choose your path

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Choose the path that is  right for you
The one that lights
YOU
up inside
The one that
YOU
are drawn to
Do not worry about the path others are taking
Do not, do not, do not compare
The comparison game only leads to self destruction
What is right for you is not right for everyone
You must follow your heart
Go your own way
What is the one thing you would do right now if there were no limitations?
What is the one thing you always dream about doing?
What makes you laugh and giddy with excitement?
Find a way to integrate these things into your life
Even if it is just a small moment in time
Small steps lead to big changes
Choose joy
Seek out what makes you happy
And continue to take a chance on YOU

guest post :: valerie

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Each time I host the 

Love Notes Post Card Project

I wonder how others do with the writing prompts.  Are they a struggle or do the words flow easily?  I also wonder how being a part of the project affects each of the participants.  

This week I received a lovely note in the mail that had me laughing and also brought beautiful tears to my eyes.  The letter from Valerie showed me how this project has helped people step out of their comfort zone with writing and take a chance on the prompts provided.  

Valerie wrote a beautiful definition of gratitude and an awesome list of things to be grateful for.  She has given me permission to share it here with each of you and I am so glad she has.   I am incredibly proud of Valerie for showing up and writing, even when the writing was uncomfortable.  And also for being so brave and letting me post here words here.  They totally rock!  

Here are Valerie's words:

Gratitude is

appreciating all things in your life that make it brighter and more meaningful.  

Don't forget to be grateful for:

~ The small gesture of kindness extended by a stranger

~ The smell of a crisp winter morning that makes you feel alive

~ The warmth of the sun on a cool fall day remind you of the goodness in nature

~ Your family and friends

~ Your dogs and cats who always seem to know when you need extra love from them

Valerie, thank YOU for letting me share your words and sending me this wonderful letter.  I laughed out loud when I read it, then shed a few tears.  I have read it over and over again and will cherish it.  I am so glad that our paths crossed as well.  xo

navigating the creative life

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As I navigate this creative life my mind swirls.  Furiously I fill pages of my notebook with the beginning pieces of different ideas.  They will each need to be tended to in their own way.  Some of them will get tucked into the back of my mind as I let them gently come to life on their own.  

When we give a voice to a desire, an idea, a longing, we begin to put it into motion.  And at the time it may not seem like that is happening, but it is.  Just stating it out loud let's your mind know to keep a look out for anything on your journey that could help bring that inner dream to life.

I am carving out space in my mind to percolate ideas for connecting, inspiring, and working with individuals who are longing to create more space for their own creative life.  I am dreaming up online and in person gatherings.  I envision moments of raw heart emotion, deep conversation, support, and love.  

I am learning that we are not meant to do it alone.  As Jen Lee describes in Indie Kindred; "Do it yourself doesn't mean do it alone."  I am on the look out for creative companions carving out their own path in the world but also looking to collaborate with others.  Is there someone that you know in your corner that I should meet?

Running and nightly Tea Time have become two rituals that are keeping me grounded.  They both quiet my mind, allow me space to breathe, and provide me a moment where it is just me.  What rituals do you turn to when you mind is swirling?

 

 

heart notes

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I don't know about you, but for me, the end of the year seems to come and go in the blink of an eye.  I don't even know where it goes or what had happened.  But all of the sudden I am smack into a brand new year feeling a bit lost and all over the place.

So this year I am getting intentional and taking the time to savor the beautiful moments that the end of the year serves up.  A time to reflect and embrace what was and whats to come.  Moments to spend with family and loved ones.  Deep thoughts about dreams and desires for the new year.  And an even deeper appreciation for all that was.

I invite you to get intentional with me through daily emails arriving  Monday - Friday from December 2nd through January 3rd.  These emails will be filled with:

  • Inspirational stories and poetry
  • Gentle reminders to slow down
  • Quick exercises to ground you, and bring you back to the moment
  • Moments to reflect upon

You will not need any fancy supplies or equipment for these exercises.  A journal or little slip of paper will do, and your camera phone will help to capture some of the moments if you choose.  

Come join me as we savor the last of 2013.  

The cost of Heart Notes :: words to savor is only $30.  These words will provide you guidance on getting intentional, inspiration to seek out the beauty, and warm your heart as the year comes to a close. I would love for you to join me.  

what i know to be true

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photo by: Thea Coughlin

Over the past 33 years I have been growing, expanding, and learning so much.  Here are 33 things I know to be true as I celebrate my own 33 years here:

1.  Life is so much more fun when you are surrounded by good friends and family
2.  Laughter heals.  Especially in those moments when we think we cannot laugh, me must.  Our hearts become lighter and the darkness doesn't feel so dark.
3.  Seeing the world through a four year olds eyes brings you back to the days when you thought you could do or be anything.  It is a good reminder to know that is still true if you are willing to go after it.
4.  Falling in love with someone you can travel with easily makes the adventures that much more sweet
5.  Using your voice in positive ways will take you further than you ever thought you could go
6.  If you want to make something happen, you have to begin
7.  Family is a sure thing in this world.  I know no matter what; I can lean on them, laugh with them, and create the most decadent memories
8.  Through travel one can learn some of life's best lessons and create the most savory memories
9.  We do not have to do it all alone.  Collaborating and working together with others enhances whatever it is you are creating
10.  Sunshine has the ability to fill your soul
11.  Running makes you stronger
12.  Showing up is half the battle.  When you show up time and time again, especially when you do not want to...celebrate that.  It is a big deal
13.  Having people you can share your story with is really important.  Not just anyone, but the ones that really get you
14.  True friends are rare. When you stumble upon them take the time to nurture the relationship
15.  You may not always love the work you do.  But you never know where it is going to lead you
16.  Showing your vulnerable pieces to others can have the ability to connect you in ways you never dreamed of
17.  There is so much you can learn about yourself when you live alone
18.  The experience of going away to college will teach you so much more outside the classroom
19.  Boyfriends will come and go, but one day when you finally figured out what you really want you will meet him and your life will be forever changed
20.  Taking time to discover what really moves you will fill you with happiness
21.  Dancing lifts your spirits no matter what mood you were in
22.  Lean deep into others, listen to what they say, and cultivate tender relationships
23.  To make big things happen you have to be willing to take a risk.  Leap!
24.  Going outside of your comfort zone will push you and help you to grow in immense ways
25.  Don't be afraid to say no.  And don't be afraid to say yes.
26.  Listen to what your heart really wants
27.  Supporting one another is so important, so very important
28.  Relationships with your siblings can bring you so much joy and laughter.  Nurture these relationships
29.  The dirty dishes and unmade bed can wait.  Now is the time to be fully present with the ones you love
30.  Don't worry about what others think of you.  Just be true to yourself and let that shine through
31.  A good pair of jeans is hard to find.  When you find ones that fit you, buy two!
32.  Twinkle lights make the world a better place
33.  Living big, bold, and beautifully is the only way to do it. So be silly.  Reach higher.  And go after your dreams