The creative/artistic juices have been flowing within me lately and it seems to be the recipe for a very happy mind and a general excitement about my days. I wake up in the morning with a spring in my step and an eagerness to get the day started. And I am quite certain that it has a lot to do with the way my brain is operating when I'm utilizing that 'artistic' side of myself.
Writing 'The Book' was energizing (minus the parts where I allowed myself to become overwhelmed). Since that time, I have put together various picture slide shows set to music ... edited video footage that I have accumulated and put it together in 'story form'. I've made DVD's ... I've posted these various 'video creations' on different blogs that I have on the go. I can't seem to stop the flow of ideas. Nor do I want to!
There is something so powerful about music, so when I can find that 'perfect song' that speaks to me ... and set it to pictures or video ... it makes my heart sing!
Music has been speaking to me a lot these days. Yesterday I had the cumbersome job of painting fresh drywall. I'm a slow painter to start with, but add this thirsty drywall that requires a lot of paint and the fact that I had to paint a white ceiling (with primer so watery that it required 2 coats) so I had some very tedious cutting-in to do ... and did I mention that I'm a painfully slow painter? Well, I turned on some music and sang my little heart out as I painted. The hours (5 1/2 of them to be exact) flew by. Music made the world of difference! I can tell something within me isn't right when music doesn't speak to me and make me want to sing.
I've been singing a lot these days. The music in my life is simply making me want to sing and dance my days away ....
Monday, June 9, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A Real Life Before and After Photo
In this snap-happy phase I am going through, I asked Kurt to take a ''before'' picture of me, as I was waiting to get my hair cut last night.
This first picture is the picture of me before my haircut, sitting in the waiting area at the hairdressers.
This is the ''after'' picture of me that I took, in the car.
Do you see a difference?? I certainly don't! I felt different, but as with all the other changes and 'housecleaning' going on in my life ... from all outward appearances ... it looks the same. I just wish the cost had reflected that!! My wallet looks the same from the outside as well. But I lost a few dollars for this non-change look that I seem to have happening.
Disappointing ... but sort of funny.
Life's Diversions
Today wasn't so entirely focused on food ... it was a day devoted to 'life as I know it' ...
There seems to be a lot going on around the house and in my head. Between the bedroom renovations that are coming along, kids (as per usual), putting together video montages of our Regina getaway, video taping the kids (for my Video-Friday on my daycare blog) and dancing ...
Dancing!! It was great tonight! We played around and just danced for the first 15 minutes and it was fantastic. My brain wasn't ready to get down to business and work on our routine for the duration though. In time, it will all come together. For now, fun is good.
I quit dancing for almost a year. When I left dancing, I was so down and out that I just couldn't pick myself up and carry on in the dance world. I promised I would not walk back through the doors at the dance studio unless I left the 'cloud' of doom and gloom behind. And I have. I walk through those doors with a bounce in my step and a smile in my voice. I love everything about it! Dancing, laughing, learning a little along the way ... but most of all laughing! I wasn't laughing any more, when I left the studio 1 1/2 years ago. Now? I feel a smile inside of me almost all of the time.
I'm dancing to the beat of a different drummer than I was back then. I like this drummer!
There seems to be a lot going on around the house and in my head. Between the bedroom renovations that are coming along, kids (as per usual), putting together video montages of our Regina getaway, video taping the kids (for my Video-Friday on my daycare blog) and dancing ...
Dancing!! It was great tonight! We played around and just danced for the first 15 minutes and it was fantastic. My brain wasn't ready to get down to business and work on our routine for the duration though. In time, it will all come together. For now, fun is good.
I quit dancing for almost a year. When I left dancing, I was so down and out that I just couldn't pick myself up and carry on in the dance world. I promised I would not walk back through the doors at the dance studio unless I left the 'cloud' of doom and gloom behind. And I have. I walk through those doors with a bounce in my step and a smile in my voice. I love everything about it! Dancing, laughing, learning a little along the way ... but most of all laughing! I wasn't laughing any more, when I left the studio 1 1/2 years ago. Now? I feel a smile inside of me almost all of the time.
I'm dancing to the beat of a different drummer than I was back then. I like this drummer!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Day 3
I seem to be a little bit food-obsessed. I think that I'm focusing on the 'have nots' instead of what I can have in this 'cleanse' today.
The good thing is, the foods that are allowed fill me up. At the moment I may be eating too much of a good thing (the strawberries were so tasty that I polished up a whole carton at one sitting this morning). Moderation is key.
I need to get myself moving more. As the bedroom renovation is finally moving forward again, I am focusing on what I can best use that room for. I'm thinking of a little exercise oasis may be good (also a spare bedroom for company and a place for napping children). If I had a place 'of my own' to turn up my music and just move and sing, I just may keep at it.
The sluggishness that spurred me into this 'cleanse' is still within. I really don't like the way my body feels inside. It's only been 3 days - there is a reason they say a 21 day cleanse. I'll give it time.
And in the meantime, I am so grateful strawberries are in season! They are allowed and they are a treat unto themselves!
The good thing is, the foods that are allowed fill me up. At the moment I may be eating too much of a good thing (the strawberries were so tasty that I polished up a whole carton at one sitting this morning). Moderation is key.
I need to get myself moving more. As the bedroom renovation is finally moving forward again, I am focusing on what I can best use that room for. I'm thinking of a little exercise oasis may be good (also a spare bedroom for company and a place for napping children). If I had a place 'of my own' to turn up my music and just move and sing, I just may keep at it.
The sluggishness that spurred me into this 'cleanse' is still within. I really don't like the way my body feels inside. It's only been 3 days - there is a reason they say a 21 day cleanse. I'll give it time.
And in the meantime, I am so grateful strawberries are in season! They are allowed and they are a treat unto themselves!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Day 2 of ''The Cleanse''
I seem to have a different way of approaching this 'cleanse' than I normally have, when it comes to my food intake.
The 21 day goal is definately an easier thing for my mind to accept. I can do this for 21 days! The other thing I seem to be focusing on, is what I can have instead of what I can't. Normally when I think of cutting back on food, it is more of the mindset - NO snacks, NO eating after supper, NO second helpings. I focus on what I cannot have. There is great comfort in knowing that I can nibble when I want to.
As with almost anything, it is about perspective. The way a person looks at things makes such a difference.
When I look at a person and think of all that they are, I see greatness. When I look at that very same person and focus on the traits they lack, it is a recipe for disaster. The same holds true with everything - whether it is work, your children, your financial situation, your home .... by focusing on what you have you seem to draw more of the goodness to you.
This is what the "The Secret" talks about, as well. It is basically common sense. But when a person starts focusing on the negative it is hard to navigate out of that way of thinking.
Easier said than done. Last night when I smelled someone's barbequed meat (meat is taboo on this 'cleanse'), I was craving a hamburger in a bun (breads are also off limits). My mind somehow managed to start focusing on what I could have and I succeeded.
One day at a time. That is simply how I will take this. I almost have 3 days under my belt. The more days I succeed at this, the more I will be inspired to keep going forward.
I can do this.
The 21 day goal is definately an easier thing for my mind to accept. I can do this for 21 days! The other thing I seem to be focusing on, is what I can have instead of what I can't. Normally when I think of cutting back on food, it is more of the mindset - NO snacks, NO eating after supper, NO second helpings. I focus on what I cannot have. There is great comfort in knowing that I can nibble when I want to.
As with almost anything, it is about perspective. The way a person looks at things makes such a difference.
When I look at a person and think of all that they are, I see greatness. When I look at that very same person and focus on the traits they lack, it is a recipe for disaster. The same holds true with everything - whether it is work, your children, your financial situation, your home .... by focusing on what you have you seem to draw more of the goodness to you.
This is what the "The Secret" talks about, as well. It is basically common sense. But when a person starts focusing on the negative it is hard to navigate out of that way of thinking.
Easier said than done. Last night when I smelled someone's barbequed meat (meat is taboo on this 'cleanse'), I was craving a hamburger in a bun (breads are also off limits). My mind somehow managed to start focusing on what I could have and I succeeded.
One day at a time. That is simply how I will take this. I almost have 3 days under my belt. The more days I succeed at this, the more I will be inspired to keep going forward.
I can do this.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The 21 Day Cleanse
As of yesterday after breakfast, I started on the '21 Day Cleanse' that Oprah talked about on her show a little while ago. No caffeine, no sugar, no meat (or meat byproducts), no alcohol and no bread (or gluten). And lots of water.
Yesterday was easy because I felt so bloated and uncomfortable in my skin. I felt yucky in my body and food had little appeal to me.
I am so uplifted from the visit with my friends, this is the perfect time to start. I'm not trying to 'fill' a void with food, because I feel fulfilled in every way.
I plan to succeed at this. My body feels 'toxic' inside. It feels like a good cleansing may flush that feeling away.
21 days. A beginning and an end. And I hope that at the end, I look closely at what I'm putting into my body. If I add some of the things back into my diet very gradually I may notice what foods feel 'best' on me. I have often wondered about the breads/glutens and the possibility of what reaction I have to milk. This is a good way to find out what my body reacts to.
A vision. I'm not trying to do this. I am doing it. 21 days. A beginning and an end. And then ... a whole new way of looking at food. That is my goal.
Yesterday was easy because I felt so bloated and uncomfortable in my skin. I felt yucky in my body and food had little appeal to me.
I am so uplifted from the visit with my friends, this is the perfect time to start. I'm not trying to 'fill' a void with food, because I feel fulfilled in every way.
I plan to succeed at this. My body feels 'toxic' inside. It feels like a good cleansing may flush that feeling away.
21 days. A beginning and an end. And I hope that at the end, I look closely at what I'm putting into my body. If I add some of the things back into my diet very gradually I may notice what foods feel 'best' on me. I have often wondered about the breads/glutens and the possibility of what reaction I have to milk. This is a good way to find out what my body reacts to.
A vision. I'm not trying to do this. I am doing it. 21 days. A beginning and an end. And then ... a whole new way of looking at food. That is my goal.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Friends
I stepped away from 'my world' for 25 hours this weekend and had a 'girls day and night out'. I was enveloped with friends that breathe life into my soul.
I am living my dream right now. Contentment oozes out my pores and I am excited about my days. I have hopes, dreams and aspirations. My life is full of positive energy.
This most special group of friends is a 'special blend' of personalities that encourage, uplift and support one another through life's many hills and valleys.
Surrounding yourself with positive, vibrant and uplifting people is the best way to live your life! I am blessed.
I am living my dream right now. Contentment oozes out my pores and I am excited about my days. I have hopes, dreams and aspirations. My life is full of positive energy.
This most special group of friends is a 'special blend' of personalities that encourage, uplift and support one another through life's many hills and valleys.
Surrounding yourself with positive, vibrant and uplifting people is the best way to live your life! I am blessed.
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