choosing love

When you are unsure of where to turn, or what to do
Choose love
Yes, choose love
When you feel lost and afraid, struggling to find your way
Seek out love
Yes, seek out love

It is around even when you do not think it is there
It can be found in the comfort you feel tucked away in your bed
In the warm meal you take time to eat
In the smile from a stranger
Or the kindness from the a coworker

Yes, love is around you
And it wants to be savored and seen
Love doesn't want to stay tucked away
It is meant to be shared and celebrated
Love is a beautiful gift

When you think you have nothing to give
Give love
A smile, a hug, a quiet understanding
Yes, all of this is love
Look for the love in your own heart and spread it

Love opens you up
Makes you see the world with new eyes
It will surprise you
And knock you off your feet
Love is the best kind of feeling there is

So today, and every day
Find a way to share love with those around you
And those you pass on the street
Slow down
And choose love

the biggest lesson I learned this year

2014 was a monumental year for me.  A lot of my focus and dedication was on one massive goal - running the NYC Marathon.  This is something I never imagined I would be able to accomplish.  Running three miles was a challenge for me.  Running 26.2 felt nearly impossible.

So I started small with what I knew I could do.  On these smaller runs I challenged myself by finding the hills and struggling my way up them.  It wasn't always easy and I am sure it never looked pretty but I made it to the top, and each time I did my body was a little bit stronger.   

Then slowly I increased my mileage. Step by step and with each bump up I was in awe that I had did it and proud of myself for making it that far.  Three miles became five miles.  Five miles became ten miles.  Ten miles became 20 miles.  I couldn't believe it.  I was doing it.  I was actually doing it.  

Sometime between fighting myself to run just three miles and still standing and smiling at mile 15 I fell in love with running.  I was grateful for the time it gave me to be with my thoughts, lose myself, travel down roads I never knew existed, and experience cheers from complete strangers.  Training for the NYC Marathon shifted something in me that I didn't realize needed shifting.  

With each new run under my belt I felt stronger, braver, and more fierce.  I held pride in my heart for showing up even when I didn't want to.  I had set a goal for myself and I didn't give up on it, even when it was hard I kept on going.  

I learned that when I put my mind to something I can accomplish it.  
I learned that I have an enormous support system cheering me on each step of the way.  
I learned that it isn't always going to be easy.  
I learned that there will be days when I won't want to do it but then I will show up and be so glad that I did.
I learned that there is still opportunity to fall in love 
I learned that when I stay open I find my way.  

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to run the NYC Marathon. Grateful to those who inspired me to give it a try and to those who supported me along my journey.  I never thought that running would teach me so much, but it has and for that I am in awe.  ​

love notes postcard project:: joy is

Another round of the Love Notes Postcard Project is wrapping up with the third and final prompt:

Joy is . . . 

I love this prompt because joy is so many different things.  There are the simple joys of a child's laughter and the more complex ones of watching something you have worked so hard come to life.  Joy bubbles up in unexpected moments and reminds us of the sweet spot of life.  

Joy is wearing what makes you feel good
Dancing to your favorite song on the radio
Seeing the ones you love
Making it across the finish line

Joy is infused in your home
You will find it as you share a meal around the table
When you look lovingly at yourself in the mirror
And when you take a moment to pause and savor that this is your safe space

Joy is the wave of emotion that overcomes when you recognize that you are standing exactly where you are meant to be.  

Joy is within you.  You seek it out.  You bring it to the table.  You share it with others.  And it makes this life a lot better.  Yes this is Joy!  

What is joy to you?  Where do you find it and how do you savor it?

braving the blues check in

So far the winter has treated us kindly.  The days have not been to bitingly cold and I have had the opportunity to step outside from some fresh air more often than not.  Having a plan in place has definitely helped me to brave the blues and keep me on track from not falling down the rabbit whole.  

I have been keeping myself busy with some creative projects.  I unpacked my sewing machine and jumped on in.  I do not really know how to sew but I am learning.  It has bee so much fun to watch something take shape.  Have a creative outlet to turn to and a project to complete keeps me energized and focused.  

More often than not I have revved up my juicer.  Getting healthy foods into my body always makes me feel better.  One of my favorite go to juice recipes is:

• A few Carrots
• One Beet, two if they are really small
• One Green Apple
• One Lemon
• A couple of stalks of Celery
• Some Ginger
• Romaine

This is one of my favorite combinations.  I love the healthy dose of energy that the beets provide me.  Do you have any favorite juicing recipes?  

I have also been enjoying sending and receiving postcards as a part of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  For this round I created a couple of postcards using watercolors.  It was nice to sit down for a little while and really focus my energy on these postcards.  

For me there is such a thrill that occurs when I see a little sliver of sunshine in my mailbox sitting next to the bills and excessive amount of catalogs that I receive.  These little pieces of paper lift me up and change my day for the better.  I can't believe next week is already our third and final prompt for this round.  

How about you?  How have you been braving the blues?  Do you have any secret recipes or  warrior moves that you can share?  What is helping you get through these dark and cold days?  
I encourage you to join me in braving the blues.  Check out the hashtag #bravingtheblues on Instagram to see what else has been helping me.  Maybe it will inspire you in #bravingtheblues 

what I want you to know

What I want you to know is there is love swirling all around you
People care about you and want to be there
Lean on them whenever you need to
Yes, I know you are the one usually doing the taking care of
But others want to take care of you
Do not hesitate to pick up the phone, ask for a hug, or stay a little bit longer

What I want you to know is you are fully supported
Prayers are being said
Love is being sent
You are held deeply
Open up your heart and soak it all in
We are all by your side every step of the way

There is so much that I want you to know
But about all else
What I want you to know is that I love you

This writing is in response to the second Love Notes Postcard Project writing prompt.

What I want you to know. . . .

 It has been so much fun seeing the images appear on Instagram #lovenotesjb and in the Facebook Group.  People are filled with such wisdom and their words have touched my heart.  Oh this project is so much fun!!  I am sad that this Sunday is the last postcard for this round.  It all flies by to quickly.  

sew crafty

This weekend I pulled out my sewing machine and decided to jump on in.  There was one particular project that I had to finish up from last year, yes last year --- when my sewing machine broke and I couldn't figure out how to fix it.  This particular project needs to be complete before Christmas, so now is as good a time as any to get it done. 

I am LOVING my new machine.  It is so easy to use and was set up in a flash.  I wish I would have taken it out of the box sooner.   My living room is filled with bits of fabric, pins, and all sorts of sewing goodness.  It is an explosion of color.  Not having much space to lay everything out makes it a little bit challenging, but I am still enjoying the process.  

There is something magical to me in watching my creations come together.  In seeing the pieces that I cut out actually take form.  I do have much to learn about tension, stitch size, and fabric but these little works of love are a fun experiment.  

I wish I could show you more images now but these pieces are gifts for some very special folks and I don't want to ruin the surprise.  I will share more after they receive them.   

Sewing was a great way to help me brave the blues.  Yesterday it was windy and cold outside.  I went for a short walk but knew I needed to do something to prevent me from laying on the couch and drifting away into a bluesy nap.  So out the machine came and instantly my spirits were lifted.  My creative drive revved up and I even made two trips to the craft store to pick up somethings I didn't have, and then somethings I forgot.

Working with my hands soothes me.  I love how I can physically see nothing turn into something.  I think that little sewing machine is going to get a lot of use out of me.