bloom open

Who were you before the world told you who you should be
Who were you before you were infused with  fear
Who were you before you listened to them

You were once carefree
Making your brothers sit at the kitchen table so you could play school
You were once shining
Unfraid to use your voice, standing up for what you wanted
Even if that was a chocolate chip cookie

You didn't shrink down
You did cheer leading routines on the front lawn
You rode your bike to the library, all on your own
You found your own path

But somewhere along the way you lost your voice
You became fearful
You choose to listen, instead of speak
And you hide that brilliant light shining from your heart

Now here you are 
Showing the world your heart, but still fearful at times
You have found your voice again, and you are ready to be heard
You are stronger than you have ever been

You must take the bold step forward
You must remembe that little girl who wanted to be heard and seen
You must surrendor to outside judgments
And only listen to the sound of your own desires

You are here to shine
You are here to give and to receive
Open up your heart
Open up you hands

The world wants to see you teaching again
The world wants to hear those cheers, even if you didn't make the squad
The world wants you
Exactly as YOU are

dream BIG

Are you ready to dream BIG?  Are you ready to say YES to all that is living in your heart?  The "Dream BIG" worksheet will help you get on the road to living the life you are meant to live.  

Head on over to the TOOLS to download the spreadsheet.  

When you speak your dreams out loud you breathe life into them and set them in motion.  You never know how they will open up and come true.  Don't be afraid to speak your dreams, even the ones you have tucked away in your heart.  Don't be afraid to say Yes to the ones that scare you.  Dream, dream, dream.  

build :: word of the year

Each year I choose a word to tuck into my heart and carry around with me for the entire year.  Some previous words have been wings, connect, love, soar.  I never know what the word will bring to me until the year is over.  I may have hopes of certain things unfolding but the universe may have different plans in store.  

For 2013 I choose a phrase, rather than a word: "all the cards on the table". I wanted to get my act together and do all of those things that I always put off.  Like getting the oil in my car changed, going to the dentist, working out, and getting my finances in order.  And oh how the universe took me by storm.  I have been to the dentist more times this year than I think I have been in my entire life (lesson to you all....go now, do not delay).  I have three doctors appointments set up within the next three weeks....oh joy!.  My finances may not be in order but Dustin won't stop bugging me until they are.  I have developed a routine of working out and I really got into it. And my car burns oil at a rapid pace that I have to stay on top it to ensure it runs properly.  

The old adage "be careful what you wish for" is so incredibly true when it comes to choosing your word.  So choose wisely.   

My word for 2014 felt so right the moment it popped into my head, and not for the obvious reason that Dustin and I are building a house this year but for so much more than that.  

the property we are building into H*O*M*E

BUILD

This year Dustin and I are setting down a strong foundation for our future together.  We are not only building a house, but building a life together.  

This year I also want to...

Build confidence in the work that I meant to do in this world.  To believe with every fiber of my being in my purpose and to share it and spread it.  

Build community.  In person, heart to heart, open, honest, loving, enriching community.  

Build deeper, stronger, loving friendships.

Build a stronger body and empowered mind.  Overcoming mental and physical obstacles.

Building up what is meant to thrive.  Laying down a strong foundation so that it can withstand the test of time.  Brick, by brick.  Showing up honesty and imperfect, but there

This year I want to build the life I am meant to be living.  

What word have you chosen to tuck into your pocket this year?

heart note for the passing year

Last night I wrote the below words to the recipients of my Heart Notes tribe.  Writing to them each night for the past month has  been so lovely.  It has helped me to slow down and savor the holiday season that tends to go by in the blink of an eye.  The words I wrote to them spoke so deeply with me that I wanted to share them here with you as well; I now they won't mind.    

{ Heart Notes Letter }

As you welcome in the New Year be tender with yourself.  Know that you have traveled a year long journey.  Your feet my be tired.  Your heart may be worn.  For you have conquered another year.  Bask in the glory of all you have accomplished.  Give thanks for all the goodness that has come your way.  Remember the struggles you faced, and pat yourself on the back for making it through them.  

 You made decision after decision.  You showed up, even when you didn't want to.  You had difficult conversations.  You did the hard work, like deciding what to cook for dinner and tending to the souls around you.  You cleaned up your fair share of messes.  You figured things out.  You didn't always do it with grace and patience, but you did it nonetheless.  And along the way you learned how to do it a little bit better next time.  

 You created memories that will last a lifetime.  You traveled near and far, sometimes only taking the trip in your mind.  You made new connections and strengthened relationships.  New smile lines dance across your face.  You learned something new, about yourself, about those around you, about this divine world we are living in.  You danced with pure joy and delight.  You touched the life of a stranger, and never even knew it.  You saved the day for someone.  You were surprised by more than one thing, and you surprised someone else.  

 You loved deeply.  You lost someone you cared about it.  You misplaced so many things, some you have now found and others are still missing, like the charger for your camera.  You came alive.  You celebrated with others.  You found your way.  

 This past year you have done and felt so many things.  Remember this when the clock strikes midnight.  Recognize all that was and boldly step into all that will be.  Treat yourself kindly.  Give three cheers for arriving here with new battle scars, new memories, and another whole year filling you up.  Not did you just make it here, but you lived it - - each and every day.  For that is something to celebrate.  

P.S. I will be hosting Heart Notes again in 2014 and would love to be writing to you.  

blessed

The wrapping paper has found it's way to the floor.  The sparkle the glitter, the wonder and hope has all been swooped up into one giant ball --- tossed in the air and scattered about.  

There was laughter
Tears, the good kind of tears
Deep hugs, and warm embraces.  

There were talks of dreams, and the beginning of building a future together
Seeing dear family we haven't seen in year's
And getting back someone we felt we lost

New memories have been made
Pajamas have been worn
And photos have been taken to show their kids one day

It was good, so very good
Gathering with family fills my heart with love
And reminds me of how deeply blessed I am

believe

Now is the time to believe
Believe in what you think is not possible
Believe in the unknown
Believe that the world is working it's magic
And gifting you just what you need

Now is the time to take that chance
To follow your heart
Go after what it is you really want 
Leap into the unknown
And believe that it will work out as it is meant to

Now is the time to spread your love
Tell those around you that you care about them
Do not wait another day
Shout it from the mountain tops
And know that when you speak those words, it means so much

Now is the time to choose your own path
Don't follow someone else's lead
Take the reigns and go down your own road
Follow your heart
And know that by doing so the world will open up to you

Now is the time
There is no better time to start then today
What do you want your next step to be?
Where do you want to go?
Now is the time, believe in the power of your choices and leap