3 little steps…
Posted in personal, pia's photos September 22nd, 2009 by pia
PJB_flower1

For the last few months I’ve been feeling like life is flying by, and I know from past experience that when I have that feeling, it’s a sign that I am super stressed out.  It means that I am letting things get out of control, overwhelm me, instead of taking things step by step.

But this morning, a newsletter appeared in my inbox that made me stop for a moment and take a deep breath. It was simple really, the words resonated with me, and the message was clear and inspiring with 3 little steps to help those who feel like their world is spinning faster and faster, with not enough hours in the day.   This wonderful advice is with many thanks to the lovely Karin de Vos from Nurture House

Step 1 – Understand where you are living from…
If you are living from your head, you just get dizzier and dizzier, until you eventually fall over. If you live from your centre, it is easier to focus on what is important to you and let everything else drop away.

Step 2 – Connect with what is important to you…
The first thing you need to do is create a vision for yourself, your family and your children. Next have a look at where you are expending your energy. Are you doing the things you love or the things you feel you should do? Are you nurturing and caring for yourself and your family or looking after everyone else? What are you doing to create a peaceful and harmonious home? Another useful tip is to look at your world through the eyes of your children.

Step 3 – Stick to your vision…
The final step is to stay focused on your vision. So when any new opportunity comes your way you can easily decide if it’s really what you want to do.

It is also important to learn to say no; schedule your time with lots of space to just hang with yourself, your partner and your children; and remember to look after your health.

………………………………………………

I hope you find these little steps as useful as I do. I can see there is lots I need to work on, especially the saying ‘no’ bit, and making time to hang out with myself. Life is full of lessons, non?

Thank you Karin!

where does the time go?
Posted in personal, pia's photos September 15th, 2009 by pia

PJB_tree

There was no time to watch the clouds roll by today. And no time to listen to the wind blow in the trees which is something I like to take a few seconds of every day to do. So where does the time go? I really would like to know. Perhaps time is gathered in the clouds above. And when it rains, if we stand outside and try to catch as many drops as we can, we get our time back. Wouldn’t that be sweet.

the afternoon autumn sun…
Posted in personal, pia's photos, the houseboat September 14th, 2009 by pia

PJB_feathersun

…is streaming through the kitchen windows, casting a creamy, golden light across the ceiling, and dark shadows throughout the interior. Dark shadows that hide the mess and mayhem that is my home at the moment. I had a lovely restful weekend which was almost entirely computer-free. It was a little bit wonderful.

for a little someone special…
Posted in books, personal September 1st, 2009 by pia

smallmagazine

I just bought this gorgeous coloring-in book from Small Magazine for a little someone special back home in Australia. It is her birthday in a month – she will be 5! And she is such a darling, she sends me little gifts all the time, including the most fabulous drawings like this one…

issabella-drawing

Isn’t it marvellous? I’m quite sure that is supposed to be me, standing on my little boat/home, with the sun shining and the water lapping below.  This little girl is such an inspiration to me – she comes out with the most incredible phrases to describe how she feels (once, she was witnessing a very sad moment when one of her aunties was leaving to go overseas and she turned to her mum and said “Mummy, I have swallowed my heart.”). Also, this special little girl even knows instinctively how to deal with bullies. I am so impressed, and wish I knew this when I was her age and beyond (I’m still learning!).

So, dear little Issabella, I do hope you get lots of enjoyment from your new coloring-in book. Happy early birthday sweetness, with much love from one of your far-away aunties.

it’s Monday…
Posted in personal, pia's photos August 24th, 2009 by pia

PJB_mess1

Dawn is here. The ducks are playing outside my window. Last night’s dinner plates are still in the sink. and everything is quiet. It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Statcounter