Relax, Renew, Recharge and REPLENISH

At the end of a lovely, playfully productive weekend, I realize what I really did was replenish my spirit. It was a way to be kind to myself, my business, and my clients. Sometimes, when we are doing work that we love, it is hard to step away, slow down and replenish ourselves. Paradoxically, it can be the most important work that we do, and one that many of us all too often ignore. What do I mean by replenish? To restore, renew, restock and generally fill ourselves up with anabolic energy. How we do this, I imagine, is different for each of us, and for our clients as well. Because, it is vital that they, too, take time to replenish themselves.

Most of us have a day or two off from our work every week, but how often do we honor the time with things that will restore our true sense of self? We may spend the time getting all the chores of the week done, or fulfilling social obligations (you know, the have-to-even-if-you-don’t-want-to invites we all get from time to time) taking on projects that are not particularly inspiring, and the list goes on.

What if we could have another list? A list of things that DO replenish our tired minds, bodies and spirits? Take a minute or two and think about what you can do to replenish yourself on a day or two away from work. What would make the cut? Here are a few ideas from my list to get you started:

• Go for a stroll and YES, take time to smell the flowers
• Pick up a good book that is inspiring
• Go shoe or antique shopping
• Talk to friends and family who restore me
• Have a cappuccino with a buddy
• Bask in the sunshine
• Watch a laugh out loud movie or old TV show (currently, I am renting Frasier from Netflix)
• Eat healthy fruits and veggies (go to the farmer’s market for wonderful new discoveries)
• Write
• Get a pedicure (this is not just for women, promise)
• Meditate
• Knit or do something else creative
• Be GRATEFUL

You know what? I do feel absolutely replenished, and ready for a creatively productive week. I wonder what else I can add to my list? 

OK, now it’s your turn…what’s on YOUR list?

The Case for Being Not-Always Great

“The only thing that makes people and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success.”              ~ Seth Godin

Sometimes the biggest gains can only happen when we give up the quest for perfection in everything we do. Of course, the paradox here is that by letting go of perfection, we make room for excellence – at work, at play and at rest…

The question is, what are you willing to be not great at – in order to reach your goals and vision?

Letting Idleness Happen

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”  ~ J. Lubbock

Ahh…LOVE this!!

Walking the Path

“There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” ~ from the movie, The Matxix

All too often we know what is the right path, the one that our integrity, common sense and general wisdom leads us to. Take something as simple as going to the store. When faced with the question, “Paper or plastic?” how do we answer demonstrates if we are on the path or if we just know the path.

Granted, it isn’t always easy or convenient to remember to bring your own reusable bags. I always carry a Chico Bag in my purse for any non-grocery store items. And, I have another one in my glove compartment. The trunk of my car is filled with reusable grocery bags, including a large one that is insulated, with a zippered lid to really keep cold items cold.

Some stores just whisk your purchases into a plastic bag so fast, you have to be alert and prepared. And, once I was in a lovely yarn shop that was scandalized by my wanting to use my own bag. “At least let me wrap your yarn in pretty tissue paper and make it look festive,” she begged.  That being said, at another wonderful yarn shop in Los Angeles, The Little Knittery, put my purchases in a great, reusable bag made of recycled plastic bottles with their logo on the side. Genius! I will visit them again, and recommend the shop to fellow  knitters.

When faced with changing an old habit, or doing something you know is good for the people and the planet, how can you walk the path?

The Creativity Connection

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”       ~ William Plomer

When we are looking for answers, turning a problem or challenge over and over in our minds, we can sometimes feel daunted and at a loss how to proceed. We can miss the connection because the pieces just don’t seem to fit.

Ever watched a child play with common household objects? A sheet becomes a tent, or the curtain for a stage, a pan becomes a drum or a hat, or a chair. Tupperware can become the best building blocks, soup cans too. Taking it a step further, a sheet and a pan can dress a king in a crown and cape. And a cardboard box? When children play, they are only limited by their imaginations, which can seem limitless.

I wonder just when it was that we began to mistrust our imaginations? Today, take a few minutes and play with the possibilities of how two seemingly unconnected things can connect to create something intriguing. Go with your curiosity – see where it leads you….

Leading by Headache?

“You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” ~  Dwight D. Eisenhower            

It can also be a tough lesson to learn when you are passionate about a worthy cause. Something that you truly believe in, and expect others to believe as well. But when leaders realize that true strength comes from leading by example, not by making others feel wrong or that the cause is hopeless, that is when they have the opportunity to step into powerful, inspired leadership.

In my passion for living a greener, more sustainable life. I finally get it! Things go much better for everyone if I don’t make the assumption that others care, and don’t judge them if they don’t. There are some amazing people who care very deeply, and who inspire me everyday, and for that I thank you!

Plan B

“The most successful people are those who are good at Plan B.”                                                                                                                     ~ James York

…I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good Plan B, and Plan C and…

There’s a Little Activist in All of Us

“What we think or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.”         ~  John Ruskin

Today, I was called an activist. To say that this caught me by surprise was a bit of an understatement. I have been called many things before, but never that. I see myself as more of a flexible, relaxed, go with the flow type. Now, I want to point out that, to this person, calling me an activist was meant to be a compliment.

What is the definition of an activist, anyway? I know what I think, but how true is my definition?

Activist: noun  1) someone who is: militant, zealot, protester; radical, extremist.                            2) someone who uses vigorous campaigning to bring about                                            political, social or environmental change.

If I throw out the first definition, I could learn to love the second one. Or maybe at least be more comfortable in the bigness, the importance of it. My “I can’t make a difference” voice is screaming about now, right in my ear. The truth is, I can’t make a difference if I don’t take action. Inspired action.

When I think of it, who better than me to be a leader, an activist if you will. I have been writing about the topic of sustainability for over a year now, carrying my own mugs and bottles, recycling and all the usual green things. The safe things, anyway. Just the other day, in a discussion I was having with someone about global warming and carbon footprints, I actually sounded like an activist. I was talking about all the people who seem indifferent at best to caring about the environment:

“Sustainability is everybody’s cause – and nobody’s listening.” ~ Fredi Baker

Hmm, who better than me to get their attention? And you, too!

A Better, Beautiful “Bottle”

“Leave it Better, Leave it Beautiful” – Lightning in a Bottle

This is the weekend where thousands of people gather in Southern California at an annual festival called Lightning in a Bottle. Named THE GREENEST FESTIVAL IN AMERICA, this 4-Day celebration raises consciousness about all things green. Make no mistake, this is not only a music festival, but so much more. Speakers, workshops, yoga, lots of art, kids activities, camping, dancing, meditation, nature classes and all sorts of green activities make this a festival for all ages.

Marianne Williamson, who wrote A Return to Love will be speaking. So will Don Jose Ruiz, Don Miguel Ruiz’s (The Four Agreements) son – who now works with his dad, having written The Fifth Agreement with him. There are workshops on all manner of topics, including leadership, energy, meditation, legal integrity training and even one on Lightning Without a Bottle (12 step meeting) Something for everyone.

Why is this important? Well, first of all, what better time to celebrate together than now? And when that celebration includes wisdom, learning, and opening minds and hearts about all things sustainable for mind, body, spirit, and planet…there’s a quadruple win!

Speaking of bottles – there are NO plastic bottles to be found here! Bring your own reusable one, and you get all the good, clean water you want for free.

Check out their website: Lightning in a Bottle and see what is so inspiring…who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be making plans to join in the fun!!

Making a Difference – One Farm at a Time

“Sustainability is the big new catch phrase but what does that mean? Does it mean that we take care of our soil? Does it mean we take care of our water sources and our air? The true issue to me is sustaining farmers” ~  Annie Main, Good Humus Produce

As I was writing my other blog tonight, My Green Adventure I came across a powerful clip about the sustainability of the family farm and the farmers that run them. The clip follows one family in Northern California and their story. Watch THE LAST CROP – and see if you aren’t moved to support the family farm, and the farmers that live, work and supply our food, everyday.