Intentional beginnings

When we start a new project in life we usually have some form of expectation for the outcome. Over the last 10 days I took part in a commitment to eating whole foods, no sugar and no breads, alcohol or caffeine. "A" did the cleanse with me. We both set some intentions that were personal to us.

My intentions were different from his and for the first time we both felt satisfied while eating a similar diet. It got me reflecting on other aspects of my life and why I am often disappointedly, afraid or unwilling to make changes.

Intentions are reasonable expectations you have for yourself. Expectations that are kind and gentle and understanding of your heart. They give you the opportunity to feel accomplished and provide the confidence to take bigger more passionate strides.

Some days my only intention is to be ok. To be ok with my body, my job, my life.... Other time I feel the greatness rise up, a need to create and be loud! A need to indulge in my love for all that I have and all that I am.

I realized today that I have built a life where I am because I decided to. I made the decision to try new things, be bold, volunteer, host meetups, walk into tea shops and offer my helping hand if not only for an hour a week... These intentions have led to a life I could not have anticipated. People I never expected to meet. Friends I never knew I would cherish. Reflecting on these intentional steps reminds me that I always have choices and new opportunities available to me.

Today my intention is to reflect and say thank you. To dream without inhibition. And to smile deep from within. And to share my thoughts with all of you :)

What will your intentions be today? Small or large, I think they'll be quite impactful.

BPositive and BFree!

Love,
B

Ah Spring

Its finally spring. In northwest Florida the air is dry, the birds are a choir outside my house, and the bay just sparkles like diamonds.

While I've felt the initial buzz of the new season, my routine hasn't yet caught up. I've been working a lot (think cubicle...) My husband "A" too. We're in the early stages of a new business and it's not always easy. In our tired state we often fall prey to our winter comforts...Not so kind foods...Movies and TV... Holing up in our house on the couch...

But March is bursting through my windows!! so why am I finding it hard to break these winter habits?

I talked to "A" about my dilemma. I want to embrace my playful side again and open my heart to all the beautiful gifts around me.

So we made a jar. A playful jar. A jar with ideas for activities, outings, and ways to just love our surroundings. I thought I would share some of these.

Finger paint. Dance in the rain. Muppet graffiti. Drive 50 miles outside of town in any direction. Hit the swings at the park. Make a fort. Side walk chalk. Frisbee. Skip rocks in the bay. Star gaze. Dance party! Just to name a few.

Yesterday we sat in the park decorating rocks (this is muppet graffiti in case you were wondering) with vibrant colors and love to leave for others to find. It was a concrete plan that turned into running around the gazebo, taking silly pictures and then tossing the frisbee around the park. "A" challenged me to see if I could get the frisbee through the tree branches. A game that failed in execution but resulted in uncontrollable laughter. We played. We actually let go and played like children. Free from the bills, the business and all the responsibility. It felt so good!

With winter just barely behind us it's not always easy to shift. Coming to the surface should be a gentle experience. Small actions. Embracing the energizing sunlight. Opening the windows. Challenging yourself to a new and maybe silly activity. And maybe even finding a way to PLAY that's right for you!

An open heart gives way to a free spirit
A free spirit changes as she pleases
She embraces her beauty
She's knows that all beauty around her is simple and real
She stops to smell the roses and picks one for herself because roses are meant to be shared.
She lives brightly.
Sparkles deeply.
Loves passionately.
Plays jubilantly.
Her actions are deep hues of sapphire, emerald and garnet.
She's Alive.

Happy spring my dear friends!

BPositive and BFree!
Love,
B