Advice from a Tree

It's been a while since I've written, but I hope to write more this coming week - So, here I am to pop in quickly and say hello. Last week was a busy week, and yesterday was a busy but enjoyable Saturday (work, an appointment, a baby shower, a birthday dinner). Today I'm finally embracing the day by lingering through this morning with tea and a new book, soon a long walk while dog training (let's hope it goes smoothly!), and probably a warm dinner with my fella. ;)

Whether you're reading on a leisure Sunday or during your mid-week work life, I hope you can enjoy one of my favorite poems by Ilan Shamir:

http://www.treelink.org/woodnotes/vol1/no1/advice.htm

Peace in 2008

Happy New Year 2008! A blog wouldn't be complete without some thoughts about resolutions. For my personal resolutions, I tend to shy away from huge behavior changes and instead lean toward positive affirmations and to continue my own journey of more love, less fear.

Some recent thoughts or mantras:

* Everyone has a story. Release judgment, focus on flexibility.
* Release anxiety and worry, open yourself to love and possibility.
* Gentle grace.
* Let in love.
* Give thanks.

These are just a few thoughts that have popped up recently in my life and in my own daily writing exercise. I'll piggyback Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, and suggest her daily writing exercise. This ritual works wonders:

* Write this sentence and fill in the blank: "I really really really want...." Don't be afraid to write everything and anything.
* Write your happiest moment of everyday. Let it remind you of what truly nourishes you.
* Write your daily mantra. It can change from day to day, or it can remain the same all week long. You can have one mantra or ten. Make it positive. Let in the love.

Peace in 2008.