Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
(Dr. Wayne Dyer)

Do you believe in the power of your dreams? Do you live your life with intention?

It takes confidence, courage and chutzpah to pursue new heights, to go after promotions, to travel abroad, to speak to strangers, to jump from a plane, to share an honest blog post, to go after what you want… to pursue a life full of financial abundance, bountiful creativity and joyful relationships. Daring to dream of an extraordinary life requires trust and faith in matters beyond our immediate sight.

Fortunately, we are surrounded by proof that the universe is remarkable. It also helps that we’re part of a loving, kind and supportive community here on the blogosphere. If you’re reading this, consider yourself a member of the gang.

There’s an undercurrent of energy that influences all of our lives—and we have the unique capacity to tap into that power. By connecting to the creative force that resides within, we can start living the life of our dreams.

I have experienced the power of thought and intention in tiny circumstances and monumental moments throughout my life. Like anything, it’s a practice. Vision boards, journaling, connecting with soul sisters, this blog, even the pursuit of making every day an extraordinary adventure, are pieces of the puzzle.

Take a look around and think about what you can do to encourage abundance and invite joy into your life. How can you share your sparkle and creativity with the world?

image credit: via moi

PS. This post was inspired by @kellyraeroberts’s musings on abundance. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out.

Joy does not simply happen to us.
We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
(Henri Nouwen)

Hello my darlings. Today I offer you a simple suggestion…

Take a moment to celebrate something tiny.

Feel the joy of in a solid high five. Brew a pot of coffee, steep your favorite tea. Bake a batch of cupcakes. Visit your favorite restaurant. Jump through sprinklers. Take a walk through a nearby park. Buy a balloon. Dance in the rain. Put a postcard in the mail. Curl up with a great book.

Soak up some truly encouraging thoughts. Let your soul smile.

image credit: shimelle

I believe in pink.
I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing, kissing a lot.
I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.
(Audrey Hepburn)

Do take time to examine your beliefs closely? Do you consider how your life’s experiences impact the lens from which you view the world?

A recent conversation has caused me to question if my day to day priorities accurately represent my beliefs. In most respects, they do. I usually live with intention. I act with integrity, most of the time. Many people would say that I’m a hard worker.

I’ll readily admit that there are areas of my life in need of renovation—an excavation of out-dated beliefs and construction of new ones.

There are times when I catch myself believing that some day I’ll get back into shape, sort out my finances and become an adult. Of course, I know deep down that today is the only day that counts.

I also find myself believing that people who I consider successful are different from me. That somehow, they possess something I lack. In the dark silence of truth, I know that those experts were once as clueless as I am.

What beliefs do you grasp tightly? Which beliefs are represented by your priorities? Where can you find room for improvement?

Merriam-Webster defines belief as, “a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.” Eleanor Roosevelt famously stated that, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Perhaps then, the future belongs to those who have sound habits of mind and confidence in themselves.

image credit: midweekpost

Every day is an opportunity to be creative – the canvas is your mind,
the brushes and colours are your thoughts and feelings,
the panorama is your story,
the complete picture is a work of art called, ‘my life’.
Be careful what you put on the canvas of your mind today – it matters.
(Innerspace)

I came across this quote and found it to be a lovely reminder that we choose the lives we live. We pick the colors of paint that suit our mood and we influence the weight of the brushstrokes. We have no idea how the work of art will turn out, but we see glimpses of how it could be.

Take a moment to consider how complete or empty your canvas is today. Is there something that you can do to create more white space? Do you want to add some big, bold colors? What is your heart telling you?

I’ve been trying to listen to my heart lately, but I feel like I’m receiving mixed messages. Sometimes I feel the passion to write, be creative and get more involved in the beautiful webby community we live in. Other times I find myself wondering if I will ever catch up on all the ‘things’ I have and want to do. Then, there are other times when I decide that the ‘things’ I have to do are so immaterial and useless, and I should just live in the moment.

For now I am trying to hold still and listen. I know there is wisdom in patience and understanding in space. I hope you are well & loving your creative lives. I miss you & will be back in full force soon.

image credit: via weheartit

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:

That the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamt would have come their way.

I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets, ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’

(W.H. Murray)

Hello lovelies! I hope you’re having a wonderful week filled with productivity and happiness. Things have been going really well in my part of the universe. My new job is great—I’m feeling less like a novice and am settling into a groove that feels right. I’m also getting more energized about blogging, tweeting and keeping up with all you creatively gorgeous souls.

This weekend I am planning on catching up on my google reader, responding to emails and dreaming up some goals for the future. It’s time to revisit my intentions for the site and reconnect to the essence of why I love blogging.

When I started this blog last September, I explained it as a journey, “…a venture through creative forests and inspirational waters. A space for us to share our insights and musings on everything from yogic breath to pink toe nails… an opportunity to spread my limbs, to travel through time, to discover my inner artist, to pursue a more authentic life.”

I feel the same way I did 7 months ago when I launched the site, and I’m looking forward to what the future will bring.  I am excited to continue my pursuit to make each day a bit more extraordinary than the last, and I hope you will happily join me!

image credit: vinothchandar(away)

quote via: the goethe society of north america

Whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
(Max Ehrmann)

I love gathering the concise wisdom of others in bits and pieces that resonate with my soul. Yesterday I was shopping at a cute local boutique when I came across this quote from Max Ehrmann. It stuck with me in a way that only happens every so often.

Image Credit: dailyinvention

Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled;
to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension;
to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self.
(Erich Fromm)

Hello my lovely creative friends. I hope you’re enjoying a productive and inspiring week. On Tuesday I shared my celebrity (girl) crushes and today you will learn about my top 5 celebrity boys. Of course, my mister is always #1—so I guess this list is really my #2-6.

Boy Crushes

Matthew McConaughey
Between his southern accent and boyish charm, Matthew McConaughey is nearly the perfect man. I first fell in love with him alongside Jodie Foster in Contact. I’ve also adored him in romantic comedies like The Wedding Planner and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Edward Norton
There are so many reason to love Edward Norton. He’s good looking, smart and a super accomplished actor. He has been in so many great movies—a few of my favorites include The Painted Veil, The Illusionist, The Italian Job, 25th Hour, The Score, Keeping the Faith, Fight Club, American History X and Rounders.

Mike Rowe
If you haven’t seen Dirty Jobs, you should immediately record it on your DVR. There is something about Mike’s fearless nature and sarcasm that keeps me laughing throughout the show. He’s also the voice behind Deadliest Catch, another entertaining and boyfriend-friendly program on the Discovery Channel.

Hugh Laurie
Grey’s Anatomy and House are the only 2 shows my mister and I must watch each week. We love seeing how every episode, Hugh Laurie’s character manages to save his patients from rare and nearly incurable diseases, while effortlessly driving his coworkers crazy with his biting wit and practical jokes.

Jake Gyllenhaal
He’s funny, cute and a bit awkward. He has a famous sister and is an on-again-off-again relationship with one of my favorite actresses. I haven’t seen all his movies, but I really loved Jake Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko, The Good Girl, Brokeback Mountain and Rendition.

photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The most beautiful people we have known are those who
have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss,
and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity,
and an understanding of life that fills them with
compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.

(Elizabeth Kubler Ross)

Micaela from the gorgeous blog Dolce Vita wrote a fun post last month about her favorite beautiful people. Her list included famous girls & boys I adore like Penleope Cruz, Jen Aniston, Jude Law and Clive Owen.

In the spirit of all that’s lovely and fun in February, I’ve come up with a list of my top 5 celebrity crushes. For more celeb-spiration, check out … or so i feel and poprocks & photographs posts on the same topic.

Girl Crushes:

Claire Danes
I first fell in love with Clair Danes while watching My So-Called Life in the mid-90s. She was amazing in Romeo + Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio and much more recently in Shopgirl with Steve Martin.

Natalie Portman
A total chameleon, Natalie Portman always looks gorgeous. Closer and Garden State are my two favorite movies of her’s—but I also adore her moments in Hotel Chevalier, the short film before The Darjeeling Limited.

Rachel McAdams
She makes me laugh and she makes me cry. I want to go shopping with her and talk about guys, make-up and magazines. I loved her in State of Play, The Family Stone, Wedding Crashers, The Notebook and The Time Traveler’s Wife.

Ellen Pompeo
Seriously. I’m a dedicated Grey’s Anatomy fan. I watched the first season with my best friend—and even though 2,300 miles separate us today, I feel close to her when I watch the show. Ellen Pompeo is an inspiration, the dark and twisty type.

Sarah Jessica Parker
I didn’t know it then, but my love for blogging began when I started to watch Sex And The City on HBO. I sometimes imagine that I’m Carrie when I sit down to write. Her quirky style and eloquent messages are always in mind when I’m in need of inspiration.

photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Live with intention. Walk to the edge.
Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon.
Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
(Mary Anne Radmacher)

As I reflect on 2009, I am struck by the progress I made without moving an inch. I had the same job, apartment and boyfriend. After years of moving around and completing an endless series of firsts, it was a refreshing change to stay in one place.

Part of me was scared that I wouldn’t grow without any significant life changes. Instead, I found that stability affords new opportunities. It feels like I’ve just scratched the surface and I’m looking forward to finding out what exciting things this new year will bring.

The following manifesta is a reminder to make every day an extraordinary adventure. I hope it inspires you to sparkle. Feel free to pass it along. Happy 2010!

image credit: via weheartit | me

make a conscious decision to appreciate yourself every single day

learn to find balance in the midst of a storm

create your future…set goals

art inspires your every day