Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!

Sisters

Do you recognize this man? I'll always see him as Willie Wonka even though he's better known as Gene Wilder. One thing that has always struck me about this icon is his amazing blue eyes so it was a real treat to see those blue eyes in peson!

Gene's latest book is The Woman Who Wouldn't and even though I've not read the book yet, I've got a signed copy in my possession now.

I'm away from home spending time with family while waiting for my new nephew to be born. My sister-in-law, Mendy, will be giving birth any day now. Doesn't she look great?! 

If you have any suggestions for encouraging a baby to be born, I'd love to hear them. I really want to see this little guy before I go home! We've been taking daily long walks/hikes, sipping Raspberry tea and enjoying a few spicy meals.

Speaking of births and sisters, a big Happy Birthday goes out to my sister, Becky today! 

There is much to celebrate today and everyday. Today, I am celebrating and giving thanks for my sisters.

What will you celebrate?

Blessings!

Beverly

Connect, Dance, Love and Write!

This mug has been in my house for two years and I've never taken a sip out of it until this past weekend. I couldn't find my standard travel mug so I tossed this one into the small bag I packed for my trip to Atlanta, Georgia where I attended a workshop on combining physical movement with writing called "Write of Passage" presented by Lori Saltzman. (If you ever have the opportunity to work with Lori, go for it. She is a masterful leader and this particular workshop is powerful and fun!)

I bought this mug when I was in Taos, New Mexico attending the Writer's Spa led by Jennifer Louden and Suzanne-Falter Barnes. I have enjoyed admiring the mug but never felt inclined to actually use it. Now that I've christened this mug, I am eager to hold it in my hands and enjoy many more sips of hot tea while being reminded to "Connect, Dance, Love and Write" since it now holds sacred energy from the powerful workshop that I attended. Isn't it interesting how there is a time and place for everything to unfold in divine perfect order?

What infuses your special, sacred objects with meaning?

Blessings!

Beverly

Sacred Kitchen

If the kitchen is truly the heart of the house, my house was slowing moving toward a heart attack.

Okay, sounds dramatic, I know, but I really hated my kitchen until last week. It felt small and cluttered and it needed a good spring cleaning. My answer? Avoidance! Since my husband does most of our cooking, I had a good excuse to stay away from the kitchen.

While visiting friend and colleague, Susan Freeman, in Boulder, Colorado, I walked into her immaculate, inviting kitchen and got a good dose of inspiration to give my kitchen a mini make-over. Thank you Susan!

My husband and I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and let go of many items we did not use. This created a lot more space in the cabinets so nothing is stored on the counter tops anymore. Now, our kitchen feels bigger and healthier! Next, we cleaned out the pantry and tossed out food that was expired or unwanted. Then, I pulled out the rubber gloves and cleaned under the sink, in the cabinets, the pantry and the appliances. 

To top all of this off, on sacred Sunday we went to Linen's N Things and purchased a new set of pots and pans along with a few other odds and ends. I've also decided to wash more of the dishes instead of relying solely on the dishwasher so I picked up a dish rack too.

Since I plan to learn to cook, I knew the first step was to make the kitchen as inviting and functional as possible. Yes, really! I am going to learn to cook. As someone who grew up haunted by eating disorders and body image problems, I spent many years seeing food as an enemy instead of my friend. However, there was something about visiting Susan that made me want to step into a new perspective with food preparation, the kitchen and making healthier choices. While the eating disorders of long ago have been healed, I guess a little residual dysfunction was still hanging on and separated me from the joy of cooking.

Here's to happy kitchens, delicious healthy meals and strong beating hearts that pump aliveness into bodies and homes!

If you'd like to recommend good cookbooks or share healthy, easy recipes with me, I'd be grateful! You can post them in the comments so others can enjoy them too or send them to Bev @  EmbraceYourGifts.com

Blessings!

Beverly

No Show, Rocky Flow, No Woe

The final performance of "Tuesdays with Morrie" was presented at New Stage Theatre yesterday and I really wanted to see it. Greg was not available to go with me and I didn't know of anyone who would be free at the last minute, so I decided to enjoy the performance alone and call it an artist's date.

I learned about the concept of an artist's date years ago after reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The idea is to have a date with yourself once a week in order to feed your connection to your creativity.

I have noticed that since I've been working on a few creative projects, I have felt the need for a creative connection to something outside of my own stuff. Perhaps the concept of an artist's date not only feeds creativity but brings inspiration and a break to those who are already in a creative mode.

After driving into a very full parking lot, I got a little intimidated. I am a little rusty at going to these kinds of events alone. Now that I've been married for almost seven years, I usually have a companion. Nonetheless, I got out of my car and walked into the theatre. Apparently many others had the same idea because several other hopeful people were waiting to get tickets. I decided to wait it out and assume that I would get to see the show. When they told those of us who didn't make it into the coveted seating area that the show was sold out, I was so disappointed that I almost cried. I walked back to my car feeling as if I'd lost my best friend.

Coach Beverly came out to give me a little pep talk. "Everything is how it is meant to be. Everything happens for a reason. What did you learn from this? How do you turn lemons into lemonade?" Before I knew it, my car was heading toward a women's clothing store and I found some great, fun tops that suit me perfectly. I topped off the afternoon by going shoe shopping and even though I didn't find any that I liked, it sure was fun trying on shoes and being selective about all of my purchases.

Big lesson here? Go with the flow. When the music changes, find a new way to dance. Everything does happen for a reason and everything is how it is meant to be. I really believe that.

I'm still feeling inspired to schedule weekly artist's dates with myself. Now that we have entered the the glorious season of spring, the juices are really flowing. I want to do everything I can to support the ever expanding right side of my brain. If you have any fun, suggestions for a solitary artist's date, I'd love to hear about them. Just leave a comment and share if and how you nurture your creativity.

Happy belated Sacred Sunday!

Beverly

PS: Photo of Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii taken by Greg Smith in April 2007.

Happy Easter!

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Humpty Dumpty. I pretend that the kings horses and kings men really can put Humpty back together again. I am totally unwilling to accept that Humpty's existence ends after he falls off of that darn wall.

Sometimes life feels like that though. We take a great fall and sink so low that we think we will never shift back into joy.

One of my dad's favorite sayings was, "this will pass" and he often said it to me when I felt that my life had hit bottom permanently. He was right. My woes and troubled times have always passed.

Just as there are seasons in the year, there are seasons in all aspects of our lives. If you are in a tough spot, remember that the darkness will pass and you will see the sun again. 

Happy Easter and blessings to you,

Beverly

PS: here is the cartoon that Storyteller mentioned in her comment. I posted it, removed it and now am reposting it. Thanks Storyteller, this made me laugh too when I first saw it!

Sisterly Love

This photo of two redheaded sisters was taken about 38 years ago. The camera did a great job of capturing our youth, giggles and joy.

Lately, I've been feeling old....er. I seem to age over night. I'm bouncing along, living my life, and then one morning I look in the mirror and see someone I do not recognize. Then, I realize that an older version of me has arrived.

Nothing is going to stop the aging process and I'm not sure I'd want to stop it if I could. All the phases of life are precious.  Even so, I know the present is really where it's happening now. No need to spend too much time and energy worrying about getting and looking old, (aka future.) No  matter what I look like on the outside, I know that the little girl in the photo will always exist in my heart!

Happy Sacred Sunday everyone!

Blessings,

Beverly

PS: Thanks for sending this photo Mom!

Live Now

Randy Pausch delivered his "Last Public Lecture", entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He appeared on Oprah in October 2007 to give a ten minute repeat performance of his now very famous, inspirational speech.

This is a true heartwarmer that underlines the value of truly LIVING in the present moment. Even if you've already seen this video, it is worth your time to watch it again. I promise! 

Grow, Grow, Grow.

Two small rosebuds, one yellow and one pink. That's all that remained from the dozen roses I brought home two weeks ago. The rosebuds slowly turned a dingy shade of brown so I tossed them into the garbage can this morning.

A tinge of sadness filled my heart as I looked at those rosebuds for the last time. They did not achieve their full their potential. For some unknown reason, they failed to open up and show off the beautiful petals that God gave them. Now their lives have ended and their chance to bloom is over.

I wonder why they did not bloom? What did they need that they did not have?

Is there anything in your life that wants to open up and bloom? What supports your growth?

Blessings!

Beverly

The Jewish Talmud states that, "every blade of grass has its own little angel saying, `grow, grow, grow.'"

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~ Anais Nin ~

God Winks

Today is my Sacred Sunday. Yes, I know the calendar says that it is Monday but I'm resting today and have given myself permission to do nothing. While doing nothing, I logged onto my GoogleReader account and discovered that Lisa at Groggy Froggy posted a video of Josh Groban singing "You Are Loved."

I started the video and then closed the window so I could hear the song without seeing the image. Normally, I would not have taken time to  listen to the video but the dip I've fallen into has left me feeling drained and discouraged. I figured checking out the video would be an okay thing to do. Since I'd been on my computer for awhile, I had a lot of open windows so I began clicking the X's on the upper right hand corner to clean up my desktop. As I heard Josh sing lyrics that included "don't give up" I came upon this open window.

Whoa! Couldn't help but feel that the universe was giving me a very clear message in that moment. I didn't know this pop-up ad from Travelocity was on my screen until I started closing the extra windows.

I gotta tell you, I needed that! Thank you, Universe, for sending me a God Wink! Another thank you goes out to Lisa for introducing me to an inspirational song I had never heard before.

To learn more about God Winks, visit http://www.whengodwinks.com/ or read about synchronicity.

(Bev and Buddy...doing nothing...which actually led Bev to exactly what she needed! February 25, 2008)

Yet another reminder that it really is okay to do nothing!!

Blessings!

Beverly

Oldie but Goodie

I'm not one of Kevin's biggest fans so I did not watch "Field of Dreams" until a few weeks ago. I could not believe how much I loved this movie! I'm going to assume you've seen this movie since it was a big hit in 1989. Remember the scene with the following dialogue? It really struck a chord with me.

John Kinsella: Is this heaven?

Ray Kinsella: It's — it's Iowa.

John: I could have sworn it was heaven.

Ray: Is there a heaven?

John: Oh, yeah. It's the place where dreams come true.

Ray: Maybe this is heaven.

When was the last time one of your dreams came true? Did you notice how it felt? Did it feel heavenly?

When I think about some of my fulfilled dreams, I am so filled with awe and gratitude that I feel like I achieve a heavenly state of mind. It is the most incredible feeling!

Do you have a dream that feels too big to achieve? (I confess that I do!) Try watching this movie for inspiration. Even if you don't have a super big dream, this movie might inspire you to create one!

What's your favorite inspirational movie?

Blessings!

Beverly

Beauty Energy

As we prepare to leave Nick's restaurant on Valentine's evening, the waiter brings two roses to the table. He hands one of them to me and the other one to my mother. I feel like royalty as I carry my rose out of the restaurant. I silently marvel at the power one flower has to top off a perfectly wonderful evening with my mom and husband.

Even though my rose has started to droop, the memory of receiving a beautiful rose still lives through this photo that my mother took of her rose. It seems that she also felt the power of beauty and managed to capture it by taking this stunning photo.

Once I attended an outdoor workshop where I realized just how powerful beauty energy can be. We divided into groups and one group was in charge of adding "beauty energy" to our space. I was amused when I stepped into one of the porta potties and discovered fresh wildflowers strategically placed inside the green plastic walls. I am not a big fan of porta potties but those colorful wildflowers stood out and demanded that I focus on nothing except their beauty. A normally unpleasant experienced instantly became delightful due to a handful of flowers laced with the intention of adding beauty.

One reason I enjoy visiting the blogs on my blogroll is because I am inspired and uplifted by the beautiful photos, words and sincerity that shines on the screen of my laptop. Reading your blogs is just one of the many ways that I strengthen beauty energy in my life.

What about you? How do you nourish yourself with beauty energy? 

Mom, thank you for sharing this beautiful photo and so many good times with me.

Happy Sacred Sunday everyone!

Blessings,

Beverly

Sometimes A Song by Dan Fogelberg

The soft sound of falling rain inspires me to light more candles as I listen to soothing music while addressing Valentine's Day cards. As I seal close to thirty cards to precious people in my life, I hum along to the newest release by Dan Fogelberg called "Sometimes A Song." This is a Valentine song that Dan wrote for his wife, Jean Fogelberg. She arranged to have her gift from Dan distributed as an MP3. I downloaded my copy from Amazon.com. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of this touching love song will go toward research to find a cure for prostate cancer.

I love that Dan Fogelberg continues to impact this world after his untimely death on December 16, 2007. It is a true testament to the hugeness of his gifts and heart. Please support Dan and Jean's efforts to find a cure for prostate cancer. For only 99 cents you can purchase this song and support the cause.

Blessings!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Let's Talk About Money

"It's so hot, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk!"

One hot summer day, my young hands reached into the refrigerator and sneaked a few eggs into my pocket. With great expectations, I cracked the shells open over a sidewalk and waited for them to start cooking. Through the sting of disappointment, I learned that expressions are not always meant to be taken literally.

My neighbor saw me playing with the eggs and mentioned it to my father. Our neighbor thought my experiment was funny. My father did not! Dad casually asked me, "how much do you think those eggs that you took from the refrigerator cost?" I replied that I didn't know. Together, we calculated how much money I had wasted by ruining perfectly good eggs. The small amount was deducted from my allowance and I learned that next time I should be more secretive with my experiments. Okay, the bigger lesson I took away was that money is hard to come by and should never be wasted. I guess this is just one of the episodes from my childhood that shaped me into a "saver." 

Many times, I coach clients around the issue of money. Usually, there is a core limiting belief that gets in a person's way of accumulating money. Often, the core belief is something along the lines of

Love of money is the root of all evil.

I'll get my rewards in heaven, not now.

Money is scarce and hard to come by.

These perspectives are core limiting beliefs which are very effective at keeping money away from your bank account. Here are examples of positive perspectives around money.

Money is freedom and I deserve freedom.

I love money and money loves me.

I am a money magnet. I have the Midas touch!

Since we choose our perspective around money, wny not choose a belief that is positive and affirming? You can reinforce your money magnetism by creating a structure that reminds you of your positive perspective on money. I recently moved into a new office and the window shade that was hanging on the window broke and fell to the floor. Instead of buying a new shade, I hung my money boa across the top of my window to serve as my reminder that money is abundant and constantly flowing to me. I love looking at it and being reminded that money is always within my reach. Also, my money boa sparkles with joyful memories and energy because it was a gift from friend and colleague, Laura Howard West who owns the Center for Joyful Business.   

With a crazy stock market and fears of a recession floating around, it is even more tempting to fall into a negative perspective around money. Why not reflect on your core beliefs about money and see how they are working for you? If you find you are operating out of a limiting belief, try updating your belief and see what happens. There's not much to lose and everything to gain!

I'd love to hear about your core belief around money. If you'd like to share, leave a comment. We can all inspire each other to generate even more empowering beliefs around money.

Blessings!

Beverly

Keeping A Vision Alive With Jewelry

Perhaps it is unusual to see a ring that dances and affirms a vision. Maybe that's why people often ask me about the ring that I wear on my thumb.

My ring is the keeper of words that have special meaning to me: Embrace Your Gifts, Soar, Circles, Women, Love, Movement, Joy.

I love wearing a ring that was made just for me. I told my friend, Lil McKinnon Hicks the words I wanted on this ring and quietly sat in her studio and watched her skillfully turn pieces of metal into jewelry.

The loops on the ring are loose so I never know which word might catch my eye. The ring's movement accelerates a feeling of aliveness and reminds me to focus on living in alignment with my life purpose. Most importantly, this ring connects me to feelings of gratitude for having wonderfully gifted, inspiring, creative, supportive women in my life.

If you have special words you would like to wear on a ring, send a note to Lil at mail@lilmckhjewelry.com.

Expansion

It is cold and sunny on this sacred Sunday so I built a fire and hung out in my sacred space. Inspiration to take inventory of 2007 set me in motion and I spent some time reflecting on the past year and my slow steps into 2008.

Taking Inventory

Last year I got the idea to write 100 things I did in 2006 from Carla Blazek. Making that list showed me that 2006 was much fuller and richer than I realized so I vowed to make a list every year. As I made my list today, I enjoyed being reminded that 2007 was packed full of good stuff. While it may sound daunting to list 100 things you did in a single year, I encourage you to play with this idea and see how it works for you. This is a great way to get an overall view of the past year and acknowledge your triumphs while taking note of what you would like to change in your life for the next year.

What do you want for yourself for 2008?

That's the big question. Usually, I embrace this question with great gusto during the first few days of January and create a theme for the year. This year, I didn't feel like thinking about it.

I had already decided that I wanted this year to be about LOVE. That seemed good enough to me. I looked at my other themes from years gone by and realized that I didn't want to feel limited by a theme anymore. So, today I made a giant list of things I want for myself in 2008.

I am out of the box with the idea of creating a theme and it feels great to know that I can have it all! The first steps are reaching clarity on what you want and then setting the intention that you will have it. (Thankfully, I had inspiration to expand on the theme idea from good friend Lil McKinnon-Hicks as I witnessed the blessing of her new studio with positive words written on a poster board.) 

My themes from the previous years have manifested so I am ultra excited about stepping into this BIGGER place with creating a New Year's theme. (Read more about Setting a Theme for the New Year.)

Letting Go

Since I had all of this positive mojo going, I decided to take advantage of the fire in the fireplace and do my own private "letting go" ritual. I said good-bye to depression, low energy and procrastination. These things have been getting in my way lately and I'm tired of them. I'm ready to shift into higher spirits, more energy and inspired action that calls me forth into the direction of my dreams and deepest desires. I wrote  the unwanted words on a piece of paper and set an intention to release the negative energies as I threw the paper into the fireplace and watched the paper turn into ashes.

I notice that this sacred Sunday feels like the very beginning of my new year. Isn't it great that we can make all of this up as we go along and we really don't have to follow anyone's rules or a date on the calendar?

Happy New Year to Me!

and you too!

With Love,
Beverly

Lesson Learned...Again!

Snow surrounds me and the multi-layers of ski clothing that I am wearing are not completely protecting me from the strong chill of the wind. As I sail up the mountain on a ski lift that I have never ridden before, I have to wonder why I do things like this to myself. This mountain is new to me and the peak is being hugged by far away clouds. I look at the slopes and fear grips my heart. I say to my husband, "Greg, are you sure we will be going down a blue run? I’m getting scared!" Greg assures me that we will ski down a blue, which is what the intermediate slopes are called.

It’s taken me five years to graduate from the greens, also known as beginner slopes, and move toward the blues. Perhaps I was a little too sure of myself though. Why didn’t I just stay on the easy blues? Why did I feel compelled to push myself over to the more difficult blue runs? My thoughts rattle on and I let them take over. Looking back, I have to wonder why I didn’t stop my negative thoughts and assure mySelf that I was ready for this new run.

As Greg and I begin our trip down this new slope, it is not so bad at first. I am unsteady at times but able to maintain enough balance to stay upright. I know that eventually the blue will turn into a green and then I can relax. Then, it happens. I reach a part of the slope that seems to drop straight down. Oh dear, what do I do? I know that if I fall it will be really tough to get up on a hill like this.

I pause and study the hill. Nothing I think about makes it look smaller or easier. I watch some four-year-old kids go down this hill like there is nothing to it. I know that they don’t have as far to fall and their bones heal faster than mine do, but they still inspire me. If kids can do this, so can I!

I point my skis toward the slope and begin my journey downward. Greg is waiting for me below so I’m on my own. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh....KERPLUNK! I’m down and I am certain I can’t get up so I barely try. Here is the embarrassing part. I allow my rear end to slowly scooch down the hill and my skis are still on my feet so I’m dragging them along with me. I’m praying that no one will come flying over the hill and crash into me. I want to disappear and I hate skiing! I wish I had a sled so I could coast down this steep hill and be done with it. I stop and rest. It feels as if I will never reach safety again.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a man appears. "Are you alright?" I tell him, "yes, I’m alright. I’m just worn out and I can’t get up." He lifts me up as if I am a feather and I am standing on my skis again. He gives me good advice. "Just stay here for a minute and rest. Let your body recover." I am happy to do that. I thank him profusely and after a few minutes I tell him that I am ready to go. Fortunately, I ski down the rest of that steep slope with ease and finally, my ordeal has ended.

Later, I think about this experience and it dawns on my that I never once considered asking anyone for help. I felt that I got myself into this situation and so I had to save myself. Slowly sliding down the hill on my rear end while wearing skis was not the best solution to my predicament. However, I thought I was taking care of myself.

Well, I have to say, it is stupid to NOT ask for help when you need help. It makes much more sense to immediately hope, pray and ask for help when you are scared, exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck or lonely. My crisis came to an abrupt end because of my willingness to accept someone's help.

I wonder if I will ever get past playing the role of strong, independent woman who does not need help? I’ve worked on this issue so much and yet still there is a part of me that often chooses to go it alone. Having this revelation, again, makes me glad I took that fall and sat on that mountain alone until someone rescued me. Yes, I would have eventually made it down that hill on my own, but having a helping hand made the ending to my story much sweeter.

Will I go skiing again? Yes! I love staying fully present when I am skiing down the side of a mountain. I am completely in my body and totally alive in the moment. While I do love being surrounded by snow and beauty, I have to say I am a southern belle who is not a big fan of cold weather. Even so, that is not enough to keep me away from the snow covered mountains. Feeling fully present in any situation is one of the things that gives life meaning for me. So, yes, I will go back to that slope with the scary hill on it, and next year, I’ll conquer it...and if I don’t, I will not hesitate to ask someone nearby to help me get back on my feet again.

How much do you ask for help in your life? What holds you back from asking for help? What makes it easy for you to ask for help? 

More ski stories

Never Too Late

Dream and Believe

Designing 2008

Set Intentions

Believe

Focus on Why

Celebrate Failure

Choose Thoughts Wisely

Surround Yourself With Support and Love

Follow Your Heart

Acknowledge Yourself

Follow Bliss

Happy 2008!

Blessings,

Beverly

Waving Good-Bye to 2007

Here I sit savoring the last Sacred Sunday of 2007. As I prepare to kiss 2007 good-bye, I am setting a strong intention that I will be surrounded by even more Love during 2008. I am becoming more and more convinced that Love is the only thing that really matters.

Speaking of love, I'd like to send some of this good stuff to all the blogging pals I've met this year. I love witnessing your creativity, wisdom, struggles and triumphs by reading your blogs.

I am so grateful for everyone who reads my blog and I also appreciate all of the wonderful comments that sprinkle my blog with light. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. All of you have made my life brighter.

Special thanks to Carla for starting the Sacred Sunday project. Focusing on the Sacred things about life created a turning point for me in blogging and made it easy to meet fellow bloggers. Carla, I sure am glad that our paths crossed in 2006. You are a very bright star!

With love,

Beverly

PS: I took the above photo as my husband and I drove away from  Breckenridge, Colorado in December 2007.

The Socks Were Hung By The Chimney With Care..

Imagine my surprise when I walked into the den and discovered our newest "stockings!" My husband added some of his socks to the mantle so our pets would have stockings too. Now the three fish, two cats and one dog are covered. Wondering how he got the socks to stay up there? Blue painter's tape. You can see the roll on the hearth.

My first impulse was to take the Hane's athletic socks down immediately but I quickly decided to let them stay. This has been a month of home improvements so I never got around to bringing out the holiday decorations. The love hanging on our mantle is enough for me this year. I treasure the real stockings that my mother-in-law made for us. The socks pretending to be stockings are a reminder of how much love our pets bring into this household. Also, I have such a sweetheart for a husband! He sacrificed his socks for our pets! Yes, I'm feeling quite a bit of Christmas love on this Sacred Sunday! I hope you are too!

Happy Holidays to all!

For those who love Christmas music, here is a fun quiz you might enjoy.

http://living.aol.com/holidays/lyric_quiz

Blessings!

Beverly

To: You - From: You

Can you believe that another year is winding down and a fresh new year is waiting in the wings? Yes! You have twelve wonderful months of a new year quickly heading in your direction.

How would you like to give yourself a unique, personal, free gift every month in 2007? Here is an idea that came to me the other day and I want to share it with you.

Ideally, begin this activity on December 20th. Get twelve envelopes and twelve sheets of paper. Each day, for twelve days, write an inspiring, supportive, friendly letter to yourself. You might choose a different theme for each letter such as: Believe, Trust, Dream Big, Gratitude, Laugh, Play, Breathe, Staying Present, Asking for Help and Miracles. These are just a few to get you started. Of course, you can always write about all the great things about you! Another approach is to ask the following question: Dear God, what do you want me to know? Listen for the answer and write it down.

If writing a letter to yourself does not appeal to you, collect some of your favorite inspirational quotes, poems or other writings. Another idea is draw or paint an inspirational picture for yourself. There are many ways to tweak this exercise to make it work for you. Just remember, whatever you choose to put in the envelopes must be uplifting and bring you joy.

Each day put your collected material or written words for that day into an envelope and seal it. At the end of twelve days you will have twelve sealed envelopes. Shuffle your envelopes. After they are all mixed up, write the name of a month on each envelope. After you finish this, you will have twelve envelopes and each month will be represented.

Store your envelopes in a place where you will not forget about them. Personalize an approach to opening the envelopes in a way that best suits you. If you like structure, open the appropriate envelope on the 15th of each month. If structure is not for you, open your envelope each month when the time feels right. Make the opening of your envelope a special time. Breathe, light a candle and allow yourself plenty of space to revel in this gift you created for yourself.

If you decide to give yourself these year long gifts, I'd love to hear about your experience of filling your envelopes and opening them in the days ahead. All feedback is welcomed!

Blessings!

Beverly

Tips for Staying Present during the Holiday Season

• Savor Holiday Treats. If you indulge in holiday goodies, make sure you really taste them. Make a point to eat them slowly and mindfully. Focus on the taste, texture and delight that comes from munching on your favorite holiday foods.
• Notice Beauty. During the holidays, we are surrounded by so much beauty. Decorations, lights and beautifully wrapped gifts are just a few of the seasonal joys that come with this the holiday season. Take extra time and effort to appreciate the beauty of the season.
• Observe Children. Go to a holiday performance by young children. Pay close attention to them. The innocence and wonder of kids is certain to keep you in the present moment. Kids are good models for staying present. Let them inspire you to do the same.
• Stop Worrying. If you are worrying about anything, you are in the future or the past. Worry creates thoughts that are not very helpful or productive. If you notice that you are worrying about something, breathe and send a prayer to the situation or person you are worried about.
• Visit Nature. Bundle up and take a walk in nature. Bond with the trees, plants and animals. Like young children, nature automatically stays in the present moment. Remove yourself from the stress of the holiday by stepping into the tranquil and healing setting of nature.
• Gratitude. Count your blessings and give thanks. This is a powerful tool for getting in the present moment. This keeps you focused on the many things that are presently good in your life.
• Connection. Meet with people you love to be around. The holidays are a great excuse to connect with those you love and care about. Spend special time basking in the pleasure of their company.
• Laugh. There is nothing like a good belly laugh to bring you into the present moment. Take every opportunity you can to find something to laugh about and don’t hold back. Double bonus: Laugh with friends and family. Shared laughter is a wonderful way to experience the present moment.
• Get Creative. Give extra time to a creative outlet. Painting, photography, writing and making holiday ornaments are just a few examples of creative projects. When all of your focus is on a creative project, you are fully present.
• Make time fly. Anything that makes time fly by for you is keeping you in the present. Immerse yourself into something that brings you great joy and fulfillment. When time disappears, there is a very good chance that you have been fully present.
• Pursue Joy and Have Fun. Anything that brings you joy will pull you into the present moment. Give yourself full permission to jump in and soak up all of the great things life offers. 
• Love. Anytime you focus on love, you are in the present moment.
• Breathe. If you begin to feel frazzled and overwhelmed, take a few minutes to BREATHE! Focus on your breath as you breathe in deeply. Release that breath with great gusto! Breathing is the quickest way to remove yourself from your busy thoughts and return to the present moment.

What are your favorite ways to stay present? What would you to this list?

Copyright Beverly Keaton Smith, 2006

Souvenirs

Last week I had a strong urge to take my old scrapbook out of my Hope Chest and look at my collection of Dan Fogelberg clippings. I didn't do it even though I wondered why the desire suddenly crept into my heart.

Tonight, after hearing the news of Dan Fogelberg's death, I once again thought of my scrapbook and this time I opened the fragile, yellow pages that took me on a bittersweet stroll down memory lane. So much of this book that I put together in the 70's is dedicated to my early love of Dan Fogelberg and his music. I even bought an extra concert ticket in 1976 so I could save one for my scrapbook!

I have loved Dan Fogelberg's music since I was a young girl. This man and his music will always live in my heart.

It seems very fitting that Dan Fogelberg would begin his next life on a Sacred Sunday. The song below is rolling around in my head. So many heartfelt songs...so much good music.

God Bless you on your journey Dan.

Ever On by Dan Fogelberg

May the trail rise up to meet you
May your heart rejoice in song
May the skies be fair above you
As you journey ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on--ever on
And in this planetary circle
We are but a single stone
Spinning on our fragile axis
Through the endless night alone
Ever on--ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on
May your love be there to guide us
May it always keep us strong
May we walk within your footsteps
As you lead us ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on--ever on
Ever on

Slow Down, You're Moving Too Fast.....

Trees. I love them all. It was especially thrilling to see the massive Banyan trees when I visited Hilo, Hawaii this year. This photo shows how small I am next to this incredible tree.

My house is surrounded by big, beautiful trees so I spent much of my sacred Sunday playing with a leaf blower. I found myself wishing many times that the trees would hurry up and finish letting go of their leaves so leaf patrol could come to an end for this year.

However, Mother Nature seems to slowly savor the process of releasing the leaves from the trees here in the deep south. She reminds me to slow down and embrace patience.

Why rush through life? It's going by so fast I can hardly keep up now!

How do you slow yourself down when everything around you is moving so fast?

Blessings!

Beverly

PS: Isn't it amazing to think that a mighty Oak tree begins its' journey as one small acorn?

Shirley is out of the closet....for good!

My Shirley Temple doll came into my life after I pointed her out to Mom as we walked around a flea market. I said something like, "Oh, she is so pretty. I love Shirley Temple!" and Mom turned her into a Christmas present for me about twenty years ago.

Unfortunately, Shirley has spent more time in the closet than she has on display. The truth is I put her away shortly after I got her because I could not bear to look at her. Shirley represented joy, playfulness and femininity. I felt very removed from those traits when Shirley came into my life. I was lonely, depressed, making bad choices on a regular basis and resented being a woman. Somehow, Shirley became a mirror for my despair so I hid her in closet after closet as I moved from apartment to apartment in my twenties and thirties.

Finding this new comforter on a fantastic shopping trip with Mom prompted me to take Shirley out of the closet and reunite with the original love I had for her the moment I first laid eyes on her.

Bringing Shirley out of the darkness caused me to reflect on how far I've come and how objects that once brought me sorrow can now bring me joy. I'm so glad I hung on to Shirley. I knew in my heart that one day there would be a place for her in my life again.

I know this may sound silly to some, but I can't help but believe that God led me to this comforter because He knew this would finally get Shirley out of the closet and into the light where she belongs. Shirley loves reminding me to continuously embrace joy, playfulness and femininity.

What kind of old, treasured objects do you have that hold significant meaning to you?

Blessings!

Beverly

Living In The Present

Just as my coaching call with a client was starting to flow, something made me take a look at Buddy who just happened to be happily chomping on a chunk of rat poison he found in one of our closets. I calmly explained the situation to my understanding client and turned the phone off. Next I went into a full blown panic. I could not get all the gunk out of his mouth and I had no idea how long he had been chewing it. Luckily, my husband was able to take Buddy to the vet's office immediately. Buddy is home now and all seems to be fine even though we are still watching him closely. 

This ordeal made me think about how quickly life can take a sharp U-Turn. One minute everything is great and suddenly, it feels as if the world topples over and you have to shift gears and hold on tight. I am reminded to be grateful for the frequent smooth patches when all is right and good in my life.

Thankfully the sun has set upon this day and all is well. My freshly cleaned office is once again my cozy, inviting, peaceful space. Buddy sleeps at my feet as if the whole ordeal never happened as I listen to Jim Brickman's relaxing piano music while I write and give thanks.

Blessings to you.

Beverly