I went to Northern Maine about a month ago, where I grew up. I hadn't been since last November - typical for me. It's tough up there in the winter months. Not for the faint of heart or those of us who have grown "soft" from living in warmer climes, surrounded by every convenience.
I had two primary objectives this trip - catch up with my best girlfriend after 6 months apart and see how my Perham property fared the winter. What I ended up with was so much more than that.
My girlfriend and I slid easily into conversation, part factual, part gossip, with an air of assumed confidentiality. We had an entire weekend of girl talk, along with her granddaughter, who I've seen grow up from birth. What a trio we make! Laughing, singing, dancing, telling stories, watching movies, playing games. And strengthening lifelong bonds of love and friendship. Objective #1 met.
My Perham property has its own story of transformation, or what I lovingly call My Perham House Project. You see, this is my grandmother's house and the house where my mother was born and raised. My grandmother is a source of inspiration for me, and she and this house show up in all of my influence maps, from my personal mythology to my personal vision. In fact, it's central to my realizing my vision, as it will be the future home of my Foundation and the location for my Vision Temenos Labs.
When I bought this place 14 years ago, I started planning the renovations. I hired an architect, who hired a slough of professionals, to get the plans just right. I pored over magazines and websites, searching for just the right light fixture and countertops. Then, through no real intention, I put the plans on the shelf. And, the years went by.
About a year ago, for a reason still unknown to me, I decided to launch this massive renovation project, My Perham House Project. And, massive it was! People thought I was crazy. Truly. I was definitely stretching my own boundaries and testing the boundaries of those around me. I knew I was heading for something big, something transformational. I just didn't know what it was.
I became driven. The more that was demolished, the more driven I became. The clutter was literally being cleared away and I could see my vision for this house emerging. I didn't know exactly what that vision was, but it was emerging. And, I was excited about the potential of this property, and somehow my potential became part of the house's potential. And, I started clearing away the clutter in other parts of my life, and it was exhilarating.
Then, I discovered Temenos, (www.stiatemenos.com), and learned things like personal mythology, clean slate, and personal vision. I learned that through introspection, visualization, and articulation of your past, present, and future, you can activate your personal vision. And, through discernment, you can acknowledge your distractions, fantasies, and life purpose, enabling you to be intentional about the decisions you make.
So, when I made this trip to Northern Maine, I visited my grandmother's grave, contemplating my plans to resume my Perham House Project for the year. I closed my eyes, letting the warm sun and soft breeze clear my mind. When I opened my eyes, the words "Strong + Determined" flashed before me. And, I knew it down to my very core. That's what my dad meant when he told me after launching this project "your ancestors would be proud." That's my grandmother, my mother, me. That's what this house represents. Strong + Determined. And, that's my life purpose. Building a community of women. With my Perham property at its core.