Breathing Space & More...

An inspirational way to display a neighborhood's gratitude!   Almost every night, over the past 2 1/2 years, I have made time to jot a note of gratitude.  It is one of the last things I do before I put my head on the pillow, which means it allows for a quick review of the day.  I run through the good and bad and think of what went well and what I want to let go of.  Then I jot a little phrase or word in my pocket-sized journal. Some days these phrases are simple and some days they are more profound.  There are days when things feel heavy and my note becomes about simple bodily functions: breathing, the ability to smile, walk.  And other days, it comes easy and there are more ideas than space in the journal.  I try not to judge these notes, just let the day be what it was and know that I found at least one light spot in it. Here in the North we have entered the season where each day can bring a bitter cold that makes it hard to get up ...

be open to eye contact from someone passing by be open and offer a compliment be open to whatever comes around the next corner be open to letting your guard down be open to laughing loudly be open to wearing your best outfit on a regular old day be open to the possibility of singing off key and sing anyway be open to eating something new  be open to a splurge be open to a hug be open to quiet just be open What small shift can you make today to open yourself to possibility?

"Having an honest friend-one before whom you can dump all your heart's pockets and still feel that you are worth something-is a form of wealth that will buy you nothing but will give you everything.  -Mark Nepo Tribe is what Cheryl Richardson calls, "your soulful community" or "your chosen family."  These people are in your inner circle.  People that are completely invested in you.  They are running the race with you. The people that I would call when I need a laugh, a reality check, or a shoulder to cry on.  The small group that would know my dreams and desires and only want the best for me as I continue on the path toward those things.  They would keep me accountable and honest when I am reverting to old patterns or when fear is driving my decisions.  They would celebrate when I have a breakthrough, no matter how big or small. It sounds great and it is something that I aspire to create to enhance my life. These past few years, I haven't ...

"You can't be that kid standing at the top of the waterside, overthinking it.   You have to go down the chute."  -Tina Fey I love this quote.  And I love Tina Fey.  She cracks me up and I completely applaud that she puts herself out there.   I pulled this quote out of a magazine, stuck it on the fridge, and forgot about it.  It then became buried under the school lunch menu, artwork from the kids, and a large magnet.  The other day, as I was recycling October and making room for November, I found it.  It was like I was reading it for the first time-how fun!   Sometimes this happens with little quotes or things that I read.  Something resonates, so I write it down and then later, sometimes months later, I stumble upon it and it strikes like a dart.  It hits home and in just the right place.  I am a huge over-thinker.  I read the books, I make the lists, I create the scenarios in my mind, I hem and haw. ...

This past Friday I took a trip to a Haunted Ropes Course at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. I know. Not only was it a high ropes course, but a HAUNTED high ropes course! What was I thinking?!?!? I haven't been on a course like this since my ninth grade Wolf Ridge trip, but it was on my adventure list and my sister-in-law was brave enough to help me experience it. The night was perfect.  The perfect fall temperature to be outdoors.  The evening light let us enjoy the view of our beautiful surroundings while we took deep breaths at each courage-gathering platform, high in the trees. I didn't know what to expect so fear was lying just under the surface, waiting for me to give over and think about it too much.  But, I also knew I could do it.  I was calm even as the rope swayed and my balance was challenged.  I just had to slow down and be even more intentional in my moments. We finished the course with a feeling of relief and empowerment. ...

This week I have been reverting back to the old habits of do, do, doing. Man, it gets tough when I get in one of these ruts. I become consumed with my list and getting things done.  My day is run on high, my adrenaline coursing.  I push and push to get one more thing done.  I don't sit until the kids get to bed and then I grab a glass of wine and collapse.  Too tired to feel peaceful or content. What gets me to this place? Why do I let myself go this far? Here's what I know...   I have taken a break from yoga and moments of quiet.  My journal has only been opened to collect quotes that I will look at "when I have time."  My daily walk has been another thing to check off the list and is more about my dog's energy level than my happiness.  I am searching blogs and checking out books from the library for answers instead of listening to my own wisdom. Resentment and overwhelm build and build when I am in this space, which makes it hard to li...

I started a painting class. I am starting to paint. Yes! And Yikes?!?! It has been something that I have felt called to learn more about, so I signed up for a very general class that welcomed beginners.  The first day, I found myself surrounded by a talented, patient teacher, three very senior-aged women, and a teenager.  It was an interesting bunch and I wasn't really sure what I was in for.  The teacher joked that the highlight of coffee and snacks would be coming in an hour, so, if nothing else, I could enjoy a treat. I wasn't prepared.  I didn't have any tools with, but the teacher was so gracious and soon I was spreading water all over the paper and starting to stain with red, yellow, and blue.  The older crowd diligently worked on their projects as us "young folks" were given lessons in watercolor and pencil. I was inspired by the work of the women.  I wanted to learn more about their lives and where in their journey they had picked up paint...