together we can

Together we can do so much more than we can on our own.  We need one another.  When we come together we cheer each other on, lean in, and help one another out. 

Together we rise.  

As a human being you are not meant to travel alone on this journey. 

You need connection
You need to be seen
You need to be heard

We flourish together.  We encourage one another to step forward, take a risk, take a leap.  We are there to listen, to be a sounding board, and sometimes just to sit quietly.  

Together we stand a little bit taller.  Head held high.   Shoulders back.  Heart open.  We believe in ourselves a little bit more and show others how deeply we believe in them.  We don't let people give up.  We provide the tools and strength they may not have in the moment.  

Together we move mountains.

We cannot wait for someone to come knocking on our door. We must reach out and bring others in.  Because together is where we are meant to be. 

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This post was inspired by the second prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  This free, three week project invites individuals to get back to the basics and connect with others through snail mail.  This is the twenty third time I am hosting the project and could not be more excited.  

it's time to begin

You know that thing you want to do. Yeah, that one thing you have been wanting to start.  I know you have been thinking a lot about it but you still haven't begun. 

You say; "tomorrow looks like a good day to start, no need to begin today".  Or, "I just need to have something else in order before I begin".  Or maybe even, "I don't have the right tools yet to start and definitely not the right outfit". 

I know, you are making up a lot of excuses and wasting a lot of time.  You are doing more talking and thinking about beginning, yet you never actually start. 

Well today is as good a day as any to begin.  

Your hair doesn't have to be perfect. Your house can be in disarray.  You don't need to wait for that magical moment. Because heres the thing, there is no magical moment.  The only way to make it happen is for you to start.  

What is it you want to begin?  Writing that book.  Moving your body.  Eating better.  Getting more fresh air.  Working on a creative project.  Meditating.  

Whatever it is do one small today to get you started.  But don't stop there.  When the tomorrow comes do another small thing, and then another.  Make what you want to do a part of your daily routine.  Don't a day go by where you don't work on it for at least five minutes.  Because even if it is only five minutes you are still showing up, and that is half the battle.  

Always show up.  

You can make it happen.  You have it in you to create whatever it is that is brewing inside your heart.  But it does take hard work and dedication.  Put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving.  You got this.  I believe in you.  

Drop a note in the comments or send an email to me at jennifer@jenniferbelthoff letting me know what it is your are beginning so that I can cheer you on.  Sometimes we just need someone to walk along side us on the journey to keep us motivated.  I am here to walk with you and cheer wildly.  

I may not know you but

I may not know you {yet} but I know how hard you try.  I know the way you show up in this world with your heart on your sleeve giving it your all.  You fall down, but you always get back up.  You look to seek out the joy and you don't stop until you find it.  Sure others try to knock you down but you don't let them push you around. 

You may be quiet, but you are fierce.  A fighter for what is right and true.  You believe in kindness and surprising strangers with random acts of love.  You take the time to listen, truly listen.  You reach out and invite others in.  You know that we aren't meant to travel this world alone so you break down your own walls and share your heart with others.  

Your smile is a gift. 
Your patience is outstanding. 
The way you give others space to just be is beautiful.  

I may not know you, but I see you.  I honor your passion and am cheering you on.  Your light shines so bright in this world.  It touches places you do not even see.  Stand with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your heart shining.  And know that you are AMAZING!

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This post was inspired by the first prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  This free, three week project invites individuals to get back to the basics and connect with others through snail mail.  This is the twenty third time I am hosting the project and could not be more excited.  

leaning in

When things shift you have to learn how to navigate the new normal.  What was once your daily routine has changed and the steady ground you were on is no longer steady.  This shift is uncomfortable because you do not know where the next step is.  But you pick yourself up and you go after this unknown terrain with a wide open heart.  Because you know that above all else you have to follow your heart.  You have to show up.  You have to keep stepping forward.  

And that is exactly what you do.  Even when it feels scary.  You lean in.  You get quiet.  You listen to that inner voice that has been calling for so long.  You do not let this moment pass you by.  You embrace the uncertainty and take it as an opportunity and a chance to unpack your inner dreams.  

Because it is time to do what your heart is calling!

stand in your light

Because deep inside of you is this light that will never dim
It is the fire of your spirit
It burns bright
Even when you are taken off course
Even when you fall to your knees
Even when you aren't sure where you are going
Your light shines
It is a beacon guiding you home
Showing you the next right step
It helps you to see that you are stronger than you ever thought
Yes, this light is your guide
You need to trust it
Believe in it
Lean deeply into it
Allow this light to teach you what you need to learn
Be brave in the chances you take
Know that you have what you need inside you
You can make it happen
 

beginning anew in march

I could make the drive to and from work with my eyes closed.  I have been going the same way for ten years.  These roads which were once unfamiliar and unknown have now become a part of my DNA.  I remember when I arrived that first day.  Unsure of where to park, feeling deeply the jitters of the unknown as I stepped into a world I was completely unfamiliar with. Never did I imagine what I would learn within these four walls or the way I would grow and expand.  I didn't expect to unearth friendships, take an unexpected trip, get my heart broken, laugh deeply, strengthen my voice, fill my heart with memories.  

What was began as a temporary job evolved into finding my way to marketing.  I never thought I would end up here, but then again I never really knew where I was going.  I tend to follow my heart and take a chance.  I am grateful for the way these walls have held me gently, encouraged me to step forward, and given me financial security to enjoy the the moments of my days.  

Yet, there has been a constant tug inside my heart nudging me to step into my light and do the work I am meant to do in this world.  The biggest challenge has been that I am unsure what exactly that looks like.  What I know for certain is:

• I am called to being in service to others
• I have a strong desire to guide individuals in opening up to their heart to the page and experiencing the healing powers of their own written word
• I want to encourage others to move their bodies and tend to their minds
• I crave work that builds confidence in others
• I understand the importance of deep self care and want to encourage others to nourish their hearts and souls
• I want to invite people to experience the healing powers of nature
• And I want to do all of this with a heart wide open with love

Because how we show up in the world matters.  And when we feel called to do something we have to listen to the universe and simply go after it.  I don't know what shape or form it is going to take but I know that I need to get quiet and listen.  I need to give myself breathing room to figure it out.  I need to remember that it doesn't have to be so hard.  

March is the month of the bear for me which means waking from spiritual slumber / beginning anew.  This card could not be more perfectly timed as I feel the stirring inside my heart getting stronger and this familiar ground I have been traveling on is starting to feel very unfamiliar.  

It is time for me to wake from my slumber and move towards the light that is burning inside my heart.  It is time to transform.  It is time to begin.    

I have been known to do things in life in a non traditional way.  I follow my heart.  Put one foot in front of the other and simply see what happens.  I do not worry to much about the what if's.  I take the chance.  This hasn't always worked out in my favor but one thing is for certain; I have learned so much along the way and have grown into who I am today.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  

As I stand on the edge of this horizon I know I need to leap and give myself space to figure it out.  I cannot delay a single second longer.  Life passes by in the blink of an eye and it is time for me to shine.  I need to step forward and carve my own path.  My journey is just beginning.

How are you meant to shine your light in this world?