Hello hello!
Today's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt was a perfect reflection of the past week or so. What do I wish to dare? I wish to dare to be successful doing my own creative business. I wish to DARE TO ALLOW MYSELF TO BE SUCCESSFUL, to BELIEVE IN MY ABILITIES and to TAKE IT ALL THE WAY THIS TIME.
Let me explain: in 2007/8 I started a dance business called Spirit Moves Dance. I advertised, rented space, offered classes...the whole deal. Interestingly, I began to really put myself out there at about the same time as I got pregnant with Little Bear. I think maybe the fact that I had a set period to work in, and an excuse to back out, made things less scary. They were still scary, but they were less scary...sort of.
Now that Little Bear is almost 2, I'm ready to try again. I'm taking all the lessons I learned last time and starting from the beginning. It feels a lot like a second draft, which is good because if the process of writing my first novel has taught me anything it's that first drafts inevitably suck, at least in comparison to second drafts (or at least I HOPE they do...I'm still on draft #1 of the novel).
So now the thing I really need to do is to take a deep breath and leap. Leaping is scary. But whoever said that often it's not the fear of failure but the fear of wild success that holds us back was dead on as far as I'm concerned. And I have a head full of demons telling me I can't do it, I waited too long, I've lost my edge.
Enough. I wish...I wish with all my heart...to DARE to release myself from the mindset of fear and failure and self-sabotage and to let myself soar.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I haven't forgotten...
I haven't forgotten about updating as I work on my plans...it's just that a tummy bug intervened. I've been doing some research and putting books on hold at the library and stuff, but I haven't had my big "sit down and map out" session yet.
Also, very briefly, because I feel like poop, my realization of my Big Dreams has brought up a whole bunch of stuff from my past. So another Big Dream I have, as a prerequisite for the others, is to finally heal and integrate the wounds of the past. More on that when I'm not queasy.
OK, I'm off to bed.
Also, very briefly, because I feel like poop, my realization of my Big Dreams has brought up a whole bunch of stuff from my past. So another Big Dream I have, as a prerequisite for the others, is to finally heal and integrate the wounds of the past. More on that when I'm not queasy.
OK, I'm off to bed.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A statement of intention:
I've been spending the past few weeks thinking deeply about my creative dreams. They've been in transition, and I've been allowing them space to flex and morph. But I seem to have arrived at some clarity, and I wanted to write it down. Here are my So-Big-They're-Scary-But-I-Really-Want-Them dreams:
I want to perform my own choreography. For real.
I want to take Kripalu Yoga's 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training
I want to own a house with a yoga-and-dance studio in it.
I want to be a published author.
I want to be part of the tide of change in parenting approaches.
There they are, folks...my really-super-scary-but-MAN-will-they-feel-good dreams. Each one has about 50 million steps to get to that point, and my plan is to refocus my efforts on my Goddess To-Do-List book so I know how I need to proceed to get there. Once that's done I'll post a new update.
I want to perform my own choreography. For real.
I want to take Kripalu Yoga's 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training
I want to own a house with a yoga-and-dance studio in it.
I want to be a published author.
I want to be part of the tide of change in parenting approaches.
There they are, folks...my really-super-scary-but-MAN-will-they-feel-good dreams. Each one has about 50 million steps to get to that point, and my plan is to refocus my efforts on my Goddess To-Do-List book so I know how I need to proceed to get there. Once that's done I'll post a new update.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Emergency Toolkit
Dear Meg,
We've noticed that you've been a bit...off-colour lately. In spite of all your attempts to stay positive, you've had a really cranky couple of days. We're here to help. Here's a compilation of things to try next time you feel homicidal:
1. Smudge. Get out your incense, get out a lighter, and smudge that house! If you have no incense, try strategically placed candles.
2. Separate Heaven and Earth. Do all that lovely energy medicine stuff. It'll help.
3. Take a couple of deep breaths before you, say, slam that door or throw your son's crayons across the room (what the heck was that all about anyway? What are you, 2?)
4. Put on some music and DANCE, for crying out loud.
5. Wash your hair. You can do this in the sink even with a toddler underfoot!
6. Stop trying to multitask and commit to actually PLAYING for 20 minutes. Little Bear will be happier and YOU will be happier because you won't be trying to get other stuff done.
7. Check your caffeine levels. When was your last mug of tea?
8. Take a nap with Little Bear.
9. Bundle yourselves up and go for a walk.
10. Turn on the TV. This is why you avoid it most of the time...so it's available guilt-free when you really REALLY need it.
See...that wasn't so bad, was it? Keep in mind you can also call your mom or your friends and vent if you need to. You are not alone.
We've noticed that you've been a bit...off-colour lately. In spite of all your attempts to stay positive, you've had a really cranky couple of days. We're here to help. Here's a compilation of things to try next time you feel homicidal:
1. Smudge. Get out your incense, get out a lighter, and smudge that house! If you have no incense, try strategically placed candles.
2. Separate Heaven and Earth. Do all that lovely energy medicine stuff. It'll help.
3. Take a couple of deep breaths before you, say, slam that door or throw your son's crayons across the room (what the heck was that all about anyway? What are you, 2?)
4. Put on some music and DANCE, for crying out loud.
5. Wash your hair. You can do this in the sink even with a toddler underfoot!
6. Stop trying to multitask and commit to actually PLAYING for 20 minutes. Little Bear will be happier and YOU will be happier because you won't be trying to get other stuff done.
7. Check your caffeine levels. When was your last mug of tea?
8. Take a nap with Little Bear.
9. Bundle yourselves up and go for a walk.
10. Turn on the TV. This is why you avoid it most of the time...so it's available guilt-free when you really REALLY need it.
See...that wasn't so bad, was it? Keep in mind you can also call your mom or your friends and vent if you need to. You are not alone.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday: Permission slip
Whew! I almost didn't make it! I have been sick as a dog since Saturday night. This is the worst cold I've had in years. I read somewhere recently that we get colds when we need a break from our routine or when we need to make a shift in our lives. And I totally believe it now. Things are shifting all over the place right now, and I feel like this cold has hung on for this long because I needed to make space for change in my life. Well, consider the space made. My mind is bursting with new ideas. And tonight I renewed my business name registration...something I had no intention of doing (or at least no desire to think about) at any point leading up to this illness. I guess everything does happen for a reason.
Anyway, I'll post more about it when I feel ready...at this point I'm trying not to overanalyze or overthink...I don't have a plan, I'm just playing. And playing is good.
This week's Wishcasting prompt comes in the form of a permission slip. And here's my filled-in slip:
Anyway, I'll post more about it when I feel ready...at this point I'm trying not to overanalyze or overthink...I don't have a plan, I'm just playing. And playing is good.
This week's Wishcasting prompt comes in the form of a permission slip. And here's my filled-in slip:
I, Meg G, wish to give myself permission to bound gleefully after joyful dreams.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Catching up...
I've fallen a little behind with my regularly scheduled blog posts, and here is one big SCHLUMP of an update!
I haven't felt like writing before. I had some kind of block and I just didn't feel like I was ready to share anything that was going on. I see now that the cold I just got is part of the process of moving that block, because now I'm feeling A-OK about sharing again!
To start with, here are my various and sundry assignments from last week:
I loved the idea of this, but it didn't work for me. I couldn't picture a specific dream come true...I just sort of sat with the idea of "a dream come true" as opposed to something specific...if that makes sense. Clearly there was some sort of resistance there for me. Ah well. Like I said, good in theory. Something to think about.
Joy Rebel Mission Monday:
Last week's Joy Rebel Mission was to make spirituality fun. In Brandi's own words, "to embrace the rebellion and fun and joy and love of your particular spiritual path IN YOUR WAY." What a great mission!
One of Brandi's suggestions for Spiritually Rebelling was to research a spiritual path that interested me. This one really spoke to me, probably because I was reading Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg at the time. I just finished it today, actually, just in time to return it to the library. However, it was so perfect for me that I've ordered my own copy.
The best part of the book was that it helped me understand more about Buddhism and key concepts like attachment (I know I'm not the only one who thought that letting go of attachment meant not letting yourself love anything or anyone...yup...got that one wrong). It took all of the stuff that I just didn't "get" and put it into a context I TOTALLY "get"...even karma and reincarnation!
I can't wait to get my own copy and start a)highlighting and b)trying the meditations. I would LOVE to incorporate metta meditations into my daily life. It fits in perfectly with my "choose joy" philosophy and my efforts at mindfulness and appreciation. I think I will be adding parts of these practices to my "spiritual buffet." So, thanks Brandi! You've got me thinking about my spirituality, which is good. I feel like it's shifting around this month...expanding in new ways and feeling more life-encompassing...just as it should.
When I think about where I would like to make a difference my immediate thought is "somewhere cozy." Does that make sense? I don't think of myself as ever making a difference in a "save the whales" "end world hunger" kind of way (although those are both wonderful goals, and I'll be sure to donate some money to charities doing that work). I want to bring joy to people's lives, to help them gain insight and understanding and inspiration. But I want to see the results -I want to know the people I'm helping.
One of the most fulfilling things I've ever done was teach a class called Kripalu DansKinetics. My favourite thing in the world was to take a group of people who had never tried the class before, sit them all in a circle, and say to them, "You cannot do this wrong. There is no such thing as a mistake or a "bad dancer"...whatever you do in this space is perfect, even if you just feel like sitting in a corner for the entire class. And if you don't want to do anything I tell you to do you don't have to." I loved watching their faces light up as they learned that they couldn't get it wrong. And then I loved watching their faces glow with joy as they let go and DANCED. And week by week I loved getting to know their dancer-selves. So wonderful.
Anyway, once I got really super-pregnant I stopped teaching, and until recently I felt like my journey with dance was done. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not ready to hang out my shingle and start teaching yet, but I'm moving through the blockages I'd built up when it came to dance...for a while there I couldn't move at all, and now I'm starting to. I don't want to send out a specific wish about dance classes, but I do wish to make a difference in the same sort of way: bringing joy and radiance to the community around me. That would be tremendous.
For now, I send this wish out into the universe, trusting that answers will come in their own time and their own way.
I have a feeling you'll be hearing more from me shortly!
Hope you're having a fantabulous weekend!
I haven't felt like writing before. I had some kind of block and I just didn't feel like I was ready to share anything that was going on. I see now that the cold I just got is part of the process of moving that block, because now I'm feeling A-OK about sharing again!
To start with, here are my various and sundry assignments from last week:
Creative Adventure Sunday:
Last week our assignment was to work with an affirmation meditation designed to help us see our dreams come true. Now, I'll admit something: I'm not very good at working with other people's meditations...I think because I generally can't get them to say EXACTLY what I feel like I need. I'm an English major at heart and my critical voice, my "that's not quite the way I would say it" can get pretty distracting. Not that the meditation wasn't good...it was! I just had trouble getting into it. I wanted to write it myself (and for some reason the thought that I COULD do one myself...didn't...occur...to...me..until...now...oops!) Also, I can't really meditate except at bedtime...and that's just as difficult as you can imagine.I loved the idea of this, but it didn't work for me. I couldn't picture a specific dream come true...I just sort of sat with the idea of "a dream come true" as opposed to something specific...if that makes sense. Clearly there was some sort of resistance there for me. Ah well. Like I said, good in theory. Something to think about.
Joy Rebel Mission Monday:
Last week's Joy Rebel Mission was to make spirituality fun. In Brandi's own words, "to embrace the rebellion and fun and joy and love of your particular spiritual path IN YOUR WAY." What a great mission!
One of Brandi's suggestions for Spiritually Rebelling was to research a spiritual path that interested me. This one really spoke to me, probably because I was reading Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg at the time. I just finished it today, actually, just in time to return it to the library. However, it was so perfect for me that I've ordered my own copy.
The best part of the book was that it helped me understand more about Buddhism and key concepts like attachment (I know I'm not the only one who thought that letting go of attachment meant not letting yourself love anything or anyone...yup...got that one wrong). It took all of the stuff that I just didn't "get" and put it into a context I TOTALLY "get"...even karma and reincarnation!
I can't wait to get my own copy and start a)highlighting and b)trying the meditations. I would LOVE to incorporate metta meditations into my daily life. It fits in perfectly with my "choose joy" philosophy and my efforts at mindfulness and appreciation. I think I will be adding parts of these practices to my "spiritual buffet." So, thanks Brandi! You've got me thinking about my spirituality, which is good. I feel like it's shifting around this month...expanding in new ways and feeling more life-encompassing...just as it should.
Wishcasting Wednesday: Where do you wish to make a difference?
I love how my various missions often seem to fit together!When I think about where I would like to make a difference my immediate thought is "somewhere cozy." Does that make sense? I don't think of myself as ever making a difference in a "save the whales" "end world hunger" kind of way (although those are both wonderful goals, and I'll be sure to donate some money to charities doing that work). I want to bring joy to people's lives, to help them gain insight and understanding and inspiration. But I want to see the results -I want to know the people I'm helping.
One of the most fulfilling things I've ever done was teach a class called Kripalu DansKinetics. My favourite thing in the world was to take a group of people who had never tried the class before, sit them all in a circle, and say to them, "You cannot do this wrong. There is no such thing as a mistake or a "bad dancer"...whatever you do in this space is perfect, even if you just feel like sitting in a corner for the entire class. And if you don't want to do anything I tell you to do you don't have to." I loved watching their faces light up as they learned that they couldn't get it wrong. And then I loved watching their faces glow with joy as they let go and DANCED. And week by week I loved getting to know their dancer-selves. So wonderful.
Anyway, once I got really super-pregnant I stopped teaching, and until recently I felt like my journey with dance was done. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not ready to hang out my shingle and start teaching yet, but I'm moving through the blockages I'd built up when it came to dance...for a while there I couldn't move at all, and now I'm starting to. I don't want to send out a specific wish about dance classes, but I do wish to make a difference in the same sort of way: bringing joy and radiance to the community around me. That would be tremendous.
For now, I send this wish out into the universe, trusting that answers will come in their own time and their own way.
I have a feeling you'll be hearing more from me shortly!
Hope you're having a fantabulous weekend!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday: Where do you wish to travel?
Today's Wishcasting Wednesday comes at a very interesting time for me. In fact, I almost decided to skip this entry because I'm currently experimenting with not-being-online more, and this...well, this is online, obviously. But then I realized that, really, the purpose of my experiment is to cut my net time down to the things that are meaningful and give me joy and connect me. And this is one of those things. So there.
Where do I wish to travel?
I know this is totally because I just finished (!!) all of (the latest seasons of) Doctor Who, but I REALLY want to go back to the UK. Like really really. Like for more than just a week or two. I don't know if that will ever happen, but it's been sneaking into my consciousness over the past few weeks. I'd also like to see the rest of Europe, since I haven't yet. And, finally, to round things out, I'd like to take the train across Canada again. I did that in 2002, and it was a life changing experience.
I send these wishes out into the universe, trusting that they are heard and will return to me in their own time.
Where do I wish to travel?
I know this is totally because I just finished (!!) all of (the latest seasons of) Doctor Who, but I REALLY want to go back to the UK. Like really really. Like for more than just a week or two. I don't know if that will ever happen, but it's been sneaking into my consciousness over the past few weeks. I'd also like to see the rest of Europe, since I haven't yet. And, finally, to round things out, I'd like to take the train across Canada again. I did that in 2002, and it was a life changing experience.
I send these wishes out into the universe, trusting that they are heard and will return to me in their own time.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Creative Adventure Sunday: Celebrate!
This week's Creative Adventure Sunday assignment was to celebrate ourselves and the dreams that we dare to dream (because they really do come true...get it? Wizard of...oh nevermind).
I have to admit that I put this one off so far that I technically didn't do it in the week it was assigned! I did it today. I went to the mall...and I bought nothing but bath stuff and chocolate! It felt so decadent!
I went to Lush and got a couple of bath bombs and a sugar scrub, and Papa Bear and I have made a pact that he'll give me a chance to have a nice, soaky bath every weekend (incidentally, this fulfills one of the things on my "to-do" list). I will also not save the bath bombs for "a special occasion"...nope! I'm going to use them ASAP...they smell AMAZING! I also got some satsuma body butter from the Body Shop, so I shall smell DELICIOUS. And I have cocoa butter lip balm for my poor, chapped lips. AND I got two champagne truffles and two French mints from Laura Secord and ate them on the way home. It was blissful. Happy celebration to me!
How did you celebrate yourself and YOUR dreams? (or, if you didn't know you were supposed to, how do you PLAN to celebrate?)
Happy Sunday!
I have to admit that I put this one off so far that I technically didn't do it in the week it was assigned! I did it today. I went to the mall...and I bought nothing but bath stuff and chocolate! It felt so decadent!
I went to Lush and got a couple of bath bombs and a sugar scrub, and Papa Bear and I have made a pact that he'll give me a chance to have a nice, soaky bath every weekend (incidentally, this fulfills one of the things on my "to-do" list). I will also not save the bath bombs for "a special occasion"...nope! I'm going to use them ASAP...they smell AMAZING! I also got some satsuma body butter from the Body Shop, so I shall smell DELICIOUS. And I have cocoa butter lip balm for my poor, chapped lips. AND I got two champagne truffles and two French mints from Laura Secord and ate them on the way home. It was blissful. Happy celebration to me!
How did you celebrate yourself and YOUR dreams? (or, if you didn't know you were supposed to, how do you PLAN to celebrate?)
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
What You're Doing Matters.
Playing around online tonight, searching for (and finding) magic.
Here.
And here.
And here.
My favourite line? "Every life matters. You matter. What are you waiting for?"
Well, that, and the text of the entire first video (this is from a novel? I must find and read said novel.)
ETA: Ah, no it's not...THIS is from her novel. My sentiment still applies.
OK, bedtime! Stay tuned for Creative Adventure Sunday...where I celebrate dreaming with...a blog post about dreaming! Woohoo!
Here.
And here.
And here.
My favourite line? "Every life matters. You matter. What are you waiting for?"
Well, that, and the text of the entire first video (this is from a novel? I must find and read said novel.)
ETA: Ah, no it's not...THIS is from her novel. My sentiment still applies.
OK, bedtime! Stay tuned for Creative Adventure Sunday...where I celebrate dreaming with...a blog post about dreaming! Woohoo!
Six-Word Saturday!
Fighting off a cold WITH DETERMINATION!
Hanging out with a toddler -WHEEE!
MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW BOOK! (Little Bear's contribution)
Hanging out with a toddler -WHEEE!
MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW BOOK! (Little Bear's contribution)
Friday, February 5, 2010
A coincidence! I love coincidences!
So, yesterday I wrote about stories...and today I got this in my Atrraction Parenting newsletter:
:: The Power of Story (Part 1) ::
Children love stories for their power to evoke
creation: Stories told with conviction inspire
imaginary worlds that feel real and shape one's
sense of truth.
Anytime you talk *about* anything, you are in essence
telling a story that "in-forms" your world...
* You tell a story when someone asks you,
"How've you been?"
* You tell a story whenever you chat with
your friends about how difficult or easy
it is to parent your child.
* You tell yourself stories when you recall
good or bad memories, worry about tomorrow,
anticipate fun, etc.
Whatever story or theme you repeat most often becomes
the story of your life. That means you can change your
life by changing your story!
Things are falling into place :-)
:: The Power of Story (Part 1) ::
Children love stories for their power to evoke
creation: Stories told with conviction inspire
imaginary worlds that feel real and shape one's
sense of truth.
Anytime you talk *about* anything, you are in essence
telling a story that "in-forms" your world...
* You tell a story when someone asks you,
"How've you been?"
* You tell a story whenever you chat with
your friends about how difficult or easy
it is to parent your child.
* You tell yourself stories when you recall
good or bad memories, worry about tomorrow,
anticipate fun, etc.
Whatever story or theme you repeat most often becomes
the story of your life. That means you can change your
life by changing your story!
Things are falling into place :-)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday...on Thursday!
So, yesterday was Wednesday...and I didn't post anything. Know why? Little Bear is going through a MAJOR "I am almost 18 months old and I am learning how to talk" milestone right now, and he barely napped....and when he WAS napping he needed my boob. *Sigh* I try to remember that one day nursing will be a fond memory...but when I'm stuck in the bedroom and can't get out and don't have my glasses on...it becomes challenging.
ANYWAY. There was a point to this...and the point is that it feeds into my answer to yesterday's Wishcasting Wednesday question: "What story do you wish to live or let go of?"
I often feel like I'm stuck in recurring patterns of reaction. You know how it is, "I had a bad night, therefore I'm cranky and will have a bad day" or "Little Bear isn't sleeping today therefore I will barely keep it together and will freak out at Papa Bear tonight." It all feels very heavy and out of control and BAD. But the thing I've realized this week is that IT DOESN'T HAVE TO. No one says that just because I had a crappy night's sleep I HAVE to be cranky. No one says that not having a break means I HAVE to lose it (losing it NEVER makes me feel better...I have come to the firm belief that that whole "anger catharsis" thing is crap). All it takes is a shift in perception, some mindful breathing, some positive rephrasing, and (sometimes) a well-timed mug of tea or piece of dark chocolate and the possibilities open right up! It happened the other day when I wrote about my gratitude practice, it happened last night when Little Bear woke up at 3am and started practicing his words, and Dear LORD did it ever happen yesterday when he wouldn't nap! I took some deep breaths, I reminded myself that, while I can't control what happens I have the Inner Freedom to control how I handle it, and I handled it better than I could have imagined (OK, OK, I still snapped at Papa Bear when he came home last night. I'm only human, and this is all new to me!).
So, this is my (belated) wish: to live a story where I don't mentally skip straight to the worst possible ending and then manifest it. I wish to live a story where I am able to enjoy (or at least appreciate) every single moment for what it is, to find the silver lining, and to creatively handle any obstacle. Just writing that makes me feel more free.
As an added thought, I've been reading about the way Buddhists handle anger and thinking about (and feeling) the difference between repressing anger and admitting, feeling, and releasing anger. It really is tangible -the hard, tight, out of control feeling of repressing (and ultimately exploding), vs the soft, accepting feeling of breathing deeply, thinking "I'm angry...it's OK to be angry...", allowing myself to feel anger and then mindfully choosing to re-centre myself. When I pick Option #2 I inevitably end up feeling better faster. Interesting stuff.
ANYWAY. There was a point to this...and the point is that it feeds into my answer to yesterday's Wishcasting Wednesday question: "What story do you wish to live or let go of?"
I wish to live a story of infinite possibility.
I often feel like I'm stuck in recurring patterns of reaction. You know how it is, "I had a bad night, therefore I'm cranky and will have a bad day" or "Little Bear isn't sleeping today therefore I will barely keep it together and will freak out at Papa Bear tonight." It all feels very heavy and out of control and BAD. But the thing I've realized this week is that IT DOESN'T HAVE TO. No one says that just because I had a crappy night's sleep I HAVE to be cranky. No one says that not having a break means I HAVE to lose it (losing it NEVER makes me feel better...I have come to the firm belief that that whole "anger catharsis" thing is crap). All it takes is a shift in perception, some mindful breathing, some positive rephrasing, and (sometimes) a well-timed mug of tea or piece of dark chocolate and the possibilities open right up! It happened the other day when I wrote about my gratitude practice, it happened last night when Little Bear woke up at 3am and started practicing his words, and Dear LORD did it ever happen yesterday when he wouldn't nap! I took some deep breaths, I reminded myself that, while I can't control what happens I have the Inner Freedom to control how I handle it, and I handled it better than I could have imagined (OK, OK, I still snapped at Papa Bear when he came home last night. I'm only human, and this is all new to me!).
So, this is my (belated) wish: to live a story where I don't mentally skip straight to the worst possible ending and then manifest it. I wish to live a story where I am able to enjoy (or at least appreciate) every single moment for what it is, to find the silver lining, and to creatively handle any obstacle. Just writing that makes me feel more free.
As an added thought, I've been reading about the way Buddhists handle anger and thinking about (and feeling) the difference between repressing anger and admitting, feeling, and releasing anger. It really is tangible -the hard, tight, out of control feeling of repressing (and ultimately exploding), vs the soft, accepting feeling of breathing deeply, thinking "I'm angry...it's OK to be angry...", allowing myself to feel anger and then mindfully choosing to re-centre myself. When I pick Option #2 I inevitably end up feeling better faster. Interesting stuff.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Proof that gratitude practices are completely worthwhile:
...After a less-than-stellar night's sleep my Little Bear woke up an hour early. And instead of griping to myself and making things worse the first thing I thought was "OK, so what's good about today? What am I going to put in my gratitude post on Facebook?" And I immediately felt better.
If I'd known the practice of writing one sentence every morning would transform my life so completely I would have started years ago. It's true: you can change your life without "Changing Your Life."
:-)
If I'd known the practice of writing one sentence every morning would transform my life so completely I would have started years ago. It's true: you can change your life without "Changing Your Life."
:-)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Creative Adventure Sunday!
Happy Sunday!
This week's Creating Dreams Come True assignment was to try something new. I couldn't take a different route to work, as my work is my life (no, really, that's what a stay at home mom is...at work all the time...luckily it doesn't FEEL like work). But I did find some fun ways to change things up a bit:
-I did a dance "workout" every single day (usually I exercise very VERY sporadically)
-I wrote a little bit of my novel every day instead of leaving it all until Sunday afternoon (SO MUCH BETTER THIS WAY!!)
-I tried a raw dessert recipe using dates (it was truffles made of ground nuts, dates, and cocoa, and it was AMAZING!)
-I crocheted instead of knitted (and I'm getting MUCH better at it! And best of all, it's SO much more babyproof than knitting!)
-I took a book into the bedroom at naptime...so that when Little Bear woke up after the first hour (which he ALWAYS does) I could lie there and read while he nursed back down. Best idea EVER.
-instead of squeezing in a shower once or twice a week I washed my hair in the sink every other day and took sponge baths...result: I was cleaner and felt more human. I'd tried this before, but this time I did it regularly.
-I shopped at a new store: The Local Source Market. I've been trying to get us more local and organic foods, and this was a wonderful place to shop. The free-range bacon they sell is AMAZING.
Now that I've started doing these things, I really think I'll keep on doing them. The changes I made weren't radical, and they were ones I probably would have eventually made...but this assignment inspired me to get going on them. It just goes to show that outside of our everyday routines there are habits that are more supportive of the dreams we have and the life we want to live...if only we take the time to step outside our boxes and TRY them.
Oh, and P.S.: Last week's success tracker? I did it every day this week, and it has made a HUGE difference.
This week's Creating Dreams Come True assignment was to try something new. I couldn't take a different route to work, as my work is my life (no, really, that's what a stay at home mom is...at work all the time...luckily it doesn't FEEL like work). But I did find some fun ways to change things up a bit:
-I did a dance "workout" every single day (usually I exercise very VERY sporadically)
-I wrote a little bit of my novel every day instead of leaving it all until Sunday afternoon (SO MUCH BETTER THIS WAY!!)
-I tried a raw dessert recipe using dates (it was truffles made of ground nuts, dates, and cocoa, and it was AMAZING!)
-I crocheted instead of knitted (and I'm getting MUCH better at it! And best of all, it's SO much more babyproof than knitting!)
-I took a book into the bedroom at naptime...so that when Little Bear woke up after the first hour (which he ALWAYS does) I could lie there and read while he nursed back down. Best idea EVER.
-instead of squeezing in a shower once or twice a week I washed my hair in the sink every other day and took sponge baths...result: I was cleaner and felt more human. I'd tried this before, but this time I did it regularly.
-I shopped at a new store: The Local Source Market. I've been trying to get us more local and organic foods, and this was a wonderful place to shop. The free-range bacon they sell is AMAZING.
Now that I've started doing these things, I really think I'll keep on doing them. The changes I made weren't radical, and they were ones I probably would have eventually made...but this assignment inspired me to get going on them. It just goes to show that outside of our everyday routines there are habits that are more supportive of the dreams we have and the life we want to live...if only we take the time to step outside our boxes and TRY them.
Oh, and P.S.: Last week's success tracker? I did it every day this week, and it has made a HUGE difference.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to awaken?
In today's Wishcasting Wednesday, Jamie Ridler asks "What do you wish to awaken?"
This seems like it should be something that I could answer in seconds flat. But I can't. Maybe because I already feel like ALL of me is awakening from a fog that lasted...oh...say...18 months. But perhaps that's the key...not starting from scratch, but looking at what I'm already doing and building on that.
This month I've felt like I've walked out of black and white and into colour, as if I'm being reborn -not as a different person, mind you, but as Myself. I feel all shiny and yellow and radiant. I feel, in short, amazing. And, what's more, I feel as if this person I am becoming was always there, sleeping beneath the surface. Maybe that's the answer...
I wish to be present and mindful and joyful, appreciating every day, every breath I take, every moment I spend on this earth. And I wish to awaken the radiant being inside that beams joy out to everyone she meets, who reaches out with love and kindness, who inspires and comforts. I wish to continue on the path I'm already starting to tread, a path lined with magic and strewn with joy. And, really, I don't just wish this for me...I wish this for everyone. May we all throw our heads back and look at the sky and breathe deeply, stretching our arms wide and feeling truly IN our bodies. May we move through life seeing magic and beauty everywhere. May we reach out to each other on our journeys and hold hands as we walk into the light.
Huh...I guess I did know what my wish was after all :-)
This seems like it should be something that I could answer in seconds flat. But I can't. Maybe because I already feel like ALL of me is awakening from a fog that lasted...oh...say...18 months. But perhaps that's the key...not starting from scratch, but looking at what I'm already doing and building on that.
This month I've felt like I've walked out of black and white and into colour, as if I'm being reborn -not as a different person, mind you, but as Myself. I feel all shiny and yellow and radiant. I feel, in short, amazing. And, what's more, I feel as if this person I am becoming was always there, sleeping beneath the surface. Maybe that's the answer...
I wish to awaken ME.
I wish to be present and mindful and joyful, appreciating every day, every breath I take, every moment I spend on this earth. And I wish to awaken the radiant being inside that beams joy out to everyone she meets, who reaches out with love and kindness, who inspires and comforts. I wish to continue on the path I'm already starting to tread, a path lined with magic and strewn with joy. And, really, I don't just wish this for me...I wish this for everyone. May we all throw our heads back and look at the sky and breathe deeply, stretching our arms wide and feeling truly IN our bodies. May we move through life seeing magic and beauty everywhere. May we reach out to each other on our journeys and hold hands as we walk into the light.
Huh...I guess I did know what my wish was after all :-)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Joy Rebel Monday!
This past week's Joy Rebel assignment was called "Pick a Colour Any Colour" (only without the "U"s...I added those because I am obnoxiously Canadian). We were to pick a colour and then go through the week photographing anything that was that colour. And then Brandi gave us links to a program that would make our photos into a photo mosaic. So fun!
I picked orange. Couldn't say why, I'm not even that fond of orange, but I did find a lot of orange things around the house! Here's my collage:
OK, OK, I admit that that photo of me and Little Bear was taken several months ago, but it was on my computer and I couldn't resist! As for the rest of the photos, it was like a scavenger hunt! I kept catching sight of things I could photograph. It occurs to me that I should have dug in the fridge for the oranges and carrots, but oh well! Definitely a fun activity :)
In other news, I am having a spectacularly joyful day! Not sure why, but I am LOVING it! I seem to be surrounded by people who are reaching out to each other with love and kindness, or who are speaking out to each other in gratitude and appreciation. So much love in the world. So much beauty if we take time to see it. So much joy if we just set our radars to look for it. It makes me ache inside.
Happy Monday!
I picked orange. Couldn't say why, I'm not even that fond of orange, but I did find a lot of orange things around the house! Here's my collage:
OK, OK, I admit that that photo of me and Little Bear was taken several months ago, but it was on my computer and I couldn't resist! As for the rest of the photos, it was like a scavenger hunt! I kept catching sight of things I could photograph. It occurs to me that I should have dug in the fridge for the oranges and carrots, but oh well! Definitely a fun activity :)
In other news, I am having a spectacularly joyful day! Not sure why, but I am LOVING it! I seem to be surrounded by people who are reaching out to each other with love and kindness, or who are speaking out to each other in gratitude and appreciation. So much love in the world. So much beauty if we take time to see it. So much joy if we just set our radars to look for it. It makes me ache inside.
Happy Monday!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Creating and Recording Success!
Welcome to Creative Adventure Sunday! This week's assignment was to build on our maps/lists from last week and to create a method to track our successes. Since my gentle daily to-do list from last week's post was already taking some effect, I decided to build on that. The idea of daily "success tracker" blog posts didn't really appeal, or at least I didn't feel like putting them on here or like making an entirely new blog. I know myself, and that just wouldn't work for me. I already have my "This is My Day" list on my fridge and I've been making daily gratitude posts on Facebook since New Years Day...I wanted to do something to help myself keep track of these things. I also wanted to keep track of other things...like Little Bear's daily life. The months are passing so quickly, and he's growing so much. Soon he won't be a baby any more...he's such a toddler now. So all of these ideas swirled around in my head until I was at the grocery store and I saw the spiral bound notebooks. And BOOM! Inspiration!
And here's the result of an hour of cutting and a mad half-hour of gluing...the front cover:
The inside front cover:
And a sample page:
(you can click on the photo for a larger version if you want to read it...if you can read my handwriting, that is)
I like that it's a cross between a checklist and a fill in the blank. It reminds me of my daily list, it records my gratitude practice, and it helps me take note of what Little Bear does. And, best of all, unlike other journals I've tried (like food journals...oh, how I hate food journals), I feel like writing my entry is part and parcel with the practice. It ties it all together and reminds me to do my practice just as much as my practice reminds me to do the journal...if that makes sense. Anyway, I know I haven't been doing it for long, but I'm really happy with it. Plus, even when it's closed, the cover is inspirational for me. Love it love it love it!
Wishing you all the best success and fun pursuing joy in your days! Happy Sunday!
And here's the result of an hour of cutting and a mad half-hour of gluing...the front cover:
The inside front cover:
And a sample page:
(you can click on the photo for a larger version if you want to read it...if you can read my handwriting, that is)
I like that it's a cross between a checklist and a fill in the blank. It reminds me of my daily list, it records my gratitude practice, and it helps me take note of what Little Bear does. And, best of all, unlike other journals I've tried (like food journals...oh, how I hate food journals), I feel like writing my entry is part and parcel with the practice. It ties it all together and reminds me to do my practice just as much as my practice reminds me to do the journal...if that makes sense. Anyway, I know I haven't been doing it for long, but I'm really happy with it. Plus, even when it's closed, the cover is inspirational for me. Love it love it love it!
Wishing you all the best success and fun pursuing joy in your days! Happy Sunday!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Six-Word Saturday!
This is an experiment...
My life in six words:
1. Looking for joy in all things.
2. Totally obsessed with David Tennant's Doctor.
Technically that was 12 words. Also, it sounds like I'm stalking David Tennant's medical practitioner. That's not what I mean! My current obsession with Doctor Who's "Doctor + Rose" relationship rivals my obsession with Steed and Emma Peel from the Avengers circa mid-1960s. And, as some of you know, that obsession is SEVERE.
Anywho, this was my first experiment with Six Word Saturday. Shall it return next week? Only time will tell, but I could see how it could be as fun and addictive as making up haikus!
My life in six words:
1. Looking for joy in all things.
2. Totally obsessed with David Tennant's Doctor.
Technically that was 12 words. Also, it sounds like I'm stalking David Tennant's medical practitioner. That's not what I mean! My current obsession with Doctor Who's "Doctor + Rose" relationship rivals my obsession with Steed and Emma Peel from the Avengers circa mid-1960s. And, as some of you know, that obsession is SEVERE.
Anywho, this was my first experiment with Six Word Saturday. Shall it return next week? Only time will tell, but I could see how it could be as fun and addictive as making up haikus!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday!
In my exploration of the blogosphere (like that? I don't think I came up with it) I keep encountering weekly missions. I like this. They punctuate my week. They remind me to pay attention, to seek joy, to investigate myself, and TO UPDATE MY BLOG :-P (incidentally, if you're wondering what happened to Mission Monday, it's an all-week assignment, and thus shall return NEXT Monday and continue weekly from there).
My newest discovery? Wishcasting Wednesday
Here's the jist: You follow the weekly prompt and write your wish. Then you join a circle of bloggers who visit each other's sites and lend their voices to your wish with comments like “As (insert name ) wishes for her/himself, so I wish for her/him also.” And that's it! Fun!!
Today's Wishcasting prompt is: What do you wish for your family?
For my family I wish great joy, radiant health, increasing abundance, unlimited growth, and unconditional attachment.
But then, who doesn't. Seriously, is there a single person out there who wouldn't say pretty much exactly the same thing: happiness, health, wealth, and love? I doubt it. So if I had to go deeper than that...my wish for my family -and I mean so many more people than those I'm related to- is that they become more themselves. I wish for them to explore passions, discover hidden facets, deepen connections, and clarify their self-understanding. I wish these things for them as I wish them for myself. Let us all grow into ourselves.
<3 <3 <3
My newest discovery? Wishcasting Wednesday
Here's the jist: You follow the weekly prompt and write your wish. Then you join a circle of bloggers who visit each other's sites and lend their voices to your wish with comments like “As (insert name ) wishes for her/himself, so I wish for her/him also.” And that's it! Fun!!
Today's Wishcasting prompt is: What do you wish for your family?
For my family I wish great joy, radiant health, increasing abundance, unlimited growth, and unconditional attachment.
But then, who doesn't. Seriously, is there a single person out there who wouldn't say pretty much exactly the same thing: happiness, health, wealth, and love? I doubt it. So if I had to go deeper than that...my wish for my family -and I mean so many more people than those I'm related to- is that they become more themselves. I wish for them to explore passions, discover hidden facets, deepen connections, and clarify their self-understanding. I wish these things for them as I wish them for myself. Let us all grow into ourselves.
<3 <3 <3
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
This is My Year
Last week's Creative Sunday assignment was to create a list of intentions and goals for the next year...a map to get us where we want to go. It was an interesting exercise for me...it demonstrated the power of wording. If I worded things as a "to-do" list or tried to quantify things exactly I found myself getting completely stressed out. Putting a number on things ("Drink 2.5 litres of water a day") made me feel like if I didn't reach that number exactly I would be failing...and that's not good. Drinking 2L of water is better than not drinking ANY, after all! So, after a false start or two, here is my This Is My Year list:
This is my Health: I feel vibrant, radiant, and fully IN my body.
-I do Energy Medicine daily
-I dance my chores
-I drink plenty of water
-I participate in a fitness community
-I eat vibrantly healthy foods: (I incorporate more raw foods into my diet, I buy local and organic whenever I can, I avoid "angry foods" and eat free-range meat and eggs)
-I eat mindfully
These are my Relationships: My relationships are open-hearted, unconditional, and well-maintained.
-I spend solo time with Papa Bear every day (even if this means staying up later)
-I connect with friends regularly (monthly would be GREAT)
-I communicate honestly and respect points of view. I also respect my OWN point of view.
-I parent with respect and unconditional love
This is my Abundance: I am debt-free and bringing in income in a way that makes my heart sing.
-I put extra money on credit cards
-I use up ALL groceries (no throwing away rotten leftovers)
-I share my creative endeavours
-I SUBMIT WORK TO PUBLISHERS!!!!
This is my Creativity: I joyfully create every day.
-I participate in Creative Adventure Sundays and Mission Mondays and blog about it.
-I write Something on my novel every day (one sentence is fine)
-I finish my novel draft this summer
-I finish Isadora this year
-I write a children's story for Little Bear
-I create 50 crafty-things this year.
This is my Purpose: I live my life with mindfulness and an open heart. My job is happiness.
-I practice gratitude daily
-I joyfully share my insights, creations, and struggles
-I keep energy in mind
-I seek out teachers and mentors
-I am kind to myself, but also honestly admit mistakes.
-I practice forgiveness (of MYSELF as well as others)
This is how I practice Self-Love/Self-Care:
-I focus on what Is and not what "should be"
-I take the path of gentleness
-I use the good bath stuff
-I take a complete break once a week
-I give myself Reiki regularly
-I meditate at bedtime each night
-I move every day in ways that make me smile
This is how I experience Happiness/Adventure: I experience JOY every day and with my Whole Heart.
-I cultivate optimism
-I trust the universe
-I appreciate the "small things"
When I reviewed my lists I realized that there were certain things I wanted to do daily, habits I wanted to commit to. So I created a final category: This Is My Day:
This is My Day:
-I do Energy Medicine
-I make a Gratitude Post
-I move my body
-I write Something
-I make Something
-I divinely declutter
-I listen to music
-I connect with Papa Bear and Little Bear
-I focus on the breath
This is my Health: I feel vibrant, radiant, and fully IN my body.
-I do Energy Medicine daily
-I dance my chores
-I drink plenty of water
-I participate in a fitness community
-I eat vibrantly healthy foods: (I incorporate more raw foods into my diet, I buy local and organic whenever I can, I avoid "angry foods" and eat free-range meat and eggs)
-I eat mindfully
These are my Relationships: My relationships are open-hearted, unconditional, and well-maintained.
-I spend solo time with Papa Bear every day (even if this means staying up later)
-I connect with friends regularly (monthly would be GREAT)
-I communicate honestly and respect points of view. I also respect my OWN point of view.
-I parent with respect and unconditional love
This is my Abundance: I am debt-free and bringing in income in a way that makes my heart sing.
-I put extra money on credit cards
-I use up ALL groceries (no throwing away rotten leftovers)
-I share my creative endeavours
-I SUBMIT WORK TO PUBLISHERS!!!!
This is my Creativity: I joyfully create every day.
-I participate in Creative Adventure Sundays and Mission Mondays and blog about it.
-I write Something on my novel every day (one sentence is fine)
-I finish my novel draft this summer
-I finish Isadora this year
-I write a children's story for Little Bear
-I create 50 crafty-things this year.
This is my Purpose: I live my life with mindfulness and an open heart. My job is happiness.
-I practice gratitude daily
-I joyfully share my insights, creations, and struggles
-I keep energy in mind
-I seek out teachers and mentors
-I am kind to myself, but also honestly admit mistakes.
-I practice forgiveness (of MYSELF as well as others)
This is how I practice Self-Love/Self-Care:
-I focus on what Is and not what "should be"
-I take the path of gentleness
-I use the good bath stuff
-I take a complete break once a week
-I give myself Reiki regularly
-I meditate at bedtime each night
-I move every day in ways that make me smile
This is how I experience Happiness/Adventure: I experience JOY every day and with my Whole Heart.
-I cultivate optimism
-I trust the universe
-I appreciate the "small things"
When I reviewed my lists I realized that there were certain things I wanted to do daily, habits I wanted to commit to. So I created a final category: This Is My Day:
This is My Day:
-I do Energy Medicine
-I make a Gratitude Post
-I move my body
-I write Something
-I make Something
-I divinely declutter
-I listen to music
-I connect with Papa Bear and Little Bear
-I focus on the breath
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mission Monday: What do you need to say to yourself?
This week's Joy Rebel assignment is to say what you need to say to yourself. What a great mission! I snatched a minute while Little Bear had his bath, so I really didn't overthink it. I just went with my gut.
I think I'll let the photos speak for themselves this time.
I think I'll let the photos speak for themselves this time.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Dreams Come True...
Creative Adventure Sundays Round 2: Make a list of dreams that have ALREADY come true.
I love love LOVE this idea! It's so easy to forget about all of our accomplishments -all of the challenges we've faced, the miracles we've experienced. Once the initial "YAY!" wears off, we forget to look back and think about the wonderfulness of our lives so far. I challenged myself to write down 100 dreams come true...goals achieved, miracles experienced. I thought it would be hard...it really really wasn't. :-)
Here they are, in the order they came out of my brain:
1. Met my true love
2. Got proposed to (not by my true love, as it happened, because I met Papa Bear through my ex...hehe)
3. Had the courage to realize that my ex and I weren't right together and broke things off with him (this was a miserable experience, but I maintain that it counts because it was Step One to a whole new life)
4. Felt myself actually Fall in love.
5. Was the Girl Someone Had a Long Term Crush On Just Like In the Movies
6. Felt more Myself with a guy (as opposed to less myself)
7. Did the proposing myself (I LOVE that I got to have it both ways!)
8. Planned a totally amazing and unique wedding that people still talk about
9. Graduated from university with honours
10. Wrote a 28-page essay in French (and got an A)
11. Won the University Medal in French (a total and complete surprise)
12. Presented a paper at a university conference
13. Toured the UK and Southern Ireland (with Contiki tours...an amazing experience and an excellent post-break-up transition)
14. Went to an arts high school as a dance major
15. Attended a summer course in NYC with the Limon Dance Company (a dream come true)
16. Performed my own choreography for an audience (several times)
17. Danced my choreography on the same stage as Evelyn Hart and Rex Harrington (I mean we were in the same show, not that they were in my pieces...but they did watch from the wings)
18. Got a compliment from each of them
19. Graduated from university with a GPA over 4.0 (because at my school they gave 4.3 for an A+)
20. Tried a flamenco class
21. Went to university in New York City (and left when I realized it was NOT for me)
22. Dance en pointe
23. Found a dance style I took to naturally (modern dance)
24. Choreographed dances that were honest emotional portrayals (and, in some cases, therapy)
25. Taught modern dance MY way (and helped myself heal old wounds)
26. Took a train across Canada on my own
27. Awakened to energy work
28. Became a Reiki master
29. Sang in front of an audience
30. Got regular shout-outs from one of my favourite bands when I went to their shows
31. Hosted a campus radio show (well, two, actually: "Moose on the Highway" at Skidmore and "Border Crossing" at Dalhousie)
32. Got a job based on my own merits as opposed to family connections (and thus avoided all of the baggage that can come with working for people who knew me as a kid)
33. KICKED ASS at said job(s) (I am a PHENOMENAL administrative assistant)
34. "Broke up with" all of my toxic mother-figures from my childhood (I had a collection)
35. Moved into a house by a lake
36. Had the courage to realize that buying wasn't right for us right now (and thus opened the way for the perfect rental)
37. Got pregnant when it felt natural and right
38. Had a healthy pregnancy
39. Gave birth to a healthy baby
40. Survived what I think was mild post partum depression
41. Successfully nursed my baby (and still do)
42. Parented against the mainstream mostly-confidently
43. Started a blog
44. Interviewed a band
45. Wrote newspaper articles for a university paper
46. Wrote 150 pages of my first novel
47. Wrote a children's story
48. Won a writing prize for a story I co-wrote with my mom
49. Discovered the link between dance, energy and healing
50. Attended a Reiki Healing Dance workshop with deeply healing and transformative results
51. Discovered Kripalu DansKinetics and attended a teacher training workshop without having ever taken a KDK class (a gamble that totally paid off)
52. Did extremely well on the final test-class of the workshop
53. Rented out space, advertised, and ran 2 terms of classes in the Halifax area
54. Was featured in a local newspaper
55. Met with a studio head to pitch the idea of DansKinetics to her (and happily released that idea when I saw that we were not compatible)
56. Happily released the business when the right time came
57. Journalled during my major epiphanies and life changes
58. Loved with my whole heart, even when I got hurt
59. Learned to knit and made a sweater
60. Re-learned to knit eight years later and made a teddy bear for my son
61. Almost got my driver's license (passed the Young Drivers of Canada course but never took the road test for the actual license)
62. Found a family doctor that I ADORE
63. Found a dentist I really like
64. Embraced shopping at the plus-sized stores, and thus have clothes I LOVE
65. Presented my dance classes at a school and a community centre
66. Did one successful Reiki Healing Dance treatment
67. Conquered crippling shyness
68. Learned more about who I am and how to be *more* myself and not hide
69. Stuck successfully to a 3-week detox
70. Lost weight by LOVING my body (twice)
71. Helped a lot of people open up and shine through dance
72. Made a website
73. Made new friends and developed older friendships
74. Bought a Mac (her name is Cynthia)
75. Bought an iPod (how did I ever live without it?!)
76. Sewed my first sock monkey
77. Sewed my first totally unique doll
78. Learned to crochet
79. Got into Harvard
80. Turned Harvard down when I realized it was not a good fit for me
81. Let Little Bear spend time without me when I realized how much I needed alone time (it amazes me how much I ADORE him when he comes back from an outing with Papa Bear :-P)
82. Took Little Bear outside most days this fall (and let him get as dirty as he wanted)
83. Began to let go of perfectionism in dance and other creative endeavours
84. Worked with a personal trainer
85. Began to get a sense of what I value and how I want to live
86. Took steps to develop that vision
87. Stayed completely away from parenting magazines
88. Only read parenting books that support my vision
89. Hung some of my own artwork in our home
90. Married someone who appreciates my dance
91. Married someone who loves and supports my "self-helpy" streak
92. Bought the wedding dress of my dreams...twice!
93. Learned to keep an eye open for teachers and mentors that the universe throws across my path
94. Surprised my parents with baby news on Christmas Day 2007 (kept it a secret for over a month)
95. Made my dad cry by putting all of his old photos into an album
96. Began to FINALLY hear some of my dad's stories (he has had an AMAZING life!)
97. Wrote down my ideas and inspiration so I can revisit it whenever I'm called to
98. Made someone so happy it hurts
99. Met a wedding/portrait photographer we ADORE (both in terms of her work and her personality)
100. Adopted two adorable kitties from a shelter and gave them a good home with lots of cuddles
101. COMPLETED A LIST OF ONE HUNDRED DREAMS COME TRUE!!
I highly recommend this exercise :-)
I love love LOVE this idea! It's so easy to forget about all of our accomplishments -all of the challenges we've faced, the miracles we've experienced. Once the initial "YAY!" wears off, we forget to look back and think about the wonderfulness of our lives so far. I challenged myself to write down 100 dreams come true...goals achieved, miracles experienced. I thought it would be hard...it really really wasn't. :-)
Here they are, in the order they came out of my brain:
1. Met my true love
2. Got proposed to (not by my true love, as it happened, because I met Papa Bear through my ex...hehe)
3. Had the courage to realize that my ex and I weren't right together and broke things off with him (this was a miserable experience, but I maintain that it counts because it was Step One to a whole new life)
4. Felt myself actually Fall in love.
5. Was the Girl Someone Had a Long Term Crush On Just Like In the Movies
6. Felt more Myself with a guy (as opposed to less myself)
7. Did the proposing myself (I LOVE that I got to have it both ways!)
8. Planned a totally amazing and unique wedding that people still talk about
9. Graduated from university with honours
10. Wrote a 28-page essay in French (and got an A)
11. Won the University Medal in French (a total and complete surprise)
12. Presented a paper at a university conference
13. Toured the UK and Southern Ireland (with Contiki tours...an amazing experience and an excellent post-break-up transition)
14. Went to an arts high school as a dance major
15. Attended a summer course in NYC with the Limon Dance Company (a dream come true)
16. Performed my own choreography for an audience (several times)
17. Danced my choreography on the same stage as Evelyn Hart and Rex Harrington (I mean we were in the same show, not that they were in my pieces...but they did watch from the wings)
18. Got a compliment from each of them
19. Graduated from university with a GPA over 4.0 (because at my school they gave 4.3 for an A+)
20. Tried a flamenco class
21. Went to university in New York City (and left when I realized it was NOT for me)
22. Dance en pointe
23. Found a dance style I took to naturally (modern dance)
24. Choreographed dances that were honest emotional portrayals (and, in some cases, therapy)
25. Taught modern dance MY way (and helped myself heal old wounds)
26. Took a train across Canada on my own
27. Awakened to energy work
28. Became a Reiki master
29. Sang in front of an audience
30. Got regular shout-outs from one of my favourite bands when I went to their shows
31. Hosted a campus radio show (well, two, actually: "Moose on the Highway" at Skidmore and "Border Crossing" at Dalhousie)
32. Got a job based on my own merits as opposed to family connections (and thus avoided all of the baggage that can come with working for people who knew me as a kid)
33. KICKED ASS at said job(s) (I am a PHENOMENAL administrative assistant)
34. "Broke up with" all of my toxic mother-figures from my childhood (I had a collection)
35. Moved into a house by a lake
36. Had the courage to realize that buying wasn't right for us right now (and thus opened the way for the perfect rental)
37. Got pregnant when it felt natural and right
38. Had a healthy pregnancy
39. Gave birth to a healthy baby
40. Survived what I think was mild post partum depression
41. Successfully nursed my baby (and still do)
42. Parented against the mainstream mostly-confidently
43. Started a blog
44. Interviewed a band
45. Wrote newspaper articles for a university paper
46. Wrote 150 pages of my first novel
47. Wrote a children's story
48. Won a writing prize for a story I co-wrote with my mom
49. Discovered the link between dance, energy and healing
50. Attended a Reiki Healing Dance workshop with deeply healing and transformative results
51. Discovered Kripalu DansKinetics and attended a teacher training workshop without having ever taken a KDK class (a gamble that totally paid off)
52. Did extremely well on the final test-class of the workshop
53. Rented out space, advertised, and ran 2 terms of classes in the Halifax area
54. Was featured in a local newspaper
55. Met with a studio head to pitch the idea of DansKinetics to her (and happily released that idea when I saw that we were not compatible)
56. Happily released the business when the right time came
57. Journalled during my major epiphanies and life changes
58. Loved with my whole heart, even when I got hurt
59. Learned to knit and made a sweater
60. Re-learned to knit eight years later and made a teddy bear for my son
61. Almost got my driver's license (passed the Young Drivers of Canada course but never took the road test for the actual license)
62. Found a family doctor that I ADORE
63. Found a dentist I really like
64. Embraced shopping at the plus-sized stores, and thus have clothes I LOVE
65. Presented my dance classes at a school and a community centre
66. Did one successful Reiki Healing Dance treatment
67. Conquered crippling shyness
68. Learned more about who I am and how to be *more* myself and not hide
69. Stuck successfully to a 3-week detox
70. Lost weight by LOVING my body (twice)
71. Helped a lot of people open up and shine through dance
72. Made a website
73. Made new friends and developed older friendships
74. Bought a Mac (her name is Cynthia)
75. Bought an iPod (how did I ever live without it?!)
76. Sewed my first sock monkey
77. Sewed my first totally unique doll
78. Learned to crochet
79. Got into Harvard
80. Turned Harvard down when I realized it was not a good fit for me
81. Let Little Bear spend time without me when I realized how much I needed alone time (it amazes me how much I ADORE him when he comes back from an outing with Papa Bear :-P)
82. Took Little Bear outside most days this fall (and let him get as dirty as he wanted)
83. Began to let go of perfectionism in dance and other creative endeavours
84. Worked with a personal trainer
85. Began to get a sense of what I value and how I want to live
86. Took steps to develop that vision
87. Stayed completely away from parenting magazines
88. Only read parenting books that support my vision
89. Hung some of my own artwork in our home
90. Married someone who appreciates my dance
91. Married someone who loves and supports my "self-helpy" streak
92. Bought the wedding dress of my dreams...twice!
93. Learned to keep an eye open for teachers and mentors that the universe throws across my path
94. Surprised my parents with baby news on Christmas Day 2007 (kept it a secret for over a month)
95. Made my dad cry by putting all of his old photos into an album
96. Began to FINALLY hear some of my dad's stories (he has had an AMAZING life!)
97. Wrote down my ideas and inspiration so I can revisit it whenever I'm called to
98. Made someone so happy it hurts
99. Met a wedding/portrait photographer we ADORE (both in terms of her work and her personality)
100. Adopted two adorable kitties from a shelter and gave them a good home with lots of cuddles
101. COMPLETED A LIST OF ONE HUNDRED DREAMS COME TRUE!!
I highly recommend this exercise :-)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Parenting is what is.
There are many things I love about nursing my little one to sleep. I love the quiet that settles in when he crosses the threshold from barely awake to newly asleep. I love the way his hand curls around the material of my shirt and I have to gently release it when I get ready to leave. I love the little noises he makes. I love the way his feet inevitably end up curled on my bottom leg and I have to slide out from under them. And I love how, sometimes, when I'm not looking for it, bursts of knowledge and inspiration suddenly surface from a place of wisdom deep inside of me and break into conscious thought.
As anyone who knows me or reads my Facebook page will attest, I worry a lot about how I "should" be parenting. I worry that I'm not present enough, or that I'm too present, or that I'm too lax, or that I'm too volatile, or that I'm too inconsistent...you get the idea. My parenting experience is constantly overshadowed by "shoulds" and by the idea of silent observers. Playgroups are my undoing because I constantly fear that Little Bear will "misbehave" and that I will be judged because I don't know how to "control his behaviour." And, it seems, it doesn't matter how many amazing books I read or inspiring newsletters I get, I still worry myself into a frenzy.
So, given all of that, you can imagine the great wave of relief, the deafening shout of "YES" that my soul gave when I suddenly thought: "Parenting is not what should be. Parenting is what is."
As anyone who knows me or reads my Facebook page will attest, I worry a lot about how I "should" be parenting. I worry that I'm not present enough, or that I'm too present, or that I'm too lax, or that I'm too volatile, or that I'm too inconsistent...you get the idea. My parenting experience is constantly overshadowed by "shoulds" and by the idea of silent observers. Playgroups are my undoing because I constantly fear that Little Bear will "misbehave" and that I will be judged because I don't know how to "control his behaviour." And, it seems, it doesn't matter how many amazing books I read or inspiring newsletters I get, I still worry myself into a frenzy.
So, given all of that, you can imagine the great wave of relief, the deafening shout of "YES" that my soul gave when I suddenly thought: "Parenting is not what should be. Parenting is what is."
YES!!!
(her soul shouted)
Maybe that doesn't sound very profound to you. Maybe that's as obvious as saying "a house is a house." But to the constant worrier-mama the idea that her child's experience is all that matters...is all that really truly exists (in terms of parenting) is huge...amazing...transformative. To me, telling myself "Parenting is what IS" is a reminder to be present, to not be afraid to think outside the box, and to enjoy the magic that comes up. So, for example, instead of worrying about what people will think about the fact that I nurse my almost-17-month old to sleep and that we cosleep, I choose to revel in the moments when my active little toddler morphs back into a baby, and when I can snuggle him happily as close as I want. Parenting is what is, and this year -and for the rest of my life- I choose to celebrate the magic that we create as a family instead of spoiling it with worry. I choose to shed the baggage of the Worrier-Mama and step out boldly in the skin of the Warrior-Mama. Let's see what happens!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Creating my Goddess Year...
Before the New Year I downloaded Goddess Leonie's GORGEOUS and LOVELY Creating My Goddess Year Workbook & Planner. I didn't get to print it off until yesterday, so apart from some notes that I took in a spiral-bound notebook on New Years Eve I didn't have anything to show until today.
Working on the planner has been interesting. The year in review activities made me realize just how much I had to be thankful for this year:
The "100 things to do" list that I posted on the 3rd made me realize what themes were really important to me for the year. But what they all seem to boil down to is my one word for the year:
MINDFULNESS
In the most Buddhist sense of the word...cultivating presence and awareness in my day-to-day life.
In the Christian(ish) sense: being mindful of the needs of others and helping when I can.
And in the environmental sense, being aware of my impact on the earth.
Finding this word has made me very happy.
I loved creating my Goddess Habits. I'm going to copy this poster and put it up on the fridge so I can see it every day.
Mapping my body as I feel now brought up a lot of negativity because I don't feel particularly good right now. I haven't been able to dance since before I had Little Bear (I don't mean I haven't been physically able to, I mean that I can't seem to do it...I'm self-conscious about it, and that is SO not me. It freaks me out because I can't remember the last time I wasn't able to dance). Anyway...there was a lot of brown and red and stuckness and closed-off-ness and I don't feel like showing it. But I will show you my vision for this year:
I think it says a whole heap about how much my body is calling out for Reiki. Reiki and Yoga. And hopefully dance. Please, please let me dance.
This evening I got a precious hour of baby-free time from Papa Bear and I put it to good use by writing out my Goddess Goals and starting my To-Do List Book. The Goddess Goals were VERY hard for me...I wrote a bunch of stuff down and then realized that what I'd put was more of a stressful to-do list and less of a dream/intention list...and it was stressing me out instead of inspiring me. So I went back, looked at what I'd written and rephrased some things. In some cases I took several "goals" and condensed them into a larger dream. Then, once I was happy, I started my book:
Ah, bubble letters! My favourite thing in the world is to write in bubble letters and to colour in rainbow colours. Papa Bear thinks it's adorable and funny, but I can't help it. I went with what made me happy. I got all the headings written and the cover page coloured, and then Little Bear wanted me to hang out with him. And after a failed attempt to put him to bed I went with my gut. My gut had noticed the wistful way he had reached for my art supplies when he came to see me, so Little Bear and I sat down together with soft "Chakra 6" music playing and we drew and coloured. I'll show you mine first.
Here's a Big Dream:
(Yes, I know the pages are blank...I haven't done the list-making yet. Maybe I'll share again once I'm done that part)
Here's a smaller dream:
(It means that I want to have 50 creations, either knitted, crocheted, or sewed posted to my Facebook album by the end of the year)
Here's a big and beautiful and Vitally Important one:
(I thought this was especially appropriate as Little Bear and I sat side by side and coloured peacefully...and he didn't throw a single coloured pencil for ages)
And here is what my little man drew:
The circles are a relatively recent development. Up until this week it was all zigzags.
Look at all the tiny circles! The colours are by me -I did them whenever he handed me a coloured pencil. Also, obviously, the "Blue" and the square are by me. But all those teensy tiny circles? Those were done by an under-17-month-old. Papa Bear and I are SO proud :-)
So, that's the progress I've made so far. It's been an oddly quiet journey for me, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share it. But then my Little Bear showed me such magic that I knew it cried out to be shared. I can't wait to "work" on it some more tomorrow. <3 <3 <3
Working on the planner has been interesting. The year in review activities made me realize just how much I had to be thankful for this year:
The "100 things to do" list that I posted on the 3rd made me realize what themes were really important to me for the year. But what they all seem to boil down to is my one word for the year:
MINDFULNESS
In the most Buddhist sense of the word...cultivating presence and awareness in my day-to-day life.
In the Christian(ish) sense: being mindful of the needs of others and helping when I can.
And in the environmental sense, being aware of my impact on the earth.
Finding this word has made me very happy.
I loved creating my Goddess Habits. I'm going to copy this poster and put it up on the fridge so I can see it every day.
Mapping my body as I feel now brought up a lot of negativity because I don't feel particularly good right now. I haven't been able to dance since before I had Little Bear (I don't mean I haven't been physically able to, I mean that I can't seem to do it...I'm self-conscious about it, and that is SO not me. It freaks me out because I can't remember the last time I wasn't able to dance). Anyway...there was a lot of brown and red and stuckness and closed-off-ness and I don't feel like showing it. But I will show you my vision for this year:
I think it says a whole heap about how much my body is calling out for Reiki. Reiki and Yoga. And hopefully dance. Please, please let me dance.
This evening I got a precious hour of baby-free time from Papa Bear and I put it to good use by writing out my Goddess Goals and starting my To-Do List Book. The Goddess Goals were VERY hard for me...I wrote a bunch of stuff down and then realized that what I'd put was more of a stressful to-do list and less of a dream/intention list...and it was stressing me out instead of inspiring me. So I went back, looked at what I'd written and rephrased some things. In some cases I took several "goals" and condensed them into a larger dream. Then, once I was happy, I started my book:
Ah, bubble letters! My favourite thing in the world is to write in bubble letters and to colour in rainbow colours. Papa Bear thinks it's adorable and funny, but I can't help it. I went with what made me happy. I got all the headings written and the cover page coloured, and then Little Bear wanted me to hang out with him. And after a failed attempt to put him to bed I went with my gut. My gut had noticed the wistful way he had reached for my art supplies when he came to see me, so Little Bear and I sat down together with soft "Chakra 6" music playing and we drew and coloured. I'll show you mine first.
Here's a Big Dream:
(Yes, I know the pages are blank...I haven't done the list-making yet. Maybe I'll share again once I'm done that part)
Here's a smaller dream:
(It means that I want to have 50 creations, either knitted, crocheted, or sewed posted to my Facebook album by the end of the year)
Here's a big and beautiful and Vitally Important one:
(I thought this was especially appropriate as Little Bear and I sat side by side and coloured peacefully...and he didn't throw a single coloured pencil for ages)
And here is what my little man drew:
The circles are a relatively recent development. Up until this week it was all zigzags.
Look at all the tiny circles! The colours are by me -I did them whenever he handed me a coloured pencil. Also, obviously, the "Blue" and the square are by me. But all those teensy tiny circles? Those were done by an under-17-month-old. Papa Bear and I are SO proud :-)
So, that's the progress I've made so far. It's been an oddly quiet journey for me, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share it. But then my Little Bear showed me such magic that I knew it cried out to be shared. I can't wait to "work" on it some more tomorrow. <3 <3 <3
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Down a different path...
As you may remember...from 2 days ago...one of my dreams this year is to do Joy Rebel Mission Mondays regularly. Yesterday's Mission was to go down a different path...to work, to school, to the laundromat, wherever. Hmmm.
Here's the deal. I'm a stay at home mom and I live in the country(ish) and it's COLD outside and I have no car. The farthest I go on any given weekday is into the yard so Little Bear can play. *whinge* Well, as you can tell, I whined about this (in my head) for a minute or two...or fifteen. And then I thought "Hey now, Mama Bear, the whole point of being a Joy Rebel is finding and celebrating the joy in things As They Are, and not so much whining about how you wish things were!" So, as it was time to take the little one outside in any case, I said, "Little Bear, today instead of going out the front door and down the front steps we will leave the house....by the GARAGE!" So we did. We got our outdoor things on (incidentally, Little Bear has the cutest little bear boots), and I picked him up and carried him down the stairs, out the storage room door, through the storage room, and into the garage. I pressed the garage door button, realized that I'd pressed the wrong one when the door in front of the garbage cans opened, and then pressed the other one. There we stood, in the gloomy, chilly garage, and we watched as the giant doors rolled up revealing the bright, white outdoors. It was beautiful. And then we went out to play. And it did feel different. And we did do different things. And I'm not going to lie and say that I didn't get impatient to go back in -because I did- and in hindsight taking him up by the (VERY NON BUSY I AM NOT A BAD PARENT I SWEAR) road may not have been the wisest precedent to set, but it was a change...and Lord knows a change can be good.
So there...I took a different path to the best of my ability, and even such a tiny thing as exiting by a different door made the day feel special. I should keep that in mind...maybe tomorrow I'll leave by the back steps... :-)
Here's the deal. I'm a stay at home mom and I live in the country(ish) and it's COLD outside and I have no car. The farthest I go on any given weekday is into the yard so Little Bear can play. *whinge* Well, as you can tell, I whined about this (in my head) for a minute or two...or fifteen. And then I thought "Hey now, Mama Bear, the whole point of being a Joy Rebel is finding and celebrating the joy in things As They Are, and not so much whining about how you wish things were!" So, as it was time to take the little one outside in any case, I said, "Little Bear, today instead of going out the front door and down the front steps we will leave the house....by the GARAGE!" So we did. We got our outdoor things on (incidentally, Little Bear has the cutest little bear boots), and I picked him up and carried him down the stairs, out the storage room door, through the storage room, and into the garage. I pressed the garage door button, realized that I'd pressed the wrong one when the door in front of the garbage cans opened, and then pressed the other one. There we stood, in the gloomy, chilly garage, and we watched as the giant doors rolled up revealing the bright, white outdoors. It was beautiful. And then we went out to play. And it did feel different. And we did do different things. And I'm not going to lie and say that I didn't get impatient to go back in -because I did- and in hindsight taking him up by the (VERY NON BUSY I AM NOT A BAD PARENT I SWEAR) road may not have been the wisest precedent to set, but it was a change...and Lord knows a change can be good.
So there...I took a different path to the best of my ability, and even such a tiny thing as exiting by a different door made the day feel special. I should keep that in mind...maybe tomorrow I'll leave by the back steps... :-)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
100 things...
It's a New Year. A year of endless possibilities. A magical, unknown land stretching before us...for 362 more days. So, in the spirit of possibility and magic and thinking big, here (inspired by Andrea at ABCcreativity.com and Goddess Leonie's "2010: Creating My Goddess Year Workbook & Planner"), are 100 dreams for 2010. Call it my to-do list if you will:
1. Meditate every day. Even if only for 30 seconds before bed. Maybe listen to a meditation track *while* falling asleep.
2. Complete the tutorials in the Sew Everything Workshop book (and learn to sew for real)
3. Eat more ethically: choose local, organic options and be aware of where things come from and how they are made.
4. Create new monsters (I got about 6 different plushie books for Christmas...I'll start there)
5. Handmake 90% of all gifts this year.
6. Make a financial contribution to at least one charity.
7. Try craftivism (I LOVE the Mother Bear Project)
8. Do Donna Eden's energy balancing routine daily (for at least 3 weeks...and see how I feel)
9. Finish the first draft of my novel
10. Make the first revision of my novel
11. Write more letters
12. Send more packages
13. Leave the province (temporarily)
14. Renew my passport
15. Learn to drive
16. Join a regular playgroup and/or make weekly playdates for Little Bear
17. Take more baths
18. Grow my hair long
19. Do a Nerdfighter secret project
20. Post more Facebook videos
21. Make my own cleaning products
22. Wean off paper towels
23. Make women's cloth (reusable fabric menstrual pads)
24. Reduce my plastic bag use...by remembering the cloth ones
25. (To help with this) Make my OWN cloth bags (prettier)
26. Enter the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Unpublished Manuscript contest again
27. Finish my Isadora Duncan poetry collection
28. Write a children's story
29. Send Christmas cards
30. Visit the Clay Cafe
31. Find a natural deodorant (that doesn't burn my pits)
32. Shop at a locally owned yarn store
33. Be more energy-conscious (consistently turn the heat down at night, shrink-wrap the windows etc)
34. Make a baby clothes quilt (even just a practice one)
35. Pay off credit cards (and KEEP them paid off)
36. Learn to crochet
37. Spend time outside every day it's over -10 degrees (Celsius)
38. Read 6 fiction books
39. Listen to music daily
40. Dance again. And again. And again.
41. Practice gratitude daily.
42. Parent with awareness and joy.
43. Copy old LJ entries to my computer for safekeeping
44. (in the same spirit of archiving my past) Do the same for old FB statuses, if possible
45. Be a Mothering Messageboard Holiday Helper
46. Donate to the Food Bank
47. Donate to a toy drive
48. Go through the boxes of my old stuff at my parents' house (FINALLY)
49. Stretch.
50. Eat all-vegetarian 3 days a week
51. Introduce Little Bear to new creative play: finger paints and playdough and fabric, oh my!
52. Take a moment to connect with Papa Bear daily
53. Breathe with awareness
54. (this one's silly) Watch all of the David Tennant Dr Who episodes (and then buy Chameleon Circuit's album)
55. Obtain and use a bicycle (and get something for Little Bear to ride in)
56. Make cloth produce bags (for a plastic-free grocery shop!)
57. Grow a fabric/yarn stash using repurposed and eco-friendly materials
58. Increase my Facebook "creations" album to 50 by 2011
59. Send my work to a publisher
60. Switch to organic shampoo, soap, and cosmetics (gradually as things get used up)
61. Make some crunchy mama friends who actually live in this province (preferably in this city!)
62. Make a family advent calendar
63. Do Mission Monday each week
64. Do Creative Adventure Sundays
65. Write blog posts about said missions/adventures
66. Learn to make healthy, whole grain breads
67. Make a Healing Basket (eye pillow, relaxing mist, Rescue remedy, Neti pot, etc)
68. Cleanse the house's energy completely (the last people to live here were very sad and worried, and you can FEEL it)
69. Treasure Map again this year (during Aries New Moon)
70. Moisturize every day (and enjoy healthy, nourished skin!)
71. Research and try Original Play
72. Make a crystal grid around the house
73. Join (or create) a knitting/sewing/crafting circle
74. Allow Matthew to parent solo more often (and take a freakin' break!)
75. Try new herbal teas
76. Collect my dad's stories (via digital recorder)
77. Make my own PJ pants
78. Be aware of how my own mental state affects my outlook and work on that *first* when I'm cranky (next try cleaning)
79. Earn money from home doing something I love
80. Do a candida cleanse
81. See a naturopath/nutritionist
82. Have a "spa day"
83. Have a sleepover
84. Eat treats joyfully and mindfully (or not at all)
85. Play a real game of Dungeons and Dragons
86. Go apple picking
87. Take Vitamin D daily (and give it to Little Bear)
88. Create an altar/healing place
89. Be healthier than I was in 2009
90. Try Switch Off Sundays (not on Sundays)
91. Pet the kitties more.
92. Multitask less (she says as she breastfeeds while typing :-P)
93. Find cute, comfy shoes for each season
94. Build at least one fort
95. Buy puddle-jumping boots and jump in some puddles with my Little Bear
96. Get a family portrait taken
97. Nurture friendships
98. Find healthy outlets for anger and frustration
99. Go on a family trip to meet Papa Bear's biological families and my cousin's children
100. Have more sex ("AMEN!" says Papa Bear :-P)
1. Meditate every day. Even if only for 30 seconds before bed. Maybe listen to a meditation track *while* falling asleep.
2. Complete the tutorials in the Sew Everything Workshop book (and learn to sew for real)
3. Eat more ethically: choose local, organic options and be aware of where things come from and how they are made.
4. Create new monsters (I got about 6 different plushie books for Christmas...I'll start there)
5. Handmake 90% of all gifts this year.
6. Make a financial contribution to at least one charity.
7. Try craftivism (I LOVE the Mother Bear Project)
8. Do Donna Eden's energy balancing routine daily (for at least 3 weeks...and see how I feel)
9. Finish the first draft of my novel
10. Make the first revision of my novel
11. Write more letters
12. Send more packages
13. Leave the province (temporarily)
14. Renew my passport
15. Learn to drive
16. Join a regular playgroup and/or make weekly playdates for Little Bear
17. Take more baths
18. Grow my hair long
19. Do a Nerdfighter secret project
20. Post more Facebook videos
21. Make my own cleaning products
22. Wean off paper towels
23. Make women's cloth (reusable fabric menstrual pads)
24. Reduce my plastic bag use...by remembering the cloth ones
25. (To help with this) Make my OWN cloth bags (prettier)
26. Enter the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Unpublished Manuscript contest again
27. Finish my Isadora Duncan poetry collection
28. Write a children's story
29. Send Christmas cards
30. Visit the Clay Cafe
31. Find a natural deodorant (that doesn't burn my pits)
32. Shop at a locally owned yarn store
33. Be more energy-conscious (consistently turn the heat down at night, shrink-wrap the windows etc)
34. Make a baby clothes quilt (even just a practice one)
35. Pay off credit cards (and KEEP them paid off)
36. Learn to crochet
37. Spend time outside every day it's over -10 degrees (Celsius)
38. Read 6 fiction books
39. Listen to music daily
40. Dance again. And again. And again.
41. Practice gratitude daily.
42. Parent with awareness and joy.
43. Copy old LJ entries to my computer for safekeeping
44. (in the same spirit of archiving my past) Do the same for old FB statuses, if possible
45. Be a Mothering Messageboard Holiday Helper
46. Donate to the Food Bank
47. Donate to a toy drive
48. Go through the boxes of my old stuff at my parents' house (FINALLY)
49. Stretch.
50. Eat all-vegetarian 3 days a week
51. Introduce Little Bear to new creative play: finger paints and playdough and fabric, oh my!
52. Take a moment to connect with Papa Bear daily
53. Breathe with awareness
54. (this one's silly) Watch all of the David Tennant Dr Who episodes (and then buy Chameleon Circuit's album)
55. Obtain and use a bicycle (and get something for Little Bear to ride in)
56. Make cloth produce bags (for a plastic-free grocery shop!)
57. Grow a fabric/yarn stash using repurposed and eco-friendly materials
58. Increase my Facebook "creations" album to 50 by 2011
59. Send my work to a publisher
60. Switch to organic shampoo, soap, and cosmetics (gradually as things get used up)
61. Make some crunchy mama friends who actually live in this province (preferably in this city!)
62. Make a family advent calendar
63. Do Mission Monday each week
64. Do Creative Adventure Sundays
65. Write blog posts about said missions/adventures
66. Learn to make healthy, whole grain breads
67. Make a Healing Basket (eye pillow, relaxing mist, Rescue remedy, Neti pot, etc)
68. Cleanse the house's energy completely (the last people to live here were very sad and worried, and you can FEEL it)
69. Treasure Map again this year (during Aries New Moon)
70. Moisturize every day (and enjoy healthy, nourished skin!)
71. Research and try Original Play
72. Make a crystal grid around the house
73. Join (or create) a knitting/sewing/crafting circle
74. Allow Matthew to parent solo more often (and take a freakin' break!)
75. Try new herbal teas
76. Collect my dad's stories (via digital recorder)
77. Make my own PJ pants
78. Be aware of how my own mental state affects my outlook and work on that *first* when I'm cranky (next try cleaning)
79. Earn money from home doing something I love
80. Do a candida cleanse
81. See a naturopath/nutritionist
82. Have a "spa day"
83. Have a sleepover
84. Eat treats joyfully and mindfully (or not at all)
85. Play a real game of Dungeons and Dragons
86. Go apple picking
87. Take Vitamin D daily (and give it to Little Bear)
88. Create an altar/healing place
89. Be healthier than I was in 2009
90. Try Switch Off Sundays (not on Sundays)
91. Pet the kitties more.
92. Multitask less (she says as she breastfeeds while typing :-P)
93. Find cute, comfy shoes for each season
94. Build at least one fort
95. Buy puddle-jumping boots and jump in some puddles with my Little Bear
96. Get a family portrait taken
97. Nurture friendships
98. Find healthy outlets for anger and frustration
99. Go on a family trip to meet Papa Bear's biological families and my cousin's children
100. Have more sex ("AMEN!" says Papa Bear :-P)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy 2010!
Happy New Year!
I am welcoming the New Year with friends, bacon, and homemade cinnamon rolls...because that's how I roll these days. YUM!
I just wanted to post a little post with some New Years...resolutions is the wrong word...I'm looking for a word that's more gentle and inspiring. Affirmations? Not sure. Anyway...right...
#1: I stole this from Scott Noelle's Attraction Parenting Website
If you make only one resolution this New Year,
let it be simply to LIVE LIFE MORE FULLY.
Decide that you'll let yourself...
* see more beauty
* hear more truth
* smell more roses
* taste more spice
* and FEEL more deeply
In other words, LET LIFE IN and embrace every
new experience.
#2: Projects and Missions
My weekly-installment novel-writing club is still ongoing, although our progress has been slow over the holidays. In addition to keeping on with my first-ever novel I am committing to the following:
Creating Dreams Come True: Creative Adventure
Joy Rebel Mission Mondays
Radiant Goddess e-course
And if all that plus a crazy-busy, nap-dropping toddler doesn't keep me busy NOTHING will!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2010 bring you joy, growth, and prosperity.
I am welcoming the New Year with friends, bacon, and homemade cinnamon rolls...because that's how I roll these days. YUM!
I just wanted to post a little post with some New Years...resolutions is the wrong word...I'm looking for a word that's more gentle and inspiring. Affirmations? Not sure. Anyway...right...
#1: I stole this from Scott Noelle's Attraction Parenting Website
If you make only one resolution this New Year,
let it be simply to LIVE LIFE MORE FULLY.
Decide that you'll let yourself...
* see more beauty
* hear more truth
* smell more roses
* taste more spice
* and FEEL more deeply
In other words, LET LIFE IN and embrace every
new experience.
#2: Projects and Missions
My weekly-installment novel-writing club is still ongoing, although our progress has been slow over the holidays. In addition to keeping on with my first-ever novel I am committing to the following:
Creating Dreams Come True: Creative Adventure
Joy Rebel Mission Mondays
Radiant Goddess e-course
And if all that plus a crazy-busy, nap-dropping toddler doesn't keep me busy NOTHING will!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2010 bring you joy, growth, and prosperity.
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