Rest and Relaxation

I am in the midst of taking a few days off - it has been a long, long time since I have taken time just for me.  My time off started yesterday and I will go back to work next Tuesday - not a long time but enough.  I rarely take a work break without going to my mother's or going on some other family related trip.  That is not bad, I am blessed to have family that love me and I am blessed to still have my mom on the planet.   However, time just for me - that is a luxury.  I know that sounds weird when I live by myself and do have solitary time but time without responsibilities and strategies and finance and leadership and busyness that has been in short supply.  My current contract is over the end of June and then I will take a much longer break but for now - I treasure this time.

Yesterday I hung out, ran errands, purchased a  new mattress for my bed - more on THAT later and went to bed early.  Lately, I have been feeling like I "hit the wall" and no matter how much sleep I get I am still tired before the end of the day.  No wonder!   I have spent the last nearly 14 months working in organizations in crisis whose missions are to work with families in crisis.  As I have said, "this is my shelter period."  That in itself can be draining and while leadership transitions are rewarding they are always challenging.   

So, here I am recharging my batteries.  Today, I cleaned and organized some closets that have been bugging me; I filled two large bags with donation items; I worked on my outdoor garden project and pulled weeds in the flower beds and now I am getting ready to go to New Beginnings for a four-hour Spa experience.

I have been outside taking Spring photos and will post pics and other things later.  Rest and relaxation - walking, journaling, gardening, organizing, napping, reflecting and just having a darn good time.   I think there is an art project embedded in here somewhere too.   More to come.........................

Here's to an Amazing New Year

"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins."

~Bob Moawad

On the Eve of November 11

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~

Intentions

I generally spend the last week or two of every year deeply reflecting on that year and setting my intentions for the year ahead. This year due to being ill and travel I deviated from my norm, which is good. It is great to break out of old patterns and do something new.

I returned from Seattle in the middle of the night last Sunday and after a few hours sleep began to think about my intentions for the year ahead. I have drafted a poster-sized list as I do each year - this is posted on my office/studio wall. I will share a photo of the finished product when I am done.

One of my intentions this year is Creativity - that is to be more intentionally creative with Soul Collage, writing, drawing, painting and pursuits that inspire and help me more deeply explore my intuitive and spiritual side.

I found this terrific blog by artist Leah Piken Kolidas called Creative Everyday - it is an exceptional blog with encouragement and a challenge to be "creative everyday."

I discovered Leah's blog over at one of my favorite places - Sacred Ordinary - where Fran writes about creativity, spirituality, family and life.

I highly recommend both blogs! And if creativity is one of your resolutions or intentions for the coming year, you will find lots of inspiration!!

I am back at work and getting myself acclimated to the office and serving our clients. This is a tough time for organizations in the third sector - we are concerned about our colleagues who are working to serve those who are most in need. In spite of the harsh economic environment and the stress all around us, I feel optimistic that we will develop new ways of doing things that can lead to lasting solutions.

Here we are in a brand new year with a new President about to take office. I am hopeful and grateful. I know we all have work to do to make a difference. Together we can make a difference.

LEAP

Sometimes you just have to leap and build your wings on the way down