Day 357 Intention ~ See Old Friends

Day 357 Intention ~ See Old Friends

 

It's a couple of days before Christmas and all through Cleveland, people were packing parking lots and driving like maniacs to pick up last minute gifts for the holidays. They were checking their phones (doesn't have to be a holiday for that) and distracted by their thoughts so much that they were cutting each other off and getting into accidents and honking their horns.

 

Happy holidays.

 

I drove down to Kent this morning to see some old friends that live in California now. It was my only chance to see them this holiday season, so I trekked down there even if it was for only 90 minutes. I will take what I can get. Seeing friends and family during the holidays is more important to me than anything else. So, I do what I can.

 

As I drove to and from, the cars were driving erratically and cutting each other off, not signaling or not turning their signals off long past switching lanes. The exit at Chagrin was backed up all the way to the highway. As people pulled up next to me, everyone looked so unhappy.

 

I couldn't help asking myself, why do we put ourselves through it each year!?!

 

So, in defiance of this holiday stress, I chose to remain calm in my vehicle and know that I would eventually move again. I would get home. And, I am still happy I drove all that way to see old friends for a few moments today.

 

A friend of mine has a bath towel in her bathroom that reads, "Friends are the best presents." Last weekend when we were all over at her house for a holiday gathering, we busted her chops a little bit on that towel and had a good laugh. But, today, when I think about it, it's true.

 

 

Til tomorrow...

 

Shanti,

 

Marcia

Day 332 Intention ~ Spend Some Quality Time

Day 332 Intention ~ Spend Some Quality Time

At home, with my in-laws and with my husband. We are always rushing around, trying to do many things at once and not always appreciating the time we get together. 

This is a day to spend with family, friends or helping others. Being thankful for all of the good things in our life and all of the lessons we've learned over the past year. 

I hope that you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and really getting to spend some quality time with someone (or many folks) that you love. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 331 Intention ~ Give Thanks

Day 331 Intention ~ Give Thanks

My in-laws came today to celebrate Thanksgiving. They have to leave tomorrow, so we had the big meal a day early. 

So, this means it's time to reflect on what I am thankful for in this life today. 

I could do a whole year/life long list of thanks (and there would be a lot), but I think in an effort to keep it simple, I will just go with 10 things that I am thankful for today. 

10 things that I am thankful for:

1. Our cozy home and the love that is inside of it. 

2. The fact that we have family/friends that will travel in the snow to spend a holiday with us. 

3. The delicious meal we prepared and chowed down. 

4. For getting through a spynga class this morning, when I wasn't feeling quite up to it. 

5. The fact that I started to feel better. 

6. The laughter around my living room while watching Christmas Vacation after dinner.

7. My animals. 

8. My family. 

9. My friends. 

10. My life. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 307 Intention ~ Be Grateful

Day 307 Intention ~ Be Grateful

Fantastic weekend filled with good friends, music, good food, art, football, laughter & celebration. I am so grateful for all of these wonderful things. Noticing this and appreciating it while it's happening is part of being present. 

Take a moment to reflect on the past day & find one thing you are grateful for that happened today. It may just change your perspective.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

I have an old friend that I have been having issues with the past year or so. Now, I didn't really think that I would be dealing with things like this into my forties, but here I am. I have spoken with this friend before about some of the things that make me feel hurt/upset when I am speaking with her. She apologized and then just kept it up. 

At this point, I have dealt with it by not dealing with it. Conveniently for me not dealing with it, this person doesn't live in the same state. Inconveniently for me to act like an adult and deal with it, this friend does not live in the state, so it's much easier for me to ignore. 

I think that I have been doing this so long, that I suppressed my emotions (completely unhealthy-I know I know), I didn't realize how much until a mutual friend started discussing making some plans with this person with me today. Next thing I knew, I was crying and upset and it has put me in a funk for the rest of the day...so far. 

What this really tells me, is that it is time for me to deal with it. Get to the bottom of what is going on. Has it been built up in my head to be worse than I remember? Have we just simply grown apart? Did I do something to make this person treat me disrespectfully? 

I guess a phone call is in order. In the end, things will be resolved and, whether good or bad, hopefully, I can put this to rest. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Last night was my husband's big art opening. I was amazed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, co-workers and my yoga students (who are also friends) that came out. It is difficult for me to express how touched John & I both were from all of this. I stand in awe of all of their amazing-ness.

I am also in awe of the turn out in the Cleveland Heights community and all of their kind words and support. It is always nice to hear from strangers. I do really enjoy living in this community, so to feel like my husband's work was appreciated here, at home, was a wonderful feeling. 

I am also in awe of the amazing range of artists that do support the community. The talents out there are amazing and I hope that we can all support each other in our endeavors and keep art alive & well! 

Keep living and loving those around you and your community will only grow and thrive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

And appreciate every minute of it....

As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed so many people with angry looks on their faces. Maybe not angry, but not happy. It was one of those mornings in which my iPod shuffle was hitting all tunes that I wanted to hear, so I was singing and boppin' down the road and yet still, it was hard to ignore the looks on people's faces as they headed into each day or when they insisted on tailgating me or having to pass me, and believe me, I wasn't driving slowly. 

It was sad to see this on the morning commute. It's not that I am unaware that I am lucky to get to do things that I love to make a living, but it was just blaring in my face (and consciousness) this morning. I love going to work for my friends, it's like I'm getting to go hang out and get paid. Please note, I do actually work when I am there...most of the time. :)

So, once again, just wanted to appreciate that I love what I get to do in this world and I am so so grateful for it. It is sad that I feel lucky to get to do what I want...I wish everyone could do what they want, follow their dreams and feel lucky.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia 

Day 278 Intention ~ Wait On A Friend

Day 278 Intention ~ Wait On A Friend

A little Stones reference this morning as I am super excited that one of my oldest & dearest friends is coming to visit this afternoon. Although, I have to go teach class and have other things I need to do before his arrival, I can't help but hum that tune. 

Old friends are the best. New ones are pretty great too, but those ones that are like family...sometimes they actually know you better than your family does. That is how this one is & I cannot wait. He moved out of the States years ago and, if lucky, I get to see him once a year, usually every couple years. So, although I am sure it will fly by, I can't wait to see this old friend and cherish the time together! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Been feeling a little "heavy" in my mind the past couple of days. Not sure if it's the rainy weather or too much tme watching Don Draper pout in Mad Men reruns, but it is time to lighten up. Sure, classes were a little bit lighter this week for some reason (I have given up trying to figure out the waves in yoga class attendance!), but other than that, things are GOOD! 

Lots of work to do, fun times with friends, my husband's art & guitar work are starting to gain some traction, we're healthy, our family and friends are healthy. Life is good. 

So, although, I am working this evening, so that I can have the next two days off instead, I need to try to get out of my head, and just enjoy. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 223 Intention ~ Keep On Being Grateful

Day 223 Intention ~ Keep On Being Grateful

There are just some times when I am reminded how much the people in my life are just amazing and just how lucky I am. This week was one of those special weeks that I got to experience that a little bit more than an average week. 

Yoga, live music, a baseball game, a great canoe ride, laughs, old & new memories and just great people and times have left this lady's heart welled up with gratitude and love. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 222 Intention ~ Take A Trip Down Memory Lane

Day 222 Intention ~ Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Kent State University, the early 1990's. This is where my husband and I met so long ago. Tonight, we are headed back and actually spending the night. It should be fun to check out the new places to go and some of the old. I am sure old memories will be triggered and come shooting back to me like crazy of those good, carefree times back then. 

It will also be good to see friends and I'm sure some folks that I haven't seen in quite a time. 

Should be a fun trip.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

One of the perks of working for yourself is that you can arrange your schedule to take a day off on funny days without really having to ask anyone's permission. 

Today, an old friend and I are doing just that and heading off to her place on the water. We are planning on canoeing, watching the water, playing with the dogs, watching the sunset and reconnecting with each other too. Should be a fun and much needed adventure away from it all...even if it's just for a day.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang at Home

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang At Home

Probably sounds like an easy one. It is. But, it's funny, with all of the trips and friends visiting and shows and fun things to do in the summer, just hanging out at home for a change makes me feel like I should be doing something. But the reality is, it's good to take a night off and regroup. 

So, sorry this blog is short and sweet, but that's all that's up here today.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 205 Intention ~ Enjoy the Moments

Day 205 Intention ~ Enjoy the Moments

Still in gold friend bliss from last night, I just love that feeling of waking up and having a full house of some of my favorite people in the world. Laughing over coffee and feeling like we get to do this every day. 

Although I already miss them all dearly, even though I will see two of them next week still, I enjoyed each and every moment that I got to spend with these friends and really, this part of my family. 

With gratitude. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 204 Intention ~ Enjoy Old Friends

Day 204 Intention ~ Enjoy Old Friends

I love all of my friends and consider myself lucky to have and know so many great people in my life. But, there are those few that always stand out. The ones that know you better than you know yourself sometimes. The ones that even if it's been a long time since you've talked or seen each other, you pick up as if it were yesterday. 

Today I am super lucky & excited as 4 such people will be at my house in a matter of 2 hours. The last time we were all together was probably 4 years ago. I have seen them each separately between that time, but all together like this? Not for a long time. I cannot wait. I am going to enjoy them as much as I can and cherish each moment I get.

I think it was in Brownies when I was a kid that I learned that song, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." 

These are the gold ones for sure. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 203 Intention ~ Just Do What You Can

Day 203 Intention ~ Just Do What You Can

You can't control Mother Nature. Today, I had many gardening & lawn mowing plans to get ready, not only for a yoga class in my yard tomorrow morning, but friends that will be here in the evening. 

But, alas, the rain and wet grass lead me to delay my plans outdoors and focus inside. So, for today, I am cleaning indoors rather than out in hopes of at least getting some of these tasks taken care of. 

We constantly get thrown curve balls to what we may have planned for ourselves. It can be minor like a weather delay for yard clean up or more major, but adjusting and accepting what is the reality rather than the plan in our heads, helps us move forward with our day and our lives rather than react harshly or negatively to a different situation than what we wanted. Reacting in this way never does any good to help the situation, so try to accept whatever is going on around you...ideal or not. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 145 Intention ~ Let It Loose

Day 145 Intention ~ Let It Loose

Yep, this is one of those days that doesn't come around very often & probably won't again for this particular occasion. Today, I am driving to Toronto with my niece, Allison, to meet up with great friends and go see THE ROLLING STONES!!!

Now, I know they're gettin' old and they don't rock it out quite as hard as they used to, but nevertheless, they are rock royalty and their shows are an event in and of themselves. I have loved them since I was 10 years old and I still get giddy at the idea of going to see them live. The fact that I get to take my 23 year old to see them for the first time just makes it even better. 

I am so so grateful to my good friends Jen & Tanya for giving me this gift and to my friend Z for handling the ticket ordering. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going.

So, today I am going to soak it all in, celebrate & let it loose!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 93 Intention ~ Be Supportive

Day 93 Intention ~ Be Supportive

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own heads and world and needs, that we forget about the ones we love and care about. Not on purpose, of course, but just because we have other things on our minds. 

Today, I am making a conscious effort to be aware and supportive of my family & friends that may need an ear to vent or a shoulder to cry on and show my care and love for them. It's important to support those in your life. How can we open our own hearts unless it is towards another?

Take a moment today, and just check on someone you love or maybe someone you just like, or heck, maybe someone you don't even know and make sure that they are doing okay. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Change

Life.

If there is one thing we can count on it's change.

The color of our hair. The car that we drive. The place that we live. The people we call "friends".

Change displaces the things we swear we know and some we didn't even realize was there. It is the current of our stream. It is the jucieness that weaves in and out of everything and just like change to life, juicy to change is a constant too.

But while juicy change can some times be fun - it can also bleed you dry.

Pulling the essence of ourselves from the bones of our lives until we don't know who we are. Doubt creeps in and then its nothing but long wakeful nights trying to figure out what you did to deserve fate that was brought upon you.

How you are wrong.

You are being punished for your mistakes.

And then... there it is... you are bad.

But that's not true. You're not bad, you're not wrong, you didn't do anything - you're human and humans mess things up. They say the wrong thing and forget to listen and get flustered and scared when things begin to change.

When we let doubt creep into our lives, into our heads and into our hearts we quickly forget the one thing we should always remember - who we are.

Who are you?

I bet you're amazing and even more, I know that you are. Don't let those juicy moments of change become some burden of doubt. Don't let it take you from you - because you're here for a reason. We all are. And yes, maybe at times seeing that reason clearly is harder than finding the proverbial 'needle in a hay stack' - but underneath all of that baggage is you.

Beautiful, smart, fun-loving, perfectly perfect you.

Spend this week celebrating you. Loving you. Being you. And know while change is a constant, your essence is too.

~Namaste