Escape!

Usually every few months I need to escape the family routine to reclaim my sanity.  Normally I enlist the help of a couple of girlfriends who also need to escape and we head to an idyllic spot that the budget can allow for and do whatever we want for the weekend.  Usually breaking routine is big for me.  You know, dinner at 9pm, late lunch (if at all), walk along the beach whenever I want instead of when it fits in with the family, that kind of thing.
A few weeks ago, something caught my eye. I found it here.
http://bit.ly/ArtCorp I already had taken some scrapbooking classes with Jilly http://bit.ly/JillGG at a retreat I frequent with Direct Scrapbooking Warehouse http://www.scrapbookingwarehouse.com.au/ which I loved.  The pages I completed were very different to my 'usual' style and were very creative.  So I took the plunge and attended the workshop for altered canvases (I guess that's what you would call them).  WOW!  What a fantastic day.  This is so totally not the type of creating I would normally do in regards to construction and results yet it was exactly what I needed.  In the morning I was certainly ready for a break from routine, leaving the house after having a rant about feeling like I was taken for granted and that I had just given up on the housework due to the fact that no-one picked up after themselves.  Once in the car, all was forgotten with some great music and enjoying the drive in my new car. 
Well, 7 odd hours later I had in my hot little hands a canvas that just needed a bit of tweeking.  I came home, put some finishing touches on it and now it is on display in my lounge room.    I learned some great techniques and how to prep a canvas from scratch.  Talk about motivation.  I have already prepped the three canvasses I had in the cupboard.  A couple of years ago, I was going to do a mixed media painting of the ocean and never had enough courage or knowledge on how to complete it.  Who needs courage?  And now I have the knowledge.  I have mapped out in my mind the process I will use to complete this new project and am already hunting around for other things I can use on my canvasses.  I feel renewed and refreshed and like I had a weekend away.  It helped that the cleaning fairy came whilst I was away and picked up and vacuumed and washed the floors.  Isn't he a wonderful cleaning fairy!  So if you have the chance, break routine as soon as you can, allow yourself to do something out of the box and enjoy the moment!

Mix It Up

Did you know that after 6-8 weeks our bodies and our minds can become bored if we maintain the same exercise routine? In February I joined a ladies only gym where they have machines and cardio pads set up around in a circle. When I went there to sign up, I was concerned that my body and I were going to get bored with that and wouldn't want to do it after a while. I haven't been for a few weeks (been taking walks with my boy) and when I went last week, I see they have changed the exercises on the cardio pads. At first I thought, 'I'm not going to do them, they are a little more complicated than what I'm used to and I might look silly.' Then one of the fitness trainers there came over to me while I was on one of the cardio pads and 'made' me do the exercise for that pad. It really was funny. It was a bit difficult at the start (I'm a little challenged, co-ordination wise when it comes to moving my arms and my legs in different directions at the same time). It was so much fun and got my heart rate going that's for sure. It also got the other ladies there talking and laughing and they started trying the new exercises as well.


So when it comes to your exercise routine, how can you change it up a bit? Maybe look for a new place to walk or jog. Maybe reduce walk/jog time and incorporate some 'weights' or core strengthening type of exercises. Maybe you can jog for some time and walk for some time(depending on your fitness levels and ability of course). If you have had the same gym program for a while now, ask for a new routine or go to a different class. Your body and mind will thank you. Remember to check with your doctor prior to exercising to make sure medically it's ok to do so.

Taking the Pressure off

Firstly, please allow me to apologise (as I did on my other blog) for not posting here as often as I would like to.  I discovered over my Easter break, the computer is not always conducive to me being happy.  So I have been more focused on happiness provoking tasks.
It was amazing how that simple realization has helped.  I needed to remove the pressure of feeling like I had to be a certain person or do a certain thing.  With our family's health issues, I realised it was a learning time for me.  What I have learned about myself over the past 4 months has been that I really can change commitments; whether they are commitments to myself or commitments to others.  I have also learned that having less commitments in my diary is better for my family and being ok with having less commitments than I would like was a step for me.  And to quote my friend Fiona from Thursday night, life is like climbing Mt Warning.  You can only get there one step at a time.  If I don't know the answers today, having a goal of knowing all the answers in a week or two weeks may only be setting me up for a fall. When I get two weeks down the track and don't have the answers, what then?  My reaction has been to become upset because I had this goal and I didn't achieve it.  I don't need to have all the answers, I just need to know what my next step will be in finding the answers or as close to the answer as I can.  Knowing that I only need to focus on 'the next step' in the investigative journey is more manageable for me right now.  I guess you could say I'm eating the elephant, one bite at a time.  And when I'm finished this mouthful completely, then and only then will I attempt to take another bite.  And if this mouthful is too hard to chew or doesn't taste all that great, I can always get rid of that mouthful and take another bite from a different part of the elephant and see what it tastes like.  Eventually I will eat the whole thing.  All in good time.  What is the elephant you need to eat and where will your next bite come from?  Do you need to finish with chewing this mouthful because it doesn't taste all that good and take a bite from somewhere else?

So Change the Rules!

I remember at the conception of this idea, my friend Mel reminded me that this project could be ever changing.  Even though we set some boundaries and guidelines at the start, sometimes life changes and therefore we might need to move the goal posts.  Well, I've decided today, that's what I'm doing.  Although my goals this year cover many areas of my life, I have felt over the last month that I have found myself enjoying things that aren't necessarily directly working towards my goals.  I've taken a photo of that moment of course however I haven't felt comfortable including it in my Lifescrap365 Journal as it's not DIRECTLY working towards my goals.
For this month and moving forward, I am going to take photos of what makes me happy for my journal.  The things that I get that internal warm feeling about; the feeling of gratitude.  Mostly it probably will be something that will move me towards my goals.  Other times, not so.  It may be something I do for simple enjoyment.
Is it time you reviewed the goal posts for your year?  If you need to, do it.  It's rewarding.  This week I have taken the plunge and decided to step a little further into another craft that I have dabbled in before.  The results that are happening in other areas of my life are amazing.  What is it that you can dabble in to get your mojo back?

Photos of March

Well as things start to sort themselves out health wise with my family, I feel more motivated and inspired to create.  I have just this morning finished March's Lifescrap page.  Check out the slide show down the right hand side of the blog to see snippets of how I worked towards my goals last month.

Catching up

My friend Mel, who co-writes a blog with me, sent me this link over the weekend to help keep me get back on track with Lifescrap365.  Really though, this link is great motivation for anyone.  Have a read: http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/2010/04have-you-fallen-little-behind.html
It reminded me about all I have in my life and all I am grateful for and that, after all, is the reason we have goals in the first place, and definitely what I wanted to remind myself when setting out on this journey.  I hope you find some motivation for whatever you are doing in this message as well.

Is this the new normal?

Ok so issues, I've had a few this year. The latest, a huge water leak under our beautiful stone path that has already netted us a $350 excess water bill plus a $100 leak detector bill. Also today they say they want to test my boy for Celiac's disease. Anyway, I was feeling a bit slack about not doing a newsletter for my e-newsletter clients (there goes the mind again) and I sat down and wrote my latest newsletter. This year, I have been putting things off until my boy is better and I keep saying to myself, "I'll do that when things get back to normal". Then today, in the thinking behind the writing, I thought to myself "What if this is the new normal?". Last year was pretty easy for me. Cruisey, some might say. What if this is going to be my normal for sometime, until I get a new normal, whatever THAT might be? I have to start to adapt to my new normal. Instead of putting things off, I need to work out how I'm going to do what I want and need to do with this new normal.  So over the Easter break, my aim is to make a list of the things I have been putting off and also make a list of action I can take to make sure those things are done.  And maybe I'll put a rough time limit around them to so that I have an aim as to when I would like to have completed them by.  Mmmm, I'm excited at the prospect now of this being my new normal.  It's always nice to have a change and a positive challenge!

Don't, Not and No

Just this week, I was having a conversation with one of my clients who have finished their coaching with me and we were talking about something I shared with her in her last two sessions.  It stems from the Law Of Attraction by Michael Losier(http://www.lawofattractionbook.com.au/).  I will never forget the day I was first introduced to Michael's version of Law of Attraction.  See, I had watched 'The Secret' and attempted to read the book.  To me it all sounded very positive.  I just didn't know how to put it into practice completely in my life.  Then a friend invited me to join her at a breakfast with Michael Losier.  One of the first things he spoke about was removing don't, not and no from your vocabulary.  The reason behind this is that if you are using those words either in your 'out loud' talk or your self talk, you are focusing on the things you don't want in your life, therefore because that's what you're focusing on, that's what you are getting more of.
I remember leaving and driving over the Chevron Island bridge and suddenly being aware of all the times I had said don't, not and no in the last few minutes.  That day for me was a big wake up call.  The number of times I used those words was incredible and I would have said beforehand that I was a fairly positive person.
Of course he went on to explain that once you are aware of it you then have the opportunity to turn it around into a positive by asking yourself "So what do I want?".  The answer to this is of course the positive and for me, it is always what I should be putting my energies into.
My client said this also changed her life in a matter of days.  Once she knew about this, she too listened to how many times she said those words and when she did say them she asked herself "So what do I want" and she began thinking about how she wanted her life to be instead of how she didn't want it to be.
It was really great to be reminded of this.  I think over the last few weeks I had become a bit negative again.  I have been focusing on my son's ill health rather than focusing on the fact that he is getting healthier each day.  I have been focusing on the things around the house that I haven't done and the goals that I haven't been working towards instead of being grateful for what I have been able to achieve and being grateful for whatever progress I have made each day even if it is only one thing.  I can see as I type this, this is a common theme for me.  Perhaps it is for you too. 
Speaking with my client was just the reminder I needed for my life too.  No matter how many times you read, hear of speak about positive things, even if it's the same thing, it is always just what you need at that moment.  Thank you universe.  Surround youself with positive people and soak in their vibration at every opportunity.

Getaway

My son did very well in hospital last week and I am pleased to say that the procedure was a success.  We are now on the road to recovery.  I took the opportunity to go away on a girl's weekend with a close friend of mine.  I had organised it weeks ago thinking we would be further down the track with the recovery than we were.  Didn't matter.  As it turned out it was perfect timing.  After my son spending 14 weeks almost constantly in my company, he certainly needed a break and to look to someone else to be the caregiver(for his own benefit as well as mine!)  Especially if he was going to attempt to get back to school and on with his recovering life.
Wow!  How good was it?  We did very little.  You know, shopping, talking, a few margaritas, some delicious food, watching the ocean and some light exercise (apart from shopping, that is!).  I did some reading and bought some new books and generally we did what we wanted.  A far cry from the previous weeks when demand for me from others was high!
My son asked me when we were in hospital last week, "Mum, what is therapy?" (one of our visitors in hospital had mentioned retail therapy).  I explained to him that therapy is something that you do that makes you feel really good afterwards.  My weekend away was certainly therapy.  Therapy for the soul.  Back at home now, I have had a renewed passion and motivation for life.  Although a weekend away may not be viable for everyone, it certainly is beneficial.  There are loads of other ways you could create a 'mini' getaway to renew your passion and motivation without spending the earth.  What about these:
1.  A half hour massage (had one of those this morning too!).  Doesn't take up the whole hour and is affordable.  If massage isn't your thing, what about a mini facial or a manicure or pedicure.
2.  A breakfast or lunch with a friend or friends.  Being surrounded by great people and laughing is fabulous for the soul.
3. A morning of shopping (or window shopping) with a friend or on your own. 
4.  Go to the beach or a favourite park and take a good book and a healthy picnic (you could invite a friend also).
5.  What about seeing a movie or renting a dvd and popping your own popcorn.  Turn off the lights, close the blinds and get the tissues.
6.  Last but not least, when the house is empty, I like to run a bath, light some candles, burn some nice essential oils and put on some relaxation music. 
But most of all, remember to breathe.  And breathe deeply.  Stay in the present or focus on your breathing.  And enjoy.  Have yourself a mini getaway sometime soon.

Life's Challenges

I thought I would take the opportunity to let you know, the next time I post to my blog will probably be in a week or so, depending on what happens over the next few days.  My boy is hopefully going into hospital on Tuesday for a procedure to help to heal him and get him back to school.  He has been away from school for this whole year, so far. 
I'm not sure if you have had to prepare for something like this as a parent or caregiver.  Today has been making sure the washing is up to date, ironing everyone's clothes, cleaning a few areas of the house to make sure things will be clean for those still here whilst you are away, writing a grocery list so tomorrow I can get the items on the list, making sure there are fresh fruit and vegies in the house etc.  Actually, it's a little like going on a holiday (which is the positive spin we are putting on it).
While I'm standing there doing the ironing, I got to thinking (clearly not living in the present at that moment in time) that yet again, I have been motivated to taking a step towards one of my goals without even realising it.  Motivated by some might say external pressures, if there is such a thing.  I guess I could have only ironed what I needed (the ironing would still be there for me when I get home) or I could have left the floors and bathrooms dirty (they would have also been there ready for me when I get home).  The fact of the matter is I took the opportunity and motivation to get those jobs done.  One of my friends always say "If you want something done, give it to a busy person".  And I find it's true.  If I'm busy, I can achieve far more than if I am idle and have plenty of time to kill.  While I was on the roll, I also took the opportunity to say hello to you and keep you in the loop so you're not wondering why I haven't posted in a while.
Are you like that?  Do you find you get more done when you are busy?  Does that work against you?(often people know you are busy and they also know this saying and they will give things to you because they know you won't say no).  How does it help you achieve your goals?
Well, have a great week.  I know I will definitely have to live in the moment this week to keep the anxiety low and to be strong and calm.  I'll keep you posted on how it went.

Create and Heal

Today, while I was waiting for my computer to start up, I was sitting here (in a bit of a daze mind you as I have not long woken up) loosely planning my day.  I was thinking mostly about my free time this afternoon.  Through the week I purchased the ingredients to make Choc Cherry Ripe Muffins so I'm going to make some of them as a treat for my family.  Then I will have a couple of hours to myself, after dinner so I plan to create and scrap.  Anyway, in my dreamy, just out of bed kind of way, I looked at my Louise Hay Desk Calendar which still had yesterday's date page and affirmation on it and I leaned over to rip it off to see what today's affirmation is.  The universe is a funny old thing really, isn't it?  Today's affirmation is:  I am peaceful when I am creative.  I let creative juices flow through me as a healing force.  Beauty just naturally manifests itself.  It still amazes me every time life and the universe line up like this.  It exhilirates me and leaves me knowing that at times like this I have definitely found the path that was meant for me.
Anyway, by now your mouth is probably watering for the Choc Cherry Ripe Muffins so I thought I would include the recipe.  I haven't yet made these but they sound easy and divine.  Enjoy!
1 1/2 cups of SR Flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup castor sugar
2 eggs lightly beaten
90g butter, melted
1 cup milk
1/2 cup white choc bits
2 x 55g(there are actually 53g now I believe) Cherry Ripe Bars finely chopped
Melted chocolate and extra chopped Cherry Ripe bars to decorate
Method:
Preheat oven to 190 C.  Line 16 holes of 2 12 hole muffin pans with paper cases (1/3 cup capacity).  Combine sifted flour and cocoa with sugr in a large bowl.  Stir in egg, butter, milk, Choc Bits and Cherry Ripe until just combined.  Spoon 1/4 cup of mixture into each paper case.  Cook for 20 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer in the middle.  Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.  To decorate muffins, spread some melted chocolate in the centre of the muffin (when cooled completely) and then top with a piece of chopped Cherry Ripe.
I would like to give credit to someone for this recipe however I'm not too sure where this recipe is from as it is one I have collected over the years.  I tend to cut them out of magazines.  It looks like it could be from a New Idea magazine (as it's titled New Food) and there is a lady by the name of Barbara Northwood featured throughout the article.

More Action

On Saturday, I attended my very first Podcamp.  My accountant (Leiza Cole http://www.askleiza.com.au/ )sent me a copy of a brochure she had on Podcamp for new media enthusiasts.  I have only just taken my business to Leiza and she already understands more about me (knowing that I am interested in new media) than my previous accountant did over about 15 years.

So I enrolled in Podcampgc.  Initially, I guess I saw it as an opportunity to network.  Keeping in mind one of my goals this year is to network once a month, that was my primary goal to fulfill.  I was keen to learn new things also as I have a long term goal to build my own website and host it.  When I enrolled, I had no idea what a Podcamp was.  The spiel said it was an unconference for people who were interested in new media; bloggers, podcasters, people interested in social networking and sharing photos online.  I knew if I went I would be amongst like minded people.

You know sometimes when you attend "training" or seminars, you can get those little butterflies in your tummy?  Not me on Saturday morning.  I had no fears about the day, only excitement.  I love it when that happens.  To me it indicates I'm on the right path.

What I got from Podcamp was amazing.  I learned so much information about all things 'new media'.  When I got home I was keen to start putting all the things I had learned into practice right away.

I also met some fantastic people who I have connected with on Twitter and Facebook and I heard some amazing success stories using new media.

Thank you, Gold Coast City Council, as the Podcamp was FREE!  You can find out more about upcoming free seminars on a range of topics here: http://bit.ly/calendarofeventsgccc.  If you aren't on the Gold Coast, check out your local council or library to see what they offer.  If they don't offer anything, where else could you go in your community to learn and network on something you are passionate about?  Ask around.

Well I guess I can actually give a big tick for my networking goal this month!