Right Place. Right Time.

You know the saying, “Oh, I got lucky, I was just in the right place at the right time”?

I have heard it over and over again and it is always in story telling of experiences that have happened in the past.   And, the phrase is often coupled with luck, nostalgia and a pinch of fear.

Weird pattern.

Here are my questions to you:  What if we owned our moments?  What if we knew our experience and our choices as the right place at the right time…right as they were happening?  What if before we walked into an event, leaned in for that first kiss, or stepped onto our yoga mat, we said gently to ourselves, “Yes, I am in the right place at the exact right time, because I have arrived”.  We would let go of the judgement, shut off the inner mind’s self-sabotage conversation, and be open to the possibilities provided.  Talk about confidence in your next step, a lighter breath of air and a beautiful understanding of your body in time in space.

Is this what being present feels like?

I am leading a goal coaching event tomorrow at a yoga festival in Santa Monica.  Let me tell you something, give me a Flip Chart, colorful Sharpie markers and a microphone and I come alive in the realm of sharing goals.  Parts of me unleash that I did not even know existed and I am deep in the fire of my life’s passion pit.  So why, on the eve before the speaking day, do I sit here with my old friends:  anxiety, doubt and fear?  As if my living room shifted the weather vane and here comes the looming dark cloud of “I’m not good enough”.

Why?  Why?  Why?

I’m not having it.  So, here is my declaration right now.  I am going to walk into that tent and rock that event tomorrow.  I am owning that I am in the right place at the right time.  This is exactly what I love to do, this is where my passion pit lights on fire and this is when I am in most service to the World being my most radical self.

Do you hear that Universe?  Its happening and I am so aware.

Right place.  Right time.

I have arrived!

Project Inspiration: Jacke “Dad” Carr

As I dig deep and look into who I really am, I look into who I invest my time with and how they have moved me in what I have called Project Inspiration.

I wanted to take this time to tell you how my father, Jacke Carr has inspired me and been a part of my life evolution, from the very beginning. You probably have one of these:  the do-anything-for-you-coach-all-your-little-league-teams-loudest-dude-in-the-crowd-fun-loving father.  Let’s compare notes…

Dear Dad,

You are the beginning.  There from the first breath, to the first step, at the first softball game, to the first car wreck, from college good bye to the roadtrip to California.  You’re my guy, Dad.

What I want to let you know is that who you are has and continues to shape who I am everyday.

You say ‘I love you’ every single time we hang up the phone.  Every time.  And knowing I am truly loved and cherished by my father is a gift no one else can give to a child.  Knowing you are loved unconditionally instills confidence, enables possibility, and empowers choice.  Thank you, Dad.  I commit to one day make my children feel the exact same way.

Softball, basketball, all the sports –  you are my head coach.  You taught me the skills, you taught me teamwork, and you taught me how to be a leader.  Thank you for being my coach on and off the playing field.  Who you are as a leader inspires me, drives me and keeps me seeking for greatness in myself and those around me.

Oh, how I hate to disagree with you.  You are such a passionate person which colors you such a vibrant human being.  That stubborn spark inspires me to be passionate in all areas of my life and fight the good fight.

You and Mom’s relationship is one for the books.  You are there for her, you love her endlessly, and you are her ultimate adventure.  I am inspired by you in that space, and I hope Chris and I will continue to celebrate life  just as you and Mom rock out your relationship.

Always up for an adventure, you are never one to sit on the sidelines of life.  Thank you for making sure I never take life too serious, that I am always up for a good time and for letting me get in trouble.  You are the life of the party.  Always.

I cannot imagine being a Dad to three girls ranging in ages of 27 to 13, but somehow you keep your cool.  I know you inspire A LOT of people out there with this one.  But for me, your ability to relate in the midst of tears, how you tolerate all the drama that is sisters, and maintain your dude-like and oh-so-macho dad-like character is the ultimate.   When given a life full of ladies that you might not have expected, you sure have done a great job raising radical kids.  Keep up the good work.

And last but not least, your laugh.  When I look back at those life moments that really move you, my favorite memories are filled with you and in the front seats of a mini van doing SNL impressions, pretending to eat the moon made out of cheese, and all of a sudden we are both laughing until the tears flow behind our glasses.  That whole-hearted laughter that moves you, shakes you to the present moment.  That ability to be present, laugh until you cry with your daughter and enjoy life reminds me that life is actually about the moments shared.  Slow down and laugh until you cry.

Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for loving me, Dad.  Thank you for inspiring me everyday to be confident in my choices, a leader in my own life, to take in the moments, expect the unexpected and be awesome.

As you continue to rock in this life, keep being who you are. And I promise that I will do the same.

Your Inspired daughter,

Jacki Carr

Dad and his girls

Dad being the “dad”

Mom & Dad