Lightening Up ~ Day 6

photo taken in my garden Jan 08

"I am safe and centred no matter where I am."

Today is about letting go of internal clutter; clearing the mind.

I attempted to do this whilst hand watering the garden but no matter what I had thoughts streaming through my mind. It was not possible to try and let it float by like a cloud. I am not too bothered by this at present as I already feel such a change for me; for the past couple of days I've been more relaxed than I usually am!

In a few moments when I go to bed I shall try again to clear my mind........

Clutter - Energy Up / Energy Down ~ Day 5

I can't believe that in such a short amount of time I've noticed such a change in how I'm thinking ~ it's wonderful!!

I awoke refreshed again, ready for a new day.

I felt today's affirmation even before I read it;

"Fresh, invigorating energy fills my life."

Today's exercise was in relation to decluttering. I chose was to walk around our home and see what objects/areas bring my energy levels up, down or remain neutral.

The places where my energy levels drop are in the kitchen and dining room, both the rooms associated with food!!

I decided to declutter the piles of paper work in the dining room and again was surprised to find so many things to dispose of. I quickly filled our recycling tub which was then emptied into the large council recycling bin outside.

I plan to sort through the kitchen cupboards and pantry next!!

As stated in the book (Soul Coaching) "Clearing out unused or unloved possessions in your home can have this same invigorating effect on your spirit - it can truly be a transformational experience. Your clutter may be draining and depleting your energy."

"When you clear out the "stuff" that lowers your energy, your home becomes a sanctuary."


I am pleased to announce that I have been keeping up with the commitment I made myself and today I swam laps in our pool.

Relax & Enjoy!

After such a wonderfully relaxed day yesterday there was no doubt in my mind what today's Mantra Monday card would be about!!

Take time out,

breathe

slowly

&

deeply,

relax

&

enjoy!

You can view Jennlui's Mantra Monday post here and view the other particpants cards there too!

Where are you now in your life? ~ Day 4

"I love and accept who I am....and who I am is enough"

This morning I awoke feeling very refreshed. I wonder if it's because as I drifted off to sleep I was doing the yogic breathing exercises mentioned in the book yesterday?!

I will make a concerted effort to continue doing them :-)

Floating Petals Display inside Matahari Dept. Store, Kuta, Bali June 2008

Today was about being the Sacred Observer ~ taking notice of my thoughts and the situations around me.

There wasn't much to observe. I had a very relaxing day and for the first time in a long time I felt "at peace" with everything. For once I actually wasn't worrying about anything, I didn't become upset; I just went with the flow.

Thinking back on today now as I write this it seems like I wasn't me!?!

Of course I realise it was me, I AM ME ~ this is how I always want to be!!

Clearing Clutter in Your Bedroom/Bathroom ~ Day 3

"There is clarity within me and around me"

Today is about the bedroom as that is meant to be the metaphor for ones inner life.

The action for today was to clear out/declutter one drawer in the bedroom or bathroom and as I was excited to declutter I did got into it this morning!!

I kept repeating the affirmation "I am clearing all that I do not need out of my life" as I quickly disposed of items I'd hung on to for no apparent reason at all. They were things that had no use to me, had bad memories and took up space. Before I knew it I had thrown out a large bag of rubbish ~ it all from one draw!!

I then proceeded to clear out the remaining 7 drawers still repeating "I am clearing all that I do not need out of my life"

I actually felt empowered from throwing things away :-)

Late this afternoon my husband and I took the dogs for a walk along the beach again. I scoured the beach for interesting shells, like I always do.

We've been walking along the same beach for nearly 2 years now and even though we sometimes see Sea Eagles flying overhead we've never seen a feather. Today, for some reason, as I looked for shells I thought for the first time about finding a feather and low and behold about 20 metres further along the beach I found this beautiful one (about 34cm in length);

I am now about to add it to my altar.

Commitment to Change Your Life ~ Day 2

Today's Affirmation

"I honour my commitments to myself and others"

This affirmation is something I need to repeat to myself as often as possible as although I have no trouble honouring commitments I make to others but rarely honour ones to myself.

Today I was to become more aware of the air around me:the way it feels on my skin, the way the clouds move, and the way I feel when I breathe in and out.

I enjoyed watching the clouds drift by as I floated on my back in our swimming pool late this afternoon. As I sat on the beach earlier this afternoon I took note of the breeze blowing through my hair, salty but embracing!

I actually don't feel very comfortable when concentrating on breathing;I feel short of breathe!! (unless listening to a meditation CD of mine when I totally relax) As I do have trouble relaxing/switching off by myself I shall make more of an effort to take time out to just lie down and slowly breathe in and out............

Today's level 1 ~ Commit to Take One Empowering Action Daily

There are many more than 1 thing I'd like to do but I realised after re-reading today's writings that by committing only one empowering action I stand more of a chance of doing it, rather than trying to take on more!!!

After much deliberation the empowering action I've chosen to take on for the remainder of this book (the next 27 days) is exercising daily by either walking the dogs or swimming laps in our pool.

I actually ended up both walking along the beach with my husband and dogs AND swimming 20 laps in our pool!!

“Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.”James Womack

Life Assesment ~ Day 1 Soul Coaching (Air)

"My evaluation of myself is not who I am"

This affirmation does make me question "who am I then?" but then again isn't that what this book is about, self discovery?!

I have worked through levels 1 and 2 today :-)

I've evaluated my life under the headings listed as follows;

* Health ~ it is OK but could be better. I need to improve my fitness, lose 8-10kg and eat healthier. My mental health is slowly but surely improving. During the next 28 days I will try to lose 1-1.5kg, drink more water and eat better.

* Relationships ~ The only relationship that I feel needs work on is the one I have with myself.....I will try not to put myself down.

* Finances ~ We are financially secure with the only debt being our mortgage which will be paid off within the next 10 yrs. I would like to have a part time job/income coming in the help contribute financially.

* Career ~ I don't have one but would like to be working where I help others. I have been looking for part time work & applying for jobs, even had one interview but no job offers.

* Creativity ~ I'd like to have more confidence and create more often.

* Spiritual Fulfillment ~ I am on a spiritual journey and enjoying learning and growing spiritually each day.


I have a few areas in my life that have large rifts;

* self esteem ~ I don't think much of myself or even like myself/my body
* worry/frustration ~ I tend to worry about most things
* resentment/bitterness ~ towards living where we do
* self motivation ~ this is greatly lacking
* my past ~ I have trouble letting go of things which then weigh me down
* job/work/career ~ this is non existent
* physical health ~ I suffer from I.B.S. and am slightly overweight.

Boy, oh boy ~ actually writing all of this down (which I have also done in a journal) is a huge thing and makes everything seem so much more REAL!!!! This is HUGE............

Soul Coaching

Soul Coaching ~ 28 Days to Discover Your Authentic Self by Denise Linn

Anyone can do Soul Coaching!

It is an easy to follow programme described in the book as follows;

"It is a process that takes you to your spiritual source and helps you find meaning and sacredness in your everyday life. It allows you to take an honest look at yourself and your life, face fear, release old negative patterns, get motivated, and step boldly and joyfully into the future"

I am choosing to begin this journey now as for various reasons this is the perfect time for me!

I wrote the following contract to myself;



This is the altar I set up this afternoon for my journey of self discovery.


I love the wooden surface of my treadle Singer sewing machine so I didn't want to cover it with a cloth. I chose these objects for the following reasons;

* Statue ~ I found this recently in my local chemist of all places, in the gift section. I was drawn to it immediately and find her serene. She represents the Goddess within me.

* The candle holder and candle ~ These were a gift from my dear friend Sandy. They represent fire.

* Shells ~ I love walking along the beach and could never not live near the sea. These are my representation of water.

* Lotus flower ~ This was a recent birthday present from my husband and daughter. To me in represents earth and life as well as me blossoming as I grow.

All of these objects have an air element within them.

I am excited about tomorrow ~ day 1......

Another Step Forward

About a month ago I discovered this wonderful blog/online group conducted by Jamie Ridler.

Through the blog Jamie guided the participants on their 28 day journey through Soul Coaching and I became eagerly inspired to get my own book.

I now have this wonderful book and am about to embark on my own journey of self discovery...........

Aiming high ~ You're Worth It!

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman

We all do have the power in us to reach for the stars should we wish to ~ there is absolutely nothing wrong with aiming high and going after what we desire as long as no-one is hurt in the process!

Go outside at night, (weather permitting of course!) stretch your hand upwards and

reach for the stars!!

You can view everyone else's Mantra Monday contributions here and read about the concept behind them here.

Todays pickings

There's something special about growing and harvesting your own produce.

These red capsicums (peppers) and cherry tomatoes were picked not even 5 minutes ago!!

Yes, some of them do have what a commercial seller would call "imperfections" (dimples, marks etc) but that's the joy of sweet, tasty, homegrown, organic, deep red cherry tomatoes and capsicums.

You don't need a large garden/lots of space to enjoy the benefits of homegrown vegetables, fruits and herbs. A pot and 6-8 hours of sunlight a day is all you need............

Blog Award ~ Thanks

I feel honoured to receive this Friendship blog award from an amazing young woman Tori. Thank you especially as this is a fairly new blog!! I never imagined people would actually be reading this so soon after starting :-)


This is the meaning behind the award;

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Virtually everyone who's blogs I read have already be bestowed this award but I most definitely wish to pass this on to

* jennlui at Trinket Treasury for inspiring me to create affirmation cards and for hosting Mantra Mondays

* Muffin Pants at A Thousand Wishes and Maybes ~ she has such a brilliant way with words :-)

Another first.

After completing my first dreamboard a couple of days ago I've now completed another first.

I am so excited about being a part of Mantra Monday which is the brainchild of Jennlui at A Trinket Treasury.

I've been thinking about creating a set of affirmation cards on and off for a couple of months now and the discovery of Jennlui's blog was the extra motivation I needed ~ thank you!!

The card is ATC sized which is 6.5 x 9cm (we use metric measurements in Australia) or 2.5 x.3.5 inches. I enjoy paper crafts (not scrap booking though) so I used some paper supplies, a paper flower with a brad in the centre and glitter glue.

As someone who lacks self confidence I thought this would be a great affirmation to begin with;


This week I am going to repeat this affirmation as often as possible and I hope you will all to do the same.

Thank you

Matchstick Bromelaid in my garden August 07

I feel blessed by every one's lovely comments on my Dreamboard post. Thank you all for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave your valuable comments. It's wonderful having "found" you all!

My First Dreamboard

This is my first time creating a Dreamboard after reading about them at here at Sacred Suzie's blog.

It was fun to create; I love cutting and pasting!! I had to use turquoise coloured paper for the background as it's my favourite colour :-)

I need to focus on taking better care of myself and trying to maintain positive thoughts.

I wish happiness for everyone.

Come and view the Dreamboards of the other December participants.

A more than gentle reminder!!

I was shuffling my deck of Doreen Virtue Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards when out jumped this card!



This of course was not a coincidence but a significant reminder for me to get on with taking better care of my body, especially in regards to what I eat!!

For weeks now I've been thinking about but not actually getting around to eating healthier foods and drinking more water.

I have not been treating my body as well as I should, not that I drink alcohol or partake in any drugs. I just don't have a good relationship with foods ~ I have I.B.S. and also comfort eat!!

I will drink more water and try not to eat when upset.

I will buy more fresh foods.

I will limit foods that irritate my stomach.

A spirit guide?

Most nights if I'm not too tired I meditate before going to sleep.

I've been wanting to meet a spirit guide for a while now and last night I think I finally saw one!

I saw a person dressed in a white hooded robe come towards me and as I was about to ask him/her who he/she was the person turned and walked away.................

I am eager to know who that person is!

A perfect gift

Awhile ago my husband asked me to get my fingers sized for rings and with my birthday and Christmas approaching I thought I might be getting a ring then.

Low and behold Jason secretly searched on the internet and found this website with amazing jewellery and talismans. I love all of the jewellery ~ it's all so beautiful!

He then ordered me this ring but with turquoise in the centre, for no reasons other than he knew I'd love it and because he wanted to. (nothing to do with my birthday or Christmas). The ring didn't take long to be made and arrived promptly with great secretive communication going back and forth!

Turquoise is my favourite stone and also my birthstone.

Thanks so much Jason, everything about the ring is perfect!!


The Hebrew inscription around the turquoise says

"Life flows within you and without you".

I feel so magical wearing it.

Listening.....

Do you ever get that gut feeling/hunch about something and just shake it off as just a silly thought?

I used to do that quite frequently but more and more I'm making an effort to stop and listen to inner thoughts. More often than not I receive warnings and today was no exception.

As I reversed out of my garage to drive into town I began thinking about my car, especially the wheels/tyres. As I tried to dismiss the thoughts they became stronger so I ended up stopping at the nearby service station and checked the air pressure in the tyres. One tyre was considerably low and I therefor added air to it.

I'm not trying to say an accident may have occurred but someone was telling me that something wasn't right.

It certainly pays to listen!!

“The only real valuable thing is intuition.” ~ Albert Einstein

What a mess!!

I am embarressed to show you all of the clutter in the room where I am currently sitting, surrrounded by half finished crafting projects and paperwork (paid bills etc).

I used to be much tidier than this but lately I always procrastinate about tidying it all up. One problem is that I dislike throwing things away as I always think I could use that for something! That's the recycler in me talking!! The trouble is that there is only so much room. I do have attachment issues also.

I need to be ruthless; put things away when I've finished with them, put paper scraps/old bills etc in the recycling bin and that way I will have room to move!

Also, if I clear off my craft desk I can get back to using it for what it's meant for ~ creating, instead of a place to dump things. Perhaps I'll then regain my creative inspiration :-)



By posting these photos I am aiming to motivate myself into doing something about it!

Simple Pleasures

cherries, white nectarines & seedless grapes

There is nothing more delicious on a hot and humid summer's day than a bowl of fresh fruit salad!

Dreamboards

I felt that I had no control over my life when I moved interstate with my family a couple of years ago. That negative feeling of not wanting to live here has weighed me down.

It's now time to try and snap out of it.

As I can't change the fact we moved here I can instead begin focusing on what I'd like in my future, harnessing positive energies to do this.

I first read about Dreamboards (also known as a vision or goal board) a few weeks ago and then began creating one after finding this post at Suzie's Sacred Space.

It's fun going through old magazines/catalogues searching for pictures and words/phrases to create a visual picture of my dreams. I look foreard to sharing my completed dreamboard with you.

Gratitude

I don't think most of us stop often enough to think about how grateful we are for all of the wonderful things in our lives.

That is the reason I signed up for the 100 Things I'm Grateful For swap on swap-bot.

At first I thought it would be difficult to actually come up with 100 different things but it was easier than I thought.

100 Things I’m Grateful For

1. My good health
2. A home, safe place to sleep at night
3. My husband ~ for everything
4. My daughter ~ for being “her”
5. The opportunities that living in Australia can present to me if I wish
7. Having enough money to never have to go without
8. My parents for raising me as they did
9. Air conditioning to help with humid summers!
10. Having traveled so much as a child ~ opened my eyes to the world
11. Being able to travel overseas regularly
12. My two dogs ~ their companionship
13. My hens ~ their delicious eggs and manure for the garden
14. Being able to have the garden of my dreams
15. My organic veggie patch and its produce
16. Having a swimming pool
17. Rain
18. Living near the beach and walking there often
19. Not living in a third world country and having to struggle for everyday things in life
20. Both my parents & in laws for all that they do for us
21. The lovely breeze when it’s windy
22. Plentiful food
23. Hugs and cuddles from both my husband and daughter
24. Walking in the bush near our house and seeing kangaroos regularly
25. Butterflies hovering in our garden
26. All of the opportunities I’ve had so far in my life
27. Earthworms in the garden
28. Flower buds about to open
29. Developing veggies growing in our veggie garden
30. The bright cheery sunflowers
31. Our comfortable king sized bed ~ having a great nights sleep
32. My dogs being excited to see me
33. My daughter telling me any problems/issues she has
34. Airplanes ~ a great mode of transport to just about anywhere!
35. Money ~ never needing to worry about it
36. The fact my husband and daughter support my environmental “efforts” at home
37. My daughter’s good health
38. Having a car and being able to drive anywhere if I choose
39. Internet
40. The beautiful plants in our garden
41. Moonlight
42. My husbands’ like of cooking as I dislike doing it!
43. Smiles
44. Hugs
45. Friends
46. Family
47. Time together with my husband ~ just him and me
48. Holidays, especially overseas
49. An abundance of foods
50. Always having clean water to drink
51. One on one time with my daughter
52. Family outings/events
53. My dogs wagging their tails at me
54. The beautiful view from my windows
55. The natural beauty of the bush
56. The smile and laughter from my daughter
57. My husband, for just being “himself”
58. Friends accepting me for whom I am
59. Talks on the telephone with friends who live a long way away
60. Bargains when shopping
61. Treasures in op/thrift shops
62. The joy on someone’s face when I give them something
63. Dreams
64. Imagination
65. Laughter
66. Hearing my husband calling out "hello" when he arrives home from work
67. Our huge Balinese daybed to relax on
68. Mocha flavoured drinks, either hot or cold
69. Kookaburras laughing in the nearby bush
70. The beach
71. Public holidays as my husband is then at home more!
72. Talking with friends
73. Bees that germinate the flowers on my produce plants
74. The wind on a hot day to help cool me down
75. The dogs wagging their tails
76. Airconditioning in my car
77. Holidays
78. Cool showers
79. When school resumes after long school holidays!
80. How supportive my husband is
81. The love from my husband
82. The love from my daughter
83. My hearing
84. My sight
85. Warm drinks on a cold day
86. Cold drinks on a hot day
87. Caramel flavouring
88. My craft desk and “stuff”
89. Music
90. Books
91. Colour
92. Rainbows
93. Trees
94. Flowers
95. Gel pens
96. Our house
97. Computers / technology
98. Jewellery
99. Lychees ~ so sweet & juicy
100.Asian foods

What are you most grateful for?

New Beginnings

I have been meaning to begin blogging again for a while & here I finally am!

As I approach my 39th birthday (and 40th year of life as my mother reminded me the other day!) I feel that I am finally growing as a person.

I still have a long way to go but I am eager to learn & share as I venture on this journey forwards.