Requests

This is the latest post on my adventures in welcoming in the new year in new ways.

This post is inspired by a number of reflections I’ve read over the last year that speak of asking for what you want, and, in doing so, making room for those requests to manifest in your life. It may seem silly to some, but, hey, it can’t hurt to try right? I mean really thinking about and openly expressing what you want and need in your life seems like a good thing in my book! And obviously I am not talking about asking to win the lottery or for a beautiful, mint condition, ’67, Convertible Mustang (though those things would be amazing)! I mean real genuine requests from the heart and soul!

So here goes…

I would like some clarity, understanding, patience, and growth in the areas of my life that feel somewhat unclear, fuzzy or confusing right now… and the courage and strength to open myself to the possibilities and the answers when the fog does start to clear.

I would like to further understand, embrace, and heal my underlying wounds (which I sometimes don’t even realize affect me and my life) through continued explorations and deep learning about myself in counseling and otherwise.

I would like continued closure, forgiveness, and peace in the grieving process for my father.

I would like a genuine, meaningful, healthy, lasting relationship with an amazing person who reciprocates the abundance of unconditional love I have to give. I ask that I will be brave enough and wise enough to open myself and embrace this person completely, whoever it may be… and I ask for the patience it takes to wait for them.

I would like some focus and flow with my art and creative endeavors, and the courage, vision, and confidence to live up to my full potential. I would also like a special, comfortable space to embrace my creativity, whether that is via a new home, creative use of my current home, or just simply a new perspective on what my creative side really needs to flourish.

I would like the above request to help me to take baby steps towards starting my own creative business.

I would like a day job that does not crush my soul and energy. One that challenges me in good ways; allows me to be me and use my creativity; allows me to continue taking classes; understands the importance and value of time off; pays well enough to support my needs as well as my passions; has decent health insurance;and maintains a positive atmosphere at least majority of the time.

Alright, some of that may seem a little like asking to win the lottery, but honestly, I think most of you can truly understand where I am coming from. And like I said in the beginning, it can’t hurt to at least put it out there, and dream big in doing so!

Ok, so all that said, I do not, by any means, expect that these requests will be answered or fulfilled without my own hard work and dedication… So… I would also like to whole heartedly promise that I will do my best to aid in the process of these requests coming to fruition.

…Huh, putting all those requests out there has left me feeling lighter. Like a weight of my shoulders in a way. Maybe that is why people recommend this sort of thing so much… Maybe we shouldn’t do this just in hopes that these requests will be fulfilled, but also because, in a way, getting them out also reduces their hold on us…. Which really does seem to make some much-needed space.

I think I might make this a regular practice.

“It doesn’t matter if people are interested. It’s about you taking your stuff and shouting out into the void.” ~Jadelr & Cristina Cordova

Oh! PS. It would also be awesome if my cat, Cecil, would chill out a little more and meow at me a little less!

2011 Intentions

There are many ways I could have approached the intentions I want to set for this new year, but what felt most comfortable was to be authentic but general. I am trying to be somewhat vague because I welcome the different possibilities for how these intentions might manifest!

Anyway, in no particular order, my intentions for 2011 are to:

• Learn new skills.
• Try new things.
• Travel new places.
• Ride roller coasters.
• Be myself.
• Eat good food.
• Read.
• Walk.
• Stroll.
• Explore.
• Expand.
• Play.
• Celebrate.
• Laugh a lot.
• Love a lot.
• Smile a lot.
• Be kind.
• Work hard.
• Be Mindful.
• Be creative.
• Share.
• Be grateful.
• Enjoy nature.
• Go camping.
• Go hiking.
• Dance like no one is watching.
• Exercise.
• Sing.
• Be compassionate.
• Be passionate.
• Be amazing.
• Shine my light.
• Grow.
• Learn.
• Simplify.
• Admire.
• Be joyous.
• Be happy.
• Cry it out.
• Be awe-inspired.
• Relax.
• Enjoy.
• See the beauty.
• Slow down.
• Respect.
• Care.
• Be a good friend, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, person… and whatever other roles I may take on this year!
• Own my awesomeness.

There were a few of those I wanted to be more specific with, but I also decided I should try to turn of the over-analyzing part of my brain (if only for a little while), since one of my words and intentions is simplify! I am also sure there are more intentions I could add, but at this moment the list feels pretty complete, so I am going with it!

Ahhh…. intentions are so much more light and fun! I totally recommend them over those heavy, loaded “resolutions!” What are your intentions for the new year?

“Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.” -Max Frisch

My words for 2011

When I first read about choosing a word for the new year there was one that immediately came to mind. For that reason growth is the first in my list of words for 2011.

I think I’ve definitely started to scratch the surface of some pretty intense introspection and growth in the last four years. 2010 was no exception, and in fact, despite the immense difficulty of the year, it was also one of the most profound years I’ve experienced yet. In 2010 I feel that I began to go even further than ever before into the depths of who I am and what I need to do to be the best me. Every year I feel like I’ve “figured myself out” that much more, and become more and more comfortable in my own skin. At this point I can only imagine that 2011 will be an even deeper year of discovery, unfolding, and growth.

And since I have a hard time choosing only one word, I’ve also included some other words I would like to represent my year ahead as well!

These are the words that I choose to represent 2011 for me!

Growth

Simplicity

Peace

Positivity

Do any words come to mind for you? Does any one word (or more than one) resonate with you for 2011? (Always feel free to share in the comments, or follow along silent ninja style!)