Lake Tahoe in Winter
Here has 4 letters, so does love. Enemies has 7 letters, so does Friends. Lying has 5 letters, so does Truth. Negative has 8, so does Positive. Under has 5, so does above. Cry has 3 letters, so does Joy. Anger has 5 letters, so does Happy. Right has 5 letters, so does wrong. Hurt has 4 letters, so does Heal.
It means life is like a double edged sword….so transform every negative side into an aura of positivity. We should choose the better side of life.
You should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day…unless you’re busy. Then you should sit for an hour. ❤️🦋
It is time to no longer keep you guessing and provide a little more info on what I’ve been up to.
Coming back from Germany last December, I was in a very bad place and shape health wise. There were many uncertainties and I have felt like fighting the fight of my life ever since. The stresses encountered while working on a relationship with Mom, her nearly passing away, and having to place her in a nursing home against her will, but it being her only chance of survival, had taken it’s toll on me. Not to mention being away from my own surroundings and means of independent tools, such as my car, my own four walls and my support systems and loved ones. For ten months my life was packed into one suitcase I was allowed to bring with me.
It was a tough road and on Christmas Eve, traveling back to the states, there was a time at the airport I didn’t know if I’d make it back. The RA had returned with a vengeance for weeks already, and it was much worse than my first bout I had years ago. Back then in 2006 I as forced to make some lifestyle changes and was lucky enough for the RA to eventually go into remission. I never forgot that time, and how much pain I was in. This time was much worse and like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve always believed that stress was a huge culprit and I vowed to keep it away from me to the best of my ability. It worked for better or worse, but anything was better than that initial onset of encountering this mean, unforgiving, crippling disease.
Fast forward to the time at the airport, when all of a sudden I could hardly walk to my next connecting flight, or even get up and out of the airplane I had been in since the long flight from Frankfurt. I was unable to hold on to the seat in front of me to pull myself up and into the hallway, and it was pretty scary. I don’t need to give you a full history over the past eight month, but this time has truly shown me how strong we can be when fighting and being strong is all we have left. You’d be amazed at the reserves you’ll find and how you can conquer things unimaginable before. Things that never even came to mind before so awful in nature.
I spent much of my time with the arts and the creative process, unable to work and struggling through daily basics we normally take for granted. Getting dressed or combing my hair was a major chore. I felt so lost and vulnerable and the daily pain was robbing my positivity and the way to believe and see hope in my future. Unable to open bottles or doors at times, the pains were rooted throughout my entire body.
I’ve always enjoyed the arts, from being an avid amateur photographer trying to capture all the beauty that catches my eyes, which often lies in the simplest of things, to producing handmade goods. Doors opened and I came across various things that peaked my interest. I look back and I’ve taught myself so many new techniques over that timeframe. I truly learned a lot. I’ve completed and certified in three energy healing courses; got my Reiki Master degree and focused on numerous crafts. From acrylic paintings, to fluid art pours, to felted goods, handmade soaps, handcrafted journals, alcohol inks, wire wrap jewelry, and a few other items. I’ve shared my progress here and there with you cheering me on, which lead me to pursue higher dreams. You see I believe that everything happens for a reason and this time is all about me. To work on what fuels my passion, to shoot for the stars and hopefully turn my passion into something that can sustain me financially as well.
“Youniqua” was born, a zen place for unique art. Much thought was placed into the name and into a mission statement that represents me and what youniqua is all about. I think in today’s world you have to be unique, to differentiate yourself and offer more than just a product or convenience. There are so many choices out there, but what makes you truly unique? Why would people choose your goods over the next persons? I have a few ideas I hope to bring to the table to embrace the “youniqua” concept. One of those concepts is printed right onto my business card, called Meraki.
Meraki…,
To do something with soul, creativity, or love. To put something of yourself in your work.
All of my creations are unique, one of a kind and bare that message, meaning they were made with love, soul, and hold a piece of myself. I hope for so much more than just being able to sell these goods, and each transaction is a personal connection, a way to support each other and to bring a piece of that energy to you.
Here is to making my dreams come true and going for it. Please stay tuned for a follow up post introducing one of my staple items soon. 😉
Words from the Wise Goddess via daily vibe/Facebook
Healing doesn’t happen in a week or in a month.
It is an ongoing cleansing of pain.
Transcending the thoughts of the past associated with trauma.
Connecting to the present moment and raising the vibration to joy.
It’s a daily process of knowing the importance to your mind, body and soul of just feeling better.
To grab the best feeling you can find and flow with it.
1. The past can’t be changed.
2. Opinions don’t define your reality.
3. Everyone’s journey is different.
4. Judgements are not about you.
5. Overthinking will lead to sadness.
6. Happiness is found within.
7. Your thoughts affect your mood.
8. Smiles are contagious.
9. Kindness is free.
10. It’s ok to let go and move on.
11. What goes around, comes around.
12. Things always get better with time.
Picture taken from yahoo
Today we are exploring the word Ukiyo…
“The floating world”
Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life.
This picture spoke to me and I liked the peaceful and idyllic look of it. It feels like a place where I could surely detach from such bothers of life, although I recognize the dangers of getting too close to the edge.
Luckily there are many places like this where I do find these moments in Mother Nature. When all troubles become still, where I can detach and float in a magical world that knows no trouble. The journey to get there, often requires much effort, especially on a day where the RA reminds me of my limitations. This itself also present a little danger where I walk and climb close to the edge not being a 100% stable. Little falls and such have happened but I can’t let it discourage me from getting out there and pushing the very limits to my existence.
I believe that such outlets are important for all of us, and that we all need a place that comforts us and allows us to gather new strengths for the times when we can’t be out here. Whatever it might be that gives you that strengths, I hope such place exists for you and you can visit them as often as possible. ❤️
“One life. Just one. Why aren’t we running like we are on fire towards our wildest dreams?”
Is it the fear of the unknown? The scary feeling of leaving our comfort zone? Is it that we don’t believe in ourselves enough? Or is it fear that we will fail? What will others think of us if we do!!! Who cares…pfft…run anyways. Find the courage and just do it. We get one life…just one.
I am trying, for sure. Better yet I am doing it and it’s hard work. But then on the other hand, nothing worthwhile is ever easy and if it was, everyone would do it, right?
Professionally I am chasing my wildest dreams, and I am building my own business. There have been many detours and delays, pauses, frustrations and experiments along the way. It takes courage and a belief system that can’t be shook or intimidated. I am doing it, and it’s work in progress. I hope to present you soon with my own Etsy shop to share my excitement with you.
Personally I am out on little adventure and get away this week. My posts are pre scheduled until I return to catch up and dive into more work that is the realization of my dreams. Once again I ask for your patience in the response to your comments and blog visits. Thank you so much and much love to you as always. ❤️
I live in a beautiful area no doubt. One that has beautiful bodies of water, alpine lakes, and the mountains to play in.
Here is a recent picture of the beautiful blue waters at one of Lake Tahoe’s Marina’s. There are several Marina’s around the lake and it sure never gets old to visit. It’s like escaping, going on vacation in my own backyard with every visit to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America.
A freedom message from a water tower in Reno Nevada
Freedom…
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without restraint or hinderance.
Absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government.
The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
Silence can be quite uncomfortable when you find yourself amongst the wrong company. You may remember the urge to make idle conversation and engage in meaningless small talk. It’s all an effort of avoiding that strange, uncomfortably feeling. It’s trying to fit in, to not be labeled “weird”, to do what we think is expected of us.
Silence can also be grace saving and soothing depending on the situation. Especially when working in retail I think. Silence may allow you to enjoy quiet time on your own, being able to do whatever you want, not having to be considerate, while giving in to your every whim without distractions and interruptions.
But is there a third scenario? Personally I like people I can have comfortable silences with. Have you met someone like this? Isn’t it blissful…it’s like coming home… having finally arrived, and being accepted for the beautiful self you are without pretense and disguises.
