Today was the day to be proud of all the things I've accomplished in my life thusfar. It can be easy to fret over all the things I have yet to achieve or do or be, and to forget just how far I've come. Some random things from my list, that I am proud to say today, and that not everyone can claim:
I was able to to get it together and move out of state on my own and make it.
I was able to travel to Europe not once but twice, and I'm ready for the third trip!
I have my own place, my own car, my own job, and am my own person.
I have loved and lost but still believe in True Love.
I graduated college. First in the family to do so.
I have gotten to meet some incredible people who have changed my life.
I wrote my first novel. And am working on the next two in its series.
I have saved a life.
I have taken risks and chances and leaps of faith and I hope someday to say I have no regrets.
Song of the day: Drake f/ Nicki Minaj "I'm So Proud of You"
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
DAY THIRTY
I am not yet 30. But when I do reach that age there are a few things I want to have done/achieved more than anything else in the world. Firstly, I want to have fallen (and stayed!) in wonderful, crazy, happy, head-over-heels love. Secondly, I want to have traveled to Ireland. Thirdly, I want to have finished at least two more novels and my first graphic novel (I have begun writing them already!). And lastly, I want to be as excited and overjoyed to be alive as I ever have been. Knowing these goals and keeping them in mind will be a great inspiration to keep striving for making the most of my day every day. It's also making me super inspired for my next two 100-day challenges of the year and what I will be manifesting in those!
Now recently, as you know, I got a job. However, I was given a counter-offer by my current job to not only stay but possibly be promoted. The last two days have been a huge struggle for me emotionally and mentally. I have agonized over the decision for hours on end, and discussed it heavily with my family. This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I have finally decided to stay with the new job. I believe that it manifested in my life for a reason and I might be meant to have it for a greater purpose. I can only pray that I am making the right decision. It was very difficult because I like to please others and am very loyal to my word, so when I give my word I mean it, but I will be reliable, too. Instead of focusing on what others wanted I really tried to hear out my own heart and what it was telling me would be better for me, not for anyone else.
Again, as always, only time will tell.
The first 30 days have gone by in a flash!
Song of the day: The Corrs "Erin Shore"
Now recently, as you know, I got a job. However, I was given a counter-offer by my current job to not only stay but possibly be promoted. The last two days have been a huge struggle for me emotionally and mentally. I have agonized over the decision for hours on end, and discussed it heavily with my family. This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I have finally decided to stay with the new job. I believe that it manifested in my life for a reason and I might be meant to have it for a greater purpose. I can only pray that I am making the right decision. It was very difficult because I like to please others and am very loyal to my word, so when I give my word I mean it, but I will be reliable, too. Instead of focusing on what others wanted I really tried to hear out my own heart and what it was telling me would be better for me, not for anyone else.
Again, as always, only time will tell.
The first 30 days have gone by in a flash!
Song of the day: The Corrs "Erin Shore"
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
DAY TWENTY-NINE
We don't have control over everything that happens to us and in the world around us. That doesn't mean we can't change it for the better. As co-creators, we are able to shift our expectations and be more at peace about what is going on in our lives. There is no such thing as perfect, but there are still dreams that come true, wishes that are granted, and abundance that is received every single day. I want to tap into that. Today is about accepting and reaching for abundance of all positive things.
I took action by starting an early morning workout regime today, and getting a head start on my day feels great. I am also taking action with my new job and hoping that it continues to be a good choice for me.
I am approaching the world with positivity today. And I am open to all the love, prosperity, knowledge, and joy that the universe is sending back to me today.
Song of the Day: Angels & Airwaves "The Adventure"
I took action by starting an early morning workout regime today, and getting a head start on my day feels great. I am also taking action with my new job and hoping that it continues to be a good choice for me.
I am approaching the world with positivity today. And I am open to all the love, prosperity, knowledge, and joy that the universe is sending back to me today.
Song of the Day: Angels & Airwaves "The Adventure"
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
DAYS 18-28
March 3 DAY 18
"There are three types of people: those that make something happen, those that watch things happen, and those that wonder what happened." Inspired by my co-creator, I decided to make something happen. Sadly, I do not remember what it was! I am not kidding! I've been journaling daily and blogging when I can, but my room is still a mess and I cannot find what I wrote on March 3rd! So I am making it a priority to clean my room. Sounds silly, but I prefer my floor to my clothes hamper for some reason. :)
Song of the day: Muse "Undisclosed Desires"
March 4 DAY 19
Simple joys. Today was the day to embrace my inner child. To choose to laugh, play, and see the world innocently as I did when I was a child was my goal. Busted out the cheesy poofs (pirate's booty, actually, yum!) and my Harry Potter coloring book and watched some old classic cartoons. Sometimes reliving those old Saturday mornings when I was 5 is just the thing I need to feel humble and get real again.
Song of the day: "Truly Outrageous" Jem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20BZID081Vk
March 5 DAY 20
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." -Aristotle
My soul has the power over how I feel. No matter what may be happening in the world around me (sad news, disasters, tragedy) I must keep the joy and light I have burning brightly within me. Some days are inevitably harder than others, but I can thankfully say that I have always lived with faith and with a strong family unit around me. Today I finally got one of the things I have been trying to manifest: a new job! I was called with the job offer only 5 minutes after I typed up a physical representation of what I wanted to happen! (A notice of resignation letter). I am ready for the hard work and the journey ahead so that I can provide for myself and build a better life and start getting out of debt, less stressed about money, and more stable in my career. Yay!
Song of the day: James Brown "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"
March 6 DAY 21
Challenged by my co-creator! 21 days to form a habit- she asked what habits have I formed and what do I wish to form for the next 21 days, by day 42? Excellent! I answered that I have been eating healthier and more organically, I have been doing daily meditation, and I have been communicating with her in some form daily whereas we usually only speak once a week or so or sometimes further apart (shame on me, right?!) and it's been such a great thing to have her doing this with me, encouraging me and journeying beside me. She is truly a friend soulmate for me.
Song of the day: Linkin Park "Breaking the Habit"
March 7 DAY 22
First of the next 21 days! To answer the 2nd part of her challenge: I want to be in the habit of moving my body daily. I want to live a more active lifestyle. Sometimes when I get home from work I am so tired I don't want to workout. So I'm taking a cue from my brilliant and dedicated and very healthy sister and beginning to get up early in the mornings with her and working out before the day even begins! That way, I can continue burning calories even more efficiently throughout the day and cannot use the "I'm too tired after work" excuse any more. But now this night owl has to learn how to get up early.... ugh!
Song of the day: Missy Elliott "Work It"
March 8 DAY 23
Living "unplugged"? It was my first day at my new job and I left my cellphone at home! The agony! Unable to check facebook or my clock or my horoscope, email, random movie reviews... all day??? It was a refreshing change, actually. I was mostly worried my car would break down and I'd be stranded, but it all turned out. How did I ever live without a cell? But then I reviewed a little of what I learned: living away from EMFs for awhile is healthy. So even for just an hour a day, getting out of doors and leaving all the electronics behind can help detoxify and ground you. Who knew?
The only song was the crickets. Unplugged, remember?
March 9 DAY 24
Git'er done! Dared to check a few things off my to-do list, I got through a bunch of it! It was refreshing and inexpected and it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It took a few hours, and then I was left wondering why I'd put it all off in the first place. The perfectionist in me is always procrasinating! www.flylady.net
Song of the day: Kate Nash "Pumpkin Soup"
March 10 DAY 25
ONE QUARTER! My co-creator and I have an inside-secret-sisterhood thing. I have a loversoulmate. I have not met him yet. I also have a bestfriendsoulmate. I have her in my life! You often hear "Two halves of a whole" but we both knew if we were whole, there'd be no room for our lovely men. So we are two quarters of the same half. Someday the other 50 cents will show up and we will be 100%! So in honor of our friendship, I made my friend a special surprise! I hope she likes it.
Song of the day: Tevin Campbell "I2I"
March 11 DAY 26
Rocked out to 311 on 3/11! Music heals the soul. Pretended to plan a roadtrip beach vacation and soaked up the sun. Worked hard and drove home with the windows rolled down and the beats blasting. Nothing gives me good ideas like the drive home. Feeling inspired and good.
Song of the day: 311 "Come Original"
March 12 DAY 27
1st of 3 wishes. I think 3 wishes are in order. Not just for ponies and princes, but for real, tangible, specific manifestations that are miniature pieces of my big SERENITY challenge. But I can't tell my first wish or it won't come true! Sorry!
Song of the day: "A Dream is a wish your heart makes" Disney's Snow White
March 13 DAY 28
Using the power within to attract change sounds really simple. And ultimately it is. But the higest breakthrough happened to me today. I realized that all this time I've spent trying to manifest SERENITY... I didn't realize the real reason why I wanted to simplify my life... until NOW. It wasn't about that I wanted too much and had too much around me and was distracted and forgetful and stressed. All this is true, however, the real reason I wanted to manifest SERENITY is because I do not know what I want. Lilou says you really need to know what you want in order to make a powerful declaration to the universe that THIS IS WHAT I WANT. But the trouble is, I had no plan for my future. I had no idea what i might do or be or really try to achieve. I think I do now. At least, I am one step closer to knowing specifically, exactly what I want, and I believe this is a manifestation coming from this challenge. The universe really does work in mysterious ways. By the end of this challenge, I will know exactly what to declare. I will be sure what it is I want in life. This is a huge and really soul-searching step for me, but I think it's time.
Song of the day: Matt & Kim "Daylight"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60 Best.Video.Ever!
"There are three types of people: those that make something happen, those that watch things happen, and those that wonder what happened." Inspired by my co-creator, I decided to make something happen. Sadly, I do not remember what it was! I am not kidding! I've been journaling daily and blogging when I can, but my room is still a mess and I cannot find what I wrote on March 3rd! So I am making it a priority to clean my room. Sounds silly, but I prefer my floor to my clothes hamper for some reason. :)
Song of the day: Muse "Undisclosed Desires"
March 4 DAY 19
Simple joys. Today was the day to embrace my inner child. To choose to laugh, play, and see the world innocently as I did when I was a child was my goal. Busted out the cheesy poofs (pirate's booty, actually, yum!) and my Harry Potter coloring book and watched some old classic cartoons. Sometimes reliving those old Saturday mornings when I was 5 is just the thing I need to feel humble and get real again.
Song of the day: "Truly Outrageous" Jem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20BZID081Vk
March 5 DAY 20
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." -Aristotle
My soul has the power over how I feel. No matter what may be happening in the world around me (sad news, disasters, tragedy) I must keep the joy and light I have burning brightly within me. Some days are inevitably harder than others, but I can thankfully say that I have always lived with faith and with a strong family unit around me. Today I finally got one of the things I have been trying to manifest: a new job! I was called with the job offer only 5 minutes after I typed up a physical representation of what I wanted to happen! (A notice of resignation letter). I am ready for the hard work and the journey ahead so that I can provide for myself and build a better life and start getting out of debt, less stressed about money, and more stable in my career. Yay!
Song of the day: James Brown "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"
March 6 DAY 21
Challenged by my co-creator! 21 days to form a habit- she asked what habits have I formed and what do I wish to form for the next 21 days, by day 42? Excellent! I answered that I have been eating healthier and more organically, I have been doing daily meditation, and I have been communicating with her in some form daily whereas we usually only speak once a week or so or sometimes further apart (shame on me, right?!) and it's been such a great thing to have her doing this with me, encouraging me and journeying beside me. She is truly a friend soulmate for me.
Song of the day: Linkin Park "Breaking the Habit"
March 7 DAY 22
First of the next 21 days! To answer the 2nd part of her challenge: I want to be in the habit of moving my body daily. I want to live a more active lifestyle. Sometimes when I get home from work I am so tired I don't want to workout. So I'm taking a cue from my brilliant and dedicated and very healthy sister and beginning to get up early in the mornings with her and working out before the day even begins! That way, I can continue burning calories even more efficiently throughout the day and cannot use the "I'm too tired after work" excuse any more. But now this night owl has to learn how to get up early.... ugh!
Song of the day: Missy Elliott "Work It"
March 8 DAY 23
Living "unplugged"? It was my first day at my new job and I left my cellphone at home! The agony! Unable to check facebook or my clock or my horoscope, email, random movie reviews... all day??? It was a refreshing change, actually. I was mostly worried my car would break down and I'd be stranded, but it all turned out. How did I ever live without a cell? But then I reviewed a little of what I learned: living away from EMFs for awhile is healthy. So even for just an hour a day, getting out of doors and leaving all the electronics behind can help detoxify and ground you. Who knew?
The only song was the crickets. Unplugged, remember?
March 9 DAY 24
Git'er done! Dared to check a few things off my to-do list, I got through a bunch of it! It was refreshing and inexpected and it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It took a few hours, and then I was left wondering why I'd put it all off in the first place. The perfectionist in me is always procrasinating! www.flylady.net
Song of the day: Kate Nash "Pumpkin Soup"
March 10 DAY 25
ONE QUARTER! My co-creator and I have an inside-secret-sisterhood thing. I have a loversoulmate. I have not met him yet. I also have a bestfriendsoulmate. I have her in my life! You often hear "Two halves of a whole" but we both knew if we were whole, there'd be no room for our lovely men. So we are two quarters of the same half. Someday the other 50 cents will show up and we will be 100%! So in honor of our friendship, I made my friend a special surprise! I hope she likes it.
Song of the day: Tevin Campbell "I2I"
March 11 DAY 26
Rocked out to 311 on 3/11! Music heals the soul. Pretended to plan a roadtrip beach vacation and soaked up the sun. Worked hard and drove home with the windows rolled down and the beats blasting. Nothing gives me good ideas like the drive home. Feeling inspired and good.
Song of the day: 311 "Come Original"
March 12 DAY 27
1st of 3 wishes. I think 3 wishes are in order. Not just for ponies and princes, but for real, tangible, specific manifestations that are miniature pieces of my big SERENITY challenge. But I can't tell my first wish or it won't come true! Sorry!
Song of the day: "A Dream is a wish your heart makes" Disney's Snow White
March 13 DAY 28
Using the power within to attract change sounds really simple. And ultimately it is. But the higest breakthrough happened to me today. I realized that all this time I've spent trying to manifest SERENITY... I didn't realize the real reason why I wanted to simplify my life... until NOW. It wasn't about that I wanted too much and had too much around me and was distracted and forgetful and stressed. All this is true, however, the real reason I wanted to manifest SERENITY is because I do not know what I want. Lilou says you really need to know what you want in order to make a powerful declaration to the universe that THIS IS WHAT I WANT. But the trouble is, I had no plan for my future. I had no idea what i might do or be or really try to achieve. I think I do now. At least, I am one step closer to knowing specifically, exactly what I want, and I believe this is a manifestation coming from this challenge. The universe really does work in mysterious ways. By the end of this challenge, I will know exactly what to declare. I will be sure what it is I want in life. This is a huge and really soul-searching step for me, but I think it's time.
Song of the day: Matt & Kim "Daylight"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60 Best.Video.Ever!
Friday, March 2, 2012
DAYS 11-17
No blogs for a week! How dare I!
DAY 11- day of the auspicious. I decided not to leave luck to chance but make it for myself by sending extra focus on my intention of SERENITY.
"A working definition for intention is: “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim.” Lacking intention, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible." -healing.about.com
I know I've said it before. My purpose in these 100 days is to bring balance and serenity to my crazy, chaotic, stressed-out life. I want to live, breathe, and be surrounded by peacefulness and health. The direction in this path has been a bit wibbly-wobbly. I know at this point it had only been 11 days. But the struggles are abundant. My own inner critic, or ego, if you will, always makes it harder than it actually is to reach a goal. I CAN DO THIS! This, here, right now, this journey, is me already succeeding. The fact that I am getting out there and trying speaks volumes. I cannot let the negative self-talk win. I am already co-creating a beautiful life.
DAY 12- making it count. 12 was the number of Jesus's apostles. I really focused on prayer today, on my blessings, on forgiveness for myself and others; just really feeling centered.
"The twelve disciples/apostles were ordinary men whom God used in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus Christ. After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples/apostles into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). What was the change? The twelve apostles/disciples had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). May the same be said of us!" -gotquestions.org
DAY13- lucky 13. I put a smile on a stranger's face as a dare to myself. I high-fived a girl whom I thought had awesome eyeshadow on. I hope I brought a little sunshine to her day. Seeing her reaction to my random niceness really felt good, too. Then I decided to put into action something I'd been putting off: I cleaned both my bathrooms! And I mean, totally emptied out, scrubbed top to bottom, and re-decorated. I was exhausted after but I also felt like a million bucks.
DAY 14- reverence for the body. Our bodies are on loan from God. I don't always treat my physical shell with the respect it deserves. I look down on it and judge it more times in a day than I can count. So today I tried my best to ignore those pesky negative thoughts and really just tried to be grateful for it. I did a beautiful sun salutation routine and fed it yummy and healthy things and just tried to be amazed that I have all my parts and they all work and not everyone can say that. I am very fortunate and I need to stop taking my body for granted.
DAY 15- Leap Day! To take a leap forward in my SERENITY 100 day challenge, I worked on my vision book, I practiced some lovely new guided meditations, and shared my journey with a few friends. Telling them about the 100 day challenge felt exhilarating. It's not as if I was keeping it a secret, but I hadn't really shared it with anyone besides my best friend and immediate family. But here I was, blathering on about affirmations and co-creating like I'd been doing it for years. Hopefully I inspired someone!
DAY 16-sweet 16. "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." -Aldous Huxley. I challenged myself and my friend to create a 100 day challenge playlist. Here's mine (still in progress- I will DEFINITELY be adding more as I go along)!
1. Len "If you steal my sunshine"
2. Alan Silvestri "Just an oasis"
3. Camille Saint-Saens "Carnival of the animals"
4. Rebecca St.James "Lion"
5. The JaneDear Girls "Wildflower"
6. Hans Zimmer "You're So Cool"
7. Delicious Digital "Down the Rabbit Hole"
8. Beirut "Elephant Gun"
9. Razorlight "Hold on"
10. Steve Jablonsky "My Name is Lincoln"
11. Coldplay "Charlie Brown"
12. Coldplay "Paradise"
13. Grouplove "Tongue Tied"
14. Bob Marley "Could you be loved"
...to be continued :)...
DAY 17- Today! Releasing the artist within. I was challenged by my beautiful friend and co-creator to begin an art piece that I will complete by the end of my challenge. What a gorgeous idea! With life spinning sideways, art is always one thing that seems to inexplicably hold me down and keep me sane. I haven't drawn or painted (besides random doodles) in weeks. It was something refreshing that I promise I will be sharing my progress on. Super inspired! Sending love out to the universe and accepting peace, love, tranquility, harmony, and beauty every day. LOVE!
DAY 11- day of the auspicious. I decided not to leave luck to chance but make it for myself by sending extra focus on my intention of SERENITY.
"A working definition for intention is: “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim.” Lacking intention, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible." -healing.about.com
I know I've said it before. My purpose in these 100 days is to bring balance and serenity to my crazy, chaotic, stressed-out life. I want to live, breathe, and be surrounded by peacefulness and health. The direction in this path has been a bit wibbly-wobbly. I know at this point it had only been 11 days. But the struggles are abundant. My own inner critic, or ego, if you will, always makes it harder than it actually is to reach a goal. I CAN DO THIS! This, here, right now, this journey, is me already succeeding. The fact that I am getting out there and trying speaks volumes. I cannot let the negative self-talk win. I am already co-creating a beautiful life.
DAY 12- making it count. 12 was the number of Jesus's apostles. I really focused on prayer today, on my blessings, on forgiveness for myself and others; just really feeling centered.
"The twelve disciples/apostles were ordinary men whom God used in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus Christ. After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples/apostles into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). What was the change? The twelve apostles/disciples had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). May the same be said of us!" -gotquestions.org
DAY13- lucky 13. I put a smile on a stranger's face as a dare to myself. I high-fived a girl whom I thought had awesome eyeshadow on. I hope I brought a little sunshine to her day. Seeing her reaction to my random niceness really felt good, too. Then I decided to put into action something I'd been putting off: I cleaned both my bathrooms! And I mean, totally emptied out, scrubbed top to bottom, and re-decorated. I was exhausted after but I also felt like a million bucks.
DAY 14- reverence for the body. Our bodies are on loan from God. I don't always treat my physical shell with the respect it deserves. I look down on it and judge it more times in a day than I can count. So today I tried my best to ignore those pesky negative thoughts and really just tried to be grateful for it. I did a beautiful sun salutation routine and fed it yummy and healthy things and just tried to be amazed that I have all my parts and they all work and not everyone can say that. I am very fortunate and I need to stop taking my body for granted.
DAY 15- Leap Day! To take a leap forward in my SERENITY 100 day challenge, I worked on my vision book, I practiced some lovely new guided meditations, and shared my journey with a few friends. Telling them about the 100 day challenge felt exhilarating. It's not as if I was keeping it a secret, but I hadn't really shared it with anyone besides my best friend and immediate family. But here I was, blathering on about affirmations and co-creating like I'd been doing it for years. Hopefully I inspired someone!
DAY 16-sweet 16. "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." -Aldous Huxley. I challenged myself and my friend to create a 100 day challenge playlist. Here's mine (still in progress- I will DEFINITELY be adding more as I go along)!
1. Len "If you steal my sunshine"
2. Alan Silvestri "Just an oasis"
3. Camille Saint-Saens "Carnival of the animals"
4. Rebecca St.James "Lion"
5. The JaneDear Girls "Wildflower"
6. Hans Zimmer "You're So Cool"
7. Delicious Digital "Down the Rabbit Hole"
8. Beirut "Elephant Gun"
9. Razorlight "Hold on"
10. Steve Jablonsky "My Name is Lincoln"
11. Coldplay "Charlie Brown"
12. Coldplay "Paradise"
13. Grouplove "Tongue Tied"
14. Bob Marley "Could you be loved"
...to be continued :)...
DAY 17- Today! Releasing the artist within. I was challenged by my beautiful friend and co-creator to begin an art piece that I will complete by the end of my challenge. What a gorgeous idea! With life spinning sideways, art is always one thing that seems to inexplicably hold me down and keep me sane. I haven't drawn or painted (besides random doodles) in weeks. It was something refreshing that I promise I will be sharing my progress on. Super inspired! Sending love out to the universe and accepting peace, love, tranquility, harmony, and beauty every day. LOVE!
Friday, February 24, 2012
DAY TEN
Yesterday on my weekly phone "meeting" with my friend and co-creator, I deemed today the "Day of Sexy Awesomeness!" According to a lot of Youtube gurus, you should live a "juicy" life. Make juicy art, plans, and say juicy things, etc. But to me, the word is Sexy. I want to live a sexy life, Embrace all the sexy awesomeness of myself and the positivity of the world around me.
So this morning I got up with the sun and made a commitment to get out into the GORGEOUS 80 degree weather. I went and got a cotton candy ice cream cone and some Kombucha tea and walked around.
Then I explored the local bookstore and bought a bright faux-leather bound journal for my next big IDEA!
Inspired by the lovely ladies of Tiny Devotions (I simply adore their lovely malas!) I am going to make a vision board- except MINE is going to be a vision journal! (Combination art/creativity journal and vision board- I'm sure it's been done before but I thought I'd give it a go.) I got my mod podge and some old magazines, ready to go.
I finished my Sexy Awesomeness day at the best BBQ place in town with some friends and good laughs. Today was a great day to appreciate laughter- after all, what's sexier than that?
So this morning I got up with the sun and made a commitment to get out into the GORGEOUS 80 degree weather. I went and got a cotton candy ice cream cone and some Kombucha tea and walked around.
Then I explored the local bookstore and bought a bright faux-leather bound journal for my next big IDEA!
Inspired by the lovely ladies of Tiny Devotions (I simply adore their lovely malas!) I am going to make a vision board- except MINE is going to be a vision journal! (Combination art/creativity journal and vision board- I'm sure it's been done before but I thought I'd give it a go.) I got my mod podge and some old magazines, ready to go.
I finished my Sexy Awesomeness day at the best BBQ place in town with some friends and good laughs. Today was a great day to appreciate laughter- after all, what's sexier than that?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
DAY NINE
Be awesome. Overcome. Give back. My 3 biggest challenges for the day were met with ardor. After receiving some bad news this morning, I went out for a walk to enjoy the beautiful day outside and I checked the mail and lo and behold! I received a baby care package with a gorgeous bookmark, some magazine
articles, and notes from my dear friend and co-creator! It was so perfectly timed I couldn't believe it. After being outdoors and getting such a sweet gift I was ready to face my day. That, and having a pastille! :) I worked hard and felt accomplished when I came home. I tried to represent awesome in all my interactions throughout the day; I often at work get asked if I am the owner or the manager and that always makes me feel proud that I am representing my work the best I can. I drank some great Body + Mind, Black Dragon Pearl, and Citrus Lavender Sage tea, I tried to relax... yes my mind was on my bad news most of the day. I decided not to ignore it but to embrace and accept it and kind of try to think of it in a positive light. Yes, this happened. But I don't have to lie down and die in front of this news. I got this news for a reason; perhaps the Universe is telling me to shift my focus. Regardless, I tried to handle my thoughts on it with grace. Then, I tried also to focus my prayers and thoughts on the needs of friends and family who are going through trying times. And in my work, I was able to help many people. Several people were educated and went away happy, satisfied, and ready to live better lives because of what I do. Not everyone can say that about their jobs. So in essence, I tried to live up to my challenges, and I will always try every day to incorporate them somehow.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
DAY EIGHT
My challenge (& yes, I have chosen to accept it) for the day was to Embrace my inner goddess. As it is Ash Wednesday, I took the FlyLady approach to my day and blessed my home.
To connect with my spirituality, I went for a walk outside (it was a beautiful day) and then I set to work cleaning and clearing my entryway and coat closet of clutter. I felt like a million bucks afterward! Then I opened up the upstairs windows and let the fresh air and sunny light in and worked on cleaning my room and doing some laundry. So what does boring old housework have to do with spirituality or the inner goddess? Everything! If our outer world is chaos, our inner world will reflect that. By taking the time to bless my home, I took the time to bless myself.
Another thing I did to connect with my inner self was to meditate. As I am a beginner, I use both guided meditations and music to help me along. Pandora is great; I hooked it up to some Zen tunes while I centered myself, I put up my grounding shields (one each for the root and crown chakras); and I did the guided visualization to see my higher self.
My higher self was the ultimate goddess version of me! I was surprised how clearly I was able to picture her/me. She had superlong black hair and a white gown on that looked a bit like a flowing kimono. It was a very energizing and delightful little time for myself.
I also want to make my body healthier. I indulged in some Joie de Vivre & Caribbean Calypso Mate tea, some green tea mochi, a delicious spinach and carrot salad- it felt good to be good for my body. (Well, maybe the mochi wasn't the healthiest but it sure was tasty!)
I think embracing the inner goddess, subtly all day long and consciously for a few minutes each day, is something I want to continue to do over the course of this challenge. It was very calming to the anxiety in me and yet energizing and refreshing to the part of me that's been a bit downtrodden lately.
I hope it will continue to bring that balance into my life that I've been looking for on my search for SERENITY.
To connect with my spirituality, I went for a walk outside (it was a beautiful day) and then I set to work cleaning and clearing my entryway and coat closet of clutter. I felt like a million bucks afterward! Then I opened up the upstairs windows and let the fresh air and sunny light in and worked on cleaning my room and doing some laundry. So what does boring old housework have to do with spirituality or the inner goddess? Everything! If our outer world is chaos, our inner world will reflect that. By taking the time to bless my home, I took the time to bless myself.
Another thing I did to connect with my inner self was to meditate. As I am a beginner, I use both guided meditations and music to help me along. Pandora is great; I hooked it up to some Zen tunes while I centered myself, I put up my grounding shields (one each for the root and crown chakras); and I did the guided visualization to see my higher self.
My higher self was the ultimate goddess version of me! I was surprised how clearly I was able to picture her/me. She had superlong black hair and a white gown on that looked a bit like a flowing kimono. It was a very energizing and delightful little time for myself.
I also want to make my body healthier. I indulged in some Joie de Vivre & Caribbean Calypso Mate tea, some green tea mochi, a delicious spinach and carrot salad- it felt good to be good for my body. (Well, maybe the mochi wasn't the healthiest but it sure was tasty!)
I think embracing the inner goddess, subtly all day long and consciously for a few minutes each day, is something I want to continue to do over the course of this challenge. It was very calming to the anxiety in me and yet energizing and refreshing to the part of me that's been a bit downtrodden lately.
I hope it will continue to bring that balance into my life that I've been looking for on my search for SERENITY.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
DAY SEVEN
Making time to spoil yourself is so important to achieve inner serenity; it's easy to think about doing but it's quite another to put into action. After a long day at work it can be tempting to just "crash" when you get home. But I want to make it a priority to take some time to myself. Blogging daily has been helpful, and I also decided a pedicure was in order tonight! I put Penelope on TV, busted out the nail polish, and booted up the computer. As tired as I am, I also know I'm going to call it an early night.
After a little research, and already knowing how important sleep is to health, I find it interesting to note that it's been reported having the same bedtime and wake time every day (or close to it) helps the circadian rhythm stay in check, guaranteeing regular, adequate rest and repair of the body.
"It is important that you get enough rest and relaxation to give your body time to repair itself and give your mind time to de-clutter and unwind. This is a part of achieving life balance.
Rest and relaxation isn’t just about lazing about on the beach – of, course that sounds pretty good too! It’s about taking “Me Time” out of your day and doing something for you and your life balance – a favourite hobby, reading a good book, taking a trip to the country, going for a bike ride – whatever works for your life balance." -http://www.achieve-goal-setting-success.com/life-balance.html
If you take good care of yourself, you'll be prepared to help someone else if/when they are in need. I sadly had to discover this tonight. Feeling all zenned out with my freshly painted toenails and James McAvoy on the screen, I was in prime condition to deal with some sad news about a friend. As backwards as that sounds, if I had already been feeling down and lousy, I might've taken it as a worse blow. Oddly enough, the news inspired me to try and give another friend from my past a second chance... it could very likely crash and burn, but you never know until you try, right?
After a little research, and already knowing how important sleep is to health, I find it interesting to note that it's been reported having the same bedtime and wake time every day (or close to it) helps the circadian rhythm stay in check, guaranteeing regular, adequate rest and repair of the body.
"It is important that you get enough rest and relaxation to give your body time to repair itself and give your mind time to de-clutter and unwind. This is a part of achieving life balance.
Rest and relaxation isn’t just about lazing about on the beach – of, course that sounds pretty good too! It’s about taking “Me Time” out of your day and doing something for you and your life balance – a favourite hobby, reading a good book, taking a trip to the country, going for a bike ride – whatever works for your life balance." -http://www.achieve-goal-setting-success.com/life-balance.html
If you take good care of yourself, you'll be prepared to help someone else if/when they are in need. I sadly had to discover this tonight. Feeling all zenned out with my freshly painted toenails and James McAvoy on the screen, I was in prime condition to deal with some sad news about a friend. As backwards as that sounds, if I had already been feeling down and lousy, I might've taken it as a worse blow. Oddly enough, the news inspired me to try and give another friend from my past a second chance... it could very likely crash and burn, but you never know until you try, right?
Monday, February 20, 2012
DAY SIX
Renewal Day. Taking time to refresh and breathe and re-examine my 100-day priorities has been my focus for today. I feel as if in the past I have focused my ATTENTION on things I want that just might not ever come into my life. Time for that really unwanted but completely necessary reality check! If I want SERENITY in my life, the balance of joy, I must be grateful for what I have and stop focusing on what I don't have. I'm not saying I plan on turning my back on my dreams, goals, or what I want for myself. I only think I have been spending too much time being unhappy because I've been misdirecting my attention unnecessarily. My new INTENTION is to focus my gratitude on my current blessings and gifts, by accepting and cultivating myself as I am, not what I wish I was. To put this into ACTION, I plan on taking more "me" time than I have allowed myself in the past. Joining with the journaling and blogging I already do, I plan to meditate on becoming my most positive and satisfied self.
I really want to find ACCEPTANCE in myself. At the core of this challenge, this is what I want. I can achieve nothing (none of my "balancing my life" goals) until I find the balance within myself. Working from the inside out!
I really want to find ACCEPTANCE in myself. At the core of this challenge, this is what I want. I can achieve nothing (none of my "balancing my life" goals) until I find the balance within myself. Working from the inside out!
"God grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day
at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen." -Reinhold Niebuhr
as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen." -Reinhold Niebuhr
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." -Proverbs
3, 5-6
"Personal core values describe qualities that are absolutely necessary for your
integrity, your wholeness and satisfaction, as a person. With a
knowledge of your values in hand, you can more easily lower the stress
in your life, you can clarify your life
purposes and motivations that will bring you to action. To put the list to use in looking at your life, think of your life as a
pie. Divide the pie into different pieces: family, career, social,
spiritual, physical/health, and financial. Taking your list, consider
each piece of the pie and your roles and actions within it. Are you
acting from your personal core values in each piece of pie? Think of ways of being and actions that you could take that
would allow you to live more fully from your values in each slice of
your life." -sserenity.wordpress.com
My Core Values:
1. My Faith. Jesus Christ is the center and foundation of my life.
2. Family & Friends. The people closest to me are my support system.
3. Learning. I strive to enrich my life with knowledge.
4. Love. I will play the game of life with all my heart.
5. Hope. I have deep and profound faith in the goodness at everyone's heart and in happy endings.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
DAYS 4&5
intention. attention. action. the first step is to find what you want. making a plan. focusing on a specific need. choosing your desire is to intend. having a pure focus will enable you to clear away everything else that isnt important or may distract from what you truly want to bring to yourself. then focus your attention only on your intention. when you think of your worries. you give them attention 7 therefore power. strip your worries of their power by focusing on your intention 7 the positive things you want only. meditating on our happiness 7 desire will bring it power.finally call your intention forth into being by taking action on it. remember that as a human you are limited. this is understandable. but also remember that god can do anything. and when god is a part of you and your life. he can do all things within you. taking action is not about doing the impossible. taking action is about trusting that when you try. god will do what you cannot and bring those wonderful things into your life. trusting and having faith and moving in a path by doing things to support your goal and meditating on your goal and giving positive thoughts to wwhat you want is how to manifest.
Friday, February 17, 2012
DAY THREE
Today my friend informed me she is reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
So I swung by the library and picked up a copy. I haven't begun to read it yet, but as soon as I do you can bet I'll be posting about it!
Today was about simplicity for me. I did not have to work so I focused on a handful of necessities (vacuuming out my car, helping the folks put things up in the attic) and a handful of fun things (going to the movies to see The Woman In Black, eating a late lunch at one of my favourite restaurants, spending quality time with my family)
I am blessed. It is so important for me to remember why I don't have all the things I want in my life right now: because I already have so much. Although I can feel bummed about not being in a relationship, especially just after Valentine's Day, I need to focus on the fact that it might just not be the right time for me to have one. When the time is right, it will happen. I believe that wholeheartedly it is meant to be. In the words of Damon Salvatore (LOL!) "It's right, it's just not right now."
Simplifying my life will help me on the way to remembering and valuing what is important, and taking the focus off all the things I constantly worry about that don't really deserve my attention after all.
Today I found my SERENITY in a balance of work and fun, of needs and wants. I can't wait to see what joys and SERENITY tomorrow will bring for me.
So I swung by the library and picked up a copy. I haven't begun to read it yet, but as soon as I do you can bet I'll be posting about it!
Today was about simplicity for me. I did not have to work so I focused on a handful of necessities (vacuuming out my car, helping the folks put things up in the attic) and a handful of fun things (going to the movies to see The Woman In Black, eating a late lunch at one of my favourite restaurants, spending quality time with my family)
I am blessed. It is so important for me to remember why I don't have all the things I want in my life right now: because I already have so much. Although I can feel bummed about not being in a relationship, especially just after Valentine's Day, I need to focus on the fact that it might just not be the right time for me to have one. When the time is right, it will happen. I believe that wholeheartedly it is meant to be. In the words of Damon Salvatore (LOL!) "It's right, it's just not right now."
Simplifying my life will help me on the way to remembering and valuing what is important, and taking the focus off all the things I constantly worry about that don't really deserve my attention after all.
Today I found my SERENITY in a balance of work and fun, of needs and wants. I can't wait to see what joys and SERENITY tomorrow will bring for me.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
DAY TWO
"Women are like tea . . . . . . they only realize their true strength when they're in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Today I challenged my friend (and co-creator!) to celebrate the strong women in her life. To become the woman I want to be, I look to several individuals in my life who constantly amaze and inspire me. Some of these women are my friends, and I am truly blessed to call one grandmummy, one mom, and one sister. Each woman I celebrate today has been brave, courageous, brilliant, clever, and beautiful each in her own way.
I celebrate my Grandmummy because at the tender age of 17 she gave up her country, her family, and everything she had ever known for true love. If she had not been brave, survived the war, and come to the states, I would not exist. It took great courage to make it to who she is today.
I celebrate my mother for so many reasons, but namely because she raised my sister and I to be strong, well-rounded adults. She chose to show us by being a living example of what an extraordinary woman is: tender, kind, loving, selfless, generous, and lionhearted. She has seen life through many ups and downs and always has a kind, positive word no matter what life throws at her. She is truly my idol.
I celebrate my little sister not only because she is my best friend and "partner in crime," but because she is fiercely loyal, beautiful, strong-willed, ambitious, intelligent, funny, and all the things I strive to be every day. She also gives me a reason to set a good example for her, to care for her and protect her.
I can count my best friends on my fingers but each one brings out the best in me, is there to confide in, and always ready to give sometimes crazy advice for all life's silly situations. They travel the world with me, show me what great women can accomplish if they set their minds to it, inspire me to live with a fierce joy and find passion in all happy things. They invite me to stand by their side in life's big events, their weddings, baby births, etc. They know they can call on me if they ever are in need. They make me feel loved, worthy, and important, and show me the value of friendship with every phone call, text, smile, and hug.
My friends and family are God's greatest gift to me. I am nothing without them and I am truly blessed to have them near to me. I choose to remember this blessing as a part of my 100 day challenge, to remind me of what I am doing this for. I am not only interested in bringing peace, harmony, balance, and SERENITY into MY life, but also into theirs.
I hope that I might be as strong a woman and as great an inspiration to my daughters someday.
Today I challenged my friend (and co-creator!) to celebrate the strong women in her life. To become the woman I want to be, I look to several individuals in my life who constantly amaze and inspire me. Some of these women are my friends, and I am truly blessed to call one grandmummy, one mom, and one sister. Each woman I celebrate today has been brave, courageous, brilliant, clever, and beautiful each in her own way.
I celebrate my Grandmummy because at the tender age of 17 she gave up her country, her family, and everything she had ever known for true love. If she had not been brave, survived the war, and come to the states, I would not exist. It took great courage to make it to who she is today.
I celebrate my mother for so many reasons, but namely because she raised my sister and I to be strong, well-rounded adults. She chose to show us by being a living example of what an extraordinary woman is: tender, kind, loving, selfless, generous, and lionhearted. She has seen life through many ups and downs and always has a kind, positive word no matter what life throws at her. She is truly my idol.
I celebrate my little sister not only because she is my best friend and "partner in crime," but because she is fiercely loyal, beautiful, strong-willed, ambitious, intelligent, funny, and all the things I strive to be every day. She also gives me a reason to set a good example for her, to care for her and protect her.
I can count my best friends on my fingers but each one brings out the best in me, is there to confide in, and always ready to give sometimes crazy advice for all life's silly situations. They travel the world with me, show me what great women can accomplish if they set their minds to it, inspire me to live with a fierce joy and find passion in all happy things. They invite me to stand by their side in life's big events, their weddings, baby births, etc. They know they can call on me if they ever are in need. They make me feel loved, worthy, and important, and show me the value of friendship with every phone call, text, smile, and hug.
My friends and family are God's greatest gift to me. I am nothing without them and I am truly blessed to have them near to me. I choose to remember this blessing as a part of my 100 day challenge, to remind me of what I am doing this for. I am not only interested in bringing peace, harmony, balance, and SERENITY into MY life, but also into theirs.
I hope that I might be as strong a woman and as great an inspiration to my daughters someday.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
DAY ONE
My journey begins! Today I awoke to an uplifting text message from my friend who will be sharing this journey with me. I am inspired to begin a few daily habits that will help me to manifest SERENITY. I have chosen the word SERENITY to represent my goal for my first 100 day challenge because I believe it embodies a sense of natural grace and well-being that I have been without the past few months. There has been a lot of negativity in the events that have occurred surrounding my life in recent weeks; these events have caused great stress and sadness for me and I feel as if I could have reacted differently if only I was stronger. But then I look at the hope and support of loved ones around me and realize that I am in fact VERY strong. I am just an emotional person; I can take too much to heart, including the feelings of those around me. I am not going to become unsympathetic; I only mean to react with a more graceful and positive attitude towards all things, even if, at the time, they seem awful. I realize this is a huge challenge for me but I aim high for a very important reason.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars." - Les Brown
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars." - Les Brown
Friday, February 10, 2012
Starting the 100 Day Reality Challenge!
On February 15, 2012, I have decided to begin one hundred days of co-creating my reality! Inspired by Lilou Mace (http://cocreatingourreality.com/), I am putting universal laws to the test. I am called to share this journey on my brand shiny new blog. I chose the name because my goals are to be healthy in my body and my spirit. Blueberries are (silly, I know) my fav antioxidant-rich treat, and angels are watching over us, so I figured that would be a good representation of what I want to bring into my life right now.
For my 100 Day Challenge, I want to manifest health and well-being of my body and spirit, balance in my work and home life, and to completely de-stress my attitude toward life. A lot of negativity has been in my life the past few months and I don't want to allow it to get the best of me. I am determined to fulfill this promise to myself and move forward toward happiness, joy, and positivity.
To bring this manifestation into my life, I am going to blog as often as I can about my observations and my practices. Practices I want to put into place will be meditation & yoga, reading & studying what inspires me, blogging about ups, downs, insights, affirmations, successes & manifestations (& using this blog as a "vision board"), remembering gratitude, & positive thoughts.
For my 100 Day Challenge, I want to manifest health and well-being of my body and spirit, balance in my work and home life, and to completely de-stress my attitude toward life. A lot of negativity has been in my life the past few months and I don't want to allow it to get the best of me. I am determined to fulfill this promise to myself and move forward toward happiness, joy, and positivity.
To bring this manifestation into my life, I am going to blog as often as I can about my observations and my practices. Practices I want to put into place will be meditation & yoga, reading & studying what inspires me, blogging about ups, downs, insights, affirmations, successes & manifestations (& using this blog as a "vision board"), remembering gratitude, & positive thoughts.
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