The Voice Within

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you can't paint', then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." by Vincent Van Gogh

Everyone has that little voice of doubt and nay-saying within themselves. If it is what you want to do though, just do it. That voice is fear based and grows larger the more you believe in it. So the best way to dissolve it is, indeed, to simply do it!

Helping Hand

No matter who you are, there are always people out there who genuinely care about you, who will make it a point to lend you a helping hand when you need it. 

Two things that have to come from you are:

1. you need to ask for that helping hand when you need it (let others in - you are not alone)

2. accept the helping hand when it is offered (it is okay to be vulnerable - everyone has been there).

Love Or Lack Of Bravery

Do you do what you do because you love it or because you aren't brave? This is something you might want to ask yourself once in a while. If you love what you do you are in the right place. If it is lack of courage that keeps you from doing what you love then it might be worth your time to dig deep and find your courage and assess what it is you do want to do.

Happy Thanksgiving*

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a day to remember everything we are thankful for. It reminds me to, that this should not be limited to one day a year, but something to do every day of the year.

What about committing, for onr year, to express your thanks once a day in one form or another? It is as simple as telling yourself once a day "I am thankful for...". What do you think?

Say How You Feel

Always have the courage to say how you are feeling. Mastering to verbalize your feelings entails getting to the source of you, to the source of the emotions within you. If you feel like blaming others for what you feel you are on the wrong path and whatever you say then will hurt you and others, while simply stating how YOU feel, without expectations and finger pointing can be constructive and more conducive to resolution and healing.

Pain

When you are in physical pain you realize how much you take life for granted when all is well! It is easy to get impatient and to take pills to make it all go away. What do you do though when that doesn't help either or isn't available?

Pain is your body's way of talking to you when something isn't in balance. Work on listening to your pain. Pain awakens lots of fears. Face your fears and feel into your pain. Mentally/emotionally fighting your pain does increase your pain level.

Note: this is not intended to be any kind of medical advice or substitute for medical assistance.

Sparkle

Today I was refurbishing and older crystal chandelier. As I fixed links, added crystals and cleaned the crystals, slowly but surely it went from this ratty looking thing to a classy sparkling beauty. The transformation was stunning.

A little bit of care and attention can make all the difference in the world. Neglect over longer periods of time can really do a number not only on objects but also on people. However the essence always remains and can be brought back to full shine with a little love and care.

So give a little love and care to someone (maybe even yourself!) today and bring back that sparkle. You'll find it shining brighter than you thought possible.

Give Space And Time

Everyone learns in their own space and time, which makes sense given that we are all individuals. If we can learn to give that space and time to others and to ourselves, then the world be a better place. Expectations surrounding when and how things need to happen cause strain and strife that are unnecessary.

Giving Time

New ideas and suggestions can take others aback. When this happens, it means that whatever you said is triggering something in them that makes them unsure and/or uncomfortable.

Once you know that they heard what you said, give them space to think it through on their on and let go of it.  You have done your part and whether they agree with it or not is out of your hands at that point. Revisit the topic again when the other person is ready to do so.

This approach can be quite productive when you are not pressed for time.

Teenage Transformations

Reunions are such sweet gatherings, especially when your oldest comes back from college for the first time after several months. The changes you see are amazing. The amount of growing kids go through during their first months is astounding and so rewarding to see.

While relationships with teenagers become strained, because they are striving and longing to become independent, they become closer again once they have gotten a taste of 'real life' away from home, making them appreciate home again, which in turn makes all the 'hard times' worth a while.  :)

Giving Space & Support

As a youth, when you go through troubled times, things seem huge. The emotions are all new and it can feel very overwhelming. Social pressure is high and the thought of not fitting in is absolutely frightening. 

Though it is not easy to watch as a parent, you also have to give them space to find their own way. Be supportive as much as you can and as much as they let you, and be aware that it is their lesson to learn. Take it easy on giving advice. I believe it is best given when asked for. Otherwise just love them unconditionally and let them know the door open for them should they need you. Knowing that you support them always helps.

Your Path

When you are searching for your path you might be surprised to find that you knew all along where it was - you were just afraid of it, not quite ready to step into those shoes.

How do you know you are on your path? When all the pieces fit and you feel good to your bones about what you are doing.

Though it still might be a bit scary, more than anything it is exciting and invigorating when you embrace who you are and where you are going. No matter what the outcome is you are on your way.

Clear The Slate

Most of the time our days are shaped by what we imagine them to be in advance, reliving the same patterns over and over again. And most of the time we do this unconsciously. We have a tendency to anticipate outcomes based on past experiences which in turns makes us relive those experiences over and over again in various forms.

Today, put your intentions into at least clearing the slate and opening up to new experiences. While you are the creator of your reality, make sure, if you are not used to creating consciously. to become aware and change your pattern. Clearing your slate is one step toward change.

Tools

You are an individual. Though we are all one, we still have personal preferences, process things differently and have maybe even opposing points of view. All this is what adds spice to life and makes this world more colorful.

When it comes to self-help, there are many, many tools out there for you to choose, This doesn't mean that they are all for you. Find the ones that works for you, the ones that will be most beneficial to your personal growth. Be open in the process too to tools that you wouldn't usually veer towards. Just because it is unknown, doesn't mean that it isn't for you. It might just be the magic wand you were looking for.  :)

Give It A Shot

Is there something in your life that you have been meaning to do, but for whatever reason haven't?Why not make today that day that you grab the bull by the horns and just do it? Even if just for today?

Put aside whatever reasons you have and take the plunge today. If it is a long term project, even one time is more than none. And who knows, you might be inspired to add another day and then maybe even another. Give it a shot, one way or another. There is no better time than the present and you'll be glad you did.  :)

Frustration

Frustration occurs when you feel out of control. So when you feel frustrated, take a deep breath and ask yourself: "What can I do to change/alter/influence the situation?". The answer is not always obvious and sometimes there is nothing you can do, but even just realizing that you can choose to let it go and leave it, instead of stewing over it, is better than being stuck in the frustration.

If there is something you can do, do it. And if not, let it go. Both are actions and both will make you feel better and dissolve the frustration.

Happy Thoughts Exercise

When you feel negative thoughts crowding your head and you are tired of it, try the following exercise:

Get a piece of paper and something to write on. Write "HAPPY THOUGHTS" on top of the page. While you go about your day think of things that make you happy, things that make you smile. Start looking around you and see if there is anything that makes you smile. Then write it down. Focus on the next happy memory, thought, feeling, etc. Then write it down again. Continue doing this. Your whole mood and demeanor will shift. Guaranteed!

The great thing too is that once you record these "things" you can always go back to them. Collect them and go back to them when you need a boost.  :)

Snow Fall*

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" by J.B. Priestley

Today we had our first snowfall of the season and it always does feel magical to me. Seeing the snowflakes come down quietly, softly, transforming the landscape with its blanket of white gives you a sense of peace and quiet. It feel pure and untouched.

Though it is always tied to cold temperatures, enjoy the peace that comes with it.  Feel the magic in the air! :)

Change Of Dreams

As you keep pealing off your onion layers to get to your core, you might find along the way that your dreams and aspirations change, sometimes dramatically. First of all, be reassured that this is normal. Second, embrace your new destination. It is not only okay, but the path to you/your core.

Switch Things Around

Sometimes it is fun to switch things around. For example, making breakfast food for dinner. Shaking up routines spices up your life. Try it!

Music

"Without music, life would be a mistake." by Friedrich Nietzsche

Music can sway the soul. Music is resonance. When you find the one you resonate with you find energy that can amplify you, soothe you, heal you, re-center you, energize you. It is something you can identify with. Music can lift your spirits and it can transcend you into a different space & time.

A life without music is hard to imagine. Thus enjoy it! Treat yourself to music today (if you don't already do it on a regular basis!). :)

Flexibility

"In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It goes on." by Robert Frost

In a way that is the one strange and amazing thing about life. No matter what, it does go on. It has to. That is just the way it is. If any one of us was indispensable that would mean that life couldn't go on without that person. That, however, is not the nature of things. Nature does go on and adjusts.

And maybe, that is just the miracle of life: Flexibility and constant change. 

Apache Blessing

Today I would like to share with you an Apache Blessing. I love how it blends nature with human nature. Enjoy!

"May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being,
May you walk gently through the world and know it's beauty all the days of your life."

Things We Love

"The things that we love tell us what we are." by Thomas Aquinas

What a wonderful, thought inspiring quote! What do you love? Take inventory and see what it says about you. Have fun!

Embrace Your Dream

When you know what your passion is, what is it truly that is standing between you and your dream? Usually they are fears and excuses, that are keeping you from your dream. When you really look closely they are imagined barriers. When you live your dream, anything is possible.

If you are lucky enough to know what your passion/dream is, pursue it. Follow your heart and take the leap.

Moonlight

Everyone has sat out at one point or another and lifted their face to sun, soaking up the rays, the warmth, the pure energy. Have you ever done the same with the moon?

Get cozy sometime watching a moon rise (full moon or close to it if possible) and see what you feel. It is a wonderful experience. Moonlight is soothing, calming, nurturing, and healing. Soak it up and infuse your being with this loving energy. :)

Stretching

Stretching is a wonderful thing. It doesn't just do your muscles, ligaments and joints (in short your whole body) a world of good, but it can also take care of aches and pains that creep up on you as you get older. Make it a part of your daily routine. You'll be glad you did.  :)

Empty Nest

Once your little birds are out of the nest it is time for you to fly too. It is wise to spend some time pondering where you want to fly to before the time comes and even start flexing those wings some, before the nest is empty. It will help everyone transition more smoothly.

Serious Plans

"Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment." by Horace

A little reminder to keep laughter in sight when life gets too serious. It balances beautifully!

Looks

"I have never known a really chic woman whose appearance was not, in large part, an outward reflection of her inner self." by Mainbocher

Never underestimate what inner beauty can do for your outer beauty! With society putting so much emphasis on outer looks, it is easy to loose focus of what really matters and what is most important. "Fixing the outside look" becomes an obsession. Isn't it odd that when you start focusing on the exterior though, the interior suffers, which in turn affects your exterior negatively?

Even when it comes to looks, looking inward is a great way to help your exterior light shine bright.