Connections

As I skimmed this chapter on Connections in Martha Beck's "The Joy Diet" , it really made me assess connections I have made both in the past and the present.



Throughout my life I have moved around - at one point I listed over 30 different places I have lived in. When I was in public school I became more and more anxious with each move. But, eventually in my 20's I realized that there was a great opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences.

The hardest move was when I remarried 7 years ago and moved to my present home. I had lived in the previous place for 19 years - saw my children grow up here, was involved with the church and school and had a teaching job I loved. I had many friends and was connected to that place.

When I moved it took a long time to feel connected, to obtain a teaching job, to feel that it was home. There are still times I miss the connections of the past. Even though I still talk with old friends, it is just not the same. I am slowly making new connections, but they are different, as I am a different person in this place, at this time.

I have new connections with step-children and step grandchildren. I have different connections with the local church. My greatest connection is with my husband.
My children don't need me as much and so that connection has changed. The loss of my mom though was the biggest lost connection. ( here is a photo of my mom and my oldest at her birthday - we are all huggers and touchers - and this so represents the connection we all have)

I am making new and different connections with the blogging community. I am also reconnecting with art.
Life is about change, about connecting, about learning and growing. Hopefully I can continue to do all that!

Laughter

This week's chapter of "The Joy Diet" focuses on "Laughter". I have not been consistent the last 2 weeks in carrying through on Martha Beck's prescriptions. I had mores success visiting other bloggers!

I really related to several other people, especially Laura who wondered where her laughter had gone. I know I don't laugh as often as I did when I was younger. And the deep belly laughs I used to experience are few and far between.

To laugh until you cry, to laugh so hard you find it hard to breathe. These times usually happen when I am so tired, I get giddy. Then anything can make me laugh. The laughter is then contagious. The feeling after these times is a sense of tired happiness. I miss those times!

I did try to list some of the favourite things that bring laughter:

*Playing games with my family (whenever we play Scategories, there is always lots of laughter!)

*Watching good comedy (Mrs. Doubtfire, Tootsie, Corner Gas)

*Hearing or reading a good joke or seeing something on Youtube.

*Watching kids at play.

I found some quotes that really speak to the value of laughter:

"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul." ~Yiddish Proverb

"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." ~Woody Allen

"He who laughs, lasts." (Mary Pettibone Poole)

"You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing." (Michael Pritchard)

"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul." ~Yiddish Proverb

"The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day."
http://www.umm.edu/features/laughter.htm

I may not have increased my laughter this week, but I became more aware of how little I astually did laugh and how much I missed it! So, I plan to add that to my must do's in the coming weeks, to make it a daily habit.

Be sure to visit the other Joy Diet participants here.

Treats - The Joy Diet

This week we were to focus on "treats" as we worked on The Next Chapter -The Joy Diet.

This was actually an easy one to incorporate as I really needed treats this week and I found lots.

I was able to create (created more ATCs and had fun with photograpy), have treats (especially chocolate), read, watch TV (my fav. -So You Think You Can Dance Canada finale!), buying used books at the 50% sale at the thrift shop, have the craft club at school for Grade 4s, celebrate Hallowe'en at school, dance to Thriller with my class several times!!

Taking photos yesterday coming home from school was a definite treat. I usually don't have my camera with me at school but I did as I was taking photos of the children's costumes. It was late, as I had been cleaning desks and looking for work to mark, so as I drove home I noticed the setting sun and the beautiful sky. I just had to stop and get some photos! Talk about a treat for the soul!

Then when I arrived home the moon was out - almost full!

I had been feeling sick most of the week but those treats really boosted my spirits. (I wrote earlier about my hubby's cancer scare - he is still not out of the woods)

I also had the Day of the Dead project to write about - that was a great project. See here.

New Affirmation and Sunday Citar

The affirmation letter this week is R.

As I began to read Chapter 7 "Treats" of "The Joy Diet", treats seemed to relate to rewards. I had cut out the words "royal rewards" a while ago and as I searched for collage elements, this phrase jumped out at me.

So this week I will be seeking rewards/treats - treats like music, hugs, chocolate, books, flowers. Throughout the week I will explore more and I will be sure to reward myself!

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Sunday Citar is a chance to share something that caught your eye, an incredible quote or a new find.

While visiting blogs last night I came across a beautiful quote by Pablo Casals (1876-1973).

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.

And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France.

When will we also teach them what they are?

We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are?

You are a marvel. You are unique.

In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you.Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move.

You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven.You have the capacity for anything.

Yes, you are a marvel.

And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?

You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children."

What a great message!

(I am sorry that I cannot give credit to the blogger where I found this)

Be sure to visit other participants here.

RISK - The Joy Diet

This chapter of "The Joy Diet" on risk made me realize I haven't been much of a risk-taker in the past few years. Remarriage, a move and a demanding job have all made me less of a risk-taker. I find too, that as I age (almost 6 decades - yikes!!), I feel less willing to risk - at least physically.

There have been times in my life though when I wasn't afraid to step out and risk. When I graduated from teacher's college in "77, there were no teaching jobs in Ontario. So, I applied for, and got, a teaching job in The Northwest Territories. I stayed 3 years, had a son (as a single mom) and made lasting friendships.

After a year at home and still no teaching job, I left for a job in Alberta with my son. Many nights I cried - from fear, loneliness, money problems. But I stayed. I married, had a daughter, moved back to Ontario, had another son and went back to teaching.

After my separation, I met my present husband online. That was considered risky, but we were both very honest and have been together 9 years now.

The risks I hope to take now though, relate to creativity. I hope to pursue more and more art challenges. I took part in the Day of the Dead artist challenge (check my blog Oct. 31!).

Reading the quote at the end of the chapter really sums what risk is about. It made me realize that it is the things we don't do that we regret. I would say that I have had few regrets.

"At the end of my life, which will I regret more: taking this risk and failing, or refusing to take it, and never knowing whether I would have succeded or failed?"

Creativity

I had almost decided I would not post on this chapter of the Joy Diet, but after reading many other posts and an article by Martha Beck this morning, I thought I needed to get my thoughts down.

I found some of the exercises in this chapter to be counter-productive (especially the one on enemies) to what I have been working toward. Somethings I already do. Brainstorming ideas has always been a process I use frequently, both personally and in my teaching. Children love it!

I found I learned more by visiting others yesterday than reading this chapter.

I had thought the creativity chapter would be joy-filled -NOT!

But then this morning in Oprah's latest edition, I read an article by Beck . She described a strategy called The kitchen Sink. Loved the idea - and it is one I already use. She also talks about "deep practice" It made me think of the book "The Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.

Here is my take on the chapter - a collage: the kitchen sink, a bend in the road, art, music, writing, innovations - a tomato as a heart, a rake holding letters.

In all we read and explore, we are always picking up bits we can use. This chapter may not have resonated as deeply as others, but I am realizing that as I read and visit with others, creativity is being stimulated.

Be sure to check out all the other great participants here.

29 Days and Chap 3 - Desire

This week Chapter 3 of "The Joy Diet" focuses on Desire.

Martha Beck wants us to "identify, articulate, and explore at least one of (our) heart's desire, each day".

As I read her words, the steps she gives us lead us to fulfilling our desires. Stillness, honesty lead us to choosing and exploring.

I found myself desiring a world of art and words. I have had a dream for a long time where writing and creating and teaching art filled my world. This past year I am finally taking the baby steps to get there! And I will continue to add more and more art and writing!

Today a read an article on Cami Walker, author of "29 Days: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life". This simple concept resonated in me. The whole notion of changing our world by making tiny changes really made me realize that I want to see changes, that the "Pay it forward" idea is a very sound one.

I signed up here and will begin the 29 Days of Giving, starting tomorrow.

Cami says that by the end of the 29 Days she felt better and was truly happy. She posed a question on her blog - and I wish to pose it to you:

"Why don't you try giving away something to others each day for 29 days,too?"

It can be as simple as paying a compliment, reading to a shut-in, or paying for someone's coffee or meal.

29 Days of giving was an African ritual and is now expanding around the world!

"29 Gifts is a global giving movement with several thousand members in 38 countries. Our collective mission at 29 Gifts is to revive the giving spirit in the world. We change lives—and change the world—one gift at a time."

New Affirmation, ATCs, Inspiration

This week the letter N nudged me! Yes, N is for Nudge. I had other thoughts but this one would not go away.

I know personally I do not do well with demands. I do work better under pressure, but that is my choice!

Give me a nudge, let me think about it and generally I take off with it.

So, I am nudging myself to:

sleep better

exercise

love and laugh

think
create

Gentle reminders that good health is possible and desired.

I finished the last of the ATCs for the swaps which I signed up for at ATCs For All. The zentanlges are addictive I must admit. IF I happen to see another swap I just might sign up for it!

As we come to the end of September (hard to believe how quickly this year has gone by!), the next theme at Creative Every Day has been announced - Connect.

This past month the theme of Inspiration has been important. Many people and things have inspired me, not only in September, but throughout this past year. The whole journey of blogging, of taking part in challenges, book clubs, and meeting new people has been inspirational.

I have posted over 110 posts - something I never would have thought possible 6 months ago. I look forward to another 6 months of growing and challenging myself and meeting more people -especially as I take part in the Joy Diet Book Club.

Thanks everyone!

Nothing - and everything!

The Joy Diet adventure has begun! The first week has been to explore NOTHING! Yes, nothing!

I love Martha Beck's concept of beginning at one's centre - to explore the very core of oneself. By letting go, by practicing vacating mind and body, one is able to reach a "place of peace, a stillness", 15 - 20 minutes every day.


Now, if only I am able to do that every day! I managed 5 minutes most days! I know I have been able to achieve that state of stillness - but that has always been in the midst of grief, pain or even anger. The place that I usually find peace the easiest is by water.



Last year's trip to Vancouver was a seeking of peace. Visiting with my cousin , who lost her mother as well in the same year as my mom (our moms were sisters) really helped. But, I really feel it was the ocean, the water, the power of it, that helped heal me. I spent many hours just watching the waves while we were there. So, I know I have my "Amanpuri, my mental place of peace". I just have to go there each day.


Be sure to visit the other Joy Diet participants, of Jamie Ridler's TNC.

The Joy Diet begins

The Next Chapter has begun - with a journey through Martha Beck's The Joy Diet.

So many people have signed on for this book club hosted by Jamie Ridler.

What a wonderful way to spend the fall - focusing each week on different ways to experience joy!

This first week has us doing nothing for at least 15 minutes! Friday we will all share how this first chapter on nothing has effected us!

Wishing all a wonderful journey full of joy - hoping to meet many new and old friends along the way!