Direct from the Beach……

Today is my Birthday .  Celebration is huge for us as a family.   Gives us all something to look forward to and I 've given myself permission to take a "Me" day today, without guilt, without making myself bad and wrong with any and or head chatter.    It's been a while and I deserve it.

It's good , it's healthy and nurturing!    Not to mention V E R Y over do.     

I got the importance of taking "ME" time, scheduling it and sticking to it when I was married.   My Former used to think I was being selfish and taking away from home/ family/ work time.   The reality was, what he never seemed to get was ,  that if I fell apart, all the plates would come crashing down.  

I took every Wednsday morning while the children where in school, drove to the beach with my music blaring… notice the "my" — singing my heart out…. powerwalk the beach, commune with God, nature, &  look for treasures which I took as signs!! Than treat myself to lunch and return a new women.  Centered refreshed and ready to go newly.

During my divorce, if Iwas getting grouchy, irritable or frustrated, my girls would put their hand on my shoulder and say."mom, you need a beach day"   LOL.  Their way of calling me "Bitchy" 

My move to South Florida had created new challenges and I'd forgotten about scheduling the "Me" time.  As a Life Coach, I remind others of this all the time.   I had checked in at the beginning of the year with my self assesment, and had neglected to check that aspect for myself as I was so excited about the New Year possibilities I had in store for my Clients.

I live much closer to the beach now.  Think I've checked it out?  No , I was in my head and in my story that I hadn't found a peice of nature here…. Had I looked for it?  no.   So much for that belief system…. Guessing I am as human as you are and remember I do this for a living!   Clearing belief systems is a passion of mine.    For me, with practice, I've gotten to clear my own quickly or source it out to my Coach, every good Coach needs Coach to stay on track!

So today I found myself East bound, top down, 68 degrees and cloudy.  I didn't care… I was heading to the beach to find my peace.  A spot for myself to center , ground and call my own. Phone shut off and after managing the parking ticket meter which I wouldn't allow to discourage me…. (who knew they took credit cards! Get out!!  Yeah! as I didn't have $3.00 for my 2 hour stay.

I found my spot today at the beach, no hi-risers behind me to look at , no homes, just beautifully intertwined sea grapes, some of south florida's best!     On my way down the wooden path the cutest little cat approached me with a huge meow of welcome!  After a few warm fuzzy rubs around the head & neck, down the path I went, blanket & journel in hand.  My newest friend ambled happily along side to the beach, onto my towel making herself right at home.   As I looked upward, and took my first few ocean breaths of fresh salty air, it was almost maracious how the clouds parted and the sun shown brightly.  68 warm sunny Florida degress was very do -able today! The oceans crystal blue/ green , ahh, a small peice of heaven before me.  The Only thing missing was my bathing suit to work on that all over tan thing… no matter, not one to lay out anyway… 

As I breathed in all the splendor of the moment, my new friend "Jezabelle strode off with a meow!  I thanked her for making my birthday special.   Ahh, me time…. I layed back to just use my senses to create the presence, smell the air, hear the waves.. feel the cool breeze, aware of my surroundings and beginning to breathe in sync to the waves… I found that special peice of self.  

I was okay, everything was grand and back comes Jezabelle, all in my face and wanting much attention!   After a few rounds of petting and purring, she made herself at home stretched out very comfortably I might add along my ride side (shady side of the towel) purring softly.  I had never experienced a cat on the beach, was a first for me.  As I began my meditaion there in sync with the waves I got very present to my Stress management techniques, the same I teach others to do…  Breathing in love, compassion and  appreciation..exhaling gratitude, I was breathing how much I appreciated the love I was getting on my birthday from this little critter.  I was so grateful for this wonderul gift this day.    Often we feel alone and we truly arent!    I stayed in that space for about 30 minutes.  Jezabelle remained there with me.  Not that I was looking for another animal to bring home, she would've been the one I would've if.   Actually, I told her if she followed me INTO the car, she'd find a home with us.

After some time , she got up to next in the reeds, neither of us personalized a thing or made it mean anything. Great space to be in!  I got up to put my feet in the water….. cool crisp clear water… it was magical!  I walked for sometime looking for treasures !   The picin's were sparce here.  Shell trearures were to to be found on the West Coast of FL, more than the East Coast, no matter I found a cool peice of drift wood, a piece of coral which reminded me of my brain to think ( I'm into brain science, so it fed that part of life) a cool looking shell and in the hopes of making my birthday complete…. I wishted to see a dolphin.    After some time I realized, if I wish to be seeing a dolphin, I would be needing to look towards the water rather the ground for treasure!  The real treasure would be where I was looking.

I looked up and there were the geese flying in formation ( I know I've posted that story before… cool one! )   Today was a wonderful day!  How greatful and fortuate I am.   

As I gathered my things to go, there on the path was Jezabelle with her straight line down her forehead.  She looked at me and meowed.  Once more I reminded her of my promise, when as if perfect timing,  out from under the board walk comes  her mom.    I couldnt take her from her family, so I grabbed my phone came back to take this precious picture as a reminder of unconditional love.  I had plenty!

Butterflies lite the path before me… Doesn't get much better!  Made it to the car only 3 minutes late! Not bad without a time source just instinct. I smiled , top down grin on my face!  The clouds begin gathering just as I depart and get thicker the whole ride home.. Ahhh… a moment for me. I relished it.  

Lunch celebration with my daughter and adopted son.   Ice Cream stop later.  Family and Friends called….

Upon returning home and happy to be on my Team call with the most amazing Global Leaders, I was content to know I was a part of this commitment to my self and the world.

It was clarified and verified by my opening My Facebook and the abundance of well wishes, acknowledgments and such was a warm reminder why I Love what I do.  Why I DO what I do because of people like you!   

Thank you one and all for being a part of my beautiful day!  It was abundant , peaceful and joyous!!

I am content and Fulfilled & I scheduled my day for next week!  Yeah!

Namaste!

Karen

You get to choose…

The powerful game of Self Expression begins with creating awareness.  This means you will be taking a moment each day to do some soul searching.

If you choose to play, go out and purchase the prettiest journal you can find…and the prettiest color pen you will use.  Because you are worth it!
Having an investment incured  here, you will be more likely to write daily, not to mention, because you are worth it!   Notice, I said it twice!   Get it?

Once you purchased your  increadibly beautiful journel , you will be dividing your journel into 4 sections :  ( sticky notes work well to divide, or let your creative juices flow…)

Minimum 4 sections:

1)   All your accomplishments  starting from…. your choice.( birth, ealiest childhood memory, now……..  Brag, really BRAG big, no one sees this book other than you.  If you choose to share perfect…  good conversation starter!

2)   Your Gratitude lists. All the many simple things you are grateful for…. feel free to go on and on… there are many more journels out there to fill!

3)   Smile makers   List 1. thru a kazillion! …. that which brings the biggest smiles to your face!  I like to call this section "Warm , Fuzzies"

4)   150 things I would like to accomplish before I die … Your bucket lists!    Here will be slightly set up differently…..  you will be leaving space between lines to fill in the date you accomplished this item and a brief note on how it made you feel!  Ouch, the feeling word!! ( no one sees, but you!)  Ahh, the clincher… for everything you complete here, you must add to the bottom of the list something new.  So , there will always be 150 ongoing on your list!!

 

RULES  of the game!  Remember every GAME has rules… your game, your rules, though, I promise if you are intuned to what you are writing here, something special shows up!

1.   Each day commit to writing  min. of 3 entries on each list, more if your heart desires.

2.   *Label each bulleted point 1 per line…  might want to date a few for reference

3.     Lists may overlap from one section and be appropriate for another. 4) The key:  Schedule in your calendar , time to manage your 12 + entries each day!   We will be playing for one month or more!!  Schedule  it's existance!    

If you are even more inspired… I added further sections to my own journeling game, your choice, your game…)  :

5) Things which feed my soul
6) Positive Affirmations or inspirations that I wish to refer back to. And I do often.

After Taking it on for minimum 1 month, carry it with you, keep by the toilet, schedule a time in your calendar to put your 12 items in daily!
DO NOT reread for at least One Week! …. after review & see the magic unfold?  The longer you wait, the more will unfold!!

Who will play with me?  By when will you take it on?
After one month, share the magic with us all….

 

I will be playing starting  Monday, December 12, 2011 one step/ day with each of my Facebook Friends.( search Karen Rudolf )  come follow us there for more fun and play!

Remember , you are not alone, there are others who have the same thoughts, inspirations and dreams…. Watch the magic unfold on Friday!

Namaste & love
Karen