A childhood friend of mine who I’ve recently reconnected with on Facebook  recently posted a quote. Originally I thought it was something that she herself came up with, but a quick internet search (oh Google how I love thee so) revealed that it was first uttered by Theodore Roosevelt.

Now Teddy I’m sorry, but I added a line (in parentheses) because as I read the quote to myself a few times I kept hearing it spoken in my inner voice (yes I occasionally do in fact listen to the voices in my head) but I wanted to share it here because it is so simple a concept and at once so wise that I felt that I couldn’t possibly be the only person who found meaning in it.

“Do what you can
(when you can)
with what you have
where you are.”

Theodore Roosevelt

See what I mean? Simple on face value, but as you read it a couple of times the meaning, the impact, goes quite a bit deeper.

We can only do what we can.

We are all blessed with gifts and talents that are unique.

We are all beset with pains and limitations that are unique, as well.

No one can give more than 100%.

Can most of us do more to improve ourselves, our lives, our circumstances? Probably.

But, that does not mean looking at our friends, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances, etc. and comparing our abilities and achievements to theirs.  They may have a better support network, more free time, better health, more financial security.  Their priorities are sure to be different, their needs as well.  So trying to compare ourselves to them will never lead to satisfaction and is generally more likely to lead to frustration than inspiration.

Instead, we should spend that energy means looking at our own situation and deciding what can realistically change.

This is not necessarily about letting ourselves off easy, it is more about being forgiving of and gentle with ourselves.  It speaks to giving ourselves the same benefit of the doubt, the same permission to be imperfect, that we would allow a friend, a family member, a loved one of any flavor.

Most of us live to one degree or another on a hamster wheel that requires that we keep pushing ourselves beyond the levels of our endurance of pain and exhaustion and stress.

And yes there are times when there is no choice – in times of true emergency, in times of tragedy – but it shouldn’t be an everyday lifestyle.

Because in running on our hamster wheel we lose sight of beauty, we lose out on small pleasures, we stop finding ways to feed our soul and nurture our dreams.  If we run long enough we wake up one day and find our life is half (or mostly) over and we have forgotten how to truly live.

Give yourself permission to do what matters.

Give yourself permission to be imperfect.

Forgive yourself your weaknesses and recognize your strengths.

Ask the Divine as you see it to bless you with

serenity to accept what can’t be changed

courage to change what can

and the wisdom to truly know the difference

Reinhold Niebuhr

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:inspiration, quotation, quote

“The greatest natural resourse in the world is not in the earth’s waters or minerals, nor in the forests or grasslands. It is the spirit that resides in every unstoppable person. And the spirit of the individual benefits us all. Choose to be Unstoppable” ~Cynthia Kersey

W – Woman
 I - In
T – Total
C – Control of
H – Herself

*****

W = Wonderful 
 I = Intelligent 
T = Talented 
C = Charming 
H = Hell of a Woman

*****

W = Wise 
 I = Individual 
T = That 
C = Can 
H = Handle ‘anything’

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote, witch

In honor of all the great teachers out there (Teacherman, my hubby, being one of them) – here are a few inspiring quotes.   FYI: Teacher Appreciation Week (in the U.S. May 4th – 8th 2009).

“The smartest person in the world is not the one who knows the most, but the one who knows where to find the most.” ~6th Grade Teacher

“Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world.” ~Albert Einstein

“If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything.” ~Allyson Jones

“There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul.” ~Arnold Bennett

“The highest function of the teacher consists not so much in imparting knowledge as in stimulating the pupil in its love and pursuit.” ~Henri Frederic Amie

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, learning, quote

” … During midlife the desire to be our real selves, which comes from our soul, contributes to the crises we unconsciously create when we do not feel vital and authentic. There is an internal impetus to become a whole person and when we spend time in the metaphorical forest and the actual forest or natural world, we are exposed to the possibility and growth of our instinctual nature, our spiritual connection with Nature, and our sense of oneness with the universe.”

Crossing to Avalon: A Woman’s Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine
~ Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. ~

This excerpt struck a cord with me and resonants with my goals for Womon Gathering, to return to my true self and live my life from a place connected with spirit and renewing the light I know resides within me. Tomorrow Mama Kelly and I will be journeying to the camp in the forest, but it is also much more, it is a journey for our souls to the “metaphorical forest.” I have added this book, Crossing to Avalon, to my wish list and hope to read it soon.

I found the excerpt from Crossing To Avalon, on Maitri’s blog Magic and Moments At Dragonfly Cottage. I only recently discovered her blog but it has become one of my favorites and I visit often for the warmth, insights, and gentle wisdom. Here is a brief description: “Living in The Moment. Art as life, and life as art. This blog shares thoughts of cherishing life and living in the moment, as well as living with my 12 animal companions, life as a writer and fiber artist.”

Here is a poem that was in my head the other day that also reflects my focus for Womon Gathering – to renew my soul – Reclaiming My Power

I also found this quote today that seemed very appropriate - “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~Alice Walker

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Of interest – Two Tarot card readings I did about our trip to Womon Gathering, posted on Stir the Cauldron:
Tarot Reading – Womon Gathering (lessons to focus on at Womon Gathering).
Tarot Reading – My Path Unfolds (spiritual path unfolds after Womon Gathering).

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote

Wander the Web Wednesday – Native American Words and Wisdom

The idea is to highlight 3 to 5 links that you feel would be new to other readers. They can be daily reads, or personal favorites. They may even just be something fun or freaky or just plain fascinating that you wandered into recently. They can all be about one theme or all different.

If you want to “play along” make a list on your site and link to it in the comments. Of course I’d appreciate a link back. You may use the graphic above, (do not hotlink), simply save it to your own computer.

1. Native American Code of Ethics – a truly beautiful way to approach life and live in harmony with nature.
2. Native American Meditation - a collection of inspiring sayings that can be used as daily affirmations.
3. Pearls of Wisdom – Native American Wisdom: awakening personal and global consciousness.
4. Native Circle - American Indian owned site, sharing music, teachings, wisdom and more.
5. First People – Words of Wisdom – American Indian words of wisdom, poems, prayers, free clipart, and more.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, meme, native american, wisdom

It was not until I was in my 40s that I decided I was definitely going to get a few tattoos.   So far I have two (and at least 3 maybe 4 others I will get in the future).  Each design chosen and placement has a special meaning to me.  I made the decision because for me it was about making a statement, a permanent declaration that I Am A Witch, claiming my power, using my body as a magical totem, a daily reminder that I have decidated my path to spirituality, connecting with nature, and saying to the world I don’t care what any one thinks it’s ok to be ME, it’s ok to be a witch, and accepting myself regardless of what others think.

I do not recommend tattoos for everyone – but it something that felt right for me.  Things don’t last, people move or go away — getting a tattoo for me was a permanent (in this life time anyway) way of having magic with me each and every day.

My first two tattos were for my 50th birthday.  The triqueta – symbol of the triple Goddess (most commonly seen on the book of shadows from the Charmed tv series) is on my left ankle (tattoo is a Celtic design version).  I chose the left ankle to represent the path I have walked from the past (the beginning) as being guided by the Goddess throughout my life.

The other tattoo is a small dragon just above the left breast toward the center (heart area).  I adore dragons, but there is a deeper meaning for me also.  The heart area for me represents love, life, connecting self with the web of life.  The best way to express what the dragon means for me is by a few quotes about dragons:

A Chinese proverb:
“If you ignore the dragon, it will eat you. If you try to confront the dragon it will overpower you. If you ride the dragon, you will take advantage of its might and power.”
Other dragon quotes:
“Change is a dragon – ride it and transform.”
“Everything great and colorful is because of the dragon.”
“The greatness of a dragon is not judged by its strength, but by its perseverance.”
“Those who can see a dragon are those who believe they can.”
“The ascent of a dragon into heaven is a majesty beyond compare.”
“When word of a dragon came, all sought out its existence.”
“A dragon achieves its destiny by creating it.”
“The brilliance of a dragon is second only to the stars in heaven.”
“A true dragon transforms action into right, and right into duty.”
“A dragon that does not give its heart wings will never fly.”
“Without rightful practice, a dragon cannot exist.”
“A dragon that soars knows that there is no such thing as a pathless path.”

(NOTE – Quotes are from Dragon Spirit, by Ron Rubin and Stuart Gold, founders of The Republic of Tea. The book’s subtitle is “How to Self-Market Your Dream.” The quotes are used to introduce each chapter.)

Another quote I like (but don’t remember where it came from) is this one:
“The Chinese ancients believed that if you breathe life and energy into your spiritual dragon, or your greater self, you create change that breathes life and energy into all, allowing you to ride the dragon’s expansive spirit to a zenith of endless possibilities.”

Claim and ride your dragon (power), discover the witch (magic) in you and live your dreams now.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

(inspired by Reclaiming the Witch In You project)

Written by Lady RoseTags:dragons, empowerment, inspiration, spirituality, tattoos, turning 50, witch in you

This is my latest “inspiration” from the muse (as I like to think of it, my Beltane gift from Goddess). At this point it is still just a lot of thoughts colliding in my brain all at one trying to get my attention — and since I also have two other BIG projects going right now my brain is getting a bit crowded. (The other two projects are the HUGE Harry Potter birthday party for Angelgirl’s 11th birthday, party date May 27, 2007 and my work my other blog, Diet Pulpit (and on top of all that I have just been asked to co-author a book with someone who already has a book published – so I’m excited to hear more about the offer and perhaps get to work on it).

However, Reclaiming the Witch In You project is also something I want to explore, if for no other reason then I know it will be a personal growing and learning experience.

In a nutshell I have been for several years now questioning what it means to be a witch for me personally, looking deep inside for what I believe in and how I want to live my life in the best possible way – essentially finding the witch in me.

When I woke up the other day with the idea blaring in my head to start writing the “Reclaiming the Witch In You”  I realized it was time to get more serious and intentional in about my quest to find the witch in me and live my life as an outward expression of the true witchy me (in other words “walk the talk).

The basic concept is there is a “witch” in everyone – we are all spiritual, magical beings in a physical body. (Can you hear Hagrid saying, “Harry, you’re a wizard.”)  But it would also include the basics for exploring and learning about being a witch, and also address the “reclaiming” the witch inside — so often many come to wicca excited and filled with job (“fuzzy bunny witchlings”), then a decade or two comes along and the “shine” has worn off and so has their joy and ethusiasm.  And it will also explore finding the joy, content, and balance within as a way of life and renewing one’s faith (no matter what spiritual path or religion you chose to follow).

We all have within us the tools to do magic – love, thoughts, spiritual energy. We are all offspring of Nature (regardless of what religion we follow).

There is much more to it – but as I said right now it is a jumble and I need to take some time and sort it all out (as soon as I can find that time). My plan is to make periodic posts about this project. I have tagged it “witch in you”, so any one wishing to keep track of all the posts can do so easily. I am not sure how far this project will go, how long it will last, but for now I wanted to get it down in writing and official on the blog so that the muse would know I am listening and I am going to work on it – I just need a bit of time to finish up for the Harry Potter party and other huge projects, so I can actually have some brain space and time to work on it.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, spirituality, witch, witch in you

Here are three quotes by various yoga teachers that I came across today in my random web surfing that I felt were worthwhile to share.

“The only reason we suffer in the world is because we compare one moment to the other.”  ~ Cameron Shayne, founder of Budokon (hybrid class combining  the classical arts of yoga, martial arts and meditation).

“At the highest understanding all paths lead to the same place.” ~ Phil DiPietro, owner of Yoga Mandali in New York City

“It’s just powerful when you document something, when you write it down, it helps manifest it faster.” ~ Angelique Shofar (Washington), founder of Soulful Yoga (hybrid of African dance, eclectic music, journaling, and Yoga)

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote

Since the inspiration for the empowering affirmation the other day, I have been getting bits and pieces of other inspiration in brief creative bursts (the muse is working overtime). Primarily it seems to be centered around living one’s life “The Goddess Way” – honoring the Goddess in all of us, caring and nurturing for ourselves (not just others), and recognizing how the Goddess manifests in all of our daily tasks, and if we allow that connection to flow openly She is always there to nurture us, guide us, and inspire us.

Over the past 30+ years of being a witch and priestess I have experienced times like this a few times before, where every day life takes on a deeper meaning and the creativity seems to flow. I cherish those times, for they are nurturing to the soul and can be extremely eye opening journeys to deeper self awareness and understanding.

Lately I have been very attracted to learning to make chain mail and to decorating gourds. The gourds I could see the symbology and connection to Mother Earth. But at first I couldn’t figure out why I was drawn so much to the chain mail, but as I researched and spent some time with the creative ideas swimming in my head — I realized that chain mail was working with metal which comes from the earth. And even more significantly, at least for me, it represents the warrior Goddess, strong and protective flexible and fluid in its movement. The warrior aspects of the Goddes are definitely aspects I need to develop more of in my life. I found it interesting that the Goddess was definitely connected to things I am drawn to, even when I am not aware of the connection.

I am also trying to incorporate the connection to Goddess in my life in more conscious ways as well. Such as: being thankful before I eat, and making healthy choices so that the energy of the earth nourishes my body – not just eating to satisfy hunger; paying more attention to what I say and my responses and how it impacts others in order to express my spiritual self rather then just reacting to stress or anger.

The Goddess is with us every moment, beneath our feet, shining in the moon above, and all around us in the eyes of the women we know, and within us — may She Bless and Inspire and You.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:goddess, inspiration

At age 50 I’m still looking for what I want to do when I grow up and long for something that nutures my soul and expresses who I am, and have tried many different home businesses, hobbies, etc. This week I have been giving it a lot of thought once again – but from a little different perspective. One of the wonderful outcomes of having had two days of quality time to spend with my best friend Mama Kelly last weekend was we got to talk in depth and explore a lot of what makes us tick and get back in touch with who we really are. And one of the things I have to accept is I am where I am because of my choices — a bit of universal chance, with random roadblocks and some luck (and of course bad luck) and fate tossed in — but mostly my choices. If I truly wanted to pursue a home business or other career choice then I could have made different choices along the way. The bottomline is — I may not find my work “fulfilling” in a spiritual sense but it does serve my needs. After all this time — its comfortable, the salary is good — and to be truly honest with myself — I don’t want to make the effort to change. Sure, I’d love a career that was more “community” and “earth” oriented, or a home business where I could set my own hours, etc. But those most of those needs can be met through other avenues besides my job. However, by focusing on “what could have been” or “what ifs” or simply wishing I had a different job – I am not only making excuses to not do anything else, but wasting time and energy by trying to pursue options that deep down I know I won’t follow up on. For example – had I made different choices in life back when I was 18, I would have chosen a career in counseling. But at 18 – my life was in shambles. Now, to look back and say “gee I wish I was a counselor, wish I had my own practice” isn’t useful to achieving goals today. I have explored going back to school — it would take a lot of money and several years to complete a master’s degree (I’d be about 55) and then I’d have to take a job that paid about half of what I make now to work in a public office for a long time, and continue to take classes to keep my licensing. And let face it – a home business is LOT of work, its HUGE, and takes a lot of hours that a regular job. To be honest — sure I would love being a counselor or have a home business — but I don’t want to excert that much effort or take that road now at this point in my life and take — I have other priorities first being my daughter and husband, and second planning for a fun retirment.

So that leaves me with the option of finding something that is fulfilling and nurtures my soul other then my job — such as my family, my spiritual path, hobbies, community work. Since time and energy are limited — finding something that can combine several of these aspects would be a good start.

Another truth that is difficult for me is accepting you can’t do it all. Sure you can explore a LOT of options — but if you want to get really good at something — you need to narrow your focus and develop skill in one area. I have a lot hobbies I would enjoy (crocheting, cooking, party planning, writing etc.) and several I’d love to try (pryography, decorating gourds, jewelry making, etc.). While exploring a lot of things is fun — since what I am looking for is something “meaningful, creative, and fulfilling” then I need to develop a skill and focus. Which is going to require discipline and effort to narrow where I spend my time and energy to develop. That is a choice I have control over and if I truly want it I can do it — and if I don’t then I need to be able to accept that too and simply enjoy dabbling in a variety of things.

One thing that has been constant in my life since I was 12 or younger is my connection to the Goddess and Wicca. My spiritual path has taken many twists and turns and sometimes has been neglected — but it has always been there. So whatever creative venture(s) I decide to focus on needs to reflect that part of me.

Another side to all of this is that every day life can be a reflection of one’s true inner beliefs and spiritual self — How I live my life each day, how I handle stress, my job, my relationships, raising my child — can all reflect my inner spiritual connection to the Goddess. In essence every day moments can be a creative expression and fulfilling if I allow them to be. Instead of reaching for something more that is just out of reach and seems impossible to obtain — I can turn my focus to the joys and fulfillment that surround me now. With my soul in touch with who I truly am and expressing that each moment of day, then what I choose to do no matter what that is, becomes a spiritual outward expression of the Goddess within me. Preparing a meal, cuddling with my daughter are just as important and spiritual and can be fulfilling and nurture to my soul. So even if I never create a lasting work of art or finish that book I always wanted to write — my life still has meaning and purpose.

So taking all that into consideration — I’m off to order a couple of books I saw and fell in love with on chain mail making and gourd decorating — and even if I only make one gourd birdhouse and a tiny chain mail bracelet in my whole lifetime — it will be fun, it will be a hobby I can share with my daughter, and I won’t be a failure because I didn’t create a gourd masterpiece or a full set of chain mail. Because who I am and finding fulfillment and nurturing my soul doesn’t come from what I do — it comes from “how” I live my live and how I express my faith and spirit in what I do no matter how tiny the task or how big the achievement.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:fulfillment, goals, hobbies, inspiration