What Do You Bring on the Road?

Yesterday's post really got me thinking about what I haul around for creature comforts and how much of that do I really need? 

My downsizing, simplifying and clutter clearing is underway. I can't say I've stopped buying altogether but I've gone a month without adding any new items to my wardrobe. Ive bought music and books, all digital, nothing that takes up room. I'm actually looking forward to digging in and clearing out, whenever I get consistent days to do so. It's not looking very promising right now, hopefully June will present some open days?!? 

I am curious, what are the creature comforts you are willing to pack along? Do you go light, or full on, depending on the activities? What things come with you no matter what? 

Of the trips I've taken since February I never leave home without: sunglasses, iPhone (which has music, which I have to have!) Kindle, fleece jacket, comfy shoes, MacBook, tea bags, essential oil blend. 

If I have the luxury of a little more space, I bring my pillow and tie dye blanket (helps make a crappy beds and/or floors more bearable), pottery mug and loose tea (which I prefer over tea bags), books, and art journal supplies. I realize the Kindle could alleviate the hardcovers but I thoroughly LOVE the feel of a page between my fingers, it's all in the aesthetics. 

I travel a great deal of the time. This is part of why I'm on a quest to simplify. As much as I go, I want to be able to clean and organize less and enjoy my time more when I am home. I know I can do without a lot, but I do feel a sense of comfort with these items along. They can make a slow day pass more enjoyable or help expand my mind and thoughts if I am stuck on a pickup for hours on end. Adding a little food and water, and a few essential clothing items, I could pull off living on the road for several months. (That is actually my goal by the time I'm 45. More on that later!)

So PLEASE share, what are the items that bring you comfort on the road? I am excited to hear and.....maybe you'll give me some ideas of what I'm missing! 

Happy Trails! 

On the road again....

One of my goals is to stick with one bag. It's a well known fact that I love bags (and shoes). It may also be well known that I'm on a mission to significantly downsize and release the majority of my possessions. My current challenge is that I am not home long enough to really tear in and clear out in the way I want to. 

Weekends have found me packing up and rolling out, which certainly feed my three tree energies (love to move, discover, explore and be on the go!) This, however, is not conducive to clutter control and organization unless the system was in place BEFORE I left the house. My system is to quicky ditch my every day weekly bag for a larger weekend bag. I need (and want) to stop doing this. I have a tote for every activity but it sticks out in my mind that it would be a whole lot handier to have an all purpose bag. And of ALL the styles I've tried, I have yet to find one that wins the "All Around" title. 

I rarely carry a purse anymore. Instead I've gotten all I need into this one. Back in 2010 on a visit to Disney World, I bought this little Dooney and Bourke wristlet. It was wayyyy more than I had ever spent on a tiny purse so I was determined to use it. This is the ONE item that I have carried with me daily, which is in an of itself a miracle since I tend to change purses, bags and totes like the weather. I have both glued and sewn it. It holds a cell phone, card organizer, lip balm, essential oil blend, Tide to go mini stick, cash, advil, receipts and sometimes change. 

This however is what I am working with presently....The things that go with me on a daily basis: bamboo utensils, re-usable towel, tea bags, journal, pens, Kindle, sunscreen and....not shown here, watercolor crayons, colored pencils, washi tape and journaling supplies. I also tote around the latest issues of both Taproot and Kinfolk magazines. (Sometimes I still like to touch pages of whatever I'm reading!)

I realize that I could downsize significantly in terms of what I pack around. This will likely be the LAST area I tackle on my minimalist journey. I am often in a place where I'm waiting on my kids, at a rodeo or a ball game or whatever and I ALWAYS want to have something to be doing! This weekend I'll be at a two day junior high rodeo event. This will give me some times to catch up on art journaling and writing. I'm working on another article submission for Amulet, THE COOLEST MAGAZINE I'VE SEEN IN A LONG TIME! I am thrilled to be included among some very talented, wise, gorgeous beings. I'll have a special post and link to share. 

I've tried a lot of totes but I am really open to suggestions so if anyone happens to have a great, all purpose bag in mind, please share in the comments below or leave a message on Facebook! My two main requirements are lots of pockets and durability. I tend to be pretty hard on bags, they get tossed in the back of a messy Subaru, thrown in a horse trailer,  drug around to various seating locations, sometimes get spilled on or in and on occasion, get slept on. 

In the meantime, I guess I'll repack. On a bright note, the clothing/closet purge that I engaged in during April has been wildly liberating. My clothes were packed in less than 5 minutes! That FEELS GREAT! I still have a ways to go but the clearing has created wonderful creativity and freedom. 

Have a great weekend! 

Quick Ki Preview~May 2013

Hi Friends,

May is here officially but you can't tell that by looking out the window! It's cold and blustery, all the more reason why you will not hear me complain when the temp soars above 100 this summer. I don't like heat but I despise cold, wind and dreary vistas even more.


I've had some wonderful feedback and invitations to offer decluttering services, which I am seriously contemplating. Let me just say that it would be MUCH easier to go into someone else's space and clear out because I'd have no sentimental attachments. In fact, if anyone wants to come here and make claims on anything, I'd probably be willing to let a lot more go out the door. I can't say the same about my family, they think I've lost my mind. I'm running into some serious resistance. (Little do they know what I have in store for this summer, inset evil laugh). Up next, when the time opens up for it will be to go through the rest of the kitchen cupboards, drawers, and pantry. I'll move on to the laundry room and office, Pryce's room and the shelves in the living room. Though you can't tell it by the current appearance I am LOVING the space that previous efforts have brought through. Yes, the cookbooks are still piled along the south wall but they've created space for coffee and the few to-go cups that we saved. We are down to four. One for each adult and two extra for friends that join us for Ranger Tours in the canyon. We are all about full service and hospitality.

This post however is NOT about clutter clearing and downsizing. I wanted to write about 9*Ki (one of my favorite subjects). I write about it from time to time, post about it on Facebook and offer personalized reports for clients and friends each month. It is something I use every day and refer to often for life planning as well as helping me make sense of what goes on within and around me.

The ki energy this month will officially change around the 6-7th of the month though it is common to start "tapping" into our new energetic locations right about now. The ki "flavor" changes every month, offering us opportunities, lessons, observations and discoveries. Eight earth is the guiding influence for May. Eight focuses on personal change and transformation. The symbol is that of the mountain and more specifically the core, the innermost aspect that no one sees. It is here we create, within ourselves, the changes we want to experience in the outer world. The energies, cave like, surround us and nourish us at the soul level. Collectively this is a good time to look at areas of our lives that we want to rework; habits, patterns, beliefs, and practices are all up for grabs. Have you been wanting to start an exercise program? What interests caught your eye? Perhaps you've been thinking of a new place to live or a new career that you'd like to follow up on. Now is the time to "put it out there". Since the governing element is earth, think of this month as "seed planting". Remember that the earth element tends to move more slowly than other ki energies so this is certainly a station to exercise patience within.We may not see immediate results, instead slow, steady/consistent workings are what bring desired intentions to the surface.

And for the rest of the Ki eneriges...here we go:

1 water: you move into the seven metal location. This is a great time to finalize plans and projects, organize, clear out excess, align energies and come to center. Take care of details (no matter how time consuming or annoying). The idea here is to "clear your desk" and create space for next month when you work directly with the energies of personal change and transformation. This is a prosperity station so its a good time for money and positive opportunities to come in!

2 earth: You'll be working in the 8 earth location for the month and 8 happens to be in the center so this month could be busier than it normally would be. With an earth/earth combination you'll want to make sure to keep moving as stagnation can creep in. Do things to challenge yourself this month;  do things to challenge yourself this month, step outside your comfort zone and get moving! Select a less than supportive habit and replace it with a positive one. Simple steps will get you where you want to be.

3 tree: time to party!!! You move into the fame and reputation area so this month will be full of movement and excitement for you. You are on stage so what you say and do will be on display for everyone. Think before you speak and act, make your words count and make sure your actions are in alignment with who you are and what you are about. Align with fire energies to highlight your passion and life purpose.

4 tree: This is your month to take a break! The water energies are usually a little more quiet though you are in your home station more this month so you'll still be on the go. Water is a conductor so use this time to clarify your plans, path, and purpose. Go with the flow, relax, unwind and rest.

5 earth: Relationships are the focus this month. The one we have with our soul and the connections we keep with others are all up for renewal, revision and or release. This is a grounded energy to work with; good for planning, sorting, organizing and working with details. Don't expect immediate results instead focus on what you can do right now. If you are in the mood for romance, this is your month!

6 metal: Get ready to move and shake! Your energies are in the 3 tree location. This is a place where you'll be able to put ideas into action. Exploration, discovery, creative ventures and boldly stepping out are all supported here. Three invites us to be bold and step outside of our comfort zones. Align with your throat chakra, it's time for your voice to be heard.

7 metal: Four tree houses your energies this month. Four fosters education, studies and philosophical approach to life. This is a good place to continue working on projects as there is much motivation available. Plans are subject to change so stay flexible (a bit of a challenge at times for those with metal elements!) Look at opportunities as adventures, ditch the to-do list and do something fun!

It's a blurrrrr

Hi Friends,

I don’t know how many blog posts I’ve started and not finished. I am doing my best to keep up with the speed of my life and right now, that seems pretty fast! The picture above is one of my favorites, taken in the subway during a recent trip to New York. I am by no means a photo expert but there was something very cool and “deep” about the blur and movement within this shot. While there is focus there is also the constant, continual motion that is ever around us. Our daily living is evolving and at times, I do not recognize my own life flow. I suppose this has something to do with being in my home ki energy stations; both one water and three tree and known for their love of quest, discoveries, experiences, and explorations.

Back in February (when I celebrate the new Ki energies each year) I created a Feng Shui based vision board. This included both visuals and written intentions corresponding to the guas. My motto for the year is “keep it light enough to travel” My focus was to release non-essential material items, to really pare down to the basics. Traveling each month has helped me “hone” my packing skills as well as streamline my possessions. After on and off efforts of de-cluttering (I still have a LONG way to go, might take a few years) I can see the results. Yesterday evening upon returning home from NYC, I was unpacked in about 15 minutes. Everything I took in the suitcase came out. This was a first, my norm is to leave the crap in the suitcase until I need it or find a time to put it away (which is usually like two weeks from when I get back).

Other than the clothes I brought along the only other things I unpacked were Yankees cap for each of the boys and one for myself. Parker got NY wristbands, Pake got a baseball, and Pryce got a Mariano Rivera Lego (goes against my no junk policy but she’s agreed to release all of her Tinkerbell fairy collection in place of her Ninja-Go items, so fair trade there.) This really made my past month of closet cleaning and excavation feel worthwhile. It gives me hope that I can get to my goal of less crap around here. I’m on my way, I just have to stick with it.

One of the things that I notice (and followed since my early feng shui training is to use the “fresh eyes” that we have when we return to our normal spaces. We expand when we travel and are away from our ordinary images and energies so when we come back we can notice things that we have, perhaps grown accustomed to seeing on a daily basis. I did come back to the same mess I left, my work is far from done but it was glorious to come back to a neat, tidy and spacious closet and bathroom. One of the places we stayed was on Wall Street. It was a very “swank” hotel, sleek and professionally designed. Once we got to our room, we were shocked, The entire space, could have easily fit in my office. There was a bed, a desk, a chair, a night stand on either side of the bed. The bathroom had a nice shower, toilet and sink. All the standard things that any hotel room has, with the exception of space! Two people could NOT be in the bathroom at the same time. Everything was there, we had all we needed but there was not a feeling of, or even the illusion of space. We brought very few clothes but what we did looked like we brought an entire closet because it was all piled up everywhere. Had we brought the kids, there would have been no place for them to “bunk up” except for the hallway and that was likely against fire code.

Let me tell you I felt like a queen last night. I have space, abundant space in fact and THIS, this very concept of having space is part of what has got be into the clutter predicament in the first place. I’ve had plenty of room for possessions, so why wouldn’t I fill it up? I believe we are naturally programmed to do this. And the more unconscious of it we are the more likely we are to “fill ‘er up”. If I lived in a tiny apartment, I’d have no choice to have less possessions. I don’t though. What I have is a spacious location that is in serious need of less objects!

Space is an interesting concept and I can see how it carries dual interpretations. I, however, am focusing on the concept of freedom, expansion and exploration. My focus is not to further accumulate, it is to allow experiences. I’ve had my time of collecting and acquiring. I know that the vital elements to life are NOT possessions, rather the connections we hold with ourselves and others. For me, possessions, items, things, stuff have filled spaces that I haven’t really wanted to look at or perhaps taken time to address? For example,  I had to face how much money I wasted on buying something I didn’t need (but at the time I’m certain I wanted it!)  This alone prevented me from coming home with a super cute NY Yankees baseball purse. I’d love to say I am done buying but I’ve figured out that is just an invitation for temptation to come my way..or for crap to breakdown. I am more “awake” to what I am purchasing and I am making a conscious effort to streamline what comes in the door. I have realized there is very, very little I actually NEED. Past the basics, the rest  is pretty much luxury.

I won’t be able to fully devote my days to clutter release. We have a BUSY May in store. It will require focus. I have a feeling it will be a blur, just like the picture. I have had to launch operation Declutter in an entirely different fashion than my normal power cleaning; the slower pace has MADE me stop and focus and really take stock of what I’ve accumulated. In feng shui our possessions reflect our lives and our lives our reflected within the possessions we store. To change our lives, we begin taking stock of what we house both internally and externally, making conscious, focused choices about what to keep and what to release. That is where I am right now. I have an idea of where I want to go from here and the experiences I wish to invite. I’ll continue to lighten the load and chronicle the experiences. I realize that not everyone may be into this “phase” that I’m writing about but it’s brought some interesting insights my way for sure. For example, I know now that I CAN walk away from a cute purse, this in and of itself is a personal victory. I’m not saying that I’ll never buy another bag, but as “former” purse shopping addict, clutter clearing maybe have helped me bust the habit. It’s still early.  I won’t get over-confident so please (you know who you are...) no sending me any links this month or next about anything I NEED! (I have girlfriends with FAB tastes!)

Time to Purge

You know it's time to do a little cleaning when there's no longer room on the table to eat. Sad and....true. We've been moving at what feels to be the speed of light. I am deeply enjoying the traveling and LOVING the warmer temps but neither are conducive to home keeping, clutter control or organization. I will admit that I am a "neat freak" but I'm also prone to throwing things wherever when I don't have the energy to put items away properly. I can live in chaos for only so long and THEN, I launch a focused assault. 

This time though my goals are intention is skewed. I'm not power clearing, as the tradition has been. I'm taking a very slow, conscious, concentrated effort to DRASTICALLY reduce the amount of items that are housed in this space. Fellow dwellers have been warned. I've got bags, boxes, and a very LONG list of what is on its way out. Typically it takes a good two weeks to go through every nook and cranny of the upstairs and basement. This year it's going to take two months. My goal to become a minimalist (over time because my "gathering" tendencies are deeply ingrained). I've reached a point in my life where I'm not longer "treasure seeking" I'd rather enjoy the wonderful experiences.

The blue storage unit has been sold so all those treasures are going to need to find new homes as well. I'm not sure what the best way is to release it all? I'm not organized enough to have a garage sale and I am not good with pricing items; (since I bought them, they usually mean more to me than what they are actually worth.) I am ready to open the doors and just say, "make an offer" because I SERIOUSLY want to, have to and need to get rid of a whole lotta stuff! 

On the agenda today is to find the bottom of my house, clear off this table and reclaim precious counter space. That will be enough of a job for today. And as always, music is what I use to motivate me. I found this super awesome Spring playlist via Kinfolk magazine http://www.kinfolkmag.com/journal/sounds-of-spring-playlist.html. Thanks to Ane Brune, I may just enjoy this terrible, awful, horrible task :) 

God is great, people are good

Trip Highlights:

Weather delay--got to stay up in the clouds for an extra 40 minutes.

Slight glitch with car rental--slight, we got the car.

Left behind backpack. This is why I believe people are good. After retracing our steps, I determined that the green backpack was back at the car rental place where we had the glitch.


Here is where faith and belief give way to trust. Getting the backpack back was out of my hands. We had most all of the cords/chargers in there, my favorite cap, books and art supplies and a pair of shoes. All replaceable but to do so would be expensive, and a real pain in the bottom.

There was a gentleman standing nearby. I described the bag and with a smile, he told me he'd been waiting for me. He handed over the backpack, I gave him a hug, my son's bank account lives another day (he who walked away from the bag will remain nameless!)

There are a lot of people, anything could've happened to that bag, but thankfully nothing did. I still believe there are good people, many, many of them are just deep down good beings. I've had the honor of meeting them.

Words for the Road

I read most all of the time. I have a Kindle and I love it but there's just something about holding pages and savoring the words that inspires me to haul the real things along. I tried to leave this new Kinfolk edition at home but I just couldn't. In my minimalist packing challenge I limited myself to two reading items. This made the cut. The other is an art journal.

I'm imagining leisurely mornings, sipping hot black coffee and reading these pages (I'm also in love with the pictures). My reality will probably be far different but this publication makes me hope otherwise.

If what we read reflects who we are and what we are about, I've found myself here and I like what I see.

Do you have a favorite publication? Or a book? I'm always on the lookout for great things to feast my eyes and mind on. Please share ideas in the comment section!

Overkill.......

In preparation for Trip #2, I thought it would be a good idea to invest in new luggage. There was a great sale going on and so after 2 hours of contemplation, I came home with these twins. I didn't realize how large they were until I went to start packing today. After SUCCESSFULLY traveling to Seattle with JUST A BACKPACK, these two monsters seem like severe overkill. The picture does not accurately show just how large these are so here's a more accurate dimensional example:

As you can tell, this suitcase is perfect for transporting a petite 7 year old child.

It doesn't work as well for a lanky 11 year old boy, but it seems to have a nice give to it.

Placing the two side by side, totally confused Marley. He wasn't sure which one to jump into....

and quite frankly, I'm not really sure which one to start packing first. I do think I may have gone a tad overboard with luggage selection. Based on the Seattle trip, I bet I could live out of one of these for at least a year. I did enjoyed the challenge of minimalist packing. I learned that there isn't much that I really need, save a few toiletries, cash and my iphone (which is my camera, computer, notepad, alarm, map, music, and entertainment). I'll be using these two monsters to hold the belongings of 5 people, that's challenge enough. 

Oh Yes, You Can!

During a recent visit with my SoulStorm sisters in the Pacific North West, I heard myself describing my usual pattern of resistance, resistance, resistance…… fear-facing then FINALLY DOING whatever it is I’ve avoided. This is a long standing pattern, a game that I’ve perfected and it truly is entertaining because usually what I am avoiding is something that ends up being pretty darned cool. Often I amaze myself in the end. I may or may not ever return to the “feat” but the simple fact of “knowing” that I did something that I didn’t think I could is confidence inspiring. (It sometimes doesn’t take much…..!)

I shared with my sisters that I was gifted my Grandma Ruth’s sewing machine, which is super cool, but I don’t sew! It’s a beautiful piece because it was hers; I know she spend numerous hours crafting and creating. She made me the coolest Cabbage Patch-ish Kid, complete with her own clothes. I lovingly named the doll Patience Ranae (that probably says something right there!) Having the machine in my craft room was a wonderful connection to my grandmother, though I never planned on using it.

Then, one Halloween, a certainl little girl insisted on being Jessie The Cowgirl. Since she’s super tiny, no costumes fit her. I have the ability to come up with creative visions and solutions, the challenge is completing the details and steps to get to that vision. I tend to take short cuts, as many as I can get away with! I could see the “perfect” costume in my mind. I then went and found milk cow material, old pants, a brother’s white shirt, felt, fabric paint and glue. It all worked really well until the makeshift chaps fell off the pants.  Whoops! They were going to need stitches. Real stiches. And there sat the sewing machine. I swear it was grinning. I avoid situations that pose much of a challenge until I can’t avoid them anymore. This was no different. I sat down and under my mother-in-law’s tutoring I was able to whip out one cool costume! That was two years ago and I haven’t turned the machine on, but I know if I needed and/or wanted to, I could do it. At this time, I don’t have the drive or desire. Maybe it will come?!

This realization and pattern emerged when my sisters and I sat down to create dream catchers. Our gifted, gorgeous teacher, Rachael Rice, generously shared her support, guidance, suggestions and supplies and delicately lead her novices in the art of weaving a dream catcher. To be honest, I was pretty content on the bench, chatting with friends about Nine Star Ki and Feng Shui. Oh sure, I watched, in wonder and awe, as fellow sisters spun and circled their crafty goodness. I don’t remember who vocalized the invitation (thank you to whoever said, “Your turn Robyn, get down here!). Having shared the sewing machine story and recognizing that I’d put this off for as long as I could, it was time to jump in. I’d watched a video on making a dream catcher about a year ago and though it looked super cool, I avoided it. I prefer to learn in person due to my non-dominant hand (and brain?!?!) This made knitting, guitar and violin playing and anything with direction and motion a true challenge. I hear the words, I can watch videos, I can read the words, but something gets all combobbulated in my brain and what comes out…….is a gigantic mess! I’ll admit it’s easier to find an artist on etsy.com who has honed her skills, I’m happy to pay her!

What ensued is the treasured piece shown above, my very own dream catcher.  It means a great deal to me, on so many levels. It represents the connection and synergy of amazing, powerful, gifted, talented, generous, FUN, beaming, light-filled women who support and inspire me.  It also symbolizes my willingness to stop, observe and shift habits, beliefs and patterns that no longer support me. It is a visual reminder that when it is time to stop and try something new, I know I’ll be just fine. Powerful dreams were woven in this piece, the fact that it was hand crafted amplifies this. I understand the magic of creation and why being an artist is an honor. In old times, when we were less inundated with careers, technology, and chore lists miles long, there was time for developing our special, unique talents. When the harvest was complete, when the tribe’s welfare was ensured, beings had time to specialize. Items weren’t bought with cash they were traded for, ensuring value, necessity, and aesthetic appreciation.  It’s been easy for me to become a mass consumer because my time, talents and energies were not invested in the creation of the goods I sought. I certainly have a deeper appreciation of what I am bringing into my space as well as a deeper level of reverence for artistic hands.

Much goodness is flowing in with the simple observation of my patterns and the recognition of opportunities that are presenting themselves to me. Simply saying “YES” to what’s here, taking that teeny, tiny step. Moving forward an inch at a time and learning oh so much in the process. It’s almost silly when I think of what pressure I was putting on myself by setting out to take leaps and bounds. I’m good with accelerated change but I’m better with the conscious, creative, organic process of enjoying the actual journal. It’s starting to make sense.

What are you saying “YES” to right now? What are you trying, experimenting or dipping a toe into? I’d love to hear and share your journey! 

She Schools Me

Small steps, I continue to take them. Varied and random, I’m looking at the scope of my days through an entirely new lens.  While I still harbor large dreams my focus of late is simply observing the patterns I’ve created, while at the same time allowing soft, subtle changes to roll in.

I’ve long lamented about my perfectionist/workaholic tendencies. I realize that they’ve caused me more frustration than support. I was brought up to work hard, push limits and accomplish goals. For a long time, I held the belief that “nothing comes easy” and “if it is to be, it’s up to me”. Hard work pays off. Make it happen and don’t count on anything. That served me well enough until about three years ago. I can’t pin point the exact moment that I realized I was completely miserable. For all the hard work I put in, seldom did I allow myself to relax and enjoy any rewards or benefits. Truly, that’s not a way to operate but that's what I knew.

As I’ve begun the initiative of taking small steps toward change, I’ve noticed that some of my personal instincts are in direct contrast to what I wish to experience. The observations have been many, though I’m still not taking gigantic jumps forward. I feel the power but for the time being I am more focused on being aware of how I operate.  I tend to gather, collect, ponder, contemplate and have a lot of plans in my mind. I often don’t muster the energy to actually DO anything, other than what HAS to be done. It’s funny isn’t it? I think I’m a hard worker and that I do a lot but really, I don’t! I do more thinking than anything and therein lies my personal challenge.

For example, I will study a subject, gather information and ideas, collect like crazy and then I stall out. I do not actually move forward. Here's an example: I still have an on-line art class to complete but I have all the materials ready to go. I have a plethora of books on the subject but not one piece of art to show for my gathering. I put it off, "I'm too busy, not in the mood, too tired, I don't want to make a mess and only have five minutes to work on it, not worth the clean up time......" You can then imagine my surprise and realization when I returned home to find that my very neat, tidy studio had been ransacked! The picture above gives evidence that a little artist helped herself to my stash! She jumped in and did what I've been wanting to do, helping herself to all supplies within her reach (and tonight she showed me how she was able to get the ones that were not, via bar stool). She’s a brave one. Without assistance she followed her artistic muse and produced above masterpieces showcasing tracks, tape and snowflakes, (note the image of a Furby and a pilgrim hat!)

One could easily look upon this as a child’s way to pass time on a Sunday afternoon, though I choose to see it as much more than this. She schools me, she inspires me to take that next step, uninhibited by petty fears and sneaky resistance. With her example, change is FUN, easy, playful and most of all natural. Applied to my intentions, this would look like writing to my heart’s content, submitting articles to my favorite publications, using those acrylics and paper scraps and simply allowing myself a creative outlet.  This would be where I find the rhythm to invest my focus and forget what it looks like to anyone on the outside of my body/being. This is the space that I’ve been wanting to jump into for a very long time.  Oh sure, I can hide behind the excuse of being too tired, too busy, too uninspired, to sapped to actually do anything or………I can just throw caution to the wind, pour and smear the paint, throw on the tape, make a mess of the craft room and “play”. My daughter is showing me how because I’ve forgotten. Someday, when she’s older, perhaps she will fully understand the impact she’s having on my life. Her passion is infectious, her creativity boundless, her confidence impressive. I want to be like that. It’s not too late.

I have a portable set of water colors and a moleskin journal. I’ve collected tons of images and ideas. My next step is to fill the pen with water and put color to the page. It’s silly that I’m this resistant. One day I’ll likely chuckle about how far and long I’ve carried these items around and not ACTUALLY even used them! I’m not expecting to create a masterpiece, I feel that I’m living in one.

My next step is to use those water colors. Who knows, perhaps I am the artist I've always wanted to be. If not, I'll sure have fun finding out I'm something else. 

Step by Step.....

Today’s “One Little Step”

I’ve just barely gotten underway with my One Little Step Project and already I am detecting shifts. I find myself continually asking (*fun) questions and those questions inevitably lead to an invitation to a seemingly small step. I may or may not take the step but the “seed” is certainly planted in my mind.

Removing the FB app off of my phone and shutting off email may be the single best thing I’ve done to raise efficiency this month. FB is a lovely distraction and while I miss status updates I am also quite happy with how I’ve been able to focus more on the task at hand. Setting times throughout the day to check in was a little harder than I thought it would be so, just for fun, I took a sip of water every time I went to look at the phone. (I drank two glasses if that tells you something!) Today, I forgot the app was even on my phone and I’ve managed to get a cup of tea down, it’s been quite a busy day.

Another little step was taking a walk in the rain on Monday. I didn’t have to but I felt the need to be outside. By no means was I knocking out 5 mile run or sweating to the ass breaker Jillian Michaels (that DVD just screams RESISTANCE). I simply give myself the “freedom” to take a walk, CELEBRATED the fact that I was moving and thoroughly enjoyed the mist on my face.  

Oh but what would this share be without a little resistance?!  That arrived this morning when I hit snooze….twice for the third morning in a row.  I have long wanted to be a morning person but that first step out of my bundle of covers is excruciating. I set the alarm for an over-zealous five minutes and this DID NOT WORK. I am not even sure a 30 second little step could budge this stuckness. So I thought to myself what tantalizing little treat would voluntarily get me out of my nice warm nest {happily}? It would have to be something sweet, tantalizing and something I couldn’t resist…………that’s right WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESE CAKE! I live 5 hours from the nearest CC factory L  

So tomorrow I will set the alarm for 1 minute early. I am also going to take my shower at night to cut down on my morning preparation time. My “treat” will be making a piping hot cup of coffee in my favorite coffee mug and using the time I would normally be in the shower to “lazily” drink my coffee in my still warm bed. Risky. Dangerous. FUN. Different. I’ll start with that. In a month or so, maybe I’ll work up to five minutes and who knows, maybe 15 minutes early just to read a book, or maybe I’ll just not get too aggressive and stick with the coffee? Slow. Steady.  1 minute early tomorrow morning.  Check. Remind me to share with you how this goes. I’m sure it relates to other stuck areas. So I’m curious to see how they begin to unravel by tapping here…..

Another aspect that surprised me is the amount of questions that automatically generated themselves in my head. Instead of starting with intentions and goals I just started writing down all the questions (working backwards is how this feels!) This is a pretty fluid, non-linear, watery way to go and MUCH different than how I usually set up a focused change. But then again, few of those focused changes have gotten me anywhere long term. I start out strong but I fade and falter. And for those who carry tree energies in the Nine Star Ki, it is never an issue of coming up with a goal or focus area, instead it is a matter of WHICH goal should I look at first (there are usually many, many, many goals for persons who carry tree energies).

So another One Little Step is to shift the way I am working with this technique.  I’ve releasing the idea of having a specific goal and calculated steps that I’m knocking out left and right every day. Right now it feels good to simply to observe, ask questions and choose the most exciting one to work with. I’m letting the questions be my “bread crumbs” along this inner maze. I have zero idea where this will lead and for the first time in maybe, say….EVER I really don’t care! I’m enjoying the steps, the view and the personal joy emanating from each tiny movement.

How aobut you?! Please share what steps you are taking, small, silly, insignificant steps. I’d love to hear about them! It’s so nice to have walking partners! 

Here's my One Little Step, grab your favorite shoes and join me!

My One Little Step

I started reading a book this week and even though I am on page 85 I am already sensing the effects. I’m always on the lookout for great self-help books (though really I need to just STOP looking and start taking action!) *More on the book in a few! Action is what this year is about, put my ideas and inspiration into motion. As of February 6^th we’ll all be moving into different ki energy stations. Nine star ki is the sister philosophy to Feng Shui. It is a system that I’ve followed since 2001. I have to say it helps a great deal to know what my monthly and year themes are; I can be somewhat prepared rather than feel completely lost and scattered. (It isn’t a cure all, I still have times when I feel lost, scattered and insane, the difference is that I know when these times will end!)

This year I move into two themes that are already speaking very loudly to me. The three tree heralds accelerated movement, education, action, launching projects, travel, insight, and creativity. One water signifies the potential for deep spiritual journeys, connection with soul vibrations, self-improvement, visioning, and career aspects, art, music and writing (all things non-linear and water begin here!). We all return to our home stations this year, though each month will still offer us abundance opportunities for continued growth and awareness. Though the official shift doesn’t occur until February 6^th the energies are already tangible. My next three months are already indicative of travel: I head to Seattle in February, Las Vegas in March, Memphis in April and Durango in June. Those are just the ones that I am aware of today!

In terms of spiritual energies, those have always been running like a river through my being though now the flood waters are collecting and bubbling. And then I picked up this book, “One Small Step Can Change Your Life, The Kaizen Way, by Robert Maurer, Ph.D. Oh my. Yes. This is the Holy Grail for me. Something I’ve been looking for, asking for, wanting and needing for a LONG time. If you have a ton of GREAT ideas but lack in the execution of them-----this book is for YOU. I am not paid by the author and am receiving no kickbacks of any sort but Universe if you are listening, I’d LOVE to meet this man in person and spend a day month with him!

The idea is based on the Japanese technique of kaizen to introduce, simple, consistent focused change. By taking small, seemingly trivial steps toward a goal, we are able to override the body’s response to fear and change. Over time, through continual application, the body relaxes and opens it’s creativity and support, in other words we stop fighting ourselves! We work with the body’s natural rhythm to release blocks, shut-downs and procrastination. It’s simple and profound. It’s also my new motto.

Dr. Mauer invites readers to ask themselves questions, easy ones, to help open the mind and bypass the natural filters and protections mechanisms that are in place to keep us “safe”.  I started asking questions and we’ll just say the combination of the full moon, and the pre-activation of the water and tree energies kept me up most of the night! In fact, I haven’t been able to stop asking questions. I now have a Kaizen Question section in my life design journal.

So this afternoon, as I was organizing my journal pages and writing questions for career, home, body/food/nutrition/health I had an idea pop in…….What is one simple thing I can do to be more productive, more efficient? What could I do to inspire others, with the least amount of effort and still be FUN. The answer came though something like this:

1.     delete Facebook Ap from my phone (done)

2.     put phone in the other room. (check it after breakfast, lunch and dinner, then put it away again.) *I DO spend a lot of time on my phone, I’ll admit that. I’m interested in tracking how much time I GAIN by hiding it from myself! I’m also interested in seeing how much $ I save by not searching for things I want (sorry Zappos, I still heart you) *notice I phrased that in the positive---time GAINED.

3.     I’ll be sharing “This Week’s One Little Step” through my blog. I don’t know how many people read my words there but this is where I’ll be posting. I will place a link on my Facebook page so it is easy to find. (I am not deleting Facebook yet but I am going to be on there far less. I’ll have to access it from a computer, when I have internet…which may be off most of the time too.

This is all an experiment and my disclaimer as such is that I am creative and, the past, not all that consistent. That is probably why this little book resonated so deeply with me. I like the idea of easy and effortless. I love the idea of working with my being, and its amazing abilities already locked within my cells. “What small little steps can I take to open those cells and allow them to come out, dance and share?” Fun is the key here and if this gets to be less than fun, then I’ll be moving on to something else, soooo what the heck? It sounds do-able (which is the basic tenant of the Kaizen technique). I’m willing to give it a try and in the process perhaps others can find joy, inspiration, support, hope and purpose through my sharing. 

My One Little Step this week: Writing these words and posting them! If you’d like to follow along, feel free to share what little steps you are taking, either in the comment section below or on FB. I’ll check it eventually J