of death, following so fast upon me; or he is a tyrant of men, seeking to harm me.” His feet carried him on, the one bleeding with the arrow of love, and his heart lamented. Then he came to a garden wall, and with untold pain he scaled it, for it proved very high; and forgetting his life, he threw himself down to the garden. And there he beheld his beloved with a lamp in her hand, searching for a ring she had lost. When the heart-surrendered lover looked on his ravishing love, he drew a great breath and raised up his hands in prayer, crying: “O God! Give Thou glory to the watchman, and riches and long life. For the watchman was Gabriel, guiding this poor one; or he was Isráfíl, bringing life to this wretched one!”
Regardless of faith, this story speaks to the power that those things we consider fearsome might have for 
us. Are they enemies or actually watchpersons guiding us back to our heart? When we encounter fear, it occurs to me that the question is, “what does this fear teach me?” Does it teach me that I truly do not want this in my life. and so I walk in new directions? Does it teach me that the wall is only but an obstacle and my true desire is on the other side of that fear? Since childhood, I have, at times, experienced such powerful nightmares whereupon and after I have increasingly and ever better asked myself these questions and the answers are constructive. Sometimes the nightmare says, “Well, now you know what your soul does not want in life.” That is a signpost for walking my life. Other times it says, “How bad do you want this?” That is a proverbial kick in the arse.
In our last post, I offered three thoughts from an episode of Star Trek: Voyager (check it out):
- “I’ve learned to trust fear.”
- “Fear is the most honest of emotions.”
- “Fear only exists for one purpose… to be conquered.”
I think my post on Another da Vinci Code speaks to these in part. I think the story above speaks to these. Now, I will ponder… and, like Jenny, I will be back with more thought in The broadCAST™ later this week.
TOGETHER
So, yes… fear is our journey for October. Together, Jenny and I continue to be committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that. Having a better understanding of fear helps too. Together, and through October and beyond, we will continue to explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us.
Join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, 
trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
PLUS CHECK OUT…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Introducing Fear
Last month, we shared on a series around love and self care. This month, The Benny and Jarry Blog enters October exploring fear. First, consider:
“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” ― John Lennon
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Marianne Williamson
“Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.” ― J.K. Rowling
“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” ― Jim Morrison
JENNY says…
This whole month I will speak on and to fear … and how we allow it to consume and control us.
Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. It is to be afraid of someone or something.
Many of us allow fear to control decisions and choices that we make, which in turn may alter the path that our life is meant to take. It can be stressful, create anxiety and overwhelm us and our lives.
When I think of fear, a video from Steve Harvey comes to mind. He was in between airing his show during commercial 
break and out of nowhere got the urge to speak to his audience about “jumping”. He speaks about how is it that we really know if we can be successful at something if we don’t take the “jump” and just go for it. It was awe inspiring and motivational. I suggest finding it and watching it; well I have it linked above lol. It resonated with me and to be truthful it helped me “jump”.
In the upcoming broadCAST™ for October, I am going to share more on my own journey with fear. I look forward to sharing my own thoughts on that journey and lessons learned and learning. Hope you join me. <3
BARRY says…
I am looking forward to this journey with fear, Jenny. I have long said and believed (but not always acted upon) the thought that fear is not the question; fear of what is. Fear is a natural emotion of which we are all capable. The question is not whether or not we are afraid, but of what we afraid.
I met an ex-Marine who fought in Vietnam. I met him in 1988. He shared a story of how we was behind Cambodian lines with his platoon. Many were dead, many more injured and they were trying to get out of Cambodia through mine-laden rice paddies. You see, the Americans were not supposed to be in Cambodia. Richard Nixon was apparently proclaiming that there were no troops in Cambodia. So, there were no troops coming to help. His platoon had to get themselves out. They did. It was harrowing. I was all of 28 at the time and I remember asking him if he was scared. He looked at me and smiled, saying essentially, “Of course we were. Anyone who says they were not scared is either a fool or a liar.” He then looked me in the eyes and basically said, “Barry, listen to me. Remember this. Courage first, confidence second.”
That message I have remembered. He was saying that courage is in the face of fear; no fear, no courage… 
and courage is the source of confidence. We need fear to prove something to ourselves. We need fear to grow.
If you have time, take 5 minutes to watch Captain Janeway engage fear manifested in AI form. In the video, there are three thoughts I love.
- “I’ve learned to trust fear.”
- “Fear is the most honest of emotions.”
- “Fear only exists for one purpose… to be conquered.”
Fear has purpose. And questioning what we fear has purpose. In my next piece in The broadCAST™, I shall share some more thoughts on my own journey with fear, as friend.
TOGETHER
So, fear is our journey for October. Together, we continue to be committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that. Having a better understanding of fear helps too. Together, and into October and beyond, we will continue to explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us.
Join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
PLUS CHECK OUT…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
In and Out of Love
Last week, we shared on Listening and Love. Before that, we shared on the The Paths of Love. Throughout September, we have been taking an eye to love and self care.
We shared on Love and Grace, and The Long, Cool Road … and through the broadCAST September 2019.
We recommend all the reads and reflection, and we continue the deeper dive now, finishing off on that theme for this month.
Jenny says…
First, please read Listening and Love… and our other posts if you would, for context. That being said, 
my final thought for the day, is listen!
Listen to your body. Hear it, just as if someone is speaking to you. Get comfortable with your cues. When you are drained, you will be informed by the body that carries you. A few weeks back, upon returning home on the road, my body told me to pull over on the side of the road and take a power nap while driving across the island. I did just that.
I heard it loud and clear.
We need to be more accommodating of ourselves. We are so quick to do for others, but how do we manage to do that if we aren’t recharged. So, if you are doing the best you can with what you know, I get it. I am too.
Let us learn together. Let’s challenge our minds to be more aware of our body cues. And let’s love our bodies enough to nurture its basic needs.
Now go do you!!!!
Barry says…
True dat, Jenny. I need to heed that, and will!
My only add is that “do unto others” thing. I am not so sure that we often adhere to this guidance. Do unto others as you would have done unto you is guidance in every faith, and none. I think there is a balance. More importantly, the guidance implies that we do both. I think loving ourselves and the world is a form of loving ourselves, if we but be clear and strategic in how we best love others and the world.
Yesterday, I posted this in response to the most recent address by Greta Thunberg. I humbly think it worth a read, and reflect. To follow on it, I suggest the best way to love ourselves is to take care of ourselves and listen to our bodies as Jenny suggests, and to figure out how and where and with whom we can be of best service in the world. Read this follow up post on motivation, meaning and me. Decide how you will best serve the world. In so doing you will feel fulfilled, and fulfillment is love for oneself.
TOGETHER
So, there are some thoughts on the IN and OUT of Love. Loving inward and outward is a complementary and necessary journey. And with that… and as noted before… together, we continue to be committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that. Together, and into October and beyond, we will continue to explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us. Join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
LISTENING and LOVE
Last week, we shared on The Paths of Love. Indeed, throughout September, we have been taking an eye to love and self care. We have shared on Love and Grace, and The Long, Cool Road … and through the broadCAST September 2019. We recommend the reads and reflection, and we continue the deeper dive now.
Jenny says…
In my last post, I finished with… “In life there will always be moments to love ourselves enough to rest and take care of our basic needs. But how we come to do that is the real test. This is where we are doing the best with what we have, or what we know. We are taught by people around us how we should and shouldn’t love ourselves. We mirror what we have watched growing up. We allow people to plants seeds, such as, selfish, lazy, high maintenance, or needy. When in all reality it is a basic need of ours. We NEED to care for ourselves. However that looks to each of us may be completely different or one in the same. Now like I said, we are either taught how to love ourselves or we learn. So, let us learn.”
Since then, I have thought:
- Self-care is whatever you feel it might be. It is the things that fill your tank. For me that is cuddling into my boy, going for a nice meal by myself, or just going for a walk amongst nature. It can also be a pedicure, or a hot bath, or dressing up in your nicest clothes and getting out of the house for a bit. It honestly doesn’t take much. I find myself becoming depleted when I don’t try to do those things for myself. I guess what I am saying, is the notion of self- love and self-care is wonderful, but to really kick ourselves into gear to do it seems to be a problem within many these days.
- I just sent a text to a dear friend to say hi and to let her know I missed her. I asked how she was, she mentioned she was exhausted. She has had a full summer, with visitors and adventure and has yet to slow down. But in that text, I knew that she was clearly feeling the tired lagging feeling that we all feel in moments. My response was “Go rest, listen to your body and rest.” Sounds simple right? But it isn’t as simple as that. She feels the need to entertain and accommodate her guests. And that’s cool. But she needs to entertain and accommodate her body, and what her body needs. And in little moments our body will tell us. It will scream at us. It will begin to shut down. Whether it is through pure exhaustion, or anger, or irritability or tears. WE NEED TO LISTEN!!! I have to listen. I will share more after I do. 🙂
Barry says…
Love it, Jenny. Listening is a manifestation of love. Listening is a power of L.O.V.E.. If L.O.V.E. is LOOKING inside ourselves for our strengths, seeking out OPPORTUNITIES where those strengths are most needed, having a VISION of how applying those strengths to the opportunities will make life better, and then ENGAGING the action… then listening is one of those powers in potential.
- Listening
- Is
- Sincerity
- Trust
- Empathy
- Now
Listening is love in action. It is sincere. It is worthy of trust. It is empathy in action. And, it is in the 
now. It is present. In the Virtues Project™, we suggest Companioning is listening. It is 7-step, character driven process of sincerity, trustworthiness, empathy and presence, in the now. It has no agenda but to be present with sincerity, trust and empathy. It has no answers, but a love to be that presence, with ears and heart.
You can find a copy here, or here. Or you can connect with me at barry(at)epicengage.com and I will send you a copy.
Either way, I suggest listening is a manifestation of love; and a powerful one. And, I suggest (as does 
Jenny) that we listen to others, and ourselves. Be your own best companion and you can be a better one for others.
Until next time…
TOGETHER
Together, we continue to be committed to living a joyful life and work.
Best friends do that.
Together, we will continue to explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us.
Join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
The Paths of Love
In lasts week’s post on Love and Grace, we continued an exploration of caring for ourselves, which we started with in The Long, Cool Road and followed into broadCAST September 2019. We recommend the reads and reflection, and we continue the deeper dive this week.
Jenny says…
To date, and essentially, I have offered the following in retrospect. Allow me to recap.
This Blog may very well be all over the place in thought. As I have been these past couple weeks. I don’t mind saying it like it is, as you probably have noticed by reading my last blog, I am quite up-front and honest. I am usually very positive and upbeat. But guess what, I am human like the rest us, and I am exhausted. I have been pushing myself to the limit in every aspect of my life. I have been trying to be a kick-ass Mom, Friend, Partner and Student. Well I only have so much to give. I guess what I am saying is that in order to fill your own tank, you need to do things that you love. Even then you can find yourself drained and depleted. I am a prime example of that this past week.
This summer has been full, beautiful and extraordinary. So many positives, yet I am pooped. I am a strong believer in self-care. A huge believer. But even in the moments of self-care, my mind is in full speed, thinking of all that I need to do in the next five years of my life. Which in all honesty does not help or benefit me in the slightest. While most structure their lives around schedule and organization, my life just doesn’t work well that way. Or at least I don’t think it does. Lord knows I have tried. I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. I get things done, and if I don’t, I clearly didn’t think it was needed in that particular time, or in that particular order. I know I am not the only one that lives like this. Other people may think it is chaos, where I find it comfortable. It just works. Rather than getting into how it works, which I don’t think really matters. We all work differently. I want to talk more about doing the best that we can with what we know. And finding what fits and benefits your life.
I am currently reading a Brene Brown book called Rising Strong. She is a phenomenal writer and I find myself relating to most of her writings. I have to say it is taking me a LONG time reading because of that thing we call life. I take all the moments I can spare to sit and read for a bit. But let’s be real, I also have a million other things that I want to do. Be lazy and watch Netflix, eat cheesecake, do my nails, hang with my boy, maybe just do absolutely nothing while scrolling through Pinterest. You know, all those important valid things. Which I think at times we need to do. I think it is a part of unwinding and letting ourselves breathe for a moment in time.
In Brene’s book she talks about doing the best that we can with what we know. I relate this to Child and Youth Care (in which I am studying), and life in general. Brene talks about finding people ignorant or rude, or responding a certain way to something. At first, we look at the person like they have ten heads. Like maybe they are just jerks. That’s not the case. We are simply doing the best with what we are given. 
We are doing our best in life with our skills and knowledge. This speaks to me on many levels. In society, as a parent, as a friend, as an employee, or with ourselves. I look at how I am to others. I love them, I love everyone really. I find the best in anyone and everyone. That is because I was raised that way. Raised to be kind, empathetic, compassionate, and respectful. That built a love and understanding within me that I use outward. I treat others with love because I was treated with love. It is my norm. But when it comes to taking moments to care for me, that isn’t so natural. I can’t exactly blame it on my upbringing, but it is more of a generational thing as far as I am concerned. I feel like moments of relaxing, taking a nap, going to a spa, or getting your hair done, may have been considered more of a selfish act. When really it isn’t. It is taking little moments to love yourself.
Because this is not such a natural act, I get stuck in moments of self-care, with little imprints of caring for others or thinking about the million things I need to do. That is not self-care at its finest. I know how difficult it is to completely unwind, allowing your mind to compartmentalize the important and not so important things we need to focus on at that time. I guess therefore I have been left exhausted. I have been doing things for myself amid chaos these past couple weeks. But clearly, I have not allowed myself to detach and let go of everything I have no control over in that very moment. If I can’t fix it now, then get into that little box inside of my head so I can push it away somewhere until I can address it or accommodate it.
Let me add something this week.
- In life there will always be moments to love ourselves enough to rest and take care of our basic needs. But how we come to do that is the real test. This is where we are doing the best with what we have, or what we know. We are taught by people around us how we should and shouldn’t love ourselves. We mirror what we have watched growing up. We allow people to plants seeds, such as, selfish, lazy, high maintenance, or needy. When in all reality it is a basic need of ours. We NEED to care for ourselves. However that looks to each of us may be completely different or one in the same. Now like I said, we are either taught how to love ourselves or we learn. So, let us learn.
In my next post, and upon reflection, I will share thoughts on what that might look like.
Barry says…
I love the idea Jenny is proposing. Self care and love are unique to each of us; as is balance.
Yesterday was a bit a remarkable day for me. In Public Relations class with some music students, we talked on the importance of self awareness as an artist… and the need to be authentic in our “branding”. Posing creates much more work, to maintain the pose.
Last evening, I attended a memorial for a former student who took his own life last week. Sam was a gifted Soul; gifted with compassion, generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, creativity, enthusiasm, joyfulness and more. And yet, he chose to depart this realm. I shared this post on my feelings around the news and the day yesterday morning. Then, last night and upon reflection after the memorial, I shared this Facebook live post, around thoughts on Sam and more. I shared this post yesterday as well… on Sam’s family choosing to advance the necessary dialogue on suicide.
So What?
And so why do I offer up such? I would suggest that self care and self love are grounded in seeing our best self and character, and honoring it. I suggested in class that one powerful form of self love is to love others. In other words, when we fully identify and accept who we are here most to love … and love them… we love ourselves. This does not imply trying to save everyone. It does imply that choosing to be of service to those who matter most to us can run parallel to us taking time to take care of ourselves.
For example, I spent a great deal of my adult life trying hard to please everyone. In the final analysis, and with great mentors, I realized that I get to pick who I choose to best serve. For all, I choose to try to give friendliness and joyfulness as a countenance. That is my universal service.
But to maintain my best energy and care, my personal and professional lives have a sharper focus. With Epic Engage™, we serve those world embracing and noble minded educators, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders who get it or want to get it. We are clear on that. We are not here to convince or preach but serve who best and most needs our work. We get to choose when and where and how.
With my personal life, I have my Camelot, my tribe, my chosen family who will get my very best.
Stephen Covey referred to this prioritization as the big rocks. I referenced it in The Long, Cool Road.
Ultimately, I am suggesting that self love and the love of others are parallel journeys; but we must be very strategic in choosing who we best serve. During this most busy term of my life (and it indeed is), the best way I will take care of myself is to choose who I will actively and purposefully serve and love best. I only have so much to give, and I must needs choose where I will best give. In so doing, I will both take care of my energy and health, and I will feel best fulfilled with the feeling that I have been there for the people who matter most. Caring for them in my personal and professional lives shows care for me. I think that is what Andy Grammer sings of here.
My 10-Day Path to Love
So, I am taking on a personal 10-day project to sharpen the blades and simplify. I saw this meme on 
Facebook, reminding me of the intriguing numerical significance of 10 days in September 2019.
91#19 with the # running from 0 through 9. Intriguing indeed.
Each day, I will eliminate one distraction or add one habit.
Yesterday, on the first day, I decided that I will no longer engage in any activity unless I feel a real energy is there for movement. In other words, I need to feel a “Hell Yeah”. If not, I do not.
Today, and in honor of Sam, I will commit to one simple, conscious act of kindness each day. I tend to think of myself as typically kind… but I am intent on making sure a day does not go by where I do not take one simple act of kindness, in word or deed.
Over the next 8 days, I will establish 8 other commitments. Whether you start your own act now during this period or not… think about taking 10 days and making 10 simple commitments to cut things out or commit to simple actions that will love you and others.
See where that takes you. I will let you know my 10 next week. 🙂
TOGETHER
Together, we are committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that.
Together, we will continue to explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Peace, passion and prosperity…
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
Love and Grace
We think that we are lighting a cool fire for ourselves… and hopefully you. 🙂
Last week, we embarked on a month of exploring thoughts on taking better care of ourselves… with The Long, Cool Road. We humbly suggest it might be a short, cool read.
Then, earlier this week, through The broadCAST September 2019 (our monthly news and views blog with some 15 contributors), we took the dive a little further. It too, we recommend.
Now, we take it a little further…
Jenny says…
As I wrote in The Long, Cool Road, “This summer has been full, beautiful and extraordinary. So many positives, yet I am pooped. I am a strong believer in self-care. A huge believer. But even in the moments of self-care, my mind is in full speed, thinking of all that I need to do in the next five years of my life. Which in all honesty does not help or benefit me in the slightest.”
As I shared in The broadCAST September 2019, “I am currently reading a Brene Brown book called Rising Strong. She is a phenomenal writer and I find myself relating to most of her writings. I have to say it is taking me a LONG time reading because of that thing we call life. I take all the moments I can spare to sit and read for a bit. But let’s be real, I also have a million other things that I want to do. Be lazy and watch Netflix, eat cheesecake, do my nails, hang with my boy, maybe just do absolutely nothing while scrolling through Pinterest. You know, all those important valid things. Which I think at times we need to do. I think it is a part of unwinding and letting ourselves breathe for a moment in time.”
I also suggested, “I feel like moments of relaxing, taking a nap, going to a spa, or getting your hair done, may have been considered more of a selfish act. When really it isn’t. It is taking little moments to love yourself.”
So, here is my thought this week…
Because this is not such a natural act, I get stuck in moments of self-care, with little imprints of caring for others or thinking about the million things I need to do. That is not self-care at its finest. I know how difficult it is to completely unwind, allowing your mind to compartmentalize the important and not so important things we need to focus on at that time. I guess therefore I have been left exhausted. I have been doing things for myself amid chaos these past few weeks. But clearly, I have not allowed myself to detach and let go of everything I have no control over in that very moment. If I can’t fix it now, then get into that little box inside of my head so I can push it away somewhere until I can address it or accommodate it.
Can you relate? I have some more considering to do, and will share again next week.
Barry says…
I love where Jenny is going with this and can soooooo relate. As I embark on the busiest semester of my teaching career (full time teaching, taking two courses, building the second order of Epic Engage™ with Jenny, and finding balance in and amongst), I am aware of my honey badger mind.
The honey badger is an intensely strategic creature; curious and always going it seems.
So is my mind. 🙂
It serves me well as an educator and entrepreneur but the challenge is the pace of grace. Linda Kavelin-Popov (Co-Founder of The Virtues Project™) wrote a book on such, called A Pace of Grace. I need to go back to it. But, for now, three thoughts occur to me.
- First, what would the practice of the Virtue of Grace look like for me? I have to ponder on that.
- Second, in relation to that question, what would a full on “day of rest” each week look like.? This is the original concept of a Sabbath, a wise and ancient practice in the face of the 24/7 and too often worshipped hustle of life.
- Third, and in the spirit of a book Richard Bolles (of What Color is Your Parachute? fame) wrote called The Three Boxes of Life and How to Get Out of Them (I have a 36 year old copy)… what would it look like if I worked some, learned some and played some each and every day?
Robert Fulghum wrote of this in “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten“. He wrote:
- All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. These are the things I learned. Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK. Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
I have to munch on this, this week, as I prepare for this amazing, crazy 4 months. Thanks Jenny, for triggering my own thoughts on finding Grace. I love you bestie! I will have more to report back on next week.
TOGETHER
As we said last week… “Together, we are committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that. Together, we will explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us.”
We do indeed think this will get ever more interesting; and out of this will come many cool, long road beautiful moments from the Benny and Jarry experience.
So, join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
- broadCAST September 2019
- A Labour of Love
- AuKwords August 2019
- Deliver August 2019
- Leaducator August 2019
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
The Long, Cool Road
In our last blog, Be Open, we spoke to just that; being open. To follow on that theme, and through September, we thought to explore openness to life, as it is.
A mentor of Barry’s once said “life is best lived, living it at it’s own speed”. This pic and post from Jon Tesh stumbled 
across our radar last night. Barry posted it on Facebook, and added, “Strength is in living the story as most nobly you can…”. Ultimately, we are all positively challenged to live the long, cool road as best we can.
Still, we often either rush or resist the forces of life, choosing drive over flow. Here, and for the next few blog posts, here and on LinkedIn, we explore thoughts around love, character and flow.
Here, we begin to digest on thoughts around love, character and living. In the broadCAST for September, we will continue the exploration, and into our September Benny and Jarry posts. It promises to be real, raw, reflective and re-creating. For now…
Jenny says…
Hmmmmm…. Where do I begin??? This Blog may very well be all over the place in thought. As I have been these past couple weeks. I don’t mind saying it like it is, as you probably have noticed by reading my last blog, I am quite up-front and honest.
I am usually very positive and upbeat. But guess what, I am human like the rest us, and I am exhausted. I have been pushing myself to the limit in every aspect of my life. I have been trying to be a kick-ass Mom, Friend, Partner and Student. Well I only have so much to give.
I guess what I am saying is that in order to fill your own tank, you need to do things that you love. Even then you can find yourself drained and depleted. I am a prime example of that this past week.
This summer has been full, beautiful and extraordinary. So many positives, yet I am pooped. I am a strong believer in self-care. A huge believer. But even in the moments of self-care, my mind is in full speed, thinking of all that I need to do in the next five years of my life. Which in all honesty does not help or benefit me in the slightest.
While most structure their lives around schedule and organization, my life just doesn’t work well that way. Or at least I don’t think it does. Lord knows I have tried. I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. I get things done, and if I don’t, I clearly didn’t think it was needed in that particular time, or in that particular order. I know I am not the only one that lives like this. Other people may think it is chaos, where I find it comfortable. It just works.
Rather than getting into how it works, which I don’t think really matters. We all work differently. I want to talk more about doing the best that we can with what we know. And finding what fits and benefits your life. In the upcoming broadCAST, I will explore some thoughts around that. For now, I repeat, “We all work differently… We all work differently… doing the best that we can with what we know… finding what fits and benefits your life.”
Barry says…
Jenny brings up a great point and one around which I have been, myself, thinking on this past week, probably unbeknownst to my bestie even. Just yesterday was my first day back into the College year, and I posted this on Day One. In it, I suggested:
“On this first day of the College year, I find there can be elements of overwhelm. For those passionate about teaching and doing our level best, it is a 10 month journey every year, standing in front of and with 15-30 souls at a time and engaging learning in the best of ways. For my speaker colleagues, it is not unlike 24 keynotes a week. This year, I want and intend to take it up another notch and the next 4 months in particular, for me, are going to be truly filled. Filled with delivering courses, studying character leadership and education, co-leading on Epic, learning basic Mandarin, enjoying song and dance, and getting into optimal health and shape. It will be filled, and today is the first day. Day One. :)”
First, I suggest a read of that post. Second, and even last night, I ran into my own overthinking brain. It caused my own sense of racing, and I knew that this cannot be maintained over these next 4 months of growth. Strategic thinking and planning is important, but there is a time and place. I have done mine.
Now, it is about execution… and execution is in the now. Knowing what is important now and in the future allows me to prioritize on the go. I choose those things that will serve me in the now and going forward. It is about flow over drive. A wolf does not spend countless hours considering and planning. It knows what is important to it, and it goes and does that, as needed, when needed… from rest to hunting, and everything in between. It is true throughout nature.
Over these next few weeks, and starting with the broadCAST, I too will explore thoughts around being as the best form of doing.
As children, we knew what was important to us… and I am not simply talking about play. I knew what “causes” were important to me. The work of this company is grounded in those, but I find I get distracted with what Stephen Covey would call the smaller rocks…. and sand. My own exploration this month will be about the aspects of character needed to beautifully and fiercely focus on the big rocks so that we live in the now and look forward to the future.
TOGETHER
Together, we are committed to living a joyful life and work. Best friends do that. Together, we will explore our own perspectives on love and character and how they can build a life of work, play and service that is right for each and all of us. We think this will get interesting; and out of this will come many cool, long road beautiful moments from the Benny and Jarry experience. Join us, stay tuned and engage us. Our lives matter.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love and Character
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
Be Open
Last week, we posted the first of three blogs for August, called An “August” Trilogy. In part, it dealt with a then upcoming retreat amongst friends. That retreat has since happened, with some time taken to reflect on same. This week, albeit a couple of days delayed and needed, we offer this from that special time.
The Retreat
We stayed at the Tree of Life. The cabin in which we stayed is described online as “A unique stay opportunity in Newfoundland. This rustic lodge was constructed of re-purposed old-growth western red cedar from a Church. Your accommodation is part of a larger nature-based retreat space called the Tree of Life. Designed to connect people and nature through cooperative development and management of an off-the-grid retreat facility. The facility features alternative energy, natural building techniques, and other sustainability practices. Explore our outside and indoor spaces.”
The space was remarkable. The time… even more so. Filled with moments of laughter, song, reflection, hiking, resting, and being… it was more than remarkable. Time with waterfalls and wood stoves, and campfire. The evening of the campfire itself was especially incredible. At dusk, burning Barry’s hospitalization bracelet from the stroke of August 2015 … symbolizing next chapter on health and all. Then, others on a yoga retreat showing up to campfire, with guitar and song … under the most glorious of night skies filled with a cathedral of stars, and the rise of the most red moon one can imagine. We could go on.
We Brought and Took
Here is what we brought to and took from the experience. We brought Openness. We took learnings on it back. It is a virtue. We went in open, and experienced moments as they happened. There were few plans. There were road trips and walks and moments of silence as we chose. There was singing and music as it moved us.
The first evening, we had a sense that we are the church; that sense that spirit has no particular space. On Saturday evening, we found out that the cabin was built from the wood of a church, lol. And there were moments of great joy. There were even moments of coming face to face with doubts. Both moments were unplanned. There were moments expected and unexpected. Because we were open.
Openness is honest and transparent. It is direct and candid, appreciating of new ideas. It is sincere with no hidden motives. It is caring about the thoughts and feelings of others; and it is willing to receive life’s bounties. We experienced all of that.
Life’s bounties can come from both trial and triumph. Our teachers can come from challenge and success. They can come from joy and pain…. and from not giving up. Openness is being open to life, as it comes. It is best experienced in the face of expectation. Excessive expectation can often lead to disappointment. Our best character and our best experience of love are advanced by Openness.
This past week, Barry posted on love… on Facebook.
- Love is a word easily thrown around, misused and misunderstood. It is without expectation or need. It is strength for it is knowing and faithful to itself. Patient. Kind. Forbearing all. Believing. Hoping. Enduring.
Through all the worlds of existence, it is the Constant. Evil is its absence of practice. Inhumanity too. Love needs nothing; for it is everything. Self sustaining; not owned nor possessed. It is an Ocean into which we get to submerge if we but choose. In so doing, we lose all sense of the temporal or finite. We understand the freedom that is love.If we choose to dip but our toe, we might get glimpses or we might confuse its ecstasy with something else, more finite and possessive and demanding. Love is none of those things, however we might “romanticize” it in songs of craving, deceit, betrayal or jealousy. Love knows none of these. Love is true. True love is the only love. It is eternal, infinite and without expectation. It exists whether we dare to experience it or not. Love simply loves. Anything else is something else. Love embodies everything virtuous. We love through our highest sense of self; our character… noble. Love is noble. It seeks nothing but the best. It is not weak or simply sentimental. It is strength and wholly honing of our best Soul. Love is Honor. Honor is Love. Love is Love. But it is not the shell we far too often understand it to be. It is not the empty shell on the beach. It is the deeply resonant sound of the Ocean heard within. Listen.
To listen, is to be open. We took that leap this past week. Our friendship is better for it. The work that lies ahead is too. Even, at the time of this writing, there are lessons to be learned from it.
Next week, we will be sharing thoughts around that future, centered on some of those takeaways. Here is a bit of what you can expect going forward, from our recent podcast with The Opportunity Project. We are excited, and open.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
PLUS…
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
An “August” Trilogy
Recently, we posted the broadCAST for August, on magnificence. It is worth a read, we contend. In it, 
and at its beginning, we say “The word august references ideas such as deep respect, reverence, awe, dignity, wonder and magnificence.”
With that in mind, and the Benny and Jarry blogs to date… we begin a trilogy of sorts; three blog posts for August 14, 21 1nd 28. The first is simple, short and hopefully sweet. Here, we will briefly chat on a friendship retreat we and another great friend, Karen, are taking over the coming few days. The second will be a deconstruct on thoughts and even revelations after such. The third will be a launch into a whole new era with the Benny and Jarry blog, around which we are very excited.
So and first, yes over these next few days, we engage a full on retreat, as great friends. There promises to be music and fires and food and great conversations with so very little planning. There promises to be soulful conversations and laughter. There promises to be a retreat and advance. The retreat is physical and mental, getting away from the patterns of life we all find ourselves in to one extent or another. The advance is in advancing deeper, cooler friendship and dreams.
That is the beautiful promise of this time ahead. Stephen Covey once asked, “Have you ever been too busy driving to stop for gas?” We suggest that this is a poignant, powerful little question. Life is life, and we must live it at life’s speed. It is the ultimate role play and impromptu. Still, it is vital to disconnect and step outside of the play that we are in… to almost become an observer… to connect soul to soul. Why? Well, there are many thoughts on same. We suggest, therein, we find a deeper joy. We can get real and raw. Therein, we connect with our dreams. Therein, we find our gas stop. Therein, we get to Soul; the spiritual odyssey understanding life. 🙂
For us, this gas stop will probably involve singing and dancing, soulful and beautiful conversations around the fire, (God willing ) starry nights, good food, wonderful smiles, dreams, lots of laughter, the odd (or maybe more) selfie, and the best of friendships. It will not involve agendas and itineraries nor excessive expectations. It will involve three friends being friends, trusting in the safety, synergy and simplicity of our friendship. We look forward, but will live present. And, we will share on the memories created and ideas born.
Our question to you is “When is the last time you truly retreated with great friends?” A follow up might be “When and how can you plan your next?”
See you soon, and after. 🙂
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love
Benny and Jarry
Peace, passion and prosperity…
- broadCAST: Magnificent
- Plead the 5th, July 2019
- AukWords: Clarity and Conviction
- Deliver: State Your CASE
- Leaducator: Another “DC”
- Developing Character Leadership
- The Character of Leadership
and our MULTIVERSE of online forums and offerings
Benny and Jarry
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
The Practice of Love
We have started a new chapter with Benny and Jarry. With that, we have already shared on From Jenny, with Love and then Love and Character. Indeed, and over the coming months, we intend to expand into PODcasts of what we are affectionately calling the Benny and Jarry Show, exploring real and raw on love and character and how they make for better living, working and playing. Stay tuned. 🙂
As a conclusion to the opening 4 rounds of this new blog adventure (with much more to come), and for this week, we thought to share on practice.
Jenny on Practice
With practicing self-love comes health benefits. You will see that self-love is simply about owning our own power and acting from a place of kindness toward ourselves. It helps us let go of blame, shame, and anger. We invite ownership and power into our lives, while becoming completely responsible for our own lives; along with recognizing that we are the source to our happiness… the source to the power to change our futures, careers, relationships, passion, compassion, empathy, and authenticity.
It’s then that we begin to believe in our power. What matters is how we feel about ourselves, rather than others’ opinions. Practicing self-love puts us at peace. We accept our strengths and weaknesses. Unconditionally. All the self-love that we are now providing ourselves, allows us to show up and live our destined purpose… thus allowing us to let go of loneliness and embrace a deeper connection with the world… and attracting harmony, peace, spaciousness, and significance in relationships.
The more we look at ourselves with love, the more we practice love and acceptance towards others; accepting mistakes and failure and inviting vulnerability into our lives. We accept that we are enough. That there is no room for comparing ourselves to others.
When we love ourselves, we give birth to creativity, inspiration, and openness. Reality is accepted rather than blaming and fighting it, while, accepting failure knowing that it is one step closer to growth.
Allowing ourselves to grow gives us more energy to spread love and joy. Your positive love for yourself shines naturally and good things gravitate towards that energy. Lastly, we feel safe knowing that we will always be there for ourselves (Cynthia Belmer, Mind Body, Jan 2014).
Jenny Dearing speaks to love in action. She brings talent, experience and learning around love, trauma and care. With a passion for Child and Youth Care and Addictions, and a background in same, she connects, and memorably so. Her work spans children and youth care with addictions, personal and senior care, respite work, and business leadership; delivering on all. Jenny is a Certified Virtues Project™ Facilitator, with professional training in child and youth care with addictions support and home support services. With certification in ASIST Suicide First Aid, Autism Awareness and Understanding, Trauma Information Care and Child and Youth Care Practice, Jenny brings it, with zeal. On top of all that, she loves singing, and is an accomplished multi-media artist … and brings both to her work. Artistry is a path to love and healing. Jenny knows it. She believes in it. She drives it.
Barry on Practice
Character is about practice. We are not born with Patience. We practice it. We are born with all virtues, in potential. Potential becomes practical when practiced. Courage and Confidence can be practiced. Empathy and Compassion can be practiced. Discernment and Creativity can be practiced. Love can be practiced. Indeed, in our last post, I suggested:
- … that L.O.V.E. is about the practice of character. LOOK inside yourself for your strengths of character. Identify them. Name them, Claim them. Then, seek out OPPORTUNITIES where they are most needed. Discover what work, jobs, careers and vocations require them. Discover what services and hobbies demand them. Yes, identify your strengths of character and to where they are most called. Then, have a VISION in your head and heart as to how the world, or your corner of it, will be better when you do apply your strengths to those opportunities. Then, simply ENGAGE. Do it. That is how we L.O.V.E. our work. That is how we L.O.V.E. our service, and play and school and community and life. We look inside for our strengths of character, seek out opportunities where they are needed most, have a vision of their impact, and engage.
The late, great Stephen Covey suggested that love is an action. I suggest that it is a virtue, accessible to us all; and that it is accessible to us in our actions, through practice. When we look inside ourselves for our strengths (virtues, knowledge, skills, abilities) and then find opportunities to serve the world (or our corner of it) with those strengths, while having that vision of service in our head and heart… and we engage the process… we LOVE. We LOVE our work, our business, our school, our family, our friends and ourselves. We LOVE our life. And it is a practice.
Jenny provides examples of that above, and the benefits of doing same. I suggest that practice makes permanent. The more we practice, the better we get. The more we practice any virtue, the more body memory we create in knowing how to live it. In the days and weeks and months to come, I will continue to share on the art and science of character, and it’s relevance to L.O.V.E.. And I will be practicing, for life. I need it.
Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire on together strong.
To You, Our Friend and Reader
Jenny and I (and Benny and Jarry) are so excited about the conversations and content ahead. We hope you are too… and we thank you for joining us on the journey.
Peace, passion, prosperity, and a whole bunch of Love
Benny and Jarry
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