A walk in the Rain

For those of you who live in Humboldt County, you are familiar with the less than consistent weather we get around these parts. Lately the freak sunshine has been the main topic of late, laced with worry over our poor Salmon not having enough wa-wa to make their run. Fortunately, thanks to a warm tropical storm due to some supposed rain dancers boogying down...we have had two whole days of RAIN!

As of late I have been trying to connect with my inner child. When the Adult me looked out the window at the gusts of wind and gloomy gray clouds this afternoon, she began searching for a nice vapid Romance novel to pass the time away with. Adult-me was clearly NOT stepping foot in the mud encrusted trenches of the streets. Adult-me hates 6 inches of wet on the hem of her pants. Adult-me obviously cannot bear whining children...as Child-me wanted to get out in that muck and splash around! Of course the little brat won the battle of wills! I'm happy to say that I bundled up like that kid from The Christmas Story, strapped a leash on my trusty canine side-kick and headed out into the great, dark, cloudy day.

With mellow jams drifting from my coat pocket (Where my phone was) Bru and I walked out into the rain, which was softly falling by then. It really wasn't cold at all, which was nice. Luckily we live in a relatively safe and quiet neighborhood; despite the fact that everybody seems to have a damn dog barking in the yard (including me). Oh, and the fact that our street alone has had about five B&E's in the past year. Eh,  gotta take the good with the bad sometimes.

How nice it was to enjoy something so simple like the squelching sound of water in my socks and boots. Squish squash, squish squash. It really wasn't unpleasant at all! As I breathed in the fresh air the clouds lifted a bit in the sky and over my heart. I love it when an impromptu moment turns suddenly sacred and beautiful. The rain washed away the dirt and grime accrued over weeks of dryness. The walk washed away my troubles. Not permanently, mind you...but enough to take a step back and breathe. I realize the seemingly huge, ominous trials of the day to day are just like those storm clouds. They sure seem scary and dark...until you realize their purpose. They're there to make something good happen. For how can we truly enjoy sunshine...unless we have a day or two of rain?

Lonely? Three solutions you already know... but maybe forgot

You know that feeling when you wake up in the morning dreading the day? Nobody seems to understand or care what you've been going through. This "Poor Me" syndrome can be tough to cure! Especially when the world seems bleak and friends only seem to come around when life is good. Well, I'm no expert as they say, but I do have a few tips and links to articles that may just refresh your spirit and help you overcome the feeling of self doubt and bitterness most lonely people feel.



#1 Walk It Off!

Yes, that's right. Put on your happy pants and get out there. I personally find that after an 1/2 hour walk I feel energized, aligned and more positive. I do my best thinking on walks and when I happen to bump into neighbors or friends, It always brightens my day! If you feel embarrassed walking alone, take your dog if you have one. Of course only walk where you feel safe, and only talk to people if you feel comfortable! I always carry Mace just in case! Teehee. The following is a great article that really touches on the importance of daily excercise to stay happy and healthy! http://www.medicinenet.com/walking/article.htm



#2 Sign OFF

These days social media has become the main source of  our daily interactions with people. I think we all know that the persona people present on various websites are very different from the real deal. I remember seeing a very funny clip on Portlandia where the two main actors of the skit proceeded to post all sorts of amazing and fun pictures on their social networking sites, while in reality they were having a horrible, exhausting weekend getaway! Sometimes just turning off all your devices or staying away from networking for a few days helps. It allows one to spend some time in quiet thought...or better yet encourages one to actually go out and see people. Here's another great article that struck a chord with me personally. http://www.symptomfind.com/health/negative-effects-of-social-media/



#3 Be Silly!

Stop taking yourself so seriously! Nobody wants to be around a hum-drum party pooper. So your poor? That's ok, most of us are. Have a Yard Sale. Fighting with the hubby? Hello make-up sex! Car broke down? Go for a walk (see suggestion #1)  People at work driving you crazy? Have a glass of wine and chill out! There are always little worries that stack up, and no one solution to solve all the problems in life. Guess what? It's ALWAYS going to be that way! If you try to control every little thing you'll only exhaust yourself further and waste precious time that you could be using to mend relationships and participate in hobbies that truly fulfill you! When you let go and give in to your inner child, people WILL be drawn to you. Then you can build new, wonderful relationships effortlessly! Here's a link to help you find that inner child. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/now-is-everything/200909/how-awaken-your-inner-child



We all need a wake-up call once in a while, I know I do! So take a walk, take a break and stop being so serious! Oh, and don't forget! The power of the universe is in your hands... so go out there and live! XO

Wake Up Your Soul!: A new Start

People always seem to stay trapped in their own worlds, don't you think? From time to time moments of clarity seem to filter through the grimy stress of day to day...but is it enough? In my experience all it takes to be happy, to truly be OK with the ups and downs of life is this one, little thing. Courage! I bet you've heard that one before! Let me explain...or actually, let this wise guy explain!  A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mahatma Gandhi If these words ring true with you, it's probably because you've already been searching for a way to be happy(without anti-depressants and other medications!) The braver we are, the less concerned we are with what people think, do and say. The more we free ourselves of the fear of embarrassment,  loving and being compassionate to ourselves becomes easier. Finally, once we love ourselves( Not by hurting others! Being selfish is NOT loving ourselves!) We give our love to others more generously. We give freely, expectant of nothing in return. We talk sweetly (less raised voices and things said out of anger). We become warriors for ourselves in a spiritual sense! Unafraid of tomorrow, we make decisions for today! Here's another great quote!  It's the most unhappy people who most fear change.
Mignon McLaughlin 
Unhappy with your Job? Unhappy with your relationships? Have you noticed how much you've been complaining? Even if it's not out-loud, those negative thoughts become negative actions that manifest directly into the world around you. So take a time out, breathe and gather your courage. Make a change!Chronic Unhappiness does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your brain chemistry. It is your mind, heart and soul telling your body that there are changes in your life that need to be made! This should be exciting, because once you take that first step in changing your attitude and life...you'll get a burst of energy!
 The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.
Christopher McCandless 
So gather up your courage, be brave with your love and make a change! Only you know what needs to change in your life, and believe it or not... you hold the power of the universe in your hands! Infinite love and peace is indeed possible! Sure, there will be good and bad days! Just remember, you are part of the divine cycle of life, and life is too short to sit on your ass being unhappy! XO