Inner Journey

Stepping stones of all shapes and sizes are used in gardens to make the path easier to see and also to make it more decorative. Something I find interesting about stepping stones is that the path has already been chosen by the gardener and then she lays the stepping stones. Some decorate the stones with beads, gemstones, glitter and other smaller stones and glass to make the stepping stones more distinctive. This gives us an awesome analogy for our lives.

Happy International Women's Day everyone! I hope this day finds you thankful for your unique feminine qualities and strength. I truly believe there is a fierce women's movement happening on the planet today. This forward motion is driven by women just like you and me who desire change and a safe, blissful future for ourselves, families, and generations to come. Though, I support the idea of one woman bringing change to the planet, I know how much more groups of women banding together, collaborating and fighting for truth, can multiply that change exponentially.

It is so interesting how words wrap themselves into meanings simply by the way that they are spelled. Coming as we all do from our own unique inside spaces, how does it feel when you think to yourself of being ‘nowhere’? Does it denote a positive memory or experience or is it more an experience of lack and limitation? Does the concept of ‘nowhere’ evoke a sense of nothingness, blankness in the spirit?

We have ‘the best of life’ in all of us in the present moment. We have the choices; be it regarding food, money, work arrangements, education, down time… I could go on and on. The way we reconcile our current status quo depends on these choices, and looking at our little microcosm first and foremost. There exists no right or wrong, no ‘having to do it this way or that’ (especially if that’s simply because it’s always been done that way!) and there’s no need to compare yourself to others.

Just for a minute, try to imagine what it would be like to see yourself through the eyes of a child. Remember or not, we all did this at one time. After all, there is a little girl in there somewhere. She is your best friend, your confidant, your endless source of creative ideas. But first let's look at ourselves through the eyes of who we are now...a grown ups, maybe middle-aged women.

The one key to making perfect self-evaluations is to do it based on looking at the whole person you see in the present mirror. This image is your present personal best. She is the person you can see, touch, hear, know in this present time. She is not the you of the past or the you of the future. She is YOU right now,

Someone Worth Believing In That's the real problem, isn't it? Not that we can't believe in ourselves, but that we don't think we are worth believing in...at least part(s) of ourselves. But, Kellie, we are upstanding, productive women of the world, right? We couldn't possibly have that kind of self-esteem problem. Hummpfff...think again, ladies.

As much as I really don't enjoy thinking about negative things, let alone writing about them, I realized how important this post could be for someone (or a few someones) out there. Hunkered down under my comforter at midnight, I began to ponder exactly what have been the top three hindrances to the success level I desire in any given area of my life. A little too heavy for pre-sleep, but the thoughts were pushing their way out and not taking NO for an answer.

There isn't much anyone can say to comfort someone who is being stalked. Terror and the fear of the unknown dominate the thoughts of a woman who knows someone is there watching, waiting, and looking for an opportune time to pounce. The only real relief comes when the perpetrator is stopped by the law or other means. I've said all this to paint a picture of a problem that I believe is just as serious and causes similar negative actions. I'm talking about being stalked by your own self-doubt, fear, and negative beliefs. Please hear me out...

This is sort of a random post that I felt like sharing with you. As women, we have so many jobs, titles, and responsibilities that fill our days. And, sometimes, those things overtake us to the point we may not ever have the chance to BE the one person we are meant to or do the things we dream of doing. I know that being a mom, wife, boss, employee, etc. are all valid positions that make us a part of who we are; however, you have to admit, there is so much more to the makings of a beautiful woman. I want to just point out a few possibilities here with this list of "BE" statements. Would you join me in sharing your ideas? Just enter your "BE" suggestion in the comments!

Do you ever sit in a inoperable slump, waiting for your foul mood to pass, or for something good to happen to change things? I have. And, while in a state of self-pity and emotional compromise, my creativity has been stifled. Yes, nil, zip, zilch...it was in those times when I tended to focus on what I didn't want, instead of what I did. It was like a steel trap, in the sense that I struggled to escape. Well, at least for those moments.

Kathleen began to notice a disturbing trend. All the books she was reading featured male heroes. As she began to study childhood classics by Dr. Seuss, she noticed the only female characters were negative ones – lazy mothers, gossipy women, or colorless sisters who had no dialog.

I'm always on the look out for ingenious ideas to help release creativity. One trend I've noticed lately involves groups of people getting together at a local bar, restaurant or designated studio to explore a specific creative medium. There is one in Indianapolis called Wine & Canvas.

Most of you know me as a believer that everyone is "creative" in one way or another; however, be that as it may, there are some things active "creatives" do on a regular basis that set them apart. I'm talking about those who want to change the world, that is. These six habits cause those moments of inspiration that drive us to actually create without reserve and without worry, to bring beauty to our world.

Creating the life you desire is in itself a true miracle. Understand, I don't say this lightly. It's not that obtaining real, lasting happiness is as sparsely experienced as we think miracles are these days. On the contrary, it's time to start thinking about what miracles really are and how often we dismiss the possibility of seeing them in our own lives.