Whatever you wanna call it - it's clear that 2013 wasn't exactly a "year of writing" for this mommy-artist-writer-entrepreneur! I wasn't sure just what I wanted to write, and I didn't feel compelled to - as I often felt like letting it out somehow manifested into more negativity.
While 2013 wasn't truly a "negative" year - or a "bad" year overall, I have a confession: I was totally in a personal-slump, and it was eating away at me without my even realizing it! Sadly, I let the outside world impact my inner-being far too greatly. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of disallowing that... But, truthfully, I had an 'awakening' that brought me slowly back around to my 'higher state of being'
Putting off the writing... I'd definitely consider it a sabbatical of sorts. I mean - I did take (almost) an entire year away from it... which makes it official, by true sabbatical standards. It was, in fact, a 'rest or a break from work', as cited by Wikipedia. However, I didn't exactly 'rest' or break away from work at all! Actually, I later realized that I had been trying TOO hard with many aspirations (particularly financial ones, as well as general frustration with some aspects of our culture as a whole)... which broke up the natural flow of things, preventing me from being fully open to opportunity.
Nonetheless, it did lead to some form of achievement. A) I learned some things... about myself and about life - including how to manifest the POSITIVE. B) I did further myself in my business as a MN wedding photographer - re-designing the biz to better-suit my life and long-term goals. And - C) I fell upon some amazing teachers and guides - wise in the ways of learning one's way through life, and reaching our fullest potential (through an ongoing and ever-changing journey).
I literally "found" one of these fab women by 'accident' (Um - actually - I believe there is no such thing!) And, this lead me to another, and another... and there are many more resources that I've come upon! But - here is a list of my top-3-faves - who truly started me back down the right path (the one that is right for ME) - the path to being present, being true to myself and my heart, and opening up to what the Universe (aka: God) might have in store for me, and sending out positivity into the world around me - which in turn breeds more of it in my own life. Sounds magical, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you that I started putting many of these seemingly little things into practice more consistently, shifting my mindset toward letting go, toward trusting the Universe, toward tapping into the abundant energy that I'm already a part of, and toward forgiveness (of others, of the past, of myself)... And POOF! Yep... MAGIC.
I didn't have to purchase a thing; I simply had to make a little time, and be willing to go within myself - and it was soooo worth it! I think so many people out there can benefit from this... I highly recommend subscribing to their blogs via email - so you'll receive (usually weekly) tid-bits of inspiration and tools to help you fulfill your dreams - one step at a time. Each dose builds upon itself, and before you know it a few drops of water have become a puddle of positivity and momentum! My goal? To see my puddle develop into a winding, evolving, RIVER of love, creativity, and inspiration!
Okay - so here's that list: [Side-note... I receive nothing to promote this... I just adore these peeps and their provisions! Maybe if my readership grows some more... I could get a kick-back. But for now - just genuinely want to share in the happies!]
~ Marie Forleo/ Marie TV: MarieForleo.com
Hands-down my top-fave! She's so down-to-earth, genuine, honest and REAL (um - some ways in which I like to describe myself!) But also - she's FUN! (HUGE for me. What is the point of anything unless we are ultimately happy? And what better way to promote happiness than through learning in a FUN manner?? Exactly!) It's extremely valuable insight - in small, digestible doses, and HIGHLY entertaining to boot! OMG - stop reading this already - and go click over there for some fun insights!
~ Danielle LaPorte: DanielleLaPorte.com
I ADORE this woman! Some may view her in the woo-woo light... I could see that. But, not this chic! I freakin' think her insights - into tapping into self and the greater energy in a simplistic and tangible way - are amazing! I seriously can't say enough good things! She's super laid-back and collected... I could strive for that ;)
~ Gabrielle Bernstein: GabbyTV.com
MORE super-insightful-amazing-guidance to helping yourself find yourself and listen to yourself (your heart)... Plus, guided-meditation. Okay - you're thinking "woo-woo" again. But really - all mediation is meant to be is a calming/ quieting of the mind - so we can create that space and allow ourselves to hear our own hearts. Our heart is all-knowing. Our mind is logic-based and cluttered. We have to clear away that clutter (ideally daily) to allow ourselves the opp to hear what our hearts have to say. When we lean in the direction of our hearts/ innermost selves - the Universe conspires along with us to guide us along the path. It's about opening up to yourself, and your God. The guided meditations are a great way to start - to figure out what works for you and what you should think about when you're trying NOT to think!
BONUS! I changed my mind. (See, isn't that in itself a beautiful notion?!)
You get one more...
~ I also happen to like Natalie MacNeil: SheTakesontheWorld.com
Ideal for entrepreneurs, there's a lot of good mojo happening here, and all these women listed here are interconnected. Imagine that, huh? They all offer very similar teachings, and yet - they aren't cut-throat or back-stabbing. In fact, they recognize that they can boost and promote one another, and by doing so - they are actually promoting themselves in that process - whether directly or indirectly (good karma!) That's what I'm talking about! (It's one of the things that I can't stand about the wedding photography industry. Everyone is so cut-throat and impersonal, and just trying to 'outdo' the next guy.... Ugh. Glad I don't have to deal with it directly... and by choice. I'm choosing to align myself with peeps in the biz who are like-minded and open-hearted - knowing that we all stand to benefit one another by lifting one another! It's one of the top-priorities on my list of things to instill in my little girls! Holla!)
Cheers to (personal, spiritual, emotional, health, relationship, & financial) abundance in 2014!
TIP: Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up (as suggested by Gabby Bernstein).... I listened to my inner voice and allowed myself a 'break' to refresh!
WHIDFML: I took a REAL sabbatical (a mini-one) - since Friday of last week. I let my mind rest & wander, and I didn't schedule anything... I meditated, and tried to be more 'quiet'. Spent some time as a family in there, and some time as a couple - but overall, it was spontaneous and opportunistic... and fully Zen-licious!
A QUOTE: "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." ~ James Keller
A PIN:
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