Challenge

"Even if you have a lot of work to do, if you think of it as wonderful, and if you feel it as wonderful, it will transform into the energy of joy and fire, instead of becoming a burden."
~ Tulku Thondup Rinpoche

Each day I receive an inspirational quote in my email. Like clockwork it arrives and I ponder the message it is sending me. Truth be told some are in fact inspirational to me and others, not so much. Then today it hit me. Of course each quote will hold different meaning for different people. It's about what we bring to it, what we are in need of and what we are looking for.

So when I read today's quote (above) I considered the variety of responses it could conjure up in folks. And then I considered sharing it with you Dear Readers, as a challenge. I can clearly see how the quote feels "easier said than done", but consider the sweet reward when we can master the skill of making tasks feel wonderful and turn it into joy. 

We could all use a bit more joy and if it is at our fingertips by how we view something, it's up to us to give it a try.

So off I go to tackle paperwork and bills that have piled up, while I chant a mantra that helps me see it as wonderful and good......as I eagerly await that feeling of joy and the task no longer feeling like a burden.

So when faced with your own pile of work......go ahead and give it a try ~

If you too would like to receive a daily quote of inspiration and contemplation, be sure to visit Gratefulness.org and sign up. They touch my Life every day.

Sharing More Of My World................

Gestures of "saw this and thought of you", pictures that capture a special moment, cards that touched my heart, treats that harness a memory and accomplishments of my own, all adorn a corner in my studio.

Now mind you, it hadn't even occurred to me that I had such a special space. It came to light the other day when an article that someone copied for me because she said "it made me think of you and your family" made it's way to the shelf after I read it and wanted to hold onto it and preserve the happy feeling a special someone brought me. (you can see it there in the left lower corner. "Live Your Song")

There are all kinds of things stashed here, from a photo of friends and I with author Jodi Piccoult and even an email Jodi sent me after I invited her to girls hang out night when she was going to be in town...she replied to me...such a joy! (she couldn't attend...but still such a joy she replied!!) A note from E that made me smile ear to ear and an ornament of the world that my oh so talented husband painted the word PEACE on one Christmas when he asked the boys "what do you think Mom would like for Christmas. I mean tender, right?

 
It is an accumulation of years and memories that initially started on this fabric covered board that just kept expanding onto the wall next to it. It's now my own kind of I Spy book that brings me smiles when I take time to really look and remember each piece and the joy it brought me when first placed there.

So today's message Dear Readers is to think about creating a place for you, whether it be a bulletin board in your laundry room, or a decorative box on a nearby table or an artist's book of blank pages to fill. Create some place to capture your own moments, that you can randomly add to in no particular order, and so importantly go back to when you need that reminder, that bit of love or that shot of inspiration.

Take a close look and see what you can find.....like Life it holds so much more and we just have to take time to see it!

Peace ~

When Was The Last Time You Did It?...................

While gardening last weekend and feeling the warming sun on my back and the beach towel under my knees, I decided to just do it! I rolled over on my back and did a little cloud gazing. It felt relaxing, whimsical, child like and a little playing hooky. Perfect combination for this sometimes wound tight mama. (there I said it...I can be wound tight!..I know it and realizing that working on it sure is helping)

Thinking about it now, I did recently dance, let's say, very enthusiastically while home alone a few weeks ago. My mission is to, yes, live in the moment, but also to psyche myself out that I am a carefree, don't need to plan everything kind of gal, who can spontaneously
roll on her back...for a little cloud gazing! 

It's working! My body reaps the benefits of my mind chilling out and being silly. Serotonin is increased and that my friends lends itself to a happy and content place to be.

So today's recommendation Dear Readers is to make a little fun happen on a regular basis. It feels great, it stays with you even after you stop and it's down right healthy for you. 

A Face Of True Beauty...........

                             

There is inspiration all around us. Whether we find it in watching a child discover they can ride a bike for the first time or tie their shoe, or watching an elderly person master putting on their socks, oh and how about the miracle of perennials ...that one still inspires me to keep coming back and trying again when I'm feeling discouraged.

Inspiration comes in many forms. One for me that stands as a reminder, validates my thoughts and truly inspires me is.....quotes!

The master of quotes for me has to be the incredible Maya Angelou! Her recent passing brought to mind her stand out quotes that have both captured my feelings and inspired me over the years.

One quote that I adopted years ago and consider a driving force of how I try to live my Life is..........

This quote both guides me and serves as a barometer in my day to day choices. I decided long ago that I would try and live a Life of making a difference for others. My thought was that it would keep my Life centered in a positive direction that would, however small, touch lives with kindness and make others truly FEEL!! (Secretly wishing there could be a pay it forward effect and together we could sprinkle our own part of the world with kindness)

So my two cents for today Dear Readers is "find your inspiration". Something that serves as your beacon to point you in the right direction and serve as your compass to keep you on track......perhaps a quote would be a match for you too. Find your "something to live by".

Rest in Peace Maya, though we never met, you play a pivotal role in how I live my Life...and for that I say a heartfelt Thank You!

For a collection of Maya Angelou's quotes, that just may inspire you... CLICK HERE

Find Your Words..............

Staircase in the Vatican

Words that impact me, stay with me for a long time. I use them for "go to" moments and continue to glean from them. Today, I share a few that have made a difference for me, in the hopes that they do the same for you.


"I'm living by my beliefs".  This powerful statement came from my dear seventeen year old son. As the two of us navigate these teenage years, let's just say we don't always see eye to eye, and tensions get high. This past week he shared those words with me and I thought to myself, "there is a lot of power in those words, don't ever let that go". OK my true thought was "there is a lot of power in those words, once you leave this house, don't ever let that go". But honestly, deep inside I am so glad he has such conviction at a young age. I know it will take him far, and serve him well.

"Do it now, or you might not get the chance". While chatting with a very elderly gentlemen, he shared with me that his Life slipped by because he kept putting things off. He admits to avoiding things out of fear and now feeling it was a limited Life as a result. His words resonated with me and I took them to heart. I revisit our conversation when I need that little nudge and grab hold of the strength he gave me.  

"I am where I'm suppose to be, doing what I'm suppose to be doing". Friends and I were recently catching up and one shared that she had left her job in order to be home more. Her children are young adults, still living at home and needing her in new ways. Her statement was full of a genuine peacefulness that touched me......Such pure joy to feel anchored in what you are doing!


Take the pieces that work for you Dear Readers: no not everyone can leave their jobs, but we can work to incorporating something into our lives that feels really really right. And think of staying true to your beliefs when faced with struggles and questioning what choice to make. Grab hold of strength that comes from believing in you and know that Life does go by quickly and there is not always "more time" to master all you want to experience. You can make it happen!

As a little side note to my post...when I asked the elderly gentlemen something he wished he had done, he replied "seen inside the Vatican". I made sure our next visit included pictures of the Vatican and all its beautiful glory.  It certainly did not make up for a Lifetime he felt had slipped away, but it did bring a smile to his face and tear to my eye.

                              Find your Vatican and hold on tight!

Look To The Light..................

As I look to pull together today's post, I wonder what direction I will go in. Sometimes it's perfectly clear, today, not so much!

With my blog, I try to share something that I hope is identifiable to others, and can serve as an aha! moment for both of us.

So for inspiration I flipped to my pictures of Old Quebec City, still on my traveling victory. 

Stopping at this picture above, I was reminded of the abundance of overwhelming feelings I had at the time I snapped it. Feeling unsettled, being far from home (not an easy feeling for me) but at the same time sooooo glad I was sitting in that very restaurant, enjoying this moment with my family, taking in all the laughter we were sharing.

This chandelier over our table was beautiful! I found myself becoming reminiscent of my fascination of my Memere's chandelier as a child. I thought of her strength and determination and drew my own from both.

The moment of realization that the uncomfortable traveling feelings were only a tiny part of what was really happening right then, filled me with ease. By taking in my surroundings, letting the unsettling thoughts just flow through me and not trying to over analyze them, was my aha! moment for sure!

When faced with uncomfortable, unsettling feelings Dear Readers, how we proceed is within our own powers. Try looking for your own chandelier... and all the light it can bring!

Kicking Arse In Old Quebec City..................

Kicking fear's F'n Ass in Old Quebec City!

No not fear of germs in the street...... of letting fear hold me back from travelling.

Dear Readers, today I offer to you thoughts of encouragement and empowerment, to ease whatever holds you back in your Life. It doesn't matter if others understand it or not.....if it is crippling and difficult for you, then it is very real! Begin easing the anxiety.......take a breath.....commit to wanting to make it different for You! Start with tiny steps and watch the distance they will take you. Know that it will feel uncomfortable and you'll want the unsettling feelings to stop...the thing is this, those feelings are really the indicator that you are working on something, that once past it, will have the freeing reward of true accomplishment and moving forward! 

Be kind to yourself during the process...Remember positive self talk is much more beneficial than the damage of sabotaging ourselves with negative thoughts.

From experience I can share with you that it isn't an easy process, it doesn't happen quickly, it's never completely gone and it's not easy to navigate, [ready for the big but?]...BUT...stick with it and know the rush of "I did it", while doing your happy dance [or kissing the cobblestone] 

is totally.....Worth It!