Declutter: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for Aug. 13-20, 2023.

Outer order contributes to inner peace.

Definition: purging, letting go, releasing, clearing away.

Other: lighten up, visual peace, freedom.

Opposite: hoard, hold onto, stifled, chaos.

Both Becky and I have been decluttering our homes recently. Perhaps you have too.

Decluttering is an act of transformation and requires a lot of effort. It is tougher on some of us than others.

Just the everyday maintenance of balance in our homes is a task. We’ve all been spending much more time at home and perhaps ordering more items online which comes with additional packaging to get rid of. It seems we have so many cardboard boxes at the end of the week! Thank goodness we have a curbside recycling program which makes disposal easier.

We are remodeling our bedroom this month. We’ve lived in our house for 32 years and have not been good about releasing items. We tend to hold on to things too long. We have way more stuff than we need.

We have boxes of our son’s toys from his childhood, books, and photos that require my attention. The good news is that we are making progress.

Decluttering can be healing and invigorating. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

My former boss shared a funny sentiment with me, our items are stuff, and our partner's stuff is junk (to us.) It’s easier to get rid of someone else’s items because the emotional attachment is not there.

I recently decluttered my workspace and the difference is dramatic. Not only does it look better, it feels better. Clearing away has created a spaciousness that has enabled more creativity and prosperity to flow to me. I am loving it. I’m definitely feeling that outer order contributes to my inner peace.

Marie Kondo, Founder, and Author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” talks about releasing anything that no longer brings you joy. She invites the reader to hold an object in their hands and if it no longer brings joy, it’s time for it to go. It’s a good question to ponder. You can find out more about her process by visiting https://konmari.com/

Our items may have tremendous sentimental value or market value. They may have no value to you any longer. You can bless another person with your cast-off items or they can be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of.

By clearing away the excess, we gain a sense of spaciousness, a feeling of freedom.

This week’s invitation is to do a bit of decluttering. Start small, your purse, a drawer, your workspace, a computer file… I have committed to decluttering at least 15 minutes a day and I even manage to do that most days.

Decluttering also applies to our hearts and minds. What are we holding onto that no longer benefits us? It could be time to release a grudge, forgive someone (maybe even ourselves), or a belief that weighs us down. Are you tired of lugging that heavy burden around all the time? If so, now is the time to release it.

How can the act of decluttering bring more peace, love, joy, and ease in your life?

Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on Aug. 12, 2020, written by Janette Stuart.

Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.

Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on SELF-CARE.

Authenticity: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for Aug. 6-12, 2023.

AUTHENTICITY

I’m just trying to be real.

Definition: representing one’s true nature or beliefs, true to oneself
Other: genuine, legitimate, true
Opposite: fake, unreliable

Authenticity comes from the Greek word authentikos meaning original, genuine, principle.

It takes courage to live your life being imperfect and vulnerable. It is living by a code of values and morals that remain constant but open to listening for those moments of change that are crucial to our integrity. It is understanding our shortcomings and that these challenges help to make us who we are. It is learning to face fears and doubts. It takes effort, consistency and means leaving SHOULD behind.

What I think, feel, say and do magnifies from what I hold important and is fundamental to living a life of honesty and principle.

We can get carried away being trapped by expectations. Sometimes social media presents who we think we should be, hiding who we really are. The mask, facade or pretending we are someone who we aren’t can bring judgment from ourselves which can lead to procrastination, putting yourself last by people pleasing, excuses with false justification or trying to gloss over “bad” emotions by pushing them down or even ignoring them. Trying to fit in, be liked and accepted by others can lead to feeling lonely, disconnected and worthless.

When we live from our authentic selves then our differences do not frighten or challenge us. There are no judgements. What a delight to chat with someone who has an interest in what you are saying, that you mean something and it’s not just all about them.

It is a life long process to find our true self, let go of beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve and replace with true to you actions. Paying attention to what life has to teach you can open up the doors of wonder and delight.

Actions and words in agreement and harmony with beliefs and values becomes possibility. Finding out what makes our hearts sing and spirits soar is when we feel most alive, free and unburdened. It is living with conviction and confidence, staying true to yourself. It is giving generously, rather than from obligation or pity, an overflowing of gratitude and abundance.

It is the way you choose to live your life, the way you chase yours dreams and even the way you stand up to conflict. It is being ok with not knowing for sure what will come next but knowing that whatever it is, you will be all right.

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary."
-Steve Jobs



Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on Aug. 5, 2020, written by Becky Wilbur.

Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.

Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on SELF-CARE.

Stillness: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for July 30 - Aug. 5, 2023.

Stillness

Finding extraordinary quiet.

Definition: intentional slowing down of body and mind, tuning into the spirit, peaceful

Other: deliberate cessation of chaos or activity, relaxed

Opposite: busy, moving, noisy, clamoring.

Stillness produces tranquility and requires a deliberate act of quieting the heart and mind to allow peace to wash over us.

In allowing, we can find inner peace and stillness even when things around us can be anything but still.

Have you ever been able to concentrate intently when the rest of the room was buzzing with activity? If so, this is an example of finding stillness and extraordinary quiet.

Have you ever witnessed young children being so intent on what they are doing they tune out the rest of the world and focus on what is delighting them and allowing their internal stillness? They are also in tune with their inner truth and have an affinity with nature, animals, angelic beings, or "imaginary friends" as a rule until someone suggests that they are pretend or not real. This activity is another example of finding stillness and extraordinary quiet.

Being in nature can be a source of stillness even when there is lots of activity and noise because it brings tranquility just by being a part of the grand scheme of things. There are the sounds of birds, trees swaying in the wind, and water flowing.

Many of us find great comfort by being at the beach, which is a noisy environment yet produces a great sense of inner peace, calm and tranquility. We can let go of our concerns and bask in the beauty of Mother Nature with the ebb and flow of the waves. It feeds our soul and takes us back to the stillness and sanctuary of being in the womb.

Creativity is another way to welcome stillness. What is it that you love to do so much you lose all track of time, or would get up super early in the morning to do or stay up until the wee hours enjoying? For some, it could be writing, painting, playing music, crafting, or cooking. Whatever that thing is for you, you benefit significantly by doing it. Also, by delighting in it, your joy ripples out into the world and sprinkles magic upon all you encounter.

When we can allow stillness, we can increase our level of peace in our days. Think of silence as exquisite self-care. It is a gift you give yourself to nurture and replenish your body, mind, and spirit. You are worthy and deserving of this self-care. It not only benefits you, it benefits all those that interact with you. Your inner peace is a contagion for good.

How can you live life better by incorporating some stillness in your day?

Here are some ideas:
Walk near a body of water.
Meditate.
Create something that delights you.
Listen to sounds of nature or soothing music.
Have a cup of tea.
Go outside and take a break in your own backyard or at the office.
Unplug from technology for a while.
Spend some time in solitude.

May you delight in the gift of stillness today.


Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on July 29, 2020, written by Janette Stuart.

Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.

Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on DELIGHT.

Gentleness: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for July 23, 2023.

GENTLENESS

Soft waves of compassion wash over me.

Definition: quality of being kind, tender or mild-mannered

Other: considerate, understanding, good-natured

Opposite: strong, brutal, indifference, cruelty

Gentleness generates peace and calm.

It is not volatile or abrupt in its response to the world. One who is gentle strives to be harmless, to not force or hurt others.

Gentle people use their gentleness as a cloak of purpose, aware of the needs of people around them.
It can be a feeling of shelter in the storm.

In these challenging and uncertain times, gentleness may actually be an act of rebellion. It is a time to acknowledge the pain of others and care with a non-judgmental, accepting heart.

Human connection is what fosters gentleness. The truth of what is being felt by each of us cannot be denied. Pretending we are not scared, mad or sad will not make it disappear. However, if we do not respond immediately, but stop and take a step back, so we can ground our thoughts and feelings, we can take a tender approach towards the world and all that is going on.

Gentleness consists of being considerate, understanding and presenting a calm demeanor. Being clear minded with your intention can show empathy and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others. Often we don’t know all the details that lead to the difficult times for those around us, but at this time we can turn on the news and see it 24/7 blasting away at our peace and hope.

Gentleness toward others and even ourselves is another way to show love and may result in making changes toward a better world.

Gentleness is the antidote to cruelty.
-Phaedrus


Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on July 22, 2020, written by Becky Wilbur.

Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.

Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on DELIGHT.

Flow: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for July 16, 2023.

FLOW

It's all about FLOW

Everything is easy.

Definition: unrestricted, moving, open, being carried

Other: current, stream of consciousness

Opposite: stagnant, pinched off, blocked, clogged

A friend and I were talking about the concept of being in the flow and she said it felt like she was on a Fidelity investment commercial where the green line and arrow appear and show her the next right step.

I thought that was a brilliant description of being in flow. Another cool part of this story was that we were having this discussion while walking into the County Fair and low and behold, a huge long green line was painted on the ground showing guests where to walk and enter the admission gates.

I also love how the background of our flow card is green, just like the green line in the commercial and at the fair.

Being in flow to me also feels like moving forward in faith, relinquishing control, not knowing what is around the next bend, but trusting and relaxing into the knowledge that all is well, that I am loved, supported, and protected every inch of the way.

Being in flow involves surrender and relinquishing control, not fighting it but cruising along on a virtual “lazy river of life” in an inner tube knowing I am supported by a force much greater than myself. It is being carried or guided.

Ways to know you are in flow:
• Things feel good and easy.
• You are breathing with ease.
• You can see your journey as a glorious gift even when things don’t go as planned.
• You use your heart as a compass to guide your way and make choices.

Ways to know you are not in flow:
• Overthinking. Living in your head. Trying too hard.
• Things feel difficult and as a struggle.
• You find yourself holding your breath and your body hurts from holding your shoulders, jaw, and face in tension frequently.

How can being in flow help you live life better?

Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on July 15, 2020, written by Janette Stuart

We share uplifting messages of Well-Being and Wonder for Living Life Better. Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on DELIGHT.

Nurture: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week.

NURTURE

I listen to my intuition and know what to do.

Definition: care for and encourage growth

Other: look after, support, take care of

Opposite: neglect, ignore, forget

INTENTIONAL ATTENTION!
To ourselves and others.

It can be a lifestyle, something we do in our daily lives. To improve well-being and contentment we support the act of being ourselves. There are many habits that encourage caring for mind, body and spirit. Through trial and error we learn what is most important to help us flourish.

For me, when I clear clutter from my house it decreases my stress level and gives me clarity. It makes me feel happier and it is a way to nurture my love of harmony and peace. Doing a daily meditation or soaking up some Vitamin D in the sun or saying no can be ways to encourage growth towards living life better.

Making someone feel important can be as easy as listening to them with focus and understanding. You can convey a feeling of cooperation and nurture the relationship. Taking consideration of other’s wishes is not the same as people pleasing or going overboard with YES to everyone or everything.

One of the best ways to be lifted up is to lift someone else up. Being a caring person who uses communication in a kind and honest way can lead to relationships where both are sharing dreams and life lessons with mutual give and take. Giving emotional support can make working through a challenge a little easier.

In these quickly changing times we sometimes face discomfort from different opinions and ideas. We are working towards a goal of listening, to support changes in ourselves and others. We must work together to nurture a climate of acceptance and inclusivity.

It is not easy to figure out what you need in your life to feel cared for or how you can support others.

Listen to your heart.

Tune into your intuition, it’s quiet and always there, and you will know what to do.



Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on July 8, 2020, written by Becky Wilbur.

We share uplifting messages of Well-Being and Wonder for Living Life Better. Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on DELIGHT.

Beauty: Your WOW Message of the Week

Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week.

BEAUTY

It’s everywhere.

Definition: Exquisite, gorgeous, attractive, lovely

Other: Stunning, pretty, easy to look at

Opposite: Hideous, decimated, grotesque

In this week’s guidance, we are focusing on the beauty we find in the natural world. Yes, it’s everywhere. Yet the thing is that we need to be aware enough to notice it.

Beauty is a precious gift from the Divine to delight and enrich our lives.

A friend of mine was recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and was guided to look for beauty in her midst every day and photograph and document it for a year.

Her first photo was a shot of the clouds and a rainbow that she sensed was a gift to her. This was just the healing elixir she needed to reawaken her sense of love, gratitude, and connection. Her project was called Choosing Beauty and you can find out more here. https://livlane.com/about-the-blog/

I love to go for a morning walk with my dog and see the beauty in my neighborhood. I could choose to focus on the overgrown yards, garbage, and decay but I choose to be on the lookout for beauty, and each and every day I find it.

Sometimes the beauty is a tree, plant, animal, or a nice encounter with a neighbor.

These walks are daily meditations where I look for beauty, inspiration, and delight to fill up my heart and soul. It enlivens and enriches me. You could call it “walking self-care.”

Today, I found two lush, thriving bushes growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. They were remarkable. A true example of “Bloom where you are planted.” The day before, I observed a beautiful hibiscus that made me stop and look deeper at her beauty.

Any way you choose to look for beauty in your midst is up to you. You could look online for images, take a walk, look out the window, go to a local nursery or park, or a thousand other options. You could take a picture, write about it, tell someone about it, or whatever tickles your fancy.

Remember, beauty is everywhere and is a gift to enrich your life.

Today, take a moment to notice something beautiful in your midst as you Live Life Better.


Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on July 1, 2020, written by Janette Stuart.

We share uplifting messages of Well-Being and Wonder for Living Life Better. Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on CELEBRATE.

Listen: Your WOW Message of the Week

LISTEN

Do you hear me?

Definition: to hear something with thoughtful attention, give one’s attention to a sound
Other: hear, pay attention,
Opposite: ignore, tune out, deaf

Is there a difference between listen and hear?

Listen processes the sound and to hear is tuning in to the message.
One is a biological function, the other includes attention and understanding.
And vice versa.
And maybe interchangeable.
Is there a difference?

I can listen to a song with my physical ear but do I hear the message intended?
I can listen to a conversation but do I hear the unsaid words?
I can listen to my intuition but do I take action on what I hear?
I can listen to my body but is that enough, or do I need to hear the lesson?
I can listen to the sounds all around me from Mother Earth but do I honor the poetry of delight?

Have you ever asked a person to pay attention to what you are saying?
Please listen.
I need you to hear me.
I want you to take in my words and understand.

Sometimes when someone asks us to listen we immediately jump to how can I help, what can I fix, what are the next wise words I can offer in this conversation? And really we just need to listen. And listen more.

To be heard can be life-changing. To see someone nod their head, eyes focused on you but saying nothing, knowing you will figure it out. Or a pause in a conversation on the phone, waiting for you to understand you are not only listening but hearing with understanding.

Listening is a powerful tool in relationships, from strangers to lovers. Listening is often the only thing needed to help someone.

Listening to your heart is hearing from within you. No one else. It’s just you. Are you hearing the message you need in the stillness of the present moment? Sometimes there is nothing else you can do but listen. No action required. To listen is the awareness of NOW.

I have been going on wood walks lately. At the park I walk from tree to tree, touching the bark and waiting for the message. Sometimes the breeze drops a hint of change coming, or the pine cone delivers hope while I am listening to my heart and intuition. No one but me is speaking and hearing what I need in those moments.

Listen has the same letters as silent.
There can be silence in listening.
Listening is about being present, not just about being quiet though.

I saw a meme the other day that said we have two ears and a mouth so we need to listen twice as much as we talk. Seems like good advice. Are you a good listener? Do you hear the message and understand what is being offered? Or are you really thinking about what you will say to fix the situation or prove you know more? Listening to the pain and change that many are feeling in these challenging and uncertain times will take courage and patience.
Do you hear me?


Find the Good,
Becky and Janette


Originally posted on June 24, 2020, written by Becky Wilbur.

We share uplifting messages of Well-Being and Wonder for Living Life Better. Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on CELEBRATE.