Tag: #thenewyear

The Cookie Sheet

· Leave a comment ·

I saw it at Christmas, but left it.

It’s the New Year and I still have money leftover from Christmas. I walked back into the store and bought it. This wasn’t a need, it was a flat out want.

It’s red and shiny, which are two things that regularly grab my attention. It cost more than the entire set I’d normally buy. Today was the first day I used it.

I lined it with parchment paper.

Placed the cookies on it and popped it into the preheated oven. I set the timer for 15 minutes, and stepped over to the kitchen sink to finish washing the dishes. Then an all familiar smell enveloped my senses. I’ve smelled it before, but not in this house.

thecookiesheet

It was the smell of success.

The quality cookie sheet and parchment paper were working together to bring about the best result. The timer said 10 minutes had passed, but they smelled and looked done. I usually bake them for the full 15, but the smell was telling me, it was time.

I want to assure you my darling, you have access to everything you need to be successful. Today, I was reminded of this by the cookie sheet.

cookies

 

Advertisement

In the Moment

· 3 Comments ·

Sitting here this morning, I’m rethinking the timing of my last post. I thought it would be more efficient to write the post before bed and schedule it to post after midnight. Writing is not about efficiency for me.

Posting everyday this month is challenging, but what I think is my biggest challenge. I gave myself this challenge as a little push before the New Year. Here’s something I know. If I don’t enjoy it or feel I’m not giving it my best, I won’t continue.

know

This is today and I’m in the moment.

That is when I enjoy writing the most.

Forgive me for reverting my earlier post to a draft. There’s more to be said about the day of the tattoo. I have yet to write about our matching tattoo’s and that happened in October.

That is the main thing I’ve learned this month. I’m an ‘in the moment’ writer and cannot schedule my postings. I was hoping to find a flow where I post the same time each day, but that hasn’t happened. Moments are not scheduled and that’s what I love to share. I’m sticking to once a day to keep us both, in the moment.

Taking Her Advice

· 6 Comments ·

She followed her heart, and so shall I.

bay
Photo Cred: Simply Semloh Eiffel Tower lastnight.

To Be Kind

· 6 Comments ·

I’ve been reading about being kind.

That may sound silly, but I want to go beyond nice, and be consistently kind. We can be nice, but that can be turned on and off. To be kind is deciding to do more. To be thoughtful and give from our hearts.

A Side-step

I’m beginning to believe ‘goals’ are overrated. This thought is surprising considering I used to assist people in achieving their goals. That was my goal.

For 25 years I was goal driven, and climbed the ladder of what is called success, but I was miserable.

I let go of worldly success to go in search of heart-filled happiness. Goal complete.

Don’t expect any credit for being kind, but you might get caught in the act. You can read Matthew 6, and see what God says about doing good deeds.

They are to be done quietly and with no praise.

Caught in the Act

I was walking through a parking lot, making my way to a small Craft Fair. Walking by a row of parked cars, a gas cap to one of the cars was hanging open. I reached down, put the plug in, closed the small door, and continued walking.

While talking with one of the Artisans at the fair, I suddenly felt a tiny tap on my shoulder. Turning around I was faced with an elderly lady that was very excited! She said, “Thank you for closing our gas tank!” I had no idea anyone was in the car!

I smiled as I stood there a minute, caught completely off guard. Then hugged her tight and told her, “You are most welcome my lovely!”

Thank you for your time.

Pondering the upcoming year, I haven’t pulled out my journal to make a new list of goals. My heart is content replacing the word ‘goals’ with ‘intentions’.

Thank you *Donna for the inspiration to be consciously kind. You did this for a year, and I’m following your lead. Its an action to impact people’s lives. A good start is when we can decide to be kind.

*Donna Cameron. “A Year of Living Kindly.” 

Follow Your Heart

· Leave a comment ·

follow-your-heart-quotes-2

I woke up early not only to a brand new day, but a new year. Mornings are a magical moment for me. Today there is a little extra anticipation knowing this morning begins a brand new year.

I am excited about a new year! Not for any particular reason, but I have been pondering some changes. At the end of the year, I like to ask myself, “What will I bring with me?”

Just like packing, and anticipating the journey, you look at the what you are taking with you. This year I want to follow my heart more.

I am an over-thinker, and I can see today where that has not been my friend. Letting my head rule my heart has kept me from doing things that genuinely make my heart happy. The ‘what if’s’, set in and take over. So this year will be the year of listening to my heart, and moving toward that.

A year ago, I ordered a calendar from a dear, sweet, friend of mine. Her name is SC Lourie, and she pours out her heart and soul in her work. Today I share one of her heart felt writings with you.

This is her wish for your New Year.

I pasted it in a new Journal, not realizing three months later it would become my Cancer Journal. It got me through sitting and waiting.

“I hope you get all that you genuinely want this year, I really do. I hope you leave a piece of you wherever you go, and discover a piece of you wherever you find yourself. I hope you realize it’s all about love. And that you look deep into the eyes of those you adore, and not shy away from them gazing back at you. I hope you will reach out and feel your beloveds, not flinching for fear of being rejected. And I hope you speak your mind. Well, really speak your heart. Yes, I hope you honor your heart this year, all the way through.”

“I hope you don’t get so busy that you forget life is about having a good time, and I hope you choose happy again and again. I hope you realize you don’t have to follow anyone. You can do life your way, and life will honor you for it. I hope you laugh wildly with your friends, and notice some beautiful things, so beautiful you have to share them and write them down. I hope you remember your own kind of beautiful, and no longer hide in the shadows. That you’ll feel lucky enough just to be you, and feel safe in your skin, like you’ll love yourself enough.”

“I hope you are kissed on the forehead by the wind, and sprinkled with inspiration from the stars. I hope you listen to good music, and read some incredible books, and make your home around those who love you for who you are. Be brave with your cuddles. Don’t hold anything in. And make time for the people and things that make you happy. Tread lightly sweet soul. There is only magic around you, and it’s not going anywhere. You’re safe. You’re well.” by SC Lourie. Happy New Year!

Take It Or Leave It

· Leave a comment ·

We had a beautiful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. This has been a truly great year! That doesn’t mean it’s been easy or uneventful. I choose to look at life’s challenges as opportunity for growth. There is always something to learn, which is probably why I refer to ‘lessons learned’ so often. God willing, I will never stop learning.

Have you thought about what and who you’re going to allow to go with you into 2015?

I encourage to leave the past behind and step into newness. If you’ve been carrying the past with you, how has that served you so far?

I’m reminded “They can’t have a valid opinion where they don’t have any responsibility.”

Take some time before the New Year, and see how you want it to look. What would you change? When my daughter and I were moving from our existing life into a new one, she wasn’t sure what to take with her. She saw me packing up items, but being selective. I told her, “Only pack it if it brings you joy. If it adds love and light to your life, then bring it, otherwise, leave it.’

That is my best advice to you for the new year. If it brings you love, light and joy then take it with you, otherwise, leave it.