Gratitudes and Celebrations - Week 41 - Let Go

Let go

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

We hold on to things, old ways of thinking, acting and being.  It is time to let go, let go of that which doesn't promote life, understanding and peace.  It is time to let go of the negative memories, thoughts and beliefs that you hold about yourself, some that have been with you for a long time, and for some from childhood.  It is time to let go of treating yourself at times as though worthless without an opinion.  It is just time to let go.

You know what you want to do, where you would love to go, experiences that you would like to try that encourages, enlightens and inspires.  Let go of whatever is holding you back from living the best life you can live right now and trust that a way will be made.  

I celebrate the uncertainty that comes with letting go, stepping out and learning to be comfortable in the uncomfortable.  I am grateful that as I let go I can encourage and be an inspiring example.

Letting Go - Gratitude's and Celebrations - Mixed media Art

What out of date and negative thing that has been clouding your life can you let go of this week?

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

Have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitudes and Celebrations Journal - Week 38 - Peace Inspires

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

Peace is possible in your inspired life

We can sometimes be surrounded by the noises of life that we forget what peace is like. From the moment we get up, the alarm clock, the radio, tv, the clatter of the breakfast dishes, slam of the front door, rev of the car, interacting with others, chatter, laughter, dogs barking, cats meowing, cows mooing, birds tweeting, foxes....(well you know what the fox says:) and it never seems to stop!

It seems as if there is always something going on, some crisis to avert, problem to be heard and sometimes all you want to do is shout ‘Peace, Be Still’.

You have to make time to be still, to sit and just listen to the stillness, be calm, to wait and allow your body to find its natural rhythm, as it repairs, restores, refreshes and inspires.  You need to understand what your body is telling you and take action provide the remedy. You have to give yourself the space to unwind and reflect and just be at one with God.  

Finding those pockets of inspiration 

I am grateful that I live in an environment where I can take time out to be still, and I celebrate the renewed me that is present when I have enabled myself to be at peace and to find those pockets of inspiration. 

What can you do differently to create a sense of peace for you? Have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebrations - Week 31 - This was meant to be

Gratitude's and Celebration

The saying, 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail' reminds us that what ever we choose to do today will have an outcome whether we like it or not.  In seeking to make changes we can sometimes forget that it takes time that step by step each and every day.

If you did nothing you would still get change - days pass, you age, the kids get older, but your input in all this requires that you make a choices.  You had a choice yesterday, you have a choice today and you have a choice tomorrow.  

Sometimes change requires us to be in the moment, to deal with where we are and let things be - requiring no action from us but patience. What will you decide to do?

I celebrate where I am at the moment, that I am able to make choices for my future, grateful for the journey that I have been on and insights gained.

What have you done so far with the day that you have, How can you just 'be' in the moment today? I would love to hear from you and share what you will be doing. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 29 - You are precious..

You are Precious

When you think of something being precious, you think of something being valuable, we have to remind ourselves that our lives have a purpose.  Whether you believe it or not there is more to your life than the life that you are currently living.   There is more that you can learn, more that you can see, there is a world out there waiting for you to visit.  

When you look at your surroundings the place that you live are there any undiscovered places that you haven't been yet?  Often people who visit on holiday see more of the country than those who live there. I often make a promise to myself that I will get out more after coming back from holiday, go out every day and really take everything in.  But I guess because we have it around us all the time we can take it for granted.

Page before completion

How precious is your life?  Since my brother passed I have seen my own life in a very different way.  Each day is special because you don't know if it will be your last, but rather than worrying about it you have to live it to the full, making sure that you use all the gifts, talents and abilities that you have.

Reminding myself that life is precious helps you to focus on the things that are important, the relationships you have with family and friends.  It was Roberts birthday yesterday he would have been 46 years old, I celebrate the life he had, the love he shared and the legacy and memories that he has left behind, and I am grateful to have known and been loved by him. 

I am also taking the time to remind you that you are precious, take some time to think about all the things that you have yet to do, those things that you promised yourself you would do tomorrow or next week, but most of all spend time thinking about the gifts that you have to share with others.

What opportunities are coming your way that could make a difference to your outlook on your life? I would love to hear from you and share what action you will be taking. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 27 - Action

Time to take action

Page before I began

This has been a mixed week which has seen me contemplating the passages of time, spending quite a bit of it with my mum, looking back at the things that seem so hard now that were easy for her to do before. 

I guess that I have just adapted to the changes dealing with what is necessary at the time and putting things in place so that she can have an easier time as possible.  She now has to use a wheel chair as walking has become difficult.  It was while we were coming up the 20 stairs to her flat that it dawned on me how difficult it is becoming for her.  I encourage her to lift her feet and take a step chattering at how well she is doing and let her know that there is a lovely cup of tea and biscuits waiting for her, she moves slowly but we eventually get there, she says she is looking forward to the biscuits.  

I am grateful for the time that I get to spend with her, despite her decline still has a strength and resolve about her that see's her get up and with one step at a time hold on to her life.

We never know when we will take our last breath and I celebrate mums life, that gave me life and encourages me to move forward whether going through the ups or downs of the circumstances that may come my way.

I would love to hear from you and share what action you will be taking. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 26 - Miracles

Miracles Happen Every Day!

We are just 3 days into the New Year.  Do you remember what you did around this time last year?  I know many made promises to themselves of things they would do, try to achieve or try to change.  How many have see these things come to pass?

Often we look for the miracles in life to be massive things that take our breath away.  Winning the lottery, getting that dream house (out of the blue) or landing that job that you know you aren't qualified for but they liked you.  I am sure you can think of other things that are massive that you might count as a miracle.  For some these things have been their reality and they are looking for the next big thing.

Gratitude's and Celebration page before completion

For the general population miracles are happening every day, yet we over look them or take them for granted.  One of the reasons for doing a Gratitude's and Celebration journal was to remind myself of those things that I very often take for granted and celebrate them. I am grateful that the backache I went to bed with stopped when I got up in the morning.

Miracles Happen....

I am also grateful that I get to see another year.  I celebrate being able to see new changes take place in my life.  With the loss of my brother last year I celebrate his life and the impact that he made on me. 

Me aged 9 and Robert aged 5

 I celebrate all those fun times we had as children and the fine man he grew up to be.

Robert is dearly missed

Whilst we only got to enjoy 45 years of his life some get even less time and every day someone is loosing a loved one, and we were able to let him know how much we loved and cared for him.

Miracles are happening every day, if you are having a hard time in seeing them, look out your window, step out of your front door, take a breath, feel the breeze on your skin, put on some music and dance - knowing that you are at this moment pain free - even if it is just for a moment.  Make a promise to yourself this year, if it is the only promise that you do make for yourself, and that is to live each day from today with passion, see the big and small miracles that are coming your way, and do not take one more day for granted.

Miracles happen everyday! - Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 24 - Preparation

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 24

'Prepare yourself for the journey - Your not alone...'

Sometimes we prevent ourselves from taking the journey, not because we don't have the tools or know the way, but simply because we feel insecure about ourselves.  It might have been a throw away comment that someone said or even a look that someone gave you or your work that starts you on the self doubting route.

We are all on the journey

Preparing for the journey takes all the slip-ups, mistakes, comments and anything else that will invariably come and gives you a reminder of why you started your in the first place.  They are the things that get you back on track, the encouraging images, the reminders of what you are working towards and keep you going when the going gets tough.  

Support is available as you make your journey

Today I am grateful for the support, seen and unseen from that are routing for me as I make my journey and I am grateful to those who are further along on their journey and every now and then reach a hand back to encourage me forward.

Today think of those things that you need to make preparation as reminders along the way, and decide what steps you will take next.  One small change over a period of time can make the difference. I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next.

As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend!  If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 23 - Move Forward!

Do not allow the past to hold you back.....

In my bid to make changes to the way I do many things it calls for stepping out of your comfort zone.  You know how it is, you get comfortable with certain things and when you try and shift out you go back to the old ways.  But we have to grow, and we need to keep growing and every year you should be able to look back on something new that you have tried, or learnt.

Some of you will have seen changes on my blog and posting and I will be sharing more things that I have been doing, quietly working away, making that way and in times of doubt dusting myself off, picking myself up and going at it again.

Gratitude's and Celebration - moving forward

The page reads 'Do not allow the past to keep you back, move forward' and today I am grateful that I can keep moving forward and make the most of each and every opportunity that has come my way and is still on the way.  I am also grateful to be able to try so many different things, Sekani showed me how to get instagram on my windows phone and I have been messing around with it, so many photos to share.

Completed page - Keep moving forward!

Today think of those things that you have allowed yourself to be held back by, what are you going to do about it? One small change over a period of time can make the difference. I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Gratitudes and Celebration Week 22 - You are Wonderful!

Did anyone ever tell you that you were wonderful, no? yes? what ever your answer I thought that I would remind you that you are!

I know this post is about what I am grateful for and celebrate, but that is just it, your part of that celebration!  If you have taken the time to visit my blog and read my posts you have shared a snippet of my world.  In my post last week I said no man is an island.... we are all connected somehow whether you want to be or not.

Today I want you to know that I think you are wonderful and are a blessing, and whether you comment or not, I want to remind you about that hidden talent you have, the one your weren't sure about revealing or the creative thoughts you have been wrestling with that wanted to be worked on, but you were feeling insecure about.  Even that video that you were going to make or those pictures that you wanted to take, I wanted to encourage you that even when you don't feel wonderful, someone (me) thinks you are - now go and shine your light!

Today I am grateful for you!  You have come a long way - there have been many doors and ups and downs. You know when you have persevered or nearly thrown in the towel but you kept going, you know you have and I celebrate your life. Now that you have been reminded that you are wonderful how does it make you feel?  I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!
If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Gratitudes and Celebrations - Week 21 -Support

Support - Gratitude's and Celebrations

When you feel like quitting, reach out to your support network

Who is in your support network?

The saying, 'no man is an island' reminds us that we were never meant to be in this on our own.  Here is a song courtesy of Dennis Brown.

We can isolate ourselves or feel isolated in certain circumstances but we have to make sure that we surround ourselves with encouraging and positive people who can not only keep it real, but also see further than what is in front of them - our cheer leaders near and far that encourage us to go another mile, take another step to be more than we ever thought we could be.

As we look to surround ourselves with encouraging people, let us also be the one who can encourage and shine the light on others.  Your words of encouragement to another could make the difference between them giving up or getting up and dusting themselves off and trying again. 

I celebrate the encouraging souls near and far that have been a source of strength along the way and I am grateful for another day to be able to encourage someone else.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Gratitude's and Celebrations - Week 16 - Choices

Gratitude's and Celebrations - Choices

Keeping in line with last weeks page on, understanding that we are able to choose how to respond to certain situations.

I have to continue to remind myself that my art journals are also places that I can spend time in to play, or celebrate as well as to work through anything that might be troubling me, I don't always have to have a 'set in stone idea' of what I am going to do.  My page today reminds me that it is quite easy to lock our creativity away in a cage and just look at it, feeling scared to make a decision... 

But we can work through our doubts and insecurities, which we may feel at the back of our minds, and keep going, using our wisdom and choosing to soar!  I am grateful that I have the ability to choose to follow the dreams of my heart!

As this week draws to a close can you think of some of the difficult choices you had to make this week and they turned out.  Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 13 - Recharge

 

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 13

It is time to recharge your batteries - let the renewal begin

 

Recharge and Renew

There are times where we find that the things that we used to be able to do quite easily ever so slowly become harder, and I am not including the ageing process which we all naturally face, but the times where we have been running our bodies down and the stresses that can come with that alongside poor nutrition impact on our life until we eventually hit empty.  We then find ourselves wondering why we feel so tired and in pain, and if your not careful your body turns around and forces you to stop. 

Every now and then we need to sit back and allow our bodies to get the rest and nourishment it needs along with the exercise and care.  Don't wait until January when you make your New Years resolution to promise yourself to take time out and get fit, do something about it today, this week!  You also need to seek out activities that allow the mind to rest from the constant information overload. 

I am grateful that I can have access to information and resources that show me how to care for my body and give it the rest it needs to face another day.  Working in a journal and being creative allows my mind to process ideas and information and acts as a pressure guage.  I also celebrate that despite being October, here in London we are having wet but mild weather and there are some pretty changes that can be observed happening to the landscape this time of the year. 

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - week 13 - It is time - are you ready?

As this week draws to a close can you think of the areas where you need to allow your body to rest? Take some time out, and give yourself permission to take stock and see what parts of your life that you need to recharge and renew. Do let me know what you plan to do.    Have a blessed weekend!

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal Week 11 - Change

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal week 11

 

I know I should have posted this on Friday but a dark cloud decided to dwell and hinder my posting, but it is better late than never.  There were a few things that had cropped up and we have to use wisdom to get through all the little pits and hills that come our way.  One thing I came out of last week feeling is the need to have change in my life and see the evidence of things moving.  I am currently reading a book by Susan Rae Baker called Defining Moments - A gathering of women's Journeys.  It is filled with the stories of women who have been through so much and yet have turned situations in their lives and tragedies round to set themselves on the path that enables them to see their lives as whole.  I've just started the book but it has put a new perspective on so many things, it also reminds me as I care for my mother that I am not alone and there are so many people who experience caring for a parent with dementia. It has been particularly hard last week and I constantly ask myself in some of the more challenging moments how mum must feel.  I also had news of another friend with suspected Myeloma that claimed my brothers life, and it brought home that we are now in a generation where we will know more and more who loose their life, and we will probably be attending more funerals than weddings. 

This is not to dwell on all that is wrong with the world, but being grateful and celebrating life.  I decided that I will slightly change these posts and they will still have the journal page with a reflection, but I will write the things that I am grateful for within the post, and look forward to seeing what you are grateful for.  

The page reads - It is time to make a change.......

We all have those things that impact on our lives and can see us go in totally different directions.   I would like to be open to make a change from those things in my life that are currently hindering progress, stepping out and stepping up. I am grateful that I can still make changes, there is no time limit, you can be who you were called to be!   I celebrate my relationship with my mother and the one I had with my brother, through the loss and the pain it really makes me appreciate what I have and those relationships with loved ones - family and friends who are still here.  I hope you have a blessed week as you to look at areas of your life that might need to change.