Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

It is with much regret that we volunteers and naturalists for the Laguna Canyon Foundation say goodbye to our trusted, generous and so dearly loved Volunteer Manager, Bette Lee.

Bette's dedication, professionalism, honesty and passion for both the canyon and her volunteer corps will be forever remembered by all who worked beside her. While we are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a future Volunteer Manager, and are looking forward to collaborating with him/her as much as possible, one thing is certain: there is no replacing Bette Lee.

As an involved member of our canyon's growing community of volunteers and visitors, I take the liberty tonight to publish the above words. With 2010 on its way, a new chapter for us volunteers and naturalists is about to begin. It is my hope that a renewed sense of excitement and appreciation for all on the trails, be it rock, plant or person, will come to define the upcoming year.

Tonight's post features a heart-felt message from Bette, destined to all of you who read this blog. It is entitled, "Aspire to An Awe Filled Life," and it shall be the final posting of this blog this year.

See you on the trails next year!
Jennifer Wood

Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

Awake each morning, potentially inspired, centered, with a sense that many options and opportunities stretch before you. Awe is a power unto itself, and by its very nature transforms us. The best part is it is free, natural, and continually available.


When you get out of bed in the morning and put your feet on the floor, give thanks that you are part of a great adventure, an ever-expanding journey.


Each moment is a gift. Savor it. Be in it. Even in the tough times, take a moment to breathe, ground yourself and become present in the moment.


Take time to consider bigger questions, such as how you are willing to use the space and time left to you.


Realize that you are MORE than petty or narrow judgments.


Stay open to the possibilities and surprises of life; they may be around the corner. When you’re in conversation or working, or just simply being, realize that change—often positive change—can spontaneously occur.


Pain is our teacher. As difficult as it is, pain can be an opening—as well as closure—to a new way of life. For example, if you are sad, perhaps you can view the sadness as a long neglected chance to slow down, appreciate subtleties, and consider life anew.


Try for balance. We all experience fragility and resiliency. To cope best with this life, acknowledge both your limits and your possibilities. Recognize that limits and possibilities play off one another and that to live fully one must be open to tearfulness as well exhilaration.


Accept change. Life is ever revolving. An ability to stay present to, and accept, the evolving nature of life is a powerful skill. As painful as conflict can be, realize that, like everything else, it too shall pass, and something new will emerge.


You are so much more than what you think you are. So take the leap if you dare, follow your grandest visions and dreams, and partake of the greatest investigation ever known—your own awe-filled life. Breathe in the awesomeness of life!


SO -

• Open to the mystery of Life and Being
• Surrender and Trust in the Unknowable
• Take a Leap of Faith into Your Future