It is important from time to time to slow down,
to go away by yourself, and simply be.
(Eileen Caddy)

Well hello there my lovely friends! I have missed you dearly. On Friday my mister and I scooted out of town without saying a proper goodbye to the interwebs.

My plan was to sneak away to a beach weekend and focus on blogging. Return to my creative passion. Journal a bit. Hide in the quiet peace of vacation and create some killer content. Discover new Twitter friends. Unearth connections and rekindle web-friendships that have wilted away.

Instead, we arrived on the doorstep of a spacious summer house with no internet and limited cell reception. I let my iPhone’s battery die and kept my laptop stashed in my bag. We played cards, drank plenty of wine and swam in the ocean.

Last night we came home with sunburns and bug bites—gentle reminders of our extended weekend away. The comfort and joy of time with family has settled deep into my heart. I’m grateful for my unintentional digital sabbatical, but I am also looking forward to catching up on my favorite blogs, podcats and tweets.

image credit: Thomas Hawk

The most important skill in staying calm is not to lose sleep over small issues.
The second most important skill is to be able to view all issues as small issues.
(Paul Wilson)

I lost my calm this weekend. Along with it, my Coach wristlet, license, credit card, camera and favorite lip gloss vanished into thin air. Some act of sheer providence saved my iPhone, which was in my hand when I realized my purse and its contents were gone.

The disappearing act took place late into the night on Saturday, proving once again that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. I’m a bit frustrated and confused that this happened because it wasn’t a crazy night. In a time when identity theft and other unsavory crimes are abundant, there’s a nakedness in losing important bits of plastic.

I’m heading to the DMV today, which will undoubtedly provide time for quiet contemplation. I’m trying to step back and see this as an opportunity to evaluate some of my standard operating procedures. It feels like there’s room for improvement:

more mindfulness. less coffee. more sleep. less pressure. more movement. less tension. more time enjoying friends. less indulgence. more calm. less chaos. more journaling. less judging. more joy. less worry. more laughter. less sass. more love.

Of course, life goes on. I’ve canceled the card and started searching for a shiny new camera. I know where to find my favorite lip gloss and Coach has some amazing writstlets for sale this season.

image credit: rolands.lakis

Spread Blog ♥ — Share This:

]]> http://www.kaileenelise.com/2010/07/13/keeping-your-calm/feed/ 7 http://www.kaileenelise.com/2010/07/10/lazy-creative-weekend-the-not-to-do-list/ http://www.kaileenelise.com/2010/07/10/lazy-creative-weekend-the-not-to-do-list/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:14:23 +0000 kaileenelise http://www.kaileenelise.com/?p=1683

Don’t ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
(Howard Thurman)

Happy Saturday my friends! I hope you’re enjoying a summery day full of joy and creativity. I’m feeling a particular brand of lazy—the kind that visits during the hottest, most humid days. With a brief (but busy) work week behind me, I feel like inviting this lazy feeling into my home with open arms.

Typically, my Creative Weekend To-Do Lists are collections of creative to-do’s that are intended to inspire extraordinarily joyful weekends. Friendly taps—or slight tugs—towards exploring creative shenanigans of your own desires. This week, I’ve listed a handful of things I promise not to do in the weekend ahead. I invite you to join in!

set the alarm to wake up early

feel guilty about watching Bethanny’s wedding again

fill the weekend with objectives and goals

stress over what to wear out tonight

cook, clean or wash my car

image credit: Edward Allen L. Lim

Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no mater how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles.
(Og Mandino)

The middle of 2010 has come and gone, and yet I’m finding it hard to believe that half the year is behind us. For weeks, I’ve been referring to February like it wasn’t that long ago—and I’m still finding myself writing 2009 at the top of my journal.

Time is a tricky creature that I’ve let run wild for the first part of this year. Even though the last 6 months have felt like a whirlwind, I’m proud of my top 6 accomplishments from January to June.

When I sat down to reflect, I came up with the following list:

*Landed a new job that’s better aligned with my core values

*Became a guest blogger and recorded a podcast with Kimberly Wilson

*Celebrated 2 years of love and fun with my mister

*Increased my net worth significantly and took a big chunk out of le debt

*Connected with a rock star mentor, @GwenBell

*Created an inspirational ‘office’ area in a tiny nook of my apartment

The image above is a slice from my journal. I am excited about the goals I set for the 2nd half of 2010. There aren’t a lot of numbers or deadlines (a departure from my typical goal-setting strategy), but more of a focus on how I want to feel when I reflect back on these next 6 months at the conclusion of this year.

What about you? Have you spent some time considering your accomplishments from the last 6 months? This part of the process is often overlooked, but it is just as important as setting goals. Take a moment to praise yourself for all you’ve done!

We are part of a world with more data at our fingertips than ever before. Our computers, smart phones, and iPads hold answers to an unlimited array of questions. There’s no need for encyclopedias, National Geographic or newspapers. TVs, CD players and radio broadcast have been rendered useless by Hulu, Pandora and podcasts.

In a day and age when business conversations are over gTalk and romances blossom online, we are all seconds away from replacing our doctors, travel agents, stock brokers and movie critics. We are a society that’s dialed in to information of all kinds, we are friends with Ashton and share our caloric intake with the world.

I witnessed an interesting thing the other night while was at a bar playing a game of trivia with my coworkers. A tricky question was asked—What flower does vanilla extract come from?—and without blinking, one of my teammates said, “I don’t know, let’s Google it!!”

Quick internet searches have become an extension of our natural thought processes. Random facts that once lived in our minds are now stored as bits of data in the the cloud.

I see Google as an unlimited access phone a friend. When my brain goes blank and I can’t remember an awesome site or inspirational quote, I type a stream of conscious batch of words and Google reveals the answer. In my eyes, this is an efficient use of time and resources. There is no need to bother someone else  if Google’s got it covered.

brilliant image credit: via dullhunk

I’m welcoming June with an open mind and an eager soul. Looking out onto the horizon, I am excited about what lies ahead. Even though I cannot tell the future, I can feel the joy and laughter that summer brings.

This year has continued to fly by and I’m starting to wonder if that’s my own doing. I have made some big decisions, crafted life changes and taken leaps of faith towards the life of my dreams.

In the midst of all this movement, I have lost the sweet stillness of meditation, the strength of daily yoga practice and the comfort of being a part of this loving online community.

In an effort to recapture the mission of this blog, I set out to find the perfect day in May. While my intentions were pure, I have come to realize that the pursuit of perfection may be a distraction from being present. In this moment. Right here.

In June, my goal is to jump into my daily life with excitement, passion and carefree curiosity. To take root in the present, rather than dwelling on the past and planning the future. To be considerate of myself and others. To live mindfully.

image credit: via clickflashphotos

We realize our dilemma goes deeper than shortage of time;
it is basically a problem of priorities.
We confess, We have left undone those things that ought to have done;
and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.
(Charles E. Hummel)

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals and intentions. Since turning 25, my idle thoughts have drifted towards the future and where I want to be in the next (gasp!) 25 years. For some reason, it’s hard to imagine that far into the future.

That might be because lately I’ve been really concerned with my day-to-day and have been less focused on my long-term dreams. Even though I’ve shared my musings on priorities and perspective, it still feels like I’m stuck in a rut.

This is a positive, inspirational blog meant to shine with love, sparkle and joy. It’s my sacred creative outlet and a piece of our cherished community. A place where we can explore our hearts and do our best to make every day an extraordinary adventure.

Because of this, I have shied away from revealing too many dark or twisty pieces of my life—the negativity and gloomy days that find their way into otherwise beautiful weeks. It can sometimes feel like I’m being dishonest or hiding bits of who I am. I know this is a common struggle amongst bloggers. I’ve been touched by those who have shared similar feelings before.

Like I said, I’ve been thinking a lot about goals and intentions. I have also been wondering why I let being busy become such an easy excuse for blogging less. I truly love blogging, tweeting and connecting with all of you. I’ve had to make small adjustments because of my new job, but there’s another reason why I’ve been quiet that I have been too scared to share with you.

Remember back when I hosted the Good Karma Gift Swap? A truly amazing group of bloggers participated. It seemed as though the swap was going to finish up as planned, with everyone sending a gift and everyone receiving one in return. It was my intention to wrap it all up with a comprehensive post that linked back to all the swappers’ individual blog posts on the experience.

Somehow (snow storms, postal service mishap, indifference, disorganization, life) there were a few participants who sent gifts and received nothing in their mailbox. I fell behind on my answering of emails and management of the project, and eventually let time slip away. It’s been two months since I launched the swap and since then I’ve wondered how to reconcile the situation.

It might sound strange, but I’m embarrassed the swap didn’t turn out as planned and I wish I had dealt with it head-on when things began to slip up. As the weeks crept by, it seemed to make more sense to just carry on without a recap post.

What would you do? Would you be interested in reading a review of the bloggers who swapped good karma gifts back in February? Or would you recommend moving on and learning from the experience?

In my heart, I think it’s time I pick my head up and out of the sand, resurface, reconnect and begin to look towards the future. Dream about what lies beyond today’s to-do list and tomorrow’s agenda. Remember to make every day an extraordinary adventure.

Maybe even work on hosting another swap someday…

image credit: tanakawho

Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe
is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request,
and everything your heart desires must come to you.
(Mahatma Gandhi)

Hello there my friends. It has been too long since our last chat. The beginning of this year has been such a whirlwind I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve dropped in and out of my blog a lot lately, and I’m not pleased that my posts all sound like my journal entries, “I really should write more often… I’ve been so busy… It seems like time is flying by…”

One thing that has tripped me up recently is not knowing where to begin. Thinking about all the things I want to do (and all the things I think I should do) spins me into the worst possible mood. I tell myself there’s no use in trying to get it all done because that’s an impossible feat for anyone… and then I spend 2 mindless hours watching Kell On Earth, completely avoiding all semblance of productivity.

I want to share my musings, tweets, creative thoughts and sparkly spirit with you. I am dying to get back into reading and commenting on your blogs. I am thirsting for new discoveries and fun links to pass your way. I wish I could just press pause and “get things in order” so that I could start living a more organic, happy, healthy and joyful life.

I know that no such pause button exists. I realize that I need to reorganize my thinking and establish priorities. I understand that I have complete control of my to-do list and schedule. I guess the trick is just getting back on track and trying my best to make every day an extraordinary adventure.

PS. I’m deeply saddened to announce that not everyone has received their Good Karma Gift Swap package. This is probably due to the terrible weather we’ve experienced the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it might also be because some packages didn’t make it to the post office in the first place. As this was a very successful swap in most cases, I am searching for ways to remedy the situation. Please email me or comment below if you are interested in earning some Extra Extra Good Karma by replacing a lost gift.

image credit: Erin Tyner via etsy

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it.
Establish your priorities and go to work.
(H. L. Hunt)

It’s been awhile since I sat down and took stock of my priorities. I feel like I’ve been swept up by life’s demands and have done little to anchor myself. I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to get overwhelmed by my ambition. When I think about all the things I want to do, all the places I want to see and all the people I want to meet—I lose sight of the tiny treats my everyday life can offer.

Does this ever happen to you?

In order to make every day of this week extraordinary, I’m going to…

to take my time
sip peppermint tea
keep a gratitude list
remind myself that I’m doing enough
enjoy the ride
be patient with myself
send some snail mail
practice yoga
snuggle with my mister
read some blogs
smile at strangers
make my priorities a priority!

photo credit: theogeo on flickr

Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
(Anais Nin)

Hello friends. I’m sorry for being so out of touch. I hope you are doing well and surviving this crazy winter weather!

Many of you have sent your love and support via comments, emails and tweets. My new job is going really, really well. Since this is my first week, I have been shadowing one of the top performers in the company. I’ve learned a ton and am excited to get up to speed quickly. It feels great to be a part of a firm that cares about my success. I think I definitely made the right move.

Unfortunately, I came down with a terrible sore throat on Monday and have been going to bed super early every night this week. Between starting the new job and trying to get healthy, I’ve had little time to keep up with things in the blogosphere.

The beginning of this year has been full of twists and turns. I’m certain these changes are for the better, and I’m hoping to reclaim my time-management skills soon!

In the meantime, please know that we are soul sisters and miss you with all my heart.

photo credits: via weheartit ~ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7