That the whole world is inside of you: in your perspectives and in your heart. That to be able to find peace, you must be at peace with yourself first; and to truly enjoy life, you must enjoy who you are; and once you learn how to master this , you will be protected from everything that makes you feel like you can not go on, that with this gift of recognizing yourself, even when you are alone, you will never be alone.
This recent picture of a life guard chair at Sand Harbour / Lake Tahoe, brought a little extra to me. It reminded me of some special people in my life, people that touch my heart, and sometimes even save us from drowning when we struggle.
We all struggle from time to time, and it has been no secret that my health really played a number on me since Germany. I am still fighting and this picture with the still waters reminded me to stay cool, to remain calm and keep the faith. To wait for a new dawn and to never let go of hope. The heart shaped snow tells me to keep love within my heart, it’s the beginning and the end to everything. The chair itself brings the message to rise above, and get up no matter how many times we fall. To stand tall and know that your own life guards always have your back.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday. In light and love. ❤️🦋
We all have healing properties and even more ways to soothe each other. Sometimes it takes a listening ear, a understanding nod, perhaps a smile or a warm hug to lift someone and bring healing to their soul. But in every case the work for healing remains with each and every one of us. We all require healing at times. So whatever end of the stick you might find yourself on any given day, just remember that some days you are the healer and others look to you for help, and other days it is you who is in need of healing.
No matter which one, a healer is not someone you go to for healing. A healer is someone who helps you to find the key within you, for your own ability to heal.
We already have all the answers inside of us, sometimes we just need a little help.
Day is over, night has come.
Today is gone, what’s done is done.
Embrace your dreams, through the night.
Tomorrow comes with a whole new light.
….today brought amazing light and it was a beautiful day. There was a glow in the air, reflecting on Washoe Lake, and within my heart. Nothing was missing and I felt rich in every way.
Oh, and today a business name for my dreams was discovered, finalized and available to be registered. Stay tuned for the reveal. 😉
So here it is, and this is what I’ve been up to in my downtime. I’m daring to dream big as I recall some of the comments from coworkers who have felt that I should pursue my talents and stop wasting my time. Perhaps now is that time and things surely have happened for a reason. And if not now, then I don’t know if it will ever be that time. I have to try or die wondering.
I realize that some of those comments were made in regards to my photography and my acrylic paintings of a different kind than those pictured above. Granted those paintings are acrylic too, but they are made up from an entirely new technique and process. So far only a few people have seen them, while giving me their view and input. I appreciate it all and feedback is crucial at this point. All response have been positive so far, and the pieces made will remain with a spot in an ever growing inventory. Please feel free to comment your impressions and feedback. It’s much needed and valued. Thank you.
So far I have made some paintings and have dabbled in soap making, including felted soaps. It’s been fun to make goats milk lavender soap or goats milk honey soap which leaves your skin super soft and smooth without the chemicals. There are so many ideas on the back burner, but right now the goal is to see if I got something here. If this could turn into something like a want, a demand that perhaps some day will support me financially and afford my dreams of life on the bus. Plus there is a financial hurdle at the moment where not all inventory and ideas can come to fruition immediately. Perhaps a garage sale or participating at one of the fairs would give a feel for any interest.
The future will include items containing my photography in a unique way, such as timeless and classic metal prints. Reproductions of my paintings, driftwood art, including other nature pieces, greeting cards, knitted socks, felted stones, postcards with my art, and much, much more.
At the moment I am narrowing down a company name in sync with my values, my love for the wild and many hobbies, my blog, and the many choices life throws our way. It needs to be relatable and make you feel good. It needs to tell you that you are not alone and that your tribe is out there. I’m looking for ” the warriors journey” (my blog) to continue. It needs to echo my love for helping others and empower people. To give back and make a difference.
The products I hope to make need to be as unique and as special as you are, the consumer, and echo a mantra that is wild, free and untamed. It should make you feel good to purchase for yourself or to give as a special gift. You see it’s quite a lot I am trying to tackle. A tall order I know, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
An old friend came to visit me today and for a moment I was amazed at how much joy this little critter brought. Why, I don’t know, and maybe it was just the realization and the reminder of how much the simple things mean to me.
In good ole fashion his name is Alvin and he used to come every day, collecting his peanuts and other goodies I put out for him. It was always a highlight whenever I saw him, to watch him stuff his little cheeks near bursting, stop to eat a few, and eventually run off to his little apartment under the shed. There was a time he even brought his lady squirrel and their three babies to feast. It was when the offering (food budget) had to be upped with increased rations due to many more mouths to be fed.
Later on the neighbors cat became a serious stalker and Alvin and his family disappeared. I hated that day and nearly came to hate the cat, which is almost an impossible thing given that I’m an animal lover. But I hated to think of anything bad happening to my little squirrel family. It’s been nearly two years, and although I doubt that it is Alvin returning, another squirrel was sighted today. It appears that he or she had found the apartment under the shed and it was a welcomed sight. The peanuts are out and I hope it’s the start of many special sightings.
So why now I wondered? What is the universe tying to tell me? Sure enough the message came through loud and clear from my squirrel spirit animal. It made sense and there has been little socializing. It wasn’t possible, but I believe this is my reminder that things are changes and to incorporate play once more.
Get ready for coming changes by lightning your load, clearing out and giving away any goods or material possessions that no longer serve you. The best way to deal with the challenging situation that’s before you is to confront it head on and be totally honest with your feelings and thoughts. Be extra vigilant and cautious right now, and be willing to avoid or escape any threatening situations. Prepare for the future by gathering and storing extra food, water, clothing, candles, and money for possible later use. Although you’re actively and aggressively pursuing your goals right now, you need to balance this pursuit with more socializing and play.
There have been a lot of “maybe’s” lately. Things and thoughts that occupy my mind, begging me to consider different angels, and out of the box thinking approach. What’s really next, where do I go from here?
Maybe soon my health will be under control, and warmer weather with less storm patterns will bring improvements, and less pain. Maybe I can actually get some stuff done then.
Maybe I won’t feel so tired and fatigued. Maybe I could read more blogs and respond to comments in a more timely fashion. I definitely owe it to you. Maybe I could do more for all of you. Maybe…
I don’t work, and yet getting healthy and well has been hard work. Draining, especially when a good night sleep is scarce and interrupted by pain that never stops. It surely is trying sometimes, and the tears fall trying to understand the lesson or what is going on. Maybe better times are around the corner.
Maybe I need to step away from blogging on a regular / daily basis for awhile. It feels strange to consider such thought and yet today was the first time it popped into my head. I think it was actually a message I got the other day that prompted me to consider where I currently spend my time, energy, and strength on. All I know is that I can’t do it all and there is simply not enough time in the day for me.
Maybe my hands could get better, typing less, looking after my fingers. Maybe…But then maybe movement is exactly what they need. Who knows what will actually make the inflammation go away.
I have been job hunting, but nothing has really grabbed me, or has been meant to be. Yet I have tons of creative ideas with old and new found projects that I want to explore, and to which I feel drawn to. Things I am excited about, things that beckon me to imagine and manifest the life I seek. Things that call on me to be realized, dreams to materialize, if only I find the courage to dare.
Maybe, this ordinary job search is not how the path is suppose to unfold. Will I manage and muster the strength to reach for the stars, to create something extraordinary, to have faith during the unknown, to stay the course, or will I do the same as always and find myself lost in the shuffle. You see, if we do the same as always, we also get the same results as always, and somehow these results are no longer enough for me.
It’s not about the six figure income, the money, the titles or the prestige, to be the best in your field, the success or being the head honcho. I had it all and it’s not what I want anymore. What it boils down to is to be fulfilled, to have something meaningful, something that brings joy, no matter how little or small it might be. I don’t want the same….I want something else, something I perhaps never had before. I gladly give up my possessions to become richer as I fully embrace the less is more concept. I want to work for myself, I want to create and give back, to help people and bring something special to the table, something unique, something that allows my passion and talents take flight, to offer a service, to finally listen to the call.
In the meantime I am exploring my options, and I am working on some projects to support these dreams. The goal is to die young and as late as possible, with a life, independent, collecting moments and memories in a tiny home on wheels. Let’s see how far this can go. A determined mind is a powerful one, and I have always believed in the strength that we can do anything if we put our mind to it.
A dear friend and sister of mine always says that there are no ordinary moments. I believe she is right and everything happens for a reason. Maybe the path has always been predetermined, maybe we just need to learn to let go and go with the flow. What if everything in life has lead up to this point? Maybe, just maybe everything is exactly how it is meant to be.
Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything.
Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.
What a wild ride….maybe….just maybe….
A little reminder came to me this morning, while looking at this picture from a few days ago. The words poured out of me with a message to be written down, a mantra to be remembered, perhaps to motivate and guide my way. I thought it could fit so many of us and therefore decided to share it here. Perhaps, you too can get a little something out of this message and it carries you through your day.
Stay strong and grounded through all of your storms. Hold on tight. Find something good in all your seasons. Branch out and don’t be afraid to try new things. Stand alone and without shelter if you have to. You can do it and you are stronger than you think. You might feel alone, but to someone else you are deeply rooted and a role model. Don’t forget to be flexible and sway with the wind. Only then can you reach for new heights without breaking from the weight. Forgive the harsh elements and shine your beauty regardless, to see another day. Keep growing and never stop learning. And above all, always remember to reach for the stars. Throw doubt and caution to the wind and dare to dream big. You only live once and they say if you do it right, it is enough. Always remember that anything is possible, that its never too late, and that the sky is the limit.
❤️🦋
If the mountain seems too big today then climb a hill instead.
If the morning brings you sadness it’s OK to stay in bed.
If the day ahead weighs heavy and your plans feel like a curse, there’s no shame in rearranging, don’t make yourself feel worse.
If a shower stings like needles and a bath feels like you’ll drown, if you haven’t washed your hair for days, don’t throw away your crown.
A day is not a lifetime a rest is not defeat, don’t think of it as failure, just a quiet, kind retreat.
It’s OK to take a moment from an anxious, fractured mind, the world will not stop turning while you get realigned.
The mountain will still be there when you want to try again, you can climb it in your own time, just love yourself till then.
~Laura Ding-Edwards
