follow your heart

Trust the Process

Trust the Process

One thing I share and stress when I teach my SoulCollage(r) workshops is to “trust the process.”

This was something that was talked about often when I went for my facilitator training in November 2014. It resonates with me on many levels.

We can so often get caught up in the idea of how something should or shouldn’t be done– often times buying into what one guru or another says. I’m not saying the gurus are wrong and that they don’t have a place — because they do.  But I think it’s just that we’ve forgotten a gift we all have – and that is to trust our own process – no matter what it is you do or who you are.

I know for me, I find myself gravitating more and more to this space of what feels right for me in several different areas of my life.

I want my life to flow in alignment of what feels right in my heart and body. I want to be in a place of trusting even more what my inner voice tells me.

And when I pay attention to my first thoughts or how my body reacts to certain things, I’m learning to be in more awareness of it and trust it.

And they say you teach what you also most need to learn, so it’s why I wanted a reminder of trusting my own process and to also encourage this in others that attend my workshops.

So when I came across an idea, similar to the painting I did above, I knew I wanted this as a reminder not only to myself but to those that attend my workshops in my Joyful Pause Studio.

How much struggle and disappointments I wonder we would avoid if we learned to tune in much more to our own process.

So I share these thoughts with you today, and my new painting, as a sweet reminder that listening to your heart is one of the wisest things you can do to live a life full of meaning that is exactly right for you.

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Going on Sabbatical – Time to Rest, Reflect, Refill and Renew.

IMG_1767Dear Friends,

I’ve been giving much thought these past four days about something I should have really done over a year ago. But I just kept pushing through and ignoring that wee voice in me that kept trying to tell me I needed to slow down and re-evaluate. Joie’s unexpected passing is my wake up call.

My sabbatical will be a private journey– A journey into my heart. It is time to once again be still, listen, and explore.  I believe this is Joie’s gift to me. It is also how Joyful Paws came to be when in 2005 I paused (paws) long enough in my life and worked with a life coach to explore what it is that would bring more joy to my life.  Cassy, my chocolate Lab at that time  gave me that gift.  It is time to once again “paws.”

I won’t be posting to my blog or Facebook, and will put my newsletter on hold now through September – quite possibly through October. I will check back in at the end of September to let you know where I am at.

I’ll continue to write, but will write just for me to hopefully uncover the next leg in my journey. I have some ideas I want to explore. I also feel like I’m being called to close the chapter in my life of my work around Frankie and Joie. Not completely, but move forward in a new way.  This, of course, is where I am at in this very moment so I try to put no expectations on what is going to come up in my self exploration.

And dear friends, I do believe I know one thing.  I will love another little special needs dachshund again. I feel quite certain of that. But for now I will honor Joie’s gift of taking this time for me.

Lastly, I want to say my deepest heartfelt thank you to all of you and your outpouring of love with the passing of Joie. Such beautiful sentiments you all shared here, on Facebook and via emails. I know you understand the profound loss of our special furry friends as you’ve all been through this at least once in your life too.  It is something we can never escape – but as much as it hurts – I want to love another one again. I look forward to experiencing that joy again someday soon.

You are all a gift to me and I want you to know that. Again, I’ll check back in at the end of September.  Until then, be well, choose joy, and follow your own hearts.

With love and gratitude,

Barbara

It Seems that Mr. Green Jeans Has a Friend

This past Saturday I posted a photo of this lovely green tree frog who hangs out regularly behind the cushion on my Adirondack chair.  Before I sit down I always have to do a frog check.  Well, imagine my surprise when I did a frog check today and found Mr. Green Jeans has a friend.  They were snuggled side by side until I got the camera out, and being that maybe they were not all that “appropriate” they moved apart so I could get this shot.  Dare I say this is Mrs. Green Jeans?  Now I’m curious to see if there will be baby green jeans on the way.  Stay tuned…

Today I am working on my first ever talk about Frankie and her therapy dog work. I was asked last February to do this talk that will take place next week.  When Frankie was diagnosed with chronic heart disease I called and cancelled the talk because I didn’t want to put any undo stress on her.  A few weeks after she passed I got the nicest email from the person who booked me, asking if I’d reconsider and still do the talk.  I’m glad she did. I said yes, and am looking forward to sharing some of my favorite stories of Frankie’s amazing and heartwarming work with a room full of ladies next week.

My heart is filled with so much joy lately at how good it feels to continue the work Frankie and I began. Things continue to come my way to help me do this such as the therapy dog talk. I’ll also be interviewed in mid-September by a highly visible animal communicator who is doing a 10-part series on differently-abled pets, which I’m super excited about.  I’ll share the video once it is available.

Life is about constant growing and discovery… and following your heart… just like Mr. Green Jeans is doing with his new friend, Mrs. Green Jeans.  So hop to it my dear readers and keep growing on your journey!