Be Kind

“Ben’s Bells teaches individuals and communities about the positive impacts of intentional kindness and inspires people to practice kindness as a way of life.”

Ben’s Bells Project

I love things that surprise me, delight me, fill me with joy, and make me smile. Whenever I see a Be Kind mural, such as the one above, it makes me smile. It reminds me we could all use a little more kindness these days. Such a simple thing, be kind, but for some reason it seems to be so difficult to understand these days.

After seeing several murals around Arizona, I Googled Be Kind murals to see if I could find out about them. What started in a backyard art studio after the loss of the founder’s son, Ben, started a powerful ripple effect. Ben's Bells is now a growing non-profit organization and are currently celebrating their 20th year. I’d like to invite you to check them out and donate or purchase their hand made bells, stickers, coins, etc. to support this project and spread the love at www.bensbells.org. You may also find out how you can sponsor a mural and create a kindness ripple effect in your community, school, church, or an organization you know of.

Being kind is being considerate, helpful, thoughtful, compassionate, sympathetic, friendly, pleasant, nice ... you get the idea. And I know we could all use a lot more of what kindness can do. Join me and spread the love of being kind.

Take care,

Michelle

Be Kind photo courtesy of Ben's Bells Project

Begin Again in the New Year

George Bernard Shaw

Most of us seem to like the idea of a fresh start, a point in time we can mark as a chance to begin or begin again. While a fresh start can happen any time we choose, a new year seems to be a popular time for many of us to begin again.

Since 2005 I have chosen a word as a guidance point or theme for the entire year. It’s a word that brings me closer to being the best version of myself. It helps me create a better self. This year I have chosen the word grow. I intend to grow by planting new seeds, branching out in new directions, trimming, thinning out, and even pruning out that which is growing in my life garden. And as a gardener, I know I can promote more and even better growth by simply keeping my garden in check with a little snip-snip here, and a clip-clip there.

To begin with, I’m going to welcome the new year by taking classes in tai chi, a practice I have wanted to learn more about for a very long time. I first saw someone doing this in a park when I was in my mid-teens. I was mesmerized by it. Over the years, I have seen entire groups doing this and I am still mesmerized by it. In case you are not familiar with it, tai chi is a kind of meditation in motion. Think of it this way - gentle body exercises and stretches flowing into the next connecting the mind and body. After our mindfulness theme last year, tai chi will be the perfect thing for me to begin and grow on as the year progresses.

I’ll begin each day with my word theme in mind. At days end, I’ll consider my word and do a quick review to understand how my word might have woven its magic around me.

How about you? How will you begin again? What will your guidance point be? What word will help you be the best version of yourself and create a better self?

Stay safe, be well,

Michelle

Photo © Melissa King | Dreamstime.com

Finding Mindfulness in 2021

It was good, it was bad, it was ugly, and now it’s over. While January may not feel any different from December, a new year gives rise to the possibilities of the year ahead. Like so many of you, I’ve felt the pull of the ups and downs of this last year more than any other time in my life on global, national, and personal fronts, but I am driven by the vision of a better life for all of us as we move forward in 2021.

Since 2005 I've selected a personal intention word/theme each year. 2020s word was possibilities. I began each day with the intention to see the possibilities in the day ahead. It was an interesting word for me considering what possibilities I had contemplated at the beginning of the year and all the turmoil that erupted just a few months later. But it served me well and was a positive force as I considered the possibilities day after day. Some days it held me up, other days it pulled me forward, but possibilities always guided me to a better place. I know that possibilities will continue to be a part of me, as all my other word themes over the years have been. So, with gratitude I now let possibilities make way for my new word - mindful. Just what is mindful or mindfulness, let’s just say it’s a way of being present in thought and action. It’s awareness on steroids!

Last year I had a number of people ask me how to be mindful. That’s not an easy answer. Being mindful becomes a way of thinking, a way of being, and it continually evolves and takes shape. It comes, it goes, and I know I am a better person if I continue to bring awareness to it.

In the coming weeks I will begin shedding light on mindfulness. We’ll wake up our brains, give them focus, bring them peace, and who knows where that will lead us all. While 2020 won’t be a year easily forgotten, we can now move on with gratitude and hope into a mindful 2021.

Stay safe, be well,

Michelle

Mind full v. mindful graphic courtesy of Heidi Forbes Öste

The Gift That Shows You Care

Here's a little something to easily add to your have to do's this holiday season - thoughtfulness. With so many things going on, it can be easy to forget. Join me and start your day with this intention - I intend to be thoughtful. It’s the gift of consideration to others that shows I care, that I notice, that I appreciate. It’s a helping hand, a big hug, or simply a smile. It’s a phone call, a handwritten note or email, even a funny text emoji or silly video. And there's no time like the present - give a stranger a smile, hold the door open for someone, and rethink telling the cashier a piece of your mind. Give that person you seldom see a hug, or slap a big kiss on their cheek. Ask them how they are and pay attention - truly pay attention to what they are talking about.

And guess what? That kind of thoughtfulness can easily be carried on throughout the year. The more you apply thoughtfulness to your life, the more you will receive in return. If you didn’t realize that, you definitely need more thoughtfulness!

Sending peace, love, and slapping a big 💋 on your cheek this holiday season,

Michelle

Rusted icy hearts photo courtesy of Trenten Kelley

Nine

With this post I begin my ninth year of blogging at this website. I’m still somewhat startled when someone mentions something I have blogged about in the regular course of conversation - momentarily I think, how do they know that? Then it dawns on me, oh they've read my book or follow one of my blogs. It’s kind of like a big hug, though, and a confirmation that my writing is not all about me. It’s knowing there are others out there connecting with my words that motivate me to continue writing.

When I first began blogging, I was determined to blog for at least five years. Then my goal was to blog until I published my book It Is What It Is. With that goal accomplished in May of this year - now what? I can honestly say I don’t know. Currently, I publish on this site and on our travel site with my husband. I may not publish as often as I used to here, but my personal thoughts are dedicated to this site and not the travel site. Let’s just say, those blogs are two entirely different takes on what I have going on in my life. What I do know is that I will continue to post here for now, and hopefully continue to inspire others with my words.

Many of you have asked if there will be another book, I know I have more books in my head, but it depends which one wants to come out next! I've also been asked by a number of people to publish how we went about making such an abrupt change in our lifestyle, and that just happens to be one of the books in my head! Whether or not I can dedicate the time to write books, publish blogs, and fit this all in with my full time traveling lifestyle will remain to be seen. Until then, I’ll keep you posted!

Thank YOU for all your kind words, comments, and sharing the love of this site with others over the years. Here’s to another one - cheers!

Michelle

Photo courtesy of iconspng.com

Shut My Mouth

I’m a very disciplined person. That may come from nearly 8 years of Catholic school. It was there I learned how discipline could work in my favor; because by listening, I was paying closer attention; by paying closer attention, my grades improved, and getting good grades in Catholic school moved me into the “golden child” level – in other words, I could get away with all sorts of things. So,when I embraced the word Listen for my word theme of 2018, it didn’t surprise me how quickly I adapted to shutting my mouth. Interestingly enough, I’m even sitting up straighter! Sister Angela would be proud.

During the first few days of listening, I was surprised by how much quieter I was. When I was by myself, my brain even stopped reeling with a myriad of jumbled thoughts! I like this. I like this a lot. While I try and live a quieter existence in my head, there’s always been a lot going on up there, so the focus of the year on listening will hopefully guide me to a renewed habit and way of being.

So here’s the thing, there’s listening, and there’s intently listening. I’ve been noticing this when engaged in a conversation and other people are oblivious to the fact that I haven’t even finished the answer to their question when they move on and begin talking about something else. Sometimes I’m mid-sentence! Sister Angela would call that interrupting, and you may have to stand in the corner for a time! I used to try and move the conversation back to the rest of my answer to their question, but I’m finding it best to just shut my mouth and see if anyone notices. So far, that hasn’t happened. I find this oddly amusing.

By reminding myself daily to listen, I can see we really don’t listen as much or as well as we think we do. Whether I’m observing, thinking about something, or in conversation - by intently listening, I’m more engaged and paying more attention. I find my mind is less likely to wander away from whatever it is I’m paying attention to. My awareness to listening is guiding me to see and hear things I might otherwise miss. Funny thing, I’m even more likely to shut my mouth. Sister Angela would give me a gold star for that!

Michelle

Angry Nun photo - I was not able to find a link to credit properly

Steps in the Right Direction

With the pending closing date set at April, 20, we are only weeks away from making the big move out of our home. We passed the house, well, and septic inspections with no issues to deal with, and as of last week an appraisal was done. While we are anxious to dismantle the home staging and get on with the business of wrapping up what we have left to move out, we continue to be in a limbo stage until the home buyer’s bank gives them approval of their loan. We are not expecting any problems with their loan application, but it is in our best interest to be patient and sit tight.

Waiting during this period prior to the acceptance of the buyer’s loan application has allowed us to slow down a bit and plan for our first few destinations. We really couldn’t do that before this because we didn’t know when the house would sell. Planning our initial destinations strengthened our resolve to be houseless and travel for the next few years. I know I was filled with a giddy excitement and I could tell my husband, Dennis, was feeling the same way. Anyone who knows Dennis would not necessarily put giddy and Dennis together, but I can tell you he was giddy, nonetheless!

Approximately three years ago we talked about moving. Two years ago we decided we didn’t know where we wanted to live and we knew we would be traveling extensively so why have the expense of keeping an abode. Since that realization we have aggressively laid down the tracks and set an intentional course on a new direction in our lives. While we are definitely changing how we do everything, change and this new direction have filled our lives with a knowing that we are headed in the right direction. How do we know we are headed in the right direction? Because with each step we take, doors begin to open, and life seemingly falls into place showing us we are on the right path.

Question mark sign courtesy of Colin Kinner

Someday

“Gazing outward into the light.”
Ani Gurnee

So what’s all this bucket list business we hear about? You’re familiar with the idiom kicking the bucket, with regards to dying? A bucket list refers to the same bucket only prior to kicking it. Where does the list come in? Think of it as what you would like to experience someday before you die. It is not related whatsoever to your day-to-day list of things to do. In other words, you would not see scrubbing toilets or vacuuming on your bucket list – at least I hope not; but whatever rocks your bucket!

With that, have you reviewed your bucket list lately? I’ve never really thought of having a bucket list per se, but I do know there are things I would like to experience someday. As time passes, the things I thought I might have wanted to do or see have changed, but what hasn’t changed are the following:

• Aurora borealis or northern lights – I would like the trip itself to be an event, just in case the lights don’t quite dance across the sky in a major way when I am in the vicinity. With that, the trip will someday be along the coast of Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes - twelve days and thirty-four ports of call on a Hurtigruten freight/passenger ship. They have been traveling these waters since 1893, so if anyone knows how to hunt the light, they do.
• International hot air balloon fiesta, Albuquerque, New Mexico – Someday I'll see the balloon glow take flight in the early morning hours and punctuate the darkness of the night sky. With over 500 balloons taking to the sky, it is the world’s largest ballooning event and has been held the first week of October for over 40 years.
• International fireworks competition, Vancouver, BC – It’s been held the last week of July for 25 years and is the longest running offshore fireworks competition. Because it is a competition from 3 different countries each year, someday it will prove to be a breathtaking site with each country competing to be the best party in the sky.

My someday arrived last July when I checked-off the first of my bucket list items by observing fireflies, lightening bugs, in North Carolina. It was on the way home from seeing those fairies of the night that I contemplated the other things I have longed talked about doing someday; and like a flash, I discovered they all had something to do with light. Without realizing it, I had longed to infuse my life with more light! Ever since then, whenever I consider my bucket, I feel a warm glow come over me. I don’t know why I hadn’t made that connection previously, but I’m glad I finally connected the lights. I see the light now and my bucket is full of it – light, that is. What’s in your bucket? Shouldn't you start making someday today and rock your bucket?

Northern lights Tromso photo courtesy of Gunnar Hildonen

Puzzling Moves

Next spring marks the twentieth year in our home. Over the past few years, my husband, Dennis, and I have been talking about where our next home might be located. We also discuss whether it will be a house, condominium, townhouse or who knows what. We have no clear path to what the answer is to any of those questions. What we do know is this⎯it will be smaller, and it will be sooner rather than later. 

When we first moved into our home, we planned on being here twenty years. My how time flies. With our love and sweat poured into this place of ours, we have improved the house and the five surrounding acres, and have made it into what it is today. We still enjoy the peaceful location, the home itself, and the land, but our hearts are not into it as much as they once were. Maintaining it has now become more of a burden than a joy. When you find yourself saying, I would rather, more often than not, it’s time to reevaluate.

It has been frustrating to think about moving, so we don’t. It’s like having a pile of puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit together. Recently, I had the realization⎯we aren’t ready to move. As in, if we are going to downsize, we need to start shedding and eliminating. In other words, we have too many puzzle pieces⎯we need to purge and clear a path forward! While we aren’t keepers of all things, and we get rid of stuff on a regular basis, we need to go deeper and get rid of the pieces that will not fit into the next space of our lives, whatever that may be. We will prepare for the possibility.

Currently, we are both of the mindset⎯we are moving! This thought alone is freeing and will help us move forward. I firmly believe, when we are ready, we will know it. Then we will be able to answer the questions we have been going round and round about, and the remaining pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. In other words, when we are ready, the path will clear and something will come up and be just right for our needs. We’ll know.

Can you trust in the unknown? Can you develop a forward mindset and start putting the pieces of the puzzle together without knowing what it looks like? Can you find a way to your path? Can you trust, by simply moving forward, the answers will come? When your heart is not in it, whatever it is, it is time to reevaluate, purge and move forward. You’ll know. Prepare for the possibility.

Puzzled path photo courtesy of Magnus Akselvoll

Get It Done

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. From now until Labor day, people plan picnics, go camping, get together with friends and family for barbecues and hit the road in a frenzy to get the most out of whatever time we may have for that summer way of life.

As for me, I am intending to wrap up a major loose end this summer. Recently, I have been working on publishing my book, It Is What It Is. Making decisions as to what each page of the book layout will be is a bit daunting. What font do I want to use here and there? Where should the page numbers land? How should the chapters sit on the page and on and on. It’s all those things book readers don’t have to consider. I have also been working with a graphic artist on the cover, and once again more decisions.

It has been a bit difficult to give the time needed for the book layout while continuing to write my weekly blog. I usually take some time away from the blog during the summer, this year I will be starting a few weeks earlier. Since I won’t be publishing weekly, here are a few things you can do:

• Set a weekly alarm and go back and enjoy earlier posts
• Forward some of your favorite posts to others to share the love and grow our subscriber base
• Pick one thing to get done this summer

Is there something you want to put a wrap on once and for all, or perhaps there is something new you would like to do to shake things up a bit? What’s the first thing that came to mind when I mentioned picking one thing? That’s it! Get it done with me this summer. I know by fall I’ll be jumping for joy just getting IT done. There will be one less loose end while we all continue to move forward and get it done this summer.

See you in the fall,

Jump for joy photo courtesy of Scott Ableman

Pay It Forward

The prayers noted on Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags are blown by the wind and are said to spread good will; thus, benefiting all. When I press the publish button each week, my posts are blown to the electronic universe with the intention of helping others pay attention to their own needs, find the best within themselves and be the best they can be. Each post is a guide to forward thinking.

This post marks my one-hundredth, and seems like something worth celebrating in a year of moving forward. With that in mind, let’s move this website forward each week. When you receive a post, spread the word and pay it forward. In other words, spread the word by telling someone about It Is What It Is and ask them to pay it forward as well. A simple way to do this is to click on the envelope with the arrow or one of the share chicklets (buttons) at the bottom of each post.

Be the wind to my prayer flags, share the love and guide someone to forward thinking.

With gratitude,

Prayer flags photo courtesy of Jules Henze

Ending a Year of Intentional Thinking

Cairn: A mound of stones built as a memorial.

2012 was my year of intentional thinking. I set intention on a roll by focusing on a different intention each month. If you have followed this path with me, you will know we have improved our lives twelve times over. Here is the year in review:

I Intend…

• January⎯to be positive and erase negative thinking
• February⎯to stimulate my brain and reduce "brain drain"
• March⎯to give myself time by creating space
• April – to unclutter my world and embrace an organized mindset
• May⎯to turn my world upside down while breathing life into the predictable
• June⎯to stretch time by extending the time I enjoy
• July⎯to try something new and dream, explore, discover
• August⎯to create an island of calm by including the very best of summertime
• September⎯to set boundaries and consciously choose
• October⎯to encourage others with a few simple words
• November⎯to drop my leaves by dropping negative habits and mindsets
• December⎯to count my blessings and show my gratitude

* We sometimes forget about where we have been when looking at what we still have not done.

While I end the year of intentional thinking, intentions have become a reliable way of moving forward for me. Intentions are my choice and provide a more balanced approach to my life as I consider where I have been this year. Because there are always going to be those things we still have not done, let us all celebrate where we have been as we look forward to the year ahead.

Cheers!

Twelve photo courtesy of  Mrs Logic
* Thanks Viv for reminding me of this every now and then

December: I Intend to Count My Blessings

For many, December is a month of celebration; although, the expectations we all bring to the table can take the meaning out of any celebrating. So instead of focusing on overrated expectations, I intend to highlight my blessings every day in December. How will I go about doing this?

• Each morning I will repeat my intention for the day. 
• I will say thank you, and really mean it, throughout the day.
• I will let others know how much they mean to me.
• I will thank others for continuing to be a part of my life.
• Each night I will repeat my intention and do a mental review of my day.

By counting my blessings, I intend to shine a light on all I am grateful for, and not get caught up in those things that really don’t matter in the end analysis. Join me as we wrap up our year of intentions with a month of focused daily blessings. By doing this, I guarantee December will bring many heartfelt moments, smiles and peace within.

Candlelight photo courtesy of Bracketing Life

November: I Intend to Drop My Leaves

The leaves at home have started their annual migration as they release themselves from the trees and fall to the ground. By shedding their leaves, trees drop the potential of pests and disease following them into next years growing season. Let's just say it's Mother Nature's way of providing a healthy balance.

Like the trees, I will follow suit by dropping my leaves before the sap starts to rise. As we close in on the end of the year, I intend to drop any undesirable habits or negative mindsets I might have accumulated during this past year.

Now is the time to consider what leaves you might want to let fall to the ground. Join me, shed a leaf or two, and rid yourself of the pests you have accumulated. After all, Mother Nature knows best.

Red trees photo courtesy of joiseyshowaa

October: I Intend to Encourage Others

We can all use a kick in the butt to get us moving in right direction. For whatever reason, at times we get lost and make the wrong choices. Maybe, we just need the proper motivation. This month, my full attention will be on the intention to encourage others⎯be it family, friend or foe, or perhaps the occasional stranger thrown in for good measure.

A few years ago, as I was parking at a grocery store, I happened to notice the person pulling into a space in front of me. As I hopped out of my car, I flashed this elderly gentleman a smile⎯as if to say hello, I notice you are there. He immediately ran around his truck in my direction and said, “Thank you, I needed that smile today.” He proceeded to tell me about his wife being ill and that he had to keep an eye on the young man traveling with him. It all seemed to be such a chore for this elderly gentleman. When he stopped telling me his story I said, “How fortunate for this young man that he has you, and enjoy the rest of your day sir.” I went about doing my grocery shopping. As I was heading down an aisle, I see the elderly gentleman poke his head around the corner at the other end. He ran down the aisle toward me with his young man in tow and said, “Thank you, I hadn’t thought of it that way!”

It just goes to show how just a few simple words of encouragement may gently or not so gently:

• Transform a thought
• Make a difference
• Change an attitude
• Alter a course
• Modify a behavior
• Build confidence
• Adjust a mindset
• Save a life…

This month I plan on highlighting the intention of encouraging others as I wake each morning. Perhaps the moment will present itself at some point in the day, or maybe I’ll pick the person I want to encourage as the intention crosses my mind in the morning. However it happens, a few encouraging words in the right direction just may inspire someone to move in the right direction. Let an encouraging word highlight your day as you help me kick some butt this month.

Kick Butt photo courtesy of teeejayy

September: Intend to Set Boundaries

With summer winding down this month, I too need to wind down. This time of the year I have a tendency to try and squeeze in too many things with what time there is left. Last month, by creating an island of calm, I may have let a few things slide. Oops and oh well! The best thing for me this month is to remind myself to set boundaries and focus on that which is most important before summer’s end, and I’m not just talking about work-oriented things but the fun stuff too!

In order for me to be at my best, it is best for me to intentionally create my own boundaries. I will do this by consciously choosing what it is I need and want to do. As I go about each day, I will strive to be an active participant in what it is I do. As with all my intentions, it helps to start the day by planting the seed of intention in my brain. Throughout the rest of the day, I am able to feel my best self take-hold each time I consciously choose my intention.

Setting boundaries, limits, restrictions, or whatever you want to call it, helps me focus and gives me permission to make the best choices for me. How about you? Will you give yourself permission to be an active participant in your life?

Girl in Stripes photo courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt

August: I Intend to Create an Island of Calm

“It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime, sweet summertime!”

Kenny Chesney

When the warmer days of August finally roll around, I start feeling anxious. I get the feeling summer is almost over before it really has gotten a chance to even begin. I plan on changing that anxious feeling this year by changing my attitude. This is my choice and I intend to create a summer island of calm. On my summer island of calm there is no end until I say so, or perhaps I give into the musty smells of fall days as they gently pull and coax me into the next season.

My summer island of calm includes some of the very best of summertime:

• A nap or two in a hammock swinging in the breeze
• Reading a book I cannot put down
• The flavors of mint and basil in my morning smoothie
• Many helpings of fresh seafood
• An obscenely large ice-cream cone
• The smell of a barbeque hissing and spitting away
• Flashes of garden color and scents so sweet they fill me with sunshine
• Gliding along on a paddle board or kayak
• The crack of a watermelon as I begin to cut into it
• Lounging in the warmth of the day
• Gentle breezes billowing the curtains within my home
• A chorus of bird songs playing in the background
• The taste of a juicy tree ripened peach
• An ice cold drink of whatever stirs my fancy
• Time lost in the company of friends/family

What will your island of calm include? Choose for yourself and create an island of calm today. You must start your day with the intention: I intend to create an island of calm. Let the invocation surround you with calmness each day this month. Bask in the endless days of summer.

 Water Nymph photo courtesy of Steve Jurvetson

July: I Intend to Try Something New

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover."

Mark Twain

There are times in all our lives when we long to try something new and break the strains of routine. Perhaps it is as simple as a new hairstyle⎯especially when you have been wearing the same one since high school! Whether you are in a rut or just want to see what it’s like, whatever that something might be, this is the month to dream, explore and discover.

When vacationing in Hawaii, I would occasionally see a person standing on what looked like a surfboard, paddling their way along smooth water bays. It looked effortless and somehow seemed as if they were walking on water. Lately, I have noticed these stand-up “surfers” on lakes around my home. Watching them glide through the water looked like it might be akin to aquatic meditation.

This month, I intend to try something new by taking a stand up paddling (SUP) lesson. Perhaps I will really enjoy it and add it to my repertoire of “things I do.” On the other hand, I might find it really isn’t my cup of tea, but I will have thrown off the bowlines and given it a try. No longer will I want to know what it is like. No longer will I wonder if I could do it. This is the month!

When I wake each morning, I will remind myself of my intention. I will dream, explore and who knows what I’ll discover. Sail with me away from your safe harbor of procrastination. Don’t just dream it. Figure out how you can do it and go for it!

Photo courtesy of Nick Hewson

June: I Intend to Stretch Time

Tick-tock, tick-tock⎯we all know time has a way of getting away from us whether we are doing something enjoyable or not. As June begins to roll by and turns into summer, Mother Nature provides us with longer days, so I aim to make the most out of whatever I am doing. I am going to add just a bit more time to my day to enjoy what is happening in my world.

How does one stretch time? As with all my monthly intentions, when the light of the day comes into focus, I will focus on the intention of stretching time. As I find myself stretching time, I will remind myself of my intention⎯this should prove to be infectious. By stretching time, I will slow down and take heed of the moment⎯I will be mindful. This mindfulness will be good for me as it will assist me in letting go and just being in and of the moment. I intend to stretch time while…

• Meditating
• Drinking my morning cup of tea or coffee and listening to the birds as I sit on my front porch,
• Enjoying friends, family or my dear husband,
• Holding my yoga poses and breathing deeply,
• Taking a break from anything work or chore related,
• Having a glass of wine,
• Doing whatever it is I would appreciate more time with!

In March my intention was giving myself time. I look at giving time and stretching time to be similar but different. Time unto itself is an issue for everyone. It takes gentle reminders in my life on a regular basis for me to get in touch with it once again. As time passes, it is what it is, but why not grasp every tick of the clock and be present. I am going to stretch time and enjoy every last second. Shall we grasp the hands of the clock together and enjoy the longer days good old Mother Nature has given us? Tick-tock, tick-tock...

I will suspend my weekly posts until fall, but will continue to share my monthly intentions at the beginning of each month. Enjoy the summer ahead!

Time photo courtesy of Alan Cleaver

May: I Intend to Turn My World Upside Down

I am a very routine oriented person. I actually feel better when I get up, eat and head to bed about the same times each day. I find that routine helps me work discipline into my life; otherwise, I would lack the structure I need to keep up with the housekeeping or do my workout routines⎯aha, there’s that word again. Could routine be getting in my way though?

I am so routine oriented, I just might miss out on something better, fun, new or just plain different.

Spring is always a great time to start something new, so this month I intend to change my routine and tweak it just a bit. No longer will my routine be repetitive, predictable or monotonous. Here are a few routine busters I am considering:

• Brush my teeth with the opposite hand - this will force my brain to think differently, it will be good for building better coordination and not to mention having a good laugh.
• Drive, walk or run a different route to work, home or wherever - who knows what I'll discover just around the corner?
• Shop for groceries or clothing at a different store - I might find something I have been searching for.
• Try a new recipe - it could become a new favorite.
• Eat dessert first - I know, it will spoil my meal⎯oh well!
• Order a menu item I wouldn’t normally consider - expanding my tastes sounds good to me.
• Completely change whatever I had planned on doing - what a surprise!

This intention will not only tweak my brain, but also pave the way for changes. Who knows what fun I’ll have this month turning my world upside down. You can turn your world upside down too by starting each day with the thought: I intend to turn my world upside down. This intention is guaranteed to breathe new life into the old repetitive, predictable and monotonous routines. What will your routine busters be?

Photo courtesy of Care_SMC