India Journal: The People That You Meet
India Journal is back and this week, I am particularly excited to share one of my favorite memories.
If you have taken one of my classes or workshops you have probably heard this story, and if you are someone who hates making decisions you may find some meaning in it.
One evening, after I had been in India for a few weeks, a new friend, Anita was sharing the events of her day, including that earlier in the day she had encountered an elderly Italian man. Later, walking along a passageway toward my room something caught my eye. Nearing the door, I realized someone had written a name in black magic marker on the door frame. It was strange enough to see writing on the wall, but when I saw the name that was written, I was floored. I was standing with my mouth agape when a gray haired gentleman exited the room and smiled. He turned to lock his door, and with his back to me said, “Ciao, signorina, sei Italiana? /Hello miss, are you Italian?” As he shifted his attention from the door to me, I quickly glanced up and I nodded my head. He smiled, offered me his arm and asked me to walk with him to dinner. I took his arm and we slowly shuffled forward. I asked him where he was from and in traditional form, he revealed what I already knew, bit by bit. Italy…Puglia…Bari, and quite matter of fact, Palo del Colle.
Pascuale Centrone’s Business Card
Palo del Colle is a town of approximately 20,000 people in southern Italy. And while I have never been to there, both of my maternal great grandparents called Palo home.
Oronzo and Benedetta Savino
and to make matters more interesting, the name the man had written on his door frame is my maternal grandparents last name, Centrone.
Sylvester and Nicoletta (Savino) Centrone
While I was quite stunned, somehow this coincidence did not seem to phase my dinner companion in the least! He told me about Palo and stories about my grandfather, uncles and cousins. And while only had a few hours together before his left Rishikesh, I felt a profound sense of peace and satisfaction at the calm, crazy synchronicity of such a random possibility. I had traveled from New York to this place in India, meeting a distant relative from Italy who now lived in South America!
It isn’t always as clear as black magic marker on a wall, however, wherever we find ourselves, opening our eyes we can see the signs that all paths hold a few secrets, some answers and unexpected surprises to help us along the way.
In the words of Paolo Coelho from The Alchemist,
…when you want something, all the universe conspires
in helping you to achieve it.
That evening, I walked into town after dinner, found a phone in the back of a shop and called my maternal grandmother, Nicoletta (Savino) Centrone. When she answered the phone, she was quite surprised to hear from me. I was beaming when I said, “Gram, sit down, I have a story for you!”.
Revolution Me! Flashback: Time to Plan a Resolution Revolution
It’s that time of year again when the excitement of the holiday season and a turkey hangover results in the annual tradition of resolution making. You already know my thoughts about resolutions, so, I’m bringing back a favorite from last year, Time to Plan a Resolution Revolution!
Check back next week for the next India Journal and don’t forget to mark your calendar for the last RevUp 2009 on Tuesday, December 1st at the Darlington House in Washington, DC from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
We’ll celebrate successes of 2009 and get energized for 2010. Come by for a cup of cheer and a dose of inspiration!
India Journal: We’re Not In Kansas Anymore!
In crafting my sabbatical I purposefully opted not to plan very much. Against my nature, I organized only my flight, a pick up at the airport in Delhi, and a hotel for the first two nights. Upon my arrival (at 2:00 am), I was greeted by what seemed like 5,000 animated Indians speaking dozens of dialects, waving signs, grabbing bags and offering rides. The sights, sounds and scents were all loud, chaotic and unfamiliar, yet somehow not frightening. To call it sensory overload would be an understatement, yet it was the perfect introduction to the duality that epitomizes the country.
My driver was not there, however I quickly made change, found a phone and called him, only to find he thought my flight arrived the next morning. He was picking up other passengers but could get to me within the hour. After a harrowing trip through the streets of Delhi we arrived at the hotel.
I spent the day touring around and quickly realized, amazing as it was, I was ready to move on. I arranged a ride to Rishikesh for the following morning. (more…)
India Journal: You’re Killing Your Mother
My family is something of a toned down version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (well, not really toned down), so I knew my decision to trade in my comfortable existence in New York for India was going be difficult to understand. True to form, after announcing my intent I received incredulous stares, curious whispers, strong admonitions, even outright criticism. There was speculation that love was the driving force in my decision making. Others claimed I was “looking for myself” or “having a life crisis.” But most were simply stumped, a break like this was outside the realm of possibility – Your doing what? Going Where? Why?
As news spread I found myself at family functions receiving uncomfortable glances. An aunt leaned close to my father and in a hushed voice asked, “Is she really going?” A cousin cornered my sister to inquire, “What is this really about?” Hardly anyone approached me directly, except my mother’s friend Ellen who dramatically announced, “You are killing your mother!”
I engaged in long conversations with family and friends, giving them time to ask questions and grow accustomed to my thinking, if not comfortable with my decision. In fact, a question my mother offered remains with me all these years later. “What if this isn’t the right road? What if it is a mistake?” My response (more…)
Who Knew?
Thank you for all the great responses to the Revolution Me! India Journal post last week! Your emails made me smile – and in some cases laugh out loud!
Many of you wrote to tell me that you had similar experiences, and some who have met me wrote in disbelief that I was ever quiet or introverted! I promise it is true! In fact, my high school Facebook friends would probably point out, my twin sister was infinitely more outgoing and my older sister far more adventurous!
As I wrote in Where No One Knows Your Name, years before India, I went to Italy. I went to learn more about my family heritage and to study International Law. I never expected the dramatic changes that would take root in my life or a new personality would emerge. I can still remember the first time words poured out of me in my new language. I was shocked both in how I sounded and what I had to say. Was that really me sounding so sure, so bold? Who knew?! It felt so powerful, so me – I knew it was the start of some big changes!
When I returned to New York from Italy it took time for friends, family and colleagues to process the changes…and even more after India! Each time I stepped outside of my life, I found it easier to focus on becoming me. It wasn’t always easy – it took work – and that’s exactly what I’ll share in the next India Journal!
Thank you again for sharing the India Journal with me – keep your eyes open for the next installment!
Where Will Darius’ Journey Take You?
If you haven’t heard about Darius Weems, it’s about time you got to know him. Take a few minutes to watch the video below or spend some time on the Darius Goes West website and you will learn about Darius, eleven of his best friends, their journey in search of a wheelchair “pimped” by MTV and efforts to raise awarenesse about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and handicap accessibility across America – and you will be inspired in a most profound way.
People all across the country have been spurred into action by Darius, including thousands of students at Morgan County HS and Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School writing letters to more than 50,000 public high schools and middle schools in the country, with Morgan County even sending copies of the Darius Goes West DVD with their letters. Students were motivated to help Darius and his friends meet their goal of selling 1 million Darius Goes West DVDs before Darius turns 19 (the age his brother Mario died of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) on September 27, 2009. Each DVD sold raises $17 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, increases awareness, and honors Mario’s life, Darius’ courage and all children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Watching this young man grow up on his journey, revel in each experience, raise his voice for young people with DMD and increase the chance of a cure is more than inspiring, it is a powerful example of a living life fully and that (more…)
Flights of Fancy in the Real World
The brook would lose its song if we removed the rocks. —Wallace Stegne
All month I have been meeting potential clients and groups of people considering charting a new course. Some are facing layoffs, others are considering new jobs or starting their own business and even taking time off or starting a family. Each person I spoke with had a different reason for wanting a change, most spurred on by the changing economy.
You might think it strange that someone would actually make a self-motivated change during a time of such economic flux, yet I am encouraged by what I am hearing. Most of the people I encountered this past month have had a few things in common: (more…)
Where is Your Moon?
You may ask yourself – where’s my moon, my levee, my dream?
Well it’s here, with you. Step forward.
As the economic news confronts us each day we may be tempted to focus on what we cannot do, the obstacles. It is more important than ever to turn our attention to our moons, levees and dreams. To bring our energies to bear in service to our personal and collective visions of the future.
There are things that may have be placed on hold…but that doesn’t mean we stop all action. We can keep planning, connecting and taking steps forward. In fact, staying in motion is the key to success!
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, check out USAService.org – you’ll be amazed how much doing something for others boosts your energy and renews your spirit!
The First 100 Days
President Obama started his First 100 Days in office and made his first proclamation:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.
A day of Renewal and Reconciliation for us all. A day to consider our common purpose. A day to reflect upon President Obama’s words to us yesterday:
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
A day of renewal seems like the perfect time to start your own First 100 Days.
What will you commit to creating in your life and community in these next 100 Days?
A good place to start might be on the new WhiteHouse.gov website – check out The Office of Public Liaison; Intergovernmental Affairs (OPL-IGA) set up by the new administration to facilitate communication with elected officials.
Or just head out to your local Starbucks and join the “I’m In” campaign, a joint initiative with the Hands On Network. Get a free cup of coffee for pledging 5 hours of service and take a few minutes to think about the next 99 days!
Life Lessons from Annie Leibovitz At Work
When I’m asked about my work, I try to explain that there is no mystery involved. It is work. But things happen all the time that are unexpected, uncontrolled, unexplainable, even magical. The work prepares you for that moment. Suddenly the clouds roll in and the soft light you longed for appears. — Annie Leibovitz, Annie Leibovitz At Work
Earlier this week at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Annie Leibovitz discussed her new book, Annie Leibovitz At Work
