May Fish Day 1....A Month of Micro Movements

"Micro steps to Space Clearing"

Short and sweet....a month of micro movements.

I find it keeps things fun and interesting for me to be involved in many creative projects at the same time. My interest and energy levels fluctuate and things can take longer than I initially anticipated.  Sometimes procrastination pops into the picture and it's easy to push that thing I don't want to do into the background, saving it for another day. It's amazing what I can find to do instead of finishing that one task which would keep me right on track.

 During May, I've decided to adopt the process of micro movements, something I saw recently in a SARK book. She recommends breaking a process down into tiny, doable steps that lead to the successful completion of the big picture.

Today, I start with some Space Clearing.  As I have recently allowed my studio space and art supplies to become chaotic, unmanageable and disorganized in my eagerness to complete several projects at once, I've decided to create a plan to get it organized, one micro step at a time.

Find a place in your home or studio (or car) and set a timer for 7 minutes. Toss, organize and clean up for that time and then stop. If you feel like it, rinse and repeat. See what happens.

April Day Brighteners......day 29..."Lean on Me"

"Lean on Me"

 

Ever have one of those days where you felt like leaning on someone, even if only for a few minutes? Sometimes that's all we need to feel connected, cared for and that things will be ok.

Today, allow yourself to lean on someone or let someone lean on you....for a kind word, some encouragement or a chuckle.
See how it changes your day.

April Day Brighteners....day 26....Sending Love

"Sending Love"

Have you had the experience of going through your day, and someone pops into your head? Maybe it's a person you haven't thought about in a while and for seemingly no reason, they are suddenly in your awareness, either as an image, a scent or a feeling . One of my favorite things is the pre-phone call where I get a sensation of someone, the phone rings and it is that same person. The other day, on a whim, I picked up my cell phone only to have it vibrate in my hand and I saw the caller was the friend I had just wondered about. Our intuitions are providing information to us all the time and when we are in a quiet state, it is easier (in my experience) to pick up on all it has to offer.

Today, ask yourself who could use some kind and caring thoughts. See who pops into your awareness and then send well-wishes their way. They will pick up on it and it might be just what they needed. 

April Day Brighteners....day 25...Picnic In Style

"Picnic in Style"

When was the last time you had a picnic? For me, picnics bring to mind memories of summer, lots of food, enjoying the outdoors, and gathering with friends and family, plus a few ants tossed in. They can also be quiet times in the garden, having a snack and listening to the birds.

I like the idea of picnics as it means doing something a little out of the ordinary, changing things up a bit. Novelty is what adds the interest and variation to the everyday experience. Somehow, it was more fun to eat sitting on a colorful blanket on the grass (or the adjustable blanket if it was at the beach) in the shade under some giant tree, dragonflies buzzing overhead.

When my kids were little, I'd often suggest a picnic and it was met with big cheers. They'd all scamper off in search of everything we needed to have a great picnic- blankets, snacks and of course, the really important stuff like a jump rope, ball or little trucks and cars. If it looked like rain (or snow), we set up our picnic somewhere in the house. Any way we had that picnic, it was something that appealed to us in a big way and made the day more fun.

Whatever a picnic means for you, allow yourself to enjoy one this week, either by yourself, with a pet, or with others. Choose a setting, bring a few nibbles, enjoy the experience. 

Choose to delight yourself.

 

April Day Brighteners....day 24...Pay It Forward

"Pay It Forward"

Have you found yourself the recipient of a pay-it-forward experience? How good did it make you feel knowing someone wanted to do something unexpected for you? I see more examples of this each day....people doing little things for others, often for strangers. What inspires people to do these random acts of kindness? Not sure, but I know it added something special to my day when someone in the car in front of me paid my toll booth fee in New York.

As we go do these little things for others, it can be that tiny bit that adds a bit of sparkle to their day.

Fridays would be a good days to consider doing a pay-it-forward to brighten someone's day. Think how it will brighten yours, too.

 

April Day Brighteners.....day 23...Celebrate the Little Things

"Celebrate the Little Things"

Who doesn't love a celebration? What comes to mind when you hear that word? For me it means things like special food, toasting someone, lively music, exchange of gifts, surprises and perhaps dancing or games of some kind. All in all, good stuff.

We come up with any number of reasons to create a celebration (Hey, it's Friday!!!) including birthdays, anniversaries of just about anything, milestones, and special accomplishments.

How about celebrating something simple...things we come across every day, something so ordinary we may overlook appreciating it fully?

As I rummaged through a cabinet recently, I came across an assortment of birthday candles. I figured, why wait until a "BIG" occasion to use these little candles? A mini celebration was born.

As I sipped my afternoon cuppa, I put a candle in my little piece of savory shortbread I'd baked the day before and took a moment to celebrate a simple ritual I do ...simply savoring the moment.

What will you choose to celebrate today?

April Day Brightener.....day 22...Doodle It!

"Doodle It"

How many times have you wanted to jot something down while you were enjoying a meal? Maybe it was a flash of insight or some other tidbit you had to capture and pin down before it escaped you.

A lot of great ideas began as doodles on a dinner napkin. I read once that the Avanti designed by Sherwood Egbert, was a result of sketches he had doodled while on a flight out of Chicago.

At a recent meeting I attended, several people told me the only way they survived office meetings was to doodle their way through it, on everything from scrap paper and memos to cocktail sized napkins. One guy was even drawing the other people in the meeting who were nodding off. Doodling at office meetings has probably saved some people's sanity. It seems to be growing in popularity and is an entertaining way to stay awake at dull meetings or to pass the time while awaiting a restaurant meal.

For today, doodle on a dinner napkin while you are having a meal or a cuppa, even if it is at home. Use a pen and allow yourself a minute to draw whatever pops into your head. Who knows where it might lead.