Friday 28 February 2014

I Love you today because - Reflections

Well I made it to the end of the series, and gain many insights, more understanding and honed my sketching skills at the same time.

The ‘I love you today’ series was a way to show 'self love' and look for ways to show love to others.  It can be hard to appreciate how far you have come as you continue to busy yourself with ‘getting on with it’, and you are not able to find the room to celebrate these qualities that lay within as they often go overlooked.  It is easier to give encouragement to others and to cheer them on, but we can think of 100 reasons why we are not up to scratch and we end up speaking about ourselves negatively, or underplay the big leap that we actually make.

The journey for me in February fulfilled three purposes, one was to appreciate and value myself more and encourage myself to recognise when I had done a good job, recognising how far I had come, to be able to look in the mirror and not see 100 faults, but to appreciate the reflection staring back.  We all need to be able to be comfortable in our own skin and be confident with who we are and our abilities.  Some are able to do it with greater ease than others, it can feel uncomfortable saying to yourself what a good job you have done, but you have to recognise that your growth is determined by how you can see, reflect and acknowledge your growth without being self conscious or fearful.

Secondly, I included a self portrait, and a few from my imagination.  We have a perception of what we think that other people see, but the exercise in self-love is about how God sees us with unconditional love, without any strings, not governed by what we look like, latest clothes, or skin colour, so either looking in the mirror or looking at a photograph forced me to see me.  I experimented with techniques, starting out with coloured markers, adding promarker pens which I really enjoyed using.

Thirdly - it is not only about me – when you can love yourself you will find it easy to love others in a more genuine way....the commandment is ‘Love your neighbours as you love yourself’....we have got to be able to demonstrate that love for ourselves to be able to express and show love to others.  

This was why I had the section ‘share some love’, calling us to do something for someone, thinking how we can help someone else and be a blessing in their lives, however small.  What we consider small could be the miracle that someone else was praying for.



So I’ve come through enlightened, with a great set of sketches and drawings that can be used for other projects and new way of looking at myself and where I fit in the world, alongside 28 ideas for blessing others.  I am excited for the changes and challenges that will take place this month.  

What challenges have you got ready for yourself this month? The focus for me will be health and I will be sharing some of the delicious smoothies I intend to make to improve my health and well-being. Blessings!

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 34 - Loving Kindness

Gratitude's and Celebration
How long have you gone without a break?  A little bit of space and time for you.  You rush around being there for everyone else and at the end of the day you slump yourself down with barely enough time and then your off again taking care of other peoples needs before you have even had time to draw breath. 

A little bit of TLC is what you need right now, give yourself some time at the end of the day to gather your thoughts, reflect and recharge.  I am grateful today that I am able to recognise these times where I need to take time out for myself, and I celebrate the ‘me’ that once recharged and refreshed can move mountains!
Loving Kindness is what you need
What simple act of kindness are you able to show yourself?

I Love you today because - Day 28

I love you today because.....
You inspire

You have come a long way, been through the fire, learnt many lessons, you are learning each and every day.  You are truly an inspiration and through your journey and your openness you encourage others, be proud of how far you have come!

I love you today series of images - Fine liner and Promarker sketch

Show some love
Take a moment to think about all the areas you have been inspired in and make room for continued inspiration.

Share some love
Think about those who have inspired you and thank them in some way.

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below.  Come back tomorrow to see my reflections of the posts..


Wednesday 26 February 2014

I Love you today because - Day 27

I love you today because......

You are encouraging

You have a very positive energy and all that come in contact with you can sense that there is something different about you,  You see the small things, noticing the details, and the things that really count. You speak blessings into their lives and give them the courage to be more than they thought they could be.


Show some love
Even you need encouraging, take time to recharge your batteries and spend time with others who will encourage you.


Share some love
Every one wants to be heard, spend some time today listening.


To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Studio - Memories of Home


Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.


Studio

I shared in my memories of home post on PEACE how working in my studio is a space that I can unwind, reflect and get lost in my creativity. It is important to have a space that you can collect your thoughts, and make some sense of the world, your life, and all that comes with it. You might not have access to a studio, you might just have the end of a kitchen table which is what I had to work with for many years.

When I was younger I was able to have my own room when my sister left home, having previously shared with my brother. Our room was never tidy enough for me and I would complain to my mum that he would always be in my 'stuff'.  It wasn't that I minded him looking at my things but he never asked if he could touch. I moaned, he flashed a cheeky smile, and mum told us to sort it out, which we did.

Since having my studio space and being able to spread my wings, it has taken a while but I am beginning to growing out of my space. There are many different mediums and materials that I enjoy working with, so many things still to try and experiment with, and in the same way that I out grew working at the end of the kitchen table, it is time to spread my wings even further. But it is deeper than having more space to put another shelf up, it is about continued mental and emotional growth.


I feel that it is important that we continue to grow and embrace what comes with change, whilst not getting too comfortable with things the way they are. It is very easy to take things for granted, and when they are gone you don't know what to do with yourself. I know I can be resistant to change as I like to have some sort of plan and with change can come some uncertainty, but I have learnt to see the changes as a new opportunity to learn something new. 

What are you doing with the space that you have, have you begun to take it for granted or are you seeing the potential that is right in front of you?

Think about an area of your home that you could utilize for a different purpose, and make some changes. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

I love you today because - Day 26

I Love you today because.....

You Care

We can spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think about us and stop doing the very things which sets our hearts on fire.  It is important to seek wise council, but be careful who you reveal your heart to, it is not everyone who decides to voice their opinion that you should care about.


Show some love
How would you feel if you let go of those negative words that was spoken over your life that still weigh heavy.

Share some love

Be sensitive with the effects of the words you use today.


To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Monday 24 February 2014

I love you today - Day 25


I Love you today because.....
You bring a new perspective

There is always a new way to look at things and when you are faced with a problem rather than see the limitations you see the possibilities.  You are like a breath of fresh air, bringing much light and clarity to the situation.  There is always more than one solution to the problem, a new way of looking at it, a new perspective.


Show some love
When you go out today go a different direction and take a look your environment

Share some love
Offer some help to someone that challenges you both

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

I love you today because - Day 24

I Love you today because......

You have a kind heart

You have always been caring and often forget to show that care and attention to yourself.  You have a big heart, and the care that you show to others is beautiful, keep on doing it, for today you are going to spend some time focusing on caring for you!



Show some love
Sit in a quiet and comfortable place that is pleasing to the eye and has gentle sounds and listen to what your heart is saying.

Share some love
Think about a way that you can start and initiative to help those who are unable to help themselves and get together with some like-minded people.

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Friday 21 February 2014

I love you today because - Day 22

I love you today because......
You Love adventure

You have a spirit that loves adventure, finding out new things and you are not afraid of being in unfamiliar environments.

Your life was meant to be lived and explored, there is still so much of this world that you haven’t yet seen, so many cultures that are still waiting to meet you, go for it!

Show some love
Make a plan at least once a week to try a new experience.

Share some love
Reach out to someone in your neighborhood and offer them some help.

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Gratitude's and Celebrations - Week 33 - Use your strength

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

Sometimes we forget the many things that we have come through, gotten out the other side of, stepped out of the way of.  There are times when we never thought we would get through and nearly came to the point of giving up.  In these times we have to call on those strengths that we don’t often get to use though they are they there. I am not talking the physical ‘I can move a mountain’ strength, but the ‘I have been to the deepest darkest pit and came out the other end type of strength and we have to dig deep. 

This type of strength is the kind that comes out of immense pain, be it loss or illness. Our strengths are often prepared in the fire. I see one of my strengths as one who can encourage, having come from a place where in my younger days I wanted to disappear to experiencing the loss of many loved ones.

I love being able to support others in being able to find the strength which lay within them, that can often mean a simple shift in perspective or uncovering and dusting what they saw as weaknesses. I am grateful for today for the strengths which lay within me and celebrate the ones that I will uncover this year.


What would you say your strengths are and how can you uncover new ones?
How can you identify the many strengths you have in your life today? I would love to hear from you and share what you will be doing. As this weekend draws to a close have a blessed week If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!


Thursday 20 February 2014

I love you today because ....Day 21


I love you today because....

You did a good piece of work

When was the last time you congratulated yourself for doing a piece of work, or had a celebration for how far you come in completing a part of the journey.  We have to celebrate the many milestones that we get through along the way as this is an encouragement in the tough times and keeps us going.


Show some love
Make a list of all your achievements and celebrate just how much you have done!

Share some love

Make a point of appreciating those around you and acknowledge the work that they do.

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Wednesday 19 February 2014

I Love you today because - Day 20


I Love you today because....

You showed up today

Showing up and being present in your life is important as our lives were not meant to be static.  There is more to your life than the life you are currently living.  No one else can live for you or take responsibility for you.  You have to make a decision to take ownership, and then you can really living your life.


Show some love
What has your spirit been saying to you about your life.  See where you can make an adjustment to be more present.

Share some love
Spend some time with an elderly family member or friend of the family and ask them about their lives and really listen to what they have to say...

To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below

Fresh Linen - Memories of Home


Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.


When we were little we had what was known as an 'airing cupboard, which housed the hot water cylinder for the boiler.  It was quite a large cupboard and would warm up from the heat radiating from the padded cylinder.  My dad fitted three shelves in the cupboard and this was where clean bedding and towels were kept. When you opened it you would be met with the sweet aromas of the washing powder and the fabric conditioner which would caress your nostrils and make you think of tropical islands, .....ok, maybe not the islands but they always smelt great!

It was great to use a towel that had just come out of the cupboard after a bath as it was always warm and gave you a cozy comforting feeling.  With the bed sheets mum would always iron them before placing them in the cupboard and whilst it isn't a practice that I have continued I definitely feel the difference sleeping on ironed sheets!

Mixed media on wooden panel

What was your favorite memory as a child, take time out if only for 10 minutes to think about recreating those special moments this week. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

I Love you today because - Day 18 and 19

I Love you today because....

You have a thirst for wisdom and knowledge and you are following your dreams!

Our brains are more complex than any computer that has been created.  There is never a time that you will ever know enough, there is so much in this world to learn about, so much to experience and insights to gain.  There is something new every day that you can learn that will take you that step closer to your dreams - you are never too old.  It takes courage to step out and make a decision. When your feeling off course you will find ways to get yourself back.  Nurture and spend time on walking towards your dreams, you’ll get there – what are you waiting for, make a list and get to it! 


Show some love
Thing about 1 thing that you've always wanted to learn and take steps to realize that dream

Share some love
Become a mentor, pass on a skill and share your experience with others.

Sunday 16 February 2014

I love you today because - Day 17

I Love you today because....

You are a gift to this world

When you were born there as a celebration.  In your uniqueness you were formed and fashioned, every hair on your head accounted for.  Your life has a purpose and there is a plan, you were meant to be, not an accident, or mistake, but a gift!

Your a gift to this world - Pen and Ink sketch

Show some love
Recognize the gives you have yet to uncover within and take a step

Share some love

As you go about the day, try and see the gifts that dwell within others


To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below


Gratitude and Celebrations - Week 32 - Your blessings are waiting for you!

Gratitudes' and Celebrations Journal

We are constantly surrounded by blessings and they come in the most unusual packaging.  If we look past what you expect a blessing to look like you will be pleasantly surprised.

Your Blessings are waiting for you

I see the blessings as the very things I would miss if they were not there.  The sound of the birds singing and tweeting as they fight for the seeds in the bird feeder, the feel and sensation of the suns rays on my skin even on a cold day.  If you have ever over come an illness you are thankful that you are able to do something that was previously difficult.  

I would obviously not over look a large windfall or selling every piece of art work I have created, but if and when they do come I will be grateful for the many other little things that present themselves and makes any day one to be grateful for.
Mixed media
What are the blessings that you have within your midst that you should be talking note of?

What have you done so far with the day that you have, How can you identify the many blessings in your life  today? I would love to hear from you and share what you will be doing. As this weekend draws to a close have a blessed week If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!

Saturday 15 February 2014

I love you today - Day 16

I love you today because
You deserve a hug

When my son was younger and I used to ask him for a hug, his little arms would wrap themselves around me and he would squeeze, we called it a squeezy hug.  Hugs are something we could all do with every now and again.  Hugs are an essential part of our emotional development.

You deserve a hug - Mixed media

Show some love
Cross your arms in front of you and reach each hand as if you are trying to touch your fingers behind your back and hold for 30 seconds.

Share some love

Give the first person you see today a hug



To find out why 'I love you today' February Series click on the image below


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