It's snowing out, and I'm blessed to be inside where it's warm, where we have plenty of food, and where I am with my family. I am looking forward to being snowed in, enjoying warm drinks and lots of snuggles, and just BEing.
Sometimes life goes so very fast, and then we get opportunities like these to slow down and just enjoy it. And that, dear friends, is what I'm planning on doing.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
When life gets in the way...
I live it.
And that is what I've been doing - living my life. Treasuring my little darlings (and my big one), riding the waves of homeschooling and tantrums, wiping away tears and snot, basking in the quiet moments (rare with Squeak's chatter) and the cuddling, remembering to breathe - for the sake of myself and family, celebrating Squeak's new therapy program that she qualified for, and helping her with therapy. Once Squeak starts eating, then there will be the diet and allergies to consider.
Time has been precious as of late, and there are many thoughts I wish to share with you... blog posts that have been percolating in the brain. They are there, I've just yet to type them out.
In the meantime, rest assured that life is full on this end. Wonderfully, marvelously, miraculously full... and we are living it.
And that is what I've been doing - living my life. Treasuring my little darlings (and my big one), riding the waves of homeschooling and tantrums, wiping away tears and snot, basking in the quiet moments (rare with Squeak's chatter) and the cuddling, remembering to breathe - for the sake of myself and family, celebrating Squeak's new therapy program that she qualified for, and helping her with therapy. Once Squeak starts eating, then there will be the diet and allergies to consider.
Time has been precious as of late, and there are many thoughts I wish to share with you... blog posts that have been percolating in the brain. They are there, I've just yet to type them out.
In the meantime, rest assured that life is full on this end. Wonderfully, marvelously, miraculously full... and we are living it.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Focus For 2010
2009 has taught me several things:
- I am worth taking care of myself through quiet time, exercise, and time with good friends
- I am good enough
- It's time to slow down, and smell those flowers again
- I do know what is best for me, and what feels best
- I have some seriously amazing people and friends in my life
- Do not mess with the Tigress
For 2010, this is what I plan to focus on:
1. Myself .
I honor myself and recognize that I deserve time to regroup. I am taking time out for me so that I can be a better mom and wife. I can do this through massages, time with friends that really nurture my soul and help to relax me, getting out of the house, reflexology, and doing things I truly enjoy - even if it's going someplace where I can read or paint.
I exercise on a regular basis, focusing mainly on strength training with a side of yoga, walking, dancing, pilates, and cardio.
I am eating healthier by starting clean eating and trying new recipes and foods.
I plan to get a physical and eye exam this year.
2 Finances
Buy only what we really need. If we don't need it, we won't get it. Continue to save up. Donate to Heifer.org.
3 Simplify
I'm taking it to the next level.
- Stuff - Declutter and purge project throughout the entire house. Organize. Something comes in, something goes out.
- Time - New calendar with less space, thus less room to schedule things. Keep scheduling to a minimum. Respect boundaries and keep things uncomplicated.
- Homeschooling - Make time to breathe. Determine what is really important.
- Food - Clean eating.
4. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
I am slowing down and stopping to smell the flowers. I am present in the moment. I enjoy the moments and life. I am basking in laughter, gratitude and joy, and I am willing to encourage, inspire and share these with others.
I continue:
-to respect my inner voice and listen to it.
- to hear and listen to what I need.
- to bask in joy and gratitude.
- to maintain a home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.
To Complete:
- Get Information book updated and completely
- Huge decluttering/purge of the house
- Find a good doctor and get a physical
- Get eye exam and new glasses
- I am worth taking care of myself through quiet time, exercise, and time with good friends
- I am good enough
- It's time to slow down, and smell those flowers again
- I do know what is best for me, and what feels best
- I have some seriously amazing people and friends in my life
- Do not mess with the Tigress
For 2010, this is what I plan to focus on:
1. Myself .
I honor myself and recognize that I deserve time to regroup. I am taking time out for me so that I can be a better mom and wife. I can do this through massages, time with friends that really nurture my soul and help to relax me, getting out of the house, reflexology, and doing things I truly enjoy - even if it's going someplace where I can read or paint.
I exercise on a regular basis, focusing mainly on strength training with a side of yoga, walking, dancing, pilates, and cardio.
I am eating healthier by starting clean eating and trying new recipes and foods.
I plan to get a physical and eye exam this year.
2 Finances
Buy only what we really need. If we don't need it, we won't get it. Continue to save up. Donate to Heifer.org.
3 Simplify
I'm taking it to the next level.
- Stuff - Declutter and purge project throughout the entire house. Organize. Something comes in, something goes out.
- Time - New calendar with less space, thus less room to schedule things. Keep scheduling to a minimum. Respect boundaries and keep things uncomplicated.
- Homeschooling - Make time to breathe. Determine what is really important.
- Food - Clean eating.
4. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
I am slowing down and stopping to smell the flowers. I am present in the moment. I enjoy the moments and life. I am basking in laughter, gratitude and joy, and I am willing to encourage, inspire and share these with others.
I continue:
-to respect my inner voice and listen to it.
- to hear and listen to what I need.
- to bask in joy and gratitude.
- to maintain a home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.
To Complete:
- Get Information book updated and completely
- Huge decluttering/purge of the house
- Find a good doctor and get a physical
- Get eye exam and new glasses
Relflections on 2009
2009 has been an incredible year. I've made and reconnected with some wonderful people. I let go, and in return made room for something so much better. I've realized many things about myself and relationships in my life.
I've doubted myself, and felt that I wasn't good enough, only to rise from the ashes and realize, that I'm not only good enough, I'm a mighty fine person with a big heart.
It's been a year of realizations, adventure, and stepping out of my comfort zone. All good things, I assure you.
In purple are my comments about each focus I'd planned for this year. It's always amusing to look back on what I've written. I managed to accomplish most of these. Not happy with a few of these though.
1. I am honoring myself.
I am changing my thinking so that it is more positive. I release and let go of negative thoughts and relationships. I create a positive environment to thrive.<-Done.
I am eating more nutritiously for myself and family. (We are cutting out high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. We are increasing our vegetable and fruit intake. We are eating more fresh and less processed foods.)<-We started this journey... now, we're going to up it a notch I think.
I am moving and exercising regularly. (yoga, walking, dancing, pilates) I am encouraging and supporting hubby in doing this too. <-Done, although not happy with where I've been the last few weeks.
2. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
I am willing to be present in the moment, and to really just enjoy the moments and life. I am basking in laughter, gratitude and joy, and I am willing to encourage, inspire and share these with others.<-This was a bit of a challenge. I need to regroup on this.
3 Finances - spend wisely and consciously.
We are putting more into savings, spending wisely, and eliminating expenses where able.<-Well... this year we spent more than we'd have liked. So, I'm not happy with this.
4 Simplicity
I am keeping things simple by saying no when needed, respecting my boundaries, and keeping things uncomplicated. <-Done for the most part. I keep up with keeping out the clutter and maintaining that which might come in.<-Didn't keep up with this as much as I'd like. Got a bit derailed. Have a new perspective as well.
5 Honoring Others
I am enhancing my relationships through encouragement, nurturing, love and joy. I forgive myself and others for not meeting expectations. <-Done. Actually managed to reconnect with some amazing people.
I am looking into places to donate to. Currently, we donate to http://www.heifer.org/. I am looking into http://www.kiva.org/. Suggestions are welcome.<-Done. Donated to heifer. Not so sure about Kiva though... maybe because could find anyone I was comfortable lending too.
I continue:
-to be aware of the blessings in my life, and continue my connection with appreciation and gratitude.<-Done.
-to incorporate internal rhythms with life's rhythms. Learning to listen to what I need. Listening to my intuition. <-Done. Took until the end of this year... and I'm there.
- to maintain a home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.<-Had a few rough patches, however, and overall, think I did pretty good with this.
To Complete:
- Get a shed for out back <-Done.
- Create play area in the back <-Done.
I've doubted myself, and felt that I wasn't good enough, only to rise from the ashes and realize, that I'm not only good enough, I'm a mighty fine person with a big heart.
It's been a year of realizations, adventure, and stepping out of my comfort zone. All good things, I assure you.
In purple are my comments about each focus I'd planned for this year. It's always amusing to look back on what I've written. I managed to accomplish most of these. Not happy with a few of these though.
1. I am honoring myself.
I am changing my thinking so that it is more positive. I release and let go of negative thoughts and relationships. I create a positive environment to thrive.<-Done.
I am eating more nutritiously for myself and family. (We are cutting out high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. We are increasing our vegetable and fruit intake. We are eating more fresh and less processed foods.)<-We started this journey... now, we're going to up it a notch I think.
I am moving and exercising regularly. (yoga, walking, dancing, pilates) I am encouraging and supporting hubby in doing this too. <-Done, although not happy with where I've been the last few weeks.
2. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
I am willing to be present in the moment, and to really just enjoy the moments and life. I am basking in laughter, gratitude and joy, and I am willing to encourage, inspire and share these with others.<-This was a bit of a challenge. I need to regroup on this.
3 Finances - spend wisely and consciously.
We are putting more into savings, spending wisely, and eliminating expenses where able.<-Well... this year we spent more than we'd have liked. So, I'm not happy with this.
4 Simplicity
I am keeping things simple by saying no when needed, respecting my boundaries, and keeping things uncomplicated. <-Done for the most part. I keep up with keeping out the clutter and maintaining that which might come in.<-Didn't keep up with this as much as I'd like. Got a bit derailed. Have a new perspective as well.
5 Honoring Others
I am enhancing my relationships through encouragement, nurturing, love and joy. I forgive myself and others for not meeting expectations. <-Done. Actually managed to reconnect with some amazing people.
I am looking into places to donate to. Currently, we donate to http://www.heifer.org/. I am looking into http://www.kiva.org/. Suggestions are welcome.<-Done. Donated to heifer. Not so sure about Kiva though... maybe because could find anyone I was comfortable lending too.
I continue:
-to be aware of the blessings in my life, and continue my connection with appreciation and gratitude.<-Done.
-to incorporate internal rhythms with life's rhythms. Learning to listen to what I need. Listening to my intuition. <-Done. Took until the end of this year... and I'm there.
- to maintain a home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.<-Had a few rough patches, however, and overall, think I did pretty good with this.
To Complete:
- Get a shed for out back <-Done.
- Create play area in the back <-Done.
Let's Do It
It's that time of year again. Only a few more days until 2010 begins, and I'm feeling the urge to purge on many levels.
In terms of the house, I want to go through every nook and cranny and just let it go. Too long I've been holding on to things "just in case" and now I realize, that this is more that just decluttering for me. It's about making space in my life, daring to let go of things so that I can make "make space for what really matters - old or new" (as a good friend wrote). In a way too, it's taking a step in faith - trusting that I'll be provided for on some level.
In terms of my body, I've been eating foods that I don't even like, that don't make me feel good. Add to that my youngest's food allergies, and I'm thinking it's time to purge the pantry, to make room for the good stuff. Maybe even purge the cook books too.
In terms of homeschooling, we've been hitting the books hard, and sacrificing afternoons of reading and spontaneous art projects that haven't been "planned". It's time to find that balance and figure out what exactly I want to do. It's time to purge and release what isn't working.
In terms of time, I've been spending too much of it in ways that I'd rather be spending doing something else. So, I'm hoping to figure out ways to save time and make the most of it, and eventually, find the courage to purge a few time-sucking things to boot.
So, starting tomorrow, it begins. I'm taking advantage of this mood. Anyone want to jump aboard?
Let's do it.
In terms of the house, I want to go through every nook and cranny and just let it go. Too long I've been holding on to things "just in case" and now I realize, that this is more that just decluttering for me. It's about making space in my life, daring to let go of things so that I can make "make space for what really matters - old or new" (as a good friend wrote). In a way too, it's taking a step in faith - trusting that I'll be provided for on some level.
In terms of my body, I've been eating foods that I don't even like, that don't make me feel good. Add to that my youngest's food allergies, and I'm thinking it's time to purge the pantry, to make room for the good stuff. Maybe even purge the cook books too.
In terms of homeschooling, we've been hitting the books hard, and sacrificing afternoons of reading and spontaneous art projects that haven't been "planned". It's time to find that balance and figure out what exactly I want to do. It's time to purge and release what isn't working.
In terms of time, I've been spending too much of it in ways that I'd rather be spending doing something else. So, I'm hoping to figure out ways to save time and make the most of it, and eventually, find the courage to purge a few time-sucking things to boot.
So, starting tomorrow, it begins. I'm taking advantage of this mood. Anyone want to jump aboard?
Let's do it.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Lady Tigress
That is how I feel after this week. We've finally got a diagnosis with Squeak as to why she isn't eating solid foods. She's got sensory issues, and needs to be in Birth - 3. I'm not sure what happened this week; perhaps it's the year's events building up and I'm reaping the gifts. Maybe, it's that this momma has had enough.
My child will eat. Allergies or not, I'm going to fight this and will see it through.
The whole experience has been interesting, as has this year for that matter. It's been interesting to see who's offered support, who's really reached out to be there for us, and who truly cared about what we were going through. We've a clear view of who gets it (and us) and who doesn't.
In the beginning, I felt small and scared, tender and raw. And then, a wave of love and friendship surrounded me, lifted me up, and helped to hold me together. I didn't have to ask. I didn't have to tell someone what I needed - they just knew. I didn't worry about being compared, about not doing enough. And now? I've gone from the scared-hiding in the shell (so I don't get hurt) hermit crab, to an elegant Tigress.
Reclaiming my power? Perhaps. Having a good day? It could be that too. Or maybe it's the final inspiration and encouragement from a good friend who's found himself, and isn't afraid to follow his intuition.
I feel as though I'm coming back to myself in many ways. That I'm accepting the darker parts of me, that I'd labeled "unacceptable" because others thought they were. Those parts I denied, tried to rub out and change, or hide. But beneath it all - they are a part of who I am.
In the past, seeing these bits has caused me to try and cover up, dive deep into my shell to hide them. My confidence crashed as I allowed these bits to be picked apart, dissected, and displayed before me. Everyone has dark parts, just as everyone has light parts.
I no longer have the urge to shriek out, "This is who I am - and it's okay!" Instead, I smile quietly, knowing, that I am enough. I am amazing. And most of all - I am loved. And I know, that those reading this who love me, are probably smiling right now.
And those of you who knew this Tigress before the tender hermit crab stage of the last few years, are probably cheering and shouting, "That's the girl we know!" (And thank you for those of you who've told me in person.) ;)
I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. I'd like to think I've gotten over that hump, that I've found a new me. As two wise friends have reminded me - life goes in cycles. So I'm taking baby steps. I'm delegating. I'm recruiting backup.
And I'm enjoying this feeling.
My child will eat. Allergies or not, I'm going to fight this and will see it through.
The whole experience has been interesting, as has this year for that matter. It's been interesting to see who's offered support, who's really reached out to be there for us, and who truly cared about what we were going through. We've a clear view of who gets it (and us) and who doesn't.
In the beginning, I felt small and scared, tender and raw. And then, a wave of love and friendship surrounded me, lifted me up, and helped to hold me together. I didn't have to ask. I didn't have to tell someone what I needed - they just knew. I didn't worry about being compared, about not doing enough. And now? I've gone from the scared-hiding in the shell (so I don't get hurt) hermit crab, to an elegant Tigress.
Reclaiming my power? Perhaps. Having a good day? It could be that too. Or maybe it's the final inspiration and encouragement from a good friend who's found himself, and isn't afraid to follow his intuition.
I feel as though I'm coming back to myself in many ways. That I'm accepting the darker parts of me, that I'd labeled "unacceptable" because others thought they were. Those parts I denied, tried to rub out and change, or hide. But beneath it all - they are a part of who I am.
In the past, seeing these bits has caused me to try and cover up, dive deep into my shell to hide them. My confidence crashed as I allowed these bits to be picked apart, dissected, and displayed before me. Everyone has dark parts, just as everyone has light parts.
I no longer have the urge to shriek out, "This is who I am - and it's okay!" Instead, I smile quietly, knowing, that I am enough. I am amazing. And most of all - I am loved. And I know, that those reading this who love me, are probably smiling right now.
And those of you who knew this Tigress before the tender hermit crab stage of the last few years, are probably cheering and shouting, "That's the girl we know!" (And thank you for those of you who've told me in person.) ;)
I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. I'd like to think I've gotten over that hump, that I've found a new me. As two wise friends have reminded me - life goes in cycles. So I'm taking baby steps. I'm delegating. I'm recruiting backup.
And I'm enjoying this feeling.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)