Dear Creatives,
Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be one of those soppy posts where I go on an endless rant, listing in detail all that I’m grateful for and isn’t life amazing etc etc…
No…
There’s too much of that going around and I always question the validity of most of it. No-one needs that shoved in their face, particularly if you’re in the process of navigating tough terrain or someone’s just dealt you a blow that’s knocked the wind out of your sails. The last thing you need is another positive affirmation Blog post to really tip you over the edge.
shannon fricke bedlinen, photo via Carla Coulson…
Being in Gratitude and Thanks about stuff in my life, is not something that I only think about because it’s leading up to Christmas and this is the only time of the year to do it. It’s more the fact that the lead up to Christmas amplifies the enormity of how disconnected our priorities can become. It reminds me that I constantly need to check-in with myself, and that this time of year in particular, will challenge me more than any other time of year because of the pressure it places on all of us and the expectation to perform or be a particular way simply because it is Christmas.
Checking-in with myself means the simple act of asking myself Why?
If I’m doing something out of obligation or because I might be getting something back in return, then I am completely off track.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love EVERYTHING about Christmas – from the tree to the decorations, to the appearances of Santa, leaving cookies and milk out for him in case he passes through, the kids tearing through their presents on Christmas day…I love it all. It’s pure joy.
hanging out with the locals, photo via Carla Coulson…
What this year has taught me more than any other however, is the importance of approaching each and everything I do in my life with the greatest degree of authenticity. Both within myself and those that I am in contact with.
This is a huge work-in-progress for me and I have a long way to go. But the enormity of what’s happened this year, both in my work and personal life is a reminder that the minute we are not approaching life from our most authentic selves, we very quickly step back into old patterns and behaviours that no longer serve us.
family, Lemnos, photo via Carla Coulson…
It’s confronting to be honest. There’s nowhere to shelter from being so exposed. It might not be received the way you wish it to. But regardless of that, it is also one of the most self empowering experiences you can have. It is when you finally begin to emerge within yourself. Being unapologetic about who and what you are gives others permission to follow suit. There’s a craving, a desire for authenticity. When we are sharing in this way, it makes our connections with others all the richer.
lemnos, photo via Loc Boyle…
To be in Gratitude and Thanks is to know that there is no end result or outcome to how we trek through life. It is being grateful for the setbacks, lessons and constant reaffirming of the importance of practicing patience and it is recognising that the more I rush, the more I likely I am to fumble. I am not in control of my circumstances or the way they will unfold. I can set intentions, but the plans are always likely to change. All I can do, is stay open and flexible to the direction I am being taken and Trust that the Universe has got my back and is presenting exactly what I need to experience in every waking moment of my life – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
In deep Gratitude for the opportunity to connect, have you in my life as part of my community and for the continued experiences that are waiting to emerge on the horizon.
With Love,
Happy travels, Paula x
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