Needs

'Pay attention to what's best for you. What is it you need?

If you didn't need it to survive, it _ whatever "it" is--

wouldn't be needed. Then it would be a want.'

Mine? Connection, a sense of belonging, health, growth,

 self-expression, simplicity, peace & love....

God.

 little things I am grateful for....

early mornings

 connecting to my source

the mournful howl of my my big-floppy-eared- sad-eyed- fur-neighbor

the "cock-a-doodle-do...good morning ladies!" from

the neighbor feeding his chickens

the clip-clop of horse's hooves on our street as the Amish buggy travels by

black poppies blooming from seeds shared out of a friends garden back home in MA

a random phone call to share a funny story with my step-dad to start the day

laughter

a random call from a classmate-friend in IL.

Excitedly blurting out, " Oh my GOD, I just saw you on

Dr. Will Coles Instagram feed, in one of his Ads!!!!"

completing my training to be a volunteer for hippotherapy

(equine assisted)

watching the magic of a little girl with disabilities, a horse, 

and a genuine connection.

(that's God)

Charles Stanley singing in a tree 

(see yesterdays post if you are now confused)

A letter compiled from my journal notes this morning:

My child,

It takes courage to be the person you were created to be,

to live according to instinct, & walk your path.

It is not a journey for the weak, but failing to answer the call

that beckons in your soul, is merely existing.

Be faithful to what I am working on in your life by 

staying committed.

Be determined to fulfill what I have set specifically for you.

Don't be side-tracked by what goes wrong on the surface.

Discover what I have placed inside of you.

Dance & rejoice while you let whatever that is

play out in your life.

I am relevant to absolutely everything.

When you are learning or experiencing new things,

it is vital to stay in communication with Me.

I can help you understand from My perspective.

If you keep Me central in your thoughts,

you can discern order & design in a seemingly 

chaotic world.

Leave ample room for mystery in your thinking.

I am good in every way.

I will give you the strength and perseverance to continue.

Trust yourself with help from Me,

to handle any outcome-

even the most uncomfortable.

Don't worry about other people's reaction, or events outside

of your control. Focus on your own reactions.

Handle life well & trust that you can do the same tomorrow.

What is it you need?

Trust your instincts, especially your gut;

it's a reliable aid in discerning what is best for you.

Discover what I have place inside of you.

Real joy comes from doing whatever that is.

Your talents are My gift to you.

What you do with it is your gift back to Me.

And that is living.

Always here for you,

~Jesus~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Don't compromise yourself.

You're all you've got."

~Janis Joplin~

"The best compromises, like a workable lifestyle,

cover all of your needs while satisfying a few of your wants.."

 

Whimsy

 

The cardinal perched on the wire singing to me.

I decided to name him Charles Stanley. 

I thanked Charles for singing as he flew off into the tree

only to return with two Charles Stanley Jr.'s for a fly over.

Grandma A (the chick-a-dee) was on the feeder eating her seed, and having a

chat with me, while Bob (Brown Thrasher) was in the corner trying to 

call my attention to Polly sneaking around the 

brush pile towards him.

Me, Summer of 73

That's what happens when I let my imagination loose,

 and decide to add little whimsy 

and fun to my life. 

"Learn to take good care of your mind, body, heart and soul.

Meditate, spend time alone, take a walk 

and explore nature with your senses.

Write about your thoughts and feelings,

do something you're passionate about.

Go out with your friends, laugh, dance, be silly,

be weird, be playful, be childlike.

Do all the things that bring you joy and laughter.

Treat yourself with kindness, love and compassion

and learn to express your gratitude for the many gifts

life offered you up until this moment.

Take your focus away from those things that cause you to feel pain,

stress, anxiety, fear and unhappiness, onto those things that

make your heart sing, onto those things that make you happy."

be well...

xoxo

💖

Emotionally Immature

Today...

I'm sharing from one of my favorite podcasts.

be well...

xoxo

💞

Ready Now

What if....

we are all making life more complicated than it has to be?

What if....

we truly gave up trying to control everybody & everything,

 and experiment with surrendering and letting go instead?

What if .... 

we leaned away from media and the opinions of others...

& truly made an effort to trust in something bigger than ourselves?

What if....

we believed we were loved more than we could ever imagine?

What if....

we let go of the hurts, open up to that great love, and lighten up 

a little?

Oh...I don't know...

 could be cute!

This week my journal was filled with a compilation of journal notes,

that formed into letters.

I haven't shared one in a while, but this one stood out 

amongst the rest.

Good morning My dear one,

Search for My way, 

and let Me guide you through this day.

I understand the best & most effective way

to take you on the path that prepares you perfectly

for what is ahead.

It may not be the one you chose,

I have a wonderful or meaningful plan for your life.

Turn to Me and allow Me to show you the path forward.

I will pick you up. Restore your confidence & dignity.

Drop your victim story like a hot coal.

You're not ignored...your free to do you.

You are beautiful & worthy just as you are.

Your mind believes what you tell it.

Be careful what you say.

Like yourself as you are. You will radiate that.

Do not take in the stress of the world,

rather relax in My arms.

Don't put your life on hold & torment yourself

with obsessive thoughts.

The solution comes when you let go enough

to live your life.

You don't have to give your power to problems.

You can take your focus off your problem &

direct it to your life. 

You can trust that in doing so will bring you closer 

to a solution.

Recognize and reconnect to yourself.

Turn away from the world and begin to listen

to the whispers of your heart.

Let Love illuminate the path to wholeness.

Take the journey you were destined to take.

Be aware of the little, specific things that

bring a smile to your face.

What's missing from your days 

is a true sense that you are enjoying the life

you're living.

Learn to savor the little things that bring contentment.

Breathe in gratitude, and be grateful for what you have.

The simple pleasures often get overlooked.

Embrace moments of happiness that are uniquely 

your own.

Live your best life.

I'll help you make the changes you need to make.

I got this!

I love you!

Jesus

be well...

xoxo

💖

"God isn't an editor; He's a creator.

He's not giving us the hairy eyeball when we make mistakes.

He's pointing toward the horizon with a gleam in His eye

and asking us to lift our eyes up toward a better story.

He wants to tell a story of redemption.

Of everyone He could use to tell it,

He's made you one of the main characters.

He wants you to keep your eyes on Him."

~Bob Goff~

Happiness

A day where I decided to take a road trip to see my kiddo.

A day where the sunroof was open,  

and the music a little too loud in the car.

A day where it felt like old times, just hanging out.

A day where we adventured on back gravel roads & 

sat under the biggest, oldest oak tree in Missouri.

A day where he fixed me a nice dinner, and we sat outside on the deck

talking about life.

A day where things were simple, and nothing was planned,

which made me ridiculously blissful.

A day where I decided it's time to lighten up, stress less, live more,

and just be happy.

A day where I noticed everything that was going right.

💝

A few nuggets from my journal...

Relax & be yourself.

Open your heart to everyone.

Refuse to worry about anything.

Don't close in on a problem.

Don't be afraid to surrender.

Exhibit the highest level of faith.

Don't try to control the situation.

Do your best. Learn & grown from your

mistakes.

Learn to love people instead of being right.

When you feel lack, it is because you

are not connecting with God at a deep level.

Quit letting fear call the shots.

Fear will rob you of your life.

Surround yourself with positive voices.

We will become what we spend the greatest amount

of time looking for.

Set your sights on hope & joy.

You know you are chasing the right things with your time

because they will be lasting and loving.

Open your heart, relax your mind &

breathe.

"I know that there is nothing better for people 

than to be happy & do good while they live.

~Ecclesiastes 3:12~

Be gentle with yourself.

Learn to live, enjoy your life,

& handle situations as they come.

Do not doubt your worth.

Your life is important.

You have an essential function in the universe.

Only you can do the job of being you.

'Your highest function is simply to be the person

you are capable of being,

and from that effort- the development of

your kindness & positivity

your vulnerability & availability to life,

your calling will emerge.'

Allow yourself to see the deeper truths.

God's love isn't as complicated as our

discussions about it are. 

Keep it simple: love everybody, always.

'Don't believe the people who tell you there is no hope.

It's everywhere.

It's like the smell in the air right after the rain comes.'

Focusing on your pain can make it stronger.

What you focus on is what you will feel.

What you keep your mind staid on 

is what will drive you.

"When the heart is at ease, 

the body is healthy."

Be happy & do good.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"You and I are not what we eat;

we are what we think."

 

Mood

Tornado season is in full swing.

Warnings and watches roll across the T.V screen.

Thunderstorms and high winds keep moving through...

 and it's all making me a bit janky.

A pair of Brown Thrashers are sticking around in my backyard.

"Someone from beyond is protecting you." I read.

 I can guess....

"....also a symbol of " Stability, balance, harmony, and inclusivity."

I received a letter from my Mom.

It was very sweet. I read it and re-read it.

I imagine one or two more times,

 before I tuck it into the drawer.

I miss her.

We were going to get together, 

but due to the storms we had to change our plans.

It's been a while.

This morning I 

found this prayer tucked into one of my books:

"God,

today help me set aside everything I think I know

about you,

everything I think I know about myself,

everything I think I know about others,

and everything I think I know about my own life

so I may have an open mind and a new experience 

with all these things.

Please help me see the truth"

be well...

xoxo

💞

 

Blessed

"That was beautiful!" 

She said with a smile, after I gave my testimony.

 I was nervous. 

It was happening. The questions were being asked.

I spoke from the heart. 

Recorder on.

"Can we share your testimony with Dr. Coles marketing team?"

"Really?

 Okay...Yes, of course!" 

I am both honored and grateful.

This whole experience has changed my life!!

 The support I received  from my coach and Dr. Cole's team has been 

phenomenal.

In appreciation, Dr. Cole offered me a gift of another 3 months to continue

on with him & his team.

"Yes!"

What a gift!

Continuing on....

 

be well...

xoxo

💖

"And the thing about blooming is,

nothing about the process is easy.

It requires every part of you to stretch upward,

with your roots firmly planted in the ground;

and in the sun, and in the rain, and wind,

you stand anyway, even against the pull of the soil.

And through it all,

one day you will see all along you were transforming.

This took everything out of you,

but the struggle was beautiful and necessary

for your growth."

~Morgan Harper Nichols~

Basking

Day by day...breath by breath...

I've stayed on course

which is a huge accomplishment.

It's been a challenging & rewarding sixteen weeks on

the Autoimmune reset / anti-inflammation protocol.

No Grains, Dairy, Alcohol, Chocolate, Eggs, Legumes,

Nuts or seeds, sugar, and a few fruits, veggies and oils.

I kept telling myself, "I do want to do this!!"

"I can do this!" 

And I did it !!

I'm pretty happy about it.

I feel amazing!

be well....

xoxo

💝

"The best thing about the future 

is that it only comes one day at a time."

~Abe Lincoln~

Marveling

This week I am soaking up the sunshine,

harnessing some of that energy, and putting it to use.

I'm taking care of tasks that I've been putting off

for ages.

Planting, cleaning and repairing an old playhouse in the

backyard. 

Creating our outdoor cozy space.

My kiddo was in town today, and offered to help me out

with a couple of boards I needed to cut.

It was nice to have his help.

He takes a lot after his Dad, outgoing and handy...

"Oh...I must have measured wrong...

I'll just cut more off...

oh wait! 

I just grabbed the wrong board."....

and then there are the little things that he gets from me.💖

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Life is a collection of moments."

 

Becoming

Reflect. Make creative choices. 

Reconnect with your spirit.

Instead of thinking you need to change your whole life,

just think about adding more good things to it.

Step by step.

One good thing at a time.

More love, more grace,

more patience with yourself, more joy.

Treat yourself with gentleness & kindness.

Be comfortable with who you really are.

Becoming takes time.

Surround yourself with things you love.

Let simplicity work in your life.

If it's not authentically you, let it go.

Life is a Gentle Teacher.

It will keep repeating the lessons until you learn.

Keep dreaming, 

emerge from the cocoon.

And don't be surprised when you find out

God has been dreaming with you all along.

~journal notes~

be well...

xoxo

💖

"How we feel about ourselves, the joy we get from living,

ultimately depends directly on how the mind filters

& interprets everyday experiences.

Whether we are happy depends on our inner harmony,

not on the controls we are able to exert over the 

great forces of the universe."

 

Space

You don't know what will happen tomorrow,

or what would be best to occur in your life.

Surrender your future to God.

You need not struggle to make things happen,

or plan how your life will unfold.

In each moment, show up fully, do your best,

and with love.

Learn & listen for fresh insights.

Stop trying to make things fit perfectly into your world.

Engage your passions & interests.

Learn from life.

Listen & observe.

Think new thoughts, & experience new things.

As you learn more about your gifts & talents,

you will see more ways to use them.

It's not too late to experience what you love.

Enjoy your passions.

 Make room for your gifts to grow & blossom.

Be open to seeing new opportunities in new places,

and in new ways.

Discomfort and fear are a normal part of the change process.

Continue to release your doubts, insecurities and fears

as you move forward.

You don't have to hold yourself back, 

or wait for the perfect moment.

Be brave.

Keep your head up and heart open.

Take action even if you don't feel ready.

Trust & love yourself.

Find joy in the space between where you are

& where you want to be.

That space is called life, 

and you are here to enjoy it.

~journal notes~

be well...

xoxo

💝

'A feather floats through the sky,

not knowing which direction it will take.

As it drifts along with the wind,

it looks free.

Freedom is airy & happy.

Once you make a decision to be free,

reject the feelings of guilt & enjoy the ride.

Don't apologize for creating space in your life.

Embrace the freedom you've created with gratitude.'

 

Trust

Often the next "right" action in life is a palpable

inner pull.

If you listen, you'll be shown step-by-step the way to go.

Surrender and trust your gut.

See each moment as a chance to grow.

You will learn who you are.

Trust God no matter what.

Put your skills in action.

Find your own unique path, and walk on it.

You have to know your authentic self,

and what you can do- and own it.

Know who you are and what you're good at.

Break free from following others &

live your life in your own way, with your own purpose.

Trade in a life of control, and receive something better.

You never get the results you want trying to control

other people or things.

Wait patiently for your dreams to come true,

especially on the path you've chosen.

Remember your breath, and move forward with love.

~journal notes~

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Explore. Dream. Discover."

~Mark Twain~

 

Growing

....Basil.

I grew it from a seedling that my Mom gave me as a gift.

It's very pretty, fragrant,...

 and it's a wonderful addition to my kitchen.

I had no idea (until today),

how good it is for us too!!

Thanks Mom.

xo

My notes on Basil:

'Rich source of vitamins & minerals like

Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and manganese,

calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Contains antioxidants like lutein,

and beta-carotene.

Basil seeds are a good source of dietary fiber.

Helps boost the immune system.

Basil oils have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Compounds in basil may aid digestion, reduce bloating,

and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.

Compounds may have calming and stress-reducing effects.

Inhaling basil as aromatherapy,

may increase mental alertness.

May help reduce high blood sugar levels,

improve cholesterol,

and support liver function.'

~Google~

'Helps prevent chronic disease.

Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

May boost mental health.

"There is a growing body of evidence that basil

could be a powerful cancer prevention tool."

~Cleveland Clinic~

These are just my notes.

There are different types of basil, 

and health conditions it could effect negatively.

It's always best to do your own research.

be well..

xoxo

💖

"It's basil-ic to say that herbs make everything better."

"I'm basil-ly in love with this herb"

"Basil has a way of leafing an impression."