Winter isn't my favorite season. I don't hate it - I love the beauty of all the seasons, and I do appreciate living in a climate where the changes are so dramatic. But to be honest, when it's really cold and wet and snowy, I understand the appeal of hibernation.
I used to feel guilty about wanting to stay home and relax more than usual in the depths of winter. I tried to force myself to be as active as I am in the fall, when my energy is at its peak. When I worked a full week outside the home it was even more pronounced, because in the evenings and on weekends I didn't want to do anything other than curl up with a book. Now that I work for myself, I have a much more flexible schedule. And I'm also more kind to myself, leaving plenty of room for the lulls.
My word of the year is CREATE, and so far I've been honoring my need for quiet and relaxation. Even so, I've been creating quite a bit, simply by following the muse wherever it leads. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you can probably see what I mean - lately my posts have been inspired mainly by reading other blogs, or from inspiring quotes I find.
What else have I been up to? The necessity of feeding my family means I've come up with some new recipes. I really enjoy cooking, and since I get bored making the same meals again and again, I've been having fun with creating new ones. I've been working on an e-book for Feline Dreamers, about how to develop a daily spiritual practice, which has been fun (and I realized I've been doing my daily spiritual practice for over 13 years, holy cat!). I made some Valentines for my loved ones. BlackLion and I sat down the other day and planned our vegetable garden - we ordered some asparagus, which we haven't planted before. I'm working on a new web page for my Reiki business. I joined a new book club which is just starting up, and was delighted with the book choices that everyone proposed. Our first book is Radical Homemakers by Shannon Hayes. I can't wait for the first group discussion!
I've also been creative in my spirituality. I've been working more closely with the moon phases, and have been utilizing those energies to release some old blockages and to encourage new inner growth. My daily journal writing practice is giving me SO many gifts of insight. My dreams have also delivered multiple treasures lately. I'm incredibly thankful that I've realized that creativity extends to each and every portion of my life. Even the naps.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Games
I guess I'm on a roll, in terms of playing along with my favorite blogs. Here's another one: over on Ordinary Life Magic, they're running a game giveaway. Go ahead over and check it out!
And in the meantime, here are some of our family's favorite games. We have 3 adults (in our 40s) and 2 kids (ages 14 and 12) in our household, just so you have a reference. Let me also preface this list by saying we probably have about one hundred games in our home. We're serious gamers here. I canvassed everyone and asked their five favorite board, dice, or card games, and below I've included all of the ones mentioned. The games at the top got the most votes, and the list goes in descending order from there. Enjoy!
The top three games in our family all tied for three votes each:
Cribbage: This classic card game has been a part of all of our families of origin (although I don't play it, myself). Dryst learned it from my parents. There's much hilarity when a multi-generational game gets cookin'.
Dread Pirate: Buccaneer's Revenge: We got this board game from a funky local toy shop. Although it took a while to get the hang of it, this is an awesome family game of strategy and adventure on the high seas. Reading skills are needed, but you can play as teams with those who need reading help.
Skip-Bo: The best way to play this game is with partners. It's a fun numbers card game, and you can use each others' discards to help play the cards on your pile. There's no cross-talk allowed, but using your ESP can help!
The next three games tied for two votes each:
Cosmic Wimpout: The ultimate hippie dice game! You accumulate points by collecting 10s, 5s, and matches, and the first one to 500 points is the winner...unless someone catches up to you in "last licks." Totally groovy.
Rummikub: This is similar to the card game Rummy, but with Scrabble-like tiles. It takes a keen eye for matches and straights, especially since you can rearrange them in a puzzle-like fashion.
Yahtzee: Another classic game, this one with dice. We love the version they have on Webkinz, and that got us back into playing with actual dice.
And the rest of these got one mention each:
Can't Stop: A fun game of statistics and probabilities. Everyone competes to capture three numbers between 2 and 12, but if you don't stop, you may lose it all.
Chess: Dryst has been playing since he was five, and he and Quester are the real chess fans in the house. I think you have to have a certain type of mind to really love chess. A serious strategy-fest.
Clue: We started with the junior version when the kids were younger, and now have the old-fashioned board. Mystery, stealth, and shrewd guessing are involved. Some reading skills are needed for this one.
Mexican Train Dominoes: I added this game, which we play fairly often at our homeschool group. I never played dominoes as a kid, and I've found that I just love this version. Fun to play while sitting around chatting.
Monopoly: You know, Monopoly! The youngest member of our homeschool group is a fanatic about this game, and we're all convinced he'll be a tycoon one day. Be sure to have several hours available, though, and lots of snacks.
Munchkin: A hilarious Dungeons & Dragons-themed card game. You're allowed to cheat, as long as you don't get caught. The rules are a bit complex, but the game will pick up speed as you get the hang of it. Players need to be able to read the cards.
Snorta!: We just got this one for Christmas. Based on memory and making animal noises, it's one of those games that has you laughing and shaking your head in confusion.
Twister: This is another one that gets the giggles going. Be sure you have someone to spin the wheel who's not actually trying to play. Yoga aficianados have an advantage.
Whoonu: Made by the Cranium folks, this is a really fun game for getting to know people and their preferences. Once you've mastered it, play it with opposites - what would be the person's least favorite thing?
Zombie Dice: Zombies are trendy, and that holds true in our homeschool group too. Subject matter aside, it's another fun dice and numbers game, and good to play with a crowd.
And in the meantime, here are some of our family's favorite games. We have 3 adults (in our 40s) and 2 kids (ages 14 and 12) in our household, just so you have a reference. Let me also preface this list by saying we probably have about one hundred games in our home. We're serious gamers here. I canvassed everyone and asked their five favorite board, dice, or card games, and below I've included all of the ones mentioned. The games at the top got the most votes, and the list goes in descending order from there. Enjoy!
The top three games in our family all tied for three votes each:
Cribbage: This classic card game has been a part of all of our families of origin (although I don't play it, myself). Dryst learned it from my parents. There's much hilarity when a multi-generational game gets cookin'.
Dread Pirate: Buccaneer's Revenge: We got this board game from a funky local toy shop. Although it took a while to get the hang of it, this is an awesome family game of strategy and adventure on the high seas. Reading skills are needed, but you can play as teams with those who need reading help.
Skip-Bo: The best way to play this game is with partners. It's a fun numbers card game, and you can use each others' discards to help play the cards on your pile. There's no cross-talk allowed, but using your ESP can help!
The next three games tied for two votes each:
Cosmic Wimpout: The ultimate hippie dice game! You accumulate points by collecting 10s, 5s, and matches, and the first one to 500 points is the winner...unless someone catches up to you in "last licks." Totally groovy.
Rummikub: This is similar to the card game Rummy, but with Scrabble-like tiles. It takes a keen eye for matches and straights, especially since you can rearrange them in a puzzle-like fashion.
Yahtzee: Another classic game, this one with dice. We love the version they have on Webkinz, and that got us back into playing with actual dice.
And the rest of these got one mention each:
Can't Stop: A fun game of statistics and probabilities. Everyone competes to capture three numbers between 2 and 12, but if you don't stop, you may lose it all.
Chess: Dryst has been playing since he was five, and he and Quester are the real chess fans in the house. I think you have to have a certain type of mind to really love chess. A serious strategy-fest.
Clue: We started with the junior version when the kids were younger, and now have the old-fashioned board. Mystery, stealth, and shrewd guessing are involved. Some reading skills are needed for this one.
Mexican Train Dominoes: I added this game, which we play fairly often at our homeschool group. I never played dominoes as a kid, and I've found that I just love this version. Fun to play while sitting around chatting.
Monopoly: You know, Monopoly! The youngest member of our homeschool group is a fanatic about this game, and we're all convinced he'll be a tycoon one day. Be sure to have several hours available, though, and lots of snacks.
Munchkin: A hilarious Dungeons & Dragons-themed card game. You're allowed to cheat, as long as you don't get caught. The rules are a bit complex, but the game will pick up speed as you get the hang of it. Players need to be able to read the cards.
Snorta!: We just got this one for Christmas. Based on memory and making animal noises, it's one of those games that has you laughing and shaking your head in confusion.
Twister: This is another one that gets the giggles going. Be sure you have someone to spin the wheel who's not actually trying to play. Yoga aficianados have an advantage.
Whoonu: Made by the Cranium folks, this is a really fun game for getting to know people and their preferences. Once you've mastered it, play it with opposites - what would be the person's least favorite thing?
Zombie Dice: Zombies are trendy, and that holds true in our homeschool group too. Subject matter aside, it's another fun dice and numbers game, and good to play with a crowd.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Pure Pleasure
I'm going to join in on the Self-Discovery Word-by-Word Blogger Series. I found out about it on Being Joy. The word for February is "pleasure."
I think pleasure is a signpost, pointing me toward my callings in life. Sometimes the call is just to be really present in the moment, like the pleasure of walking in the moonlight, or of lying in bed for a few extra minutes and savoring the dreams I just experienced. At other times, it can be more complex, like the pleasure of a challenging art project or sitting down to write an article for my e-zine. Pleasure is the feeling I get when I'm aligned with the things I love, the things that call to my soul.
What are the greatest sources of pleasure in my life? I've grouped them into three categories: my beloveds, the written word, and Mother Nature. My beloveds are my family and friends, including the ones with paws and tails. I'm blessed with a fun and loving community of people. We laugh a lot, play games, create together, and have a wonderful time. The written word, whether I'm reading or writing, is one of my all-time favorite pleasures. I don't think there's a day that goes by when I don't read and write. And Mother Nature...ahhh. The pleasure I get from the natural world ranges from taking walks and hikes to gardening to practicing magick in a sacred circle. I love to be connected with the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and Stars.
That sounds like a whole lot of pleasure! And it's true, I do enjoy my life. Yet like most people, I can also get caught up in stress and mundania, things that suck the pleasure out of daily life. Over the past few years I've been learning to let go of worrying, which is, it seems to me, the opposite of pleasure. Stress leads to a narrow view of life, one where pleasure is delayed and denigrated. It can be challenging to get out of that space and back onto the path. When I'm stuck in that worried mindset, I've learned to look for the little pleasures that help wake me back up: the softness of a cat's fur, the sun peeking through the clouds, the smile of a child. Gradually, I find my way back, looking for those brightly-painted signposts which point the way joyfully to the reasons I've chosen to be here.
I think pleasure is a signpost, pointing me toward my callings in life. Sometimes the call is just to be really present in the moment, like the pleasure of walking in the moonlight, or of lying in bed for a few extra minutes and savoring the dreams I just experienced. At other times, it can be more complex, like the pleasure of a challenging art project or sitting down to write an article for my e-zine. Pleasure is the feeling I get when I'm aligned with the things I love, the things that call to my soul.
What are the greatest sources of pleasure in my life? I've grouped them into three categories: my beloveds, the written word, and Mother Nature. My beloveds are my family and friends, including the ones with paws and tails. I'm blessed with a fun and loving community of people. We laugh a lot, play games, create together, and have a wonderful time. The written word, whether I'm reading or writing, is one of my all-time favorite pleasures. I don't think there's a day that goes by when I don't read and write. And Mother Nature...ahhh. The pleasure I get from the natural world ranges from taking walks and hikes to gardening to practicing magick in a sacred circle. I love to be connected with the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and Stars.
That sounds like a whole lot of pleasure! And it's true, I do enjoy my life. Yet like most people, I can also get caught up in stress and mundania, things that suck the pleasure out of daily life. Over the past few years I've been learning to let go of worrying, which is, it seems to me, the opposite of pleasure. Stress leads to a narrow view of life, one where pleasure is delayed and denigrated. It can be challenging to get out of that space and back onto the path. When I'm stuck in that worried mindset, I've learned to look for the little pleasures that help wake me back up: the softness of a cat's fur, the sun peeking through the clouds, the smile of a child. Gradually, I find my way back, looking for those brightly-painted signposts which point the way joyfully to the reasons I've chosen to be here.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
A Bio for Fun
One of the blogs I like to read is called A Journey of Joy. The author decided to share some prompts and exercises that she's using in a writing group. It sounded like a cool idea, so I'm in. The first prompt was to write and share a 100-word autobiography.
So, here's who I am as of this moment:
I am an eternal fae being now incarnate on Earth. My favorite things to do are reading and writing, and I love cats and feline energy. Love and joy are my intentions. I’m learning to love myself more and to honor my deepest desires. I help build spiritual community and create tools for people who want to follow their passions. I am an artist, a dreamer, a playful faerie cat sharing my unique self with the multiverse. My power comes from a deep connection with the Earth, the Moon, and the Stars, for I am a priestess of the Goddess.
So, here's who I am as of this moment:
I am an eternal fae being now incarnate on Earth. My favorite things to do are reading and writing, and I love cats and feline energy. Love and joy are my intentions. I’m learning to love myself more and to honor my deepest desires. I help build spiritual community and create tools for people who want to follow their passions. I am an artist, a dreamer, a playful faerie cat sharing my unique self with the multiverse. My power comes from a deep connection with the Earth, the Moon, and the Stars, for I am a priestess of the Goddess.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Our Imbolc
Blessings of Imbolc to you! It's time for the initial stirrings of the Spring to come, although for us they're hidden under a deep layer of snow. The picture is from two years ago, though we have that much if not more snow on the ground right now, with more to come (note to self - take some pictures tomorrow!). 
So, aside from some snow removal, we're spending our Imbolc in our cozy house. This is normally the day for our homeschool group gathering. It's snowed the past several Wednesdays, and we've made our way there anyway, in the trusty Subaru. This time, though, we opted to stay in. We'll celebrate Imbolc as a family. I've got a pot of white bean and rosemary soup on the stove, and I'll be making some biscuits to go with it. We're going to play a game we got for Yule that we haven't tried yet, "Grateful Dead-opoly," and light a bunch of candles. We won't have a formal ceremony, but just relax and chat about our hopes and dreams and gratitude.
This holiday is also known as Brigid's Day. I've been doing some writing today, and we also recorded our weekly PawedCats Podcast, with a segment about the faerie realm in winter. I had some really creative dreams last night, too, and I'm feeling the energy of the new moon being born. Dark of the moon is hard for me sometimes, but the confusion and frustration I was feeling yesterday has shifted to inspiration and a peaceful joy. I'm looking forward to Red Temple tomorrow evening - we'll be learning more about the Muses.
Many blessings to you on this lovely wintry Imbolc day!
So, aside from some snow removal, we're spending our Imbolc in our cozy house. This is normally the day for our homeschool group gathering. It's snowed the past several Wednesdays, and we've made our way there anyway, in the trusty Subaru. This time, though, we opted to stay in. We'll celebrate Imbolc as a family. I've got a pot of white bean and rosemary soup on the stove, and I'll be making some biscuits to go with it. We're going to play a game we got for Yule that we haven't tried yet, "Grateful Dead-opoly," and light a bunch of candles. We won't have a formal ceremony, but just relax and chat about our hopes and dreams and gratitude.
This holiday is also known as Brigid's Day. I've been doing some writing today, and we also recorded our weekly PawedCats Podcast, with a segment about the faerie realm in winter. I had some really creative dreams last night, too, and I'm feeling the energy of the new moon being born. Dark of the moon is hard for me sometimes, but the confusion and frustration I was feeling yesterday has shifted to inspiration and a peaceful joy. I'm looking forward to Red Temple tomorrow evening - we'll be learning more about the Muses.
Many blessings to you on this lovely wintry Imbolc day!
Monday, January 31, 2011
No Problem
"Whenever possible, minimize the importance of a problem. Forget a problem and it will go away. Dumb advice, surely, or so it seems. Yet children know the truth of it. Minimize impediments in your mind and they do become minimized. Exaggerate impediments in your mind and in reality they will quickly adopt giant size." - Seth through Jane Roberts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
On the Big Screen
Last fall we bought a big computer monitor-style TV from our friend Sash - it's hooked up to a computer, not cable or anything like that. But we can watch DVDs and Netflix on it, so it works well for family movie nights. Since we're still in the depths of winter (*tiny sob*), we've been curled up on the couch with some popcorn lately, watching movies and some TV series. Here are a few of our recent favorites.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You may be surprised to hear, if you know how much I like fantasy and sci-fi, that I had never watched any of these shows until last year. I didn't have TV when they came out, and the ultra-useful Netflix hadn't yet been invented. BlackLion is a huge Buffy fan, and now he's got ElvenTiger and I hooked. We're in the middle of the third season, and loving it. This is an awesome and amazing series. Wow. Funny, touching, scary, smart, and addictive.
- Corinna, Corinna. ElvenTiger and I watched this with a friend just last night. Whoopi Goldberg plays the lead, and she's terrific as always. I loved the story. It sparked great discussions about the social mores of the 1950s. Very good film.
- The Secret Garden. ElvenTiger read the book for her book club, and she watched the modern movie version and enjoyed it. We watched the old BBC movie version together, and I thought it was well done. I loved the book when I was a kid. ElvenTiger said she liked the newer version of the movie better, but she did appreciate how the BBC one seemed "more old-fashioned."
- Dirty Dancing. After enjoying watching Jennifer Grey win "Dancing With the Stars" with my Mom, we decided to get this classic 80s film. It's one of my favorites. The kids liked it, even Dryst, and it showed them another glimpse of American history and culture. It makes me cry, too, every time.
- Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond. Brian Greene hosts this series which explores quantum mechanics and string theory. It's really well done, and explains concepts in a clear way that all of us can understand. A fun way to delve into abstract science.
- Family Guy. Okay, I admit I don't get this one. I really don't find it funny. But I thought I should share some stuff that Dryst has been enjoying. It cracks him up. Several of his friends love it, too. And I can see the appeal - the show makes fun of, thus acknowledging, all the taboo subjects that usually remain hidden in our culture.
- Wizards of Waverly Place. The kids both like some of these "teen sitcom" shows. Again, not something I sit and watch with them, but I've seen enough to get the idea. Seems formulaic to me, but I think they're really checking out the teen scene. And this one has magic, so hey, that's cool, right?
- Psych. Another series that Dryst found and is enjoying. It's a crime drama, so again, not my thing. But the premise is based on the photographic memory of the main character, which is so unbelievable to most people that instead of explaining it, he pretends to be psychic. Pretty funny. And again, a catalyst for diverse conversations around the homestead.
- Eat, Pray, Love. Definitely too "girly" for Dryst, but ElvenTiger, my Mom, and I enjoyed it. It wasn't as in-depth as the book, which I enjoyed quite a bit, but that's to be expected with movies. We liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes "chick flicks" (which BlackLion does, so you don't have to be a girl!).
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You may be surprised to hear, if you know how much I like fantasy and sci-fi, that I had never watched any of these shows until last year. I didn't have TV when they came out, and the ultra-useful Netflix hadn't yet been invented. BlackLion is a huge Buffy fan, and now he's got ElvenTiger and I hooked. We're in the middle of the third season, and loving it. This is an awesome and amazing series. Wow. Funny, touching, scary, smart, and addictive.
- Corinna, Corinna. ElvenTiger and I watched this with a friend just last night. Whoopi Goldberg plays the lead, and she's terrific as always. I loved the story. It sparked great discussions about the social mores of the 1950s. Very good film.
- The Secret Garden. ElvenTiger read the book for her book club, and she watched the modern movie version and enjoyed it. We watched the old BBC movie version together, and I thought it was well done. I loved the book when I was a kid. ElvenTiger said she liked the newer version of the movie better, but she did appreciate how the BBC one seemed "more old-fashioned."
- Dirty Dancing. After enjoying watching Jennifer Grey win "Dancing With the Stars" with my Mom, we decided to get this classic 80s film. It's one of my favorites. The kids liked it, even Dryst, and it showed them another glimpse of American history and culture. It makes me cry, too, every time.
- Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond. Brian Greene hosts this series which explores quantum mechanics and string theory. It's really well done, and explains concepts in a clear way that all of us can understand. A fun way to delve into abstract science.
- Family Guy. Okay, I admit I don't get this one. I really don't find it funny. But I thought I should share some stuff that Dryst has been enjoying. It cracks him up. Several of his friends love it, too. And I can see the appeal - the show makes fun of, thus acknowledging, all the taboo subjects that usually remain hidden in our culture.
- Wizards of Waverly Place. The kids both like some of these "teen sitcom" shows. Again, not something I sit and watch with them, but I've seen enough to get the idea. Seems formulaic to me, but I think they're really checking out the teen scene. And this one has magic, so hey, that's cool, right?
- Psych. Another series that Dryst found and is enjoying. It's a crime drama, so again, not my thing. But the premise is based on the photographic memory of the main character, which is so unbelievable to most people that instead of explaining it, he pretends to be psychic. Pretty funny. And again, a catalyst for diverse conversations around the homestead.
- Eat, Pray, Love. Definitely too "girly" for Dryst, but ElvenTiger, my Mom, and I enjoyed it. It wasn't as in-depth as the book, which I enjoyed quite a bit, but that's to be expected with movies. We liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes "chick flicks" (which BlackLion does, so you don't have to be a girl!).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Yes, It's Still Winter
These Maine winters can be, well, long. I mean, it's only the end of January, and we'll probably have snow at least through early April. Think about it. I'm already tired of the cold. The appeal has even worn thin for ElvenTiger, who loves snow. Every day lately, it's been either very bitterly cold, or actually snowing. This afternoon, though, the sun is shining and the snow on the trees looks incredibly beautiful. As a friend said, it's more fun to have a "real Maine winter" than a snow-less, brown and dreary landscape. I agree.
What have we been up to? Well, let's see. Here's a sampling of our indoor projects for the cold and snowy days: making origami animals, creating new Indian food recipes, reading to each other, baking, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (though Dryst prefers Family Guy...which I just don't find funny at all), having sleepovers with friends, chatting, playing Webkinz (yes, even the adults), having pillow fights in the living room, playing board and card games, sleeping late, and playing with the (rather bored) cats. Dryst wants to learn Spanish. ElvenTiger hosted the girls' book club on Tuesday. BlackLion and I interviewed one of our young unschooly friends, AresRules, for our PawedCats Podcast. We're also writing a new e-book. Quester has been busy working and snow-blowing. This weekend it's our turn to host the monthly family potluck. The theme this time is A Warming Winter Brunch.
Each Wednesday we have homeschool group, and even though it has snowed the past three Wednesdays in a row, we've ventured out anyway. We've got the trusty Subaru, and the other families seem to agree that it's worthwhile braving the weather to hang out with our friends. Last night we had enchiladas, played Zombie dice, talked about a wide variety of subjects, the boys played X-Box together, and the girls went to the mall (to give some fashion advice to one of their tribe who wanted to get some clothes with her birthday money).
So, we've been keeping busy and having fun. And, of course, dreaming of spring. I'm off to curl up in the sunlight with a book. Meow!
What have we been up to? Well, let's see. Here's a sampling of our indoor projects for the cold and snowy days: making origami animals, creating new Indian food recipes, reading to each other, baking, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (though Dryst prefers Family Guy...which I just don't find funny at all), having sleepovers with friends, chatting, playing Webkinz (yes, even the adults), having pillow fights in the living room, playing board and card games, sleeping late, and playing with the (rather bored) cats. Dryst wants to learn Spanish. ElvenTiger hosted the girls' book club on Tuesday. BlackLion and I interviewed one of our young unschooly friends, AresRules, for our PawedCats Podcast. We're also writing a new e-book. Quester has been busy working and snow-blowing. This weekend it's our turn to host the monthly family potluck. The theme this time is A Warming Winter Brunch.
Each Wednesday we have homeschool group, and even though it has snowed the past three Wednesdays in a row, we've ventured out anyway. We've got the trusty Subaru, and the other families seem to agree that it's worthwhile braving the weather to hang out with our friends. Last night we had enchiladas, played Zombie dice, talked about a wide variety of subjects, the boys played X-Box together, and the girls went to the mall (to give some fashion advice to one of their tribe who wanted to get some clothes with her birthday money).
So, we've been keeping busy and having fun. And, of course, dreaming of spring. I'm off to curl up in the sunlight with a book. Meow!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Loving My Self
“You can never love another person unless you are equally involved in the beautiful but difficult spiritual work of learning to love yourself. There is within each of us, at the soul level, an enriching fountain of love.” – John O’Donohue
Since quitting my day job a couple years ago and following my calling, I've been focused on creating the life I want. I've been revamping old beliefs, learning to trust that the universe really will provide for me and mine, and becoming more fully myself. My specific wishes - for a steady income, an addition on our home, travel, and the like - have been refined to an overall desire to be happy. I've learned that when we focus on being happy, the circumstances we want will naturally flow to us.
Yet somehow there has seemed to be a blockage, something holding me back from the full expression of my creativity and happiness. Something that prevents me from allowing my dreams to come true. Just this week, I read the words of a woman who, in the same situation, had decided to focus on self-love. She wrote, "I didn't have to concentrate on being happy too much because I already was. I found, however, there was another factor in the equation. Unless you really love yourself and believe yourself to be a worthwhile and wonderful person, you will sabotage your happiness." Aha!
Self-love isn't something that comes naturally to me. I was a shy and awkward child and I absorbed a lot of that "I don't fit in" energy, and felt bad about it. These days I value the fact that I'm a weird and funky person. And yet I still tend to criticize myself a lot and wish I could do better - which works well for urging me to grow and change as a person...but can be harsh. And, apparently, can block the very growth I'm looking for. The author went on to describe how she had changed her beliefs about herself by writing up a series of positive statements about herself and reading them each night before she went to sleep. I'm going to try it. I'll let you know how it goes.
Since quitting my day job a couple years ago and following my calling, I've been focused on creating the life I want. I've been revamping old beliefs, learning to trust that the universe really will provide for me and mine, and becoming more fully myself. My specific wishes - for a steady income, an addition on our home, travel, and the like - have been refined to an overall desire to be happy. I've learned that when we focus on being happy, the circumstances we want will naturally flow to us.
Yet somehow there has seemed to be a blockage, something holding me back from the full expression of my creativity and happiness. Something that prevents me from allowing my dreams to come true. Just this week, I read the words of a woman who, in the same situation, had decided to focus on self-love. She wrote, "I didn't have to concentrate on being happy too much because I already was. I found, however, there was another factor in the equation. Unless you really love yourself and believe yourself to be a worthwhile and wonderful person, you will sabotage your happiness." Aha!
Self-love isn't something that comes naturally to me. I was a shy and awkward child and I absorbed a lot of that "I don't fit in" energy, and felt bad about it. These days I value the fact that I'm a weird and funky person. And yet I still tend to criticize myself a lot and wish I could do better - which works well for urging me to grow and change as a person...but can be harsh. And, apparently, can block the very growth I'm looking for. The author went on to describe how she had changed her beliefs about herself by writing up a series of positive statements about herself and reading them each night before she went to sleep. I'm going to try it. I'll let you know how it goes.
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