Infinite Gratitude ~ Infinite Holiday

I was going to entitle my November newsletter, “Infinite Gratitude”. It was going to be my nod to the Thanksgiving Holiday and the fact I celebrate that sentiment every day. I regularly urge others to do the same for so many reasons. Gratitude has an interesting way of multiplying things to be grateful for and there are no words for the state dwelling in gratitude can bring. Then, I decided I would be grateful for giving myself a month off from the technical frustrations my newsletter has brought in the past. Then, I thought about how it really isn’t much of a newsletter anyway. I rarely share current pics of myself, my family and surroundings for privacy purposes. In fact, I wondered – as I have numerous times before – if it was time to simply discontinued my regular posts. While I still don’t know what the future holds, in this literary regard, I do know I am inspired to share a post this month.

Repeat of One of My Favorite Gratitude Images

You probably immediately get the “Infinite Gratitude” aspect but “Infinite Holiday”? I remember, years back, when I first heard friends from the UK and friends from Canada saying they were "on holiday". It took me a short bit to realize they were, in more familiar terms that I was used to, on vacation. Way back when I worked 70-90 hour weeks, I dreamed of being on vacation. As my life evolved, I mused about how off balance the traditional work/vacation balance was. No wonder so many people have numerous ailments – spiritually, physically and emotionally. I decided to make my life a vacation. I wanted to live “on holiday” every day! Well, now I do. It is more of a mindset than a place. Although, I must admit, I have definitely manifested places, most of the time, that others visit on their dream vacation. Even on days I am physically working hard for hours, I regularly look at my surroundings noticing all the things I love about them. I feel appreciation for all the aspects I now have and live that I would incorporate in my “dream vacation”. And, as alluded to earlier, it’s amazing how much being thankful brings about more to be thankful for.

I’d also notice what I loved about celebrating certain “holidays”. Then, I’d see how I could include some of those cheerful, celebratory qualities into my every day. A culinary treat, meaningful music, wearing something that makes me feel good, a fragrant candle, fresh flowers, surprising someone else with a little gift, putting up a fun decoration – the possibilities are….well, infinite. No surprise the silly song from Mary Poppins loops through my head frequently, “It’s A Jolly Holiday With Mary…” Haha.  

Pretty Shell Christmas Trees and Shell Bells accompanied other Christmas themed beach art offered this season. Let me know asap if you are interested in any of these One Of A Kind pieces to brighten your holidays or for a last minute treasure to gift to another. By the way, the little gift embellishment tags double as ornaments/decorations after gift is opened.

 Huge ongoing thanks for your presents/presence in my life. Whatever you choose to celebrate, I wish you heart-felt, joyous holidays. May your lives be filled with love and may you always have an abundance of things to be thankful for. 

More Questions and Always….Appreciation

Here I am….posting another blog message – almost a surprise to myself. Right after telling people they could follow me on blogger and thus get notified about my messages, I find out that Feedburner – evidently the addon that enabled such – is discontinuing this service in July. And it turns out my emails, for the last few months, have been going to people’s spam folders – particularly gmail accounts. I have no progress to report on “that” Tropical Spa Retreat…or even hints. It really seems there is one reason after another to discontinue my messages. However, all I need is one good reason to make a new post. And Spirit has given the green flag yet again.

Art by Daniel Holeman

As you are aware, everything is energy. So many folks are pining for the way things were and desperately trying to go back to the “old ways”. What they fail to recognize is that all those old systems were, in some way, broken or dysfunctional. Oh, they were functional for something – for getting us collectively to the point we are right now. If everything is energy, how did we get here? You can come to your own conclusions by following the energy. Follow the strongest emotions of the majority of mankind. Follow the greatest flow of money. Then, things will become clear. Thankfully, more and more are awakening to this understanding. They are consciously becoming aware of their thoughts (energy) and redirecting them in more desirable directions. Increasing numbers are spending their money more consciously - choosing to let their money speak by not investing in companies trying to “keep” the old destructive ways, and instead, supporting people, businesses and causes that are making this world a brighter place.

Speaking of the old ways, there are many old adages that aren’t particularly healthy or helpful either. Recently, on fb, I re-shared a “memory” of my kids when they were little. It was accompanied by this musing of mine, “That concept, ‘Live each day as if it were your last’ never worked for me since it was first introduced to me by a coach decades ago. I'd spend the whole day saying good-bye to my kids. Pretty sure they don't want to do THAT every day!” Another frequent example is someone trying to encourage another saying there are lots of others going through the same thing as you. Or, you’re not the only one with this particular challenge. While misery loves company might work for some people, it doesn’t make me happy knowing others are sad or challenged too. If I am in a (temporary) low place, thinking someone else is feeling the same would only make things worse. My point is not to tell you which sayings or beliefs are good or bad. I am simply suggesting you reconsider doing or thinking things just because you always have done and thought that way in the past. Consciously, rethink what was previously your automatic thinking. Perhaps there are some of the “old ways” that you might benefit from letting go of or updating for who you are now. Perhaps there are even new ways you’d never considered before simply because you were too attached or stuck in old way habits.

I remember a story I heard a while back that’s a great example of

doing things a certain way just because that’s how they were always done – Grandmother’s Ham. While there are various versions, it goes something like this:
A husband and his wife were in their kitchen. The husband was sitting in the kitchen while his wife was preparing a ham for dinner. The husband watched the wife cut off about one inch from either end of the ham. He asked why she cut the end off, saying “that’s a waste of good ham!” She said “that’s the way my mom prepared the ham.” The husband asked “why did your mom cut the ends off?” The wife didn’t know. Later, the wife called her mom to find out why she cut the ends of the ham off. Her mom said “because that was the way my mom prepared ham.”

The wife’s grandma passed away several years earlier, but her Grandpa was still living. She called her Grandpa and asked “Grandpa, why did Grandma cut the ends off of the ham?” He was silent as he thought for a moment. Then he replied, “so the ham could fit in the baking pan.”

 

Here is a beautiful excerpt from visionsofheaven.com ~ “In order to birth a new world, you as a collective human race, are dying to the old one. There will be no 'going back' to normal. There will be only 'going forward', and it is a glorious reality you are moving towards, even in spite of all the birthing contractions you continue to witness.”

Art by Daniel Holeman

What am I going to do from this point? Almost every aspect of technology is working “different” for me than it is “supposed” to....or is it? Perhaps all those “break downs” are guiding me onto new paths. Perhaps even my previous goals/visions are being re-written into something grander that even I could have imagined. I am definitely open to new possibilities. Living in trust is really second nature to me now. And I am super grateful that I always know my very next best step. No doubt when you take care of yourself, trust God ~ the Universe, and act mindfully, you will know your very next best step too!

 

As you know, I love to assist my friends any way I peacefully can. I have introduced this amazing gal before who is definitely helping bring about a new, brighter world. Nora Dunn – the Professional Hobo as she likes to call herself – has traveling long term down to a science. I am aware of many people starting to change their priorities over the past couple years. A surprising number have even expressed interest in spending more time in nature for extended periods of time. Whether local or across the world, Nora can definitely provide extensive guidance for those considering the leap…or hop….or flight. She is now offering one on one coaching both for long distance, long term travel as well as alternatives to travel while enjoying many of the benefits.

Nora gives aspiring long-term travelers (remote workers, early retirees, and more) confidence to hit the road, knowing they have arranged absolutely everything in the best way possible for them. This includes finances, logistics, emotions, and more - she helps you look at the whole picture so you can manage your affairs and travel safely, effectively, and stress-free. Learn from her 15 years of long-term travel; she made all the "mistakes" so you don’t have to! 

She does all this through 800+ articles on her website, an inspirational YouTube interview series, and most recently personal consulting. You can book a free 15-minute consultation with Nora here - and make sure you let her know I referred you! 😄

 

For those of you who look forward to my featured Gifts From The Sea and Other Treasures, please enjoy the feeling and detail of Mermaid Rock Enchantment ~ This Handcrafted OOAK Little Amethyst Mermaid enjoys sleeping in the sun on Mermaid Rock. She is hand-painted with fine detail from silver head to tail. She basks on a beautiful rock with a natural coral "mountain" atop. Crowning the coral is a stunning, authentic amethyst crystal - acquired by yours truly on a beach in Ecuador. Surrounding this cute siren are shell trees and "moss". Glittery blue waves splash the base. Rhinestones and bling capture the light increasing the enchantment. Gorgeous Beach Décor for yourself or that Little Mermaid in your life! Please contact to acquire.

Whatever is going on in my life, there are always more blessings than I can count in and around me. No doubt this is true for you too if you really look. I believe an Attitude of Gratitude is one of the simplest but most profound practices that help make this world a better place. In that spirit, please feel my deep appreciation for your presence in my life. Whether up close and personal or perhaps simply reading my writing, we each help shape each other’s lives. Together we are creating a brighter future…..a wonderful new world!

A Few of My Favorite Things

My next “assignment” started in a whirlwind of plan changes and the unknown. Undoubtedly, being peaceful with uncertainty has been a recurring theme for many years with me. It was even a challenge lining things up as I had virtually no cell service and limited internet in “Fern Gully”. The lady I was corresponding with obviously used texting as her primary mode of communication. It took a bit of time and effort before I could shift the correspondence to e-mail. Before that I’d walked or otherwise gotten myself to town just to make a phone call but wasn’t able to connect. I figured, if this was meant to be, it would all work out. I was to start Sept 1. The whole process was a practice in trust, living in the moment, taking inspired action and going with the flow. My current hostess could only give me a ride to Kona two days prior. The new hosts could not take me earlier as their previous assistant was leaving Aug 31. I sent messages to local friends asking if they could host me for two nights. Right away I got a yes and was thrilled with the flow feeling so effortless. Then, only a couple nights before departure, my interim host informs me she has a schedule conflict and now cannot accommodate me. This was cutting it down to the wire as I could not communicate via cell, didn’t have much internet and others don’t always check their messages immediately. Consequently, I was writing extensive messages in case this happened or that happened and copying people through the stages and such. I hadn’t heard anything affirmative ‘til the morning of departure which still were only possibilities requiring more details. I wasn’t even sure, at that point, if my current hostess could still drive me. It worked out she would take me but, since I didn’t know yet where I was going, she’d bring me to her university campus where I could spend a few hours ironing out details. Plans changed so many times due to responses and lack of responses. Now I was relying almost completely on texting – the opposite of my situation before – tediously composing detailed messages on my little antique flip phone. I finally got confirmation from my friend I’d hoped to visit most. The catch, it was simply a yes and I didn’t know where she lived. All the craziest things that could make life more interesting happened including us not being able to find the address on my hostess’ smart phone. Without that information, I couldn’t be dropped off after her classes so was taken along for her midwife visitations in the area the next few hours. Finally, many angels and resources later, the directions were acquired and my midwife mama graciously dropped me off.

I was soooo grateful after all the unknowns (and this is the extremely abridged account) to be welcomed into a beautiful home with an even more beautiful family overlooking Kealakekekua Bay. The amazing dolphin mural on the wall with a goddess floating on the water assured me I was definitely in the perfect place. This was my wonderful SeaStar, Kim, who took me for a magical dolphin swim in that same bay last time I was in Hawaii – November 2015. Her three young children were the sweetest ever and quite refreshing to be around. They were so kind and encouraging to each other and brilliant as well. The couple days I was gifted there were a restorative retreat preparing me for whatever was next. Little did I know how much I would need it.

My new hostess picked me up accompanied by two of her three children. They all seemed so delightful and I hoped we would gel just as perfectly. I was so excited about the house I stayed at facing directly out to the ocean! From there I could see the sun setting in the sea! All around were palm trees, plumeria, jasmine, hibiscus, fern, ti plants and more of the foliage I love. In the yard was a mango tree laden with huge sweet fruit. I could eat mango to my heart’s content. It was a 6 minute walk to a quiet shoreline cove and 10 minutes to Magic Sands Beach. Later I found out, it is also called Disappearing Sands Beach due to the fact the sea claims the sand for weeks at a time before redepositing it to form the beach again. Fortunately, I was there during “beach time”.

The first few days seemed fairly promising but, as time went on, they turned a bit baffling. Yet again a phenomenon, which has happened a number of times in my life, presented. Piece by piece, what I thought was, mysteriously proved to be something completely different – not a little, completely. There are a number of truths I remind myself of when experiencing a perplexing situation. “I don’t know the real meaning of what I see” was definitely reinforced on a daily basis. On one particularly interesting day almost a month in, everything changed on a dime. Within 24 hours I was on my way to my next adventure. The purpose of my mission there may remain a mystery forever. Bewildering to my little human self, my Higher Self reassured with knowing many truths. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know I was exactly in the right place at the right time. No matter outward appearances, I definitely brought a positive energy to the situation with my presents/presence. Through thick and thin, I was able to peacefully remain the calm eye of the storm. I bask in gratitude for all the gifts I received from that experience both known and hidden.

Speaking of the gifts......I was able to experience a few of my favorite things (hear that musically)…. Finally, I was constantly in a comfortable temperature – something specific to very few areas I’ve been in my life. While the beach was pretty tiny and often covered with masses of humanity, I did get to enjoy it very early in the morning and sink my toes into its magic sands. Lulled by the hypnotic crash of the waves on the shore, my eyes drank in that intense aquamarine hue that makes me go Mmmmmm! Although I didn’t get a physical dolphin encounter, I felt their energy and was visited
by my other marine friends – honus. On a number of occasions, one critical from a physical perspective, the sea turtles gently reminded me with their relaxed behavior to go with the flow. The sun graced me with brilliant light shows on his way to wake up folks in another part of the world. The intoxicating fragrance of frangipani, aka plumeria, wafted to me wherever I went as well as various colored blossoms often finding their way into my hair. Experienced days full moon enchantment. While I never saw any volleyball action at the net on the beach near me, I was able to catch some at another court a couple times a week. I met a new friend, Alice, who recently heard the call to move to Hawaii and had fun times with her. Did I mention I had all the sweet, delicious mangos I could possibly eat? I even managed a few quiet candlelit bubble baths. Of deep meaningful inner privilege was the opportunity to communicate with another precious unborn angel in close proximity. So many magical moments!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I reiterate my appreciation for so many of my favorite things. It is interesting to notice, wherever I have been so far, I am able to manage a fraction of my favs along with a mix of not so desirable things. It may be my imagination, although that is a powerful part of this process, but I feel my percentage of favs is increasing. The more I focus on the bright things, the more the Universe fills my order. Thus, I continue playing in the Light with my intent to increase it both for myself and all around me.

Do you wish to dance increasingly in the Light? Do you want to be more cognizant of the ways you are manifesting your results? Would you like someone to lovingly guide you along your journey? Find out if TelephoneWellness Guidance is appropriate for you with a complimentary session.

Are you are enjoying reading these musings? Have you been inspired, entertained or encouraged by these stories? If you find value and are able to contribute to my ongoing mission of light, please consider making a donation via Paypal, check or money order or any other way you feel called to support my quest and, indirectly, yours.

Closing with a final swirling of love and mahalo. Aloha!