Posts Tagged ‘Spring’
September 24th, 2010 | 9 Comments »
She could never go back and make some of the details pretty. All she could do was move forward and make the whole beautiful. –Terri St. Cloud
I am perfectly imperfect. I have embraced my perfectionist personality enough to make it a part of who I am, for better or worse. And surprisingly, I have come to celebrate what makes me imperfect, to shed light on the parts of myself that don’t fit together cohesively into a nice neat container. While part of me craves structure, routines, labels, and definitions, there is a huge part of me that wants to venture beyond the known, the safe and cozy comfort zone. For it’s through venturing off into side roads and unmapped territory that we can discover and create rather than steer solely in cruise control.
That’s where I am today and where I hope to be tomorrow, one step at a time nourishing the sparkly moments along the way as well as overcoming the less-than-sparkly moments that are always a part of the journey. I feel like I’m finally settling into my identity rather than trying to constantly redefine it. This is me… who I am, authentically and wholeheartedly. I am all in.
Last weekend, I went to Florida with the soon-to-be hubby* to get our wedding license. Before leaving on our trip, I received a package from Amazon for a book I had pre-ordered by Brené Brown (whose first book began my journey of accepting my perfectly imperfect self) entitled The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. I took the book with me on our plane ride home and devoured the entire book in a little over three hours. Rather than go into a full review of the 100 or so quotes I highlighted, I want to share one that stands out the most to me this evening as I pen this journal entry.
Most of us are trying to live an authentic life. Deep down, we want to take off our game face and be real and imperfect. There is a line from Leonard Cohen’s song “Anthem” that serves as a reminder to me when I get into that place where I’m trying to control everything and make it perfect. The line is, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” So many of us run around spackling all of the cracks, trying to make everything look just right. This line helps me remember the beauty of the cracks (and the messy house and the imperfect manuscript and the too-tight jeans). It reminds me that our imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together. Imperfectly, but together.
What makes you authentically you?
… This post is part of my response to the new online community challenge, Spring Into Action, focused on opening up conversation around the topic of authenticity.
* down the aisle in 29 days!
image: eva juliet
Tags: Authenticity, Brené Brown, eva juliet, imperfect, Spring, spring into action
Posted in: Authenticity, Personal
September 20th, 2010 | 6 Comments »
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my last “confession” post. I wasn’t going to write today’s blog piece, but realized this weekend that it’s something that I would really like to share with my little ripple effect community.
When you come to the edge of all the light you have, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, believe that one of two things will happen. Either there will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught how to fly. -Patrick Overton
At so many points in our lives and especially mine at this point in time, I find myself “not knowing” much more than usual. I’m in a period of transition after some time spent really grounding myself away from my academic identity and focusing on self-care. But with transition comes a plethora of unknowns. Because I’m in the midst of this transition, it’s difficult to see the big picture (hopefully that will come as I emerge from this period of time). I have dealt with uncertainty so much in the past few years that I don’t feel the fear that usually accompanies this time, but I do have questions of course. Below are a few questions from my journal focused on this topic.
. . . when/how do you stop searching and start embracing?
. . . when/how do you let go of the need to know?
. . . does there have to be an answer?
. . . how do you know when to trust your gut instinct over the well established road-map?
. . . how do you define “answer?” Is it based on an intrinsic or extrinsic definition?
. . . how do you embrace the uncertainty of not knowing?
:: What I Do Believe ::
By acknowledging when you don’t know the answers and shed light on your vulnerabilities, you are creating space for your authentic self to live wholeheartedly and courageously.
We learn the most about ourselves from the moments in which we let down our guard and admit, “I don’t know all the answers. I am uncertain and that’s okay. How can I transform this experience from one of self-doubt to one of self-compassion?”
Do you have your own questions on this topic… or thoughts on my questions above?
-> This post is part of my response to the new online community challenge, Spring Into Action, focused on opening up conversation around the topic of authenticity.
image: joojoo
Tags: Authenticity, joojoo, perfectionism, Spring, spring into action, uncertainty, unknown
Posted in: Authenticity, Personal
July 20th, 2010 | 10 Comments »
I love digging into my archives and reading through “older” posts! So I am super excited to participate in The 7 Link Challenge, found via Susannah Conway (who found it via Darren at Problogger). Susannah writes, “The idea is to link to six of your old posts (and one by another blogger) to help your readers dig deeper into your archives.”
The Seven Links
- Your first post
- A post you enjoyed writing the most
- A post which had a great discussion
- A post on someone else’s blog that you wish you’d written
- Your most helpful post
- A post with a title that you are proud of
- A post that you wish more people had read
My Seven Link Picks
Wanna play along? Leave a link to your post in the comments and help create a beautiful ripple effect of inspiration!
:: goodies ::
-> Check out Spring for new content (videos, mp3 recordings, giveaways, guest posts) each day! The site is growing like crazy and is full of unique inspiration for designing a creative and intentional life. I hope you enjoy!!
-> Have you heard about The Daily Brainstorm? I am a regular contributor and it just launched last week. It is an emporium of blog posts on a broad range of topics. Be sure to visit the site and indulge in its amazing inspiration!
image: skippy designs
Tags: Blogging, Christine Mason Miller, imperfection, Ordinary Sparkling Moments, Problogger, skippy designs, Spring, Susannah Conway, The 7 Link Challenge, The Daily Brainstorm, Zen Habits
Posted in: Treasure Chest
July 8th, 2010 | 14 Comments »
This week has been full of ups and downs. Typically, when I notice that my emotions and energy are fluctuating, something is lurking below the surface. I journal a lot and recognized a common thread: cravings (sadly, not pints of ice cream or cupcakes)… deeper cravings with a few playful ones as well! Below is a list of recent cravings straight from my journal (with links added for your inspiration as well as a few additional comments)!
… quiet
… relaxation
… visual inspiration
… biographies
… interior design/nesting (daily obsessions: decor8 and making it lovely)
… journaling
… connection
… ease + simplicity (counting down the moments until Aby’s new online workshop, It’s About Time: How to Have More Fun and Get More Done – I talked to Aby throughout the creation of this workshop and know that it is going to exceed all expectations. No affiliate connection, just an exciting opportunity to share)
… yoga
… family
… acceptance
… decisiveness
… quotes
… photographs (addicted to a creative mint)
… giving + receiving
… chocolate chip + banana pancakes
… dance lessons with soon to be hubby
… marriage (T minus 3.5 months!)
… personal growth (my guru extraordinaire: Jennifer Lee)
… discovery sessions (i.e., magical transformation)
… sharing my imperfect journey (the little stuff as well as the bigger lessons)
… learning your stories, your little and big life moments
… lowered expectations
… doing without doing
… focus and inner quiet
… soft music
… creating in the moment
… handmade indulgences (etsy + papernstitch)
… transparency
… forgiveness
… receiving support without asking (in an ideal world, but crave support and may need to get better at the “asking” component)
… structure
… innovation
… new beginnings
… reconnecting with my online + offline friends, cheerleaders, and supporters
… celebrating ordinary sparkling moments and cherishing the friendship of my personal sparkling genie, Christine Mason Miller
I want to throw this question back to you and would love to know: what are you craving? Share your cravings, big and small (deep and/or playful) in the comments.
:: goodies to share ::
-> I recently wrote my first official guest post for one of my favorite blogs, Live Bold and Bloom. I loved the experience and hope you’ll hop on over to read my piece entitled, How to Embrace Uncertainty and Cultivate Inner Peace.
-> New videos + lots of great giveaways on Spring. July’s hot topic for discussion: self-care. Episode one went live on Tuesday! This month’s video series is our best yet. In the final episode on the topic (available the last week of July), I share a very personal story for the first time that I hope offers inspiration for others.
[image 1: calypso; image 2: a creative mint]
Tags: A Creative Mint, Aby Garvey, Artizen Coaching, Calypso, Christine Mason Miller, Cravings, Decor8, Discovery Sessions, Doing without Doing, Holly Becker, How to Embrace Uncertainty and Cultivate Inner Peace, It's About Time, Jennifer Lee, Journal, Leslie Shewring, Live Bold and Bloom, Making it Lovely, Nicole Balch, Ordinary Sparkling Moments, Self-Care, Simplify101, Spring
Posted in: Authenticity, Creativity & Inspiration, Personal, Treasure Chest
June 16th, 2010 | 18 Comments »
I write to understand better – myself and other people. I write to communicate and connect, usually first in my journal and then onto a legal notepad, and finally by typing as quickly as I can. I lose track of time and the world beyond my paper and pen in these sacred moments. And I love to write, the actual process versus the completion or end point, which is hard to say about most “obligations” in life.
But, as any writer will say, there are times when I just can’t write, or would rather be doing anything but write. I almost always feel resistance rush through my body as I near the pen and open journal. I don’t consider this resistance to be “writer’s block”; rather, I suffer from a far less glamorous label: fear. Not fear of the actual writing or even the reaction of others to the writing, because to be honest I don’t write in my journal for others; I fear what will happen when I open up to myself.
For so long, I suppressed what I felt, and in retrospect I recognize that this was my survival strategy. I wasn’t ready to process all that I experienced so early in life. Now, everyday, I show up to process whatever travels from pen to paper – and the uncertainty of what will come undone fuels my resistance. So, I give in to that fear, not all the time, but some of the time. I’m not perfect and can’t be strong everyday; however, on most days, I feel that surge of adrenaline masked as fear and decide to walk directly into the ring of fire.
When I make that decision, do I feel strong or empowered? No! I feel anxious and scared, but I don’t let these emotions dictate my actions. Then, as I write, regardless of what I may be wrestling with on paper, the fear, and all of what it comprises, dissolves. I recognize the turn in my emotions, and a little empowered smirk appears on my face.
. . . . .
Interviews + More
… listen to my fun interview with Ana Ottman of Red Dress Studios on her fabulous series, Red Dress Conversations
… read about my Style Statement, Structured Innovation, on the Style Statement Blog (find out what one outfit I would wear forever – yup, just one!)
… watch the second video on the Law of Attraction on Spring
. . . . .
DISCOVERY SESSIONS: LIMITED AVAILABILITY
… I rarely write in ALL CAPS so you know that this must be important :)! Discovery Sessions are very new and very hot! If you want to work together this summer, jump on over to the Discovery Session page to purchase a package and secure a spot with me. If you have any questions, be sure to send an email sooner rather than later to: carolyn (AT) abeautifulrippleeffect (DOT) com.
Tags: Ana Ottman, Emotions, fear, Interview, journaling, Procrastination, Red Dress Conversations, Red Dress Studios, resistance, Spring, Style Statement, writer's block, Writing
Posted in: Authenticity, Creativity & Inspiration, Personal
June 9th, 2010 | 2 Comments »
The Law of Attraction has become a sizzling topic. What do you think… do you believe in the Law of Attraction? Check out my video tackling this question with Michelle Ward, Jess Swift, and Tiffany Moore. Click here to watch the video!
. . . . .
-> If you receive these posts by email, please watch for an email from me with the subject line “Please confirm your subscription.” There will be a link inside that email you’ll need to click. Once you click that, your subscription will be updated so you can get the new—and much improved!—version of these posts via email.
Tags: Jess Swift, Law of Attraction, Michelle Ward, Spring, Tiffany Moore
Posted in: Treasure Chest
March 19th, 2010 | 7 Comments »
Spring is here! Inspiration is blooming!
I’m excited to share an incredibly inspiring project with you today. The amazing women behind Kind Over Matter, Jenn Gibson and Amanda Oaks, invited the Spring girls (yup, that includes me!) to collaborate on a free printable affirmation gift set - just for you!
There are a total of 36 affirmations and instructions to create a gorgeous box to hold the affirmations year round. The patterns were designed by Spring’s Jess Gonacha Swift!
Create a beautiful gift for yourself and those you cherish.
The Printable Affirmation Gift Set
Wishing you a beautiful spring filled with bright days!
Tags: Affirmations, Amanda Oaks, Collaboration, Jenn Gibson, Jess Constable, Jess Gonacha Swift, Kind Over Matter, Michelle Ward, Spring
Posted in: Creativity & Inspiration, Treasure Chest
March 16th, 2010 | 3 Comments »
“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. Each Tuesday, I highlight information and inspiration related to a specific topic. This week’s topic: Organization Inspiration. With spring officially starting in just a few days, the spring cleaning bug is about to spread. Be prepared by bookmarking the list below.
Fresh
- New video is live on Spring! During the month of March, we are talking about one hot topic: MONEY! The second video (of four) is focused on this question: How do you determine your worth & be comfortable charging it? Personally, I find this question difficult and really enjoyed the conversation about this topic – a true, authentic discussion. I hope you’ll watch the video and chime in with a comment!
- New article on the Huffington Post: 5 Lessons Children Can Teach Us About Joy
- Be sure to check out some of my personal favorite organizing books in my Amazon Book Store. I recently added this store to my blog and want to mention that I do earn a tiny referral fee of 4% if you purchase a book from my store. I have personally read every book that I include in the store so it’s a genuine list of “favorites.” [Note: I will always disclose if I'm an affiliate for a product.]
Organization Inspiration
- Real Simple - Check out the organizing section for categorized organization tips
- Creative Organizing – The Simplify101 blog recently named Best Organizing Website or Blog at the Organizing Awards in Los Angeles (for even more organizing solutions and ideas see the Simplify101 Organizing Tips and Articles section
- Organize It – An author’s blog on organizing (a treasury of information neatly organized)
- The SheBang – The Smart Woman’s Guide to Doing it All!
- Kevin Sharkey – Kevin blogs about all parts of the home, but his section on closets is wonderful for organizing tips
- Jeri’s Organizing and Decluttering News – A professional organizer points you to cool products, good books, interesting concepts and much more – daily tidbits to help you organize and declutter.
- Mint – Organize your money and accounts
- How to Organize Mental Clutter – Fabulous post from blog, Think Simple Now
- Organizing Junkie – A mom and professional organizer blogs about living a life of simplicity and order
- Complete Organizing Solutions – Organizing the way you live, work, and play
- Organize.com – An emporium of organizing products to make everything clean, neat, and easy
- Success Magazine – a series of online articles from some of the most well known organizing and productivity gurus
- Sasha Sews (Etsy Shop): Stylishly Organizing Busy People
- See Jane Work – The destination for office style and organization (I am slightly addicted to their products – extreme eye candy for the organized obsessed!)
- Russell + Hazel – The ultimate store for stylish organization (I use many of their products for my office organizing + everyday work)
Inspiring Words
“Spring cleaning is all about personal satisfaction. It is the time of year that triggers homeowners to revive their home and renew their lives.”
- Peter Walsh
Do you have any organizing resources/tips to share?
If you enjoy A Beautiful Ripple Effect, please subscribe to the blog via RSS. Thank you for your support.
Tags: Huffington Post, organize, Spring
Posted in: Balance & Simplicity, Creativity & Inspiration, Goals & Productivity, Treasure Chest
March 9th, 2010 | 6 Comments »
“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. Each Tuesday, I highlight information and inspiration related to a specific topic. This week’s focus: BEGIN.
: : begin : :
… to create from a blank canvas
… to experience
… to take the first step
… to take bold action (“gulp!”)
… to start
… to let go
… to trust yourself
There is beauty in being a beginner.
Fresh
- New video is live on Spring! During the month of March, we are talking about one hot topic: MONEY! The first video (of four) is focused on this question: How do you trust that you can do what you love and the money will follow? And of course, new video = new giveaway. Spend a few minutes relaxing today with Spring – a video conversation with four unique perspectives!
Affirmations
- Affirmations are powerful statements/phrases that help motivate you to take a leap of faith, to trust yourself, and to begin. [Affirmations have many meanings; however, in this context, we'll use the definition above.]
Handmade Inspiration
Inspiring Words
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
- Mark Twain
Give yourself permission to forge beyond the resistance and BEGIN. Today.
What will you begin today?
{image: Jennifer Morris}
Tags: 101Birdtails Shop, Affirmations, Christine Mason Miller, Do Little Design, Earmark, Etsy, Handmade, Jennifer Morris Photography, Kind Over Matter, Lisa Hopkins, Spring, Tuesday Treasures
Posted in: Creativity & Inspiration, Treasure Chest
March 2nd, 2010 | 1 Comment »
“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. It is such a fun uplifting title that I can’t resist using it! I have a few snippets of information and inspiration to share with you today. This week’s focus: SIMPLE BEAUTY.
Fresh
- Brand new episode of Spring is live! This is the final episode focused on the topic of support. Be sure to check out the short video for your chance to win one of the amazing giveaways :). Next topic up for discussion: Money!!
- As you may have noticed, A Beautiful Ripple Effect is undergoing a little makeover :). I was hoping to have it finished by March 1st (my birthday – big 25!), but got a stomach bug (really bad so I’ve been in bed since Wed night) — so hopefully by March 8th! I hope you enjoy the changes being made to enhance your experience on the blog. I will reveal all the wonderful people working on the changes next week – an amazing team of very talented individuals!
Treasures
- Online Inspiration
- Papernstitch – A curated collection of simple, handmade goods
- A Few Personal Favorites
- drika. b – original, colorful, hip and practical handbags and pouches
- Joo Joo – original illustrations bursting with color and natural life
- The Sunday Times Market – Finds for the Vintage Minded. Serendipitous vintage, mid century and Danish modern housewares and furniture.
- Children Inspire Design – Features eco friendly art, stationary and children’s gifts all created from using designs from original collage art made with salvaged paper. Some featured products include art prints, limited edition reproductions on canvas, wall cards and stationary.
- A Field Journal – A blog that is a “beautiful compilation of all things old fashioned, timeless, simple and lovely.”
- Trend Spotting :: 5 Minimalist Banners (Tara Gentile’s blog: write well, create often.)
- I found this amazing post from one of my favorite blogs, Up Up by Julie Green – Julie’s banner was included (Congratulations, Julie!!)
- Leo Babauta – The individual synonymous with embracing the simplicity in life and helping others (just a few… million) to do the same
- Inspiration for Turning Knowledge into Action
- Simplify101 Workshops: Amazing online workshops focused on simplifying the complex, finding the beauty within our spaces, and acknowledging the simple beauty that exists in our lives everyday
- The wish*full Virtual Art Retreat (Spring 2010 – Sign Up by March 31st, 2010!)
Inspiring Words
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
- Leonardo da Vinci
What simplicities are you treasuring this week?
{image: The Sunday Times Market}
Tags: Simplicity, Spring, Tuesday Treasures
Posted in: Creativity & Inspiration, Treasure Chest
