Great way to start the new year!

I didn't really make a resolution this year. I just decided to resolve to focus on self-development. Part of that is committing to doing the things that make ME feel good. What I have nailed down: being a good wife, being a good mom, volunteering in my community. What I DON'T have nailed down: doing the things that nourish my soul and make me feel great, inside and out. I feel guilty, plain and simple, to do things that solely benefit me. However...when I think about it a little more in depth, if I feel better and happier, won't that benefit everyone around me as well? I just need to work on reminding myself of that. My home and family will not fall apart if I take a little bit of time for myself. I forget this. Every now and then I get a little reminder, a nudge. I did. I haven't written in a while, wholly consumed by the duties of a domestic goddess and super mom. However, a few days ago, I got an email, a congratulatory email, stating that a piece that I had written and submitted has been accepted for submission in an upcoming Anthology! I also have a different piece being published in a different Anthology in March of this year! I read this good news email and then the words morphed into: "See girl, what is the matter with you? Your words matter, you have a skill, a gift. You need to stop complaining about not having the time, and MAKE the time. Writing is your thing, and you are being very neglectful! Get back to it, woman!" Or something like that... So it's a good start to 2011. A little more me time is in order, and I think that everything will still be okay in the home! (chanting, "abandon the feelings of guilt and be your best selllllllllf....")

~MG~

The Universe

I'm no Zen person, whatever that may be, but I often hear and read about people being in touch with the Universe. I still don't know what that means, but I decided to try and figure it out. What does getting in touch with the Universe mean? If anyone has any insight, do share. For me, I decided to take cues from life, from nature. I am embracing the positivity in my life and shunning negativity. I am embarking on all things positive. I am making things happen instead of waiting for them to land in my lap. The saying is true that Time waits for no one. As most know, I love to write and always have. I've never considered it as a profession because I can't imagine imposing deadlines on my creative process. But I started learning more about freelance writing. (Yes, I write more than just poetry.) I've begun to expand my horizons. I am working on several writing projects and submitting work for publications. I am writing on my terms and it feels great! I was working on an article yesterday and my son said to me "Watcha doing Mom?" I told him I was writing and article to submit to a magazine and he replied, "Wow Mom, that's really cool!" What I am hoping they (my children) learn is that passion is a powerful driving force. So I am opening my senses. I am accepting cues from the Universe. And when things don't go the way I imagine them, I believe it's all part of the grand scheme of things. Maybe I'll start doing more Yoga!

~La Poetic Seamstress~