When you are writing in your journal tonight or meditating or taking your walk, consider what inspires you. When are the times that something within you just lights up? Focusing on inspiration really puts us in touch with the good stuff: the things that matter and bring us to life and serve ours and the world’s greater good…
Perhaps write a list of things, people, or times that pop into your mind when you have been inspired.
For example, this would be my current “inspiration list”:
- When I am not thinking about anything in particular but then something just “hits” me. A light bulb turns on out of seemingly nowhere…
- Photographs, images will inspire me
- People: particularly kind, loving, selfless acts from others or a beautiful smile or gentle touch
- My young students (I am a second grade teacher)
- Nature and animals
- Books and blogs
- Newspaper or magazine articles
- An energy that wells up within me and nudges me to be my best, live my best life
- My friends and family
- Walks on the beach
- Moonlight
- Poetry and literature
You never know when you will get your next inspiration. Be open to inspirational sources. They are all around you.
Debra 
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I’ll hold your hand when you feel afraid
and listen to your concerns.
I won’t judge or interrupt
for we all need to be heard and accepted.
Don’t take it all too seriously
for life rolls on
whether we do or not.
You are affirmed and enough
just as you are.
Debra : )
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Stress is actually good for us in small amounts. It gives us energy and focus. It is good to be challenged. If we had absolutely no stress in our lives think how bored we would be. Too much stress is not good, however. We need balance.
How to get that balance when life is overwhelming us?
Five ideas:
- Meditate on a serene image or the word peace
- Move your body!
- Sip on a glass of wine and focus on something you enjoy
- Get silly, crazy with your kids: jump around and tickle them, make up goofy stories, etc.
- Tell yourself “I Am enough”
Debra : )
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If you don’t know what you want how are you going to live the life you were meant to live? It is important to get clear about what you want. For many of us though, that is not always obvious.
If you are not sure about the path you are on or you are not content with some areas in your life, you need to get some direction.
Journal writing can really help with this. When we write, we are tapping into that special voice we all have within us: intuitive, wise, connected to the divine.
Tonight before bed, take a little time for yourself: take a bath, listen to some relaxing music, meditate, etc.
Then when you are centered, get your journal and ask that voice some questions:
- What do I want to do? List as many active verbs that come to mind (example: teach, write, study, heal others, etc.)
- Who do I want to be? List as many adjectives that come to mind (example: prosperous, generous, loving, hardworking, ethical, relaxed, forgiving, etc.)
- Where do I want to go? List as many places as you can think of (Europe, the Napa Valley, Hawaii, etc.)
- If failure was not possible, what would you jump at the chance of doing immediately?
- If financial resources were limitless, how would you spend your time?
- If you died, what would you want people to say about you at your funeral?
Set your journal aside on your bedside table. If after this writing session you still feel unsure about your life, take a deep breath. Ask for guidance. Go to sleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning your journal will be nearby when that voice is speaking and you are ready to listen…
Sweet dreams
Debra : )
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Stressful day? It’s over! Time for the evening time which means it is time for:
- family or
- solitude
- quiet or
- music or
- tv show
- or movie
- nice dinner
- nice glass of wine or
- beer or
- iced tea
- comfy couch
- comfy clothes
- being held in loving arms
- bubble bath
- a walk
- stretching on the floor with cat
- breathing in deep, and exhaling “ahhh…..I’m home”!
Debra ; )
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A lot of variables can affect whether we get a good night sleep or not. How to increase our chances:
- Being tired enough to begin with at bedtime. Work or play hard by day. Sleep well at night.
- Having peaceful relations with other household members.
- Letting the stresses of the day go.
- Taking care of yourself by eating properly and exercising.
- Meditating
- Listening to relaxing music before bed.
- Making love.
- Reading something relaxing and inspirational (but not too exciting).
- Not watching or reading about anything too violent right before bed.
- Playing with children and pets before bed
- Reading stories to children
- Writing
- Saying prayers
- Feeling at peace with yourself.
- Knowing you did your best today.
- Investing in excellent quality mattress, pillows, and linens.
- Having your room as dark and quiet as possible.
- If your partner snores, have ear plugs handy.
- Don’t drink too much liquid before bed.
- Think calming, loving thoughts at bedtime.
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There are going to be times when we just don’t feel our best. We are run down and tired, feeling sick, the bad weather is getting to us, our kids aren’t behaving, hormones, etc. Sometimes we just have to get through these low times.
If you are experiencing a down time, know that “this too shall” pass. It will. But, what to do in the meantime?
Here are a thirteen suggestions:
- Be easy and gentle on yourself. Today is not the day to push your limits. Take it easy.
- Just be. Don’t worry about how bad you feel. It will pass.
- Spend time with supportive people and cuddly pets.
- Watch a movie.
- Read a book.
- Take a leisurely walk if you are up for it. Sometimes just getting out of the house and a little physical activity is enough to lift us.
- Eat and drink comfort foods: warm soups, tea, chocolate!
- Meditate.
- Write in your journal. Think of something good you are accomplishing in your life. Write it down. Think of something fun you are going to do when you feel better. Begin to plan for it.
- This is a great time to connect with others on social sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
- Call your mom (or a dear friend you haven’t talked to in a while).
- Go out and buy a plant or flowers. Bringing a little nature indoors may cheer you up.
- When all else fails, just breathe. Tomorrow is another day.
Debra : )
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Every now and then my adorable cat Mew inspires a post. I write the Warm Milk Journal on my bed with my MacBook (appropriate, huh?) Most of the time Mew is in “his spot”: on the corner of the bed. We have a special brown towel folded on that corner for him and his brother, Patches.
We’ve noticed lately that Mew’s long black fur is turning gray. I grew up with tabby cats so I don’t know if this is normal for a black cat or not. Mew is 7 years old. In cat years he is entering mid life I would say. Now Mew and I are about at the same point in our life spans (I’ll be turning 44 this September).
So mew is turning gray. Is he worrying about it? He doesn’t appear to be, no. Is he examining himself in the mirror looking for wrinkles, sagging skin, and cellulite? Don’t think so.
Middle age doesn’t seem to be phasing Mew one tiny bit. He is just going about his life like he normally does.
The lesson I am learning from my cat is to just live my life. Don’t worry about getting and looking older. I am above the ground. That is good! Not only am I alive but I am healthy and happy and have a rich life. Triply good!
So, I don’t look like I did in my twenties or thirties anymore. The practice of acceptance brings the gift of peace. Resistance to the idea of getting older will only give me anxiety and fear (and perhaps gray hair quicker?). Whereas, being in the Now and being happy with the age I am will bring me happiness and contentment.
Whatever age you happen to be this evening, happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend. Embrace whatever wonderful stage of life you are in. It’s all good. Mew purrs in agreement.
Debra : )
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It is thundering outside, I’m happy to be home, and I’m in the mood to write! Here are five journal writing ideas for this evening:
- Write down what you want for your life.
- Write about something good that happened today.
- What and who needs healing in your life?
- Make a list of limiting beliefs that are not serving you. Then cross them out or revise them into limitless beliefs. For example: a limiting belief would be ” I am stuck in a dead end job”. A limitless belief would be: “I am highly capable of earning a living doing meaningful work on my terms”.
- Write down things that tickle your funny bone.
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A mellow space
A time to release the day
Light and carefree
into the night
May peace find its way
By Debra
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The Mission of The Warm Milk Journal
To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
Join the Conversation!
Debra:about 2 hours ago thru web
http://su.pr/626Z6P I like this
- Debra:
about 2 hours ago thru web
Warm Milk, True or False? & Sleep Well http://su.pr/2AB8X2
- Debra:
about 5 hours ago thru web
http://su.pr/2zSJhm What inspires you?
