In my constant quest for reinvention my thoughts continue to gravitate toward higher levels of expression. I have always harbored ideas of writing a book(s) about growing up in a large and fun loving family. I have even had the title for several years now along with all the character names. I have also been prompted to develop an artist journey workbook for adolescents. So what is stopping me? Fear of the unknown, for one.
Through my soul searching and self discovery I have been learning to quiet my mind and listen to that soft, small voice and lean into His wisdom. Having said that, I only feel comfortable leaning as far as I think I am capable. This is an admission of doubt and faithlessness that I am ashamed to admit. How could I possibly write children's books? Where do I start? Slowly the answers are being presented to me.
This morning I was inspired to write my goals down and ask the universe for help. Nothing really happens until we commit to writing, saying, stating, praying it-the actual words of the things we want. Marc Allen, author of The Magical Path suggests this format for stating our intentions:
"In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the good of all I pray_____________."
I believe that we all have spiritual prompts that we manage to ignore due to fear of looking foolish or feelings of inadequacy. True faith requires that we forge ahead despite those fears. Ideas that form in our minds are legitimate visions of what we are called to do on our individual paths. So here goes...
In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the good of all I pray that I get the information and support I need to develop an interactive coloring book to use in my elementary classes as a tool to offer positive, alternative options to students who use anger as a defense mechanism.
and...
In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the good of all I pray that my experiences lead me to individuals who can help me facilitate the creation of a series of short stories based on my life in a loving family, in the hopes that these will provide a written history of my family's love and dedication to each other.
and...
In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the good of all I pray that these endeavors along with my teaching career provide my immediate family with an appropriate income and opportunity to influence individuals to seek a higher path or understanding, while strengthening my faith in all that is possible for each of us.
There you have it universe. Let's get to work! What are you being prompted to do? How could you be an instrument for the betterment of the world? Find your faith. Share your story. Write it down and start walking your path. It was designed for you alone.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Friday, April 12, 2019
Endless Possibilities
Choosing a new life and future has its challenges. Many old behaviors, friends and habits have to go. On the bright side, much can be gained from walking headlong into the unknown. Establishing trust in the knowledge that one is on the right path that he/she was created to travel requires many (for me anyway) years trying to do it alone...and ultimately failing. Let's face it, there are numerous voices in our head speaking irreverently in our ear about our faux strengths and weaknesses and we sometimes spend years listening to them.
One time I entertained the idea of being an art teacher. I wanted to have a job with benefits and summers off. I never really thought much more about it until I graduated and was hired for a Title 1 school that had a severely disadvantaged population. Then I met the kids, who melted my heart. I now understand that this is part of my path. I know these kids. I am these kids in some ways. They respond to me. They listen to me. They look for me, other teachers and adults to guide them because sometimes they can't see a different future for themselves. My job has grown from teaching art to inspiring them to consider the possibilities for their lives.
It is interesting that these revelations are opening up to me at this stage of my life. I feared that I was too old to begin a new career. I am adjusting, tweaking and improving the probability that I will have many years to explore and grow on this new path. Every day I entertain the idea that I am here to do so much more with my life. I see my friends retiring and I wonder if I've lived my life in reverse like Benjamin Button. It doesn't matter though. What matters is that I rarely hear those old voices in my head telling me I can do this and I can't do that. Instead I dream of endless possibilities. Perhaps I can inspire kids and people of all ages to start looking at their potential in ways they could never imagine. Maybe I can promote a movement of ageless contribution, or inspire a child to become more than they believed they ever could, or develop a new learning strategy-the inspirations are endless.
What have you been thinking about doing but the voices say "you're too____________?" I bet you have more than one word to insert here. Think about how fun it would be to try a little piece of it! I never thought I could ever "blog." Who would want to read what I have to say? Maybe someone might. Maybe you needed this blog today or know someone who might. Please share it if you like. Look at me-I'M BLOGGING!!!
One time I entertained the idea of being an art teacher. I wanted to have a job with benefits and summers off. I never really thought much more about it until I graduated and was hired for a Title 1 school that had a severely disadvantaged population. Then I met the kids, who melted my heart. I now understand that this is part of my path. I know these kids. I am these kids in some ways. They respond to me. They listen to me. They look for me, other teachers and adults to guide them because sometimes they can't see a different future for themselves. My job has grown from teaching art to inspiring them to consider the possibilities for their lives.
It is interesting that these revelations are opening up to me at this stage of my life. I feared that I was too old to begin a new career. I am adjusting, tweaking and improving the probability that I will have many years to explore and grow on this new path. Every day I entertain the idea that I am here to do so much more with my life. I see my friends retiring and I wonder if I've lived my life in reverse like Benjamin Button. It doesn't matter though. What matters is that I rarely hear those old voices in my head telling me I can do this and I can't do that. Instead I dream of endless possibilities. Perhaps I can inspire kids and people of all ages to start looking at their potential in ways they could never imagine. Maybe I can promote a movement of ageless contribution, or inspire a child to become more than they believed they ever could, or develop a new learning strategy-the inspirations are endless.
What have you been thinking about doing but the voices say "you're too____________?" I bet you have more than one word to insert here. Think about how fun it would be to try a little piece of it! I never thought I could ever "blog." Who would want to read what I have to say? Maybe someone might. Maybe you needed this blog today or know someone who might. Please share it if you like. Look at me-I'M BLOGGING!!!
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Reinvention after ?
In an attempt to find my highest purpose I am relaunching my blogging attempt. Previously it was written to promote art classes, creative opportunities and the like. Today I am deciding to create a space for reflection, growth and reinvention.
It is a good time to be a mature woman. Previous generations of women had little or no opportunity to follow their dreams as young females, let alone make huge shifts in their life choices after a certain age. This breaks my heart. How many women took their incredible gifts with them to the grave? How many contributions were lost because they were shackled by unwritten stereotypes of what "older" women were supposed to do?
All of us have spent time putting ourselves second to the needs of others-there is no shame in that. The issue lies in believing that we don't deserve to value ourselves or look for opportunities to support each other in our attempts to crawl forward from that space. We have something to offer this world and we had better set about putting it out there, regardless of what it looks like to others.
So, here is my proposal...let's actively throw caution to the wind, pull up our big girl pants, and create a space for any and all ideas to be nurtured. Let's create a place for collaboration and growth. Let's write a play, paint intuitively, gather in support of each other and live as our sacred selves.
You may think that this is impossible or at least far fetched. All I know is that I have had too many years of self doubt to count and I am looking toward the years I have left. I have something to say. I was born to do great things. You do too. This blog is a stretch for me. It's taken me a week to put my ideas down for fear of rejection and self-doubt. That's okay. I will gain confidence as I go. My writing will improve. I will grow. I will become.
I look forward to sharing my ideas and deepest thoughts with you in the hope that I can foster a community of big thinkers and dream makers. My goal is somewhat selfish too. Writing this will be a documentation of my process of self reflection and personal growth. I can look back on my life and see how all the pieces fit so perfectly together to create who I have become so far. That's great. My goal is to forge headlong into the unlimited possibilities of the future, without holding anything back.
If you have ever considered this, won't you join me? Can you imagine what we could do? I CAN!!!
It is a good time to be a mature woman. Previous generations of women had little or no opportunity to follow their dreams as young females, let alone make huge shifts in their life choices after a certain age. This breaks my heart. How many women took their incredible gifts with them to the grave? How many contributions were lost because they were shackled by unwritten stereotypes of what "older" women were supposed to do?
All of us have spent time putting ourselves second to the needs of others-there is no shame in that. The issue lies in believing that we don't deserve to value ourselves or look for opportunities to support each other in our attempts to crawl forward from that space. We have something to offer this world and we had better set about putting it out there, regardless of what it looks like to others.
So, here is my proposal...let's actively throw caution to the wind, pull up our big girl pants, and create a space for any and all ideas to be nurtured. Let's create a place for collaboration and growth. Let's write a play, paint intuitively, gather in support of each other and live as our sacred selves.
You may think that this is impossible or at least far fetched. All I know is that I have had too many years of self doubt to count and I am looking toward the years I have left. I have something to say. I was born to do great things. You do too. This blog is a stretch for me. It's taken me a week to put my ideas down for fear of rejection and self-doubt. That's okay. I will gain confidence as I go. My writing will improve. I will grow. I will become.
I look forward to sharing my ideas and deepest thoughts with you in the hope that I can foster a community of big thinkers and dream makers. My goal is somewhat selfish too. Writing this will be a documentation of my process of self reflection and personal growth. I can look back on my life and see how all the pieces fit so perfectly together to create who I have become so far. That's great. My goal is to forge headlong into the unlimited possibilities of the future, without holding anything back.
If you have ever considered this, won't you join me? Can you imagine what we could do? I CAN!!!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Good Sunday morning! Looking outside on this peaceful day I am thankful for my warm home and my healthy family. My plans are to work in the studio and spend some time in artistic reflection. I love the days that allow the body and mind to connect. Why do I not do this more regularly? Take some time for yourself today.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Ahhh, the tech life!
Hello all! Today during the snowstorm I decided to work on connecting my social media to my blog and my calendar. I made significant progress in updating all of the sites and hope to offer you a streamlined version of my information and access to all necessary forms for paperwork and scheduling. This may take me a while to complete, but you should start to see important links between them and allow you to schedule private parties and class registrations with a few clicks of your mouse! Please give the calendar a try and let me know if you can access class dates and times. Thanks for all your support! Let's get our party going!!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Well, it seems like I need to blog more often. I have to reset my password each time I try to use it. That's ok, most of the time I'm too busy to blog anyway! Since I am not heading to the Waterville Festival tomorrow, I will be posting items for sale on my FB page. I feel like I'm under water....glub.
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