A New Paradigm

We all have our routines filled with to dos, tasks, conversation, decision making, choices, relationships and expectations, either initiated by our own desires or someone else's. This all sounds like a pretty typical life. So we don't often make much change since we get used to the way things are.

But that's not necessarily a good thing.
Especially if we're feeling the stress of unmet expectations no matter the source, if we find ourselves tired and worn out from not pacing ourselves and if we find less joy and more discouragement in our overall emotional life experience.

We need to heed the warning signs of doing too much, saying too much, and not taking enough time to do what will invigorate, inspire and re-energize.

Thus we need a new paradigm. A new approach. A New Way of Doing Life.

How do we know what changes to make?

We have to base them on our values, what really matters to us most, what is priority over everything else.
That means saying no to things that we may see as valuable or at least reducing the amount of time we spend on them with no major consequence and at the same time, increase the amount of time of what we know is essential to our well being.

First of all, one of the best things I've ever done is choose to SLOW DOWN. Take it easy. Take Breaks. Don't push yourself too hard. And forgive yourself when you make mistakes. Life is full of them; we cannot expect perfection, just our best.

I have found that when I PACE myself, doing certain tasks at certain times, and then taking a break to relax, journal and do something that energizes me makes all the difference in the world for my over all well being. Don't let your life circumstances become so overwhelming that it's what you have to do. Pace yourself now so you're body will thank you later.

Another issue I've addressed: when I feel stress in a situation, I exit, going somewhere where I can regroup, center myself, and give myself space to release stress and relax, doing something I love to do, even if it's just being quiet for a time.

Speaking of Quiet, reducing your amount of conversation can actually enhance your well being. The less we say, sometimes, the better. Much of what we say, whether just in daily existence or in conversation with another, is full of unnecessary noise. How often do we find ourselves saying, "Why did I say that? I should have just kept my mouth shut." Exactly.

If you institute less talking (try writing down everything you want to say and you'll find yourself saying less automatically just because writing it down is such a pain), you will find more energy for doing things you want to do. It's also quieting for the soul. Less talk produces more quiet contemplation.

It can also help to keep a journal when you institute less talking so you can record what you're thinking and still feel "heard" in a way. At least your point of view still matters on paper. The point is that when you talk less, what you do say will have more power. They say your words carry energy; so when you use that energy to speak, really think about what you say before you say it. Be choosier with your speech. It may just change the way you think about everything.

These changes will take some getting used to since we're so used to being in a rush, talking too much, and doing too much every single day.

Make space for Quiet Contemplation. Connect with your Source Energy and find yourself more aligned with who you really are. With Quiet, Slowing Down, Pacing Yourself and Taking Time to do what you love, you will enter a whole new Paradigm and Way of Life that will increase the quality of your life experience and give you a greater sense of purpose in all you do, say, and think.

Do you need to Slow Down? Be More Quiet? Say Less and Do More of what you Love?
Start now before your body starts speaking for you in ways that are uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Listen carefully to your Higher Self, that place of Inner Wisdom and Intuition that will tell you what changes you can make to enter a New Paradigm for Living Authentic to Who You Really Are.

In the process, you'll also make the world a better place.
Have a Happy New Year and Happy New Life.

&#169 2014 by Dawn Herring

It's About Time

You know how some folks pick a meaningful word at the start of a new year to create a specific focus?
Well, for 2013 my focus word was TIME.

Yes, time in all of its dimensions, meanings, uses, approaches and struggles.

I used time as a meaningful visual and textual dimension in my art journaling pages and journaled about time and its facets and how I wanted to make meaningful changes concerning time and its effects in my life.

When I think about time, often the issue that arises is not having enough time to do the things I love.
So I was determined to make more space for my artistic pursuits.

I moved my art studio from a bedroom with a door to the center of the house off the kitchen area. I knew this move would initiate more time at the creative table since it was more convenient and available to me. I could paint, create texture, stamp messages, collage, and paint some more in between making dinner in the kitchen, doing business on the computer and doing chores/housework.

I have spent more time pursuing my love of art journaling, mixed media and watercolor fine art. The samples of my work on my art gallery are evidence of the time I have set aside for it. Really, I have incorporated art into the fabric of my life which makes it more seamless, like it's simply what I do. It's priority--for my heart, my soul, my mind.

I also considered the time I spent on writing projects. I actually cut out several of them in late January since I felt I had written myself into a box and felt there was too much of it every day. So I stopped. I still kept my journals but I let go of those projects not concerning myself over if and when I'd get back to them. Sometimes it's just necessary to take a breather and regroup.

This time pause with writing projects lasted about two months. I was very much aware of what I was not doing in order to do less in my day, giving myself space. And I knew when it was time to get back to it. And it felt right, like I wanted to continue on with what I started. And I enjoyed the break I gave myself.

I also determined to change my approach and structure so it was more in the flow of who I am. It's amazing how we will create a structure that becomes binding when we don't have to or need to. Sometimes a small change can make all the difference in our energy and enthusiasm for what is important to us.

Another issue I addressed with time was thinking that very little time had passed when I started something new or was referencing an event or decision I made previously; it amazed me when I discovered that those time spans were much longer than I thought they were. (That's what makes journaling life experiences so wonderful for those of us who don't remember how long it's been!)

Something I chose to do three years ago only felt like 18 months to me.

When you realize the longer time span, you have to regroup and gain a fresh understanding of how that decision you made affected you with that longer distance separating you from that time long ago. It truly gave me pause, and I excused myself, in a sense, of not remembering. Although I do find it frustrating at times, like I'm totally out of the loop on when I started doing something, I realize it's okay not to remember.

Another issue of time I addressed was in relation to what I wanted to accomplish; there are some things that take longer to build or create; and it takes consistent action and persistence not to give up when things don't go in the timely way you desire.

For instance, it would take me several months to get a painting done instead of several days or weeks. Or I intended to post on my blog every few weeks and, instead, five or six would go by, and I wouldn't realize it. (I am now more mindful of this with my focus on Time.)

Then there's the issue of time passing and everyone getting older. Whether it's my parents in their 70s, my spouse in his 50s, my grandboy turning two (and not being so lap-interested like he once was) or having two grown daughters. My own age also comes to mind with keeping myself strong and healthy with a special focus on my spiritual, emotional and physical well being. (This I also address in my art and written journals.)

I want to be a good steward of my time, talents, gifts and roles I fill in my life; and knowing I won't be here forever keeps me motivated to stay true to who I am, to pursue what makes my heart grow, and to love fully.

This year, 2013, has been full of challenges, choices, decisions, determinations, boundaries, expansiveness and growth as I look at how my new perspectives and meaning of time has affected my roles as a wife, mother, grandma, journal keeper, artist, writer and host of #JournalChat Live. As a result, I now have an even stronger sense of purpose to help me make the most meaningful mark in the world that I can.

Ultimately, it really is about time.

&#169 2013 by Dawn Herring

Preparation

"It's all in the preparation!"

I think there's something to be said for that, especially when it comes to unexpected or self-initiated change.

No matter what kind of change you may be experiencing right now or what change that you are deliberately choosing, it helps to be ready for what that change might entail.

We never stay in one place for very long; otherwise we'd become stagnant, in an unhealthy mindset, which would prove to drag us down.

Instead, we are constantly evolving, learning, growing, and hopefully, through the best choices we can make, becoming more of who we really are.

But in that process of change, there are specific areas that can help make our "change transition" easier. We can move through the process with anticipation, expectation and confidence rather than fear, anxiety and trepidation.

Of course, our lives are full of many dimensions, but I think of a few that can really help make a difference in our experience with change, no matter where it comes from.

Relationships. The people in our lives can have a tremendous impact on how we respond to change; so it pays to pay attention to who we spend our time with, who we give our energy to, and who supports us in our life adventures. If we find ourselves depleted with certain relationships, we may need to look at where we're losing our personal power. We can do something to develop proper boundaries where we need to activate more self-respect when necessary. When we find that a relationship really boosts our energy and enhances our confidence, then we know we've hit on a gold-mine of relationship that is worth savoring and spending time with! In the process of determining where and how to invest our time with the people we care about and who enhances our life experience, we can see how that relationship benefits us in regards to the change we are experiencing.

Work. Work will either deplete us or give us purpose, depending on our perspective. What we do with our time will often determine how seamless a life change can be. When we look at the successes in our work lives and feel good about what we accomplish, then we will be better prepared to meet with the results that change brings. When we work from the heart, giving it our best, we will benefit from that diligence as we work through change more naturally.

Play. Hobbies, Authentic Refreshment, and taking time to do what you don't normally do come to mind with play. Play can help us have a broader, more comprehensive perspective when meeting with change. We may come up with better solutions to problems that arise; we may get a more flexible perspective on what direction to take so we don't feel stuck with the where of things. Play helps us bring our subconscious mind to the fore, whether we're painting, singing, dancing, spending time with our kids or grandkids, or simply enjoying nature or going for swim. Being in a more relaxed state of mind will do volumes for preparing us for the unexpected.

Spirit. Our connection to what is larger and vaster than we are can give us a true understanding of change. We can gain a stronger, more flexible position when we know we have the Creator of the Universe working for us in our process of change. Taking the time to tune in to our soul and listen carefully for that inner wisdom and intuition we are all gifted with will enable us to face change more seamlessly, with confidence and clearer vision of what it is we really want. Whether we pray/meditate, read spiritual text that livens and encourages, or simply tune in to what we already know, connection with Spirit can make all the difference in preparing us for what lies ahead.

Each dimension of life will affect to a great extent the way we experience change, whether unexpected or self-initiated. Change can be a great place to be when we know who we really are, when we know why we're here, and when we know what really matters to us in life. When we pay close attention to the decisions we are making with our relationships, with our work process, with our playful opportunities, and with our connection with Spirit, our experience with change can actually be a catalyst for fabulous opportunities, for forging deep and lasting friendships, and for giving us an even greater sense of purpose and love for our destiny and what we are called to.

It's best to be prepared for what change is on the horizon; we can meet that change with great expectation of good things to come and know we are headed in the right direction.

Are you prepared?

&#169 2013 by Dawn Herring

A Fresh Start

When you come to the end of something, like a larger project or work task you've recently completed, you don't just recognize the ending of this path you've trod.

You can also see it as a Fresh Start to something new.

But it can also take on a daunting dimension, especially if you're not sure of your new direction due to a lack of developed purpose.

There's also the issue of False Starts where the effort you put out doesn't flow because the energy is all wrong; then you end up working yourself into a frustrated corner, feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.

But there is a better approach; there is a way to work around that struggle and avoid wasted energy.

First, you need to Trust Yourself.

Yes, this is Paramount. If you constantly second-guess where you want or think you should go or what your purpose should be, you'll trip yourself up before you even begin.

You need to recognize your value and see yourself as capable and ready for the authentic path you will take.

Part of Trusting Yourself is being able to Tune In to your intuition, your inner wisdom and the Light that guides your every step.

When you're tuned in to the right authentic frequency of what really matters to you and listen to your heart's message, you'll be drawn to the right path and gain a fresh perspective in the process.

There's a melody in your heart's song that is yours alone to follow and pursue in a way that only you can do. That is what that path is for--directing you to your Authentic Purpose, which the world needs.

Once you begin to Trust Yourself, Tune In to your heart's song, and pick up the authentic vibe that will reveal your next step, you will be lead right to the Fresh Start you've been looking for.

Then it will be time to simply Go with the Flow.

Listen. Learn. Pay Attention. Make Space. Open the Energy and run with it, whether it's the first words of an essay, article, or novel, the first brush strokes of a new painting, musical notes to a new song, dance steps to a new choreography, or the first seeds to a new garden.

Give yourself space to make mistakes. Don't expect perfection. Yes, do your best--but even more importantly, Have Fun in the process! Get into your creative zone. Immerse yourself in this New Start. Revel in it. Be in the moment.

Then watch what happens as the song gains melody, as the chapter or article begins to take form, as those dance steps find their rhythm, as the colors of the painting begin to form a meaningful image or expression of the heart, as the new seed begins to take root.

Don't underestimate the Power of a Fresh Start. It is Full of Possibility.
It could change your life. It could make the world a better place.

What will you start today?

© 2013 by Dawn Herring

Your Golden Key

A Key is often viewed as a symbol of enabling that may unlock the door of new opportunity.

I know when I see a key, like an old fashioned one on an art journal page or rendered in a decorative item in a retail store, it catches my eye.

We use keys every day to lock or unlock the door of our homes, our cars, our businesses.

But what about our Golden Key, the one associated with our creativity, our inspiration and even our divine destinies?

I love the sound of a Golden Key. It holds such promise. It initiates mystery and intrigue. And adventure.
Like discovering a locked box that holds gold inside. And finding the Golden Key that will unlock it so we can have access to all of that richness.

But we already have one. Right Now. At our fingertips.

You know it when you engage in it. There is never a moment wasted. You find yourself revived, invigorated, with a new appreciation for your creativity and personal expression.

But most of the time, we feel compelled to do everything else but engage in that Golden Key.
We feel irresponsible taking time away from the obligations that call to us every single day.

But sometimes we just have to make up our minds to Make Space.

Even if that means to let go of something, at least for a little while, that you really want to accomplish.
Of course, a move like that can be scary, feel outside our comfort zone. We wonder what will happen to that project we started that led to frustration because deep inside, we knew what we really wanted to be doing.

But here's a secret that can give you instant motivation to engage in that Golden Key Right Now: when you take the time to unlock that door and explore and dive deep and delight in what enlivens you, it will ultimately enhance the very project you had to let go of in the first place. You will find more creative ideas coming to you, more inspiration and direction you didn't have before. While you are enjoying, experimenting and discovering, you will find an openness that gets activated that was previously closed to your understanding.

In other words, Your Golden Key will unlock the richness of what you need to make everything else Come Alive. 

When I discovered this more so than ever recently, I was elated, delighted, excited and thrilled. And then I wanted to engage in My Golden Key even more so. Knowing I was listening to my Authentic Self and giving honor to what really matters to me, what opens my heart.

Which can only enhance my life in all of its dimensions.

So, what is Your Golden Key? Have you found it yet? Listen carefully to what inspires you, what delights you, what intrigues you, and even what breaks you out of your comfort zone.

That's where you Inner Wisdom, your Light, your Inspiration, or even where your Life Purpose resides.
Now that's certainly something worth making time for.

Let Your Golden Key Unlock The Treasures Of Your Heart.
Then Watch Your World Come Into Full Bloom.

© 2013 by Dawn Herring

What You Did Do

As an avid journal keeper, I write a summary of each day's events, experiences, and goals met. Of course I write in detail about other things as well, but the issue of what I accomplished sometimes weighs heavily on my mind.

I find myself thinking, What didn't I do today?

I'm sure I can always write a full list of what didn't get done that I either meant to do or simply didn't have time to do.

As I considered this issue, I noticed that my feelings and emotions were getting tied up and weighed down by such a perspective; it certainly wasn't a celebratory energy I was creating.

I knew there was something wrong with this picture. But what to do?

I knew I couldn't pretend to have gotten done what I felt needed doing if I didn't do it, right? I wanted to be a realist about my tasks and to dos.

But that didn't mean I needed to be overbearing with myself over my lack of accomplishment each day.

But that's just it. I WAS accomplishing many things each day. I WAS getting things done. And many of those things are vitally important to me.

So, why wasn't I paying attention to what I WAS doing each day instead of focusing on my "not do" frustration?

That's when I decided to record in my journal what I did do; well, actually, I already do that. But this time I was celebrating what I Did Do instead of just seeing what I accomplished as my status quo, what I simply expect of myself, as what I should be doing.

Celebrating what you do every day is important. It's easy to gloss over doing the laundry. Oh, everybody does laundry. Yes, they do. But you got it done. Everything is neatly folded, right? Or maybe not. But at least it's clean. And that's what matters.

Taking the time to put a smiley face or a check mark or a heart in your journal to show yourself some appreciation for a job well done, is a great way to encourage yourself, to keep at it, and to recognize how you are using your energy for good in your life, in your community, in the world.

Don't dismiss what you have done as something you simply expect of yourself. See it as something worthwhile and pat yourself on the back. Every Day.

Don't skip it. Don't forget it. Don't just keep going on to the next task.
Bask in the moment of what you are doing.

When I began to see what I was accomplishing (and I was surprised when I really took the time to consider it: Wow.), I felt a wonderful shift take place in my energy.

All of a sudden, I felt OPEN. Expansive. Light. Happy.

There was a place for joy, appreciation, validation, and nurture in what I was experiencing.

I felt like my True Authentic Self.

And that's the way it's supposed to be.

So, the next time you're ready to scold yourself for not getting something done, especially if you haven't done it in a while and it's driving you crazy, remember to recognize what you DID do.

Bask in the glow of a job well done. And Smile.
You'll feel energized, lighter and truly YOU.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring

Competition or Complement?

Are you one to write a "to do" list each day to keep yourself on track with your goals and tasks?

If so, do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by its sheer volume, as if you'll never catch up?

Do you find it difficult to decide what tasks or responsibilities should take priority over the others? Do they all seem priority and you don't know which one to do first?

Ah, yes. Those tasks can often seem to take on a persona of their own, as if they were people vying for your attention, competing with the other tasks, hoping to be noticed for how important they are. You might even hear them saying, "Don't you care about me? Why do you keep ignoring me? I'm IMPORTANT, aren't I???!!" Right?

When we take on this perspective with our tasks, we may find ourselves feeling defeated before we even start. You know the guilt, the criticism, the beating ourselves up when we think we're not doing enough.

This doesn't have to be a competition. 

No, it doesn't.

Perhaps taking a new view on each task will help you know what direction and process to take, one that is authentic, intuitive, and even rewarding for you.

Here's the key: What if you saw each task or responsibility as a complement to each other? You know, how they work together to enhance the function of each, kind of like how our body parts work together to help us breathe, digest, and assimilate what we take in and experience in our daily lives?

I have several dimensions of my life that I work with mostly on a daily basis; all of them to me are VERY important, not to just one area of my life, but holistically.

It would be easy for me to see each of these dimensions separately and feel a bit nonplussed on how to get it all done without feeling like I'm leaving something out.  

There's my study/writing time; there's the work I do online; there's my artistic pursuits; and my time for home and family. (Of course, my office work is always priority since there are immediate deadlines with much of it; our electrical contracting business, Bill's Quality Electric, LLC, is service oriented.)

Yes, it can seem overwhelming sometimes when it doesn't all get done in a way I'd like it to. Sometimes something will fall to the wayside, and I'll feel the effects of what hasn't gotten done. The effects can sometimes create fatigue or lack of energy or stamina. I find this is especially true if I don't make enough time for my artistic pursuits.

But when I see all these ingredients of my day as compliments to each other, it helps me to have a different view of these activities. Instead of them vying for my attention, I can see each one as helpful to the other.

When I write, then my artistic side is enhanced. If I study, then I feel grounded and centered for my writing. Life experience feeds life experience. So when I see each task as something that can enhance my well-being, I don't feel as apt to get discouraged when something falls to the wayside. It's more of an awareness than a criticism.

When I see my life holistically in this way, I feel better overall about what I do and when I do it and how much I do it.

Just a few minutes of creating a stippled rendering in colored ink can lift my spirits. Doing a bit of cleaning can help to clear out negative energy for a more healthful flow at home.

Listening to my intuition on what comes next helps me to see things naturally and organically, rather than competitively.

Yes, I sometimes write a "to do" list when I have things to do that I don't want to forget. But I don't write one every day. Most days, after an a.m. journal entry, I know the flow I'm looking for and aim to do what I know is best for the moment.

And I need to be satisfied with that. No Guilt. No Overwhelm. No Criticism. No Bullying.

Just a peaceful contentedness that all is as good as it needs to be with my world--in all of its dimensions.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring

Excellence

Excellence.

The sound of that words makes me want to sit up straight and take notice. It actually means "very great merit or quality." If you do something with excellence, you're doing your very best, putting your whole heart into it.

We all want to hear folks tell us that we did an excellent job on something, especially when that job goes unappreciated most of the time, if it's not normally our responsibility, or when we just want to be validated.

Like when our elementary school teacher thought we did an excellent job on our writing page, with our letters written nice and straight. We might even get a gold star with an A+ written on it. With a smiley face too, if it was really good.

How do we know when what we are doing is done with excellence?

Generally speaking, when you look back on the task, do you feel like it's a job well done?

There are small household tasks like doing dishes, folding laundry, and sweeping the floor. It's easy to see visually how well we did. But most of the time, no one notices that kind of job unless you don't do it. So it may be considered lesser than one that would be perceived as "excellence" worthy.

There are work tasks like sending an email, writing a blog post, making a phone call, or connecting with a new client. You don't always know how folks will respond to those connections unless they tell you specifically how much they appreciate your work. That's why it's always nice to get feedback from folks to affirm you're doing an excellent job.

One of the issues we may run into is desiring to do something different, something larger than what we are already doing. In other words, we may not be satisfied with what we've done so far and are looking for something more meaningful or purposeful.

The first thing to do when that sort of thought arises is: Pay Attention. Take notes. Don't ignore the urge to start something new if that's where your heart is leading you.

But First. Look at how you are doing what you are already doing. Are you doing the best job you can irregardless of whether or not it's appreciated? Are those menial tasks getting done without procrastinating or are they being put off for another day when they really could get done right now?

In other words, are you doing all you do Right Now with Excellence? Can you answer unequivocally yes? No? Hmmm. Then you might have some work to do before you making a running start in a different direction.

Why, you ask?

Because how you do things now won't change how you will do things in a different place or venue. Your habits are ingrained, and if they aren't excellent, they won't be that way anywhere else either.

Take a good look at what you accomplish each day. If it's lackluster or half-hearted, try writing down why you feel this way. You may discover an underlying issue that needs addressing to help you get into a better mind frame with your work tasks. Once you discover what needs changing and implement that change so you can honestly assess excellency with your current work, then you may be more ready to move in a bigger, more purposeful direction.

Excellence really does matter, no matter what you do, whether it's for your home, your work, your kids, or yourself.

When you determine to have an "excellence" mindset in all of life's dimensions, you will find your world expanding and attracting the kinds of opportunities you're looking for, or maybe even better than you can think or imagine on your own.

Then you can give yourself a gold star with an A+, and if you really want to go all out, add a smiley face too, for a super job well done.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring

Change It Up

I am finding a new approach to my daily work and home schedule that seems to be working for me fairly well. Of course, old habits are hard to break. But this change for me has made enough of a difference that I'm implementing it into all working aspects of my life.

I have a tendency to stay at a task for long periods of time; I get immersed and don't realize how much time has gone by. This can make for uncomfortable issues with posture, resulting in fatigue and reduction in attention span and mindfulness.

So I decided to change it up.

Instead of sitting for an hour or two working on one project at a time, I'm sitting for fifteen or twenty minutes and then get up to do something else.

For example, if I'm busy posting links for #JournalChat Links Edition, I take a break for a bit. I may work on some collage elements. Or add more to my current watercolor project.

Or I may just get a bite to eat and stretch or take a walk.

What's interesting about changing it up is not only are you getting the benefits of giving your body a physical break, you also get the mental recharge you need to stay mindful to your task.

I pay more attention to what I'm reading because I'm more alert and aware. Which makes the reading more pleasurable.

Actually this approach makes most things I do more meaningful and pleasurable because I am more mindful.

So when I take a break from one task to work on something else, my mind keeps working. But not in a cluttered way. It gives my subconscious mind a chance to ruminate on the things I am absorbing and learning and helps me assimilate the information better.

Plus, when I change it up, I have more energy to put out in connecting with my friends, readers, subscribers, and fellow writers, artists, and journal writers.

I also notice I get more work done overall. It may take a bit longer, but what I do has a higher quality. And I enjoy the process so much more.

When I give myself a break between tasks, this new approach gives me a fresh perspective and a lighter, more buoyant feeling.

Plus I have more time to chat with my husband and daughters and spend time with my grand-boy.

When you incorporate a change into your work habits or routine that makes enough of an impact to cause you to have more pleasure, more energy, and a higher quality of life, you know you've hit on something good.

So the next time you find yourself getting fatigued from working on a single task too long, give yourself a break. Change it up. Do something that gives you joy and more energy. And when you come back to that initial task, you'll have a clearer, more productive mindset, which can only enhance the quality of your work and your life.

Oh, and don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. You Deserve It.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring