Tag: inspiration

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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.”

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

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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All Energy Vibrates

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Vibration Essense

All energy vibrates, water is the universal carrier of vibrational imprints

Much like yourself, the things you come across all have their own stories to share. That’s because the people who owned them before have left their mark, like a vibe or energy, on them.

Listen up! Our bodies give off energy like crazy, and every time we touch or hang around an object, we leave behind a vibe. It’s like these imprints are memories, emotions, or feelings that stick to the thing. Just like you, all the stuff you come across has its own story to tell.

Have you heard of psychometry? It’s like this crazy ability to tap into an object’s past and learn all about the people and stuff it’s been around. It’s like the objects are telling their own stories, man.

Just think about it. That old house that always feels creepy and cold? Maybe it witnessed some tragic event back in the day. Or that childhood toy that always brings a smile to your face? It’s probably got some good vibes attached to it.

The cool thing is, that everyone has this psychometric power inside them. It’s just a matter of tapping into it and letting the objects share their secrets. . . their stories.

So, you know how everything around us has its unique vibe? Well, psychometry is all about tapping into those vibes, like tuning into a radio station. It’s all about getting on the same wavelength as the stuff around you.

Check it out! You know how some people can like, totally read the vibes of objects? It’s called psychometry, and it’s all about using stuff like jewelry or watches to tap into the energy of their owners. These things are always on the owner, so they soak up all kinds of info. When someone with the gift of psychometry touches an object, they can pick up on feelings, places, and even events that are tied to the owner.

Emotions can be pretty easy to pick up on, but it takes some practice to get good at it. If you wanna work on your skills, find a quiet place and sit down, palms up. Have a friend put one of their favorite things in your non-dominant hand, and just let your mind wander. Whatever comes to you – images, sounds, feelings – tell your friend about it or write in your journal.

Just hold an object or place it on your forehead, sit in silence and you’ll be able to feel its history and experience all the emotions, sounds, tastes, smells, and images that have gone on around it so far.

It’s this cool ability where people can pick up on the history and vibes of objects by touching them. It’s usually done with small stuff that’s been close to the owner, but it works on big stuff too, like houses and cars. Freaky, right?

So, let’s say you get your hands on an object with a story. You can tap into its memories and learn all sorts of crazy stuff. It’s like the object is whispering secrets in your ear. And the best part? The more you know about the object, the more memories you can unlock. It’s like a treasure trove of info waiting to be discovered.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Be Quiet and Listen . . .

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Nature Sounds Meditation

Meditating with the calming sounds of nature is a great way to connect with something way bigger than yourself.

When we sit down to meditate, we usually focus on our breath to help us gather our thoughts and energy. This is because it’s easy to get distracted, but focusing on our breath helps us stay in the present moment. It’s like a tool that helps us center and ground ourselves.

  • The sounds of nature are all around us, like our breath
  • Whether it’s the rain, the wind, the ocean, or the birds

Listening to these sounds can bring us peace and connect us to the world around us.

It’s easy to get lost in our little worlds and forget that there’s a whole world out there. We get so caught up in our own goals and plans that we forget to take a step back and appreciate the world around us.

You know that feeling when you kind of take a step back from your everyday grind and just soak in all the good stuff around you? It’s like a switch flips inside, and suddenly the world feels bigger and brighter. Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about! When we give our attention to the background noise of life, we’re discovering this whole new dimension, and it’s pretty darn awesome. It’s like we’re connecting to something larger than ourselves, and it leaves us feeling refreshed and full of life. Isn’t that just the best?

So, you wanna find the perfect spot to meditate and connect with nature’s symphony? Look no further than the mighty ocean, my friend! Just plop yourself down somewhere comfy and let the thunderous roar of the crashing waves wash over you. Forget about your worries and ambitions for a while and just listen. And hey, don’t forget about rivers and lakes – they’ve got their tunes to share too!

Even if you’re a city dweller, you’ve gotta admit that the wind can make some crazy noises. It howls and whistles like crazy! And then there’s the rain. It can sound so different depending on where it lands. It’s like a whole orchestra out there!

Next time you hear these sounds, instead of ignoring them, really listen to them. Stop what you’re doing and take it all in. It’s like listening to a beautiful piece of music. Let the sounds of nature take you on a journey and just enjoy the show!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Embracing Bliss

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When you write a poem, it’s like taking your thoughts on a wild ride. It’s like your brain goes on vacation for a bit, and you just let the words flow.

Listen up! Makin’ art ain’t just ’bout showin’ off your skills—it’s like a major meditation sesh (enjoyable activity) and a way to let your true self shine through. Picture this: you’re flinging paint onto a canvas with all your might, shedding the world’s burdens like a boss. Or maybe you’re belting out high notes with your squad, and it’s like your fears are fadin’ away, makin’ room for you to reach new heights in life. That’s the power of creativity, my friend!

Meditation isn’t just about sitting still, it’s about creating poetry. When you put your heart and soul into a poem, it takes you on a wild ride deep inside yourself, like a temporary trip to your inner world where your mind can just float free!

Writing poetry is like other forms of meditation,. It’s all about staying in the moment, fully present, and not worrying over the outcome. When you do that, you let go of all your inhibitions and preconceived notions about what “needs to happen.” That’s when the magic happens, and your thoughts just flow through you, as easily as a summer breeze.

When you write poetry, it’s like your deepest self is spilling out onto the page. It’s a reflection of your inner world, laid bare for all to see. So, embrace the bliss, let your thoughts roam free, and see where your poetry takes you.

 If you’re looking for a way to use poetry as a meditation practice, here’s a cool exercise you can try.

First things first, find a quiet place where nobody will bother you for the next 20 minutes or so. Check out some poems written by other people for some inspiration, and see if any particular style tickles your fancy. Don’t be afraid to go wild and try out Freeform writing too!

Writing a poem isn’t that complicated. Just grab a pen and paper and let the words flow, friends. Don’t even freak out about what you’re gonna say next, or if your spelling and grammar are on point. Just be as descriptive and creative as you wanna be. When you’re done, take a step back, read over what you wrote, and let it vibe from within!

Just wanted to say that your work is going to be awesome! And guess what? It might even bring up some old thoughts and feelings that you’ve been pushing down. Don’t worry, it’s all good! Writing poetry is like meditation – it helps you chill out and let your soul express itself. That’s pretty cool, huh?

Post your poems here, if you are willing – there is zero judgment @ LBD ♥

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in inspirational, Journal Writing, Journey

Keeping a Creativity Journal

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One of the best ways to get creative is to try new things

There are many different kinds of journals. Some people write down their deepest thoughts and feelings every day. Others write a single poem or a few lines of an essay once a week, every few months, or whenever they feel like it. The best part about journaling is that there are no rules or restrictions. If you want to get your creative juices flowing, start a journal to record your inspirational thoughts and ideas, or to keep track of an artistic project.

Find a blank book that you like, with or without lines. It should be a color, size, and texture that appeals to you. You can also make your journal, designing a cover with drawings and photographs. The most important thing is to start journaling. Initially, you might want to schedule time for journaling each day. But even if you don’t, you know that your journal is there waiting for you when inspiration strikes.

One of the better ways to encourage creativity is to try new things. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what a “journal” should be get in your way. Anything too formal or linear is up for grabs when flying with your creativity flag: 

  • write with your non-dominant hand
  • write in a different
  • Write in a different direction
  • Landscape orientation is a great start, diagonally, or even in a circle

When it comes down to it, you don’t have to write anything at all. You can draw, doodle, or paste a collage of images. The important thing is not to worry about your artistic skill, but to focus on expressing yourself. Anything fresh will help jumpstart your creativity: use different colored pens or pencils, fill your pages with colorful doodles, words from magazines that catch your attention, anything to keep you from thinking in the same old ways.

Your journal can be about any aspect of your creativity. You may or may not believe it at this moment, but there is no such thing as a “non-creative person”. A collection of fragments can be a place for you to store your dreams, a place to jot down brilliant ideas, or even the beginning of a larger creative project. 

Don’t just put together a journal and forget about it. Every once in a while, take it off the shelf and read it as if you found someone else’s journal lying there (and that it was okay to look inside). You might be surprised by the inspiration you find.

Happy Journaling ♥