In order to heal...

....the body 

one must first heal the soul.

notes...

early morning journaling with a friend

coffee and biscotti

grandma in the birdbath

(*chickadee)

and a visit to the Amish market

~

when you tend to the spark within you

it can become a flame

you have a primal need to make something

out of nothing

bring forth the creation within you

each day is an important part of the journey

you may feel like you're going nowhere

in this world,

your spiritual journey is another matter

realize the restorative power of rhythm,

routine, rest, recreation and ritual

make time for yourself

space is a silent force

the soul honors it

be willing to rest 

for a mental break &

create greater inner nourishment

your life drifts...return

your heart moves away....return

your mind wanders....return

returning is a lifelong struggle

breathe

feel

be aware

look for the things that speak to you

and foster optimism

go with

not against your nature

your purpose is to reach your 

greatest potential

be the most high functioning

joyful version that you can be

life is meant to be fully lived

approach it with full involvement

practice being more mindful

patient

conscious

focused

kind

thoughtful

&

loving

be well...

xoxo

💖

"A recent study found that having

just one meaningful conversation with a 

friend each day can boost happiness,

lower stress and reduce feelings of loneliness."

~Dr. Mark Hyman~

"Remember that being healthy is much more

than exercise and eating right.

It is about being around good people,

having uplifting habits,

letting go of attachments,

embracing gratitude, 

and maintaining your growth."

~Yung Pueblo~

"Many people who are seriously ill have 

been treated successfully by being placed 

outdoors in sunlight and fresh air for hours

at a time. 

Similarly, you need substantial amounts

of time soaking in the light of My Presence so I

can heal your deep wounds."

~Jesus~

 

"Do not dwell...

...in the past, do not dream of the future,

concentrate the mind on the present moment."

~Buddha~

praying mantis:

 patience, stillness, mindfulness, and good luck.

This little one wasn't so lucky...it's little prayer limbs were

missing. I read about them....and it's common,

and they do grow back.

notes...

still dark, lightning flashing in the west,

cow moo's coming from a nearby farm,

coyotes that sound too close,

a cool breeze on the porch 

the trio of crickets, Polly purrs, and an owl hoot

wrapped in my NY blanket...

with my cup of coffee

having a moment

create some space to contemplate 

the mysteries of life

every event in your life provides opportunity

to learn the deepest lessons

act in your best interests and being true

to yourself

let go of the need for approval 

approve of yourself

in the end that's the only approval that counts

be open to healthy options for taking

care of yourself

"Meditation should be a daily priority

 for all believers."

~Charles Stanley~

peace is a quality of the Spirit

that is everywhere present

all of the peace that you could ever desire

is already within you

you contract this peace through prayer 

and meditation

quietness and trust accomplish far

more than you can imagine

your not looking for popularity or applause

you're in search of purpose

don't spend your time obsessing

about what others are doing

traveling your own path is all consuming

meditate on scripture

apply the word to your situation

through prayer and meditation

free yourself from wrong thinking

honor the mystery of each moment

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Relax. You are enough. you do enough.

Breathe extra deep, let go, and just live

right now in this moment."

"Stay in the moment. The practice of staying present

will heal you. Obsessing about how the future will turn out

creates anxiety.

Replacing broken scenarios from the past causes

anger and sadness.

Stay here, in this moment."

"Clear your mind.

Your heart is trying to tell you something."

 

Day by day...

...God's peace is found in the spaces in-between.

In the pause. In the quiet. In the stillness.

'Slow down to notice the spaces where 

peace naturally flourishes.

It is a gift of grace.'

sandpiper: living in-between spaces, adaptability & flow,
persistence & purpose, vigilance & mindfulness

notes...

the blank pages of a new journal 

a big sneeze from the drop-off line at school

that echoes over startling the cat

trees swaying in the breeze

a pause to walk along the waters edge

a small blue heron feather floating on the shoreline

& the sandpiper leading the way

accept each day exactly as it comes to you

the journey is just as purposeful

as what you accomplish when you get

where you want to be

pause to take a look around

take time to savor special

even ordinary moments

see how much more you glean from them

when you are fully present

allow your heart to be wooed into thanksgiving

and praise for what has been given you

gratitude generates enthusiasm

there is a plan for your life

& it unfolds slowly

let go of your need to figure things out

to feel in control

allow things to happen

enjoy the moments of your life

even the bumpy moments

respect time as a valuable commodity

you have been told that all things shall work out

for your good 

put simple trust in that truth

events will unfold as they should

be well

xoxo

💞

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."

~Rumi~

"When enough of God's people are overflowing

 with the life of Jesus Christ,

this crazy, mixed-up, sad, searching, hungering,

thirsting, yearning, violent world of ours

is going to say, 'I want that. I want what you have.'"

~Charles Stanley~

"You don't find peace. 

You choose it, by what you ignore,

by what you release, by what you stop giving energy to."

~Bruce Lee~

 

Something is shining...

...inside of you.

'And despite what you may be telling yourself,

you probably already know what it is.'

Simply let the light within you shine in the things you do.

It will breathe new life into you.

Live with your soul wide open.

notes...

look within

you may be quite surprised

by all those many good qualities

tucked away under those layers

great things take bravery

think about your dream

take the doubts and fears &

breathe courage into them

make time alone with God a priority

it affects & influences every single

aspect of your life

live in that sense of awe at the 

infinite possibilities that are 

right within you and all around you

the direction you go with your gifts won't matter

as much as the fact that you went

you moved

you saw a need and you did what

you could to meet it

let the real version of you authentically show up

& you will experience a new take on your life

and the lives of those around you

keep your belief in limitless possibilities

keep a positive mind-set

strong and unwavering

affirm the good until it sinks in and feels real

do something beautiful with your life

be well...

xoxo

💖

"The two most important days in your life

are the day you are born

and the day you find out why."

~Mark Twain~

"If I knew what I was really like,

chances are I'd like myself much better 

than I do."

"We're all deeply flawed & even

more deeply Loved by God."

She allowed ...

...her life to be purged

so that she could live in a manner

that reflected who she truly was.

Blossoming into the fullest expression of her best self.

She didn't want to merely survive,

she wanted to thrive.

notes...

begin each day with joyful expectation

get clear on what kind of life

will make you truly happy

be honest

meditate on God's word

one of the best things you can do

to improve the world

is to improve you

believe beyond what you can see

learn to pause

breathe

be

see the miracles happening all around you

where you put your attention

there is your power

turn your thoughts to

happier things & enjoy 

what is good and pleasant 

around you

don't miss what life is

meant to be

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Don't settle for nice, for pleasant, for familiar.

Keep looking until you find something that really

moves you,

that resonates with your core.

And I mean this for people,

interests, for hobbies,

for your possessions, clothes, music,

books, art.

Everything.

Curate every aspect of your life,

as much as you can.

It's in the things that deeply inspire us

that we find ourselves.

Surround yourself with truth,

and you'll have built yourself 

a heaven."

~unknown~

 

Cure yourself...

...'with the light of the sun and the rays

of the moon.

watching the lunar eclipse with Ang

With the sound of the river and the waterfall.

With the swaying of the sea and

the fluttering of birds.

Put love in tea instead of sugar

 and drink it looking at the stars.

Heal yourself with the kisses the wind 

gives you and the hugs of the rain.

Stand strong with your bare feet on the ground

and with everything that comes from it.

Get smarter every day by listening to your

intuition.

Jump, dance, sing, so that you live

happier.

Heal yourself, with beautiful love

and always remember you are medicine.'

notes...

grow strong in the light

as it shines upon you

you receive nutrients that enhance your 

growth and grace

take good care of yourself

time

in prayer & meditation

blesses you doubly

value the contribution of your life & 

the role you play

your are irreplaceable

this is your life

no rehearsals

no retakes

no delete button

realize how priceless you are

value yourself

you have been chosen to play

the lead role in your life

a mission that no one else

can accomplish

be well...

xoxo

💖

notes...on lunar eclipse...

marks a powerful point of release

soften your grip 

let the old dissolve

emotional clearing

make space for a life that feels more aligned

more honest

more true to the woman you are becoming

closing an old chapter for good

and opening a brand-new beginning.

 

Are you trying...

...to create a rich life

'from a dollar-store investment in yourself?'

notes...

The gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore...

 fish jump from the surface & return with a splash

 a circle of ripples slowly fade from view

A lazy breeze 

the Blue Heron squawking on the opposite shore

following it's foot prints along the shallow waters

to a small gift resting in the sand

Blue Heron (*sign)

patience, self-reliance, inner wisdom,

and connection to divine timing.

~

wait calmly for the right moment

stand alone and trust your own unique path

deep self-reflection & inner wisdom to handle life changes

adaptability & smooth transitions through uncertain times

~

be willing to invest in your dreams

you can't give the least amount of effort

& expect to find your way to your destiny

study hard

take time to learn all you can

develop a well-roundedness

in you that will expand

your possibilities

you have a life & a calling to experience

& no one else can make your dreams 

come true

if you don't invest in you

you'll find that no one else will either

God will send people out of nowhere

to support you

and encourage you

determine to believe in yourself

even if no one else believes in you

or sees what's inside you...

you do

popular or unpopular

appreciated or not

hold onto your dream 

and don't let go

commit to the unfolding of your life

conduct a constant re-defining

session with yourself

moment-by-moment

with God

be tenacious

prepare for success!

be well...

xoxo

💗

"If you are holding too tight to something,

loosen your grasp.

It is hard to let go when our minds and hearts

want to hold on.

Sometimes the only thing to do is release

that grasp,

which masquerades as the control we've already

lost.

Breathe. Accept.

Be ready for what is supposed to enter your life.

Let go.

Make room for the new things you want to enter 

your life.

When they appear, you'll understand why letting go

was the thing to do."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

The trick is...

 

....to just follow your small moments of curiosity.

"It doesn't take a massive effort

Just turn your head an inch.

Pause for an instant.

Respond to what has caught your attention.

Look into it a bit.

Is there something there for you?

A piece of information?

For me, a lifetime devoted to creativity

is nothing but a scavenger hunt-

where each successive clue is another tiny bit

of curiosity. Pick each one up, unfold it,

see where it leads you next.

Small steps.

Keep doing that, and I promise you:

The curiosity will eventually lead you to passion."

~Elizabeth Gilbert~

notes...

work with the moment 

not against it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"We can't always choose the music life plays for us,

but we can choose how we dance to it."

~unknown~

'Humming bird symbolizes:

Joy, sweetness, resilience, endurance, adaptability, presence and focus.

Hope, healing and emotional renewal.'

"I don't know"...

...is a game changer.

"When you give up having to  know

or needing to be right,

you feel lighter right away.

Surrender your stories.

The mind is not the boss of anything,

and it doesn't want to be.

Let life take over from here."

notes...

hubby joined me on the porch this morning

he's sharing a story of heroics as he rocks on the porch swing

with his coffee

&

 I'm listening intently while trying to capture droplets of rain

as they land in the garden 

experiencing an outside hygge moment

slow down your pace of living for a time

quiet your mind

when it comes to faith

if you're looking for proof

you won't find it

somewhere along the way

you have to make the leap from that which you know

to that which calls you from within

you need only a willing heart

and a truthful spirit

God will take it from there

 meeting you as you take the leap

the way before you may be steep

and rocky

it is nonetheless 

the path of life

you will have feelings of uncertainty

fairly often in your life

no matter what age

you may not have all the answers

but God does

you must be open to receive

you can receive inspiration, endurance, strength,

wisdom, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

self-control, 

or whatever else you require

He has plenty to give

you can't create those things yourself

losing your place in your personal story

is the way

that deeper discoveries come to life

confusion is a catalyst for growth

it helps you to lighten the load

for your journey ahead....

"....it's here to help you forget 

what you thought you knew

to reveal an even greater truth"

'be honest about your confusion

allow it

 to unwind your overstimulated nervous system

so that you can discover the safety

that is always within you'

slow your breath

life will be more gentle as you 

choose to be more soft and supportive

of yourself

relax into not needing to figure things out

allow understanding to find you

instead of you pursuing it on a regular basis

you will always know everything 

you need to know

exactly at the moment you 

need to know it

don't forget 

to remember

that everything good 

comes from God

He will lead you to life

at it's very best

be well...

xoxo

💝

"When it's time for something new,

you will feel it.

You will feel a desire to let go,

to shed layers, to move,

to re-create.

You will know because there will be

 subtle shifts all around you.

You will release the old because you 

are really clearing the path for what's ahead.

Trust the process."

"Be the reason someone still believes in magic,

truth, authenticity, compassion,

intelligent conversation,

loyalty, courage, and love that 

doesn't have an agenda."

 

When you notice tension....

....rigidity, frustration

or feeling short-tempered

slow down to a more natural flow.

notes...

this morning it's A. dark

B. cool

C. raining

from time to time a little breeze blows through

and a distant roll of thunder 

the Mockingbird is singing for  

the Wrenn, Robin & Cardinal.

Sitting here wrapped up on the porch

 in my favorite blanket

 from my favorite shop

back home...

sipping from my favorite coffee mug

 from Harney & Sons back home...

having an

 awe-good-morning-God-moment

and I am lovin' it!!

if you want there to be less stress, anxiety,

depression and tension in the world

start with yourself

you need stillness

outer and inner

hear the gentle whispers in your heart

find a place where the noise of the world is minimal

be still

let go

relax

'spiritual adventures are decorated

as the comings and goings of

everyday life'

celebrate each moment with everything to welcome

and nothing to prove

deepen your awareness 

practice thankfulness

....with all of your heart

and soul

and mind

lay aside all bitterness and defense

step away from the mental clutter

if the path you took overpromised

and underdelivered

then get back to the dream

you started out with

there are always second chances

find the things that light you up

make plans to do them

celebrate this beautiful life God has given you

learn to relax and follow the steps

as they appear

if you don't rest 

your body will eventually put it's foot down

"Stress is a leading cause of cancer,

heart-attacks, liver failure,

stupid accidents, grouchiness

& suddenly not being able to breathe."

if you're feeling overwhelmed

notice any unnecessary tasks

that steal your time

take care of your mind

choose what you pay attention to

take care of your inner world

allow time for activities and stillness

that make you feel good

feeling rushed robs you of experiencing 

the moment

'making time to do things that inspire you

should be a priority...

what's the point of living

without them?'

take time to really enjoy what matters

and let go of the rest

you learn your beliefs

why not master beautiful ones?

often appreciating your life

is the only

change needed

worry less 

laugh more

know what matters

enjoy your precious life while your

still in possession of it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Prioritize peace. If it  nurtures, calms,

and revitalizes you,

make time for it.

If it stresses, distresses,

or depresses you,

reconsider it."

"Note to self: I don't have to take this day all at once,

but rather, one step, one breath,

one moment at a time.

I am only one person.

Things will get done when we get done."

 

We get so wrapped up....

....needing to have everything together,

trying to figure it all out,

that we forget that

sometimes....

the most beautiful things are found in life's

little imperfections.

notes...

an unmowed lawn

 weeds growing in the wildflowers

splashed coffee on the quilt

Polly's tiny wet foot prints on my journal page

cat hairs on my PJ's

another used up pen 

 a tiny chip in my favorite mug

and dirt on my feet

oh how much

I love all the itsy bitsy gifts of imperfections....

... I breathe a little deeper

what a perfect morning

you have a rock solid foundation 

with on which you can live

and move and have your being

as you worship

a new hope will grow within you

sit quietly

each time you are tested and overcome

you exercise your spiritual muscles

surround yourself with people who add wisdom

but don't subtract love, acceptance and purpose

be choosy 

you never outgrow the need to get feedback

from other people who see the world differently

but naysayers can stymie your progress

keep cynics at a distance

when you wrestle with big life decisions

you want love and acceptance first

information second

when you fail you need hugs

not advise

be an encourager

challenges are opportunities 

to refocus & keep going

slow down the pace of your life

life unfolds in a way

that guarantees growth

of your best self

keep your eyes fixed on what matters

to you

with God continue 

to move toward it 

even shake off a few sticky wickets as you go

see what happens

you cannot miss out on an experience 

that you are meant to have

every breath offers you a chance

to put your faith into the hands

of God

and to remember how blessed

supported

and guided 

that you already are

'once you slow down

something more than ups and downs

of personal gains & loss

can shine through'

slowing down is essential

this invites your heart to feel safe

enough to open

you are not a robot

let your attitude toward yourself soften

'whether your goals are spiritual

personal

or professional

when you slow down & relax

into a more natural rate of speed

you create a perfect space

for life's most incredible 

discoveries to unfold

you discover a more honest

relationship with life'

discover your heart as the home

you never left

envision a lovely future

or spend time visualizing 

what you don't want

your decision

you are here on your own journey

open your eyes to see all that life

has to offer

'your soul is the compass for your

adventure

and your wisdom is the testament

of your life'

do your best to create change

your efforts & your prayers

are being recognized

be well...

xoxo

💝

"People who take time to "be"

on a daily basis are measurably

more productive, better listeners,

more alive and more resilient

than those that don't."

"It is impossible to see the world as a 

friendly place (despite disappointments

and hassles) until the world inside

you own mind is also friendly."