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It’s Gets One-Sided At Times

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Sometimes it gets One-Sided

It happens, relationships get all out of whack when we don’t make time to catch up with each other.

In a close relationship, the way energy flows between two people is pretty amazing. Ideally, both people should be talking and listening equally, and they should be giving and getting support in equal measure.

In any relationship, things change, and sometimes one person ends up doing more listening or giving. But don’t worry, it won’t always be like that. Like a seesaw, things tend to balance out over time. We all have phases when we take more and times when we give more. It’s just a natural part of being in a relationship.

But, let’s be real, there are also those friendships where things just feel tilted. You know, like you have this friend you dig, but you’ve started to notice that the chats are always about their stuff, never yours. Or maybe you have a buddy who constantly needs your shoulder to cry on, but they don’t seem to be there for you when you need ’em. Over time, these friendships can make you feel like a thirsty plant that’s never getting any water.

You’ve got a friend who’s been all taking and no give for a while, you’re not feeling it anymore, and you’re wondering what to do. Well, there are a couple of options. You could end the friendship, or you could try to talk to them about it. If you go the talking route, be prepared for them to be surprised. But your friendship could be much better if they’re okay with talking it out. They might even thank you for helping them see a pattern in their life that’s been messing up more than just your friendship!

One more thing you can do is just be okay with the relationship as it is. A lot of one-sided relationships work. Like, a mentor relationship where you’re learning from someone, or when you’re helping someone who’s sick, disabled, or needs something. In these cases, just be happy that you can help and be helped, and trust that in the long run, things will balance out.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Ride The Wave Of Life

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           Misquamicut Beach ~ Westerly, RI  Looking towards the Holiday House Mansion 2018

Ride the wave of life

Life’s a wild ride, but you gotta find a balance between going with the flow and standing your ground. You know, sometimes, life throws you curveballs. It’s like being on a crazy rollercoaster, with ups and downs and twists and turns. But instead of fighting it, try to embrace the ride. That’s when things get easier. Just let life carry you where it needs to, even if it’s not where you expected.

Riding the wave of life can be wild, but it’s also a natural and effortless journey. It’s not like you just sit back and let the wave take you wherever it wants. You gotta be on top of your game, staying focused, centered, and alert. But you also need to chill out and go with the flow. Don’t fight against the wave; let it carry you where it needs to go.

Life is a journey, it has its ups and downs. The ups are the moments of joy, success, and fulfillment, while the downs are the challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. Just as a wave cannot be stopped or controlled, life’s journey cannot be paused or manipulated. It’s a continuous movement, an ever-changing landscape that we must navigate as best we can.

When we try to resist or fight against the natural flow of life, that’s when things get tough. It’s like trying to swim against the current in a river—it’s exhausting, frustrating, and ultimately futile. Instead, we must learn to accept and embrace life’s waves, both the good and the bad. By doing so, we conserve our energy and maintain a sense of inner peace and resilience.

When life knocks us down, it’s natural to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. But just as a wave crashes on the shore only to retreat and gather strength for the next one, we too must pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is a waste of precious energy. Instead, we must focus on the present moment and take one step at a time.

Life’s journey is not a competition or a race. It’s a unique and personal experience that unfolds at its own pace. There is no need to compare ourselves to others or strive to meet unrealistic expectations. Our journey is our own, and we must embrace it with gratitude and open hearts.

So, let’s relax, enjoy the ride, and see where the wave takes us. Let’s trust in the process of life and surrender to the unknown. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of unexpected wonders and hidden treasures that life has to offer.

Surfing the wave of life is a sweet gig—you get to go with the course without burning yourself out. It’s like being carried by a wave, with your head popping out of the water, enjoying the ride. Trusting the universe can be tough, but it’s easier when you’re chilled and relaxed. So hop on that wave, and let it take you where you need to be!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Hit Pause . . .

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At Times Hit Pause

When there’s a break in the action, folks wonder what they’re doing with their lives.

You know that feeling when you’ve just crushed it, and everything is going your way? It’s like you can’t be stopped. But then, out of nowhere, you hit a wall. You’re still trying to figure out what to do next, and you start to question everything. Well, that’s just the transition period, my friend. It’s a time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and figure out what’s next.

So, you’re feeling a little stuck and unmotivated, huh? That’s normal. We all go through phases like this from time to time. We’re humans, after all, and we’re meant to be doing stuff. But here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with just chilling for a bit. Take a day, a week, or even a month to just BE. Don’t do anything, just relax and let your mind wander. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to jump back into the action.

When you’re in a lull with no clear next step, life can feel like a big, empty void. It’s easy to want to sprint straight to the next thing but when you’re not sure what that is, it’s like your brain hits a brick wall and you just feel frustrated and lost. It’s easy to start thinking you’re stuck in a rut. But here’s the thing, if you’re focused on growing as a person, you’re always making progress, even if you’re not actively working on a specific goal.

This break can be a real eye-opener, giving you time to reflect on what’s happened lately and decide what you want next. Just by hanging out and doing your thing- YOU DO YOU – you can reconnect with what matters most in an organic way.

The whole “mindful transitional pause” thing can look different for everyone. Some people use it to think about how their life has gone so far, while others use it to adjust to new values after a big change. Just because you’re not speeding towards a finish line doesn’t mean you’ve lost your mojo. The time between trips can be a chill zone that sets you up for whatever’s coming next.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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It’s Better To Feel The Pain . . . Then Not!

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The Ways We Keep Ourselves Numb

When you numb yourself, you avoid dealing with your problems, which stops you from finding a solution or feeling at peace.

You know how we’re all born with this crazy mix of emotions? It’s like we’re wired to feel a whole bunch of different stuff. But here’s the thing, a lot of us get all awkward when it comes to dealing with the big ones. We try to avoid feeling too happy or too sad, and it’s like we end up living in a world that’s all gray and boring.

We may numb ourselves to what we are truly feeling. It’s easier to suppress our emotions than to deal with them, so we may momentarily turn to pleasures such as alcohol, cannabis, food, sugar, shopping, and too much television. 

So, we might just shut down our feelings, right? I mean, it’s okay to take a break from dealing with stuff sometimes, but if you do it too much, you’ll never face your problems head-on. And that means you’ll never find a way to fix them or feel better. It’s like, when you’re numb, you might not feel any pain, but you also can’t feel any happiness or get any better.

You know those things you do that make you feel all numb inside? Like, eating a whole pizza or going on a shopping spree? Well, they might seem like no big deal, but they’re not doing you any favors. When you numb yourself out, you’re not just avoiding those intense emotions, you’re also missing out on the good stuff, too. 

It’s like you’re putting on a blindfold and trying to live your life. You might be able to get by, but you’re not really experiencing it. So, next time you feel the urge to numb out, try to find a way to face those emotions head-on. It might not be easy, but it’s worth it. Trust me, you’ll feel so much more alive.

Your feelings make your life more colorful and help you connect with the world around you. You can say goodbye to those boring behaviors, one step at a time, and start enjoying life’s tasty treats again. If you feel yourself doing something just to avoid feeling something, take a step back and think about why. Figuring out what’s making you want to check out emotionally can help understand yourself better.

Each time you quit doing something that numbs your feelings, you’ll start noticing things more and feeling “stuff” way better. It’s like your senses get super sharp, and all the bad stuff that’s been hiding in the back of your mind comes out into the open. But that’s a good thing because now you can finally deal with it and heal. You’ll find a whole new side of yourself, one that can handle even the toughest emotions with bravery and aspiration.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Dark Colors Are Never Popular

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Our Favorite Deeps and Darks of 2024

SOURCE: A Blog TINTED by Sherwin Williams

Dark paint colors are not only incredibly stylish but also versatile, exuding a moody atmosphere that can instantly evoke a cozy and calming effect. We’re highlighting five of our favorite hues from A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in our 2024 Colormix® Forecast that will undoubtedly boost your confidence in exploring the darker side of the color wheel. 

Featured Colors: Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846, Carnelian SW 7580, Tricorn Black SW 6258, Raisin SW 7630, Sealskin SW 7675

Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846: This historic, deep forest green hue brings a vintage feel to spaces and is stunning either as an accent or drenching an entire space. Roycroft Bronze Green’s grounded, earthy tone instills a sense of tranquility, effortlessly creating harmonious, nature-inspired spaces. 

Carnelian SW 7580: Carnelian’s deeply saturated burgundy hue inspires an intriguing aura of mystery. It’s the perfect shade for going dark without diving all the way into the depths of an inky black. 

Raisin SW 7630: Looking for a little drama? Raisin’s rich, dark brown hue adds a captivating allure to any space. This chameleon shade’s purple undertone lends it an easy versatility that can lean either warm or cool depending on surrounding tones and lighting. 

Sealskin SW 7675: Sealskin has a refined, deep tone that creates a contented, cocoon-like atmosphere. This bold shade easily wraps spaces in luxurious, inviting warmth and adds nuanced sophistication. Moody enough to inspire quiet reflection yet classic enough to feel elegant. 

Tricorn Black SW 6258: A long-standing fan favorite, Tricorn Black is one of our deepest, truest blacks. With virtually no undertones, this timeless neutral shade is supremely versatile, effortlessly pairing with any material, tone, or texture. 

 Explore the full collection of shades in the A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in Anthology: Volume One, our Colormix ® Forecast for 2024. Want to see these hues in your space? Get FREE color chips for the whole palette, and if you need help choosing, book a FREE Virtual Color Consultation for personalized, one-on-one guidance with one of our experts. 

**A personal note: I am usually pleased with the colors chosen by Sherwin Williams, this color was not a favorite of mine, but when you POP it with some color . . . it did change my mindset about the color. Pair up SW6605 Charisma with the SW7580 Carnelian . . . Gorgeous!

 

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Worry Less . . .

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A Worry Box

A worry box is a way to let go of all that weighs on your mind so the universe can sort it out.

Sometimes, our minds get so full of stuff—to-do lists, worries, plans, and dreams—that we can’t even think straight. We might think we’re taking care of all this stuff by keeping it all in our heads, but in reality, we’re just putting off making our dreams come true and solving our problems because we’re too busy trying to keep track of everything. That’s when a worry box comes in handy.

Imagine a magic box where you can dump all your worries and wishes, and the universe takes over from there. It’s like writing a postcard to the universe, telling it what you want, and then popping it in the box. By doing this, you’re not just sitting around; you’re taking action and saying to the universe, “Hey, I need a little help, and I’m cool with letting go of this.”

Let’s give ourselves a break from worrying about that problem and trust that the universe has it covered. You can even decorate your own special box if you want. It’s like a sacred container for all your worries. Not only will you free up space in your mind by letting go of your worries and desires, but you’re also passing them on to a higher power. Once we drop our worries and desires into your surrender box, we clear our minds and can fully enjoy the present moment.

Giving up our worries and letting the universe handle them doesn’t mean we’re losers or giving up. We’re just letting go of our need to control everything and letting the universe do its thing. And guess what? It actually works! Once you let go, problems start to disappear, and dreams start coming true. It’s like magic!

So, I have been cleaning homes for about 19 years at this point, and I’ve met a lot of interesting people along the way. One of my favorite clients was this elderly woman who would always share her worries and dreams with me while I was cleaning her home. She’d tell me about her family and friends, and she’d also talk about her plans for traveling and meeting new people.

I always carried these colored index cards in my apron. I was cleaning this woman’s house one day, and she started talking about her worries and wishes. I figured it was a great opportunity to tell her about this thing I’d been doing for ten years – the Worry Box. I said to her, “Write your worries on these cards, and when I’m done cleaning, I’ll show you what to do with them.” She was like, “Sure! Anything that helps me relax and sleep at night.

After I cleaned up, she came into the kitchen and told me she had written down all her worries and wishes for the day. Then we went into her spare bedroom which she had turned into a WRAPPING ROOM – no kidding! As an organizer, this room was like heaven for me. She had everything she needed to make beautiful packages. I told her I had made a worry box from a shoe box and suggested she look around to see what she could use to make her own. I explained that once it was done, she could put all her worries and wishes in the box and have a peaceful night.

So, the next week, I go to her house and I’m unloading my jeep when she comes up the hill from her walk around the neighborhood. She tells me I had a peaceful night’s sleep for the first time in forever—said she already put her worries and wishes for the day in her box before her walk. I cleaned for her for another ten years, and that worry box sat right by her bed every week.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

This year’s theme: Like every year, International Women’s Day 2024 will be celebrated with a unique theme. While the United Nations has designated this year’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, the campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

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“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.”

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Transformation through Exploration

Most of us don’t just pop out of the womb knowing what we’re supposed to do with our lives. We gotta go out there and figure it out for ourselves.

Most creatures belong to a certain soul squad and are born with an innate sense of what they’re supposed to do in life. Animals go about their day, finding food, taking care of themselves and their babies, and making a home. No one has to tell them to do it, they just know. But for humans, it’s a different story. We don’t usually come out of the womb with a clear understanding of our purpose.

So, like, the whole point of life is to find your purpose, right? When you know what you’re here for, it’s like everything just clicks into place. But finding your purpose isn’t a piece of cake. you gotta put yourself out there, try new things, and let yourself grow. It’s a journey, not a destination.

Your purpose in life is unique, just like you are, and it can change as you grow and experience new things. You don’t need anyone’s approval to follow your dreams and find your purpose in life. No one else can tell you what your purpose is; it’s something you need to figure out for yourself. Finding and fulfilling your purpose can take a lifetime, but it’s worth the effort. To figure out what your purpose is, ask yourself what makes you tick. What makes you jump out of bed in the morning excited to start the day? What are you passionate about?

Think about activities that you’re into or a career that would make you fired up! These things can help you find your purpose and make you feel really good about yourself.

Imagine working on projects that don’t excite you or help you grow as a person, but they pay the bills. Picture yourself doing this day after day. How would that make you feel? Now, imagine spending your time on projects that get you excited, that make your heart race, and that you can’t wait to work on. These are probably things that you’re meant to be doing with your life.

You won’t regret spending time on things that are important to you. If you live your life with a purpose, you’ll feel like you’re making a difference and have control over your choices. Every action and intentional decision you make will have a purpose.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Plant the Seed . . .

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Cultivate The Seed

We can find peace within us like a seed we can always turn to for comfort and tranquility.

In our loud and crazy world, we often wish for some peace and quiet. We think that we need to go somewhere special, like a religious site or a quiet building, to feel at peace. But what if I told you that you don’t have to wait until you get to one of those places? You can find peace right inside yourself! It’s like a little seed that you can grow into a big, strong plant that will always be there for you, no matter where you are.

Have you noticed how we sometimes get caught up in a frenzy of anxiety and forget to just chill? It’s like our minds are on a constant roller coaster ride, never finding a moment of calm. But guess what? You can find peace, even in the midst of all your chaos. Just take a few minutes to focus on yourself, clear your head, and let go of all the worries. It’s like hitting the pause button on life and just being in the present moment. So, don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to relax. Make time for yourself, find your inner zen, and let the peace flow like a river. It’s a game-changer, trust me!

So, ideally, you’d make some time each day to just chill and think about your inner peace. You know, just vibe and feel all the calm around you. It’s not easy to let go of your worries, though, so don’t be harsh on yourself if it takes some time. Just take a deep breath and let all those worries melt away with every exhale. Tell yourself that you’ll deal with everything you need to later, but right now, you’re just taking a break and enjoying the moment.

When your mind is racing with thoughts and worries, it feels like a big mess, right? But, guess what? You have the power to clear all that up and feel serene. Just take a deep breath, and let yourself sink deeper into that relaxed state. It might take some practice, but the more you do it, the easier it’ll be to feel calm and peaceful. So, let’s give it a try, shall we? To help calm the mind Try These!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Give Your Anger Purpose

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Transform Your Anger Into Light

If you’ve got anger that just won’t go away, you can let the earth take care of it. The earth can change it – into something else and give it a new purpose.

So, anger is a thing we all gotta deal with, right? And sometimes, it’s like a volcano ready to erupt. But hey, there’s a way to let that anger out in a healthy way – give it to Mother Earth! Yeah, I know it sounds kinda weird, huh? But imagine this: stand there, feet firmly planted on the ground, and feel the energy just flow right through you and into the earth below. It’s like a natural way to release that pent-up frustration.

When we get mad, our energy goes straight to the core of the Earth. It’s like it becomes part of the planet’s growth process. And guess what? It changes from negative to positive, from dark to light. That’s right! Trust me, it’s like our anger goes on a magical journey inside the Earth. So go ahead, release that anger to Mother Earth. She’ll take care of it and turn it into light. No need to feel guilty about it either. She’s got your back!

Here’s the thing: we can offer our energy from anywhere, whether you’re in a high-rise building or on a boat in the middle of the ocean. The earth is always there, supporting and providing for us. If you can get outside and touch some real, unpaved ground, that can help you connect with nature’s energy. And when you’ve let go of your anger, it’s easier to receive that positive, calming, healing energy that fills your body.

First, sit down and take some deep breaths. Then, ask Mother Earth to take your anger away. Imagine it flowing down your spine, out of your tailbone, and into the earth’s core. Finally, don’t forget to thank the earth for being so awesome and helping you out.

When we deal with our anger, we realize it’s like any other energy that can be used for good or bad. During your meditation, we may get some ideas on how to put this energy to the best use.

So, I’ve got this theory that the earth can help us clean up our messed-up energy and put it to good use. Like, when we do this with a thankful heart, we know we aren’t taking advantage of the earth for our selfish needs. Instead, we’re vibing with the energy of our home planet, and it’s this whole give-and-take thing where we take care of the earth, and it takes care of us. It’s a pretty cool cycle, right?

Let’s show our planet some love, just like it shows us every day!

I go to a local park and stand on this beautiful tree root – I let go of all my frustrations and anger, I have been practicing this for over a year.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Purpose is a much more powerful aim than passion

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Sometimes it’s cool to look beyond what tickles your fancy and think about how what you care about affects the big picture. It’s way more motivating than just being passionate about something. Plus, when you’re passionate about helping others, your love for what you do goes to the next level. And sometimes, it can even be what gets you excited about something in the first place.

In the realm of passions, if there’s one shortcut that could skip the whole interest development part, it would be following a calling that’s connected to a higher purpose. Like, when you feel a deep need to contribute to something meaningful and it just makes you want to jump in with both feet. And once you start feeling a sense of fulfillment, you just go all in and try to get better at it. That’s pretty much how passions are born, no long boring journey is required.

This is why I believe “discovering your PURPOSE” is a much better aim.

Focus on creating the positive change that only you can bring about. 

Your passion will come naturally from that.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl