Blog - Lifestyle and Career Insights - Live the Wow Now

The seeds of people pleasing are planted in childhood and from as far back as I can remember I’ve been quite the people-pleaser.  I was brought up with 12 years of Catholic education in a privileged, sheltered, upper-middle class Los Angeles area beach community.  There’s something in the Catholic educational system that rewards, reinforces and encourages the image of “the good girl.”

Most everybody has heard about the Butterfly Effect, the notion that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can influence a distant tornado in Texas several weeks later.   Scientists have argued the idea that a butterfly could have far a reaching ripple effect on subsequent historic events since the 1890’s. Personally. I’ve definitely felt the effect of one impactful butterfly’s metamorphosis on my life. 

Life Purpose is said to be the virtuous expression of your signature strengths.  I’ve been told by many people that my signature strength or core genius is connecting people to each other -being a CONDUIT. 

What is it about certain trips that make them so life changing?  I once heard that if you have a dilemma or need to make an important decision, a change of place or change of geography could be just what you need.  It gives you a new perspective and helps you see the situation with fresh, new eyes and ultimately resolve your dilemma.
 

In 2007, my father, Dr. Connor, who was 92 years old at the time said, “Rita, enjoy this time in your life because people stop listening to you or taking note of what you say when you’re in your 70s and older.”  I said, “No – that’s not true, dad.

As I recently celebrated another birthday, I realized there’s something magical about being “a woman of a certain age.”  The ups and downs were more extreme and more traumatic in my younger years.  Leaving the old world behind can be bittersweet and yet it’s now so satisfying.  My thoughts are so much more profound and interesting now!