Contentment in all things, really?

3 great friends and I are in the midst of the book "Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment in All Things" by Linda Dillow. It has been a tough journey for us to the middle of the book, we are really being challenged with some hard stuff in life right now in general, with work woes, family struggles, and no "me-time".

Content in all things...really? What if someone butts in and messes up your contentment? Well, I would say ignore it or them before. I'm learning though that any anger or resentment from stuffing my discontent turns really ugly inside. It stays with me and bubbles up until something little sets us off.

I would like to say I'm even keeled. And I have so much to be grateful for. But at least once a week, okay, once a day, I am challenged to focus on what is good and not broken, instead of what is currently chapping my hide!

It sounds a little unrealistic, but I have tried to focus on contentment and it really rubs off on those around me!

Indoor Kite Flyer

I am not ashamed to admit that I have been watching America's Got Talent the last few weeks. I've been amazed at some of the people that have come on and shared their passion, and of course, others, that were just a few fries short of a happy meal!



On Tuesday night when I watched there was a young man who was an indoor kite flyer. He handled his kite with his movement choreographed to music. He did an amazing job.



But what I found most intriguing is the fact that he is a man living with epilepsy. He found this creative occupation of kite flying as a way of concentration, stress relief, and relaxation!



I find him to be a completely genuine inspiration! The video link to his performance isn't up yet, but when it is, I'll link it for you to see!

The message to me is profound....don't wait for a perfect day outside to fly your kite, get off your duff and make your own wind!

Balance Testing

Balance testing is something I used to do more when I practiced occupational therapy full time in the hospital...now that I teach occupational therapy students, I try to practice balance!

This week in Kelly Rae's ecourse we are talking about time management and setting schedules.

I can set a schedule, I often create lists and pre think things I need to do. That's not the problem right now. The problem is being able to start the schedule!

Having 3 little ones, a husband, and a full time job I'm constantly relying on a schedule. I can schedule in time for creativity and still not get to it because something comes up.

What do you put on the schedule that you don't get to as often as you'd like?

And on the 7th Day...Rest

My family and friends have often told me I struggle with just plain doing nothing. I have a hard time just sitting and watching a movie. I'm usually scanning a magazine or cookbook, making a grocery list, etc., etc. That is sad....but I'm working on it.

Every year at work we have an end of the school year celebration and the chair of our department makes up fun awards for each faculty member. I would like to say that last year's was "multi-tasker of the year" and I was so proud of that one. But this year "budding artist" award is much more in alignment to where I'm trying to be!

On the radio this morning I heard a woman talking about going to a vacation bible camp this week to speak to a group of gradeschool kids. The theme of the camp was God's creation. She talked about what happened each day, but really focused on the last day. The 7th day when God looked at all that he had created and said, "I think I'm going to rest now".

Taking a cue from my friend Louise on her blog today and the radio story I thought that's a great little question for us all....

Do we allow ourselves a "7th day"?

Whispers from Chocolate

If I didn't directly mention it yet....I am in the midst of week 2 of Kelly Rae's e-course on launching a creative business. I am thoroughly enjoying each day, feeling inspired and energized about ideas floating around in my head. It is always so much fun when my thoughts are echoed by other little whispers.

Last Saturday night my husband and I were out on our hammock enjoying the cool weather and stars. We were eating little Dove chocolates, which I LOVE! I don't know which part is better, the chocolate or the little inspiration on the inside of the wrapper!

I ate a chocolate #1 and the quote said "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams" I smiled.
I ate chocolate #2 because you know you just can't stop at one, and that quote said "You are the only thing stopping you from your dreams". I laughed and insisted my husband open one up so I didn't just happen to pick up a bag of Dove chocolates with a "dream theme" inside.

Sure enough, his quote had nothing to do with dreams, but with the measure of character or sometime like that! Anyway, does Dove have a clue what they're doing to me?

I know its not the most nutritious choice, but I can't wait to get back into that bag and eat more chocolate just to see what the quote says. I know, I know, we all have burdens we must bare, and chocolate eating is mine :) At least until the bag is gone!

Has chocolate spoken to you lately? What is it saying?

Quit the Comparison

I have had a contemplative couple of days and quit the comparison is a thought that keeps coming up! I have tried to give myself a bit of time to think about setting goals for the creative ideas flowing in my head and have had a heck of a time finding TIME :)

I am in Kelly Rae Robert's ecourse right now and loving every moment! The most challenging part is following along and really pushing myself to journal along my answers to her probing questions. I have really enjoyed the process, but feel like I could enjoy it more if...or if I was able to.... and begin comparing my ideas, thoughts, circumstance, etc., etc., with those around me.

I just need to quit it, but easier said than done. Funny thing is yesterday's message at church was called "Quit Comparing"! Boy, that isn't a whisper, its a pretty loud shout!

I will keep working on it, but it is hard! I find myself comparing myself with others in work, family, church, neiborhood, school, etc. situations. I am trying to first become more aware of the times I do it, and then I will tackle the intervention!

Do you find yourself comparing your art, kids, house, talents, etc. with those around you?