Have a Song Filled Day

Please note: excerpts of the following post come from an email I sent to my sister. Pardon our style...

First off, you should know, my sister Becky is amazing - but doesn’t realize it.

Second off, (Is there such a thing as second off?) she is not only amazing, but has an amazing singing voice as well. At the drop of a proverbial hat, she can belt out a tune a cappella, as in without any music whatsoever. Singing a song with music can be difficult enough, but somehow she can pull it off without. For example, she brings people to tears when she sings the Our Father prayer or the national anthem. Like I said, she is amazing!

Third off, (It seems like I should keep things consistent.) she doesn’t always tell people when great things happen to her. For example, last summer my mom (little joke between sisters) told me Becky was asked to sing while at an employee barbecue. So she did, and rocked it, of course. Because, once again, she is amazing! But this event I had to ask my sis about.

Fourth off, (This is kind of fun.) when I did finally communicate with her in an email, I told her, “I think sharing with others about the good things that happen, no matter how small, is healing to your heart as well as theirs. It repeats the love all over again. As opposed to constantly talking about all that is negative. Hmm, this could be a good post!” 

Fifth off, (Yes, this whole off-thing is tongue-in-cheek.) Becky has had many challenges in her life and at times is her own worst enemy. That could be any one of us. She is striving to be her best self by moving away from the negative and the negative self-story. Thus, “Talking about the good things happening in your life is spreading the love, and in itself is a good thing.”

Sixth off, as I noted to my sister, “Share the song in your heart and have a song filled day. As a matter of fact, print that statement out and post it at home, the car, and at work. It will remind you of the song you have in your heart, and help you strive for it when things aren’t going quite so well.”  So, fill your heart with the good things, forget the bad; and even if you can’t hold a tune, celebrate what is.

 Love you sis,

Song filled day banner posted in my sister’s office and part of the Clark family archives.

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

Name That Tune

“Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song, and I’ll try not to sing out of key.”

"With a Little Help From My Friends" Lennon/McCartney

I can name that tune in 3 notes, sometimes less. Really, I’m pretty good at it. My mom’s side of my family tree has music in their hearts. Whenever we get together, someone sits down at a piano or pulls out a guitar and starts to sing. We can’t help it⎯music seems to move us and comes from somewhere deep inside.

My Grandpa John seemed to be attached to his accordion. That is how I picture him today even though he died many years ago. I think he was happiest when he was with his family making music. We would all sing and play various instruments, and he would smile from ear to ear no matter what kind of sounds we were making. When I was a child, I wasn’t the performing type. I did what was expected of me at family gatherings, but it just was not my thing. I was much more comfortable with a baseball mitt in my hand, lobbing pitches over home plate or swimming down the stripes of a pool. Nonetheless, my mom made sure we were exposed to many different kinds of music, and seemed to always have music playing in our home as we grew up. Many nights I fell asleep to a stack of records playing in the background of my dreams. 

Whether oldies but goodies or rock and roll, song verses from somewhere in my past history come to mind when just a note or two, or a word or two float through my head. My husband says it’s a bit scary. Recently we were scrolling through Netflix movies, and I saw the title, Once a Jolly Swagman, roll by. Immediately my “Name That Tune” mind started searching words like an old jukebox listing in my brain. I said, “That movie title is in an old song.” My husband looked at me and just shook his head. I could not let the name go, and before you knew it, I was singing "Waltzing Matilde," …once a jolly swagman sat beside a billabong… Just a few weeks prior, in the background of a movie we were watching, I could barely hear a group of children singing some sort of tune. I started singing along but could not quite get the whole song to come to the surface. Low and behold, before I went to bed, I was belting out "The Gypsy Rover,"...ah dee doo ah dee doo dah day...

Music can set the beat of whatever I am involved with. Like the stack of records of my youth, I have music swimming in my head while I’m gardening, cooking, showering, skiing, running, and of course swimming. I have a tendency to hum and sing a little tune when I am happy. Although, I have found that planting a seed of a song when I am not so happy has a tendency to give me a lift.

Scary as it may be for my husband, the gift of music in my heart is happiness unfolding in a song. It is this can’t-help-it kind of happiness I embrace as each note leads to another. More of us need to let our voices sing and celebrate⎯whatever the song may be. The momentum of the song will lift your spirit and help move you through turbulent times. Name that tune and let music guide you through your day⎯even if you do sing out of key. My grandpa would love it!

Music notes picture courtesy of Koji Minamoto

Springing Forward

Spring is natures way of saying, "Let's party!"

Robin Williams

With the sun spreading golden rays of warmth and the carpet-cleaning technician working away on the floors of my home, I felt the pangs of spring fever come crashing in. With fresh and clean carpets, I wanted fresh and clean everything⎯inside and out. My mind started to race with thoughts of moving furniture, freshening drapes, washing windows, cleaning closets, vacuuming, dusting, and on and on. I know when I get this way, I even find myself smiling just thinking about fresh and clean. It’s like I have rose-colored glasses and all is just that⎯rosy.

This is the time of year when everything seems to sprout anew, start the cycle over and come out of the hibernation of winter. The birds are celebrating the season by singing their songs and flitting around from here to there as if they are trying to catch up on lost time. The tree frogs celebrate the season by croaking away fever-pitched each night as the sounds of spring gather to a cacophony of different beats. Spring fever for me is a big kick of motivation, and right now I am highly motivated to get moving with the rhythm of the season into spring.

As I spring the clock forward an hour, I will use the motivation that spring fever gives me, and allow it to gather momentum, as I move through spring and summer⎯ until it is time for me to let go and begin the slowing pace fall brings⎯and I gain back the hour of time I lost months ago.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve lost an hour⎯march forward and get your rosy rear in gear, BUT with all the momentum of the season you will be gathering, don’t forget to give yourself time...

Photo courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt

Failure is NOT an Option!

“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

Robert H. Schuller

I was recently poking around a gift shop and saw this wonderful Schuller quote on a plaque. It made me stop, smile, think a moment, and then make a note of it because I immediately began writing an article in my head. This happens to me all of the time these days. The more I write, the more my head is busy tapping out strands of thought. This sensation did not happen until I started writing on a regular basis a few years ago. So what turned on this new writing phenomenon? Me!

I began to write in response to what I was feeling when my health began to take a nosedive. I realized I could not, would not fail if I wrote about what I knew and what I was learning about life and the circumstances that seem to get thrown at me along the way. Since I began writing, I think I am a happier person. I seem to be filling a need I wasn’t aware of. So when I saw this little Shuller plaque, yes I smiled because it was a knowing smile.

What’s stopping you?

Do you feel as if you are on idle or stagnating? Perhaps answering this question would help you move on with your life.

Are you afraid of failure, or are you actually afraid of succeeding? If you succeeded, just what would that mean? Are you afraid of leaving what you know is comfortable and safe?

“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

When you first pose this question, don’t expect an answer to come immediately⎯just keep asking. If an answer does come immediately⎯get moving!

 “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

Once you ask this question, it doesn’t mean you can’t change course, start over, or continue to ask the question again and again. It's not like you are only allowed to ask this question once in a lifetime. There are no life-question police roaming around.

“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

I feel this question is ultimately very powerful. It should become one of those life questions we roll over in our minds from time to time. Failure in NOT an option here! So start filling a need you may not be aware of and turn on a new phenomenon for YOU! In a year full of intention⎯what’s stopping YOU? Consider starting small and with the momentum you gain, keep going, and remember...

"Shoot for the moon,

even if you miss you’ll land among the stars."

Les Brown

First steps photo courtesy of Eddi van W.

One Year Ends: Roller Coaster in Review

This past year has led me in several directions as I strived to get on top of my health issues. Many times I felt as if I was riding an out of control roller coaster. I started the year with the word theme of momentum. Even though I began with a slow, progressive roll, soon I seemed to be in a vertical drop with no vision in sight. I leveled off and made changes in the tracks ahead. I was rocked from side-to-side and looped-de-looped, but I kept moving forward with the power of one word.

The year of momentum in review:

• Cooper qualities⎯understanding the importance of patience
• Dropping anger⎯creating a positive environment
• Tipping points⎯discovering opportunities
• Eating to live⎯ exploring food combining, gluten free and juicing
• Overcoming battle fatigue⎯taking a step back and evaluating
• Unplugging⎯searching for the answers
• Balance⎯finding a sense of stability
• Choice⎯embracing what is mine
• Celebration⎯doing what you love and giving gratitude

The focus on momentum guided me throughout the year as I explored ways to help us all feel better and embrace the life we have. As I end the year with new medication protocols and a fresh sense of peace, I look to next year to continue my forward progress. I am optimistic that I will have less of a roller coaster existence and more of a full steam ahead approach to whatever tracks are before me.

Join me in the new year with a new look to It Is What It Is...

Michelle

Olympia Looping photo courtesy of Oliver Mallich
© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Looking Ahead

When I learned to snow ski many years ago, one important fact stuck in my mind and has carried over into other aspects of my life⎯look ahead to where you want to go. That doesn’t mean just immediately in front of you, but further out so you may anticipate your moves and your needs. Funny thing is, my ski instructors were spot on. If I wasn’t looking out to where I wanted to go, I would end up doing a face plant, yard sale, or better yet, looking at a tree rather up close and personal.

For those of you who do not ski:

Face plant⎯usually happens when I am only looking off the tips of my skis and not down the slope. Plowing ahead at full speed without anticipating where you are going is not necessarily going to get you where you want to go...

Yard Sale⎯off balance at high speeds tends to scatter your gear all over the place. Once your body comes to a halt and you are able to assess the damage to person and gear you must make adjustments; otherwise, the same thing will happen over and over as long as you continue to be off balance...

Tree Hugging⎯it amazes me how I end up here, but if I am more focused on what I don’t want to have happen, it happens anyway. Hmm!

Whether biking, running, swimming, skiing or trying to negotiate the twists and turns of my life, I find I must look ahead to where I want to go. We are all guilty of taking a glance back once in awhile, but the moment my head turns to look back, my balance is off and I am out of control⎯which may send me in a tumble, impede my momentum and perhaps put a stop to my forward motion.

It is up to me to be aware of those times when I am not looking ahead. It can be scary looking down a steep slope, but I know I must do it anyway in order for me to get to where I want to go. After all, when I am looking ahead, I am looking out to my future. What are you looking at?

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorne
© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

First Flight

Ever since I was a child, I have often dreamt of flying. Not the flying in an airplane kind of thing, but the arm flapping, soaring like the wind flying. It’s always exhilarating and the rush I feel when I wake-up follows me throughout the day. Sometimes I don’t remember dreaming, but I know, I feel it, “Must have been flying again!”

Years ago I was always hesitant of the first step into the unknown. The longer I waited, the more difficult it would be. It was like my flying dreams, I knew I wanted to believe I could, but it was almost paralyzing. I learned to trust my self, my instincts⎯I learned to believe. Ever since then I have taken many “first” flights. You know the feeling, something you want to do but are afraid to do. It can literally take your breath away. You feel as though you are stepping off a cliff into the unknown. You are supposed to feel that way⎯attaching wings and learning to fly is not easy. Let the momentum of your belief in yourself catch in your wings so you may soar to new heights! Close your eyes and take the first step, you will be glad you did.

Now that I am back from my summer break, I thought I would share a moment of my summer with you. One of my favorite things to do is have an early morning cup of something hot to drink and sit out on my front porch. After months of watching the comings and goings of my annual Chickadee family, I was allowed to watch “my” babies leave their nest. The following video captured the last babe to leave. The other two had left the day before, but this one did not want to have anything to do with it. The mamma Chickadee had to coax this one out. So here’s to your first flight, whatever it may be. Gotta fly…

Photo courtesy of yapsnaps

© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Get Moving into Summer

"The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

It is another cool, rainy day. Spring never quite arrived, so I have my hopes of warmth and sunshine set on summer. Summer brings with it a certain lightness of being. I can pack away the fleece and bring out the cotton, I can count on local garden-fresh fruit and vegetables to invigorate my meals, I can lounge in the warmth of a lazy summer day, I can pick up the pace of my summer walks or runs as the early morning sun rises, I can enjoy the parade of blooms as we move through summer, I can delight in the basil growing in a pot on my patio as I add it to almost everything I eat, I can savor my morning cup of coffee or tea on my front porch as the sun peaks its way above the trees, I can stop and listen to the songs of summer as the birds drift in and out of the area, I can kick off my shoes and let my feet wander. Oh summer⎯I welcome your returning grace.

How might you enjoy summer?

• Catch some sand between your toes
• Head out for a swim or a float
• Camp in the woods
• Scrape off the BBQ
• Grab your boat
• Dance at a festival or outdoor concert
• Devour a humongous ice-cream cone
• Go outside and get moving

Summer may scream more work in the yard, but that is a good thing. We need to move and stretch our bodies and do the things outside one does when summer rolls around. No matter what type of summer we have, I will take advantage of a bounce in the temp even if the rain continues to fall. I am going to keep moving and use the momentum I am gaining to enjoy all the spoils of the season. It’s summer after all, and once it is gone⎯we will have to wait another year. Don’t let this one slip by.

As I begin moving into summer I will be taking a break from my weekly postings. I may send you a thought or two along the way to keep you moving; otherwise, I will plan on catching you up in the fall.

Here's to an amazing summer of moving in the right direction. How do you plan on moving this summer?

Photo courtesy of Guiri R. Reyes
© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Growing Pains⎯Tending the Garden

Every step in the right direction has growing pains⎯but you need to do it anyway!

My friend June was recently telling me how difficult it was for her to move forward in the new life she had created for herself. June finds she is falling into the same pitfalls of living she was trying to leave behind. On the other hand, June also finds herself frozen at times and is not sure how else to move forward. She knows what she should do, she just doesn’t know HOW. It then becomes easy for her to fall back to what she knows⎯it’s safe.

• Safe makes you feel secure
• Safe feels harmless
• Safe gives you shelter
• Safe keeps you insulated
• Safe is a place many of us want to live because it requires little effort on our part
• Safe is a place many of us cannot move away from because we are stuck!

I told June what she was feeling was normal. She has taken the steps in the right direction but she is now feeling the growing pains⎯you know, the stresses and strains of development. Just what are growing pains in this circumstance?

• Evolution⎯gradual development of wisdom
• Maturation⎯the process of growth
• Expansion⎯ to a new and better self
• Progress⎯forward movement, momentum
• Improvement⎯making life better

Growth takes time⎯like when you plant seeds in a garden. You don’t plant seeds without taking care of them properly, otherwise they will not grow. One must tend the garden.  Water the seeds and once  they have started to grow, focus on the roots by continuing to water and gently feed them. This will allow the roots to develop into a healthy base in order to support the life of the plant. It doesn’t stop there. You must continue to nurture the plant in order to sustain continued growth.

We all feel growing pains from time to time whether initiated by ourselves or the circumstances of our lives. Yes there may be setbacks, but you weed out what is not working and plant seeds anyway. YOU KNOW HOW⎯one small step at a time. I am proud of anyone, like June, who chooses to make a move in the right direction, for continued growth provides more healthy roots and buds of pure joy, which will eventually open into blooms of love and happiness.

Step outside yourself and grow, grow, grow! You can do it, I know you can.

Photo courtesy of AmandaLouise
© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Using Momentum to Start Small

I’ve been evaluating my own procrastinating ways lately and have considered starting small as mentioned in the STOP Procrastinating post. As I work towards a “less-is-more” way of approaching life, I am slowly getting to those “things” I’ve been meaning to do⎯even if it takes years. My theme or word for the year has been momentum as mentioned in an earlier article. I consider this word from time to time when I feel the need to do more, do something else or when I just feel stuck. I basically ask myself, "Will this move me forward and bring momentum into my life?" By asking myself this question, momentum has brought me face to face with my procrastinating ways. It's time to start small...

Just exactly what is starting small?

• Starting small is a simple way of considering the whole tree.
• Starting small is simply considering your project as a seedling and growing with your seeding one branch at a time.
• Starting small is a simple approach to breaking down the bigger project.

One particular seedling of mine came to mind because it has been trying to plant itself for 6 years. I’ve had the fabric to make curtains for my guest room. I have even set it out where I can see it every day, only to put it away when spring rolls around⎯because after all, it is a winter project. It is funny how after awhile you just don’t see what is right in front of you.

I’m happy to report, after approximately 10 hours spread out over a few weeks, my curtains are done. I focused on one branch of the project at a time and allowed the momentum to carry me to the next branch. My curtains are now hanging in the window of my guest room and I feel a yippy-skippy dance coming on! I'm feeling momentum move me on to the next project...now I just need to continue to start small...

By the way, how are you doing with your word for the year? Perhaps it is time for you to catch the momentum of the year and start fresh. What seedling do you want to start with?
Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Eating to Live: Gluten Free

Two weeks ago I began sharing some insight as to the new path I am on in response to my digestive problems, and how much better I have been feeling by food combining. Today I will update you on the second change I have made⎯wheat free/gluten free. I can’t believe I am going down this path as I was tested for wheat allergies and have none, so why bother since it obviously was not a problem for me. Ah yes⎯living to eat again! I’ve watched a dear friend, Jean, struggle with gluten free to get on top of her celiac disease, an autoimmune condition. Celiac's  must stay away from gluten or anything containing wheat, barley and rye…and now look⎯here I am trying the same thing. So what's up?

Who persuaded me to try wheat free?
Five weeks ago I had my first appointment with a naturopathic doctor. I have heard of this particular doctor for a few years and know a number of people who have been helped when conventional medicine was not working for them. One of the things suggested was eating wheat free due to the fact many people with intestinal problems, while not celiac or allergic, are sensitive to wheat/gluten.

What is gluten?
A protein present in many grains, especially wheat. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and the light, soft texture in baked goods. It is also used as a starch, binder and filler in many processed foods.

Why does it seem more people are having a problem with gluten?
"A new study in the journal BMC Medicine may shed some light on why. It shows gluten can set off a distinct reaction in the intestines and the immune system, even in people who don't have celiac disease...Although much remains unknown, it is clear that gluten can trigger an immune response like an enemy invader...People aren't born with this. Something triggers it...One possible culprit: Agricultural changes to wheat that have boosted its protein content." The Wall Street Journal, 3/15/2011, Health & Wellness section, by Melinda Beck, Clues to Gluten Sensitivity.


Where does one find gluten-free (GF) products?
Fortunately, gluten-free products are showing up at your local grocer. There is even a store dedicated to gluten-free not far from my home. BUT, many gluten-free products are not created equal. Until recently, living gluten-free has been difficult. I watched Jean try product after product, recipe after recipe trying to find food she liked well enough to eat. I am happy to report there are some rather decent gluten-free substitutes showing up every day and Jean is pointing the way. With more and more stores carrying gluten free, obviously GF products are being embraced by a growing number of people who are finding they just feel better gluten-free.

When does one start eating gluten-free?
There is nothing like the present. I started out cold turkey as they say. It was simple. Just don’t eat anything with gluten. Right! Do you know how many food products may contain gluten? Two weeks later the cravings hit! Off to the store to start trying GF products for the types of food I was missing⎯pasta, bread and something sweet like cookies or muffins. While these products have helped stave off cravings, and I am able to eat corn and rice products since they do not contain gluten, I still need to figure out how to get the right balance of carbohydrates back into my diet.

How do you know if gluten-free is right for you?
If you are having gas, bloating, intestinal cramping, acid reflux or other forms of digestive distress⎯what are you waiting for? Get the conversation started. I previously mentioned talking with Jean, but I also found the person who owns the local gluten-free store is also GF and so is the health food department manager of the local grocery store. Talk to real people who can guide you to the better tasting foods and then dive in. I previously mentioned food combining as outlined by Sherry Brescia from Great Taste No Pain, but she also has a website for gluten free food combining, Great Taste No Gluten. It can’t hurt and once again, may just help improve intestinal distress. If you are one of the many people with gut issues, don’t let gluten stand in your way.

As for Jean, she has been GF for four years and counting. Her health has improved exponentially! As for me, I will continue GF for a time and will see what happens when I introduce gluten back into my diet. I am thinking of my body as my own personal scientific research project; after all, I am eating to live. It is possible, since I do not have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, I could have gluten on occasion or in small amounts. We shall see, so stay tuned…

I am using momentum to move forward in my life and will continue to make choices and changes until I find what is right for me. How about you? Are you making the right choices and do you have the guts to make the changes necessary to live your best life?

© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

STOP Procrastinating⎯How to Start Small in 7 Liberating Steps

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

 Thomas Jefferson

You do it, I do it and I would venture to guess even Thomas Jefferson did it⎯we all delay, put off, postpone, stall and defer⎯we are the great procrastinators. The more we think we have to do, the more we procrastinate. You may even manage to finally get to those “things” you have put off only to find more “things” waiting in the wings, so you can’t even feel good about those “things” you finally check off your list.

I was recently talking with Kay, who I know considers herself to be a first-class procrastinator. She is not proud of the fact but uses it quite often as an excuse to procrastinate even more. We were discussing her procrastinating ways and how she might go about changing her modus operandi. We decided she needed to start small. Here is what we came up with:

1. Prioritize⎯List all the things you have been procrastinating about.
2. Pick one thing close to the top of the list which might take less time than some of the other things on your list. When you start small you have more of a chance to succeed which allows the momentum of succeeding to carry you on to the next thing.
3. Make an appointment⎯set aside 15 minutes (keep in mind you are starting small here) to unload, organize or whatever it is you need or want to do and just do it! FYI, you might just get carried away and take more time…
4. Make another appointment⎯if you didn’t finish the "thing" with the first appointment, make another one, then another one until you are done.
5. Place a big check mark on your prioritized list. Now doesn’t that just feel good?
6. Celebrate the moment⎯bask in the glow one feels when finally getting to something they have been meaning to do⎯high-five yourself or do a yippy-skippy dance (my personal favorite)!
7. Return to your list⎯do you need to re-prioritize anything? Select another thing to focus on, make an appointment and keep on making appointments. It’s amazing how many things you can actually get done by just setting time aside here and there.

Kay knows she has a long way to go but has decided to take charge and set time aside. She knows starting small is probably the only way she will ever get her things done and change her procrastinating behavior. She knows it is up to her to make an appointment with herself. She wants to stop letting herself down and just do it!

Make it a point to schedule time for your prioritized things. After all, it is really a form of scheduling time for YOU. Knowing you have “things you need to do” can be stressful and only adds more stress. So start small and let the momentum carry you forward.

What are you going to do in order to start small and stop procrastinating?

© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

Between a Rock and a Hard Place⎯Dropping Anger

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

Buddha

I am not an angry person. I don’t like it and I certainly don’t want it bleeding into the corners of my life. I am learning it is best for me to drop anger, like a hot coal, when I sense any part of it. After a recent appointment with my gastroenterologist, I finally learned what has been going on with my gut over the last 8 months. I seem to have more thickening in my small intestine. Crohn's disease has once again been up to its dirty work. Obviously, this is not a good thing and it makes it difficult for food to ease on down the road. Now what? Do I follow through with conventional protocol or do I trust my own instinct? I feel as if I am between the proverbial rock and a hard place on this one.

Later that day, I caught my reflection peering out at me from my bathroom mirror. At the same time, I noticed an overwhelming heat invade my entire body working up from my feet. By the time it reached my head I burst into a flood of tears and yelled at the mirror, “I-am-angry!” I repeated this exclamation a number of times and proceeded to verbally unload my thoughts. It felt like a volcanic eruption had momentarily invaded my body as I cleansed my self of the hot coals of toxic feelings. So just what was I angry about:

• The failure of the current protocol, and the fact that what I have been currently doing isn't good enough!
• Possibly having to head down the rabbit hole with Alice and take this pill and that pill not knowing how it would affect me.
• Being out of control of the situation and not knowing what is best for me.
• Not having anyone or anything to throw the hot coals at...

By bringing more awareness of my self and my feelings into my life, I am learning⎯answers will come once I create a positive environment for them. By unloading my anger, I became more open to receive the answers that would provide momentum to move forward.

I could have chosen to hold on to the anger, but to what point? The sooner I move from anger, the sooner I can heal and be well⎯and that is exactly what is right for me. I no longer feel as though I am between a rock and a hard place. I now have a new found excitement looking to the path ahead, and yes, I am already on it...

Can you move-on from the anger you may hold inside?

© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark

New Year⎯New YOU, Here’s How...

The beginning of the year marks a renewal of sorts. Forget the resolutions, I know you’re saying, “What, the year just started!” How many people do you know benefit in the long run from making and following through with a new year resolution? I would venture to guess⎯not very many! Usually resolutions are big life gotta do’s, as in quit smoking, lose weight, start working out, pay off debt and save money, to name just a few. I think of resolutions as those things we know we should or shouldn’t be doing but can’t seem to follow through with. Many people set themselves up for failure by trying to take giant leaps rather than small baby steps. Big life gotta do’s are significant lifestyle changes. For example, it’s not just dropping a few pounds, but keeping it off. It's a matter of changing your thinking, and the follow through is maintaining that thinking. Making resolutions might sound like a good thing to do⎯but if all they do is set you up for failure, what is the point. I know⎯you’ve got to start somewhere…

Baby Step #1: Focus on One Word
Might I make a simple suggestion here⎯instead of a resolution, why not pick a word for the year. This word would really be a sort of theme for the year ahead. Eight years ago, my health began to deteriorate rapidly and was leading me down a dark and narrow path. After two years of being lost, I came up with the idea of selecting a word. This word became my focus for an entire year. The first word I chose was ME!

Baby Step #2: Fine-tune Selfishness
One might think of considering one’s own needs first as being a bit selfish. No matter where you look to define selfish you basically come up with the same negative definition⎯a person who lacks consideration for others. If that is how you want to define it, fine with me. But if I don’t consider ME, who will? If it takes me being selfish to help me be healthy and happy then so be it. I know if I am healthy and happy, I will be a better person for anyone else who comes into my life.

Baby Step #3: Question Yourself
During the year of ME, I began to take care of myself. I would remind myself of this by asking,

“Is this in my best interest?”

If it wasn’t, I didn’t do it; if it was, I did it. Another question that would surface  regularly would be,

“Is this something I really have to do, or want to do?”

By questioning myself, I learned to focus more on me and to take better care of my needs first and foremost. That forced focus brought me the gift of awareness and gratitude which lead to peace of mind and happiness. I learned more about myself that year than I had in nearly a lifetime. As a matter of fact, I continued with this theme the following year⎯I was on a roll and I knew I had more to learn.

Baby Step #4: Simplify the Process
You define yourself in different ways throughout your life, but you can simplify the whole process by learning to tune in to YOU. By considering your needs and whether or not something is or isn’t good for you, YOU can take control of YOUR life. YOU can quit smoking, lose weight, start working out, pay off your debt, save more money or whatever is best for YOU. It may not always be smooth sailing, but your word will serve as your reminder. Selecting your word for the year will help you make baby steps and aid in your follow through, thus helping you maintain whatever changes you are making in your life.

Baby Step #5: Carry the Word Forward
I’ve been selecting a word for my annual theme ever since the two years of ME. I have been amazed at how much the word affects me and carries on into my life even after I have picked a new word the following year. My word for this year is momentum. I want to be the driving force in what goes on in my life. Look out…

Let this year be your new year⎯your new YOU. How are you going to define your year? Will it be in a word? What will your word be for this year? Feel free to comment and share your word. I would love to hear from you!
© Copyright Michelle Clark 2011