Just Be

Today while I was walking, my main focus was to just be. With momming and schooling and working, letting myself and my thoughts just be and flow where ever they go, felt really nice. I like being outside because I don’t feel the urge to use social media out there. Just pulled my phone out to snap the vibes. I even thought about meditating but I decided to wait. It was buggy outside anyway.

Have you taken time to just let yourself be lately? How does that look for you?

Kindness

The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.

William Wordsworth

Kindness will never go out of style. Consistent kindness is like water gentle but moves mountains.

I’ve been reading about the Romantic period and Wordsworth was kind of a big deal during this period. I’m glad I found this quote by him. I can’t wait to learn more!

You Are You!

Today you are you!
That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Dr. Seuss

I had the honor of joining a writing group with all veterans today. It’s always fascinating to hear their stories. What intrigues me in every writing group, including today’s, is how different our stories are. We get to witness such a variety of unique perspectives. The stories we choose to share provide hints about our true selves. When we are consistent with our writing and sharing, we uncover and reveal our innermost selves.

Quenched

Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.

John F. Kennedy

Wow, this is one of the most beautiful quotes I’ve shared all year. “Gradually changing opinions”— something about that line gives me butterflies. My opinions have evolved, but mostly because as a young lady, I spoke on things I didn’t quite understand fully.

Even the next line makes me feel good. “Slowly eroding old barriers.” Who wouldn’t want that? Liberation from the walls you’ve built. We initially build them to keep people out, but we don’t always realize that building walls keeps us in.

This last line speaks directly to the creative in me, “Quietly building new structures.” You know that sound you make after you drink a fresh cup of your favorite drink on a hot day? Well, that’s the feeling this quote gives me.

Coming At You All At Once

When it seems like everything is coming at you all at once, it probably is. Here’s a list of things to help you get through.

  • Take a few moments to yourself.
  • Take at least 3 deep breaths with your eyes closed
  • Talk to someone who wants to listen to you
  • Write your to do list in a closed book or app so that you’re not bombarded by them while you’re working
  • Think positively: “Time can work in my favor.” “I have the ability to do one thing at a time.” “It’s ok for me to rest when things feel too heavy.”

We stay in the moment around the writing parts. Yes, shutting down looks mighty nice but where’s the story in that?! Keep your eyes toward the sky with a pen and a paper in each in hand.

You got this!

Enliven Their Hearts

You can’t win the hearts and minds of the masses unless you inspire them – you must lift their spirits and enliven their hearts.

Jason Silva

I’m not interested in the masses but boy do I enjoy seeing people’s spirits rise. Always remember two things:

  • There’s a million reasons to smile.
  • There’s a million things you’re doing right.

And those two thoughts are exactly where I like to focus in most of my interactions. Don’t get me wrong, empathy has its place in our interactions. I just like to find the shortest route to happiness. What can I say, I’m human.

Expansion

Everything’s interconnected. That’s the way life is.

Edwin Catmull

That’s it.

It’s not a secret, but when you really take a moment to connect with those around you, you realize how connected we are. Journaling helps. Taking note of your thoughts and all the things that inspire your curiosity also helps. The world around you changes when you’re more aware of yourself. It’s like your vision expands.

Blogging Tip #1

I haven’t shared a lot of blogging tips but no better time than now! Before I start shouting out tips from the rooftops, let’s chat about WordPress a little bit.

I have been blogging for about 7 years now. WordPress has been the blogging platform I have committed to more consistently than the rest. I personally feel that WordPress is the most accessible and versatile platform. There are a few limitations, but none worthy of complaining about. You can use WordPress with basic computer skills, but it also allows you to use more advanced tech skills too. What’s most valuable about WordPress is the writing community! It’s a great way to connect and support other writers who enjoy the same things as you. Plus, the free version is perfect for a new blogger. Okay, enough bragging about my favorite blogging platform. Let’s get to Blogging Tip #1.

  1. Use the Featured Photo Option

If you’re ever looking for some free photos to add eye-catching featured images, there are websites dedicated to open-source photos. My go-to is Pixabay. comWe also have Pexels .com which is linked directly to your WordPress.com blog under Featured Images. And there’s also Unsplash.com.

I have always added, at bare minimum, a featured photo to every blog post.

I hope this helps. Stick around for more Blogging Tips from Jayne. Press

In Honor of Our First Family Bike Ride

If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on.

Lance Armstrong

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice that we went on our first family bike ride. I loved it. So in honor of that, I had to share a bike quote. Don’t let fear keep you from amazing opportunities. Where are these opportunities? Maybe they’re knocking on your door, or hitting you right in the face. Maybe they are still visions. Wherever they are, show up with your chin held high and start pedaling!

You got this!