Making Space for What Matters Most

So far the beginning of 2011 has been really insightful.  I've taken some time away from blogging mainly because I've had to be honest with myself.  (I've missed you all!)  I have about 553 ideas, projects, goals, and dreams that I want to pursue all at once and I've had to come to terms with the fact that it just isn't possible.

I've had to slow way down to enjoy some concentrated time playing with my sweet boys.

And also to clear my head.  I'm still learning how to run a creative business from home while being a full-time stay-at-home mom.  And I'm learning a lot about my limitations.

Keeping my children out of daycare and being fully present during their foundation years is extremely important to us.  My husband and I have made some sacrifices to make this happen and we feel an enormous sense of gratitude that so far our choices are working out pretty well.

BUT...

there are days when I think, "How can I do all this and stay sane!?"

How can I nurse, change diapers, potty train, keep up the house, cook healthy meals, blog, run an e-course, paint, workout - all day and night - without going just a little big crazy?

Well...I. can't. do. it. all.

So I have to let some stuff go, pick the things that are most important to me, and find peace in the middle of the challenging and chaotic times.

My mom laughed at me the other day when I told her I was staying home because going out would involve taking a shower.  (Along with doing my hair, finding pants that fit, getting the boys dressed, packing up the diaper bag, getting snacks ready, trudging through the snow...um...exhausting!)

Being a mom is hard work.  We get very little breaks.  We love our children and we love what we do.  But we MUST, for the sake of our own inner peace (aka: sanity), nourish our creativity and personal dreams, and this may mean having to let go of other things to make sure it happens.

I may not have the cleanest house on the block, but I know that when I make time for my art, for inspiration, and for playing with my kids, I am much less likely to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and stressed out.  Of course we still put our toys away at the end of the day, but to me that's just as important as carving out space to nurture my creativity.

Reducing clutter and creating space was my theme for 2010.  My theme for 2011 seems to be reducing MORE clutter to create MORE space for what matters most.  I'm learning how to let go of the stuff that doesn't matter, so that I can fully embrace the stuff that does.

So in between jumping on beds, adjusting to a new baby, messing up the house, and playing dress-up, I've been preparing space for the fourth session of my e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

My heart is exploding with excitement as the explorers who have signed up this time around have already been sharing their introductions in our private community forum.  Their energy is contagious and they remind me why nourishing our creativity and connecting with other like-minded souls is so important.

I do have limitations.  I can't do it all.  But, with a little practice and an open heart, I'm dedicated to living NOW and making space for what matters most.

This is a plaque that my husband made me for my birthday.  It's the first thing I see when I wake up now and it offers a great reminder for me as I start out each new day.  

Play, be silly, laugh and create!

xo,

Shannon

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you making enough time and space in your daily life for what matters most?  Do you have a theme or intention set for the new year?  Now that we are a few weeks into 2011, how do you feel and are you staying focused on the change you've set out to make?

(psst...There are a few spots left in my art-journaling adventure - wanna join us?  Inside Out starts Monday, January 17th!)

Becoming Aware

Since my Who Are They? post I've received many mindful comments from those of you who relate to this feeling of wanting to embrace an authentic life - no matter what.  I sense so much change going on - don't you?  (Enjoy this great read about the solar eclipse happening now.)  It's like we're done with consuming, buying, and hoarding.  We want to live more simply. We want to clear the clutter.  We want to breathe again.  We want space for what truly matters most.

With this past week of making bigger changes, I'm reminded that gaining new awareness isn't always an easy road.  You know, like when you find out what's really in your food (watch Food, Inc.), well, once you become aware, it takes more work to make changes in your diet, to read labels and to learn where your food comes from.  It's a lot easier to go on blindly eating whatever comes your way.  But easier isn't always better, right?  And eventually, your new found awareness becomes second nature, your new way of life, and it's easy once again.

So in celebration of choosing an authentic, abundant life, I'm posting this photo as a reminder of what matters most in my life.  Love, family, growth, celebration, inspiration, connection, nature, compassion, simplicity, the present moment, happiness and awareness...  

And I share this with you because I know you are feeling the itch in your belly to make bigger changes, too.  So go for it.  Choose authenticity.  Choose abundance.  Become aware of what matters most in your life.  And do it, one small step at a time, starting today.

Your Personal Reflection:  What kind of life are you choosing to live?

Creative in the Kitchen (& tips for reducing monthly budget)

So last week I announced I was feeling forced to make some bigger changes in my life.  It started with our decision to simplify and work less. Working less = less money coming in.  Less money coming in = creative thinking, pre-planning and big changes.  Big changes this week included cutting off our TV, reducing our grocery budget and searching for free entertainment options.  And I must admit, I've experienced some tears and resistance, as well as some moments of clarity.

Surprisingly, giving up TV hasn't been that difficult.  Partly because we've been busy and also because it's summer and there's not much to watch anyway.  Kestan has requested Elmo a few times (and I have let him watch it online once or twice), and I did watch The Bachelorette on the computer and that just gave me a headache.  Our evenings have been quieter and I've also noticed that I'm going to bed much earlier, which has been really nice.  I didn't realize TV was preventing me from getting a full nights rest!  (And thanks to ALL of you for your support and wonderful comments.  Stop by Suzy's blog as she shared her experience giving up TV this week, too!)

The most challenging change for me has been watching every dollar I spend on food.  I became aware of my addiction to Whole Foods!  I love that store.  I love to walk the aisles, and treating myself to lunch there once a week has become part of my routine.  It's fun, but it's expensive, and it's really easy to spend an entire weeks worth of grocery budget on one visit.  So I made the decision to stop shopping there, except for all-natural chicken, free-range eggs and the coconut-milk yogurt we like.  

After wiping my tears and returning to a place of gratitude that we even have the means to buy groceries, I started my research.  First stop, I Googled "How to eat a dairy-free, vegetarian, gluten-free diet on a budget."  I found some good information, coupons and recipes, and was surprised to discover that we had already incorporated some of the money saving tips into our daily life.  But there is still much more we can do.

Change is hard.  Believe me, I have my ups and downs.  Although I enjoy cooking, I don't want to spend all my time in the kitchen making almond milk, gluten-free bread and canning.  Eating healthy food is a priority for us, and cooking it ourselves will help cut down the costs.  I know as I get used to these changes I'll find a way to be efficient with my time so I can enjoy being in the kitchen, while balancing my other interests - like playing with my son, making my art, and creating my e-courses.  (Luckily, I have a husband who also enjoys cooking.)

Ideas for Reducing Your Monthly Grocery Budget:

1) Shop at your local farmer's market or start a garden.

I love shopping at the farmer's market and it feels (and tastes) so good to eat fresh, local food while supporting the ones who work so hard in the field.  This is our first year to be part of a community garden and I have to say it is the highlight of our summer.  We have our own 10x10 foot plot of land, along with several other beginner and experienced gardeners, all side-by-side at a church just two blocks from our home.  We've planted tomatoes, peas, beets, kale, peppers, carrots, broccoli, herbs, watermelon, and cucumber.  Last night we enjoyed our very first cucumbers and it was so fabulous getting to eat something that we picked just 5 minutes before.  (If our green thumb continues I see how growing our own vegetables will save us a lot of money this summer.)

2) Buy bulk, plan ahead and stock up

I used to break into a rash hearing the words "schedule" and "budget."  Now I embrace each of them and see the value in planning ahead.  I worked for about two days on making a menu for the next two weeks, using food we already had in the freezer and pantry, and then with calculator in hand we walked the massive, bright warehouse of Costco.  I have to say, Costco sure has a lot of organic and some gluten-free options.  We couldn't find everything there, but I bought bulk beans, brown rice, organic agave, avocados, and pesticide-free onions to name a few.  

3) Use cash

This is something we used to do and it worked great, but we became slackers and it was just easier to pull out the old debit card.  I find using a debit card is a great way to lose track and overspend.  So now I take out our monthly-allotted amount for groceries and place the money in weekly envelopes.  That way I have to really pay attention to what I'm buying and when the envelope is empty, well that's it for the week.

4) Find recipes for the meals you love

This week I started to look at the meals we enjoy eating out and I'm now trying to recreate them.  Chipolte's is a place we enjoy, especially for their rice, beans and guacamole.  I found a website that offers similar recipes and I know I can save money making this meal at home. 

5) Find several uses for the same ingredients

Being a vegetarian I eat a lot of beans, and since I just bought tons of beans in bulk, I have planned many meals that use black and garbanzo beans - like hummus, falafels, bean burritos, and kale bean soup.  (I will be sharing some of my inexpensive recipe ideas in future posts.)

6)  Gather some friends, cook together and freeze

Although I have yet to do this, I'm planning to spend a few evenings cooking with my mom and sister so that we have meals to freeze.  This way we can share on ingredient costs, cut down on the kitchen time and have fun cooking together. (I'm waiting to do this closer to my October due date so that I don't have to worry about cooking when our newborn is here!)

7)  Have fun!  

Reducing to create space for what's really important doesn't have to be full of dread, fear or sadness.  I have to say, I've actually had fun incorporating a lot of these new changes.  Facing the challenge has allowed me to use my creativity in new ways.  Spending a little more time in the kitchen to make bulk meals has allowed me more special opportunities to share with Kestan, too.

Your Personal Reflection:  Do you plan your weekly meals?  Do you have inexpensive recipes you'd like to share?  How about tips you could offer for those of us new to cooking on a budget?  What are some small changes you can make in your life to become more conscious about how you eat, what you eat, and how you spend your money on food?

Who are THEY? (Choosing an Authentic, Abundant Life)

Who says I can't walk around with bed head all day?  I mean, come on, doesn't this look kind of suit me?

I find myself in a difficult, weird place - like major shifts and big transitions are just around the corner.  And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm being forced to change.  The changes I am experiencing are forcing me to take a good look at the messages I've adopted from the world, and the self-imposed, limiting thoughts I think.

Hmm, how do I say this?  Well, first off, I'm tired of rules.  I'm tired of worrying about what other people think of my choices.  I'm tired of people, society, they, telling me how to live.  Conformity, fitting in, being like everyone else - I'm so done with that.  Seriously, who are they to tell me when it's appropriate to stop nursing my child, or that my socks should match, and that I can't wear navy with black or white after labor day, or that I should keep my mouth shut and not speak my truth, or that I should own two cars, or that I should color within the lines, and seek out the best preschools, and wear the best clothes, and buy the newest cosmetics, or that the more money or credentials I have will add value to my self-worth, or if I discover a gray hair I better find a chemical to cover it up, or that I should brush my bed head and be like everyone else?  Let's conform, shall we?  Let's hide our true selves so that the people around us won't think we're strange.  Let's keep up with the Joneses because they sure know how to live the perfect life.  Who the hell are the Joneses anyway?  And heck, I kinda like my bed head.

Where is this all coming from? Well, although my last blog post was entitled Summer Time and the Living is Easy, I have to say that living isn't always easy.  Some days are fantastic, and other days are hard and challenging. That's the nature of life, the yin and yang, the night and day...  My challenge lately has to do with old feelings of lack and new feelings of abundance and gratitude.  My old way of being -focusing on lack - is what's feeling forced to change, because old habits like to have their way.  They are stubborn and when faced with change they kick and scream, "No, you can't change me!  I like feeling miserable and sorry for myself!"  However, my new abundant self is rejoicing, "Yes, you are so close.  The struggle you experience now will change you forever.  And you have such gratitude for all the little things around you.  You're blessed in so many ways!  Let go of lack and celebrate the changes you are experiencing.  Life is so good."

My husband and I are in a place where we've made some major decisions about how we want to live and raise our family.  With our second baby on the way and our desire to be fully present parents, we have decided to simplify our working schedules to provide more hands-on love, learning and experiences for our family.  This means that I will be working less to focus on staying home, and my husband will balance his work schedule to be home more in the evenings and weekends.  This also means a cut in monthly salary - and it's this shift in the amount of money coming in that is triggering old thought patterns and deep behavior changes.

We've decided to say good-bye to our TV.  What?!  Now I know some of you probably don't have TV's.  I've never experienced this luxury before.  And I'm serious when I say luxury.  Although my old, lack-self wants to scream and say, "How will I survive not seeing every episode of Project Runway?!" My new abundant-self is secretly excited at what this change will bring.  I see the stack of books I want to read, I hear my deep desire to paint more, and I love our quality family time of walks, playing at the park and caring for our community garden.  So letting go of TV is actually creating space for the things I want more time for.  And, it's going to save us money.  All good things, right?

Other changes we need to make include cutting our grocery budget, reducing the personal money we pay ourselves for clothes, yoga classes and little splurges, and reducing our entertainment budget.  Again, my old lack-self says, "Guess we'll be eating mush every meal and I'll be wearing the same clothes everyday and if it's not a free activity then forget about it.  Sounds like we'll be hermits the rest of the summer."  But my new abundant-self is rejoicing, "Wow, here's an opportunity to get creative with buying bulk and playing with recipes (like finding a gluten-free pizza crust that's only $2.50 per bag).  I can now clear out my closet for just the essential (maternity) clothes and getting dressed each morning will be much easier!  And, there are many free things to do in my area - it's going to be really fun to seek them out!"

I never knew when I started the Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenge for 2010 that it would lead to reducing the amount of money coming in.  I always thought that the more money we had, the more abundance we would experience.  Now I'm learning that it's not about the amount of money, but rather the ability to live more fully, boldly, freely and presently, despite the dollar amount.  Happiness truly does come from within, and the more I embrace the abundance around me, the more joy I can experience along the way.

So returning to my original question - who are they to tell me how to live?  The more aware I become, the more I realize that they is really me.  Sure, we are raised with societal norms and we have the media pressuring us on how to live and conform - but I have the freedom to choose.  I can choose to not let they become my thoughts.  I can change what I think about myself and the world around me.  I can stay curious and ask questions.  I can face my fears and take risks.  I can choose to be confident and clear about me and how I choose to live.  I can be different.  I can embrace authentic living.  I can practice living from a spirit-driven place, rather than letting my ego guide the way.  I can know deep down in my heart that no amount of money or things will define who I am or bring me happiness.  I can choose to be happy from the inside out and I can love being ME.

So today, and every day, I am letting go of my old feelings, thoughts and behaviors around lack and I'm not listening to them anymore.  I may not know where this will lead, but my new way of being is to TRUST that everything is unfolding as it should and I'm right where I need to be in this moment.  I am on the right path, because the right path for me is MY path, just as the right path for you is YOUR path.

Change isn't easy, that's for sure.  But the alternative - repeating the same pattern over and over and wasting energy trying to fit in - just ain't for me anymore.  I say stop.  And I'm truly excited about what this new space and simplicity will bring. 

  

Now, I better run. Kestan's taking a nap and here's my last chance to watch TV before it's turned off tonight!

Your Personal Reflection:  How have you allowed they to define how you live?  Do your thoughts create self-imposed limitations in your life?  Can you choose, today, to let go of lack in your life, and celebrate abundance and gratitude?  

Grab a piece of paper and write down three things that you are grateful for in this moment.  Try this practice daily and you'll start to notice some shifts in the way you think, the way you see yourself, and the way you see the world around you.

Abundance is not something we acquire.  It is something we tune into." -Wayne Dyer

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?

Love Yourself; Love Your Life (and a sweet give-away!)

Today marks the end of the first session of my e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.  It has been such an amazing experience.  I'm left feeling so overjoyed at the amount of deep connecting, sharing and exploring that has taken place over the last 28 days.

I light this candle, as a symbol to honor the "closing ceremonies" of class, and to show that today is not the end, but rather the beginning of the rest of our lives.  May each of you see the direction you're heading, stay connected to your community, and radiate your authenticity, from the inside out.

To celebrate this incredible journey, I'd like to give away one spot to my spring session.  The next Inside Out e-course starts April 5th, and to learn more, visit HERE.

To enter for your chance to win, leave a comment on this post by Sunday, Valentine's Day, at midnight US Central time.  I will announce the winner on Monday!

Enjoy a few of the beautiful comments shared by the bold explorers who just completed the course.

By giving my thoughts some space and time, it has helped me to see my inner wishes better.  My intentions have showed up and now I feel the need to realize them in art.  They have been ready for this for a while.  I have questioned myself with, "Why have I waited so long?"  Life is life.  I had to do other things to get to this moment.  This is not the goal and there is a lot to discover.  I think I found the very right source - ME!

I'm loving all the creative ideas.  I have learned that I don't have to just sit still and think through the hard parts to write them down.  I can paint, draw, glue...when I'm stuck!  It gets my juices flowing and opens me up which makes the 'writing-down-part' so much easier!

Allow softening of the edges of the walls and paths of history.  Grow leaves and branches out.  Come home to my own, my heart - my self-reliance will give me peace.  And every day, in every way, I am becoming more me.

 I am learning that to live life I have to participate, but that I don't need arbitrary rules.  This course has been a fabulous opportunity for me to practice just that: to take it as it comes, to resist the perfectionistic tendencies that leave me stuck in the mud, and to explore my creativity without self-editing.

Over the last few weeks I have let a lot of emotions out that I have been keeping inside for some time and it feels liberating.  I have learned that I choose my thoughts and that I can change the negative into the positive.  As a result of this course I became brave and told my husband my dreams and wishes.  I knew he would be supportive, but I had to let go of my own self-doubt first and believe that I could make them a reality before sharing them with anyone.   Now that I have said them out loud, they've become more than just thoughts, but tangible goals.  Another thing I have learned is to let go of the guilt.  This is hard to do, but every time I feel like I'm not living up to the person I think I should be, I step back and repeat that "I am enough."  The positive affirmations have been so healing for me.

I love the things that have come 'out' of 'Inside' me!  I so truly love me and am ready to BE BOLD!

I have learned that I have lost my own personal confidence, and most importantly, I have learned that I can get it back!  I have learned that I can be a creative person, that I am a creative person, and that I am good enough to be the person that I have always dreamed of being.

Your Personal Reflection: Are you creating a life you love?

*The art journaling photos were provided by class participants.

Enjoy the "opening ceremonies" of the Olympics tonight!  If anyone is interested in reading behind the scenes, my father-in-law works for the US Ski Team and is blogging about his adventures in Canada HERE.

Intentions for a New Year

For me, this photo represents vast spaciousness - something I find myself needing more and more of with each passing day. (And one of the reasons why I took a week off from my blog. Glad to be back!) What started as a de-clutter December project, has now turned into my personal quest for the year of 2010. (This week I'll be introducing "Reduce Clutter; Create Space, 2010" project. I hope you'll join me!)

What does this mean? Well, every year around this time, I grab a warm drink, my favorite pen, and my journal, and I reflect on the past 12 months. I write about the events and celebrations that stand out. I write about lessons I've learned. I write about where I find myself in this moment as I approach a new year.

Rather than write resolutions, I usually write a word or phrase that sets my intentions for the coming year. Sometimes I think about it for weeks, and sometimes the phrase comes instantly. This past month of clearing clutter has erupted a deep desire in my soul to let go of more.

So my intention for this next year is to create S P A C E. I intuitively know that the more space I create, the more open my heart feels. And the more open my heart is, the more peaceful I feel.

I look around my environment, and what was once a place that suited my needs, has now felt as though I'm being swallowed in it. The more I clear, the more piles I find. And these piles are sneaky and hidden. Because on an external level, my house looks clean and orderly. But, when I start to go deeper, I find more and more treasures to sift through and learn from. It's hard. I get why so many of us avoid going deeper in our lives. Sometimes it's easier to not see. To stuff it away. To hide it in the closet. The drawers. Sweep it under the rug. But the physical stuff, the tightness in my throat, and the mental chatter reminds me that I CAN'T live that way. I need to go deeper. I need to clear. I need to breathe. I need to feel free. I need to be.
The creation of more space in my life is SO exciting. I see the open road, and I smile.

Your Personal Reflection: What is your intention for this new year?

(You can see the list of what I de-cluttered for the month of December on the right side of my site.)

My First IPhone Blog Post

I recently purchased my first IPhone and I have to admit I am completely smitten. One thing I know for sure about myself is that I'll never be a nine-to-five kind of girl. I have always wanted to be able to work from anywhere, at anytime, and with my new phone I am now more mobile than ever!

Just last week I ended a part-time job I've had for over 8 years and one of the reasons I left was because working from home was not an option they were willing to give me. Getting my babe out of daycare and being able to work around his schedule has been a priority for me. It seems that when I continue to stay focused and be clear about what I need, the tools, resources, inspiration and support seem to present themselves. Welcome, IPhone.

Now I can tweet, check Facebook, post on You Tube, and even blog all while I'm pushing a swing. Well, in theory that's what I COULD do, but since I'm practicing being more PRESENT and I heard Kestan say today, "no phone mommy", I know that being more mobile should not interfere with the precious time I get to experience with my child. My intention is to use my phone wisely, as a tool to help me be more efficient with my time and enhance the way I create, teach and connect.

So I did honor Kestan's request and put the phone down. But a few minutes into our tickle session I couldn't resist picking it back up to record his sweet laughter. Hmm, I guess my next lesson will be to learn how to insert audio recordings into a blog post. Or maybe I'll pick my favorite recipes out from my Whole Foods app. Playing pac man sounds fun. Hey, I can check the weather. And did you know you can balance your budget, edit videos, and even practice yoga all on these phones. Man, being mobile is exhausting! Thank god it's nap time.

Your Personal Reflection: What tools might help you be more efficient with your time? Do you think technology, and your use of it, makes it easier, or harder, to live in the present moment?