slowing down

typewriter

When I sit down at the typewriter I must slow down
Be intentional
Press the keys with determination
Know what I want to to say
And say it
One letter at a time

I am used to the rush and hustle of life
Typing quickly
Relying on spell check to catch the errors
Backing up
Starting again
Going, going, going never slowing down

But with a typewriter you can't do that
It takes work to press the keys
I have to roll the paper to get to the next line
There is no delete
No going back
I must present in the moment and watch what I am doing

It is a great reminder
To take it easy
Be present
Listen to my heart
Not rush ahead
Be exactly where I am, when I am there

The typewriter is teaching me many life lessons
About being intentional
Slowing down
Appreciating the moment
I am grateful for these reminders
Because life can to easily slip by

 

happiness jar

We have rolled over into a new month and that means the opportunity to dig my hand into the happiness jar and pull out a slip of paper.  I am loving how this has turned into a monthly ritual.  I never know what I will pull out but I do know that it will be something that has made me happy.  What could be better than that?  

My happiness jar sits on my kitchen table and is a visual reminder to me that life is good, really good.  Even if I am having a "terrible horrible no good very bad day" I look at the jar filled with colorful papers and I instantly smile.  It reminds me of the moments I have created; the ordinary pieces that fill me up; and the unexpected that has brought surprise and delight.  All of that is capture in my happiness jar.  

Sitting down each night to write my one happy moment has given me the opportunity to really feel the moment and celebrate it.  Now keep in mind these moments aren't all grand and pretty.  Sometimes my happy moment is as simple as --- walking in the door after a long day at work!  Taking the time to write that down reminds me of how grateful I am for my home and how safe I feel here.  

Time flies by all to quickly.  If we don't stop to take it in and appreciate it we let it slip away even faster.  {click to tweet that!}  Taking the time to dig my hand into the jar gives me even another opportunity to appreciate all the moments in my life.  So I shake the jar up and dig my hand in.  

This month I pulled out: Going for a run at lunch time.  It felt so good to move my body {3.35.15}

It has been awhile since I have been away from my desk at lunch and getting outside to move by body was just what I needed.  Sometimes we have to push ourselves to what is best for us, but once we do it we are beyond thrilled.  The happiness jar is one of those things for me.  It takes dedication to show up to it, but I am so happy that I do.  The best part is that it does not take to much time.  I have the slips of paper pre-cut {which is huge for this unprepared chica} so all I need to do each night is grab a slip, jot down a moment, and drop it into the jar.  

Have you created a happiness jar?  Do have any rituals that you do with it?  

It is not to late to start one.  In fact you can begin at any time.  There are no rules!  Go ahead, find a jar and drop in your first happy moment today.  

happiness jar

My happiness jar is filling with all sorts of lovely memories.  I am still enjoying the ritual of sitting down each night and writing down my happy moment.  It allows me time to reflect on all that was and a chance to say thank you to myself for what I have created and movements I have gone through.  

In honor welcoming in March {and just like I had done in February}, I dug my hand into my happiness jar and pulled out a slip of paper.  It was wonderful to be transported back to a moment in January where I was at NY Yankees Women's Fantasy Camp and Monica and I were chatting during lunch.  We were talking about things I am passionate about . . .  choosing to live . . . navigating a healthy lifestyle . . .  running  . . . working out.  The conversation filled my soul and inspired me to keep moving forward.  

These small moments in time can easily slip away.  So often we are running from one thing to the next that we do not take the time to document what we were feeling.  When I was younger I would fill my journal with these types of moments but lately I haven't had the time to do that. Writing one single moment down each night allows an easy way to capture this.  I am so grateful for my happiness jar and for the gratitude that it is instilling in me.  

I cut more slips of paper and I am ready to capture March.  Having these slips of paper cut and ready to go makes it super easy for to keep up this practice each night.  I love using my scrap booking paper that has been tucked away for so long.  It brings so much color to the jar and makes me so incredibly happy.  

Have you created a happiness jar?  I would love to see an image of it.  Share it over on the love notes Facebook page.  

What one thing has made you happy today?  Share it in the comments below so we can all be happy with you.  

xo
Jennifer

mandatories

meditation

Life can sweep me up in a whirlwind in a quick second.  It is crazy how fast it can happen.  My to do list seems never ending, the dishes are piled high in the sink, the laundry needs to get done, and the is still un made.  Auto pilot commences and I am flying from one thing to the next not funny present in the moment.  

I am not a fan of when this happens.  I drive to work and don’t even realize I am driving until I arrive in the parking lot and open the door.  Has that ever happened to you?  Your mind so distracted you become lost in a hazy cloud unsure of which way is down.   

To keep myself from venturing down this path I have chosen to add a couple of mandatories into my every day routine as well as some go to self-care practices that ground me quickly and remind me of the journey that I am choosing to take. 

Mandatories:

  • Meditation every day even if it is only for 10 minutes.  Before leaving the house for work in the morning I light a candle, sit on the floor in my living room, and let my thoughts go.  Sometimes I am doing this act in jeans before running out the door and that is ok.  
  • Nourishing my body.  Choosing to provide it with the fuel it needs to make it through each day.  That isn't to say that I am a perfect healthy eater, chocolate chips cookies and chai tea find there way in.  However, I try to be more conscious about what I am choosing and not just grabbing things because they are quick.  

Then there are my go to self care practices that I sink deeply into when my body is craving some love

  • Writing.  Putting words on paper has always helped me figure things out and navigate my way.  It is on the page that I solve problems, breathe life into my dreams, and allow myself space to let go.
  • Capturing the moment through photography.  I love how technology has provided me the opportunity to have a camera in my hand at any moment.  Taking photos on my cell phone is one of my favorite ways to slow down and seek out the beauty.  It gives me the chance to capture the moment in a quick and easy fashion.  
  • Creating alters.  I have many different alters around my house and I love tending to them, rearranging them, showing up to them to drop in a wish.  They are where I go when I need to recenter.  

We all need self care tools that we can turn to.  Little things that don't take much time and effort, but fill up our wells and help us navigate our paths.  

Each and every day YOU are creating a beautiful and divine life.  Yes, YOU are doing that even through your everyday moments that you feel are ordinary.  

Take a moment to appreciate this life you are working so hard at.  Fill up your well.  Take time for you. Enjoy your one wild and precious spin on this great planet.  

Want to gather with a group of women who are looking to do just that?  Join me on March 1st for a four week online journey where we will unfurl into our beautiful lives through:

  • Writing
  • Photography
  • Practicing Ceremony
  • Creating Alters
  • Meditation

No fancy equipment or experience needed.  I will be taking you through many different ways to approach each exercise and you will learn how to open up and unfurl into your beautiful life.  There will be special guest post from Kelly Barton, Vivienne McMasterChristine Mason Miller,and Donna Wynn.  I hope you join in on this four week adventure. 




essential oils

lemon essential oil

Recently I have dipped my toes into the essential oils pool and I am in love!  Quickly certain oils have found there way into my daily routine.  

I love beginning my day with a tall glass of water.  There are many health benefits to doing this.  Water hydrates you and helps your body to flush out toxins.  It give your brain fuel and fires up your metabolism.  I add a few drops of Lemon essential oil to my water each morning.  Adding lemon to your water gives it an extra boost.  Lemon is a natural antioxidant and has cleansing and purifying properties.  

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil has many benefits including it's ability to ease discomfort, elevate your mood, and improve many different skin conditions.  I have added add a couple of drops of Frankincense oil to my face lotion and the size of my pours have improved dramatically.  I love it!  

Melaleuca Oil

Another oil that I use daily is Melaleuca.  It is known for it's cleansing and regenerative properties.  I have had an issue with one of my toe nails not being so great for forever.  I have tried every over the counter medication that they have and nothing has worked.  I apply the Melaleuca after the shower and it is really helping to clean up my toe nail.  

peppermint oil

One of my favorite oils is becoming Peppermint oil.  If you work in an office environment you know that everyone is seeking out caffeine around 3 o'clock for a pick me up.  Simply inhaling the Peppermint oil lifts me up and gets me more focused.  However, I really love adding a drop or two to my hot chocolate.  Now that is one delicious afternoon treat with health benefits.  

If you are interested in essential oils feel free to reach out to me and you can take a peek at my DoTerra shop here.  I started selling these oils simply because I totally fell in love with them and saw how integrated they were becoming with my daily routine.  They have been life changing for me.  

creating ritual

Dear Tender Hearts,

Life can pass by quickly.  We try to savor each moment but we get wrapped up in our to do list and running from here to there.  It doesn't have to be that way.  There are small things we can do to savor the days and allow ourselves space to see what a beautiful life we are creating.  

Ritual is a big part of my life and it extends beyond holidays and into the every day moments of my life.   I prepare my cup of tea in the morning with intention.  Waking early to light the kettle.  Sitting down with my mug steaming, the world still dark and I begin.  It is a moment to breathe in deep and set an intention for the day ahead.  I pull out my Alchemy Deck and choose a card.  The one I choose usually becomes my guiding word for the day.  I savor this quiet time.  

Before bed I slow down again.  Taking time to reflect on the day that has passed.  I write down one moment for my Happiness Jar and say a blessing for what has been.  It doesn't take long to do this, less then five minutes, yet I feel a lightness in my heart as I close out the day.  

These practices are a part of my daily living, yet they are a practice.  There are days when I do not get to them.  When life has swept me up in a whirlwind and my head hits the pillow before I write my moment.  That is ok.  Life takes us where we need to go.  In these moments I do not beat myself up, I just know there is always tomorrow to begin again.  

I invite you to join me in Unfurling where we will dig into these practices and many others.  You will have the opportunity to try something on for size and see if it fits for you.  You will be encouraged to slow down, take a breathe, and unfurl into the beautiful life you are creating.  Yes YOU are creating a beautiful, deep, loving life.  Take the time to savor what all your hard work has created.  

Class starts March 1st and if you sign up today you can receive 50% off as a Valentines Gift from me to you.  That means the class is just $39.  Just use the promo code LOVE when checking out.  Hope to see you there.  

Love,
Jennifer

unfurling