The sparrows and chickadees are emptying my bird feeders at record speed since the temperatures have dropped in the mornings and evenings. Sometimes I wonder, “why my bird feeder?” My backyard is average and small in comparison to neighbouring yards. If I was a bird, I think I would choose a less barren place with bird baths, ponds, and clusters of trees. I am happy to see them though, these birds that come in multiples to feed on seeds just for them. They do not know the joy they are ...
Making Purposeful Decisions
Changing Messy Thinking (imperfectly perfect)
I literally laboured to change my thinking of messiness. Instead of shaking my head with repeating “you are so st….d” thoughts, I began to laugh at my messy. I learned that breaking perfection leads to more connection and joy. It wasn’t easy, letting go of perfection. When a teenager, I remember admiring the vacuum marks at a peer’s out-of-bounds living room. My own home included spreads of magazines and newspapers on coffee-tables. I’d rearrange them by colour and size, just to look less ...
Encouragement for Changing Times
When change comes upon us, whether started by us or placed upon us, we can become fearful of the unknown. Our security, our life-style, and our hopes can feel threatened. Sometimes we may panic, other times we may want to hide. We wonder if we are going to be okay. I believe you are going to be okay! You’re going to make it through. Evergreens and poplar trees border the path I walk. The August sky is cloudless, the air calm but my mind is stormy. What if I can’t do this? ...
Life Transitions
“You’re too hard on yourself.” Those are words spoken to me often, yet I still resist them. How am I being too hard on myself? Especially since many summer weeks have passed by and I see unchecked items on my project list. I’ve allowed too much downtime, in my opinion. “You’re rushing things,” my friend says. I begin to understand. That anxiety that made me leave the list to take an off-schedule walk in grasslands is stemmed from panic. Panic that I should be in a ...
Writing Craft Books -#IWSG
August 4 question - What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why? Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Often, just before I begin writing, I read an essay by ...
Word for the Year Update
When I saw Lisa’s post about checking-in regarding our Word for Year, I must admit I hadn’t considering my word for sometime. A tool I regularly used was adding my Word to the top of my daily journal page. However, I’d lapsed and now it’s time to get back at it! Reflections on Word for the Year When creating my Word for the Year, I mindfully check-in if my word does the following: 1. Holds emotional charge 2. What I want to experience most this year 3. Livens me up 4. ...
