Enjoy the Day

Well I did get out of my jammies long enough to celebrate my birthday this week.  And I should have ridden my bike since I pretty much ate my way through the day.  But heck, I'm doing away with "shoulds"  'cause life is too short to not enjoy... 

yummy coffee, 

a local brew, 

a fresh slice of pizza, 

or the most decedent piece of tiramisu...right?

I've had a great couple of days just hanging with my favorite people.

And although my birthday celebrations have changed since having kids...

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Your Personal Reflection:  Enjoy YOUR day today!

And...make sure to enter for the very last chance to win a spot in the upcoming Inside Out e-course.  Check out the previous post for details.

Letting Life Naturally Unfold (& a give-away!)

Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you. 

- John De Paola

Am I the only one who isn't ready for the new year?  Don't get me wrong, I've been organizing a bit.  I've been reflecting on the past year.  I've written some goals down in my journal.  I'm ready to pack up the Christmas decorations and vacuum up the evergreen needles.  And yes, I love a new start.  A fresh. clean. slate.  

But I'm not quite ready to get out of my jammies.  I feel motivated.  I feel excited about what this new year will bring.  I have an idea of the direction I'm going in.  But my pace is...well...slower.  I've either been enjoying my morning coffee by the fire a little too much, or maybe...just maybe...my thoughts are changing and my body is listening.  Maybe I am really starting to see that I can still conquer my daily "list" AND get on the floor and play with the kids.  That reading yet another book at "nigh night" doesn't really take up that much time.  That when I make space for painting or yoga or time away from the family to recharge my batteries, it's beneficial to everyone. That if I stop at my son's request to play in the middle of sweeping, well, heck...the sweeping still gets done.  AND the world doesn't end if I don't finish that "list" in a day's time.  

Huh.

I'm a lover of New Years.  I'm the queen of writing intentions and resolutions.  Reflecting on the past? Planning for the future?  Setting goals?  Making lists?  I got that stuff down.

But here at the start of 2012, I feel the need to open up to the moment that is here, right in front of my eyes.  I feel more creative that way.  I feel more centered.  I feel happier as I drift through the day, with less expectations, less control, and less freaking out when things don't go my way.

My focus for 2011 was to receive, to learn to live without, and to embrace stillness.  In 2010 I focused on reducing clutter and creating space.  In 2009 I set an intention to live more boldly.

And now...I am listening to that inner request to slow down, to celebrate each moment, to LAUGH MORE, to PLAY MORE, to focus on my health and wealth, and to continue mothering with heART.

So I guess I really am ready for 2012, but rather than writing some crazy list of things to accomplish, I want to stop pushing and stop chasing.  I want to keep celebrating living each day and simply be more open to letting this new year (and my life) naturally unfold...

******

To celebrate my birthday (It's tomorrow!) I'm offering one last chance to win a spot in my upcoming Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.  Just leave a comment on this post to the following question for your chance to win!  I'll announce a winner this Friday.

Your Personal Reflection:  What is your intention, phrase, special word, feeling or simple goals that are guiding you into the new year?

Moving Slowly into the New Year

Although we haven't seen a glimpse of snow this winter, we continue feeding the fire, making it warm and toasty inside.  So much so that it's been quite the enticement to stay home and snuggle in every day.

And since Christmas morning that's pretty much the scene around here.  Fire going, bed head, jammies, new toys spread throughout the house and new games being played together.

Our holidays have been filled with little surprises and special moments seen through the eyes and wonderment of our children.  Making us feel young again.  Reminding us of the important things in life.  Gently forcing two busy parents to stop.  Get on the floor.  Play. Be messy.  Stop worrying, because there's nothing to worry about.  

And if that smile doesn't pretty much say it all, I don't know what does.  When you take the time to be together, to really, truly be together - enjoying the moment that is now - well, joy, bliss, happiness and contentment will make you shine.

Today is a gift.  Just as YOU are a gift.  Today and every day, YOU are a gift in this world.  Shine like the brightest star, because the world needs you.  Take time today to reflect on this past year and celebrate the one yet to come.  Slow down just a little more and feel the fire inside and all around you.   Now, more than ever before, is the time to embrace this moment, and LIVE slowly, fully, boldly and freely.

Happy NEW Year! 

Your Personal Reflection:  In what ways will you slow down today as you celebrate the start of this new year?

The Magnificence of Nature

We took a quick road trip to Omaha this weekend for my cousin's wedding.  It was a fun little adventure and we had a good time catching up with what seemed to be millions of family members.

  

I captured these photos on the way.  The clouds were just magnificent.  (For all you IPhone users, check out ShakeItPhoto - an app that allows you to take Polaroid images.  You can even shake your phone for faster developing. Way cool.)

I really enjoyed having a few moments of quiet time in the car.  I was mesmerized by the vibrant beauty of the changing cloud formations.  Paying attention to the clouds, I was reminded that when I take the time to really see the world around me, I feel more connected to what I'm experiencing, and I end up feeling more energized, happy and alive.

Allowing ourselves time for this simple practice, to really notice the things around us - especially the wonder of nature - is a great exercise in living more presently.  

Take some time today to stop, to notice, to observe and maybe even capture with your phone or camera - the every day things in your environment.  We all move too fast as it is, so slowing down is a great gift you can give yourself.  I think you'll be surprised at what you discover.  

Your Personal Reflection:  Enjoy this lovely quote from Eckhart Tolle, "Once there is a certain degree of Presence, of still and alert attention in human beings' perceptions, they can sense the divine life essence, the one indwelling consciousness or spirit in every creature, every life-form, recognize it as one with their own essence and so love it as themselves.  Until this happens, however, most humans see only the outer forms, unaware of the inner essence, just as they are unaware of their own essence and identify only with their own physical and psychological form."

So, today, take a few minutes to look up at the clouds, to hug a tree, to hold a stone or flower in your hand, and see its inner and outer beauty.  Can you see the life energy and feel a connection to its pure essence?  Can you become more aware of your own inner essence?  Remember, you are more than just physical form, but rather you are one with the source - and we are all connected.  And like the clouds, YOU are magnificent.