More and more lately I find I am aligning myself towards the natural world, and the changing seasons. I take great pleasure in and greet with wonder this marvelous planet I reside on, daily. And at regularly occurring natural events like solstices and equinoxes, I like to pause for a moment and take stock of where I am with respect to what I am trying to achieve for myself – my intentions.
It just feels right to me to do things this way, rather than according to a date on a typical paper or digital calendar. This centres me and reminds me of what is truly real, and what are only human constructs.
The world continues to turn; the planet makes regular revolutions around the sun – where am I with my turning in my journey around my life?
I first wrote about my goals for 2018 here, at Yuletide. I updated my progress at the Spring Equinox here.
And here is my assessment of where I am at now, and what has changed in the past 3 months.
Blogging – still managing to blog at least once per week. Hoorah for me! It has been a bit of a struggle, and more so now that the weather is finally hospitable and I am trying to be outdoors as much as possible. There was a good reason my blog went silent almost every summer and fall in years past. I have not yet perfected the art of outdoor blogging (although I managed pretty well in Barbados, I must admit).
Reading – as predicted, I blew past my GoodReads goal of 50 books this year easily a few weeks ago. GoodReads tells me I am 36 books ahead of schedule at 59/50 books read. Next year, I have to at least double this way-too modest goal. Clearly.
Mindfulness – I have been doing a lot of what I call micro-meditations. That is, multiple daily pausings to draw my attention to the present moment and savour it. But not so much butt on the zafu as I was hoping. Still, I am pleased that I am practicing mindfulness on a daily basis.
Financial Security – oooh, doggie! There has been a lot of change in this area. In April, I made a life-changing decision that I can’t really talk about on ye old blogge yet, but it is one that is good for me and I am very happy about it. All will be revealed eventually but unfortunately not any time soon. This has necessitated a change in my financial goals for this year. I have stopped paying down extra on my rental business demand loan for the time being. I am finally heeding my accountant’s advice to not be in such a hurry to pay this down as this debt is very good for my tax situation, and my 2017 tax refund proved him right once again. So I am focusing on optimizing my future monthly cash flow by working on my line of credit instead. I used this credit line for last summer’s renovation – and I locked it in at a much lower interest rate so it was not a priority for paying off ahead of schedule. But not anymore ‘cos Mama’s got a brand new plan.
Intuitive Processes – I am getting better at listening to that still, small voice. My heart voice. The one I usually ignore in favour of my head voice. Using the Tarot is helping. A lot.
Health – I have stopped trying to diet, and more importantly, fretting about the need to diet. I eat what I please, when I’m hungry. And guess what, my weight is still about the same – I might even be down a pound or two. But now I truly enjoy my food and I have more time and mental energy to think about fun stuff instead of feeling bad over what I am shoving down my pie hole (or not). So, hoorah for intuitive eating! Although I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I am tempted to go back to restrictive eating whenever I read a “success story”. Then I remember that those successes are just snapshots in time, and a year from now that person will likely have put all the weight back on (and more). I’ve seen it happen to people I know over and over again. Hell, I’m one of them!
I’ve also been very consistent on making sure I move my body – achieving over 10,000 steps almost every day for the past 2 months. My energy levels are nice and high, as a result. And my stamina has improved as well. I keep meaning to add a regular weight lifting routine to my week but haven’t yet made a habit of this. So that is an area that needs my attention during this next quarter.
Art – I’ve been roughing out a bunch of ideas in my notebook but not doing a lot on canvas. This weekend is supposed to be kinda rainy so I’m planning on painting. I got my weekly blog post done early so as to free up time for this. Wish me luck!
What about you? How are you doing with respect to your intentions (if you made any) for 2018, at this half-way point in the year?
Rock on,
The WB
I really enjoyed reading your update Deb. I have connected with some wonderful women this year and learning so much from them, as well as discovering common ground. I’m an avid reader and love getting lost in a book without feeling guilty. My philosophy to health and wellness is to find some activity you love to do (in my case that is running and yoga) and I definitely have scrapped the word ‘diet’ from my vocabulary. Eating healthier options is the way to go. I certainly agree that lately I’ve started appreciating nature and the seasons. We met a couple on a tour last year, he was a Druid and such a fascinating person to talk to. We keep in touch and as you celebrate the Summer Solstice I’m celebrating the Winter Solstice ‘down under’ in Australia. I also prefer micro meditations to sitting for long periods. I get more out of this form of meditation. Well done on your intentions and enjoy the rest of your Summer.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Thanks Sue! I would love to meet a Druid, or a witch for that matter. A few weeks ago I read a very interesting book on the Great Mother religions, borrowed from the library – there was thousands of years of matriarchy before the current patriarchal system, it seems! I got a lot of artistic (and other) inspiration from that book and it really opened my eyes. I didn’t agree with everything the author wrote but more than enough that I think I will purchase my own copy, to refer to. Those ancient belief systems relied more heavily on being in harmony with the natural world than our current ones, and that really resonates with, and grounds me.
Enjoy your longer days coming, Sue!
Deb
Hi Deb, I wrote a long comment but not sure if it is in moderation? Anyway just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your update. Lately I’ve certainly been enjoying the seasons more as a way of living life. We were on a tour last year and met a couple from the US. He was a Druid and I found him fascinating. You are celebrating the Summer Solstice whilst ‘down under’ I am celebrating the Winter Solstice. My philosophy to health is to find some activity you absolutely love doing – then it isn’t a chore. Mine is running and yoga – yes crazy but that is me! I also ditched the word ‘diet’ from my vocabulary. We focus so much on this and yet if we just include some activity in our day and make healthier food choices it is surprising that weight isn’t such a huge problem. It is so great to have connected with you, as I have with other wonderful women this year. I’m learning from you all. I can’t meditate for long periods as I fidget but micro-meditations certainly suit me and it is all about just taking the moment isn’t it? Have a beautiful Summer and Enjoy! xx
Thanks Sue, for taking the time to comment twice. I really appreciate it. This one had been delivered to my spam folder – not sure why?!?!?!
Deb
Mornin’ Deb.
I love these update posts. I enjoy reading about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, what’s changing in your life. And, while I do these things monthly as you know, I really, really like these big solstice reviews. There’s something about solstices that make us even more contemplative than usual, I think. (Or maybe I’m just saying that because I intend this rainy weekend to be all about the kind of self-checkin you’ve just done.)
Before anything else, I’m super curious about your life-changing decision that you’re really happy about. Patience isn’t my strong suit, however, given no choice 🙂 , I say “yay you!” for whatever you decided and I look forward to hearing about it when you’re ready to share.
Is there a trigger that you use for your micro-meditations? They’re something that I’d like to start doing a bit more deliberately – right now it’s very hit and miss – but entire days can go by and then I’ll remember, “Oh yeah, I was going to be mindful.” In one book I was reading, the author used bird song as her trigger but there are so many birds around here I’d turn into a monk!
Way to go with the intuitive eating, Deb and with the reading goal. I’m enjoying watching you blow through your books on Goodreads. I notice that Boundaries of the Soul is still on there as a ‘currently reading’. I’m in the same boat. Fascinating, I think, but a hard slog. I read a few pages and then abandon it for something else.
Have fun with your art this weekend. Are you going to make your weeks/months of life piece? I haven’t started mine yet and probably won’t get to it this weekend, but soon…
Mornin’ Karen!
Thanks for the comment!
For my micro-meditations, my trigger is usually to look at the sky/clouds…or listen to the wind. That invariably snaps me back to the present moment. Which invariably becomes a moment of gratitude.
I am almost at the end of Boundaries of the Soul. You’re right, it can be a bit of a slog and sometimes I just want to read something fun so I put the book on the back burner. I really enjoyed the sections on dreams – most dreams I don’t remember by the time breakfast rolls around, but some are recurring and some were astounding and I still think of them years later. I plan to write a blog post someday about this.
Yup, planning to work on my months of life this weekend. And the weather is cooperating to make it less appealing to spend a lot of time outside so I have no excuse not to. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Deb
Kudos Deb, to keeping up with your goals so methodically. It’s always good to review and hold yourself accountable. My goal this year was to hike 200 miles. I was averaging 18 a month until June, I have not hiked one single mile this month due to travel and weather. Hopefully, I can get out this weekend.
It seems like I have struggled with weight most of my adult life. Weight watchers was the only thing that worked for me, because you can eat whatever you want as long as you do it in moderation. I lost 30 pounds 6 years ago and yes, some of it is back. But, I learned all the good habits and they have stuck with me, so I am 20 pounds lighter than I was, and I’m okay with that. People come in all sizes and sometimes you just have to accept that you don’t have a model’s figure (and who would want that anyway??)
Have you read “The Alice Project” by Kate Quinn? Intriguing story about female spies in WWI – historical fiction. So good!
Be sure to give yourself a big pat on the back for all the great things you are doing!!
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the comment and congratulations on the weight loss! I used to go to Weight Watchers many years ago and couldn’t get to the loss they said I had to have to meet my goal. This was way back in the day when you had to meet the numbers on their chart for your height in order to reach “official” goal weight – I struggled so much that the leader said I could get a doctor’s note stating that the weight I was at was OK for a goal weight. Which I did. The doctor agreed that I was at a healthy weight and that the number from Weight Watchers was unrealistic for someone with my bone structure and muscularity. I realize Weight Watchers has come a long way since those days…LOL!
No, I haven’t read The Alice Project and I will put it on my To Read list, thanks!
I will pat myself on the back – something I don’t do enough – usually I am so focused on the goal ahead that I forget to see where I started and how far I have come, but the blogging helps with that too. So thanks for that reminder, Karen!
Deb
Woohoo, Deb! Your updates are always so inspirational for me. I appreciate how deliberate and even structured you are in your goal setting, decision making and re-evaluation process. I have to admit mine could be described as ‘freeform’ at best.
The part about aligning with the natural world rather than man’s construct resonated with me. I’ve always felt the earth’s changes, but haven’t deliberately synchronized with it. Seeing it written in black and white re-enforces what should have been obvious.
This is the status update of someone who is currently in a good place 💕
Thanks Joanne!
Yes, I feel like I am in a good place and that it can only get better, goddess willing.
I have a need to be anchored – most of my life it has been responsibilities for others (thrust upon me or otherwise), and now I use my reflective and goal-setting processes to provide the anchoring/direction I require. Otherwise I fear I might fly off in many directions or (worse) stagnate, and I find that to be unsatisfying, personally.
I make sure my current anchors are not too heavy/limiting, so I can pull them up and be on my way to a different direction if I decide that is now what is right for me.
Deb
I admire you for your commitment to positive changes and reflection in your life. Never under estimate the latter.
You are so right about dieting. Last winter I lost 12 pounds going to the gym four days a week, for two hours each, watching my food intake and this winter I gained it all back. No matter where I’m at in the diet/not diet cycle it drives me crazy! I need to relax about it!
You’ve intrigued me with your comment about Great Mother religions. Put it down on my list of things to check out. I didn’t realize you paint! I used to and am trying to get back into it.
Have a great week!
Hi Jean,
Thanks for the comment. I certainly learned to relax about it, and was surprised to find out I didn’t outgrow my clothes, and now have lots of mental/physical energy to put into more worthwhile endeavours than dieting. Just imagine what women could do if they weren’t so focused on that number on the scale or getting to a certain size!
The book I read was The Great Cosmic Mother by Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor. It was written a number of years ago. Now I want to read more books on this subject by other authors.
You have a great week as well!
Deb
Mm mm Deb, I can almost smell that candle and imagine what that lavender and honey cream would smell like. I used to live in Muskoka years ago and your picture brings back fond memories. Great update and I totally hear you about the whole calendar human construct thing. Thanks for the update on how you are doing now on your goals and plans. Sounds to me like you have things well in hand.
Oops I forgot to click the notify me of new comments box…there that fixed it. LOL 😉
OK! Hope you get notified of the previous response as well!
Thanks for the comment, Susan!
I used to be quite familiar with the area that you live in now. It’s beautiful there too (maybe even more so than Muskoka – certainly the fall colours are some of the most striking in the province). My ex’s late mother’s family is from Trout Creek, and some of them spread out to South River, North Bay and Powassan. There were annual visits there in the summer and fall, sometimes winter-time too. Whenever you comment, it brings back fond memories for me too. 🙂
Deb
I got both responses Deb, thanks.
Oh so cool! Small world, isn’t it? I am glad I bring back fond memories for you too when I comment. 🙂 I do miss Muskoka – spent a lot of years in that area. Kilworthy, Bracebridge and Milford Bay were the three areas I lived. I got to my house in Milford Bay via a gigantic rock cut that towered 25 or 30 feet over my car on the highway. It always felt like I lived in a fortress and that I miss the most.
Deb, I’ve started to be more aware of the solstice and equinox as well as the full moon and new moon. I’m not sure where this will lead, but I appreciate your using earth’s natural rhythms for goal reflection. Years ago, I had read a book about the early matriarchal religions and was fascinated. I’ll have to check out the one you’ve read! Pat
Thanks Pat! If you or any other commenters do read the Great Cosmic Mother, I’d really appreciate hearing what you thought of it. I’ve always disliked the male-centric religions. I used to mutter “our mother, who art in heaven” under my breath when reciting the lord’s prayer in school, and used a female pronoun for god. I got a lot of grief over this, as you can imagine. The patriarchy pissed me off even before I knew what one was. LOL!
Deb
Hi Deb – love this open, honest update! Sounds like you’ve planned your work and you’re working your plan. I am also working on these areas — if you count creative and reflective book writing as art. By way of intuitive eating, I am not too concerned about my weight (although I could stand to lose some) — so I have begun to ‘treat’ myself on Thursday and Sunday. Because I work long days Mon-Wed, I’ve realized that enjoying these treats on the first and last day of my weekend helps me really appreciate the treats and not crave them as much on my more hectic, busy days.
I certain do count writing as art, Janet.
Treat days wouldn’t work for me, but if they do for you, then rock on!
Thanks for your kind words!
Deb
Hey Deb, I’m a little late as the solstice was 5 days ago. Ooops.
Half way through the year and I’m falling a little behind where I wanted to be – but as that happens every year ’tis no surprise. I have a couple of big goals and I think by the end of the year one will be ticked off and the other should be moving along (just not tick worthy sadly).
Hey AJ,
While you may feel like you’re falling behind, you’re still lapping people who are just letting life happen to them so kudos to you!
Deb
I like knowing that you are so clear with your intentions and your assessment of how they’re going for you. I’ve been trying to utilize guided meditations as a way of centering myself and focusing on the quiet voice within. Some days I’m good at it, other days… well, not so much. We’re in the midst of a large financial re-plan, too. It’s making me anxious, but I do see the logic behind it so I carry on. I don’t diet, I eat healthy-ish– and leave it at that. And as for your ability to walk so many steps consistently, color me impressed. That might be the one intention I should apply myself to the most. Alas, I am a slug.
Thank you Ally. I like doing guided meditations too, though I haven’t given myself the time to do much of that lately. I haven’t met or read anyone yet who says they are consistently good at meditating, so I think we are in good company. 🙂
As to the walking, I find I have a sluggish thyroid and the medication doesn’t seem to help as much as the exercise does. Or maybe the medication is helped by the walking. I don’t know. I only know that making a point of moving makes me feel like my old self again. Something the medication alone didn’t do.
Deb
I do love these updates – isn’t it amazing how much a little movement and exercise can make in how much more energy you have? I never would have believed it a few years ago, but now with all my walking I am a total convert.
As for my goals, I’m doing pretty good. Not perfect, mind you, but I am certainly doing more and better than I would be if I hadn’t set the goals.
Right, Sarah? It seems a bit counterintuitive to gain energy by expending more of it, but that is exactly how it works!
I am a big believer in setting goals or intentions. I remember many years ago during a time of transition writing down a list of things I wanted to do – I think the exercise was to come up with a list of 100 life goals, no matter how “crazy”. I couldn’t even come up with 100 – I stopped at 51. Then I put away the list and never thought of it again, until a year later. I was amazed at how many of the things that I thought were ridiculous goals at the time (meaning hard/impossible to achieve) that I could cross off the list. In a year. Without thinking about them. Imagine what I could have done if I had actually held myself accountable and consciously worked on them!
Deb
I wonder if just writing those few down unconsciously made you work toward getting them done.
I am a huge fan of goals and intentions. I wasn’t until recently, but I feel like having them (as well as plans to execute them, even in small ways) has made a huge difference in how I feel and what I get done.
I think it must have! I was so surprised when I came upon my list so many months later and saw what I written down and what had actually come to pass.
It made me a believer of puttin’ it out there – for the universe or my subconscious mind to work on. I don’t care which is responsible (my $ on the subconscious mind, though), I just know that it works!
Hi I found you via River’s blog. I have just now found myself being pulled to nature and things like you have talked about. I am in the process of trying to learn some of this stuff. Thanks for the info in your blog. I have been creating and doing some simple easy projects, I keep telling everyone I am a retired bored artist and so surprised my neighbors have not done and intervention to take my paints away from me!! I love painting and it don’t have to be on canvas, I have done my stepping stones, a brick (one) on the foundation of my home, crack in the sidewalk…if it stands still, it gets painted. Family is glad that my pets move around enough! haha….
Hey, welcome Pam!
I hope your neighbours never intervene and I’m also glad your pets keep moving! LOL!
You’re right – it definitely doesn’t have to be on canvas to be art.
Rock on,
Deb
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