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?

Living Every Day Like It's Vacation

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. 

-Robert Orben

Most photos by Chris Duh. 

We spent a week in Park City, Utah visiting family and in a way, I felt like I had stepped into another world.  It's amazing the fresh perspective that can come from new surroundings.  

The day before our travels I had a massive "to do" list and feelings of looming stress. On the morning of vacation day (even at the airport), I felt more relaxed and relatively stress-free.  The only thing on the "to do" list that day was to play with our kids, travel safely and not lose anything (including the kids) along the way.

Because we were staying at my mother-in-laws home, we packed pretty lightly knowing we could do laundry half-way through the trip.  So we each brought just 3 outfits for the 7 days.  I brought one knitting project and a book.  Ski clothes, car seat, a couple of toys, snacks, camera and an iPad.  It was still a lot, and yet it felt easy to handle.

And because I was on vacation my mind told my body it could...relax.  And that I did.  It certainly helped that our family took such good care of us while we were there.  They spoiled us with good meals, gifts, free skiing - heck, my mother-in-law even did our laundry!

Here are some things I was reminded of while on vacation...

I like taking a break from being in the driver's seat.

I'm only as stressed as I let my mind make me.

Seeing the world as a 4 year old...

and as a 1 year old...

really does make the simplest things, like playing ball with a dog or touching the snow, pretty darn special.

I was reminded of the love shared when giving and receiving gifts.

I was reminded that when you have space in your day to be spontaneous, you find new discoveries that you never imagined possible.

And when you let go of expectations and go with the flow, taking the wrong train can turn out to be a really good time.

I was reminded of how fun it is to see new places...

I was reminded of my growing passion for cooking as I discovered the kitchen of my dreams in the real version of the "Up" house.

I was reminded of how much fun it is to play and be silly.

I was reminded of the joy that comes from sharing something you love with your kids for the first time.

I was reminded that I really love slow mornings, without anything planned for the day, except to eat, knit, play and see what comes up.

I was reminded that no matter where you go, your daily life is what you make it.  You can swirl and twirl and frazzle and stress, but ultimately the choice is yours.

It's been a week since our trip.  And I've caught myself several times slipping into stress-mode.  But then, I remember that I have a choice.

So I'm choosing to practice living every day as if I were on vacation.  Sure, I still have laundry to do, food to make, and people to take care of.  But I can move more mindfully throughout my day.  And the slower I go, the more present, connected and happier I feel.

Being present is a state of mind.
And it's a state of mind that I like.
Because when I'm more at peace and filled with wonder - like my children - this LIFE journey feels like an adventure worth traveling.

Your Personal Reflection:  As you travel through the holidays this week, simplify your "to do" list and allow yourself to immerse in the peace, love and joy that truly are all around you.

I wish you a holiday full of peace, love and joy!

******
Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course registration is going strong.  You can learn more and register HERE.  (Gift certificates are available, too!)


And for those of you looking for a way to celebrate the winter solstice, here's an idea.

Why Inside Out? (and your chance to win)

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. -unknown

When I launched the first session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course in January 2010, I had no idea what was about to take flight.  The journey, the discoveries, the explorations, the support, and the love that have taken place over the last few years has been incredibly special.  I also had no idea that I would get the amazing opportunity to meet so many fabulous women from all over the world.  We have connected, shared and grown together.  And many, many of us have continued to build life-lasting friendships.

For those of you who are considering taking the 5th session of Inside Out this fall, but have yet to take the plunge, I am sharing testimonials over the next week from just a few of the creative explorers who found the courage to sign-up, dive deep and share a piece of their journey with the world.

Today, meet the lovely Lee...

*****

BIG thanks to Suzy of Hip Mountain Mama for sharing why you loved taking Inside Out, and

to Jennifer of The GlutenFree Advocate for sharing your life-changing experience from taking the course, too!

Visit Roots of She and read my newest article Think a New Thought; Change Your Life - how journaling helps set your inner dreams free.

Two Chances to Win:

Visit Jennifer's site and Rhythm of the Home blog to enter for a spot in the upcoming Inside Out e-course that starts September 12th!

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you ready to celebrate your inner courage and make a change in your life?

Inside Out E-Course - Registration for Next Session!

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. -Lao Tzu

Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course registration opens TODAY!

This is the 5th time I'm offering this course and I couldn't be more excited.  This 5-week life experience gives you an opportunity to become a bold explorer of your inner world. You know, that place where your secret wishes and creative yearnings live.  You'll discover new things about yourself and learn how to shine light on those dreams ready to manifest.

The course is full of daily reflections and inspiration, creative play activities, art journaling, weekly yoga poses and guided audio meditations.  One of the best parts about this course is that you get to do the exercises in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, while connecting to women from all over the world through our on-line community. (Inside Out has reached over 16 countries and counting!)

If you sign-up by this Friday, August 5th, you will get to take advantage of my early bird special at the discounted price of $79.  This is a $20 savings.  (By the way, I've added another week of yummy, creative goodness, too.)  And if you've already taken this course in the past, you get an even greater discount - so email me directly for details. (livefreely@mac.com).

Inside Out runs from September 12th - October 21st, 2011.  

The on-line material will be available 4 weeks after class, and you will receive PDF's to download, so the class can fit around your schedule.

 Space is limited so do sign-up early to reserve your spot. 

To register at the early bird price of $79 for 5-weeks, visit HERE.

To learn more about the course, visit HERE.

To learn why I created the course, visit HERE.

To see frequently asked questions, visit HERE.

I could continue telling you just how wonderful the course is, how life changing the process can be and all the other amazing benefits you will receive once you sign-up.  But instead, I'll let some of the past participants do that for me.  Throughout this next month, I'll be sharing testimonials from Inside Out graduates, so you can get inspired by all of the beautiful changes they continue to make in their lives.

I thought I'd share just a few with you today...

"I would say to anyone wanting to connect (or re-connect) with their inner artist that they should pay a visit to Free Spirit Knits and invest in the Inside Out e-course.  I've experienced this amazing e-course twice and my creative life has been transformed because of it.  I am now much more confident about expressing myself creatively and not worrying about the outcome, learning to just trust the process.  There is nothing more freeing than 'playing' with paint, being a child again, creating for the fun of it.  And this e-course will definitely let you do that!  There's also a great on-line community where you can feel perfectly safe sharing all your creations and connect with like-minded souls."        -Jennifer, UK

"The course really helped me reconnect with my love of creativity and helped me try out different, simple, fun and colourful ways to explore and connect with my creative self, and especially to know that I can make the time and space for that most days when I choose to.  It really helped me to look within a little, take the time for that self-reflection and actually be intentional about that, and journaling about it rather than just a passing thought.  As a stay at home mum of a toddler, I often found I really didn't prioritise or make the space for this important self-reflection and care.  It was really wonderful, encouraging, warm and inspiring to be able to share the journey with so many other women across the globe through the online community, and nice to still keep in touch with many of them." -Katie, Australia

"I loved Inside Out and it has done so much for me in so many ways, even though I am up in years, it is never too late to change and learn.  I have been changing my life and really letting a lot of the artist side of me come to the surface.  I love the ideas Shannon gave us to follow, think about, as she encouraged us to let ourselves go, which has been a very meaningful and eye opening experience.  I am now trying to put some new ideas of mine to paper again, through writing, and I'm experiencing the joy of putting my thoughts down and expressing how I feel about aging and life in general at this time in my life.  I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to know what makes them tick, and to reveal some of their thoughts, feelings and expressions that are ready to take flight." -Iris, US, age 70+

To read more testimonials, visit HERE.

I'm so excited to share this journey with YOU...

xo,
Shannon

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you ready to begin?

Simple, Special, Ordinary Moments

We are printing some of our special family photos from this season to hang on a new photo wall in our living room.  And as I narrowed it down to my top few shots, I couldn't help but notice that the simpler, ordinary moments tend to be my favorites.  Swinging, picking berries, evening walks to the garden, lying on a blanket under the summer sun...  

Here is a glimpse at some of the fun we've been up to.

In between the sunscreen, the laughter, the meltdowns and picking corn, pees and watermelon off the kitchen floor, I am working on a summer newsletter that will go out next week.  If you haven't already, take a moment to sign-up.  (psst...You'll be the first to learn about early bird registration for my next Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course in the newsletter, too.)

Your Personal Reflection:  What's one of your simple, special, ordinary family moments that have become one of your favorites?

Get Your Paint On

I want to apologize for being away from my blog over the past few weeks.  I have been really busy putting my attention towards a new group of Inside Out explorers (which has been AMAZING) along with balancing mommyville (and playing in the snow)!

But there's TONS that I want to share with you.  I've been digging deeper and have had some new "aha" moments, along with lots of new inspiration, but I find that I'm swimming in the process of change right now.  I just don't have the words.

So until then, here's a little art journaling inspiration for you.

Like the music in the video?  Visit my brother's site HERE.

AND, go check out the sneak peak of Wish BIG E-camp!  I'll be teaching a course along with 9 other awesome teachers and registration opens February 14th.  It's time to "gather 'round the creative fire" and get your paint on!

Your Personal Reflection:  How is the New Year treating you?  Have you been sticking to your resolutions or intentions?  Any "aha" moments you'd like to share?

Inside Out Registration is Now Open!

Join me for the fourth session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery!  This is an e-course that you get to take in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, while connecting to an amazing on-line community of like-minded explorers.  It is an experience that invites you to go deeper, to let go of perfect, to be messy, to embrace your authenticity, to explore your creative side, and to shine as the incredible being that you are.  Visit HERE to learn more.

Are you ready to make 2011 the best year yet?

I'm still offering a "Cyber Monday" special to anyone who joins my Facebook page.  This special - exclusive to fans - gives you a discount (limited time only) for the Inside Out registration fee.  Simply join my Facebook page to see the special offer.  If you don't participate in Facebook - no problem!  Email me directly and I'll give you the scoop on another deal.

Your Personal Reflection: What are you waiting for?

Inside Out Specials!

Photo taken by Chris Duh.

The leaves have fallen from this amazing maple tree that stands in our front yard.  Although I didn't do much of the raking this year, I did get a chance to play in the leaves with the boys, and as always, that brings back such fond memories of growing up in the Midwest.

I feel so filled up this time of year.  And as I see the leaves fall it reminds me that the long winter is on its way.  Winter represents a time for solitude, for rest and for slowing down to go deeper within.  It is especially important during this season to listen and to reflect.  The year is coming to an end, and with the start of a new year we are provided with the gift of new beginnings.

In preparation for the new journeys that await you, take time to really listen to the whisper inside, that quiet voice that's gently guiding you on YOUR path.  What is it your heart is telling you?

I've heard from so many of you that you are ready for a big change in your life - one that helps you embrace your authentic place and purpose in the world, and one that helps you fully express your creativity.  For those of you who want to create the life you LOVE - one you truly love every day - then check out these exciting opportunities.

First off, go stop by Rhythm of the Home's beautiful blog.  I am honored to be one of the sponsors for their winter magazine (that comes out December 1st).  They are hosting my very last give-away for a spot in my e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

Celebrating Cyber Monday!

Starting Monday, November 28th, I am offering a special exclusive to my Facebook Fans.  You have to be a fan to see the special, but let me just say, I am offering a huge discount to anyone interested in signing up for Inside Out!  

Feel free to join my Facebook Fan page for details.

Free Spirit Knits

Promote Your Page Too

December 1st is the official day registration opens for Inside Out.  Visit here for more info.

Your Personal Reflection:  What are your inner voices saying and are you ready to listen?

The winner of the...

Hip Mountain Mama $30 gift certificate is...

Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your fabulous comments.  I'll be introducing another free spirit soon with another great give-away!

And mark your calendars...registration for Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery opens December 1st!

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you ready to make 2011 the best year yet?

.

Hello November

The weekend was such a blast - filled with Halloween parties and family fun.  We packed up the decorations and will soon get outside to tackle the maple leaves that are starting to fall.

I had a follow-up appointment with my midwife this morning and enjoyed my first time driving since the c-section.  I felt like it was my "coming out" party!  I treated myself to a decaf soy latte at Starbucks.

My energy is coming back and I'm super excited to start preparing for my January session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.  (Mark your calendar - registration opens for this session in one month!)

And today for my Art Every Day Month project I picked up my bamboo knitting needles and finished this yummy scarf.

Your Personal Reflection:  What sparks your creativity and what fun are you having today?

Reduce Clutter, One Small Change, & another giveaway!

Back in December I gave myself the challenge to de-clutter something in my home everyday.  The transformation I experienced that month lead me to wanting more space and less clutter.  So I set my intentions for a new year, and launched the year-long challenge - Reduce Clutter; Create Space.

In six-months time, I donated big items and boxes to charity, avoided buying art supplies and used what I had - including recycled materials and old wood, remembered my cloth bags more often, found creative uses for brown paper bags when I forgot, cleared out my closets and gave away tons of clothes, repurposed sweaters and junk mail, started my first garden, cleaned out and organized my kitchen, got more creative in cooking healthy recipes, slowed way down to enjoy more quality family time, chose to stop trying to fit in so I can live my most authentic life, found time for yoga classes again, cut cable, reduced our grocery budget, interviewed these amazing reduce clutter explorers, launched three e-courses inspiring others to create the lives they love from the Inside Out, and joined the One Small Change challenge.  Whoa...it's been quite a year so far...big breath in, big breath out....

The closets continue to get cleared and revamped - I mean how many games does one small family need?

We are finding new ways to use the things we have, rather than going out and buying more.

Our garden continues to gift us with so much abundance and I love that I don't have to buy much produce at the grocery store this summer.  We are eating extremely well and it has been such a wonderful luxury since we made the decision to spend less on food.

All the vegetables you see here were picked just last night (along with a beautiful ripe watermelon!)

A few weekends ago our old pipes were clogged and we couldn't use the kitchen sink for a few days.  Instead we, I mean my husband, washed all of the dishes outside.  Although it was a hassle it kind of felt like camping.  And what I learned from that weekend is it's easier (after a while) when you live more simply.  It taught me to be much more mindful about how many dishes I use in a day.  You really start to become aware of it when you have to wash everything by hand!

So rather than reach for yet another cup, I am trying to use one drinking glass, one plate, and one bowl for the day.  I still need more practice at it, but it's my One Small Change that I'd like to implement for August.  I continue to be reminded that using less means more time and s p a c e for the things I enjoy most - so less dishes to wash or load means more time painting, playing, knitting, being fully present...

Although my reduce clutter challenge started out on a physical level, I can see that from clearing the physical clutter, my mental and emotional clutter are releasing as well.  I am seeing greater clearing in my home (with much more to go) and I am seeing much greater clearing and BIG changes going on inside myself.

I believe that Reduce Clutter; Create Space and One Small Change go hand-in-hand.  The more we can clear and let go, the more s p a c e we create.  The more s p a c e we enjoy, the more stillness we experience.  The more stillness we have, the more aware and mindful we become to make one small change at a time.  With each small change we are giving the greatest gift back to ourselves, to our families, to our community and to our world.  

I feel completely blessed to have charted down a new path to live a greener, simpler life.  Reducing clutter and making small changes along the way have brought more health, happiness, connection and a greater sense of peace in my life (along with challenges and resistance to be sure!)  And to honor the blessings I am experiencing (like another life growing inside me) it seems like another great time to... 

celebrate with a giveaway!

Leave a comment here, by Tuesday, August 17th, and you'll be entered to win a spot in my January e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

Your Personal Reflection:  What is one small change you can make this month to bring goodness into your life?

(It's never too late to join the Reduce Clutter; Create Space or One Small Change challenges!  See the list of reduce clutter participants here.)

Want more inspiration to make change?  Read this article about a couple that gave up everything but 100 personal items.  And you have to check out the Happy Janssen's and their amazing life on the road.