There isn’t a single person in my life that I’ve spoken with recently who isn’t rubbing against some area of their life – wanting to redefine, be more clear, step up in new ways. In many ways it’s really exciting – all that potential and possibility and juiciness. And in many ways it’s also maddeningly frustrating when things seem just a bit out of reach of clear vision despite fervent yearning for clarity.
Sometimes when I’m feeling most stuck I find it helpful to start at the beginning again – sweeping my arm across the proverbial table that is so cluttered it feels overwhelming. Sometimes a fresh slate invites fresh eyes. Or sometimes simply taking a few minutes to remember the start of the journey is enough of reminder that the direction for the next steps suddenly becomes slap-your-forehead apparent.
And sometimes simply choosing to focus on one thing can bring clarity and energy to a myriad of other things as well. I’ve been playing in Liv Lane’s on-line course about building a blog you love, and it’s a joy to be in the mix of creative folks thinking about how they want to show up in the world. All the basic questions about why we each blog has given rise to deeper questions for me about what my life is really about. And it’s been both fun and challenging trying to come up with a tagline that encapsulates how I see myself.
The photo above is a page in my journal. And in many ways I think it provides a perfect glimpse of who I am. My art is simple. But in that one page I reveal lots about myself – I love flowers (I’m a flower essence practitioner and aromatherapist among other things); I like beading; I’m fascinated by hands; I adore paper, particularly handmade paper (the base sheet on this piece is filled with seeds and threads, which are important symbols to me); and scent is a huge part of my life (I’ve used sandalwood and ginger essential oils on the paper).
But not everything is on the surface either Just like this journal page where you have to open the hands to read what I’ve written, you might have to hang around a bit and look to know that I often write poetry on my feet; that I have a Spirit Guide who only communicates to me in song; that I’ve been recording my dreams since I was a teenager; that I believe having a pair of red shoes is mandatory for my overall life happiness.
If you peek beneath the hands in my journal you’ll find this message:
And I think that sums up how I choose to show up in the world.
What about you? Do you have a “life (or blog) tagline” that delights you? Are you feeling like big shifts are afoot? Are you knowing where you’re headed, or is it still a mystery? I’d love to hear!
I’m in BBTL but have been a bit out of the loop while I went to an art retreat, so I’m still trying to play catch-up. But I am currently in a major life shift, one that I didn’t even know was coming just over a year ago. I tell everyone that I’m in my second life and on a creative journey and have no idea where it’s going to lead me to BTW, I do own a pair of bright red sandals that I wear with joy!
Thanks for stopping by Carol. I think it’s great to frame life shifts in terms of creative journeys – it feels expansive and open to inspiration and lots of red-sandal adventures.
I love your art journal page! It is so beautiful that you have to lift the hands to find a hidden treasure underneath. There is always so much going on under our surfaces! Thanks for sharing your creativity and thoughts today.
Thanks Lynn. I agree – I think we’re all complex and multi-layered beings and that’s what makes it exciting to be in relationship with ourselves and others. Sometimes I think we all beautiful kaleidoscopes, and every date, every moment, every interaction is chance to see each other in new ways.
Love that you make your journal pages smell!! So cool. I am in the BBTL and the phrase I have some to through intuition nudging and doing the work. Is “Instigate Happiness…and witness your choicest existence reveal itself” and to realize I am making my own reality by spreading Joy.
I love your phrase Meg – what a fun mission! And I’m happy to be meeting you on the joy trail.
I love that the hands on your art page open up to reveal the message. That is very cool!
I do have a life “tag line.” I didn’t really realize other people did too until recently. It’s part motto, part reminder, part prayer. I want to be a “force for good in the world.”
That’s it. Simple, but it helps direct me through life.
Thanks for sharing your post.
That’s beautiful Meg! I find those simple but profound, what I call “life mantras,” very helpful. It’s like having a built-in foundation under our feet that rises to meet us wherever we are.
Oh, Deborah, you are such a treasure. I love your journal page and the love you bring to your journal. And you are indeed the world advocate for red shoes. Because they make the day sparkle and shine. I don’t have any, though, that must be the reason for the fleeting malaise that sometimes finds me on some days 🙂
LOL Laurel. I think you’re on to something – The Red Shoe Cure for Fleeting Malaise. I can’t even say it without giggling.
That looks like a really interesting course. I think I could have used it. Love your journal page.
I think you’ve done a great job of creating a focused blog and sharing what you love – yay you!
Dear Deborah, Totally agree– Human conciousness is evolving so quickly and we are all trying to make sense of it the best way we can, your quote is lovely. Love,Cheryl
Thanks for stopping by Cheryl. It’s fun to see all the evolution dances we’re each involved in.
I love art journaling, so I was particularly interested in how you did your art page (smells– awesome!). I’m also in BBTL, and I’d say that I am still feeling some confusion in terms of tag lines and direction, but the shifts are palpable. I LOVE reading about everyone else and their journeys and the realization that we are all so much more alike than different. 🙂
Stacey – I’ve been having fun too checking out the BBTL blogs and what everyone is up too. And I’m thinking we’re alike in all the ways that matter, with enough variations to make for a delicious smorgasbord experience. 😉
Yes, definitely big shifts are afoot! I don’t know exactly where I’m headed but I know I’m firmly on my path. Oh, what a treat it was to peruse your website and bask in your energy. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words Janet. It’s a wonderful feeling isn’t it, knowing you’re on your path even if (or perhaps especially) you don’t know exactly where you’re headed? Plenty of room for magic and delight!
We’re in a ginormous shift and I’m just rollin’ with it all – if I fight it, I get smacked down, right? Which has happened before. It’s wonderful that people realize the shifting going on and working with it! Loved your post!
Thanks for stopping by Sue. I like to think we’re getting to be these amazing cirque du soleil-type acrobats rolling with the shift and creating amazing and thrilling and artful lives.
I love that you write poetry on your feet! That seems so powerful to me on so many levels. Loved your post and your page. Such a creative way of using the hands, and smell…wow! Fabulous!
Thanks Carin! Poetry on your feet gives new meaning to walking your talk. 😉
Love the sweeping of the arm across the proverbial table analogy! I often feel a bit overwhelmed and plan on using this in my own mind to ease that anxiety that creates. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful piece of writing.
I find the sweeping motion very helpful Michele. Not only is it clearing, but it also opens the heart as well to a bit more expansion, and that can be helpful when feeling overwhelming.
What a beautiful blog! It feels peaceful, while you talk about change.
What a very interesting journey you are on, Deborah! I feel so fortunate to have found BBTL, and am a bit late to the blog hop, but am so impressed with the diversity of souls on board. Thank you for your work in the world…you’ve been blogging for an impressive amount of time. I love flowers too, and flower essences. I’ll be back!
Thanks for stopping by Siobhan. I agree it’s been great fun scoping out all the wonderful players in BBTL- a whole new world has opened.
This post speaks to me. Well, maybe not speaking, so much as calling me to listen. I lost my job back in March due to downsizing efforts. (I’ll stay off my soapbox here. 😉 ) I’ve been working on starting my own business (or trying to), but I just cannot move forward with the business. Instead, I’m spending all my time either sleeping/resting (too much!) or reading/learning about energy and stuff. I’m sure my chakras are waaaaay out of balance, especially my Root chakra. And I think my Heart may be overloaded. I’m confused as to whether my Third Eye chakra is overloaded (since I’m so obsessed with taking in this new knowledge) or blocked (since I can’t get a clear vision of my business “plan”).
Anyway, I’m working to ground myself and find balance among all the elements so that I can learn and be the best me I can be and still keep up with my responsibilities and such. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling so challenged Karla! Navigating through change and trying to find a new balance can really bring up a slew of unexpected stuff to be looked at and dealt with, can’t it? Sending lots of love.