Let Your Dreams Bloom

I received quite a few emails and comments over the last few days in response to my Lessons from a Computer Cleanse post and it looks like I'm not the only one fumbling through my days trying to find "time" for it all!  Thanks to those of you who reached out, offered suggestions and shared your own struggles.  I truly believe that when we relate and connect in an authentic way we invite Life to help us expand and grow.

Life doesn't have to be hard, overwhelming, and full to the brim, yet most of us find ourselves trying to keep our head above water.  There's just too much to do and not enough time in the day.  So we find ourselves day-in and day-out repeating those old thoughts and patterns...If I only had more money...If I only had more time...If he would just do this...If she would just do that...I should be doing this...and I really shouldn't be doing that...I'm not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, rich enough and on and on and on...

And while we are busy telling ourselves all the reasons why we can't find happiness NOW life is passing us by.  NOW is the time to clear out our mental clutter, because just as there is beauty that comes from clearing out the weeds in the garden, there is beauty inside you waiting to bloom.

As you move through your day today become more aware of the beauty you see around you and within you.  Truly take the time to stop and smell the flowers.  There is wisdom in that beauty, just as there is wisdom in you.

Life is beautiful.  YOU are beautiful.  Let yourself and your dreams bloom, because YOU deserve happiness and YOU have goodness to share with the world.

Your Personal Reflection:  What would you do with your life if time and money were not a concern?  Are you wasting time and energy on negative mental clutter?  What beauty do you see, around you and within you, when you stop to smell the flowers?

Have you signed up to receive my monthly newsletter?  In my next issue I'll be sharing some tips on how to change your thoughts and ways to create more time in your daily life to allow your dreams to bloom. Sign-up today.

April Unplugged (no foolin')

I grew up Catholic, and although I don't affiliate with a particular religion anymore, I do appreciate the symbolism of lent.  As a child I always got excited about picking my one thing to "give-up."  It was usually candy or pop or ice cream.  And I was actually pretty darn good about it.  I loved the feeling when Easter day came around and I could say, "I did it!"  I like using this time of year for deep reflection and I value the insight that I can gain when I let go of something I no longer need.  This letting go allows me to step inward and helps limit the amount of external distractions in my life.

As much as I love the Internet and connecting with YOU, I've gotta say that I can see how my few minutes of computer time here and there throughout the day distract me.  I get on to upload some photos, then hear a ding alerting me that another email just arrived. I jump over to my inbox to read it, which takes me to Facebook and before I know it I'm reading about what my old high school friend is eating for lunch.  Then the baby is up from his nap and I didn't get a chance to do the one thing I had intended to do in the first place - which was to simply upload photos!  Can you relate?

So in preparation for new projects I'm cultivating this spring, I've decided that I'm going to use the month of April to limit distractions.  And that's why I'm "giving up" the computer for one month.

Here are my April Unplugged rules:  Until Easter, I'm staying away from Facebook and Twitter.  No writing posts.  No reading posts.  No writing blogs (eeks).  No reading blogs (gulp).  I can check and respond to emails, but will limit my time.  I can do business related computer work, like writing articles for online magazine deadlines, keeping connected to my Inside Out community forum and doing research related to my website redesign.  (I found a graphic/web designer who is going to help me with this...and soon I'll be working on new e-courses, too!  Sooo excited.) I can write and send out my first newsletter.   (Sign-up so I can send you one, too!)  And that's it. 

Since I have little boys who need my love and attention, I have to be wise about how I spend my time.  I know that just by giving up my tendencies to get sucked into computer land I will have more space and energy to focus on what matters most...

Like enjoying the fresh air...

playing... 

BEing together...

and noticing spring.

Just getting ready to post this challenge and I'm already feeling some resistance.  I guess that's a reminder that when we "give up" something we are attached to, it may not come easy at first, but there's gotta be beauty and insight along the journey...right?  

So...here it goes... 

Your Personal Reflection:  What can you "give up" this spring so that you can free up time to focus on things that need attention in your life?

Please note:  I have an exciting art piece to share with you.  When it's ready I will allow myself one blog post and one Twitter/Facebook mention...but that's it!  I sure like making up my own rules...

And a special thanks to these free spirits for adding the I'm a Free Spirit badge to their site:  Lily, Elliefants, Soul Cadence, Aarian, Erin, Amanda, and Exploring Life!

Seeing Green

I wanted to send you a little green today as we invite the first day of spring our way!  Woo hoo.  I know so many of you are ready for this time of year, and even though it may not be spring where you live, no matter what season it is, I'm sure you can feel the energy that comes from change.

Many of the past Inside Out explorers and me are starting a green smoothie challenge today.  We signed up here where we'll receive free inspiration for the next 14 days.  Then, we'll share how we feel on our private class community.  I did one of these last year and I loved the way it made me feel. (Talk about energy...)

If you'd like to join us, sign-up to receive the daily emails from the Green Smoothie Challenge site.  Then, simply enjoy one green smoothie, preferably for breakfast, (and using organic produce if possible) for the next 14 days.  You can share how you feel on my Flickr Free Spirit Knits group page - upload photos there and join the discussion!

Here's the smoothie I started with today.  Don't be scared - it's so good!  (And my 3 year old loves it, too.)

Green Banana Smoothie

6 large romaine leaves

2 bananas

2 cups of water

Put all the ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.  Drink and enjoy!

Ready...set...green!

Your Personal Reflection:  In what ways can you welcome the new change of season into your life?

Reminder:  The Wish Big E-Camp starts tomorrow!  Are you ready to kick your spring into high creative mode?  No art experience necessary.  Check it out here.

And come back for a visit on Wednesday as I have a very special Free Spirit Spotlight interview to share with you!

New Beginnings...

Find the seed at the bottom of your heart 
and bring forth a flower. 
-Shigenori Kameoka

Happy March!  We have had an awesome winter - staying home, enjoying the abundant snow, having fires, making cookies and lots of snuggling.  Even though the weather is still pretty chilly, I find my excitement rising just knowing spring is near.  

With spring coming means it's time to get started on planting our seedlings.  Last year was the first time we attempted a full-size garden and this year we are doubling our plot at our community garden to a 10 by 25 foot space.  Any tips and suggestions for getting started, since I'm still a newbie, are much appreciated!

Getting ready to plant seeds got me thinking about how preparing and caring for a garden has such similarities to the love and attention our own lives need.  I share more about this in a new article for Rhythm of the Home magazine.  Feel free to stop over there and read, Cultivate New Beginnings and Allow Your Dreams to Bloom.

And don't miss the amazing giveaway going on right now on the Rhythm of the Home blog!  They are giving away amazing prizes and all you have to do is leave a comment by this coming Monday.  

One prize includes a spot in the upcoming Wish Big Ecamp that I'll be teaching at in just a few weeks.  (So excited!)  One winner will enjoy a spot in this weeklong adventure which includes 10 creative workshops, plus tons more.  It is going to be so incredibly nourishing, inspiring and fun!  Will you be joining us?

Your Personal Reflection:  What excites you about spring?

Cultivating Seeds

I want to give a BIG thanks and send out virtual hugs to all of you for your support and words of encouragement during my grandmother's passing.  It was an honor to share a glimpse of her last moments with you, and I so enjoyed hearing your touching, personal stories of your own connections to those you love.  

In honor of life, I am choosing to start a garden this spring!  We've had small gardens in the past, but this is the first time I've ever started the seeds on my own.  I have to admit that although excited, I was nervous to get started.  Not quite knowing what to do, I called my good friend and awesome gardener, Dana, for some tips.    

I like to think of my life as a garden, so as I got my hands in the dirt I couldn't help but reflect on the things that are growing abundantly in my life, and the things that need more care.  Just like our garden, we must nurture ourselves, take time for our dreams, and feed our souls, so that our life can grow to its fullest, vibrant potential.

If you are wanting to put yourself more in the forefront of your life, and really create a life that you love, then check out my upcoming self-discovery adventure: Inside Out.  (Only 7 more days to sign-up!)

Now, let's get started planting new seeds.

What you need:
Good dirt (I used organic seed starting Jiffy mix.)
Seeds (Read the packets to find what works best in your area.)
Jiffy Pots and Trays

Fill the Jiffy pots with dirt.

Use a pencil to make small holes in the center of each pot.

Feel the seeds in your hand.  I love admiring how different all the seeds are.  Isn't it amazing that something this small has everything inside it to burst into bloom?  (Just like us!)

Pour 4-6 seeds in each hole.  (This isn't an exact science.)

Cover the seeds with dirt.

Pour water in the bottom of the tray so the pots can soak it up from the bottom.  If you notice any standing water, sop it up so the bottoms of the pots don't rot.

Place the lid over the seedlings and send them some lovin'.  The trays should go to a warm area, but hold off on putting them in direct sunlight until you see the seedlings popping through the soil.  Once you start to see signs of growth, pop open the lid, and eventually remove it all together.  (These directions come with the Jiffy pots.)  Keep the soil moist and keep an eye on your seeds daily so they don't get bone dry.

Have fun caring for your new garden!  The abundance that comes from daily care will be quite apparent in a few months from now.

Your Personal Reflection:  What little steps can you take daily to nurture the seeds in your life so that you can create the best possible garden for your dreams?

Bye Bye Winter; Bring on Spring!

I know it's a little early for a post about spring, as the new season is officially 25 days away, but I'm so ready for it.  It has been an unbelievable winter in the Midwest, with a white landscape of snow for months.  I've really enjoyed the incubation period of long days at home, staying in pajamas,  afternoon naps and snuggly evenings with the boys.

But I'm ready.  I'm ready for sun.  I'm ready to feel the heat.  I'm ready to play outside and reconnect to nature.  I'm ready for new things to grow and bloom.  I'm ready to say goodbye to winter.

To help us all prepare for a healthy and vibrant spring, I want to share with you an article I wrote last year entitled:


Spring into Action: Tips for Cultivating a Healthier Life
With spring comes excitement and fresh new energy.  Spring activity offers us endless possibilities for new beginnings.  Spring is a time to plant seeds and tend to the garden. What happens if we simply throw seeds in the yard without taking necessary steps to help them grow?  Most likely, those seeds won't get the best chance to become healthy, strong, and fully developed. This same idea can be applied to our own lives. If we think of our life as the garden and ourselves as the seed, we can take action to cultivate a life that will thrive and flourish.

Make Space for Rich Soil
Getting rid of the weeds, clearing space and starting with good soil is key to growing a healthy garden.  This is also true when looking at our own lives.  Ask yourself: What am I ready to let go of - physically, mentally and emotionally, that no longer serves a purpose in my life?

Nourish the Seeds
New seedlings have a hard time flourishing without valuable substances like water, sunlight, and care.  Ensure that you get the proper nourishment by taking the best care of YOU.  Ask yourself:  What truly feeds my soul?

Check Your Garden Daily
Caring for the garden each day will help you assess the growth. Self-reflection and maintaining your well-being takes daily practice. Ask yourself:  What are my accomplishments and celebrations, and what changes can I make today to live more fully?

Here are 7 tips for creating the best growing conditions for a healthy start to your spring.

Tip #1: Reduce Clutter
Clear your closets and recycle items that are taking up space.  My husband and I continue to clear piles of stuff from our house and although it's hard work, little by little we are making progress and it feels amazing!  We both notice feeling lighter and happier.  If this task feels too overwhelming at first, find support.  Sometimes our gardens are too big to conquer alone!

Tip #2: Find Stillness
When our thoughts are scattered, it is hard to find peace of mind.  Try yoga, take a walk, limit TV, soak in the tub, sit quietly, or meditate.  Even if it's only five minutes a day, it is in this stillness that our true nature will emerge.

Tip #3: Sleep more
Finding anyone who gets enough sleep is pretty rare; yet good sleep is vital to our overall well-being.  (Ever since I became a mom, I'm still working on this one!)  Go to bed earlier and wake up a little earlier.  You will find this helps you sleep better and will help give you a smoother start to your day.

Tip #4: Breathe Deeply
Better breathing has an amazing cleansing effect and will reduce both physical and mental stress. Sit comfortably.  Close your eyes.  Take a deep, slow inhale through your nose, open your mouth, and fully exhale.  Repeat several times.  Sit quietly and ahhh...enjoy how you feel.

Tip #5: Enjoy Nature
Fresh air and sunshine are the most natural healing elements and what better way to enjoy the outdoors then by doing a fun activity; walking, running, biking, hiking (or gardening!) will help you feel more energized.  Or, since the snow is still on the ground...sledding anyone?

Tip #6: Journal
Writing your thoughts is a powerful way to gain clarity and is very freeing.  A journal offers a safe place where you can share your true feelings, explore your dreams and find the wisdom it takes to make those dreams a reality.

Tip #7: Create Daily
Each of us is born with the innate ability to create.  Most adults I meet actually believe they aren't creative.  This just isn't true!  Your creative energy needs a way to express itself.  Try a new activity that makes you feel creatively alive and inspired.

Implementing just a few of these tips, slowly and with kindness, will enrich your life and help produce rewarding results.  Enjoy preparing for spring and happy growing!

Your Personal Reflection: What can you start doing, now, to invite new beginnings into your life?

Spring Forward

Wow...I can't believe it will actually start being lighter later. That's always such an exciting time of year because we all know what's coming next...summer! We had a few days of 70 degree weather this past week - my neighbors started to emerge, people were wearing flip flops, kids were flying kites - you actually could see the excited energy everywhere.

We all know that spring is symbolically a time of rebirth and renewal. "Spring cleaning" allows us a chance to reflect on changes we need to make and things we are ready to let go of. We can clear out the clutter, release behavior that no longer serves a purpose in our lives and create space for newness.

As I come out from the coziness of winter I am needing more order and organization in my life. My husband and I recently spent weeks cleaning out our basement and that simply marked the beginning of my spring cleaning. Now I'm ready to conquer my creative center - my art room. I need to clear out some old projects and materials that I no longer resonate with so I can make space for the creative direction I'm moving in. I feel somewhat daunted by the task, and yet strangely excited.

I just returned from a walk where I looked more closely at the buds slowly sprouting and I reflected on what it is I need most this spring. Simplicity. That's it. My hope is that as I plant more seeds of order, organization, stability, and space - harmony and peace that come from keeping things simple will grow in full abundance for me this spring.

Your Personal Reflection: What type of spring cleaning will you do?