Day 235: Falling Leaves Rest

Sometimes we've gotta fall so that we can recharge.

Just as leaves fall from the trees when winter comes, bringing with it rest,
So must we take periods of pause.

Growth comes in phases. And part of growth is rest.

 

Heart-shaped leaves. 

A reminder of love. 

We have to experience a fall at times

In order to grow later.

Day 234: Chasing a good life

'Chasing a good life' is the name of this fun filter thing.   

It's fun and enjoyable, but after a few minutes it starts to seem loud, obnoxious, and a bit repetitive. (Or maybe that's just me 👵)  

None of which represent a 'good life' - at least by my definition.  

So perhaps, rather than chasing a good life, we should strive to cultivate a good life, instead.   

One that gives us energy, excitement, motivation, peace and calm.  

Cultivation - or growth - takes time.
It also takes, nurturing, awareness, and intention.  

Want to live a 'good life' that lasts longer than a phase?   

Let's talk!!!  

Your inner daredevil will thank you - and so will your future self.

Day 233: Travel Companions

On the third day of Spooktober . . .

Forget small dogs in purses -
this season is all about connecting with the 'otherside'. 

- GET THE LOOK -

Make your own spooktacular fashion accessory (and companion).
All you need is:
- 1 or 2 small skeletons
- a plastic grocery bag
Just put skeletons in the bag and tie-up or zhuzh to your liking!

With this look, you're guaranteed to be the most fashionable rider on the bus.

Day 232: The Female Toupee

 

Is it or isn't it?

I don't know!

I think the uncertainty of the matter makes this sighting especially Spooky.
-------

But you want to know what's more spooky than a toupee - no matter who is wearing it?

Feeling like you need to look a certain way or change yourself in order to fit in or be accepted.

The invisible pressure - from some unidentifiable place - telling us that in some way, shape, or form we are not enough.

We all feel this at different times in life - All of us.
Every.
Single.
Human.

But, we don't have to carry the weight of this pressure. 

Instead, we can use it as a magnifying glass
- to more deeply explore the hidden beliefs and veiled thoughts we have about it
- to uncover and bring to light what we are making this pressure mean about us, individually

Cue horrific music - because this is where things get really scary . . . [When unearthing beliefs you didn't know you had]
'Oh, my gosh, did I really believe that having perfectly coiffed hair is the way to receive validation and self-worth - AND it only counts if it comes from others and not myself?! ?! I don't agree with that at all!!

But as the music and horrifying shock fades, and we are left with our own silence, we can then start to assess, dream, and create.

- How do these beliefs and thoughts limit me?
- What do I want my experience and life to be like in regards to this [particular pressure]?
- What is one small shift I can make (whether in thought or action) that would feel better to me?

The answers that come up, when we are brave enough to be honest with ourselves, will hold the keys to navigating a life with less pressure and less spooky.

Because when you are living a life that feels good to you, no one will ever question if it's a toupee.

Day 231: Ooh, Spooky

Halloween is in the air! 

That's right, people - it's October, and that means pumpkins, Pumpkins, PUMPKINS!
Well, I guess that's just fall

That means it's ghosts, cobwebs and SPOOKY!

Here are some first glimpses . . .

Maison Parisienne

Halsted Flowers, LLC

Nipple Eyes!!!

I don't know who this guy is, but he looks . . . very surprised!

Day 230: Just Magnificent

...Bored?

Watch this video and feel "Magnificent, Just Magnificent."

Day 229: The Call of Calm

Dang. I know I talked about changing one's ringtone (literally - but mostly figuratively) in a previous post. But, man, oh man! What a difference it makes!

I used to absolutely hate talking on the phone. I would, unknowingly at the time, tense up when I heard the phone ringing.

But now - now I'm filled with curiosity at who is calling.

Now, I actually like to hear my phone ring.

Because I genuinely enjoy the sound of it.

Adriene, from Yoga with Adriene, always tells us "find what feels good." And boy does that hold true - even when it comes to the sounds your phone makes.

But finding what feels good is more than just pleasure for the senses. It comes from a deeper place. From connection to the inside. And can be identified through an emotional (or gut) response.

When I was picking my new ringtone it first captured my attention because it was pleasing to hear. But more than that, I felt a sense of calm as I continued to listen to it.

My imagination quickly created an image in my mind of me missing all future phone calls because I was too busy enjoying -and relaxing - to the new sound of my ringtone.

"This is really nice," I thought with a blissful, closed-eye smile stretched across my face.

But then Hazey showed up.

"Yeah, but how will you hear it? It's quieter than your other ringtone and you could barely ever hear that."

She had a point.

 

The new peaceful piano ringtone was less ear-piercing than the former. But, . . . if I wasn't answering my phone to begin with, what difference does it make if the same outcome continues with a more pleasant sound?

Quite honestly, the idea of using my ringtone, on the rare occasion it went off, to enjoy and take a few seconds to consciously relax didn't sound so bad to me.

Dare I say, I was tickled by the idea?

Plus, if I didn't like it I could always change it.

As in life, nothing is permanent.

And with impermanence comes an amazing gift. The opportunity to continuously experience and enjoy, change, and grow.

There is no time restriction for feeling good.

It doesn't have limitations to where it can or cannot be experienced or by who it can and cannot be obtained.

Feeling good is accessible to everyone.

For a brief moment.

For a prolonged span.

Awareness cultivates good feelings.

Appreciation magnifies them.

So here's a challenge: Next time you are doing something that gives you pause - no matter how brief - stop and pay attention to how you feel.
What's your body doing (or not doing)?

Where do your thoughts go (or not go)?

Feeling neutral when you usually feel overcharged?

Feeling energized when you typically feel depleted?

Feeling calm when you normally feel stressed?

Pay attention.

And if you're feeling adventurous, try out a change.

It may have bigger impacts than you'd imagine!