A Simple Way to a Better Day

Art journaling makes any day better!

Ever awake saying, “Do I really gotta do that, today?”  I suspect you already understand what I’m talking about—dealing with those things that aren’t so fun to tackle: the accounting project that yields nothing but frustration, the not-so-pleasant talk you need to have with someone else, or the mopping of floors at home—on your day “off.”

Today, I’m headed to Dublin (Ohio—that is) for a day-long work-related training seminar.  Dublin’s a good two and a half hours from my beloved Bowling Green.  As a result, this one promises to be a long one.  And, trust me, the subject matter for this training...it’s not what I’d call “captivating.”  It’s strictly technical stuff (snooze...).  Nevertheless, it’s vital to the work I do on my job.

That’s okay.  I’m going to balance the not-so-fun with a bit of personal glee today.  Yup, I plan on lunching at a sweet French bakery/café located in the heart of the quaint little town where I’m headed.  I'm going to take a break in a charming atmosphere, savor a yummy salad and bring back a to-go cup o’ java for the afternoon workshop session.  That's what I'm going to do, and (as trivial as it might seem) I can't wait!

The simplest way (I've found) to make any day better is to have at least one, small (and generally simple) thing I can look forward to.  Today, I'm looking forward to my lunch break, and, of course, arriving back at home this evening for pizza, vino sipping and a spot of television watching with Mark (smile).

What’s your simple strategy for a good day?  Would love to hear about it! 

Joy and peace.  T.

Volunteer Joy!

Me, assembling birthing kits with Zonta friends (November 2011)

My mission--this evening (post work)--is to gather with dear Zonta friends to assemble birthing kits to be used by women in Cambodia.  It's a fabulous way to further Zonta's mission of advancing the status of women (worldwide)--while enjoying the fellowship of like-minded women.

This post is brief.  Hopefully, however, the message is strong.  Volunteerism (done mindfully) enables me yet another way to live a richer, more meaningful life.  It gives me a sense of community, and lets me dedicate efforts towards causes I value highly.

To read more about Zonta and their mission, check out this article I wrote for the Examiner in 2010.  Added insights (of mine) on volunteerism are shared in this past blog post.

Wishing you the best possible Tuesday imaginable!  Joy, hugs and peace.  T.

It's Not a Lost Hour: It's Moving Forward...

A few advertisement images I pulled (yesterday morning) for future art journal joy...

Why cry over spilled milk--or a lost hour or so for that matter?  Yup, that's right--yesterday morning arrived--one hour ahead of where many of us may have wanted it to (smile).

Amidst scads of published tweets, Facebook posts and online articles (all lamenting, BTW) over this "lost" hour, I sat, drank java, listened to chill tunes, read an assortment of stuff online, and slowly pulled images from newspaper ads for my art journal.  During this time, my house was less than (um) tidy, my book proposal beckoned, and I needed to play catch-up on various business-related "to do's."  Some may view laid back my actions as yet another "lost" hour...  I don't.

You see, I firmly believe it's more than fine to lose an hour or so--here and there--even when other matters await.  Relax. Chill. Do little--or nothing at all.  If it's done organically (in other words, it's what the Wise Self within urges), it is, indeed, just what my soul demands.

More often than not, I'll emerge from "lost" epochs feeling revitalized, more creative, and somewhat pampered.  In fact, it's the "down" time (I firmly believe) that moves me forward from that point.  Last week's "lost" Sunday a.m. efforts resulted in inspirations for two of the week's blog posts (check them out here and here).  And...this week's "lost" time, prompted today's post (Hmmm...).

So... With that all said... Relax a bit.  It's only an hour we've lost.  And, if you add a few extras to it this week (carried out organically, of course), all the better...

Happy Monday, All!  Joy and peace, T.

When Things Don't Go as Planned...

From my art journal (September 27, 2011)

Perusing my art journal, yesterday morning, I came across something I'd written a few years ago.  I'm honestly not sure what even prompted me to write this particular thought out. Yet, I'm guessing, it was written in response to something not going off as I'd originally hoped it might...

Who knows?  Perhaps my rereading of this is timely.  Maybe these words will guide me at some point this week--when something doesn't happen the way I think it should (smile).  Because, (as I've come to realize) in real life, things don't always happen as planned...

In the hopes my etchings can make another person's foiled plans take on a brighter meaning, I'm sharing my thoughts on the matter this morning...

When Things Don't Go As Planned...

Place focus on the lesson learned,

the message for growth, 

the silver lining--

rather than the feelings of disappointment.

What gets attention is what materializes.

Consider it an act of self-compassion.

Joy, peace and happy Sunday!  T.

Reflecting: Simple Moments of Bliss

Despite a lingering chill in the air, the sun shone brightly yesterday.  For the first time in a while, spring’s arrival seemed a bit more likely (smile).  And, besides that...it was Friday (a Friday nestled into what had been a very busy (and, at times, trying) week).  Thankful for the day's sunshine and weekend's arrival, I paused, last evening--journal in hand--reflecting a bit.  It was my time to think about what made me blissful—despite the week’s (um) various challenges...

With the promise of spring in the air, recognizing life’s little joys seems somewhat fitting this morning.  As a result, I’m sharing a few of my more blissful moments from the past week:

• Lunched with a group of girlfriends;
• Cuddled my kitty;
• Decorated the house for spring;
• Used my voice to speak my truth (several times);
• Enjoyed an evening pedi;
• De-stressed via yoga class;
• Worked a bit on my book proposal;
• Art journaled;
• Tapped into my breath to focus;
• Wrote daily;
• Savored date night with Mark;
• Sipped yummy herbal tea while working (Celestial Seasonings’ Tangerine Orange Zinger);
• Scheduled a massage for later in the month;
• Gathered with local women to advance the status of women (attended monthly Zonta meeting);
• Relished great articles dedicated to yesterday’s International Women’s Day (to view a couple of those inspiring pieces, click here and here); and
• Sported vintage clothing and accessories (all throughout the week!).

Weekend reflection—I highly recommend it. It does my soul good! 

Joy and peace!  T.

Thoughts on Creatively Building Your Wardrobe

It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve realized my wardrobe is an expression of my creativity.  Truly, it is—every bit as much as collaging, writing or decorating my home.  Embracing fashion as a creative pursuit has added to the quality of my life.  It’s challenged me to creatively do less with more, define my own authentic style, and affords me yet another way to reconnect with self-expression daily. 

Over time, I’ve realized there’s a secret to building a great wardrobe.  Interestingly, it has very little to do with the latest fashion trends, how many pieces of clothing are in my closet or the newness of what’s there.  What matters is that I have certain classic staple pieces--that are of decent quality—sufficient enough to last me for a measurable period of time.  Those quality staple pieces can certainly be second hand if they’re in mint condition—like the vintage Michael Kors wool dress featured above (and worn, in this photo, as a jumper). 

Post the quality staple pieces, I sprinkle in what I call a dose of “chic cheap.”  For example, the cotton turtleneck also pictured above, was purchased at Target for less than $10.  Thrift and consignment shop pieces also provide another opportunity to exercise the concept of chic cheap.

You see, the juxtaposition between quality and chic cheap is the real key to a fab wardrobe.  My boots are Nine West (clearance item, BTW), but my sunnies were a dollar store purchase.  This strategy gives my wardrobe character, allows me to be fiscally prudent and presents me with an opportunity to experience creative fun in pulling a look all together.  Besides that—infusing doses of cheap with quality is a very French way to style (according to Ines de la Fressange, author of Parisian Chic: A Style Guide). 

Do you infuse chic cheap into your wardrobe?  Would love to hear how!

Joy, peace and Happy Friday!  T.

My Strategies for Sporting Big Girls' Panties

Recent art journal collage...

Ever hear someone say they are putting their big girl panties on?  I have.  At times, I say it myself, actually.

Big girl panties (figuratively, of course) get put on when the going gets tough—in those instances where potential outcomes are feared—at those times when it feels uncomfortable to venture forth.  In essence, "big girl panties" represent my cue to stand tall, be firm, wear my red badge of courage, own my truth, embrace my own self-approval over anyone else’s, openly show the world I respect myself, and step up to the plate... Whew!  In other words, this old cliché has a myriad of applications to it—depending upon the situation at hand...

Here are some ways I’ve found to make it easier to slip into my big girl panties.  Thought they’d be fun to share:

• Tap into the power of deep breathing;
• Refer to Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements; strive to live by them;
• Affirm myself;
• Act as if;
• Proceed in doing what makes me uncomfortable;
• Reference a mantra designed to keep me on track (e.g. “No regrets” or “Self-authored”);
• Grab my journal and work things out;
• Treat myself as lovingly as I would my own child;
• Be mindful before reacting; and
• Don’t worry about the “fit.” Rather, rely on your “gut” (a.k.a Wise Self or intuition) to guide you in getting your big girl panties on--in the way that suits you best!

 Got any added BGP strategies you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear!

Joy and peace.  T.