Images via rippedandfit.tumbir.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fabulous Friday: Danielle Yaros...
Not only is Danielle fabulous in her own right as an athlete, but these images are nothing short of drop dead fabulous....
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday Words of Wisdom: Maya Angelou...
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learnt that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday Tunes: Maybe Tomorrow...
I'm starting to build up such a collection of songs and music that I want to share, that I've decided to add another music post to the blog each week - hence, Tuesday Tunes.
Kelly Jones (of Sterephonic), does an acoustic rendition of my favourite songs of all time....
Kelly Jones (of Sterephonic), does an acoustic rendition of my favourite songs of all time....
Tuesday Treats: Ice Cream Dreams...
With warmer weather just around the corner here in the Southern Hemisphere, its time to start getting excited about one of the best parts of summer: Ice cream! These ice cream sandwiches make me smile just looking at them....
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Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday Musings: De-briefing...
As I go to start my first full week back in Sydney and at work, I'm going to be blatantly honest and say I am struggling big time. I've been purposely trying not to get bogged down in any analysis of the reasons why and to just recognise that the feelings are there and that they will pass. But as the feelings linger, I can't help but think that maybe if I let them out a bit or mull them over a little, it will be of some benefit.
Tiredness is undoubtedly a key factor here. Whilst I felt very grounded and calm being in Rishikesh, and made a point of carving out time for myself, the trip was not a 'holiday' in the sense that most people view holidays. The hours of travel, the intense heat, the culture shock, the number of things to experience, being out of your comfort zone so much of the time - its quite a lot to deal with and takes a certain amount out of you physically and mentally. I'm also beginning to feel the first signs of the flu or something of that nature which isn't helping the cause. Of course seeing my little man again and being with him since I got back has been fantastic, but there is nothing like taking care of a 3 year old on your own to bring you back to reality!
I also just realised that this is one of the first times I have experienced a trip or traveling and not really had someone to re-live it with when I came back. On previous trips I would have had a partner or other family members who were in a similar place to me and could share and understand the transition phase of returning to your every day life. Of course everyone asks how my trip was and I do my best to describe it, but its an extremely different experience to describe and in some ways, it is impossible to even begin to do. Whilst I did travel with 13 other people, we all come from different places over Australia and the world, and were all returning home at different times. So I don't have anyone who has come back to a similar reality to me or who I can connect with here.
One of the things that struck many of the group members that I traveled with was how amazing it was to spend time with such like minded people, and that this was something they didn't get to do a lot. As someone who has experienced working in a company and finding a tribe of people through this that are like minded, I have experienced being able to integrate my outside world with my work world before. And this is something that I really miss right now, given that I am working in an environment where people don't know that much about me and where the topics of conversation definitely don't flow to areas of spirituality or anything close to it. For a time this has been a refreshing change for me and it has been healthy to establish barriers between work and the rest of my life. But I am definitely missing having even one person to connect with day in and day out on this level and am struggling to work in a place where I don't feel entirely 'myself'. Lets just say that my response to the question 'How was your trip?' generally ends at 'fantastic' because to try to explain the predominantly spiritual element to my trip is quite difficult and is usually met with quizzical looks on the occasions that I have tried. The issue of how to 'speak my truth' and be who I really am and integrate things that are important to me into a work environment like I'm in now, is beginning to weigh on my mind quite a bit. I do know that it has everything to do with me and that I need to find the way, but right now doing so feels like a monumental task.
Now that I've put these feelings out there I'm asking myself 'Bel, what do you need?'. I'm not talking drastic or monumental actions - but just little things to address the areas mentioned. Sleep/rest is obviously a big one - so I will try to limit my activities this week to work and rest. The other thing I can see I need to do is connect with the people in my life who are like minded, who I can completely be myself with and whose energy fills me up. Even doing this once a week can go a long way to counteracting the effects of a work place where this is lacking. As for the 'speaking my truth' and 'being me' at work, this is one that will take time but I will make an effort to make a shift in my way of thinking and being and commit to being grounded and in touch with myself so I can maintain that in any environment.
Now that we've got that sorted, I'm going to end with some words to help me manifest the kind of week I want to have, rather than focus on what I don't want. Here's to a week of rest, connecting and practicing speaking my truth and being 'Bel' in all situations..........
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday Soul: Incredible India...
I returned from India a few days ago and am in that awkward transition phase that occurs when you have had a significant experience and then find yourself thrown back into your 'normal' life. I'm still trying to get my head around everything I saw, felt and lived while I was there and I dare say it will take a little while longer to process. But what I can say is that I am so grateful for the experience, for the people I met, for the simplicity and love I experienced and witnessed there and for the life changing affect being out of your comfort zone inevitably has on you. I'm sure i will write about more of my feelings and thoughts over the coming weeks but right now I want to share one of the first and probably favourite photos I took on my trip. I look at it and I feel India in every part of me all over again......
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sunday Sounds: Craig David; Use Somebody...
And if you need another fix of Craig's amazing voice check out his cover of Human Nature by the one and only MJ (with an SWV twist in there for the 90's kids like myself!).
Saturday Soul: Rumi Rules...
6"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain all
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of all its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be cleaning you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them all at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond."
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday Treats: Lunch Box...
I'm pretty sure I would have eaten my school lunched every day if they had have looked like this!
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Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday Musings: Wings...
"Travelers, it is late.
Life's sun is going to set.
During these brief days that you have strength
be quick and spare no effort of your wings"
Rumi
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Saturday Soul: Always say yes to the new...
Source: curatedstyle.tumblr.com via Belinda on Pinterest
As you read this post, I will most likely be in India! I can't wait to share all the excitement, joy and learnings from my travel with you all. For now, I feel that the words of Osho are the most apt as I embark on yet another journey in life...
"Never close your doors before you have experimented with anything - never, never. Otherwise many things remain un-lived, unknown. They were available and you would have gone through something beautiful; you would have been enriched by them. Always say yes to the new."
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fabulous Friday: Single Ladies featuring Heather Morris...
Today's Fabulous Friday post features two fabulous women. Yes, Beyonce is fabulous in her own right, but my main focus is the fabulous dancing of Heather Morris (aka Brittany on Glee). You only have to watch her for 2 seconds in Glee to recognise that she is an amazing dancer, but when you consider that she danced for Beyonce and actually knocked back Beyonce's request to go on tour so she could chase her own dreams, you know she's the real deal. I also love the fact that she epitomises the belief that all things in life come to you at the right time, and that if you get knocked down, keep going because there may be something bigger and better meant for you around the corner. Heather tried out for the US 'So You Think You Can Dance' back in 2006 and didn't make the top 20. Devastation for her at the time (yes, she cried on the show), but had she gone further in that competition, she may never have ended up where she is now.
Anyway, watch, enjoy and appreciate people who have clearly found their 'thing' in life and are letting it shine. Its a fabulous thing to see.....
Anyway, watch, enjoy and appreciate people who have clearly found their 'thing' in life and are letting it shine. Its a fabulous thing to see.....
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Wednesday Words Of Wisdom: Feel The Fear...
"We feel scared to move forward because we fear failing. But more often than not, the thing we fear the most is the very thing that contains our salvation. You are stronger than you know. Your possibilities are endless. Choose to feel the fear, and do it anyway. Because you can. Because you must. Take a risk. Dare to Live".
- Abraham Maslow
This is a lesson or truth it took me many, many years to embrace and one that I will no doubt keep confronting for years and years to come. But it is the truth. The thing we fear the most is the very thing that contains our salvation. More often than not, when something comes up for us in life and there is a large amount of fear associated with it, we want to rid ourselves of that feeling straight away. We run, we ignore, we bury, we distract ourselves, we do anything we can to not have to deal with it. Alternatively, we may become paralysed by it, which is a result of not dealing with the fear or refusing to embrace it.
Earlier on this year, I definitely found myself in a place where fear completely overwhelmed me. I had been working towards clearing a path and removing things from my life that no longer served me, so that I could in fact move forward in the best possible way. Once I achieved that state, however, I was completely exposed. There was nothing left to hide behind and no distractions - just a blank slate for me to create whatever I wanted for my life. And I completely and utterly freaked out (which was very annoying, particularly since I thought the hard part would be the removal of people and things that didn't serve me and that after the hard yards I had done in the year prior, I really thought my hard work was done. Not so.....). There were clearly some lingering issues re loving myself and having faith in myself. Still a doubt in my own mind as to whether I really could create my own life, and one that I would love - that I alone am enough and will be enough for myself and my son.
This sucked, no doubt about it, and was hard as hell to go through. But the universe has a way of presenting things to us repeatedly until we get the message and confront and deal with whatever the issue is. By not dealing with something we may think we have 'gotten away' without having to face it. But mark my words, it will come back to you in one form or another until we acknowledge it. And I knew deep down, I had to work through my bag of issues and clean them out properly before I would be able to move on. The things I feared, such as being alone, not being enough, not being worthy etc had to be confronted and worked through. There were many days where it all seemed too hard and I just wanted to give up and not 'work' on anything. But bit by bit, and with the help of my family and some amazing friends, I was able to work through what remained in my bag of 'stuff'.
And miraculously, I now feel that my bag is empty. I feel positive rather than fearful about the clean slate and endless possibilities before me. And I know that would never be the case had I not stopped and confronted those fears. I can now embrace being on my own, enjoy the benefits that come with that and take time for me (something most of us don't actually do much over the course of our lives). Every time I confront and work through fears, it reinforces my inner strength and confidence, which is how the fears then become my salvation. If I had not dealt with them they would remain a black cloud or shadow hanging over me, just waiting to pop up again and drag me down at some later point. Yes, my bag will fill up again - that's life and no-one can escape that. What we can do, however, is choose how full we let that bag get and choose how we deal with what's in it. And I'll know that when my bag does start to fill up again that I'll have the strength to face the fears and empty it. I'll be able to push through because I know that joy and salvation awaits me on the other side.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday Musings: The 10 Human Regrets...
1. You reach your last day with the brilliant song that your life was meant to sing still silent within you.
2. You reach your last day without ever having experienced the natural power that inhabits you to do great work and achieve great things.
3. You reach your last day realising that you never inspired anyone else by the example that you set.
4. You reach your last day full of pain at the realisation that you never took any bold risks and so you never received any bright rewards.
5. You reach your last day understanding that you missed the opportunity to catch a glimpse of mastery because you bought into the lie that you had to be resigned to mediocrity.
6. You reach your last day and feel heartbroken that you never learned the skill of transforming adversity into victory and lead into gold.
7. You reach your last day regretting that you forgot that work is about being radically helpful to others rather than being helpful only to yourself.
8. You reach your last day with the awareness that you ended up living the life that society trained you to want versus leading the life you truly wanted to have.
9. You reach your last day and awaken to the fact that you never realised your absolute best nor touched the special genius that you were built to become.
10. You reach your last day and discover you could have been a leader and left the world so much better than you found it. But you refused to accept that mission because you were just too scared. And so you failed. And wasted a life.
EACH OF US ALONE CREATES THE LIVES WE GET TO LIVE.....
Robin Sharma
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday Soul: A Single Man & My Dad...
On the eve of Fathers Day here in Australia, I am drawn to write about my Dad. I actually wrote the following words in a journal, way back some time at the start of the year and feel it would be fitting to share them now:
Tonight I watched the film "A Single Man" starring Colin Firth. I thought it was such a beautiful film. Beautiful in terms of the depth of human emotion that it showed. I felt every emotion, was a part of every interaction and felt that Tom Ford did an amazing job putting it together. Colin Firth was truly brilliant - such an amazing actor.
The other thing that made watching this film such an 'experience' for me was a conversation that I had with my Dad last week about it (my Dad and Step-Mum recommended the movie and lent it to me to watch). Last weekend my Dad was describing the movie to me and while he was doing so I was struck by a number of things; how great it was to have an intellectual conversation with him, how much I loved sharing with him what he had taken away from the film, and in talking about this (and not for the first time), how much of my personality comes from my Dad. My love of literature and anything that teaches you something, my willingness to share what I learn, my compassion, empathy and non-judgement in regards to others, and the joy I find in sharing conversations like that. These similarities have most likely always existed but life circumstances dictated that up until the past few years this hasn't been at the forefront of our relationship. So what I want to express now is my gratitude for being able to see it and experience it and to thank him for what he has passed on to me.
I can't conclude this post without including one of the most beautiful quotes from the movie:
Saturday Soul: Go Now, & Live...
Experience. Dream. Risk. Close your eyes and jump. Enjoy the free fall. Choose exhilaration over comfort. Choose magic over predictability. Choose potential over safety. Wake up to the magic of everyday life. Make friends with your intuition. Trust your gut. Discover the beauty of uncertainty. Know yourself fully before you make promises to another. Make millions of mistakes so that you will know how to choose what you really need. Know when to hold on and when to let go. Love hard and often and without reservation. Seek knowledge. Open yourself up to possibility. Keep your heart open, your head high and your spirit free. Embrace your darkness along with your light. Be wrong every once in a while, and don't be afraid to admit it. Awaken to the brilliance in ordinary moments. Tell the truth about yourself no matter what the cost. Own your reality without apology. See goodness in the world. Be bold. Be fierce. Be grateful. Be wild, crazy and gloriously free. Be you.
Go now, & live.
Jeanette Le Blanc
Friday, September 2, 2011
Fabulous Friday: Paris, Mille-feuille & Oscar de la Renta...
Have a fabulous Friday everyone!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thursday Thoughts: Weight A minute...
Anyway, this past weekend, I jumped on the scales and for the first time in my life, did a double take. I actually thought my eyes were blurry and I'd just misread the number. On closer inspection, however, I realised that the number I originally saw was indeed THE number. My head then went to 'Maybe I should ask my sis if her scales are out of wack', which I didn't do because I actually wouldn't have been able to handle the reality of there being nothing wrong with them. So I took myself (and my nachos filled body home to just mull over this turn of events).
The following day I was at my parents house and, when faced with their scales, couldn't resist a confirmation weigh in. To my horror, I looked down and THE NUMBER WAS THE SAME!!!! It seriously was like a tonne of bricks landed on me. I don't say any of this from a place of having any kind of view on weight and it wasn't even the actual number that got to me so much. It was more the fact that I knew I had been ignoring the rather unhealthy lifestyle I have been leading over the past few months. But when I failed to see my 'usual' weight on the scales reality hit me full on and I knew I couldn't keep deluding myself.
So this week has been get back on track week for me in terms of exercising and better food choices. (You will notice that the word diet doesn't enter the equation - never been on one and never could. I love my food too much. Plus the minute I restrict myself all I can do is focus on it and the opposite of what I'm trying to achieve happens). Its not about losing weight but acknowledging that I haven't been taking care of myself. Deep down, I've known my lifestyle has not been consistent with who I am, who I want to be and how I want to live my life and I can't keep pretending that it doesn't matter, because it does. Exercise has always been such a huge part of my life and since not doing much of it regularly, I haven't really felt like my true self.
Apart from my initial shock and slight disappointment in myself in regards to my lack of self care, I'm not beating myself up about it. Sometimes you aren't in a place to focus on certain things in your life and other areas have to take priority. My path this year has been exactly as it needed to be. And now its time to focus on my physical health again now that my mental and spiritual health is on track. This week I am proud to say that I have been conscious of what I'm eating, have eaten nutritious meals (including salad), not eaten any chocolate or junk food at work, scheduled exercise into my week and have done yoga, run and hockey training. And I feel sooooo much better.
Here's to recognising what you need and getting out there and doing it for yourself!
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