recipe

a recipe for a happy jb

begin with the open air
brilliant sunshine
and time to roam free

add in laughter
good friends
and a song playing in your heart

don't skip on the giggles
add more than you think you will need 
for these will last a lifetime

stir in your open your heart 
long walks
and hand holding

add a dash or two of wishing on stars
a heaping of dreaming up new ideas
and let it all soak in the idea that anything is possible

place in the sunshine
give it time to breathe
watch in awe as it grows into a happy life 
 

:: this writing prompt was inspired by michelle gd's 28 moments class.  
what recipe would you write for yourself?
 

connection

The moment you walked past I felt it
There was something in the air
An energy that wasn't there before
We didn't even speak
And still I felt it

What causes this
This moment where the world stands still
So many people pass me each day
But it was with you that the feeling changed
Did you feel it to

ignite the spark

Do you have a favorite movie?  I have more than a few and  One Week is on that list.  I have watched it over and over again and know the whole movie by heart.  This movie reminds me about living THIS life.  Yes THIS one right here.  

This week I learned that in MailChimp you can put your campaigns into folders.  The organizational obsessed side of me was so super excited! 

Not sure what to do with your old running bibs from your races?  How about making them into coasters.  

the moment you said yes

It was the moment you said yes that it all came together
The exact moment that you choose to no longer hide behind the curtain
But stand on the stage with the spot light on
You knew that you deserved to be seen
And bravely you stepped out

It was the moment when you said yes to sharing your heart
Not just with those around you, but with the great big wide world
This is the moment it all became more real
You saw how powerful truth and bravery are
Just like you knew they were

It was the moment that you said yes to facing the difficult questions
Looking for the truth behind the story
Listening in
Sharing bravely
And letting the world see for exactly who you are

It was the moment that you said yes to others desires
Wanting to see them sparkle and shine
You encouraged
Held hands and stepped together
And also stepped out of the way

It was the moment that you said yes to feel all that comes up
You knew along the journey there would be difficult questions
Moments of struggle that you would have to face
Differences and judgments
You knew this was all part of getting real and living boldly

It was the moment that you said yes that your whole world shifted
And so did the world for those around you
You have shown up with so much courage and bravery
Sharing the truth of your story with love and kindness
It is through you that others are inspired, reahcing for their own moment to say yes

:: this post is inspired by my dear friend mindy tsonas whose brave, honest, and raw heart inspires me each and every day.  she shows up in this world with her heart wide open, inviting others in, and never once judging.  she is amazing and i am so blessed to call her a friend.  

walking the line

There is a line in the sand that constantly washes away, and gets drawn
Again and again
Keeping up with social media and truly be present in life
Is a fine line to walk
Staying connected with others is so easy
You can do so through the palm of your hand
Yet sometimes we become consumed
The computer screen becomes our window to the world
And we forget about the beauty around us
Balancing online accounts and in person interactions becomes a juggling game
Time can pass quickly when we are staring at the screen
We wonder why we didn't get things done
And are left feel empty and divided

I am at a crossroads with social media.  I love it and hate it all at the same time.  I know my hate comes from a place of being too consumed with it.  Between blog post, Facebook, twitter, instagram and email where does one have time to breathe?  I sit all day in front of a computer screen and need to slow down, soak in the sunshine, dig my hands into a few creative endeavors, and simply just be when I come home from work.  I need to find balance between online and offline.  Staying social and being present.  

Is this a struggle for you as well?  If so how do you navigate your time?  

inner light

You have an inner light that shines
It sparkles brilliantly
Healing others as you pass them
Igniting the fire within them that has since been extinguished

This inner light is filled with beauty and grace
It flows out of you freely
And as you heal others
You heal yourself

You are wise and filled with love
When you share your own heart you lift others up
And fill your own well with so much goodness
When you smile, the world smiles back

And when you hug another
That simple embrace evokes a wave of radiance
That continues on
Even after you each have departed

They say that laughter is the best medicine 
And they are right
When you laugh you feel lighter
And you share that feeling with everyone around you

The world is a better place when you choose to be happy
And that choice may not always be easy
But when you shine your inner light you guide others home
And that is good, so very good

Keep shining your light