I am satisified!

... with what I have, with the person I am, and all that I do.

Day 2:  Be Satisfied With What You Have

That is an affirmation that I use often.   For me, this is the basis of my life.  If I can be satisfied with what I have, then the journey to living small is so much easier AND I love living small.

Currently we're living in a very small 2 bedroom apartment (650 sq.ft)  We've lived in smaller and in much larger but at this size it feels "just right".  Moving from a 3 bedroom, plus extra rooms house, down-sizing was certainly a interesting task. Everything we didn't want we put on the front lawn on online in Free-Cycle  Most things went to new owners and to be honest there's very little of what we left behind that I feel I need or miss.  (except for the in-ground pool - I'll share about that another day)

I have no need to want what others have.  I might desire to replace a very large couch that seems too big for the room and non-too comfortable for my back.

Society gives us so many opportunities to want more; to make us believe we NEED and in fact CANNOT do without more.  The advertising, growing malls and out-let stores, all shiny and new, invite us to come, buy, enjoy and even to the point of pointing out that we cannot live without what they are offering.

How can this be sound teaching?  How can we model a better life for our children while we are running from store to store loading up the car and the credit cards?

Being satisfied with what I have means that I take time to be grateful for the goodness around me.

1. my loving family and friends
2. a warm, dry, safe home to live in
3. fresh fruit and veggies in the fridge
4. communication devices so that I can keep in touch
5. my work in music, in ministry and on-line
6. my body's ability to heal itself

Of course the list could fill the page but I believe you get my drift.

For today:  I will take notice of all the good things around me, enjoying the moments and loving life.  I am truly blessed!!!

Til again,

Doll

Simplify-ing My Life

I just read this:

"To lead a simple life in reasonable comfort, with a minimum of possessions, ranks high among the art of living.  It leaves us the time, resources and freedom of mind we need for the things that give life value:  loving, helping, serving and giving."     -Eknath Easwaran-

Great statement!

This week I picked up 100 Ways to Simplify your Life by Joyce Meyer and am inspired to share my thoughts with you on simplicity and living small.  

So, my goal here is to write each day on the 100 ways that she mentions and to share how I intend to implement those steps.

Day 1:  Doing 1 thing at a time

This is not as simple as it appears.  In a world where multi-tasking is the norm and single-minded focus flows against the crowd I often wonder how I can still my mind and focus on just the moment; the one thing I'm facing.

From listening to music while I work, Facebooking while I listen to a podcast [is facebooking a verb?] to playing a piece of music while watching the choir, the director and paying attention to the 2 year old off to the side who simply can't stay still, this is my "norm".

I love what I do.  I love that I can do many things at a time.  I love that I have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.  What I don't enjoy is the feeling that I have to rush through the things that I do.

I go for a walk with the dog - no time to enjoy the flowers.  Just hurry up and get it done.

I listen to the TV or a podcast - hurry up and get to the point already

Driving to where I need to be - no time to enjoy the scenery  just worry and fret that I might be late.

For Today:

I can do well in many things but if I could focus on one thing at a time how much better would I complete the task?

Does any of this ring true for you?

For today I will be fully present in the moment as I work and play.

Would love to hear how you manage to focus.

Til again,

Doll

*100 ways to Simplify your Life, Joyce Meyer  

3 Reasons to rise and shine on hump day!

Here's the short list:

1. the sun is shining
2. the birds are singing
3. life is meant to be lived and enjoyed!!

What's your short list today?

Wonderful Wednesday!

....and it is!!

It's warm, windy and wonderful!

I've decided that I'll do a video on Tuesdays, to keep it new and fresh.

Progress with this kind of a lifestyle change may be slow from time to time and that's something I need to accept. Weight will melt away, inches will decrease all the while my staying power will increase.

Ok...so I need that statement in the present tense!

Weight is melting away; inches are decreasing all the while my staying power is increasing.

There, much much better! I need to see all of this as happening NOW not in some far off future!

One of the many steps I'm taking is in retreading old recipes and making them tasty, fun and raw!

This is what my raw-nola looked like when it was finished dehydrating. So yummy!!

I've always enjoyed morning cereal and have been searching for just
the right combo that would work for me and my feisty taste buds.

This along with some fresh almond milk did the trick.

If you want the recipe leave a comment on the blog and I'll send it along to you.

Wonderful Wednesday? Around me today the green garden, brilliant morning glories, and sparkling pool all put me in that wonderful space in my head!

How about you? What makes today wonderful for you?

Til tomorrow,
Doll

A page from my journal....

July 27th 3:45 pm

I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love by Melissa Gilbert. (been a very long time since I've read a novel of any kind) (I'm committed to finishing this book before the movie is released)

Check out the book club video HERE





In the first 3rd of the book she shares of her journey to Italy where she learns the language and enjoys the food.

I'm beginning to see that in many ways that's where I've been for the last couple of years. ( not physically but figuratively) Not just eating for the sake of eating but really enjoying every morsel. I love food. There's just no possible way around that. The textures, tastes and sensations speak to me.

From meats to pastries and everything in between, I am continuously drawn. Doesn't matter that I've been on a mission to lose weight or to clean up my food choices. Doesn't matter that I know the calories are high or that the salt is too much. It just continues.

Well, I think and feel like I've reached the turning point. As I finish reading the chapter "Eat" I now find myself thinking that it's time for the "Pray" part of my life to take over.

I'm at a crossroads. There is the possibility for some major changes in my life and I am determined to enter this next phase with the intention to pray.

No longer do I wish to eat myself through each day and night. The anger and frustration will come to me as is a normal part of life and growth, but, bread, chocolate and ice-cream will be part of a "normal" diet and put on the shelf as if precious and cared for--to be used for sustenance and nutrition.

Make sense? I really don't know what the world will bring to me but I do know that prayer and meditation will see me through.

PS
Boy that was a long post for me. Thanks for hanging in to the end.

I would love to hear what you do in your life when you find a bump in the road or things aren't quite what you dreamt them to be. Comments? Suggestions?

One of those days, one of those feelings

Image by DIGISEA via Flickr

Ever had a day inwhich you'd really like some evidence that there is more to this world than the four walls around you? Or, that in the manner of what happens in the next few moments or hours, unless life and death...really isn't life or death in magnitude!

So...totally not on program I thoroughly enjoyed lunch out with a friend where we ate some heavenly Italian food! I did NOT over indulge and we both passed up on dessert. I felt full afterwards but not stuffed.

So does it hurt my detox process? Probably set it back some but in the scheme of my life, this is not tragic, traumatic or life threatening. Now, of course, over the span of a few weeks, months and yes years, this could be quite sad indeed. But to have one lunch like this really is not a big deal.

I enjoyed the company, the ambiance and the food! Life is good. I am getting stronger and better every day. Raw or not, meat or no meat...many calories or few, I am in control of my life. It is my decision.

Today I choose a different path. Tomorrow??? The intention is set for a great and wonderful day! How about you??

Let me know what's on your mind.

Hugs til again,
Doll

Call tonight!

Image via Wikipedia

Join me tonight for The Raw Divas Cozy Coaching Call at 9pm. We're going to be talking about breaking down our goals into manageable pieces.

Also talking about recipes, raw food questions and answers and so much more!!

Follow the link: Cozy Coaching Calls

Hope to see you there!

hugs til later,
Doll

I'm published again!

Image via Wikipedia

I am honored to have another post on The Raw Divas Blog! http://tinyurl.com/ygmeet4

From time to time I write about my experiences as I delve into the world of Raw Food living. My last 7 Day Detox went so well that I decided to write about it. Let me know what you think!


I love this picture!! So many wonderful fruits to choose from. Who could resist?

A new story!

Join me Sunday evenings for the Cozy Coaching Call! If you were ever curious about a Raw Food Lifestyle, sign up for the calls and come and ask your questions or listen in the background. The call runs about 1 hr and is always lots of fun, giggles and great information.



I've been published! Go to the Health in High Heels Newsletter scroll down to almost the bottom to read my story! I'm committed to success this time around and could really use your support. Please leave a comment, send an email, join the challenge or just cheer me on from a distance!

For today:

1. lots of Raw Divas work to do
2. a beautiful wedding to play for
3. laundry to catch up on

What more could a gal ask?

til again,
Doll