Tag: gifts

The Joy of Quotes:

In the fall of September 2000, I was entering the new chapter of my life and starting University.  I remember having mixed emotions about the next phase.  I was no longer in my comfort zone of familiarity with friends, teachers and routine.  The high school years had come to an end and I wasn’t in my safe haven anymore.   However, I was beginning University and this was going to transform my life in profound ways.  

It was on one particular afternoon I stumbled into the University gift-store and discovered a journal.  It had the sun on the front and the moon on the back cover.  I reveled at the the divine elements of nature, the yin and yang.  The journal was empty but contained quotes written inside.  I was intrigued by the journal and from that moment forward I decided to call it my “Book of Quotes”.  I was nineteen at that time and started to collect quotes on life, faith, love, motivation, prayer and various other topics.   I’m presently thirty-one and refer to my book of quotes on a daily basis.  

Quotes have helped me during the most challenging times in my life from dealing with guidance, reflection, and inner peace.  Quotes touch my heart and soul as they offer inspiration whenever I’m having a weak moment.  I often send daily quotes to friends and family as a way of spreading joy and motivation.  I believe that little acts of kindness can go a far way.  The message I want to convey to everyone is that life is a process; we are all on our individual journey to find our place.  

Having quotes has been a reminder to treasure the simplicity of each day.   Quotes contain messages that light our inner spirit. I’m extremely grateful to share wise words from various enlightened beings.   I believe we all are here on earth to serve a divine purpose and I truly feel by spreading the joy of quotes I’m helping others in need. 

Here are a few of my favourite quotes:

As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.
—Emmanuel Teney 

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence. – Unknown

“Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World and it will one day return there.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist 

The piece above is the first article I drafted at the age of 31. Presently, I am in my early 40’s and connecting the dots as I go backwards. Writing nourishes my heart and allows guidance from spirit to emerge. I am certain many other writers feel the same way. I have taken much time as of late to go inwards, which I believe many sensitive souls require to recharge. Solitude is when the journey begins, and the dance of effortless transformation unfolds like a rose, one petal at a time. Writing is my way of being service to humanity. It brings joy to my spirit, to uplift others with the written word. I hope there is something in your life that causes your soul to feel alive, to soar and bring healing light upon others. May you continue to share your gifts!

Creativity

Creativity Is… | Creativity quotes, Positive quotes, Craft quotes

To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it. Osho

In Grade 1, I was first introduced to the children’s literature author – Robert Munsch.  Every afternoon, my teacher had designated story time for the classroom.  With enthusiasm, I would run to the reading circle, and wait patiently for a story to be read.  The narratives of Robert Munsch always evoked such delight at a young age.  There was one particular story called “The Paper Bag Princess” that had hidden messages of self-love and empowerment.  

At the tender age of 6, I felt my imagination was being expanded.  Everyday we heard tales to enhance our vision.  Although I was still learning how to read, I was drawn to literature.  Hearing something daily elevated my spirit.  My mind would visualize all characters and was swept away.  As an adult, I reflect on the importance of “story time”.  It was tapping into that creative genius, we all have within us. 

The Story: 

The Paper Bag Princess is about an unconventional Princess named Elizabeth.  She is to be married to Prince Ronald.  Prior to the nuptials, this feisty lass ends up being held captive by a dragon.  While in the castle, she patiently awaits her Prince Charming to come and rescue her.  Twist to the plotline –  the protagonist ends up misleading the dragon and saving herself.  She encourages the dragon to fly and use up all its energy.  A little heroine in the making.  The Prince see’s Elizabeth, wrapped up in a paper bag, unlike the usual Princess attire.  Upon seeing this, Ronald criticizes Elizabeth and chooses not to marry her.  Her reaction – she calls Ronald a “bum”.  Lo and behold, life takes a new direction for Elizabeth.

Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you. Amy Leigh Mercree

Why am I sharing the story of The Paper Bag Princess?  I recently read it again, and it sparked something inside me.  There was a message I needed to receive.  First and foremost, it was a nudge from the universe to remember how much I love to write.  To keep writing, honour that creative genius even if my articles are not published.  Secondly, the reminder of self-love and empowerment.  You are in charge of our life.  Similar to Elizabeth, you empower yourself daily by the choices you make and the company you surround yourself with.   

In children’s books, there is always insight for adults.  It was a blessing to acknowledge the importance of self-love.  This was not your usual Fairy Tale ending but perhaps one many can relate to.  Elizabeth creates her own happiness, and dances towards the sunset – the light.     

What sparks your creative flow?  Is it travelling, journaling, cooking, singing or writing?  There are multiple avenues that will continually speak to your spirit.  Perhaps its numbers or gardening that make you tap into your higher self.  Whatever it may be, I ask you to keep discovering more about yourself.  You could be the next Picasso, Einstein or Vivaldi!  

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Albert Einstein  

The more you are in tune with your creativity, you allow parts of yourself to expand.  Your brain creates new pathways when you are in this flow of energy.  When you are in that space of creativity, you are receiving wisdom beyond yourself.  Channel that inspiration into what makes you feel euphoric.  The hobbies you have are here for a greater purpose.  These are you innate gifts.  Your task is to do this daily.  Allot time to do what makes you feel empowered.  

How can you expand on your creativity:

  1. Visualize, see how you want your day to unfold
  2. Journal – appreciate where you are in life today 
  3. Create, this could be drawing, doing a DIY project or anything that puts you in a state of equilibrium 
  4. Have fun, play, be in joy as much as possible
  5. Ask yourself how can you be service with your creative talents

The Paper Bag Princess, reflected on the theme of self-love.  The relationship you have with yourself is connected to your heart.  As you love yourself, this energy is felt outwardly.  Knowing your creativity is endless.  You may be the most effective communicator, designer, builder or entrepreneur.  There are ceaseless possibilities being birthed by you.  Remember to trust, you have known all along what ignites that inner flame.  Make time for the life you have always imagined.  Your creativity is asking you to reach beyond yourself.  Never stop learning, at any point in time your life can change.