Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!

Word Up (2009)

 

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not really sure what "word up" means. I do know that it is the title to a fun song made popular by Cameo. I like to listen to it because it makes me want to dance and sing. Yes, I'm know I'm dating myself here because it is an old song. Even so, for some strange reason, this song is playing in my mind right now.

Perhaps I'm thinking about words in general since this is the time of year when I create a theme for the new year. LOVE was my theme for 2008 and it was amazing to see all the different ways that love kept showing up in surprising ways. I began to realize just how significant the whole idea of words and themes can be. (Basically, creating a theme is another way to say "setting an intention.")

So, here I sit with a blank slate in front of me. I've tried on several words to see which one feels right for this year. That's the thing about choosing a theme. Much like shopping for a new a pair of shoes, you can try it on to see how it fits. If you don't like it, you can toss it away and keep searching for that perfect fit.

The word I'm currently leaning toward is BLOOM. There are several things I want to BLOOM into this year. I want to bloom as a creative person, writer, leader, business woman, friend and colleague. I am determined to shine brightly this year. Mmmmm, perhaps I might change my theme to shine? or maybe sparkle?

No, I'm sticking with bloom. There's an energy around the word bloom that feels good to me. I like the connection to the earth and the sense of groundedness that surrounds the word bloom. The only thing I don't like about BLOOM is that is singular so I'm going to change my theme to BLOOMS. That way I can incorporate abundance and unlimited possibilities into my new year's theme.

There are a few more words that will accompany the word BLOOMS as my theme for 2009 evolves. I'm going to take the other words on a test drive before I write about them. 

Have you thought about a theme for 2009? What word or words fit the person you want to be in 2009? or as Cameo would sing, "Come on baby tell me what’s the word."

Happy Intention Setting! (For more on creating yearly themes, see Setting Your Theme for 2007.)

Blessings!

Beverly

"I'm Made Of Money!"

Our wonderful yard guy, Chris, cuts our grass every two weeks. He leaves a bill when he feels like it. I don’t know if this is the best way to do business, but Chris knows that I’ll pay him whenever he gets around to leaving me a bill.

Today, as he was finishing up with our yard, I walked outside and asked him, "Are you going to leave me a bill today?" He replied, "Well, no, I wasn’t planning on it but I can." Being in no hurry to receive the bill, I said, "Whatever works for you, works for me!" Next he yelled out something that surprised me. "I’ll leave you a bill next time. You know, I don’t need money! I’m made of money!"

Actually, this was news to me. I’m pretty sure that Chris is not a billionaire and my guess is that he does indeed need money. I knew he was being playful and yet I wondered if he realized that he was also being powerful in that moment. I couldn’t help but notice the way he smiled as he proclaimed his wealth. He looked bigger and lighter too. It must have been freeing and fun to say "I'm made of money!" and act as if it that was his reality.

I loved hearing Chris shout out such an empowering perspective on money. Personally, I'd veer away from saying, "I don't need money." as that statement does not carry much magnetic energy. However saying or thinking, "I'm made of money." feels pretty darn good! Chris inadvertently reminded me how powerful it can be to try on an empowering belief about money. 

What's your perspective about money? Do you have magnetic energy sprinkled into your perspective about money?

For more on perspectives about money, read Let's Talk About Money.

Blessings and Abundance to all!

Beverly

photo of Buddy in the money by Beverly Keaton Smith 9-5-2008

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

Hello! I'm Cartwheels! What's Your Essence's Name?

Essence: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person.

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Friday we had the best time in my women's coaching circle. After connecting to our hearts, we each adopted a name for the essence of our being. I offered the women in the group these questions to help them connect with the unique name of their essence.

Who does your heart want you to be next week?

What word, phrase, animal or object symbolizes who your heart wants you to be?

I named myself Cartwheels to represent my essence. Why Cartwheels? I see cartwheels as being fun, playful and joyful. They make me think of movement, adventure, risk taking, strength, and a willingness to look silly. Cartwheels offer me lots of points of view so they remind me to try on different perspectives and CHOOSE one that works for me.

I also like the open heart pose that comes with getting ready to do a cartwheel. Imagining that I am doing a cartwheel under the sun or in the rain connects me with the earth and my love of nature. Also, Cartwheels holds the intention that I will remain strong, flexible and physically fit. However, if I fail while doing a cartwheel, that is okay. I can just pick myself up, recover and go for it again.

I get very excited when I think about the possibility of doing cartwheels anywhere and everywhere! I can do them on the beach, indoors, in green luscious grass or while hiking on a mountain trail. Cartwheels makes me think of being big, versatile and expansive. Also, I love that a cartwheel is a circle since circles hold sacred meaning for me.

Another thing I love about naming my essence Cartwheels is that other people can do cartwheels with me. This means that cartwheels symbolize community, friendships, laughter and joyfully co-creating with others. Also, I can see myself wearing fun, bright colorful clothes while doing all kinds of cartwheels. Like snowflakes, every cartwheel is different and unique so I have lots of inspired actions and freshness around me.

Cartwheels demand that I take up lots of space so my big, bold self can be Free and Alive! This makes the little girl in ME and adult part of ME giggle with delight. I'm also glad that Cartwheels connects me with my breath as breathing deeply is essential to generating the energy I need to keep a cartwheel (and my life!) in motion.

I bet by now you think I am a pro at turning cartwheels. Here's the truth. I can not do a cartwheel! After trying many times when I was a little girl, I finally gave up and admitted defeat. So, another thing that Cartwheels brings to mind for me is doing things I formerly believed I could not do. Cartwheels turns the idea of defeat into an opportunity to create from all that is around me...even failure.

Wow! This essence name is loaded with meaning for me. Now, here is my challenge to myself. I am going to go outside and stand in my freshly mowed backyard and attempt to do a cartwheel. I'll have to drum up some courage for this one because I can't begin to remember how many years it has been since I've tried to do a cartwheel. The best thing about this is I know it's okay if I still can't do one. At least I will know I had the courage to try. (Of course, this brings the "ask for help" piece to mind too. No way I'm going to try to do a cartwheel all by myself! I'll have a spotter named Greg close by!)

What name would your give your essence? Please leave a comment and tell me. I'd love to hear what comes up for you around this question!

Blessings!

Beverly

And the Winners Are.....

First, I print all of the wonderful comments under the Druthers Give-Away post. Next, I use scissors to separate the comments and toss them into a container. Then, I get a little dramatic and blindfold myself to make sure the drawing is completely fair. Have you ever taken a photo of yourself while you are blindfolded? At least part of me is in the photo. (I managed to capture one of Stacy's mandalas in the background. It was not planned but I'm glad it happened.) Of course, the fun part is drawing the names, unfolding them and discovering who wins a FREE copy of The Book of Druthers. I always trust this process and just go with it

I loved reading all of the answers to the Druthers question for this drawing. It's fun to find out someone's Druther and to CHOOSE your Druther too! The winners of this drawing are Debi Lewis, owner of JoyFlow Yoga in Madison, Mississippi and fellow blogger Kate Robertson of Meanderings. Thanks to everyone for playing and be on the look out for future drawings. ~Beverly

Druthers Give Away is Tomorrow!

This kitty wants to give you a flower and I want to give someone a free copy of The Book of Druthers.

Click Here to learn how to enter your name into the drawing that will be held tomorrow!

(Drawing will be at 10:00 PM on Wednesday, September 26)

Fly Through Magnets

Poor little hummingbird looks broken. Sadly, it seems there is no hope for this symbol of joy. How can she fly when her body is divided into two separate pieces? Oh wait! Miracles happen! This hummingbird only needs to find the right home and then she can find wholeness and joy.

Now she is ready to fly! 

This unique belated birthday gift came to me last Friday during a lovely lunch at Kiefer's with soul sister Judy Berry. Each side of the bird has a powerful magnet on it. When you hold the pieces side by side on the inside and outside of a window, the bird looks like she's flying in or out of your room. The photo doesn't really capture the beauty and uniqueness of this bird magnet. From a distance, this actually looks real. At least, that's what Banjo thought when she happened to walk by!

This magnet can be found at Fly Through Magnets. Just click on the name and you will find all kinds of fun magnets to fill your windows with joy and delight!

Thank you Judy for such a fun gift! My newest sacred object is filled with memories of having lots of laughs and precious moments while sharing a special lunch with my radiant soul sister on a beautiful, sunny day!

What's sacred in your life today?

Beverly

Laughter: Good Medicine

Happy kitty Banjo prances into the house with a lizard in her mouth. Poor little lizard escapes from Banjo. Kitty companion to Banjo and best mouser in the world, Jingo, catches distraught lizard. Greg chases excited Jingo and extracts distraught lizard from Jingo's happy mouth. Greg quickly walks toward the door with the lizard in his hand. Suddenly he's screaming "He's biting me! He's biting me! It doesnt' hurt at all but it's wierd!" Greg slides the glass door open and sets the lizard free. All I can do is laugh as I stand back and watch this episode unfold from a safe spot in the kitchen. Greg looks at me and says, "You have to see this video!" and grabs my laptop and finds this video on Youtube.com. We sit side by side on the couch and watch this over and over. Our bodies shake and tears spill out of our eyes as we disappear into uncontrolled laughter. I feel my heart open and my spirit soars. ~Beverly

Click twice to watch. 1 minute long

Fun, Empowering Buttons For Your Desk

Last week I wrote a post about my Feel Good Button. Rosi left a comment and asked where to get one. My sister bought mine at a Hallmark store in Flowood, Mississippi. I'm not sure if all the Hallmark stores carry them but you can check and see.

Here's another great button. It's available at Staples.com What a great reminder to ask "How can this become EASY?" I don't have one of these on my desk...yet. One of my soul sisters, Laura Howard West of Joyful Business Marketing, introduced me to this gem.

If you know of other similar buttons with empowering messages, let me know! I'd love to know about them.

Beverly

Why Play?

I'm not sure what a garden fairy looks like but I'm thinking this is not even close. I called myself a garden fairy because I wanted to have green hair. For some reason, I thought a garden fairy might have outrageous green hair. Having green hair is not a rational desire but one that was easily met last year when my husband and I attended a fantastic Halloween costume party. See this Would You Druther? post to see why I pulled this picture out of the closet!

Play is such an important part of my life. It connects me with a joyful part of myself that has little space and energy for being depressed, too serious and all adult like. Being playful seems to make all of the energy around me lighter too. 

I've got a big box full of colorful stuffed animals and other toys that I sometimes use to introduce playfulness into some of my workshops. Sometimes the participants are reluctant to give themselves permission to be silly and play. It's almost as if they are embarrassed at the thought of looking childish or unskilled at being playful. However, it usually does not take long before the little girl inside takes over and participants fully engage in the delight of play. 

Playing...

• is fun
• replaces stress with laughter and joy
• sparks creativity
• is a great way to connect with others and yourself
• makes you feel young, free and happy
• nourishes your soul
• keeps you present and makes time disappear 
• honors the child in you

When is the last time you played dress up, tossed around pink bunnies or swung a hula hoop around your waist? Play can show up in so many different forms in your life!

When is the last time you had a  good belly laugh while playing? What's your favorite way to play?

Delightfully!

Beverly