Saturday evening thoughts

Lately I’ve been musing on what home looks like. I’ve written on this topic before but coming at it from a different angle this time. In the past five years I’ve called Barnstaple, Plymouth, Bradford, Vienna, Trondheim, Shipley, Lancaster and most currently a little town called Ulverston home. I love the quirkyness and all the little independent shops and most recently the opening of this place Cut The Wrap. As amongst many things I’m doing my best to cut down on my use of single use plastic. I use a metal water bottle instead of throw away plastic ones. The same goes for metal straws instead of plastic ones. In actively working to reduce my use of single use plastic I’m realising that sometimes it a hard task as so many things are packaged in plastic when there are other options.

I’ve had quite a few people recently say that I’m quite nomadic. Which given my tendency to move locations makes sense. I often find myself feeling really restless. But having less days like that lately. Which is refreshing.

I’m learning more and more how important meaningful community is. And that is something well worth investing in. Both in person and in the digital world too. I’m also realising more and more that I need to carve time to spend on those things that calm me (for me thats knitting, baking and time spent outdoors). In those moments it’s easier to be present and in the moment rather than amongst crowded thoughts.

Going to sign off for now but I’ve a feeling I’ll be back to add to this post again.

 

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Tuesday evening thoughts

Since haven’t written on here in a while I thought it was high time I did. I’m writing this with a cup of peppermint tea by my bedside table.

I’ve just finished reading a book called Everybody Always by Bob Goff. Been challenged yet again what love looks like. In particular how to love those who are difficult, different and those who are hurting and in turn hurting others. How these are the ones who need loving most. To choose to respond in kindness rather than lashing out. To choose to forgive even when I don’t feel like it. In that there is real freedom.

Jesus talked to His friends a lot about how we should identify ourselves. He said it wouldn’t be what we said we believed or all the good we hoped to do someday. Nope, He said we would identify ourselves simply by how we loved people. It’s tempting to think there is more to it, but there’s not. Love isn’t something we fall into; love is someone we become.”
― Bob Goff, Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People

‪“There’s no school to learn how to love your neighbor, just the house next door. No one expects us to them flawlessly, but we can love them fearlessly, furiously, and unreasonably”‬
‪BG

Still learning how to live this out. Especially when I’m fearful, worried or scared. When I feel like that I need to remember who’s I am and who has my back! Also need to pay more attention to those little nudges. Often times that looks like being inconvenienced and for someone who likes to be on time that is a challenge at times.

That its okay not to know what is next. Just to continue putting one foot in front of the other. And keep knocking on doors, taking risks and daring to dream big dreams. And that setbacks are so valuable to growth and facing challenges. I’m thinking of answering the “What do you do question?” differently these days. How about something more along the lines of asking who we are?

Also this

“I think a father’s job, when it’s done best, is to get down on both knees, lean over his children’s lives, and whisper, ‘Where do you want to go?’ Every day God invites us on the same kind of adventure. It’s not a trip where He sends us a rigid itinerary, He simply invites us.” BG

Also thinking that I’ll be re reading Love Does again soon! I’ve a feeling I’ll be adding more to this post.

Thanks for reading.

🙂

Rejection as a springboard

Often times in life we face moments of rejection. Which can lead to feelings of failure and feeling disheartened. But lately I’ve begun to change my perception and perspective of rejection. I’m realising more and more that it actually helps to challenge me to keep going. To keep chasing those dreams in my heart.

Rather than parking up the bus and quitting I’m learning to keep one foot in front of the other. In realisation that those no’s aren’t bad and might not mean no forever just a no right now. Over the years I’ve applied for many jobs and been given many rejection letters. I used to get very disheartened when I received these but these days I take it as a positive that they took the time to reply. That really does speak volumes.

More recently it has helped me to start doing something that I’ve wanted to do since my teens. Photography has been a passion of my for a long time. I’ve begun a freelance photography course. Taking. baby steps to where you want to be is totally okay.

I took some time out to relax this afternoon and did some reading. I’m re-reading a book called Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Reading it is reminding me how important listening to the creativity with in me is. Also how much fear can stop us in our tracks. We need fear to help us judge danger but it does not need to be in the front giving the directions.

In the past I used to find rejection hard to deal with. Rejection is no longer something that affects my self worth. My value is more than a rejection letter. In applying for a job, course, volunteering you are stepping out into the world.

Daring to be yourself.

This time last year I was not in a good place. I was fearful, scared and at times more sad than I’d ever felt before. I desperately wanted to escape and choosing to stay in that difficult situation was one of the bravest things I’ve done.

I’ve learnt that I’m way more resilient than I give myself credit for. To still speak up for myself even if it doesn’t work out. To still treat those who hurt you well. That every time you offer to do something out of the box you are stepping out into the arena. This way of thinking I’ve been learning from Brene Brown  and her book Daring Greatly. (you can find out more about her by clicking on the link) I’m currently reading another book by her called Braving The Wilderness. Which I need to pick up again.

Lets keep being brave, stepping out into new things. Chasing the things that bring joy. When we are knocked down lets choose to get back up.

Much love,

Carole

I found this quote today which resonated with me.

But more than brave, you have love. And love is brave. – Richard Paul Evans

Beginnings in February

I’m not one for doing New Years resolutions but this year I have decided to set myself a few goals.

Chiefly to finish my poetry book and get it published is top of the list.

Also to devote more time to reading, learning and all things crafty.

The other day I signed up for a freelance photography diploma which is super exciting. As it’s something I thought about doing in my teens but never did. But I’m so glad I can do it now!

Its okay to chase your dreams one small step at a time.

Signing off for now.

Scribblings (some thoughts)

I haven't written anything in depth for a while on here. I thought it was high time I did.

I'm kind of in between things again. This happens often for me at the moment. When one season is coming to an end and another is waiting to begin. I sometimes find myself getting very restless when this happens and a little impatient. When I need to remember that it's a marathon not a sprint.

Also what might feel like a detour to you. I'm learning that they are just part of the journey. That each moment follows the next and all can be learned from and are spaces to grow.

When I've so many thoughts going through my head. It's hard to find time to process stuff. But when life gets unpredictable I'm learning that I still need to make time for myself. Instead of being stuck in the cycle of work/home/sleep and repeat. I've been stuck in that cycle for too long. It gets me exhausted and it's no way to live.

I'm working at having a life that works for me. Where there is plenty of space to be me. It's no fun spending your life in a box that someone has put you in. You don't need to stay there. You don't need to fit into someones idea for your life. For me it's important to have down time. To create ways of dealing with stress in a healthy way and preferably to have less of it. Also not piling blame on yourself. Often times we need to be kinder to ourselves and in turn we'll be kinder to others.

Life doesn't need to be lived in the fast lane. There is something to be learnt from living life slow. Life to me feels more meaningful this way. In appreciating nature, walks in woods, making things and the satisfaction that brings.

At the moment to combat that I do my best to make time for things that calm me for me this looks like walks, photography, knitting, time spent with good friends, traveling.
That would equal a much happier Carole.

Things to be thankful for

1. Being alive 

2. God/Jesus

3. Wonderful family and friends 

4. New beginnings

5. Music

6. Finding joy in the little things

7. Memories

8. Stories

9. Nature 

10. Dreams and adventures.

On dreams

Some thoughts on dreams..

I’ve come to realise recently that some dreams in our hearts don’t need to be forever.. For me they seem to evolve and grow.. And encourage me to believe that better things are ahead..
They don’t need to stay stagnant. But I know I’ve also been one to let dreams lay dormant.
When you want to see something come to pass but don’t yet have the courage to jump in a the deep end. For me one of those dreams is to have a photography business in family and kids portraits and photo shoots.
Another one is to publish my poems (that is still a work in progress).
There is something powerful in speaking about it even though it’s not yet come to pass
I’m okay with not knowing the how.. That will come in time.

 

Dreams come in a size too big so that we may grow into them.

Josie Bisset

aurora borealis

Last week the northern lights made an appearance.  

   

It was so wonderful to see them light up the night sky again.

Third year musings

Wow!  I can’t quite believe I’ve had this blog for three whole years now.. Its gone so fast. It started off as a place for me to write my poetry and has grown into a blog both about writing and photography. Its a privilege to be able to write poems which encourage others.To add a bit of sparkle to someone’s day.

It was a good challenge from my now brother-in-law Josh. I’m so glad I took up the challenge. Check out his website here. http://joshfox.org.uk/

I love travelling to new places for the experiences they bring and the sense of adventure. It is also good to go back to familiar places because often I see them differently after being away for a while.

I am constantly inspired by those around me who show such passion for life and adventure. Also by the nature that surrounds me. Even some little flowers clinging to life on an old stone wall.

Beauty speaks to me in so many ways, showing the majesty of God. I stand in awe at ever sunset I have the privilege of seeing.  It helps me keep a fresh perspective on life.. to hold life with open hands and the importance of giving to others. With a smile, a kind word, a poem and through my photography.

Remember a little encouragement can go a long way!

Thanks for joining me on the journey.

– Carole.