The Love List

Another week, another burst of inspiration. Dive in! 

ALEX BEADON

ASHORE

THE PROPER PINWHEEL

LOVE TO GO

OTHER BITS + BOBS

+ We are all the same:

If what I say resonates with you,

it is merely because we are both branches of the same tree.

- WB Yeats

+ "Your breakthroughs have more to do with your own power than that of the expert or guru." Beautifully said. 

+ Change the world, change yourself. 

+ I pretty much want to purchase all of these works of art.

+ "I think the key to dealing with this phenomenon (unmotivation) is to try to limit the frequency and length of these occurrences and to not get too down on yourself when it happens.” Really enjoyed this post on "how to get things done" from The Nectar Collective.

+ Simply STUNNING.

GRATITUDE CORNER
I am boundlessly, endlessly grateful for... breakfast smoothies in the AM, hot yoga (I'm 100% addicted, you guys, new connections, bold kindness, playlists from Songza, planning new adventures, people who ask all the right questions, raw honesty, amazeballs (an actual 'thing', I will have to share the recipe!), a brand spankin' new couch being delivered (tomorrow!), and you. xx

ALRIGHT, JOY-SEEKER, YOUR TURN: What are you grateful for this week?

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Goals Before 2014: Presence (Week 4)

First off, a confession: I didn't stick to my plan of developing a rock-solid morning routine 100%. Carving out a morning routine that works for me is still going to take some time to figure out exactly what that looks like.

In my mind, I had mapped out what I thought it would look like - spending extra time being super-productive or squeezing in a quick workout. What this really meant for me was opening my eyes a bit earlier (anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes), and taking the time to be still before gearing up for the day.

Instead of forcing myself to be strict with a morning schedule, if I fell behind, I didn't guilt-trip myself for it, I simply made time in the evening before bed to wind down into meditation, read a book, or dive into some inner-exploration. Taking these extra moments for myself brought clarity not only in that moment, but that feeling stretched throughout the day. Moments where I'd usually get frustrated (rush-hour traffic), I set the intention for peace and simply went with the day, however it unfolded.

More than anything else, the act of simply being gentle with myself and giving myself space to breeeeathe has been the biggest shift.

That said, it's all still a work in progress but I'm looking forward to honing in on a routine that works for me, not one that I've read about, been told about, or that's worked for somebody else. Let's call it customization. I'm fancy like that.

WEEK 4: PRESENCE {October 28 - November 4}
This week it's all about presence. I've got a big week ahead full of personal projects, work deadlines, a course I've enrolled in, as well as a weekend away with friends. My aim here is to be in the moment. To focus on what's right in front of me, rather than letting my mind run off, thinking/ planning/ worrying about something else.

Instead of letting my mind run off, when I'm away having fun with a friends, I'm not going to think about the to-do list I have at home, I'm just going to be there. When I'm hammering out the details of a project, I'm not going to guilt myself because I haven't completed a course assignment, I'm going to immerse myself fully in my project. Laser-focus. Crystal-clear attention. Full-speed ahead!

My hope here is that presence works its way into all aspects of my life. Not just the "getting shit done" parts, but also the snippets in the day where I create space for myself, and invite in pockets of pure joy. To clear my mind of inner-chatter when I'm on the yoga mat. To write simply for the joy of writing. To stop and jump on my mini-trampoline just for fun. To take my meditation practice further, and go deeper.

I have a feeling it's going to be a pretty freaking awesome week ahead.

YOUR TURN: What goals are you setting for yourself this week? Declare it + share it in the comments! xx

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Kick Start: Be Where You Are

We are all on a constant journey in life. The pursuit of happiness. Our own growth and self-discovery to gently slide into alignment with our purpose.

It's a process that ebbs and flows, cycles that roll in and out of each other, ups and downs, through deep layers of healing work. Each and every one of us constantly reaching to do better, be greater, go bigger. We welcome the flow as it enters our life, but resist in its ebb. We demand the fluidity of life, insisting it to remain a permanent fixture, afraid it will never return if lost.

The only real certainty is that we will continue to live through each cycle, not in expecting or demanding. Not through insisting or forcing.

Time is spent wishing for what we don't have.

Berating ourselves if we've fallen off track or missed the mark.

Feeling like our dreams are too far from our reach.

Believe it or not, but where you are in this moment, is where you are meant to be. Sink into that, and dive into what you can learn from what you're experiencing right now.

Shift your focus from where you want to be to where you are.

Life is not a race that's quickly bypassed to get to the finish line, it's a long road full of pit-stops, unexpected adventures, detours, and heading off the beaten path. You don't know what's going to happen, you figure it out as you go along, rolling with the punches. The voyage never ends.

Be open to change, to the unexpected.

Practice gratitude daily.

Forgive yourself.

Trust your intuition.

Say YES to curiosity.

Answer the call. Your call.

Don't wait for an invitation.

Be where you are, not where you think you should be.

Everything is progress.

TAKEAWAY: I'll finish this off with one of my favourite quotes:

“Patience child, patience. Remember, life is a journey. If you got everything you wanted all at once there’d be no point to living. Enjoy the ride, and in the end you’ll see these “setbacks” as giant leaps forward, only you couldn’t see the bigger picture in the moment. Remain calm, all is within reach; all you have to do is show up every day, stay true to your path and you’ll surely find the treasure that you seek.” | Jackson Kiddard

What do you think, beautiful? How can you honour where you are right now? 

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Reflections in Nature

I had a good laugh at myself as I was uploading these photos, as it's clear there's a theme surrounding Between Dreams this week. We kick-started the week by celebrating how far we've come, we've recognized our past (and created space from it), and I touched upon my own reflective state during my sort of "life update" in The Love List. Yep, it's all about reflection.

It was just three short weeks ago that I shared our adventures from Silver Peak, promising to give you a glimpse of the magnificent views of the canoe ride after the hike, and here we are.

Sometimes there simply are no words to accompany the sights. Just silence and a striking amazement at how truly vast and spectacular our world is. And while we're heading inwards towards our own reflection, nature is there with you, side-by-side, breathing the same experience.

A quick Q before you head out: Are there any themes currently popping up in your life? Little nudges that've been calling your name lately? I'd love for you to share in the comments! xx

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The Love List

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future” | Thich Nhat Hanh

I posted this beautiful quote on the Between Dreams community page last week, and the words are still very much top of mind these days. Does it resonate with you at all? It's really been reminding me to pull back, slow down, take an extra deep breath, and pay attention to what's happening.

I've felt a huge shift in energy lately, even just in the past week, as past areas of resistance and hesitation have been slowly fading away to the background. I'm embracing it and because of that, different areas in my life are ramping up. It feels like I'm on the brink of something - a new beginning, a new chapter - and I'm incredibly stoked about that. I feel more open than I ever have before, so the reminder to slowly move along with that process is an important one for me.

Sometimes it's so easy to want to rush into the future. To want what we desire right this second. The reality is that if we spend our time rushing, speed-walking to the next chapter, we bypass what's happening in this moment. We miss the beauty of the process.

That's enough rambling from me today! Here's some must-read blogs to check out PLUS some extras making The Love List this week...

THE SHINE PROJECT

ELEPHANTINE

IN HONOR OF DESIGN

CHASING HAPPY

OTHER BITS + BOBS

+ Hilarious moment of the week: Gearing up to stretch my way into eagle pose, just as the rose quartz I've stashed away in my sports bra decides to slip out and fall onto the floor. Whoops!

+ This one's making its rounds on the Internet, but this proposal brought tears to my eyes.

+ Have you checked out Chasing Happy's The Thankful Project? Such a beautiful idea.

+ A Gratitude Note to the Person Who Hurt Me Most. Incredibly powerful, beautifully written. I've been toying around with the idea of writing my own version, and I'm not quite sure if I'm ready yet. What do you think?

GRATITUDE CORNER
I am boundlessly, endlessly grateful for... a weekend spent surrounded by creativity, my incredibly talented husband, the luxury of lazy days, "Gravity" (Have you SEEN that movie?! A must-see, that's for sure!), connecting with beautiful women online, giving myself permission for self-care, consistent meditation, candlelight, shifted perspectives, GORGEOUS fall days, and you :) 

Over to you, fearless adventurer! What are you grateful for this week? Be sure to leave a comment before you jet off! xx 

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Recognizing Your Past vs Reliving It

Soul-searching. 

Finding your true self. 

Diving deep within. 

Subtle nudges. 

Discovery. 

Healing.

At the beginning of the year, I hit the ground running, set my intentions, and a fire within was lit. Ideas flowed, energy poured, and I was set on uncovering what really makes me tick. As the year progressed, I fell deeper and deeper into "retreat" mode. A longing to go deeper, uncover more, and go further within.

I've been taking stock on how these past few months have unfolded for me - it's been about finding the sweet spot of what works for me - where I want to go, what I want to do, how I want to give.

While I still had these big ideas flowing around in my mind, I withdrew, and without allowing guilt to take over, I accepted that it was what I needed. I had preconceived ideas on what I thought I should be doing, but my body (and mind) wanted something different. I listened to the cues my body was sending me and went along for the ride. I learned to let my feelings guide me, I learned to trust my intuition, I practised stillness, and allowed myself to go inwards, rather than projecting outwards.

I don't have all the answers, and this process of discovery, learning, and healing isn't over. (Though - I don't necessarily think it ever will be and I fully embrace that.) But at the same time, the time spent soul-searching has been transformative and I want to share that, honestly and authentically.

'CHECKING IN'

Are you feeling like you've stepped off the right path, a little lost or misguided, like there's got to be something 'more' out there for you? Maybe you want to go next level with where you are in your life?

I've had moments of "How the hell did I end up here?!" when I've failed to check in and listen to my(true)self, and just went along with the motions, unconsciously. It can lead us astray, lost and unsure of which way to turn next.

To get back on track with our biggest desires, you've got to get crystal clear on what they are first. Ask yourself the probing questions: Who am I? How did I get to where I am? When do I feel the most happy/ fulfilled/ energized? What makes me tick? What do I want to discover? How can I add value? Where is my focus right now - where do I want it to be? Or as simple as: How does that make me feel?

The process can be uncomfortable, it can stir shit up, which might make you want to forget it completely and walk away. The feeling of resistance is a sign that you're on the path of discovery, on the verge of uncovering your truest desires. Accept it and push forward.

RECOGNIZE YOUR PAST

Our past experiences have shaped who we are, moulded our thoughts and opinions, and play a part in the steps we take in the future. Shoving your feelings to the wayside and not taking the time to process them can create built-up negativity that blocks our energy and unconsciously affects your life, preventing you from living to your full potential.

When we take the time to consciously check-in and ask ourselves the burning questions, often, the past gets stirred up. Going head-to-head with those past stories is tricky business because we resonate and associate ourselves with them so deeply. I mean - we were there. We lived it. That was us. 

Our stories are the path we walked down to get to WHERE we are, they are not WHO we are. They are simply what's happened to us. Understanding and making peace with your own unique story can aid in your own self-discovery, it can be an avenue to help and teach people, but we must DETACH ourselves from them. They no longer exist. They're ashes from the fire, carried away by the wind.

When we continuously replay our stories in our minds, we can submerge ourselves so deep in the past that suddenly we're at ground zero, experiencing and reliving those moments all over again, bringing negative feelings back to life.

We need to be daring enough to create space between who we are versus what happened to us.

LET'S GET REAL: Are you currently holding onto your stories? What do you think about detaching ourselves from what's happened in the past? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments, love xx

Image via Striking Truths

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Kick Start: Look How Far You've Come

If I could pick out one constant theme in my life - it's the desire for more. Curiosity pumps through my veins, it's engrained into my very DNA. Throughout my life, I've always been searching, keeping my eyes peeled, probing with questions. For the majority of my adolescence, I had no idea what I wanted. Period. I never had that moment where everything just sort of "clicked" and suddenly I knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be for the rest of my life.

At times, life seems like a constant race. You set your goal, run like hell towards it, and once you get there, there's something else. Another dream to strive for, another target to hit. That's the one thing about humans is that we're never fully satisfied, there's always more to chase after.

When you're moving forward it's hard to see how far you've come.

In times like these, the curse of comparison can set in, you see someone who is where you want to be, and think, "Why can't I be that successful? Why can't I be more like that person? They've got it all figured out."

Or it's the self-induced guilt that's got us down, "Why haven't I achieved that yet? I should be there, not here."

Or maybe it's just the trash-talking mean girl that you just can't seem to shake, "You couldn't possibly do that!", "You're not ready for that!", "That's so unrealistic and beyond silly, what were you thinking anyway?"

During moments like these, these beliefs and thought-patterns can cloud the truth. Everything seems so murky, and the only thing that's clear is that you are not enough, you haven't done enough, and you have so much further to go. But you are. You are so much more than enough.

In this moment, stop the race, the striving, the wanting, the countdown, the targets, the searching. Stop it all.

ASK YOURSELF: How did you get to where you are, right now?

We've all gone through our own unique set of heartbreaks, traumas, dramas, twists, turns, and bumps in the road. Some of us have had our hearts shattered, our spirits broken. At one time or another, we've all felt unsure, lost, and alone. We've been lied to, betrayed, and misled. There's been trials, lessons-learned, and cold-hard truths. Curveballs and wake-up calls.

Some of us have made it to the other side, while others are deep in the thick of it all.

Each and every one of us has been through so much to get to where we are today. Regardless of who you are, where you are, what you do, or what you think... you are enough.

Let me just say that again - you are enough.

Yes, you. You are enough.

You've lived those past moments, you've experienced life's ups and downs, you've navigated through treacherous waters and made it out - stronger, wiser, and more aware. You are armed with a wicked dose of courage and bravery, rock-solid grit, and a beaming light so bright and steaming hot that you are a serious force to be reckoned with. Powerful, radiant, freaking beautiful.

Give yourself the credit you deserve. 

Today, your task is to take this gentle reminder: look how far you've come. xx 

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The Love List

Good mornin', day-dreamer! There's lots of goodies to be shared today, so let's get straight to it, shall we? Behold! The Love List:

ANGELA + ITHYLE

ALL THINGS E

TOSSING THE SCRIPT

WINDY POPLARS

THE DAILY LOVE

OTHER BITS + BOBS I'M LOVIN'

+ Kate Byrne of Betty Means Business outlines the 10 steps to make sure you DON'T start your DREAM business. Yep, sounds about right.

+ "Leave the critic outside the room." Insights from Annie Lennox on creative breakthroughs.

+ What does your moon sign say about you?

+ I've mentioned it before, but seriously! Sign up for these love-filled notes. They will brighten your day.

+ I've been reading up on the chakras through Belinda Davidson's (free) 7-Day Chakra Kit Course. In a word? Floored.

GRATITUDE CORNER
I am boundlessly, endlessly grateful for... family, fort-building, finding old treasures, wicked-awesome playlists, citrine, post-it notes, a husband who cooks (haha!), lemons, lavender, bath salts, candlelight, endless inspiration, 11:11, 1:11 (ev-er-y-where), cozy spaces, home, the holiday season, and long weekends (with the most amazing weather).

YOUR TURN, WILD ONE: What are you grateful for?

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Goals Before 2014: Setting The Tone (Week 2 + 3)

My apologies for the late post today, the first day after the long weekend is always such a hectic one! But I hope everyone's feeling amped up to tackle this week and another goal!

My focus last week was on getting my house in order and knocking off those less-than-thrilling "to do" items off the list, and let me just say, putting pen to paper and crossing those items off felt so good!

I'll be honest, a couple of those items were left to the wayside since we travelled back to our hometown for Canadian Thanksgiving, leaving less than enough time to get it all done... but I have officially changed my last name on all legal paperwork (in case you're new here, I got married last April... so that one's been nudging me for awhile now!), I've made space for a couple tasks that I've been wanting to do for months now, and we've found some really awesome artwork for our home... making it feel more "us".

Regarding this project as a whole, I did do some time going through my goals and two big questions have been popping up:

1. Is this something I really want to do?
2. How will I feel after I've accomplished this?

These are two Q's that I have been and will continue to ask myself as we navigate ourselves through the rest of the year, since the ULTIMATE goal is to invite joy + ease + all kinds of feel-good emotions. Just a little somethin' somethin' to think about as you pick and choose your own slam-dunk goals.

WEEK 2 + 3: SETTING THE TONE {October 14 - 28}
My aim here is to create a morning routine that sets the tone for the rest of my day. To me, this means opening my eyes earlier, getting myself on my feet, and carving out time for me.

Sometimes that might mean hitting my yoga mat, or moving my body in some way. It might mean opening up a book, sitting down to meditate, scribbling in my notebook, or simply sipping tea while daydreaming out the window. What I plan to cut out is: checking my phone as soon as I wake up, hitting the snooze button, and scrambling to head out the door first thing.

As you can see, I'm setting aside two weeks to really help create an awesome morning routine that I can stick with. The reason for this is, well, I like to sleep. I love to sleep. Mornings are so not my forte. What I do know for sure is that the mornings that I have hopped out of bed early, that same sense of calm and clarity has travelled with me throughout the day. While I know this will be difficult for me, by giving myself some extra time along with the public accountability, I'm excited to feel the buzz of the morning high throughout my days, even if I have to drag myself out of the comfy (warm, inviting, glorious) bed.

OVER TO YOU: Have you been setting goals lately? How do you pick and choose 'em?

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A Technique for Letting Go of Past Mistakes

At one time or another, I think we've all wanted to erase a dark time from our past. The words we wish never came from our mouths, the actions we wish we never took. A promising opportunity lost because of our fear of failure. Letting someone into our heart much too quickly. Ignoring the signs.

It's everything from the tiny mistakes all the way to the so incredibly gigantic you think you'll never get your head above water. (You know, the big f-ups!) Often, it's in those moments where you doubt yourself, where you wish you weren't so stupid/ gullible/ naïve/ foolish/ idiotic.

I use to spend much of my time dwelling on these mistakes, thinking to myself, "How could I have done that?" or "Why didn't I see things clearly before?" or even "What could I have done to change things?" The never-ending run of questions racing through my mind, searching for answers, all the while my regret for whatever happened just kept growing. It's in that regret, that resentment was born, along with it's pal bitterness. Resentment and bitterness that were often projected inwards.

What I now know is that this is not a healthy way of thinking. Not only is it not healthy, it's counter-productive and just plain limiting.

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." | John Powell

Past mistakes cannot be changed, transformed, or altered. Spending hours, days, and weeks thinking about the how's, why's, and what if's will send you into a perpetual state of... how's, why's, and what if's. It's a cycle that will get you nowhere fast.

MOVING FORWARD
For years, I've been affirming the fact that my mistakes have made me a stronger person, that they've shaped who I am today. And while I whole-heartedly agree with those sentiments, I find that sometimes when phrases become a cliché they tend to lose their meaning.

Instead? Let's dive in. Grab a piece o' paper. You've got homework.

1. Write down your biggest mistakes. The biggest pickles. The ones that really and truly sucked. Majorly rough. Were just plain painful. Get them off your chest - one, two, six of 'em. How ever many you'd like.

2. What did you learn from these mistakes? Here's where resentment and bitterness will go you nowhere. Time to get real. Dig deep(er) (and deeper) and be completely honest with yourself. This is the part where you jot down the real life lessons, the lessons that have directly affected your soul. What did you realize after-the-fact? What were your eyes opened to? How did it make you stronger?

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. 

You have to fail in order to practice being brave." | Mary Tyler Moore

3. How did what you learned change you? Unless it's changed your perspective, behaviour, or how you approach things, you didn't learn anything.

4. BURN, BABY, BURN. Literally. Set fire to the page. There's something therapeutic about seeing life's biggest doozies go up in flames.

Facing up to your failures and missteps is one of the hardest tasks to do, but I find that diving straight in rather than simply masking it with affirmations you don't believe is incredibly... freeing.

Let me know how you made out! I'd love to hear all about it.

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The Love List

Bringing The Love List back and mixing it up with a new format!

Lately I've been feeling that extra push to connect and search out new inspiration and blogs to read across the web. After putting this plan to action, I've reached out to some amazing ladies, and have found incredible blogs and sites to bookmark and refer back to often... so I figured, why not round everything up, and share the love here, for you! (Perfect for a little mid-week pick-me-up!)

Each week, I'll be sharing a handful of blogs that I'm loving at the mo' - a mix up of treasures that I've adored for a while and some new gems I've recently discovered, then we'll dive right into a mix of links and random bits that are topping my love list, and top it all off with a little gratitude corner. You know, to get the love + joy really flowing.

Let's get to it, shall we?

CAITLIN CONNOLLY

ROOTS AND FEATHERS

WE TOOK THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

THE NECTAR COLLECTIVE

THE MIDDLE FINGER PROJECT

OTHER BITS + BOBS I'M LOVIN'

+ Dipped my toes into Love With A Chance of Drowning and have officially fallen in completely. The adventurer in me is screaming for some serious attention, and this epic memoir is on a whole 'nother level.

+ I've been giving into my Pinterest addiction as of late, and this board is completely dedicated to how I want to feel. And seeing as how it's filled with beautiful imagery of lush landscapes, adventure, travel companions, and opening up... it's clear that wanderlust has set in, hard.

+ "Let's take the taboo-ness out of the word HEALING." This post from the gorgeous Tara Bliss really resonated with me. This girl's got some serious writing chops and I have a feeling it's just the beginning.

+ Dying for inspiration? Endless words of wisdom to spark creativity? These Ted Talks oughta do the trick. (A-HA moments a plenty!)

+ "When I offer that term to you, what comes up? To live a good life?" "...Love." This interview is simply exquisite.

GRATITUDE CORNER
With all things love (sharing it, spreading it, basking in what feels good), let's get right to the cherry on top, gratitude.

I am boundlessly, endlessly grateful for... meaningful connection, the joy of writing, brisk mornings, bluest of blue skies, clouds for days, pumpkin ice cream, mini-trampolines, pops of colour throughout our home, audiobooks (true life-savers in my eyes), smoothies first thing in the morning, tea with honey and lemon (the ultimate), and flowing conversation that feel damn good.

YOUR TURN: What are you grateful for? 

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Goals Before 2014: Making Things Happen (Week 1)

Time to kick this plan into action! Last week I let you in on an experiment I had in mind (and hope you'll partake in!) in an effort to turn the stress + overwhelm that comes with the end of year waaay down.

I know, I know. You're thinking, "It's only October, why the hell are you talking about 2014?!"

Let me explain: From my personal experience, I tend to start thinking about how I'm going to kick off the new year around the last couple of weeks of December. Yep, right around the time when there's 3578591 loose ends to tie up and a million more errands to run. Pair that up with the end of year chaos of holiday festivities, and you get a lot of reactive priority-shifts + actions. This is about being proactive. And we've got plenty o' time for that. (12 weeks plus a coupla days to be exact!)

You can read more about this experiment here but here's the condensed version if you're playing catch-up:

It's all about chucking obligation out the door and being led by feel good decisions through a free-form structure (That's code for you decide exactly how these next 12 weeks play out! Yes, you! The creator/ master/ commander/ expert of the good + great + awesome in and of your Universe, respectively. So much pow-ah!)

We'll be removing complication from the equation and scaling back projects + goals into smaller, actionable items LEADING TO laser-focus, clarity, and a helluva lotta productivity CREATING simplicity, ease, and joy ULTIMATELY setting ourselves up to launch 2014 on a HIGH NOTE! With fire! Pizazz! Oomph! 

SIGN. ME. UP.

Last week, I spent some time mapping through some of the goals that I'd like to make happen, giving myself a small guideline to follow but nothing too concrete that I feel obligated to follow to a T. (Too much in-depth planning tends to make me feel a wee bit claustrophobic, I need a little wiggle room for spontaneity! The spice of life! You know?)

WEEK 1: GETTING MY HOUSE IN ORDER {October 7 - 13}
While trying to get all my ducks in a row over the past few days, I've already headed up this week's goals by:

+ Getting a couple of annoying to-do's off my list - like, unsubscribing to newsletters that I'm always deleting, paperwork to renew my passport, and some banking.
+ Painting our bedroom
+ Purchasing new bedding (!!!)
+ Started creating a productive + inspiring office to work in at home
+ Downloading a zillion new audiobooks for my morning commute

However, I definitely thought I'd accomplish a lot more than I did but, you know, painting. It's the ultimate time suck. But! It was a huge item to tick off the list! (Even if we still have to finish up the accent wall, I'm still checking this one off as a major success! We've now successfully painted our entire place aside from the bathroom.)

This week I'll be focusing on more or less the same: creating sacred spaces in our home (continuing to spice up the office, making our bedroom feel cozy + relaxing), checking those other annoying things I've been neglecting off the list (the ones that keep magically reappearing), booking some much needed appointments for the future, as well as tracking my time better to boost productivity.

My hope is that at the end of this week, I'll be freeing up some serious mental space where "I'll get to that..." has been residing for too long!

How about you? Anything you'd like to smash outta the park this week? 

Image via Design Love Fest // Chillhiro

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Adventures Up Silver Peak

Last week I mentioned how invaluable (and utterly awesome) it is to take a leap and surprise yourself.

For me, that meant leaving my ego behind, abandoning 'the norm', and jumping head first into nature - lacing up my shoes and hiking trails by day followed up by packing on the layers, cozying up at the campfire, and sleeping under the stars. To my surprise (and to the shock of my parents/ friends/ husband), I loved it.

In fact, I loved it so much that we went ahead, packed up our camping gear, and headed out for round 2.

Except this time, we wanted to crank the intense dial right up and go harder, longer, and more epic. (Bring it on, I say!)

3K canoe ride to the trail, 6K hike up Silver Peak, through paths that, let's be honest, just looked like a maze of rocks. Every step mattered. Up inclines and back down again, weaving our way through the path. Every move was calculated. We huffed and puffed, but when we reached the top? We felt accomplished. Energized. Alive. Free. The fresh air filled our lungs as we etched the beauty of the landscape into our minds, making sure it would never fade before making the 9K journey back down again.

(And as a fellow 6 year old hiker exclaimed, "THERE'S BLUEBERRIES! THESE ARE THE BEST BLUEBERRIES EVER! THE HIKE WAS WORTH IT JUST FOR THESE!" They were damn good blueberries.)

Take me back.

Replaying this trip (which was a month ago now!) gives me some serious Summer nostalgia, what about you? What do you miss most about Summer? 

P.S. The canoe trip back was unreal, I'll definitely be sharing those photos with you next week. They are magic.

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An Experiment: Combating Overwhelm

Feelings of overwhelm tend to be a reoccurring theme that creeps in again and again. As we head into a new month, the sudden realization that there are only three months until a brand new year sets in. Far enough out to be comfortable with it, and soon enough that it still surprises you.

As the weeks pass, the depleting end-of-year-itis will no doubt rear its ugly head, packing on the unrealistic expectations and dreaded pressure, leaving you feeling helpless and submerged in the world of overwhelm and stress.

I have 3294327 loose ends to tie up!
How the hell am I going to manage my full plate and smash through my goals?
Where did the time go?! It's only ____ days until Christmas!
Why is the end of the year so freaking kuh-ray-zy?

I'm here to tell you that it can be different. Softer, gentler, more productive.

HERE'S WHAT I'M PROPOSING:

Striking overwhelm from our vocabulary before it appears. Not just tackling the lengthy to-do list you've got tucked away, but doing so with intention. No rules, no obligations, all feel-good, free-form. Making room not just for the admin stuff and the "must-get-done" items, but for creativity, expansion, and joy. Step-by-step, side-by-side.

Sounds full of potential, doesn't it?

HERE'S WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN:

Over the course of 12 weeks (starting next week), we'll begin to map out a goal a week (or take two weeks if it's a biggie!). By setting up realistic, achievable goals in a short-term setting, we'll be swinging open the doors, inviting in more into our lives and setting ourselves up to dive into 2014 feeling accomplished, refreshed, and AMPED to kick it off on the right foot.

The aim here is to...
+ Intentionally add what matters to your plate, creating LASER-FOCUS.
+ Smash through fears and resistance. Open up to more options, more possibilities. (Gimme more of that!)
+ Consciously make the time, making room for more of what you want. (HELL YEAH!)
+ Use this free-form, "how is this feeling?" technique to gently guide you through goal-smashing, setting the tone for what's next. (Don't make "must-abide-by" rules to follow.)
+ Play an active role in creating your own reality.

A FEW TIPS
Take this week to map out your goals - from the dusty, neglected items (like general house-keeping) to the shiny, new treasures dancin' around in your head (think expressing yourself creatively, signing up for a new class, creating a healthier lifestyle, whatever you wish!), and plan it out.

As we head into the next 12 weeks, don't be restricted by your list. While a plan helps you get going, it's not set in stone. Feel like doing your goal for week 6 instead of week 3? Shift it around. Need more time? Take it, sans guilt! Does one of your goals no longer resonate with you? Cross it off the list, open up for more. Trust your gut. You know what's best.

Lastly, hold yourself accountable! I'll be sharing my updates with you as I go, and if you'd like to write about your experiences - by all means! Other ways include, sharing this idea and teaming up with a friend, getting yourself an "accountability partner", or connecting on the Between Dreams community page. And if you'd like to email me for extra support + encouragement + occasional check-ins, you know where to find me!

Phew! I'm stoked! Can't wait to see how it unfolds.

TELL ME: Will you be mapping out your goals in the weeks to come? How does striking overwhelm from your vocabulary feel to you? Would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts in the comments. (And if you're joining in and sharing on the web, please be sure to leave your links so I can follow your progress! xx)

Image via Julian Bialowas

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