Happiness

Connections, introspection, support, compassion, worth, 

acceptance, refuge, light, up, truth, real,

belonging, funny, sharing, loyalty, comfortable, encouraging,

 warm, tender, loss, appreciation, affectionate, helpful, relax, contentment,

 accountability, forgiveness, focus, love, understanding, purpose, teachers,

 self, healthy, trust, provision, happiness, whole, safe.

 Sitting cross-legged on my yoga mat.

 Breathing in a deep inhale, and one more

quick sip-like breath in. Hold. Releasing slowly...a little more...more. Empty.

A gentle breeze through open windows pairing up with my next inhale.

Polly laying at the head of my mat. Purring. Content.

 Finally.

 Two days of skepticism, & observing

every move, habit, and routine, to make sure I was legit. 

Cautious. Aware.

Sure of me.

Tree branches swaying, a light rain splashing on the rooftop.

A colorful burst of zinnias cut this morning, & displayed in an old vintage jar.

Yoga by Adrianne playing quietly in the background,

gently guiding me into Child's pose.

Peaceful.

Present.

Content.

Journal notes...

Don't worry about what is on the road ahead, find serenity in the present.

"I want you to go forward along your life-path in step with Me.

I will not help you go backward, so beware of seeking refuge

in the past. Keep moving forward in the direction I choose."

~Jesus~

It is VITAL that you pace yourself according

to God's timing. Do not rush ahead or lag behind.

He will help you in all of these matters.

You need to be ready to break up with the previous,

more familiar version of yourself, if you want to step into

new things.  Do things a little differently.

Blaze some new trails.

Take initiative today, and try a new creative

way of walking toward changes you want to see.

"You won't be distracted by comparison 

if you're captivated by purpose."

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Regulate your nervous system and everything else shifts.

Nervous system first... then make moves.

Nervous system first... then speak truth.

Nervous system first... then assess your relationships.

Nervous system first... then choose differently."

~Mastin Kipp~

Sunday

Life, treasure, quiet, discipline, self-care, triggers, healing,

protected, grace, trust, words, priorities, light, breath, yoga, faith,

listen, see, hear, awareness, surrender, hope, fuel, allow, curiosity, 

humility, provision, feelings, release, assurance, care, journal, reflection, truth.

Be open. Go with the flow.

Trust that what is meant to enter your life will come.

Be patient.

Be still. Listen. Breathe.

Appreciate the small things.

The soft breeze on your face, breathing in and savoring the first cup 

of coffee in the morning. Thunder. A gentle rain. Slow days. 

A good cry. Space to be. Get mucky and frustrated with your feelings.

Face them. 

Find the gift in the pain. Let it pass.

 Write in a journal. Read words that inspire.

Notice & savor the good in the present moment.

Observe all that is.

Care for yourself.

You don't have to wait for everything to line up &

have all the answers to feel good.

There is comfort in the small & meaningful things.

Don't put your happiness on hold.

A few Journal notes from this week:

"I am with you and will watch over you,

wherever you go. I will not leave you.

I will show you the areas that need changing.

Listen, I desire to say something to you.

Stay connected to Me, I will show you what to do.

Fear calls out your insecurities and doubts.

Listen for My voice.

Be willing to follow Me wholeheartedly wherever I lead.

Break free from the habit of assessing everything.

Look for precious gifts I've placed along the way.

Be on the lookout for good things.

Carve out more time for your own thoughts, feelings and desires.

Be confident that I will help you.

Trust Me.

I will restore you.

You are my beloved.

Live in that belief.

(letter compilation)

~Jesus~

Forgive yourself and move forward with your life.

Sometimes it's more appropriate to let go,

detach, and stop trying so hard.

If it is not working or flowing,

step back and wait for clear guidance.

'Life might be trying to tell you something.

Life is a gentle teacher.

Sometimes the signs are subtle.

Often the answer will arise in the quietness 

of letting go.'

Kick self abandonment, deceit, and denial & resentment

to the curb.

"Postpone joy & it will diminish.

Postpone a problem and it will grow."

~Pablo Coelho~

"No man gives to himself but himself,

and no man takes away from himself,

but himself."

be well...

xoxo

💗

"God's will most often happens in spite of us, 

not because of us."

"If it is a quiet day, trust the stillness.

If it's a day of action, trust the activity.

If it is time to wait, trust the pause.

If it is time to receive that which we have been waiting for,

trust that it will happen clearly and with power,

and receive the gift of joy." 

~The Language of Letting Go~

Boundaries

Savor, observe, expand, ground, balance, longing, truth, teacher,

friend, authenticity, spirit, belonging, change, emotions, healing, space, grace,

acceptance, action, presence, awareness, faith, peace, internal, priority, seen,

responsibility, respect, influence, values, roots.

My Dad walking ahead of me, & my heart echoing my GPS..."Recalculating".

Emotional send-offs, hugs, and aches of separation.

Feelings of longing to stay, slightly distracted

by activity, travel, people watching, seatmates, turbulence and a

readiness to get home.

Some shifting taking place. Uncertainty, voids, and struggle,

replaced with faith, love, and stillness.

Thoughts on moving forward, responsibility, direction, 

and assessment, and then onto thoughts about boundaries.

Did you know that 80 % of the population has never learned about boundaries?

I for one, never got the memo.

I learned manners, how to be respectful, and to how to survive and defend,

 but if there was much said about boundaries....I missed it.

Boundaries came to my attention as a tool a few years ago.

 During a trip back home, my kiddo purchased a book

as a gift for his sister-friend.

He told me I might like it too, and to check it out.

I didn't want to thumb through the pages,

however I read the covers, and ordered it when I returned home.

With that little backstory, 

I decided to delve into the-book-of-which-I-speak again.

3rd. time. 

As with anything...it takes practice and refreshing

myself on the information.

I'm passing on some bits as I go.

If life feels wonky, Boundaries are a good place to start.

It's a good tool that can help in making choices 

through change. 

And a guide to assist in finding direction.

For starters, I will share a page from "The Boundary Boss."

(the book of which I speak) on rights.

"Boundary Boss Bill Of Rights"

"❤ You have the right to say no (or yes) to others without feeling guilty.

❤ You have the right to make mistakes, to course correct, or change your mind.

❤ You have the right to negotiate for your preferences, desires and needs.

❤ You have the right to express and honor all of your feelings, if you so choose.

❤ You have the right to voice your own opinion even if others disagree.

❤ You have the right to be treated with respect, consideration, and care.

❤ You have the right to determine who has the privilege of being in your life.

❤ You have the right to communicate your boundaries, limits, and deal-breakers.

❤ You have the right to prioritize your self-care without feeling selfish.

❤ You have the right to talk true, be seen, and live free."

~The Boundary Boss~

The relationship we have with ourself is the most important.

We are responsible for our own happiness.

Be well...

xoxo

💕

"Love yourself enough to set boundaries.

Your time and energy are precious.

You get to choose how you use it.

You teach people how to treat you

by deciding what you will and won't accept."

" Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.

You really have to love yourself to get anything

done in this world."

~Lucille Ball~

 

Moment #4

Familiar. Favorites. Exploration. Acceptance. Happiness. Comfort. Welcoming. Warm. Natural. Culture. Art. Nostalgia. Laughter. Hospitality. Gatherings. Friendships. Simple. Earthy. Soulful. Picturesque. Easygoing. Yesteryear. Energized. Music. Repose. Heritage. Family. Love.

Meeting up with my cousin on Main Street. Combing through boxes of free books setting on a table outside of her church. Free. Beautifully Illustrated. Most like new.  A cook book filled with healthy meals, A poignant novel, a photography journal, and one on creating a beautiful life. Treasured finds tucked to my chest. A donation tucked in the box. Taking a walk along the railroad tracks & selfies to capture the moment. Exploring the quaint Vintage and Reloved shops along the way for hidden gems. Unearthing a comfy gray sweatshirt, a coffee mug with a red bird in a Swedish design, and an artsy box of matches. ❤️

A trip to Taft farms to visit the rescue animals. Always an essential stop.  The old rabbit that reminds me of Ollie...the white horse whose 4O+, still grazing in the pasture. Crazy rooster friend fighting his way to take center stage for a photo, and the donkey's competing for a bit of attention.

Pausing to breathe it all in...a beautiful day, a wonderful breeze, white fluffy clouds and a John Deere tractor to complete the scene. Purching a melon handpicked by the owner, a 1/2 dozen white peaches and a sparkling water to go. ❤️

An old chicken coop being converted into a home. 20+ years of doing it themselves. Living in a small section. Holding off the move until completion. Repurposed original materials and other supplies. Master skills. Attention to details. Imagination and creativity. An aesthetic wonderland. My Stepdad's friends, that have become mine. An open invite to stop by any time. Gathering on their deck, family and friends. Stories and laughter. Catching up. Simple. Easygoing. Kindred spirits. ❤️

Sitting at the table with Dad,  thumbing through old black & white photos. 

Listening to stories of my Grandma and Grandpa & Dad's youth. His pets. His firsts. Serving in the Air Force. Munching on bites of fresh muskmelon cut in chunks. Seeing life through the eyes of my Grandma behind the lens of her camera. ❤️

The local farmers market on Saturday. Being welcomed back home by one of the vendors. Old folksy tunes being sang solo as she strums her guitar. 

Later a trip to the top of the mountain to visit a childhood friend. More like a sister. Her Mom who was my babysitter, and her sister. My Dad capturing a moment. A clear view of the village below. Sharing some memories. Making more. ❤️

From my journal:

'Make sure you have a couple of people you can get super real with, who push you to be the best version of yourself, but don't try to take over. They won't tell you what to do, but will remind you of who you are becoming.'

Journey toward authenticity and fulfillment. Be willing to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. 

Perspective matters. 

"The inharminous situation comes from some inharmony within you."

'Greatness isn't rated on strength, wealth, or intelligence: it is about humility and childlike faith.'

Nourish your inner being. 

Work with yourself rather than against. Stop using others opinions and improve your opinions of yourself. 

"Everyone has an opinion; few have an experience they can directly tie to the opinion."

'You cannot force the external to be what you are not.'

"You can't see the stars without the darkness."

"Find out who you are and what you like, not trying to become what you think. Others would like best."

'Don't let fear call the shots in your life. Floor it with your faith!'

"When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different."

Be well....

xoxo

💝

"Your nervous system heals in stillness.

Your gut health heals in gentleness. 

Your hormones heal in nourishment. 

You can't heal a body you hate. 

You can't obsess your way to health. 

You can't shame your way to wellness. 

Showing your body, some Grace and compassion is the deepest of medicines."

~Dr. Will Cole~