Add a little "ish" to your day...................

As time quickly passes and I realize I've missed my personal goal of 1 post per week, I dash to the computer and look to harness the many many thoughts jumping around in my mind, kind of like popcorn spilling out of an air popper. (hadn't thought of those in years, but my son recently purchased one and I remember the joy of years gone by)

Do I write about "letting your dreams take shape?" or "be kind to yourself and treat yourself as you treat others?" or "it's not too early to be thinking about Acts of Kindness as the heartfelt holidays approach?" or "compassion & empathy as a beacon can ease some of the stresses in our lives?"

Phew......you can see, to buckle down and open up the flood gates to write, is sometimes easier said than done.  Little hamster wheel in my mind lately I tell ya'. I love it!

So for today Dear Readers I am going to go with "Be Kind To Yourself"!  I frequently find folks are more understanding and forgiving towards others than they are to themselves. Present company very included. My snarky "self talk" creeps in more than I would ever share towards someone else.

How often do you hear yourself saying to someone "No worries, it's ok", when they kept you waiting, or they were not able to help you with something? We are forgiving and lenient towards others, but not ourselves as readily. So next time you are giving yourself a hard time over anything, forgot to switch the wash and it got a bit stinky in the dark, damp, washing machine, or didn't exercise today, or ate that delish brownie instead.....ease back and tell yourself a comforting "No worries, it's ok!"....because it really is! Remember, the accepting nature you show towards yourself has so many more benefits than the alternative. Ease your guidelines. I find "ish" works real well for that. That being said "I will try and post an entry to my blog once a week~ish.....and I will go switch the wash in the next 10 ish minutes!"

Be kind to yourself and watch the world brighten around you!

Reminder: I will be sharing my aha! moments, as well as my own tips and techniques for staying connected with my Life, at a public event at Weaver Library in East Providence.... YAY! This Connect With Your Life talk will take place this Monday evening October 27th at 6:30. Come and share a positive evening and feel the vibe!

As always, I welcome your emails at mhplus2@msn.com  

Spread Your Wings................

             

"It's never too late to become what you might have been." George Eliot~

Putting it out there....Think about making tiny changes if you feel like you want to mix things up a bit and do a little exploring in your Life.

Personally I like being able to tweak things from time to time, adjust as I go and enjoy mini reinvents of me, as I see fit. It's one of  the cycles of my Life.

As interests, responsibilities and feelings change, I eagerly try to explore the possibilities that come along with the changes.

My message today Dear Readers is to consider even a little something you would like to incorporate into your Life. Keep in mind, sometimes taking on too much overwhelms and stunts the process to a halt. Think small to start! I have been known to say to friends "start a folder or notebook". Translated.......start collecting your thoughts, reference material regarding an interest or "how to" to achieve what you are going after.

Recently I was asked "how do I know where to begin?" Great question when thoughts are feeling floundering and finding a starting point seems daunting.

This is where I recommend "listen to whispers". Is there an underlying interest you pushed to the back burner when Life took another direction? Or perhaps you silently admire what you see others doing and wish you knew more about it.

Explore thoughts and options that create a little "hmm I wonder if ......" Capture them, write them down. I'm a paper girl, love journals, various notebooks and harness my thoughts and ideas there, along with breaking down the steps on how I will get there.  Take a step, listen to the whispers and watch your very own transformation start to unfold.

Sharing side note: When I contemplated what I wanted to write today, I opened the porch door to let the sunshine in to inspire me. I sat  and considered a few options. I went to my saved "quotes that inspire me" folder and found the one above. 

The real magic happened right after that when a Monarch butterfly flew up to the glass door and fluttered around then went on it's way.
Here's why I was moved.....I felt the butterfly was truly a beautiful connection to the quote I selected, affirming it was the writing direction to go in. And the other truly heartfelt piece was....20 plus years ago my Memere passed away, my sadness was great and my tears were many. There was a frequently visiting Monarch butterfly that came around. It would linger in my perennial gardens and bring me joy. I felt then as I do each time since, that it is sweet Elizabeth coming to say hello and bring me comfort. 

Listen for your whispers Dear Readers and feel the comfort and joy they bring.


Reminder: I will be sharing my aha! moments, as well as my own tips and techniques for staying connected with my Life, at a public event at Cumberland Library!! YAY! This Connect With Your Life talk will take place this Thursday evening October 16th at 6:30. Come and share an hour and feel the vibe!

As always, I welcome your emails at mhplus2@msn.com  

Filling My Toolbox...................

While preparing handouts and thoughts for upcoming talks I am giving... here comes the plug wink, wink: at Cumberland Library on Thursday October 16th at 6:30  and Weaver Library in East Providence Monday, October 27th at 6:30 ............

I got to thinking a lot about my "toolbox" of  ideas I have created to ease stress, calm the static that creeps in and how it all prepares me to handle situations as they come my way. In my gathering and sorting I've decided to share one of the lists with you Dear Readers, in the hopes that the tips may offer even the slightest of calm and or enjoyment to your day!

Sample Of Ideas To Add To Your Day

What: Connect With Your Life
Why: Because you & everyone you come in contact with will benefit 
When: Each and every day
Where: Wherever you feel like it                   
How:  Begin by acknowledging that you deserve to take time and reconnect. The results will benefit both you & the people in your Life!

* Before you lift your head off the pillow each morning, literally smile and commit to the thought that you will find or create special moments in the day.  Habit will set in and the doubts will turn to beliefs. 

* Dance! Find a song that makes you want to move and just do it. The silly awkward feeling will pass, endorphins kick in and you realize it’s fun! (Little teaser: I'll share my "got to" song at my talks)

* Smile:  while driving ~ while shopping ~ when feeling stressed

* S.O.S = Something Of Substance  ~ Make time to do a little something that brings you joy. Expression Book ~  Cup of tea ~ Call a friend ~ Paint  ~ Color ~ Play ~ teach yourself to play the piano…..whatever feels like a treat to you! 

* Give a piece of your time to others. Volunteering to a cause that is passionate to you helps fill your soul and feel connected. 

* See the good in people and assume the positive before the negative. They don’t know what you are going through, nor do you know what they are.
   
* Read books that motivate, inspire and encourage positive thoughts 
   
* Have a “go to tribe”  Surround yourself with people who motivate, support and encourage you!

* Each night write down a handful of things you are grateful for from your day. You will begin to see that you notice so many more things that you just passed by previously. A giggle, a crocus, a song, someone smiling at you, a lighter heart, a tender moment….a memory in the making !

So start filling up your toolbox with ideas you gather along the way, and see how you can start to feel the benefits!

Each of my Connect With Your Life talks will be an informal gathering that will include tips, techniques, stories of my journey and much more....there's even bubbles...no joke! 

Hope you can think about joining me on either October 16th or 27th. The links above for each library provide more of a description (once you scroll down to the appropriate date) Registration is requested but not required

Hope to see you there ~

As always, I welcome your emails at mhplus2@msn.com