I invite you

I invite you to slow down and take a moment just for YOU.  Yes, you.  You deserve it.  You may still be in your PJ's.  Your hair may be a mess.  The dishes may need to be done.  But don't worry about any of that right now. 

Make yourself a cup of tea.  Find a warm place to sit.  Get comfortable. 

Sit for a just moment.  I know, it can be hard to do but I promise you have the time to do it. Constantly we are go, go, go.  But we need to slow down. We need to take the time and create the space to just be.  Do not worry about your long to do list I promise you it will still be there for you when you are through. 

Think about what has made you happy recently. 

What has lit you up?  The smiles from your children.  A wave from a stranger.  That moment in yoga class when you fell into deep meditation.  Just think of one good thing and smile.  Don't smile with just your face, but smile from your heart.  Feel the joy this one precious moment in life brought you.  

Now think of something you are grateful for. 

I know there are many but choose just one.  What one thing, person, moment are you most grateful to have, have been a part of, have been surrounded by.  Think of what you are thankful for and smile.  Again smile with your entire heart.  Feel the the love you have for what you are grateful for.  

Now think about someone you love and adore. 

Picture him or her in all their glory doing what they enjoy most.  See the happiness on their face and the love in their eyes.  Send them light and love for all the adventures they will take in their lifetime.  Smile because they are precious gift in your life and you are a precious gift to them.  

I invite you to sink into all this goodness.  Because no matter how crazy and out of hand life can get there will always be something that made you happy, something you are grateful for, and someone you love.  And when you think of these things a smile will form on your face and you can take it just a little bit deeper by smiling from your heart.   

Smile from your heart today!

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This post was inspired by the third 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.  

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use what you got

I am a consumer.  Buying things that catch my eye.  Wanting to try out whats new.  Purchasing, purchasing, purchasing.  Sometimes these things end up in the back of the cabinet collecting dust or tucked inside a drawer never seeing the light of day and never being used.  I have a home filled with things.  Do I appreciate all of them?  Certainly not.  I have a cabinet and freezer filled with food yet each week I go to the grocery store and buy more.  

What if I used what I had?  What if I let go of what truly doesn't serve me?  What if I stopped purchasing things that I already own?  

I have a pallet of eye shadows barley used yet I want to go out and get one that I saw a friend had.  I have cans of chickpeas and bags of frozen fruit, yet rather than use them I purchase more food.  I buy things I do not even need. 

It is amazing how quickly the things we own can begin to consume us.  Each item gives and takes energy from us.  When we open an overflowing cabinet and only feel overwhelmed our energy levels are instantly diminished. What if my home was only filled with the things I need and the things I love?  How would I feel?    

I am challenging myself to use only what I have.  There is no need to purchase more.  No need to have the latest fad or trend when I have a perfectly useful comparison tucked in the back of my closet.  I want to appreciate what I have and only be surrounded by things that nourish my soul. 

It is time to use what I have and toss/donate what I do not need.  It is time to pair down and live light.  I do not want my things to consume me.  I want to feel spacious not only in my heart but in my physical space as well.  

So here is what I am doing:

• Looking at what is in my cabinet and using it for upcoming meals.  Yes, there will be some things that I need but I am going to challenge myself to try to make as many meals with the food I have on hand.  
• Using the makeup, shampoo, soap, deodorant I have stockpiled in my bathroom before buying anymore.  
• Reading through the books and magazines I have rather than going out and purchasing more.  
• Using the art supplies I have on hand and coming up with creative projects to use them.  

It's time to get creative.  To let loose and have some fun with whats on hand. 

I invite you to join me in this adventure?  Let's encourage one another and hold each other accountable.  Comment below if you are in and I will drop you a note of encouragement in the mail {yes, actual snail mail}.  

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.  

dear little one, you can climb mountains

Dear Little One,

I see you.  There is wonderment in your eyes and a sense of freedom in everything you do.  You view the world through a lens of possibility.  I admire the way you show up with your entire heart and give it your all.  You do not worry about what the world thinks.  All that matters is if it is brining you joy.  

You are passionate about everything you do.  When you dance you let go and simply have fun.  When you write you print slowly placing your finger after each word to ensure proper spacing.  When you hug you hold on tight and lean in.  When you smile the entire room lights up.  

You are not yet clouded by the judgment of the world.  You believe there is good in everyone.  Without you even knowing it you give others a chance to prove you wrong and they usually end up proving you right.  You take risks.  You leap.  You are unafraid to fall down.  You always get back up and just keep on going.  

It is incredible to watch you learn and grow.  To see the way you navigate the world.  To watch the way you interact with others. There are moments you hold back taking it all in but then you ease into your comfort and you break free.  I love watching you break free.  It is in these moments you sprint across the grass playing with the other kids and giggle wildly. 

Your laughter is contagious.

You have stories, so many stories.  What a precious gift it is when you tell them with others.  You share how the moment made you feel and you are sure you don't miss one single detail. 

You love to lend a hand and help out.  You create special spots at the table for everyone.  You always want to hold the baby and try your hardest to make him smile.  You help your little brother out even when he may be driving you crazy.  

You have no idea how much joy you bring to the family.  Your imagination, your thoughtfulness, your love, your energy.  It is felt and makes a huge impact. 

Never forget this feeling of freedom of completely being you.  Stand tall with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your heart open.  Let others get to know you.  Continue to shine that smile that lights up an entire room.  Always choose kindness.  And never let the world tell you that you are to tall, to short, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not anything enough because you aren't.  You exactly as you are is an incredible gift!  Remember this always. 

You can climb mountains and you will.  

Sure, there will be some really tough times ahead but you will make it through them.  Always reach out to your friends and family and know that I am here for you.  You create magic wherever you go.  Continue to stay open to the wonderment of it all.  Continue to explore, to dream, to grow.  

And continue to dance wildly!  

Love always,
One of your biggest fans

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Interested in connecting with someone through snail mail?  Join the Love Notes Postcard Project.  We begin on April 8th.  This free three week project connects you with another individuals in the group to send snail mail to.  Unsure of what to write, don't worry we got you covered with a weekly prompt to get the pen moving.  I invite you to slow down and join in on the snail mail revolution.

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