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May 12, 2012
Tags:
mothering, mother's day, family legacies, female role models, honor, self-care
Family legacies...
Mother’s Day...
What does it mean to you?
Even though this “holiday” has origins as varied as early spiritual and religious beliefs and Julia Ward Howe’s efforts to rally mothers against the horrors of the Civil War, to international celebrations around the globe, almost all celebrations universally include flowers, and perhaps promises to be on one’s best behavior.
Our own feelings about mothers, maternal figures, and mothering itself, are easily as juxtaposed as the history of this commemorative day.
How will you honor motherhood?
What family traditions do you have – or would you like to begin?
I challenge you to allow yourself some kind of self-care to honor mothers, daughters – and yourself !
On this mother’s day, honor every aspect of mothering by writing down your thoughts and feelings about:
Your mother, grandmother, a favorite aunt…
Your daughter, granddaughter, a niece…
Do you remember wanting to be like your mother or making certain your choices would be very different from hers?
How have the legacies of women in your family helped shape your choices?
Remember to honor yourself and your legacy….Bloom Where You’re Planted.
May 7, 2012
Tags:
creativity, down-time, self-care, “aha” moment, insight
Creativity is the residue of time wasted. ~ Albert Einstein
Isn’t this the most delightful quote? What I love about it is the permission it grants to “do nothing,” not often a perspective relished by modern women. In our society, productivity is clearly more valued than idle time. However, creativity theorists also support the value of idle time in the creative process. Many major discoveries have been recognized after periods of time away from work. Of course, hard work in your creative endeavor is also needed in order to move forward, but knowing when to step back is also a necessary component. This is that “aha” moment that may be familiar to you as you recall a person’s name later in the day after being unable to retrieve it in the moment or unexpectedly solved a vexing problem.
The need for down-time is a new habit that I would encourage you to develop. Not only is this a good practice for your overall health and well-being, but it can also nurture creativity.
Go ahead and take a moment or an afternoon just for you!
April 14, 2012
Tags:
energy, creativity, boredom, over-scheduled, tired, self-care, small successes, change
How is that done, you may ask? How do you keep going when you feel uncertain or tired?
Keeping up one’s energy is truly a matter of staying connected to your own creative direction. Granted, it doesn’t have to be what most people traditionally identify as creative. That connection can take the form of daily problem-solving or daydreaming. (more…)
April 8, 2012
Tags:
creativity, rejuvenate, spring, walks, moving meditations, energize
Spring is a time of rejuvenation – who can’t help but feel energized by all the beautiful flowers and trees in bloom at this time of year? And the concept of rejuvenation applies to your own creative process as well. It can be all too easy to become distracted or sidetracked by leaky faucets, the laundry, or even a leisurely stroll. (more…)
April 1, 2012
Tags:
Childhood, satisfaction, joy, flow, creativity, fun
This past week, I attended the funeral of a long-time family friend – someone who had known me all my life. Reminiscing with their daughter at the visitation and after the funeral brought back many childhood memories and shared experiences. Those discussions also sparked the question, what made you smile – as a child? And how is that important in our lives as adults? (more…)
March 24, 2012
Tags:
creativity, found objects, self-efficacy, family, connections, joy
Creative expression is the song of your Soul. ~ Deanna Pledge
Creativity does make the Soul sing. It is absolutely one of the most joyful ways to bring satisfaction and connection into your daily life. I’m sure you have heard me suggest (perhaps more than you would like to hear ;-) that creativity is not just the realm of artists, poets, and musicians. Even though I have provided general suggestions, I wanted to share a personal example today in the hopes of making creativity far more accessible, and give you a concrete strategy to get started. (more…)
January 10, 2012
Tags:
Change, Intellectualization, Behavior, Emotions, Feelings, Resolutions, Insight, Transformation
Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. ~Vincent van Gogh
As we begin the New Year, many people may have already dropped their “resolutions” by the wayside however Van Gogh captures the essence of change in this revealing quote. It is not the rapid change that creates lasting results, but rather the adding of one small change on top of the next. By changing a number of small things over time, you are more likely to maintain the changes.
Lasting change is created by layering behavioral, intellectual, and emotional changes. This triad strengthens the change and helps you incorporate it across many areas of your daily life. (more…)
December 14, 2011
Tags:
epiphany, optimism, change, childlike wonder, magic, connection, generosity of spirit
Epiphany probably has a million definitions. It’s the occurrence when the mind, the body, the heart, and the soul focus together and see an old thing in a new way.
~ Maya Angelou
The holidays often seem to precipitate the revelation of epiphanies - changes that allow us to see ourselves and others in a different light. Perhaps it is because many people seem to be more “open” around the holidays. (more…)
November 19, 2011
Tags:
impossible, possibilities, change, obstacles, joy, reality, imagination
Nothing is impossible - the word itself says 'I'm possible'! ~Audrey Hepburn
Can you feel the joy from this quote? It exudes energy and uplifts the reader by thinking about the possibilities in life.
Looking at the possibilities in your life has been the focus in our last few blogs and I want to continue that trend today. Allowing yourself to think about the possibilities is akin to the daydreams of a child. (more…)
November 11, 2011
Tags:
imagination, knowledge, anxiety, expert, novice, experience, creative tension
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
~Albert Einstein
Last week we talked about the importance of imagination in manifesting your dreams. If you can’t dream it, you can’t make it happen. (more…)
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