a little motivation & inspiRation on this Thursday....

Pin It

I got this quote in my email today from Compendium....

& I immediately wanted to make this into a piece of printabe aRt to hang in my room...

so I can wake up to it 

every. 

morning. 

FOCUS!!!!

It's SO true...I am at that point right now in my life...

I MUST roll up my sleeves.

work hard.

put myself at the TOP of my commitment list...

& enjoy every bit of the pRocess.
**you can purchase this printable HERE.**

LOVE how inspiRational this is! It truly uplifted & inspiRed me on this Thursday!

Pin It

I got some more of my Life Journal finished today...working on my mission statement in Soul Restoration 2.... *gulp* I'm in love with my book so far...I'm having so much fun!

enjoy the rest of your day...tomorrow is a FUN FRIDAY at our house & we've got big plans! 

What are you up to?

time to move foRwaRd...

Yesterday I started Soul Restoration Part 2! I'm soo excited. I LOVED Soul Restoration Part 1...it really helped me see things clearly in my life & make some major changes.

And, now..I'm building on what I learned in SR1 & joining Melody & all of the other Brave Girls around the world in this Part 2: a 6 week online class that will help me move forward on my goals & the life I want to live.

Today, I'm prepping my aRt jouRnal & I'm soo  excited with the way it's turning out...I'll take a quick snap shot & post really soon! eeeee!

excited...it's not too late to sign up & join in...who wants to join me?

(you do NOT have to have taken SR1 in order to take SR2)

One of the things Melody talks about in Lesson One is about choosing 

THE LIFE I WANT TO LIVE.  

Committing to really 'being' in the present...making the choices that will really cReate the life I want to live.  

And...it occurred to me: that I'm on the right track with this marathon training. 

I'm right on target.

And that felt good to realize that. 

It also felt good to know that the major changes I've made in my life that past few months have been just what I needed to cReate the life I want to live...they weren't easy, 

but deep down, 

I KNEW 

that I needed to change things so that I could live the life I wanted. 

It's scary. 

It's going to be challenging, 

but I'm soo excited to move foRward these next 6 weeks. 

It's going to be life changing. 

It's time....time to move forward.

day 16: 6 week shape up

Like I'd mentioned before...Soul Restoration did just that for me...restored my soul. Melody is amazing & the curriculum to this 6 week class is so rich, powerful & life changing.

(I am not good with words, so please don't judge me as I share some things...read HERE to see how great Melody is with words...& her wisdom on judging.)

With her permission, I'd love to share some of the things that really spoke to me. *thanks, Mel!*

Today's art piece is a quote from Week Four journal prompts. The thing I do love about the whole class is that Melody guides you through the journey of really restoring your soul. Her questions, journal prompts & videos are all geared towards your own personal journey to really get through to the heart of your hopes & dreams...living your very best life. It's not easy. It's not pretty. But, it's worth it.

Through questions & prompts you learn about yourself & work through some very difficult things. For me, it opened up some things that I have tucked away for years that I really needed to just work on...after all, when was I planning on living my best life? *grin* 

Isn't that what this life is all about? I was being deceived thinking these 'things' would just 'go away'.  I had to (have to) find the truths, accept the truths & live these truths.

Week four is about doing it anyway...no matter what kinds of things people have said to us, or we've said to ourselves, or experiences we've had that have paralyzed us or made it difficult to get on with our life.

What do I consistently use as a reason to stay stuck?

Am I willing to choose to do the things that are difficult but possible?

When I think about the heroine who inspires me...what kinds of things have they had to choose to go out & do it anyway?

If I were to be the heroine in my own story...what are the kinds of obstacles that I will choose to overcome?

*quotes copyright Melody Ross/Soul Restoration*

Don't you just love those prompts? They really made me think. and feel. I felt things that amazed me.   

Each week was full of truths, self exploration & in the end...I came out with such an inspiration to always, ALWAYS live my best life.

Every. single. day. I'll never get another 'today'....

Another thing I learned was: to be kind to myself & others...react with LOVE in all things.

It's not easy when people are not always kind, or I don't feel good about myself..but, in the end the message that resonated in my soul was/IS:

react with love.

Mel has another online workshop coming up April 5th..I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone who is ready. It is quite alarming..some of the very personal things I learned, but I did it! And I'm doing it...every day. And so can YOU!

And....a Soul Restoration 2 is offered as well: Living your truth.

I asked Melody if I could share these things with you since I thought they went so well with what we are trying to accomplish in our 6 week shape up!

It really does go hand in hand...amazing!

Ok....happy Wednesday! 

day 15: 6 week shape up>>Check in Tuesday

Today's the day....2 weeks! Can you believe it? 2 weeks into it...we are on the wagon...
full speed ahead.

feeling good.

feeling strong.

working at difficult things...

we are doing it!!!

I love the way it feels to do something that is really difficult...to do something that makes you better than you were the day before. or the week before.

I feel so empowered! Don't you?

I've LOVED hearing your stories & journeys! Many of you are participating *silently* & that's OK! The whole point is: JUST DO IT!

So, I'll be bold again...*yea, this is scary to shout this out to the world*..but, I was 3 inches down today. Weight is the same, but the inches are coming off. So, I'm happy because I"m getting stronger inside & out! Love it!

Ok, so what if you have fallen off the wagon? My answer to you is: jump back on! Our hands are always outstretched! You are OK. do NOT self sabotage, by telling yourself that it's too late. YOu can't get back on...no! that's not true! YOu CAN jump back on!

Look for the SUN. the Silver Lining. it's always there. 

always.

I have been LOVING suns lately, as they represent the way I've been feeling. 

It started with Meloldy's Soul REstoration Class (& is now continuing into Christy's She Art class. )

Mel's class really spoke to my soul. 
I mean, REALLY. 
She has a wonderful way of sharing the way art heals...& is so therapeutic. I realized I'd been feeling a lot of things lately...well. for quite a while. & I needed to do something about it. I was feeling like my life was getting out of control. I was letting many VERY important things slide. I had to change things.

As I went through the classes in Soul Restoration, I started feeling like I could change. I was brave. It would be very difficult, but I knew I could do it. 
I started feeling the warmth of change. 
 like the sun. 
the life. 
the light started coming back. 
...the truths were speaking to me...
& when I started doing very difficult things to change...I started *am still starting* to feel more in control of the things that I can control. *obviously, I can't control a lot of things in my life...but the things I CAN control, I needed to change. & couldn't put it off any longer.

....hence the SUNS that I've been painting, cutting, mixing & creating. I love suns.
they represent happiness in change.

so, if you are feeling like you are in the dark. or you can't feel the light. or you can't change...it's too difficult.
don't worry...

here comes the sun. & it's all right.

don't be too rough on yourself....jump back in the game & take one day at a time.

one choice at a time.
dare to change the things you need to.
if you don't do it now~ when?

make it your best day. today.

I'm REstoring!

I am loving, LOVING the Soul Restoration on-line workshop. If I wasn't so busy, I'd be doing this every minute of the day.

It gets my creative juices all fired up.  so, I've had to do a little 'creative' shuffling here...instead of doing my normal Creativity Exercises everyday, I am incorporating my Soul Restoration class into my Exercises....it's perfect. It's giving me just the creativity I need getting ready for CHA & all!

It makes me happy to hear Mel give us our *assignments*. I look forward to them. I've got my cover finished...used my fave Tattered Angels Garden journal for this..it's perfect...it has a picket fence on it & the doors open in a cool way...perfect for my Soul House. *wink*

And, I've used the Tattered Angels Travel Journal for my art journal...so it will help me know the way to my destination! I am having so much fun using the Glimmer Mists, Chalkboard Mist, & the Glimmer Glam is basically a colored, glittery Mod Podge, so you KNOW I'm using it to alter my books! LOVE it!

She's got something here...it's an amazing curriculum & she & Kathy have put their hearts & souls into it!

and..

it works.

I'm seriously a*mazed at this.

I was an art teacher.

I KNOW the power of art. I KNOW the power it can bring for healing, learning & discovering.

But, the way Mel does this..well, those of you that are in the workshop KNOW what I mean!

Those of you that haven't taken it...please, please, do all you can to make it happen next time she offers it. It really is a*mazing.

I'm feeling so thankful. so happy. & so creative!

Thanks to all my Brave Girl sisters! & Mel & Kathy...you are a*mazing! Thank you!

I've got....

lots of fun projects going on...I love this love. pink. flowers.

my kind o' holiday!

I got all of my 'work' done today, so I can play! I've been *dying* to do my Soul Restoration projects all week. Unfortunately, I had to make the rule: not until my 'work' was done.

yee haw! I'm playin' now!

mmm*wah! Happy LONG weekend!

 photo credits:
1. Country Living
2. Martha Stewart
3. Sandra A. *love her photography*
4. ruffled parasols

listening to THIS for some good inspiration

REstore!

Yes, my one little word for this year is: restore. I have so many things I need to restore in my life right now.  It's daunting. overwhelming. & I need to be brave. 

So...the *perfect* thing to get me going is: to start the Brave Girls' Online course: Soul Restoration.

It starts tomorrow & I've been busy getting all of my gear ready! Melody will be taking us through a whole 6 week course where we will be using aRt to restore our souls! Love this concept! 

All of you 21ers..this is the PERFECT way to continue our journey!

If you haven't heard of it or haven't signed up...today's the last day (until midnight)

...starting tomorrow. 1.11.11!!!

....excited to take this brave step to REstore my soul through aRt!

RElax.

no holding back.

REcognizing truth.

be my best self.

REmind me of what we are capable of.

Thanks, Melody & Kathy & ALL of the Brave Girls all around the world...

let's get this party started!

last day of this decade...twenty ten.

This has been quite a year... a year of joy. a year of learning. it was Simply Amazing & I'm so thankful for everyone. So many dear dear friends..i love you!
And, so thankful for everything I've accomplished, learned, shared, loved, & created! All with the Lord's help, I know this! 
I'm not gonna lie...it's been a difficult year in many ways, but also so rewarding. 
I've had a rough few months with my health. There. 
I said it out loud. 
Many of you have emailed with suspicions or just a prompting..&, I truly do appreciate your concern. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I'm hoping for a healthier 2011. I've learned a lot through this experience....
No. 1 to really & truly enjoy the pRocess. no matter what.
No. 2 to LOOK for ways to be happy no matter what life brings you.  

So, when I say Happy New Year...I mean it. with all my heart.
I know many of us. no. wait. ALL of us are going through one trial or another...& it helps to just be reminded to be happy.
just. be. happy.


I love a New Year & the possibilities it brings. So many hopes & dreams. I hope to be happy with whatever I can do & not get discouraged with my limitations. This is tricky for me. very tricky. But, it's refreshing.
hence, the blog re-design. something to make me smile. something refreshing. something to help me refocus. restore.
I'm sooo looking forward to the online course: Soul Restoration. Perfect.
recommit. resolve.
 all things that go right along with our House of 3 Remarkable 2011. *wink*
can't wait to start this new jouRney with you!

 So, here's to a clean slate. hit the *refresh* button. take a breath...& let's enjoy this new decade together, focusing on the HAPPY of the New Year!

day 8

day 8.

...feeling soo thankful for the week we've been on our journey of change.

I have to admit...yesterday was a rough day...for several reasons. I was very emotional. *the 21 Challenge tends to do that to me* I loved reading all of your comments about your Soul Restoration. And I have so say...I could NOT pick one. In fact, it breaks my heart to only be able to pick one of you 21ers. Every single one of you is worth it. deserving. & loved.

But, alas, random number generator had to come to the rescue!

so...

BECCA!!!!!

You are the random winner of the online course:

Soul Restoration!

Email me so I can get your info to Melody!

and again...THANK YOU Melody & everyone for everything!!!! **eta: and, you can go on over & play in the AWESOME game at Brave Girls for a chance to win a spot! ....
I think that's pretty Awesome!**

Reading everyone's comments, thinking about my own goal for this 21 Challenge journey & PMS, I'm sure...I was just really weepy. grateful. struggling. happy. overwhelmed. emotional.

As you can see, I was having a mix of good & bad feelings all day long.

When I get this way...I can turn 2 ways:

inward; & let those little demons get me...talk to me...get back in bed. give up. ...that downward spiral until I feel worthless.

OR

outward; & focus on those uplifting feelings to help me get out of whatever emotional state I was in...

engaging in something worthwhile to make others happy & in turn..I will feel happy, too!

so: I thought of my 21 Challenge quote today: CHOOSE WISELY.


my choice?
 I'm making treat bags for Thanksgiving friends & family.

I have this little gift/reward/treat for YOU, too, my 21er friends!

This free download:

 (click HERE to download)

Here's how it works. It's just like one of our House of 3 Printables. It comes in a PDF file which means ANYONE can use it. Simply open up, hit print & cut it out!

DIRECTIONS:

1. There are 4 (4x4) treat toppers at the top of the page. They are designed to be folded in half (2") & have a little 'blessing mix' word art on the front, & on the back...a little 'thankful' ditty that explains what's in your treat bag.

2. The bottom 4 word art pieces say: Blessed beyond measure & Attitude of Gratitude. (4x2)

3. Print out on cardstock, white sticker paper or even photo paper to put on your treat bags.

4. Fill up your treat bags with the ingredients: 

Bugles (little cornucopias)

Pretzels (the twisted kind that look like arms folded in prayer)

Candy Corn (reminding us of the Pilgrims)

Orange slices (represents the fruit of Thanksgiving)

&

Unshelled Nuts (represents a seed)

5. Staple the Treat Topper over the bag & VOILA! Great to give as neighbor 'thank yous', for teachers at Thanksgiving, or even have them as a snack for kids *and adults* on Thanksgiving day! (the day we END our 21 Challenge journey!)

6. The 4 little bottom pieces of the Printable, can be cut out & made into tags if you've printed on cardstock or photo paper. OR if you've printed on white sticker paper, make them into labels & they'd be great to attach to a little hostess gift, or whatever your heart desires!

Happy Day 8, 21ers! Here's to CHOOSING WISELY.

Do NOT give in to those little demons...choose to turn it around.

The power comes from within YOU!

focus outward...& you will be blessed inward.

attitude of gratitude, friends.

It works!

day seven & a giveaway for your soul!

 

day seven.

going strong!

Remember the importance of your goals. Sometimes at about the 1 week mark, when we enter the 2nd week...we tend to get tired or feel burned out....

Just think of how many days you've come so far. You do NOT want to start all over again, right?

This is why your ONE goal is so great...

let me take you back to day one.

You were excited. Fired up.

Don't let that fire burn out.

You have NOT come 1 week into this to quit, right?

If you're not going to conquer NOW when will you? 

It.

is.

time.

...time to focus on yourself & becoming your best you. 

....time to use your daily art journaling to create a better you.

...time to really soul search.

Girls... I have LOVED hearing about your experiences in learning about loving yourself. What is important to YOU. What is keeping YOU fired up with excitement...& it sounds like it's: learning new things about yourself & how you look at your self. I'd LOVE for all 21ers to go over to Melody's Brave Girl blog post about 'body image' & answer these quick questions for a poll she's doing. I think it may really help bring somethings to light for some of you! 

If you're still feeling like you're just not getting it. I get that. *wink*

For some of you, it may be your first time...& let me tell you...this kind of thing does take practice. Don't judge yourself & think you are a failure. Restore your inner joy. Restore your inner confidence. Restore your inner soul! You deserve it.

You may want to look into this: Soul Restoration. 

I'll be taking this online course in January. Melody is such an amazing person & I'm so excited to learn from her.  I think it goes hand in hand with The 21 Challenge & will even let us continue this journey. Check out the videos, too. sooo inspiring!

aaaaaand.....

guess what?

Melody is giving away 1 spot to the online class of Soul Restoration to one of you 21ers!!!! Isn't that awesome?

THANK YOU, MELODY & KATHY!!!!

YOU GUYS ROCK!

so.

Leave a comment here...letting me know WHY you think Soul Restoration would be a great continuation for your 21 Challenge.

love you girls!

Stay strong! Do those things that will make you even stronger. We are entering into week 2 & this is a challenge...but you can do it!

I'll have a little reward for you tomorrow....

stay strong, girls!

We can do this!