The Adventures of the Journey

Simple woman

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:17:00 +0000

Daybook

Outside my window... Urgh, spring? It's your turn! Where the hell are you?!

From the learning rooms... Not much. Blah.

From the kitchen... More green smoothies. I have an amazing recipe book. Now using seeds and stuff amd even an avocado today!!

I am wearing... Jeans, boots, vest, shirt.

I am creating... Too much. Way too much. Overloaded.

I am going... To bed. To try calm down n relax.

I am reading... Just got siblings without rivalry. Very excited!

I am hoping... For some energy, vision, perspective and clarity.

I am hearing... The cat eating.

Around the house... Lots of happy children.

One of my favorite things... Time to stop.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Lots of uni work to do.

I am thankful for... The home we have, food we have, clothes, car, phone.

Something I like about myself... I just keep going.

This is your awakening.

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:30:00 +0000

A time comes in your life when you finally get it…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

THIS IS YOUR AWAKENING.

You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.

You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you…and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are…and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself…and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

Your stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and everything isn’t always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself…and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties…and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for you next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not you job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drinking more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people…and you lean not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You lean that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than you heart’s desire.

You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in you heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can......

*can't remember where I found this but it's not my work.

Daybook 11.2.13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:30:00 +0000

Outside my window... Not alot is happening - it's late.

From the learning rooms... Finished first week's work for business studies. Am also trying to research some personal stuff.

From the kitchen... Chicken curry homemade sauce! Nom nom nom.

I am wearing... Jimmies.

I am creating... Myself.

I am going... To love myself.

I am reading... Modern Buddhism.

I am hoping... To get a break soon.

I am hearing... Ringing in my ears.

Around the house... Bits to do. More than I wish to think about.

One of my favorite things... Sleep....

A few plans for the rest of the week... Facial, study, exercise, docs again... Blah.

I am thankful for... Mental clarity in a previous difficult area.

Something I like about myself... Im learning to think better of myself.

Daybook. 10:2:13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:14:00 +0000

Outside my window... The sky threatens snow...

From the learning rooms... 63% on my last Spanish assignment :-/

From the kitchen... Quite organised if empty - maybe thats why it's organised??!!! Lol.

I am wearing... Jimmies.

I am creating... Plans.

I am going... To have lovely sweet dreams.

I am reading... The secret. Nearly done. I flit between books you'll notice...

I am hoping... To wake up feeling refreshed.

I am hearing... Cars and nor much else. Abit eery really.

Around the house... It's half term - it's only gonna get messier! Lol.

One of my favorite things... Supportive people.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Facial, study, exercise, docs again... Blah.

I am thankful for... Mental clarity in a previous difficult area.

Something I like about myself... I jusy wanna do good. My motivation is doing good.

Daybook: 9/2/13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:05:00 +0000

Outside my window... Enclosure

From the learning rooms... Business studies and yoga.

From the kitchen... Mummys veg spaghetti bol or mummys spaghetti with special red sauce if u ask tge kids!

I am wearing... Skinny jeans, slouch boots, purple top, straightened hair, jojoba oiled hair, aloe Vera face.

I am creating... A better meeeeeeee

I am going... To fall asleep! Lol. It's only 4 n IM hanging!

I am reading... The manager's good study guide.... SNORE!

I am hoping... To do yoga this eve.

I am hearing... Friend watching talking parrot vids and the Boys loving them.

Around the house... A few jobs.

One of my favorite things... Yoga! And friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Half term, no plans! :-D

I am thankful for... My friends. <3

Something I like about myself... I am determined and kind and selfless.

Daybook

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Outside my window... Windy n wet, dark n nighttime.

From the learning rooms... Ooo ooo ooooo... I just booked onto babywearing peer support training!!!! I going to Exeter!!!!

From the kitchen... One day, we'll have food....

I am wearing... Jimmies

I am creating... The dream/vision.

I am going... To think happy thoughts!

I am reading... The secret.

I am hoping... To fulfil the dream!

I am hearing... Nothing except the odd heater noise and a strange ear ringing.

Around the house... It's tidy downstairs!!

One of my favorite things... Meditation.

A few plans for the rest of the week... A lot of work. But hey I can do it.

I am thankful for... Myself. And the way life works out.

Something I like about myself... I want to and do make changes for the better.

Now is as good a time as any... Hey, anytime it is 'now' is the best time!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 23:01:00 +0000

Today, whether you celebrated imbolc, groundhog day, saint brigit/Brigid day, candlemas or just had another day....

My hope for you is that you may see that the winter time is almost over and spring is on its way. The nights will not be as dark and new life will be coming. We can have that clear out and sort out that we all need and be refreshed! :-D

Sending everyone lots of love...

I said I was being wise today!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:51:00 +0000

Sometimes life can drain us... Focussing on what we can be thankful for (no matter how small said thing may be) can really help us to cope and get through a hard day, a tough week or even a bad hour. Stay focussed my friends, it's ok.

Wowza! I am wise today!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:49:00 +0000

I wish it was easier to give kids the best they can possibly have. (experience, not necessarily material things) I guess as parents we will all feel like we don't do enough and don't say the right stuff... But we can only do what we can do. Thats not to be used as an excuse for being rubbish, but wen one decides to have a child, u make the decision to give them your all, sometimes this can include sacrifice on your part. I'm realising that there are times where I put my preferences over theirs... I'm all for balance but I'm also for creating and adding to my children's lives and lives that are the best they can have! Kids don't ask to be born, they deserve so much. How I am challenged to be a better mother, a better example and support to other children/families and a desire to help kids leas fortunate... ♥

Daybook - 27.1.13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:47:00 +0000

Outside my window... Sunny but windy. Trees blowing.

From the learning rooms... Spanish Spanish and more Spanish.

From the kitchen... Bit limited again :-/

I am wearing... Golddigga jeans - check me out! Ebay auction bargain!!! Green vest.

I am creating... Lu Landymore! :-D

I am going... To go with the flow today. I could stress about the list of things that need doing but I'm not :-P

I am reading... You can choose to be happy. Love it.

I am hoping... To practise mindfulness and use assertiveness.

I am hearing... Lots of background noise. I'm not going to tune into it though.

Around the house... Calmness.

One of my favorite things... Time out...

A few plans for the rest of the week... Got work. But I plan on looking after me.

I am thankful for... The space to be.

Something I like about myself... I care. I care an awful awful lot.

Daybook 22/1/13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Outside my window... The snowflakes dance their way to the ground.

From the learning rooms... EYFS

From the kitchen... Food colouring water to paint the snow.

I am wearing... Skinny jeans, cow print ankle slippers, green tee and a pink hoodie.

I am creating... Chaos.

I am going... To curl up n rock - hard day...

I am reading... The EYFS!!

I am hoping... For some peace and quiet and stress free time.

I am hearing... The boys giggling, the traffic at peak time.....

Around the house... Mess, mess messity mess.

One of my favorite things... Snow days!! I hope we get one tmrw.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Study n play in the snow.

I am thankful for... My boys n a fresh start every morning.

Something I like about myself... I try to do good

Small stone of 22.1.13

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:48:00 +0000

The cat purrs,
The snow flakes dance their way to the ground,
The distant giggle of children,
One moment, one thought.

Daybook

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:33:00 +0000

Outside my window... Its windy and rainy n bleugh..

From the learning rooms... Spanish and business!!!!!

From the kitchen... Bits here n there - funds are tight...

I am wearing... The winter duvet

I am creating... A stronger me on the inside!

I am going... To sleep. It's a hard week and I'm sstressed n in a lot of pain.

I am reading... The secret

I am hoping... For a docs appointment with some answers.

I am hearing... The foul winds.

Around the house... Abit of a mess but useable.

One of my favorite things... Hot water bottles and meditation.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Busy week but I need some meditation time.

I am thankful for... My boys. I live them so much.

Something I like about myself... I trying to battle illness. I'm a fighter.

Daybook

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:59:00 +0000

Outside my window... The universe does its stuff and life and processes, making surprises come at all times.

From the learning rooms... Changes and business studies.

From the kitchen... Thanku once again to my best friend, my kitchen is gleaming!

I am wearing... My duvet! :-D

I am creating... A business, I know it's not new info but it still kinda shocks me. Lol.

I am going... To work, study, exercise, sleep and knit play cakes for mindee.

I am reading... The secret.

I am hoping... For peace and productivity.

I am hearing... Snoring! Grrrrr.....!

Around the house... My amazing dolls house! It just makes me smile so much.

One of my favorite things... Mindfulness!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Paperwork, business fun stuff.

I am thankful for... My boys and friends and surprises :-D

Something I like about myself... I want to be strong and happy and useful.

Simple woman!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:46:00 +0000

Outside my window... Darkness at 7:40pm.

From the learning rooms... Not much different to usual.

From the kitchen... Rich tea biscuits!

I am wearing... My jimmies. At 7:40pm! Been up since 5:30am!

I am creating... A new business!!

I am going... To sleep soon.

I am reading... Same carol Tuttle but jist got the secret by Rhonda thingamybob.

I am hoping... To keep going.

I am hearing... Adverts after nevermind the buzzcocks.

Around the house... Is a scrummy new dolls house!!

One of my favorite things... My dolls house lol.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Go to work, study, exercise and sleep.

I am thankful for...my new dolls house.

Something I like about myself... I know what ive got to do. (doing it is where I struggle)

Small stone

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:33:00 +0000

In the complete silence of te night
The ear ringing is deafening,
The thoughts are demanding,
And the dreams are terrifying.

Oh sleep, please consume me.

Simple woman - I need this tonight...

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:31:00 +0000

Outside my window... It's dark, cold n gloomy and routines, school, work and stress are awaiting for me...

From the learning rooms... A rather tough decision made and hopefully tge right one.

From the kitchen... Always, always, always mess. I tidy up and within two hours it's a state again!

I am wearing... Jimmies and a giant winter duvet.

I am creating... A DOLLS HOUSE DREAM!

I am going... To try sleeping... But my head isnt playing tonight.

I am reading... Spanish resources amd the EYFS.

I am hoping... That I can grasp everything this week.

I am hearing... The wheels of shite whirring round my head.

Around the house... Everyone's asleep and my dog is looking old n tired n run down...

One of my favorite things... Sleep!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Meetings, work, routune, study, exercise.

I am thankful for... My kids. Always my kids. I couldnt be without them.

Something I like about myself... I mean well all the time...just doesnt always work like that in action :-/

Simple woman

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:27:00 +0000

Outside my window... The sun is shining, its a nippy but lovely new day.

From the learning rooms... I must sit and get my ass back into study - I can do it, I can!

From the kitchen... Bacon n egg!!! :-D

I am wearing... Frumpy, slouchy, I cba clothes.

I am creating... A lovely mind where I want to relax.

I am going... To ping into action at some point today....... Hahahahahaha... She hopes.

I am reading... Tuttle still. But its gooooooood!

I am hoping... For a tidy sorted house this week and then maybe attack the crap in the loft.

I am hearing... The kids chatter.

Around the house... Is mess longing to be tidied.

One of my favorite things... Being peaceful and mindful.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Tidy and walk.

I am thankful for... Things coming together.

Something I like about myself... My inner self being calm and lovely.

Simple woman!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Outside my window... Spring is here. The eqinox was today! It's cold but as the wheel turns we,'ll see things improving.

From the learning rooms... First business assignment to hand in tmrw!!!

From the kitchen... Water drinking!!!!

I am wearing... Jimmies lol.

I am creating... A more confident me.

I am going... To sleep and learn to meditate.

I am reading... Uni books and the EYFS.

I am hoping... To learn poi since I cant hoop.

I am hearing... Nothing :-D

Around the house... Less chaos than there has been before.

One of my favorite things... Happiness induced by five music lol lol lol

A few plans for the rest of the week... Work work prep for kids being off school.

I am thankful for... My thoughts and love.

Something I like about myself... I'm bloody good at what I do.

Reverb#12 day 1 - how did I miss this?!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:10:00 +0000

How are you starting this last month of 2012?

Take a moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath and ask yourself the question: how do you feel...

... in your body? in your mind? in your day job? in your creative life? in your heart?

Not 100% sure how I missed this one but it's kinda important!!!!

I was very excited about starting reverb this year! Been looking forward to it! :-D

My body is tired and run down. I need to nurture myself more.

My mind is tryin to keep grasp of things. Most times Im doing ok but it is hard.

Feeling good about work, even though I worry about it... :-/

Not had time for creativeness, although I did pick up the knitting needles. :-) creativity did kinda stop as ive been too busy and I'm not sure there's going to be much time in December or 2013 but we can only see.

My heart wavers from heavy to content. It's a tricky one. I hope for some balance.

Happy reverb#12!

Reverb#12 day 31 - last day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Take a moment to yourself, somewhere quiet.

Take a deep breath, and if you have the time/space/inclination do something that has significance for you e.g. light a candle, brew a put of your favourite tea, play your favourite music, whatever.

Think back to where you were all those moons ago, on 1 December when you started #reverb12. All the way back then, I asked: "How are you starting?"

Now, I am not going to ask you "Where are you finishing?" because this is not the end. What I want to ask is, "Where are you now?".

You have spent a month honouring everything that has brought you to this place: the highs, the lows, the messy middles, the exuberant rainbows, the turbulent storms, the fresh strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, the too-tight jeans, the unexpected windfalls, the toddler tantrums (theirs or yours!), all of it.

You have thanked each end every one of these things for the things they have taught you and brought you, and fully know that they reside benignly in your physical, emotional and spiritual being. You know know that while they brought you here and will always be with you, there is no reason for them to hold you back any longer.

You are standing where you are, all that you are, splendidly imperfect and right in the middle of this messy delicious life.

Take another deep breath.

Now quickly and without thinking too much about it, finish these five sentences:

2013 is going to be MY YEAR because... I am going to do my best for these kids amd listen to myself. My gut instincts have never let me down before.

In 2013, I am going to do... well in my life - study, business, parenting, this is the year I become assertive and fierce. Coommmmme oooooonnnnnnnnnn!!!!!

In 2013, I am going to feel... Strong, confident and content!

In 2013, I am not going to... Put myself last or ignore me!

In December 2013, I am going to look back and say... I am healed. I am thankful for what illness has taught me and what it has made me. I accept myself for the beautiful being that I am. (that seems like it'll be really difficult to say, but I will certainly give it my best shot!)

Happy new year! Heres to 2013! Lets not let it suck!

Simple woman

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Outside my window... It's freezing and windy.

From the learning rooms... Both uni courses need work.... :-/

From the kitchen... It's tidy!!! Thanks Adam! Lol.

I am wearing... Black cords and vest. Blah day.

I am creating... New bedrooms for the boys. :-D

I am going... To think lovely things

I am reading... Child whisperer by carol Tuttle - nearly there. She is amazing!

I am hoping... To sort things out. :-/

I am hearing... Nothing :-)

Around the house... Plans are slowly coming together :-D

One of my favorite things... Giving the boys what they want

A few plans for the rest of the week: regain control of the house and routine. Walk and fun.

I am thankful for... My bed. And I do not spend enough time in it.

Something I like about myself... I always try. I dont quit even when I really want to and in some cases when I should do because I'm exhausted.

Reverb#12 day 30

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Often we see our life as a humongous journey, and we believe that not only have we not arrived at our far away desired destination, but we also think we must accomplish x, y, and z, before we can declare with satisfaction that we are THERE.

For a moment, take a close look at who you are NOW. See what you can declare.

Merge the past, present, and future into one big ARRIVAL.

Describe joyously and in great celebration the BEING that you ARE.

(If you like, try writing this in third person as if you were a news reporter and this article about you is appearing in a publication you love and respect.)

I love the way this sums up all we have been doing over the past month. All this soul-searching has been bringing us to this very place that Ruth so beautifully celebrates: exactly where we are, right now.

Here goes.... I may struggle to believe these...

I am determined. I want to keep going to achieve the things I want to.

I am a happy, bubbly person who brightens the world of others.

Things in my past have made me strong, but wonderfully weak at the same time. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

Reverb#12 day 29

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:49:00 +0000

What word did you select to be your travelling companion in 2012? What gifts did this word bring?

What word will you choose to guide you through 2013? What do you hope it will bring into your life?

The word for 2012 was 'fly' - good old flylady - finally loving yourself. This was a wonderful reminder throughout the year to look after myself and learn to love myself. It was certainly worthwhile thinking of this throughout the year. It did keep popping up! :-D

Knowing the question would come up, I had already started thinking about this. In 2013, I feel the word is something along the lines of fierce or lioness. Once I've started thinking about myself I want to be assertive and even a teeny tiny kitten knows it's family roots and it's strengths. I hope I can become stronger and assertive without becoming a bitch. I want to be fierce and confident and an example to others around me.

Reverb#12 day 28

noreply@blogger.com (Lu) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Think of three things that daunted you in 2012: how are you going to work towards overcoming them in 2013?

Being myself.
Making decisions.
Doing things alone with noone else to fall back on.

Im beginning to learn that lu isnt such a bad person after all.... I just need to remember that. It's back to this accepting myself and not worrying what people think. If people dont like me as I am, then they're really not worth knowing are they?!

Very similar to the first really. But letting myself make choices for myself. It's not all about putting everyone else before me or ignoring my wants and needs and it's having faith in myself that I wont always screw up amd make the wrong choices amd even if I do, it will all work out in the end.

Same as above really. Itll all be ok and I'm not completely useless!