|
Are you into the woo woo? I am. 100% buy in on the power of mystery, manifesting, and all things possible. Over the past decade, I have been leaning into the wisdom of personal development. It all started when I crossed over the line of becoming a 'woman of a certain age'. I started navigating a new set of challenges that left me more exhausted then motivated to challenge them. Part of this kick off to a so called better life included an exercise of writing of an essay of sorts about my 'dream life' by describing it in detail. Later, it became more of a list of intentions. Because I keep EVERYTHING 🤣 I came across some of those reflections. What a moment to see how much that came into being! Dreaming of a day filled with a variety of activities and all of connected to collaboration with others, has manifested itself into reality. I am not kidding you. I am not pulling your leg. I am not blowing smoke. A life I had hoped for is now a life I live. Now, truth be told, it is not exactly as described, but let me tell ya, much of it is pretty on the mark. When I started the 2nd half of my life (in my 40s), I initially absorbed the overwhelm of loss. Loss of youth. Loss of opportunity. Loss of dreaming big. And then I realized that was total bullsh*t. It has been far from an easy trek but what a freaking adventure it has been...and will continue to be so until I am only a faint memory. So, to anyone who is curious, fed up, ready to roll, do the work. Dream it up and walk into it. It is so worth the effort. ❤ 
0 Comments
I have taken to activating Plan B quite a bit of late. I 'designed' this approach to help offset rumination that is poked into action when a disappointment comes up for me. With big, anticipated plans to visit a friend in New Hampshire this weekend that were squashed by the dreaded COVID (get well soon, Jean!) , I looked at some new options to enjoy my four day adventure. A little 🐦 told me that Ellie's Providence had 'secretly' (*) opened as a soft launch. After finding out that my much awaited vacay in New Hampshire had to be canceled at the last moment, this sad broad felt compelled to design a Plan B adventure. Oh, I knew exactly how to launch my new vacation itinerary: lunch at Ellie's new location!!!! It is a beautiful space with the best lighting for photos and they have POUTINE. I am good to go. 🐔 Get on down here because there are colorful macarons calling your name. Bonus: saying hello to Jennifer again! It was also a picture perfect Providence kind of day. There are moments when I feel the weight of Life on my shoulders and then, there are days like this one. I fell in love. With a city. Turning a disappointment on its head and finding adventure in your very own home town. That's a good, good day. (*) my word, not theirs. Anyone can pop in right now!  Are you familiar with Ikigai? "Ikigai is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live.” It's a concept that encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy." I learned about it some time ago and have been reading books about it every so often. The approach speaks to my own journey of living my best life (*) with intention. I love learning and will never stop doing so. I may not have a paper that cites a formal degree, but I sure have put in the mileage to earn my badges of experience! Would it not have been amazing to learn about living a life of purpose in my early days?! Well, I think it sort of started back then in the most subtle of ways. When I feel low, it is one of the things I consider: am I off course? The pause to consider can often reboot me. Are you living in a way that keeps things interesting? (*) Note: subject to change  As an older broad, I've noticed that many things have changed over the years but one thing that stays constant for me: forever connecting with others creates a rich life experience. Of late, a few conversations talking about being older and feeling lonely have cropped up. I've once heard that loneliness is an epidemic. I am reading a book (I am on a quest to learn all that I can while on the planet!) titled The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness and the findings of a study in motion since 1938 is, it is all about relationships. Lonely people live shorter lives. and one in four Americans report that they feel lonely. There are many reasons for disconnection and I think technology is part of that. I recall long ago days when there were ample opportunities to talk with someone while standing in line at the store. Now everyone has their face in a phone while we wait. As an extreme extrovert 😆 I like to make new friends all the time and also create experiences like Cocktails & Conversations, ShePVD, Dames Who Dine, Hiking Honeys - just to name a few - to help foster more connections between people. I believe that the more time we spend together, the fuller our lives can be as we learn and grow with one another. As a woman of a certain age, this keeps me young. 😍 What kind of things do you do to keep things lively?  Actually, I need to be reminded frequently. I love solving problems because it is like a puzzle for me, and my brain likes those kinds of puzzles. But sometimes, I must remind myself that ain't my mountain to climb. As a self-labeled multi-passionate human, I enjoy variety. Exploring and discovery are my jam. Novelty is my elixir. But sometimes, I gotta just say "no" and perhaps, "no, not now. Maybe later". Earlier this year, I decided to live a life based on urgency due to my 'advancing age' 🤣 but realized I was exhausting myself and fanning the flames of FOMO, so I decided to reframe it to live a life of intention. So far, it feels right. How do you live a harmonious life?  |
AuthorLet's create a BIG life one small adventure at a time! Here are a few of my experiences - perhaps you may find a little nugget or two that inspires you to take your own baby step to living your dreams! Archives
August 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed
