Who among us does not want to be recognized or picked? I’m not referring to your exterior self, but about being seen as the wonderful, loving, core person that you know you are within.

At one time or another, we have all had trouble remembering to see ourselves this way. Sometimes, when the outside world gets demanding, we forget who the real person is within us. Is that why the painting speaks to you?

Do you remember when you were a child? You used to raise your hand in grade school because you wanted to be picked. There was always someone in class who had all the answers. Their arm was held so high they were practically levitating out of their desk. Their hand was waving back and forth as “ooh, ooh” eeked out of their scrunched-up face. They KNEW the answer. They wanted to be SEEN, to be picked, and so did you.

“Me, Me, Pick Me!” Now it is YOUR turn to be called upon.

Do you remember those times you found yourself sliding down in the chair trying to become invisible instead of sitting up tall to be seen? Do you ever feel the need, even today, to be picked, to be the chosen one? I suspect that most of us do.

Now is the time to remember who you are. Now is the time to be visible not invisible, and not only to yourself but to the rest of the world, too. The world wants to meet you, to know your thoughts, to hear your words. We want to feel your heartfelt voice. Come on, raise your hand. Let us pick you. Step up, it is your turn.

Raise your hand, not just metaphorically! Show yourself and the rest of the world that you are here, that you have the answer, that you are relevant, that YOU matter!

If this painting reminds you of your joyful child within, or if you know a teacher, a friend, or a parent who will appreciate that same feeling, this will make an excellent “end-of-the-school-year gift” from you. To order your prints, go to: The Shop Page

To download the article "Me, Me, Pick Me!" and receive your yummy Coconut Custard Pie Recipe, click here.

This month's featured painting, Promises & Secrets Within, was titled by good friends and the people who watched me paint her in public.

This mystery woman peers out at the world from within us, quiet and confident in her wisdom. She is delighted with the many promises and secrets she holds for us. They are all there for us to find - if we will look with our hearts instead of our eyes.

Who knows what really lies within the inner landscape of our existence? Can we navigate through to find out? Our future stretches out before us. We're on the verge of learning something new, of becoming more fully present in our own lives.

These times in which we live can be exciting or frightening. The choices we make regarding our perception of events, dictate our feelings and our responses to them.

Fear and excitement are "kissing cousins" of one another. When we realize that we can choose between fear and excitement, we have the power to decide which to feel in any given moment.

The awareness that there is a choice to be made comes first.

Collectively we have all begun a new year, 2009. On January 26, we entered the Chinese Year of the Ox, a year representing prosperity gained through fortitude and hard work; how appropriate. In addition, we have a new president who has emphasized the need for accountability and responsibility.

A new time is truly upon us. Who knows what promises and secrets lie ahead? We all have access to our greatness within. Let us choose to open ourselves up to all that is left to be discovered.

Our strengths await our presence. It is up to each one of us to stand tall and true ... our lives hinge on our decision to do so.

To read about Finding Your Promises and Secrets Within, click here.