Hello Old Friend… July 27, 2018

It’s been quite awhile since I last posted.  When last we spoke it was December 2015 and New Years resolutions was the topic du jour and I set out on a path of being of service to my parents.  So, it was more important to walk the talk of all that I believe, so certain things had to fall by the way side.  I continued to coach but the writing and social media had to take a respite.  Any free time I had went to my parents, my relationship and self-care.  The last of which was a very difficult one to do.

 

I had spent the last 6 months of my Mother’s life spending equal time between my home and my parents home, helping my Father care for my Mother.  Something I am so glad I was able to do and will always be thankful for the opportunity.  Yet this was a time while I was working with my partner to start a new business venture which opened the month my mother passed away.  Then in December I was required to have my 3rd back surgery (microdiscectomy, fusion and hardware removal) and afterwards my health began to cause me some serious problems and this is where I truly had to stay in the moment and walk the talk. I felt the need to serve everyone before myself to make sure that everyone was cared for before I stopped for the day.

 

So after my back surgery my body spiralled into a level of pain that I hadn’t known before.  Joe, my partner would touch me and unbearable pain would shoot though my body.  It turns out I had Fibromyalgia that had been triggered by my back surgery.  It’s exacerbated by the cold and we’ve had a couple of very cold winters.  So my neurologist are handling my Multiple Sclerosis, Migraine and Fibromyalgia under the same umbrella. Somehow my umbrella seems to be getting bigger and bigger.

 

Needless to say this was a time of constantly saying to myself, “Don’t go down a road that isn’t right in front of you, Sarah”.  I was constantly having to take deep breaths.  My self-care was and still is paramount.  My morning meditation, exercise, eating whole foods, acupuncture, looking up and looking out and not getting caught up in the little things were and are more important than ever before. Staying in the moment to stay healthy was my everything!  Two and a half years later I am finally coming around because one can’t be any good to anyone else when they aren’t being good to themselves.  What’s the expression about the oxygen mask on the airplane?  My body doesn’t hurt.  I’ll say it again my body doesn’t hurt.  Which is amazing!

 

Which leads me to…………. Be good to yourself so you can be good to those around you.  What do you do for your self-care and nurturing?

 

 

Energetically yours,

Sarah

 

 

New Years Intentions! December 31, 2015

Happy New Years everyone!!  And being that it’s new years eve I’ve been thinking a lot about New Years resolutions.  We hear a lot about making New Years resolutions…. which, so many do not keep (as she smiles sheepishly).  What if we changed them to intentions? Like: My intention is to be more compassionate or My intention is to be more aware of what I put into my mouth…  So this got me thinking… What is the difference between a resolution and an intuition… Well the definitions are:

resolution: (noun) 1. a firm decision to do or not to do something 

intention is: (noun) 1. a thing intended; an aim or plan. (and intend: 1. have (a course of action) as one’s purpose or objective) 

OK… so the difference is that a resolution is a definitive decision and an intention is an objective for change…. To me the intention is a kinder plan for forward movement and the resolution doesn’t allow for life to happen. An intention is a plan to create change.  It sounds as if  I’m saying an intention lets you off the hook, but it doesn’t.  If you intend to do something you still can be held accountable by yourself, friends or a Life coach.  When resolutions are made and then dropped by February we feel a bit like we failed… So how can you create an intention that is kind and loving towards yourself and the world around you? Do you want to be more compassionate, loving, aware of your time, aware of what you put into your mouth?  What…

 

 

What is your intention going into the new year?  What new awareness will you bring into your daily life that you hadn’t done before?  What are you willing to do to keep your forward movement?

 

Happy Happy New Years!  Talk to you next year!  (that never gets old for me 🙂 )

Lot of Love!

~SHC

Twas the Night Before Christmas… December 24, 2015

Time for my yearly blogging holiday tradition… “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.  So enjoy and squeeze your loved ones a little closer this Holiday! I know I will!

Happy Holidays!

Lots of love!

~Sarah

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”

By Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Are You S.A.D? October 8, 2015

As we all know some days require us to be more flexible than others. And it can be difficult to shift our thinking to see the opportunity in it.  The moment fall rears its head I start to become S.A.D.  My thoughts start to slip sideways.  The National Institute of Health describes it as “Some people experience a serious mood change during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This condition is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression. It usually lifts during spring and summer.”  I use to think it was a seasonal funk which made me even sadder because autumn is such a beautiful time of year.  The breathtaking foliage color is enough to make anyone stop and pause.

 

So I stop and ask myself, “What is my opportunity here?”  For me it’s a time to really focus on my exercise to get my serotonin leaves up, eat as healthfully as possible and be careful with my sleep.  If need be, and I have the time I even go so far as to literally  climb into bed for a nap around 3:00.  So I guess I am saying it’s an opportunity to be more conscious of my thoughts and actions. I also try to go south for a vacation in February, which for me is the hardest month of all. It’s about catching myself when I start to slip.  It’s about reframing my thinking… to find the benefit.  I guess it’s just about being more accountable for my thinking but most of all it is about being gentle and kind.  Allowing the uncomfortableness of it all is what allows me to shift out of it.

So I’m wondering how do you shift your thoughts to find the opportunity in the obstacle?  When your thoughts go side ways what do you do?

 

Energetically,

~Sarah

Letting Go Of The Temptations Of The Flesh September 1, 2015

I was a vegetarian for over a decade in my teens through to my 20’s simply to be healthier but I ultimately succumb to the temptations of the flesh…  I succumb to the yum…  But alas things change.  I have been really working towards the belief of ‘Do not harm’.  This has been a focus for me in thought, word and action towards others (which is the easiest for me) for decades.  But where I was getting caught up was in those insidious little niggling thoughts that slip in sideways about myself.  I may not use the word should verbally but I find myself thinking it.  They would come up when I felt I wasn’t being enough in one way or anther. When they would and occasionally still do come up I remind myself to be gentle then let it go and move forward (perfectionism discussion for another post 🙂 ).  After some kind work I was ready  to take the step forward to truly doing no harm.  And that took the form of letting go of the temptations of the flesh.  Because doing harm for me, meant the discomfort I felt in regards to consuming animals and harming the animals.

 

 

I live in a Very rural area with many many cow farms.  I fell in love with the local Highland cows at a neighborhood farm.  I renamed them ‘My People’ because of their red hair… bad idea for a compassionate meat-eater because who would want to eat their people??!!  I am very aware of wanting to  always walk the talk in my life.  I don’t want to say one thing and do another.  So in the attempt of doing so I let go of the temptation.  I thought I’d have trouble but I feel great physically and karmically feel great!  So when I drove by my people today and stopped and said hello my heart felt free! I love knowing that I am yet one more step towards truly doing no harm.

 

 

Energetically,

Sarah

More Love Letters… August 23, 2015

I came across the website More Love Letters a while back and fell in love… A woman named Hannah Brencher had an exceptional story that took on a life of its own.  Here’s the back story of Hannah’s project:

“I moved to New York City after graduating from college. I thought I was going to walk straight into my dream life. I practically thought a red carpet would be rolled out for me. That didn’t happen though. In fact, it was basically the opposite. I found myself grappling with depression, unable to tell my family and friends because I was so ashamed. Depression is a scary thing. Depression, when you make yourself journey through it alone, is terrifying.

So I started to get really honest in the pages of my notebook. And eventually those thoughts morphed into letters and I found myself ripping the letters out and leaving them all over New York City for people to find. I left them everywhere: Coffee shops. Libraries. Coat pockets in department stores. I liked to imagine who might find those letters.

Somehow that idea took on a life of its own after I blogged about it. My inbox was filled with the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever encountered after I published a simple question on my blog: Do you need someone to write you a love letter today? Just ask.

That one question changed my life forever as I spent the next year writing hundreds of love letters to strangers in all parts of the world. More than just the letters– that question is the reason you and I are here in this space right now. I started More Love Letters three years ago and we’ve become the only global organization out there that blesses individuals–young and old– with bundles of love letters during a time in need. We basically want to create the most miraculous experience for people when they need it most: hundreds of letters of support and encouragement showing up at someone’s door all because someone in their own life loved them enough to just ask for those love letters. In fact, we need you here to help us make this whole “life” thing better for others. Life is hard. And yes, it breaks your heart. But you don’t have to go it alone. We’re right with you. It matters that you’re here. In fact we really want you here! It’s my hope that you’ll get involved in the writing & the mailing. I mean, we’re already counting on you. And we’d really like it if you decided to stay. ”

 

 

Here’s her Tedtalk:

 

 

What a wonderful story and I love how it inspired her to take the step in creating a way to give back on a larger scale!  I have always felt a need to be of service in one way or another.  When one enters a volunteer situation with an open heart it is remarkable what can happen!  I write love letters and hope that you might consider to do the same.  Open your heart!

 

 

Sending Love

~Sarah

Being Lazy By Doing Too Much August 10, 2015

“There are different species of laziness: Eastern and Western. The Eastern style is like the one practised in India. It consists of hanging out all day in the sun, doing nothing, avoiding any kind of work or useful activity, drinking cups of tea, listening to Hindi film music blaring on the radio, and gossiping with friends. Western laziness is quite different. It consists of cramming our lives with compulsive activity, so there is no time at all to confront the real issues. This form of laziness lies in our failure to choose worthwhile applications for our energy.”

– Sogyal Rinpoche

This made me think about how we all spend our down time and what is the most conscious choice? Or what is the most supportive choice we can make for ourselves? I for one am guilty of being lazy by doing too much.  I consciously have to stop myself and ask what’s really going on?  How are you feeling?  🙂 Why are you cleaning, yet again.  And trust me one can clean too much.  I had a friend when I lived in England who when she called and heard I was cleaning would ask me what was wrong.  So I’m wondering if this shows up for you and if so what may be going on that you are not hearing.

It’s just a thought….

 

Energetically,

~Sarah

Art. August 6, 2015

 

I think that creativity is an essential part of our being. It shows up in myriad ways, whether it’s fine art or kitchen art or musical art or the art in the way we are with people.  Art is every where.  As an artist I thought I’d share this beautiful youtube clip with you (yet again 🙂 )… It just, makes me smile.

Native Wisdom… July 8, 2015

Native Wisdom:One evening an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people.

 

He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.  One is evil.  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his Grandfather:

“Which wolf wins?…”

The wise old Cherokee simply replied,

“The one that you feed.”

 

I simply love this parable because one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given is the one of free will.  The freedom to choose any direction we want! I coach a lot about choice.  Where do you want to go from here? If you don’t like how you feel make a different choice… What’s another way of looking at your situation?

So…. which wolf do you want to feed today?

 

Energetically~

~Sarah

Flexibility May 12, 2015

Today was day were flexibility was needed.  And I don’t mean flexibility like a gymnast.  I mean flexibility of the mind and spirit.  Sometimes plans are made and they don’t come to fruition.  How do you respond and feel? I’ve had to work be flexible.   It was not always in my nature.  A plan would change and I’d be thrown.  I didn’t go with the flow, I’d melt down.  Having to recalibrate didn’t come easily to me.  I could have an entire day thrown even by the smallest of monkey wrenches.  And then I chose a career that required flexibility, acting.  To not make plans until the day of and even then it may even change moments before an audition.  Being and actor meant that your agent would call regarding your next day up until 6ish the day before and you might even get a call the day of.  And if you wanted the job you’d say,”Yes Please!” or ” Of course I can change my plans!”.  Flexibility became an art.  Learning to be able to move forward and go on the fly meant I had a better chance of getting the job. And I did.

 

This ultimately helped me in all areas of my life.  Let’s say friends couldn’t make dinner or plans simply changed it became my responsibility to find the opportunity in the situation and not the obstacle.  Knowing that I am the sole proprietor over my feelings and responses is incredibly liberating.  I know for me I’d rather live in the moment and not get caught up in the drama (Now what am I going to do!!), victimization (Ohhh this will make it so hard) or blame (If they had only called me sooner!) of it all.  By not buying into the finger pointing I’m given the opportunity to stay at ease.  Which is were I chose to live.  That place of Universal flow.  Because you never know what gift might come along by letting go of the stress.

 

So how flexible are you?  Where might you be able to let the blame go so that you have more room for the good stuff?

 

Happy Spring!

~Sarah