Hello!
I've been out of pocket for a bit but it's time to catch up! Lately I've been (maybe it's being 46 this year..let's call it a mid-life celebration, shall we???) thinking about how I really want to live my days, and the words that describe it best are fun, joy, collaboration, and on purpose.
For a variety of reasons...the crush of wearing too many hats.... you know the ones: woman with her own needs..sometimes getting met sometimes not!...mom....wife..artist...healer...aspiring yogi...journalist..faithful meditator...girlfriend doing her best to carve out time to stay connected with her dear friends...community supporter... caregiver...negligent housekeeper...shuttle bus service...chief weed puller...kitty box cleaner... buying into the "economic down-turn" hype.. feeling the financial and space sharing stress of a husband who is off for three months a year ..... spending the better part of this past year doubting my talent and ability and then pounding the pavement actually looking for a job ( four letter word spelled with three) fun and joy were swept to the background. Instead I was claimed by exhaustion and overwhelm, uncertainty..all the feelings that scream something was off-kilter.
And of course that something was me and my attitude about my own life. Being human is quite a journey, no matter how many years of meditating, of practicing Reiki, of journaling, of collaging, drumming, moving...when the Critic and Judge take center stage it can get ugly!
So slowly bit by bit, I unraveled the greater truths patiently waiting to be acknowledged underneath all the emotional chaos. I'm learning and learning and learning some more about the value of gentleness, of self compassion, of being courageous and allowing myself to shine, to be perfectly imperfect, to keep showing up authentically. It took the better part of a year but I finally accepted that what I wanted was a life of joyful creating , of service, of being a part of collaborative community, breathing room and space to see what I am really capable of. To re-invent myself as artist and healer and woman. I wanted to restore my sense of lightness, fun and spontaneity...and so here are some pics of where I began. When I traded in my kaput Highlander I asked,"What would be a really fun ride this time around, if I could have any car what would I get?" and Tah Dah, here she is ;') meet Twinkle, my new punch buggy. this is a girl who knows how to have a good time!
The inner recognitions brought outer shifts. I asked myself "What would I really like to do, have and be?" These are now my manifesting mantras. Then I listen and I take steps, sometimes baby steps, sometimes great leaps...I am committed to this life and to sharing it with as many kindred spirits as I can.
What would u really like to do, be and have? It's a question worth asking...you may be pleasantly surprised where it takes you!
