The Thrill of Control

When was the last time you have been spontaneous?  

The act of doing something without regard, just an inner inclination without any thought or premeditation. If you need to think about it, the answer is way too long!

My close friends and family have come to know that I totally trust my inner inclination or should I say intuition or "gut feeling". So when out on a morning walk last weekend, my inclination was to get up in a tree to see what I could see. Why? For no good reason, which was reason enough for me.

I so enjoy "Changing" things up, adding adventure to an otherwise routine walk or other activity.

The tree was so majestic and strong that I just wanted to be a part of it, to climb up there and feel the strength and see the beauty what the "leg up" would provide.

Results of "changing" things up?  Felt Awesome, Strong, In Control and Alive! 

This Self-Imposed Change to my routine turned out to be pretty cool in so many ways! That's what is so great about self-imposed change, it is our idea! Once again, our idea, our control, right?  We certainly love our control or the illusion we are in control.

Our daily routines can become very boring and automatic over time. The daily routine tends to be bland, drains the energy, a sense of boredom and at times lack of motivation to do anything else.

Trust me, I'm guilty of it at times as well. So what "Self-Imposed" Change can be done?

1.Take a few moments and think about your day or weekly routine and activities.

2. Write down the one routine you have done the longest the same way over and over again

3. Under the routine put the expected outcome from this routine activity

4.. Under that routine list the action items that are involved within the routine

New Page:

1. Write down the same routine

2. Under the routine write the expected outcome. ( Is there a different outcome desired?)

3. Count the number of current action items listed 

4. On this new page under the expected outcome place the numbers. ( if 7, list 1.2.3.4 etc)

5. Now identify new actions that get you to the same expected outcome

6. Review and Take Action!!

Sometimes the self imposed change can be as simple as changing a driving route, selecting a different lunch location (never know what you may see) or perhaps doing phone calls instead of emails. The lesson in changing things up is to create a new sense of excitement and engagement. It could be a slight change but within that slight change a huge reward may be received.

Here's to incorporating tiny "self-imposed" changes on a regular basis... Get ready, you'll be hooked!

To learn more about self-imposed changes, see Chapter 5 page 39 in Double Stixs™: The Nourishment and Gift of Change.

A Sun Shiny Day in the "Oasis"

Sitting in the back yard after a long day, decompressing from activities and events, I began to smile.

Having a space that is soothing, relaxing and easy on the eyes is important to rejuvenate and recharge. My backyard is just that place for me. Flower beds to the right and left with trees on the back fence.
A bird feeder being constantly visited by cardinals and a bird bath for their enjoyment. The seating area is setup for great conversations and enjoying the flowering of the plants in the yard as well as all around the seating area. The sound of flowing water from the fountain is both visually appealing and mentally relaxing. Listening to the water flowing is soothing and invites anyone in the area to just take a deep breath and enjoy!

Today I sat in a different seat and saw things from a different perspective. The blue sky with just the right amount of clouds floating by and the American Flag swaying in the gentle breeze. Perfect timing as tomorrow the US celebrates the 4th of July!

All the days activities and stress released got to thinking just how profound changing one small routine got my mental wheels in motion.

Creatures of habit most of us are, routine and staying in comfort zone is what most of us all do best.

Something as simple as changing a seat on the back patio can shift both experience and comfort.

What small gesture can you do to mix up a routine?

When a small change has been made what did you observe?

Taking small steps of change would you be open to doing this once a week, once a day ?

(ex: go left instead of right; use the right burner instead of left; let someone else drive and be in control; make the call instead of waiting )

All great accomplishments start with simple adjustments and taking one step at a time, it's a process.

The celebration of the 4th of July is a reminder to all that we are free to choose the life we wish to live.
Allow your inner strength, your inner beauty along with all the experience in life to allow for reaching for the sky - reaching for those dreams!

Find a place that is your "Oasis" and enjoy the simplistic rejuvenation of all that is important:

 "You"

The Sun, The Moon and The Stars!!

Do you have a special place or box where you keep special things? 

I have a special box, it is wooden with the sun, stars and crescent moon shapes. This box is very special to me, as inside are written words of dreams that I have achieved and those dreams yet realized. It's fun to open up my box flipping through the various papers and objects that have significant meaning to me.

Does the weather play a role in focus and activity in your life? I know when it is cold, cloudy and gloomy my activity level and desire to achieve tends to move as slow as a turtle. The past two months have been really hard on so many people with snow, wind, rain, ice and negative degree temperatures. Though my weather has been mild compared to others, there have been days that my actions towards goals or dreams has been slow, very slow! 

All of us, even coaches, can get derailed or affected by the energy levels and even the weather, keeping us from moving closer to our goals or dreams!  Time for me now to get moving and get into ACTION!!

Today is a new moon  phase, the New Moon! I love the New Moon as it brings about a sense of new beginnings! A chance to dust off our goals, our dreams and evaluate. A clean canvas!

Early this morning I opened up my box and spent some time reading and reviewing exactly all the things I have gotten accomplished. Then began thinking about my next dream, a really really big dream. 

Interested in bringing a really really big dream alive? Here are my initial steps, perhaps these will help guide you to developing a plan to achieve your dream(s):

What would it be? 

What resources or support would I need to accomplish this dream? 

What action steps would I need to put into motion?

How long would it take me?

How could I develop this Dream serve others?

Write these questions and the answers down in a journal or notebook. Writing allows for the thought to become real and alive. It allows allows for:

Clarity- allowing the dream/goal  to take form

Motivates- excitement begins to build to then take Action that sets all things in motion

Measure- ability to go back and see just how much activity and progress you have made.

This New Moon- DREAM BIG!! It is only the second month of the year with plenty of time to adjust! 

Dream Big, you deserve it! Within you is the Strength, Power, Patience and Passion to Receive!

Here's to igniting a really Big Dream today!

Much love!

"Over the River and Through the Snow "

The traditions of many during the upcoming holidays are in full swing with anticipation of family and friends arriving to be together. My preparations have started with decorating, baking cookies and preparing for family and friends to join in the celebration of the season! Amazing how much energy rises when after working all day there is more energy available to get many traditions in order and baking done.

Tonight was the decorating of the Christmas tree. This is always done with traditional Christmas songs in the background. Yes, I tend to get a little excited and sing at the top of my lungs when Jingle Bells starts playing!
For me, the tree trimming is special and the awakening of the holiday season for me. It's fun to sing, dance around the tree, realize the plug for the lights is not where it should be along with all the special ornaments gathered from travels over the years. There is no age when it comes to the holiday season, it's a magical time of all that is good, loving with beautiful decor. The Season to remind us that all things are possible!

Placing the last glass ornament on the tree, inside a tiny village set back in an era of long ago. Admiring this work of art my thoughts immediately without hesitation went directly to Christmas in a small town of Parker, Pa. A small town where each Christmas morning we would pack up and drive two hours, regardless of the weather, to our grandparents. There we were greeted by family congregated in the kitchen and the aroma of a turkey in the oven.  Running to greet them and then off to the living room where, at that time, seemed like the biggest decorated Christmas Tree ever seen! The evening brought the light glistening off the snow and the wind blowing the snow around the street lights adorned with red bows. The memory warmed my heart, made me smile as I positioned the glass ornament just perfect on the branch and came back into the moment.

Yes, I have been told that our recollections of past are typically selective. Perhaps that is true, but why not recall the most endearing and happy memories? 

The images that even today make us feel safe, comfort and full of life.

My belief is that there is no need to feed into anything other than making each day "The Best Day Ever" and allowing what does not work for me to be released and not stick around. So regardless of what transpires remember nothing is perfect. But it is with what intention and what response that allows for the memory to be crystallized. 

Time for me now to enjoy the memory making of this blessed holiday. New memories that one day may be remembered by a younger generation. Memories of family, laughter, traditions, stories of relatives long gone but never forgotten. Appreciating all that has allowed us to be in this moment.

May the memories open our hearts to be reminded of a child like wonder, when everything seemed magical, carefree with all things possible. Tis the season for miracles, magic and love! 

May the love begin within and expand out to touch and reach all that are in need of receiving. cl

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season!  

My gratitude and appreciation for each of you!

Thank you for your encouragement, words of support and friendship over the years!

Double Stixs®: Intentions > Resolutions

Many years ago, let's just say as a teenager, I recognized the agony of defeat in New Year's Resolutions. When starting out my professional career and life's path the setting of goals was important, so was the act of writing the goals. Writing goals down brings them to life therefore we are more likely to put action behind those goals that are written. Also, it made management happy to see written goals for the upcoming year. During those chapters in my life, having a happy manager was my ultimate goal! So yes, I did write down my goals both professionally and also personal goals (better known as resolutions) for the year. However, I came up with the idea of instead of posting my personal goals on January 1st, I would post them on the next best thing to the 1st, that would be the 11th of the month,

Double Stixs® day! Thus the yearly ritual has continued all these years.....

The professional goals are still just that, however the personal goals have transitioned to personal intentions. Tomorrow is my Double Stixs® day. The image above are my personal intentions for 2013. Ready to be infused with energy and prominently displayed in my office.

The Butterfly is symbolic for transforming my intentions into reality. The words on the scroll begin to come alive as the action I put into my personal intentions is ignited. The closed end of the chopsticks represents the closing of a chapter (prior year) and the wide part of the sticks represents bringing my intentions up to soar to new heights, allowing the butterfly to take flight.

Remember, even if Resolutions have gone by the wayside already, each day is a new day to begin again, it is "never too late"... Perhaps consider a ritual that resonates with you where you are setting yourself up for success!

"Our Intention Creates Our Reality".... Dr. Wayne Dyer
 

Time For Me Now® to review some thoughts when deciding to create your own Intentions:

"It's never too late- each day is an opportunity

Really think about what "you" desire for 2013 - as Denise Linn teaches "Be Clear"

Write the Intention(s) down - this brings the Intention to Life

Establish a month or day that works for you to ignite the action - remember action is needed

Keep a Journal related to 2013 Intentions- you will be surprised as to the actual Activity

Yes, adjustments throughout the year are good ! So adjust as often as necessary

Enjoy, Have Fun setting Intentions for the Life you Desire to Live

It's Time For You Now!

 

All my written intentions are important but the Theme for 2013 Intentions for me:

I AM READY

THERE IS NO FEAR

 

Wishing Everyone a Happy, Prosperous, Adventureous, Loving and Fun Double Stixs® Year!

 

 

Double Stixs® is a program offered through Time For Me Now® supporting others through life's transitions of change. The book Double Stixs® : The Nourishment and Gift of Change coming soon!

 

 

 

The Connection

This week I was totally overwhelmed by all the loving and beautiful birthday wishes from people all over the world.  My heart continues to be filled with so much appreciation for each person that took time from living life to connect with me!

One of the wishes included a photo from one of my father’s best friends as a teenager, Rob. This picture, which is shown above, is a panoramic view of a bridge connecting two areas that are significant for me. A very special thanks of gratitude to you Rob for sending that photo, so appreciate the view and symbolism.

To the left side of the bridge, with the buildings is the side of the river where up the hill my mother was born, raised and lived until she married my dad. To the right side of the bridge is the area that my father was born, raised and lived until he joined the Air Force. This bridge allowed for my father to travel across the river to school, where he met my mother.  The bridge connecting allowed for my parents to meet, marry and start a family. If that connection between the two sides of the river had not been made the probability of my existence decreased dramatically. Yes, I do have a greater appreciation for structural engineers!

Looking at the bridge connecting the two areas immediately reminded me of the power of connecting and the impact that a connection can bring to our lives and the lives of others moving forward.  

v  Connecting has a ripple effect which may be unconscious awareness, but each connection regardless of how small is important

v  Connections have the ability to further our goals or dreams

v  A Connection is infinite, once made the initial connection continues to multiple with endless possibilities and no limits or boundaries’.

“A connection is an opportunity to share or receive compassion, love or support allowing the connection to expand the ripple effect to create infinite and powerful possibilities” Cindy Lake

Time for me now to remind each of us each connection is important, even though there is no immediate understanding as to the how, what, why or need for the connection.

Time for each of us to be mindful that there are no coincidences!

Here’s to a great week of Connections!

Photo courtesy of Rob T, Florida

Expansion

My sister and I got together in January for some sister time, it was amazing and so much fun!

One of the fun things, for her, that we did together was shopping! My sister loves to shop; I on the other hand, shop only when I absolutely have to get something. I have never been able to wrap my head around shopping, probably because I was always too busy working and too exhausted after a long day.

The first few days of being excited to be together was wonderful, catching up on our lives and sharing our adventures over the past nine months. Then as sisters typically do transitioned easily and became brutally honest with each other! All done with love, fun, laughter and tons of teasing! So my baggy butt jeans became the focus of teasing to the point I finally accepted her offer to take me shopping! Oh Joy!

My sister always looks fabulous, everything is stylish and fits properly; she definitely received that gift from our mom! Me? Let’s just say sometimes I need extra help!

Talk about being excited, the “perfect” pair of jeans that fit, looked amazing and approved by my sister was found in the second store shopped! OK, so it wasn’t that bad, I actually enjoyed the experience with her and grateful I was buying my regular size instead of larger expanding size jeans of past couple of years! Sometimes it’s the little things in life, right?

I wear these jeans once a week, wash them, dry them fold them since January. Then this weekend I had put the jeans in the hamper and the way I took them off and how the waist portion of the jean fell showed a message that surprised me. The message was sewn into the left side near the button hole and had always been there, I just wasn’t paying close enough attention or aware enough to notice, I just was going through the motions. Pick the jean up, put on my body, take off, wash, dry, fold and put away.

The message: Open Your Heart

Standing there amazed and pleasantly surprised was reminded of how often routine allows us to miss some amazing messages or perhaps meeting new people or exploring new adventures!

This week my desire for each of you is to Open Your Heart to “you” and to all the possibilities!

Expand and be open to Believe Again, Dream Again and Achieve all the possibilities that you deserve! 

Remember, you are amazing, strong and deserve to create a life you chose and take action to get it!

Explore and the task is: This week chose one thing to do for you that shows you Love!

"Those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries."  — Theodore Roethke

Time For You Now!

Kicking back knowing that the snow storm pelting down will soon be in the past!

While kicking back I reminded myself warm weather, blue skies and soft ocean breezes will soon be here!

As the weather patterns change, so do the chapters of our lives. The wind blows, the rain falls, the snow swirls and the leaves disconnect allow new buds to bloom.

So how is the upcoming chapter evolving?   

Today my desire is to have you kick back, relax and take in all the good things in your life.
Yes, despite everything and all things that are part of our lives there are many things to celebrate!

Take this weekend to rest, recharge, replenish, have FUN and Take Time for You Now!

Celebrate the seeds you have planted, the tending to the soil over the past few months and now waiting for the spring rains and sunshine to produce all the you have desired and dreamed for yourself!

Celebrate the glorious, beautiful and Magnificent YOU!!



Exfoliate

The most interesting associations or ideas typically make themselves known to me when taking a shower or while dreaming. This association came while enjoying a nice hot shower!

Excited for Daylight Savings time I decided to anticipate the new time with exfoliating!  My thought was new time schedule might as well start with a good ole exfoliation of the skin! Seemed like a good idea and knew I would feel invigorated and clean! Feeling clean is always a good thing!

As the warm water flowed over my body rinsing the scrub off my body, I marveled at just how smooth and silky my skin felt. The water flowing off the skin just rolled with ease leaving a shimmer shine that felt fresh, nourishing and invigorating.

Then the association hit me like a fire hose pointed at flames to extinguish a raging fire!

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells thus proving the skin a silky smooth surface able to receive oxygen more freely and creates a wonderful glow. So I begin to think about exfoliating and associating this with our hearts and lives.

Each event, each day, each life experience we have experienced leaves behind emotions within us. These emotions can bring happiness, sadness, fear, courage and based on our response to our emotions can put up a layer of defense. A barrier to keep us from getting hurt or perhaps suppress our responses and emotions down so far that they are buried and covered with a layer of invisible film that may be perceived as protection.

So I wondered, do we look inward enough to release all the built up emotions that have accumulated over time that are just sitting within us? These built up layers that deter each of us from living life to the fullest and hinder our desires to move forward and experience all that life has to offer.

Feeling a little clogged, tired or in the holding pattern of life unable to move forward in life?

Time for me now to suggest: Exfoliating our hearts and mind

·         Each morning for the next week take five minutes each to be silent. During this time be gentle with yourself. With each breath think of an “I AM” phrase that begins to exfoliate all that is blocking to open your heart, fill it with love, respect and confidence within you!

I Am loved, I Am Confident, I AM Living, I AM Healthy, I AM full of Energy, I AM beautiful, I AM Forgiveness, I AM Abundant, I AM__________

“ Affirming that I AM exfoliating out the old to awaken and welcome me to all possibilities”cl

YOU

 “You".... Love "You", Dream for "You" Live for “You" as a beautiful rose opens up and the fragrance fills your world "You" will attract others and open to receive beautiful petals of love! ♥ ♥

As in anything, it all starts from within and with You!

Holidays, especially involving being with a special someone, can be very sad and discouraging.

I know, as I spent many years watching others celebrate! At times, totally spaced out that a day
when couples were celebrating their love for each other could impact me!

Typically I would be reminded when trying to get a table at a restaurant. No reservation this evening, no table available. Sorry! We can accommodate you tomorrow evening!

I vividly remember two things that immediately came to mind:

1.      Tomorrow? Seriously? OK, so what am I suppose to do for dinner this evening?

2.      Wouldn’t a nice prepared romantic dinner at home together or for your special someone be more loving and creative – cook dinner for the other?  

The good news is I was able to laugh it off and figure out another solution. This typically resulted in me cooking dinner for “Me”. You know what? Somehow it worked out better and I got to wear really comfy clothes!

Time for me now to share something I learned a long time ago: YOU are love! YOU hold the beauty within as each rose holds the beauty in each petal that opens up to a full bloom! YOU too will bloom to be what you want to be, have and hold!

So today if you are celebrating a singular YOU or if YOU are away from your special love, like I am today, pause for a moment. Celebrate YOU!  Celebrate your beauty, your magnificent self!

Take a moment and write down 10 things that YOU love about yourself! Celebrate those 10 things!

Remind yourself that these ten items are just the beginning of blooming to all new beginnings for You!

Wishing each of YOU a fabulous day full of love, compassion and excitement for YOU...

Sparkling Love

When this picture was originally posted, I immediately was drawn. The innocence of the little girl, reminds me that no matter what age, there is always a child inside waiting to be allowed to come out. A part of us that needs to be held, comforted and loved just as when we were a child.

The facial expression, the opening of the arms, the energy projection of peace while opening up and accepting all things. As if to say, hello I am here! I accept! I love unconditionally!

The stars in the distance and the sparkling twinkling lights close surrounding her body reminded me of beautiful sparkling energy full of life!

One of my favorite connections is stargazing! Lying down on the ground or sitting outside, even in the winter, looking up at the majestic sky looking at all the stars. Feeling connected to something larger than myself. The overwhelming sense of energy expansion!

The peace of knowing that energy never leaves, it never dies. The energy continues to surround us with sparkling and shimmering light reflecting on each of us, reminds us that we are never alone!

So when I miss those very special loved ones that have passed on, I spend even more time looking up, feeling the magic of the stars and the light. Feeling connected to an energy far larger than words can describe. This is where my soul and spirit gets replenished and gains the strength to sparkle again.

Many blessings and much love to each of us who have experienced loss. Tonight while stargazing will send you love, comfort and may you be surrounded by the energy of Sparkling Love.

To the wonderfully creative person who created this beautiful image that is so powerful, please contact me through this site so that I can properly give you all the credit. Thank you.

'12

Everybody I talk to is ready to leave 2011, there is a vast of explanations as to the why and justifications for closing the chapter on this past year. So this informal survey got me thinking about 2011 as I prepare to ring in the New Year.

2011 was a year of shifting, changes, adjustments, relationship changes, searching, validation, sorrow, tears, laughter, relocation just to name a few of the topics that resonates with so many, including myself. Then some expressed fear or concern about 2012 being worse than 2011 from a business, financial or personal perspective. 

“If you change the way you look at things; the things you look at change”…. Wayne Dyer

Always have loved this quote, as it is so true!!! So I changed the way I personally looked at 2011 and here is what I found, perhaps this could be true for you as well.

Thank you 2011!!! Yes, Thank You!  For what, you may ask! 

Rearranging my foundation for the upcoming years to come!  

When I think of stability I think of 4, a table has four legs, a desk as four legs, a chair has four legs, a bed has four legs….. 4 is the number that the year 2011 totals. My changes was to look at 2011 as rearranging my foundation and perhaps repairing or changing out one of the 4 supports.

My foundation has been rearranged to look at this past year with appreciation and gratitude to remind me of what is truly important, to clear out the clutter, to focus my thinking and direction of what brings Joy. Learned various methods and venues for which to serve others, accomplish my goals and happiness and joy returned to my life.

Remember, when we are happy so are all the people around us and we attract more of what we are, what we think.  

“Thoughts become things- Chose the good ones” – Mike Dooley

The next few hours I will be giving appreciation and thanks for all things in 2011. I look forward to 2012 with excitement, hope, joy, love and anticipation of all new opportunities, new adventures and a Life filled with Fun and a new foundation with a Zest for Life!

Time for me now to wish for each of you in ’12 inspiration and strength for the upcoming year filled with all that you desire. Remember to Dream (Yes, you can never too old), Believe (I believe in you), Achieve (Yes, you can do it!!)!

I created the daily inspirational chips* for clients and a daily draw of inspiration for clients; I created an inspirational photo for all of you as to my wish for you to ring in the New Year!  Hope you enjoy it.

First “draw of the chip” Love – wishing you a year full of Love for yourself!

Love YOU- who you are and where you are as you have the ability to always rearrange your foundation!

Thanks to all of you for making www.timeformenow.com a creative portal for inspirational messages, connection to tools and services that inspire and support living the life YOU want to live! I so appreciate each of you and am humbled for your support, comments and confidence. "Thank you"

Wishing you a Spectacular, fabulous, amazing, magical 2012:  “Happy New Year”

*registration and patent pending on inspiration chips

Love

Tis' the Season for all good things!  “That’s right”, this time of year tends to bring more warmth, joy, laughter, family activities, friends getting together and the feeling of love.

Love of now, love of yesteryear- the love of rituals, love of family, love of shopping, love of good food, love of gifts- giving and receiving. Just a plain ole good time of year that warms up the body and soul. 

Though all things might not be exactly as we wish, or the struggles seem to be so overwhelming. There is always a spark and glimmer of love within each of us. That spark is enough to make all things possible!

This week is the time for me to bring out the annual Christmas/Holiday Sweaters; you know the sweaters that you wouldn’t wear any other time, but this time of year feels so fun and right! Recently I heard that these sweaters are really not acceptable anymore. What? I really missed that news and fashion flash.

Rifling through the unpacked winter clothes, found my collection of sweaters! Yeah! Another year of sparkles and shimmering images jumping off my body! Bet the crowd can’t wait to see these again, really missing them I am sure!  OK, so which one to wear for the kick off evening? One by one I went through them and not one specific sweater felt right.  So I decided to just pick one when the “perfect” sweater appeared!   Laughing I picked it up and out loud said “Perfect” I love it…. So appropriate!!

See the sweater was worn by my mom for several years during the holidays! My mom loved Christmas, the tree, and family together and viewing the neighborhood house lights.

But more importantly my mom was pure love. Love for herself and love for everyone she would meet during the day all year long!

My mom’s message was always loud and clear throughout my life- Just believe- believe in you- believe all things work out- believe in love! The magic of this time of year is Love- for which all things can happen and are possible if we only “just believe”. 

So today I am wearing this very warm sweater by Brindar design, the image is above and says it all.

Mom, you are always right- I believed and all things are working out with love!

May the child inside all of us be allowed to shine, to know that all things are possible if we just believe!

Time for now to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Remember ~~ Love who you are, as you are enough and Love Life!

P,S, Thanks Mom- "Merry Christmas"

Meander

Interesting how words come in and out of our lives. Meander, hadn’t seen or heard that word for years until recently. As a little girl my mom would say “stop meandering and get moving”.  So I would step it up and run to catch up with her, never really asking the true meaning of what she meant. I just thought she wanted me to catch up with her, figured I was just moving too slow!

Actually I was taking the path of least resistance and exploring. Typically my Meandering was when we were out in shopping plazas, attempting to go around the adults that stopped in front of me or winding through the different entrances to the shops to quickly check out what was in the store and coming out a different doorway. To me, it was all perfect, fun and I got where I needed to be in about the same time as walking along with the crowd.

Recently on a walk by the river began to think about the contour of the path the river was flowing, the ease of which the water flowed up and over the rocks, around boulders in the way of flow, curving around the bank.  I stood for quite awhile just observing, listening to the soothing sounds of the water and getting into the rhythm of the flow. I enjoyed, being present in the moment, listening, observing and thinking about the ebbs and flow of life.  Wondering if we meandered more in our life how more freeing, how much smoother life could be to then allow us to be more present in the moment and enjoy family, life and others.

Rivers meander, as they flow along where there is least resistance; soft dirt is much easier to cut through than boulders or hard rock. When a river tends to meander it is a time to slow down.

So I took time for me to reflect on Meandering, Rivers and Life, I asked the question:

“What can I learn?”

Time for me now to share:

      Each day lessons to be learned on life from nature when we are present in the moment.

      Challenges? Obstacles? Not attaining a goal?

      Stop and assess actions or situation

      Continued resistance?  perhaps meander and find a different route to your goal

      Each River has a distinct and different path but always ends up down stream

§  Why not try new ways, different techniques or collaborate with others 

§  Flow with events versus struggling to push; when running up against opposition or a huge boulder in  your part, go around and forge a new plan.

Why? Perhaps new learning’s, new experiences, and new results!  Interesting!

Remember all the possibilities of the people that will cross over your part of the new river flow that could have an impact on you, your life and opportunities for you!

Perhaps a little meandering is needed to create the beautiful life and dream that you desire…. 

Time for me now to wish you tons of fun, laughter and joy while learning to meander!



Memories

“Memories are made in this moment, this minute, and this day “

This is a time giving thanks for those who are celebrating the holiday of Thanksgiving.

I am a list person, so as I was making my grocery list of food items to purchase for the big day, thoughts of years past ran through my mind. The smells that flowed through my grandparents home when bolting through the door for the family gathering. The memories of both sets of grandparents sitting at the dinner table with all the children and grandchildren around the long table that extended into the living room. At the time didn’t realize that the table was a combination of dining room and cards tables put together. It was just Thanksgiving Dinner at grandmas. 

The memory was of delicious food, family and lots of dishes to wash!  “That’s right”, No dishwasher!

Time passes and grandparents then come to their children’s home for the holiday. The basic food items are the same, the turkey, dressing, deserts are the same. Did you notice I left out gravy? There is a real technique in making really fabulous turkey gravy!

The holiday is observed but tends to have a different flair! The dynamics are transitioning by adding a new dish here, time of dinner is changed, more or less people around the table, location changes. All part of the evolution of change, nothing wrong it is just different.

Then we become parents, aunts, the leaders of our family. Distance separates us, each of us have our own family and obligations. So what happens, stress in trying to recreate, frustration because the gravy wasn’t how you remember, what was to be 12 people turns out to be 4 because of other peoples obligations, can’t understand  why oh why it just can’t be – be as in picturing in our  minds as we remember or think it should be.

The picture is as it should be- the snapshot of now.

Memories are made in this moment, in this day each minute we create a memory for ourselves and for others, so release expectations and enjoy the moment.

Enjoy those around you, enjoy the food prepared, enjoy wherever you are doing whatever you are experiencing this holiday.  Celebrate your spirit, your colors knowing memories are in the moment!

Time for me now to wish you a spectacular holiday filled with blessings, joy and love!





Release

Have you ever noticed that the lessons we are to learn come in various forms?  Sometimes, the lessons are subtle, sometimes in your face, wrapped in nice packing or perhaps in an experience.

Please allow me to introduce Mitch, our 14 year old Papillion; he is “our boy”.

Beginning as a puppy, Mitch has been resilient from one adventure to another! Mitch may be small, only weighing 9 lbs, but he has a heart as big as the world, full of love, fun and an adventurous personality!

Over the past couple of years, Mitch has been experiencing his age, loss of hearing and vision. But he continues to adapt, putting one paw in front of the other! I have adapted as well to ensure his safety and ease of moving around the house.  At first, I felt sad about his loss of sight and vision, but watching him adapt and not miss a step, warmed my heart and feeling blessed that he looks and acts like a puppy!

This year I have been struggling with making a major decision on closing something that I have put my heart and soul into for many years. Energy, resources, time, creativity and so many other activities have gone into this venture. Yes, I was emotionally attached!  Struggling to make “the right” decision, my head and heart were in conflict as to what to do. Sound familiar?

One recent evening, fell into bed exhausted with Mitch lying next to me. I was reading and writing in my journal. All of a sudden I felt Mitch twitch, nothing unusual as when he sleeps he sometimes twitches. I call it “Mitch is dreaming again”…

All of a sudden, Mitch’s twitch turned into a continual shaking and twitching. I leaped off the bed and picked him up holding him close. This continued for what seemed an eternity. Holding him, kissing his head, sending love to him, didn’t cease his experience. Finally the tremors stopped only to start up again.

Not wanting Mitch to pick up on my concern and being scared stayed in the moment with him, it was later when he was resting that I fell to pieces.

When the shaking and tremors ceased, after he was cleaned up and he was lying in front of the fire in the fireplace, all warm and snuggled in his bed, I sat on the floor thinking about what we had just gone through together. Then a light went off!

Mitch once again, taught me a lesson – Release! No matter how much I wanted to help him in the moment, no matter how much love, I could not change, fix or stop what he was going through.

Lesson: Release what you cannot control!

Release, Allow and then respond to the outcome which best serves.

Mitch is doing fabulous; he is lying next to me as I am working. I am doing fabulous!  Releasing the venture has worked out better than ever imagined. New doors are opening up while winding down.

Is there something that you are holding onto that is out of your control?

If so, evaluate if  no longer within your control regardless of the emotional attachment – Release!

“Every minute of every day is a perfect miracle”   Walt Whitman

Consider not wasting on minute on what you can't control as the magic is in what you can control!

 Dream, Believe Again and Achieve all the You Desire!

Time for Me Now Inspiration ~ Confusion

Is it the upcoming transition from summer to fall?   Perhaps it is the Full Moon?

 What is with all the swirling confusion going on lately?  Do you feel it or have friends that are in a state of confusion?  Do you have questions on transition, recent events or what should I do next?

Enough already, right?  My recent experiences have demonstrated that there is a lot of energy swirling out there that is having an impact on so many people.  The impact of our indecision and confusion can lead to the emotions of feeling anxiety and stress.  Who enjoys those feelings? I certainly don’t, how about you?

The symbolism that came to mind was of the dragonfly. The confusion state or concern over making a decision or determining next steps tends to invoke a sense of distrust within ourselves.  A sense that we don’t have the answers when we actually do! Sometimes the answer is buried so far deep because of the confusion of outside influences or the need to please others. STOP!!! TAKE A DEEP BREATH!! LET IT GO….

First, you do have the answer, that’s right! Trust yourself, take the situation, problem or question, and write it down on paper. Walk away, do something fun or just do something to get your body moving and vibration higher. Then when you are ready walk back and take a look at what you have written.

What is the first answer to the question that comes up?  There it is, it is that simple……. Ahhh, but no you say it can’t be because blah blah blah…. I get it!! I really do, I use to be a huge processor from way back.  If I do this, then here are all the scenarios of outcome, if I don’t then blah blah blah, you get it. 

Yes, it is always good to invoke due diligence however once all facts are in play, it is what your “gut”, your heart, your intuition speaks to you- the answer is right in the center of your soul – trust you!

Back to the dragonfly! The message of the dragonfly is that there is a deeper message coming to the surface, to pay attention to what outcome we want to have. The dragonfly symbolism is: Strength, Peace and Harmony….. 

Time for me now to wish you Strength, Peace and Harmony!

Time For Me Now Inspiration ~ Believe

One might be thinking, all I have are dark clouds coming toward me.
These clouds may be shaking you down to your core, the soul level.

The question may be:  How can I believe when my world is stagnant and clouded?

The belief or emotion is that there are no clear skies or relief in sight.
The Power of Belief is very strong in the Universe! Remember this truth!

“If you can Believe it you can Achieve it”?

Years ago just words, but experiences and belief have shown me that those 9 words are very powerful!
Believe in yourself, Believe in what you desire, Visualize and take Action to the things you want to achieve! Believe in the life you want to lead! It really is that simple! 

The Universal Law is that what we think about comes about; meaning if we think negative and “woe is me”, then guess what we get? That’s right more negative experiences!

Shift the mind set to Believing that you can!

Life can be a struggle, there are setbacks and disappointments. As much as we would like life to be all fun, carefree and happy, that is not reality. However, we need to acknowledge where we are, identify what lessons have been learned or assess what lessons you need to learn. Identify, give gratitude for the lesson, release and let go! Then focus on where you want to go, what you want to change, visualize, develop a plan and take action!

Past experiences do not reflect what the “now” or the future will be. Trust in yourself and your abilities to move from this place into the place and experiences you desire.

      Identify issues (the dark clouds) and lessons to be learned

      Give gratitude for the lessons, Release and Let go

      Focus!!!  Identify exactly what you want and where you want to go

      Identify actions that need to be taken to move toward your focus goals and desires

      Move forward one step at a time toward your goals.

      TAKE ACTION!!  This is important, action increases energy and vibration level.

      Believe!!!  Believe in your goals, Believe in Yourself, Believe that you are not alone! You are loved!

"Believing in myself, Identifying my desires, Focus and taking Action allow the best to be Received"

Time For Me Now Inspiration - Fulfillment

The phrase, "My cup runneth over", is one way to describe being Fulfilled!

Fulfillment is a deep inner feeling of satisfaction where all is well, an inner sense of peace and contentment. A feeling of pure joy and excitement!

This sense of fulfillment may be experienced after completing a phase in life, a project or a goal that has been completed. A Dream comes true!

Whatever is allowing you to be fulfilled and feel contented, Celebrate!

Celebrate the accomplishment, Celebrate the rewards, and Celebrate your life!

Pause for a moment and reflect on what brought you to this fulfilling moment.

Now, write down all the obstacles, the challenges, new learning’s, perhaps new people you met along the way to this moment. Take time to reflect on these experiences, perhaps write them down in your journal.

What did you learn? I imagine there was much learning on this journey than the end result. The lessons, new skills, obstacles and yes Fun along the way are our teachers of life to enrich and support our growth.

Fulfillment where to begin or expand the experience of fulfillment?

Giving of service or being kind to others who may need a kind word, a smile; volunteering or helping a neighbor; the ability to give to others freely results in our receiving of fulfillment.

Our inner self & spirit loves when we give and uplift others and the gift we receive is fulfillment!

“Planting a seed, setting a goal, dreaming a dream, taking that first step and continuing to put one foot in front of the other each day, is the incredible beautiful life experience of an overflowing vessel called fulfillment” CL

Affirmation:

Excitement & Confidence flows through me as I experience all things that are woven along the path to Fulfillment!

 Dream, Believe Again and Achieve all that you desire!