Clutter? You Say Messy~I Say Casual

I am what I am--Creative and Messy

'To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.'    

William Arthur Ward

Do you ever catch a glimpse of the truth of yourself as you go about your day? I do—and it always puts a smile on my face.

I am a person fraught with weaknesses that make other people shudder. My weaknesses are of the large variety that others love to point out to me--just in case I miss them.

One of my more notable weaknesses is my messiness. It's always been a great conversation piece among friends and family.

A Whirlwind of Activity

I have the unique ability to storm a room in a fit of creativity, creating a whirlwind of activity that leaves an untidy mess in its wake.  Some refer to my messiness as a force of nature while others just call it wrong. Me? I call it the creative process.

My inclination towards messiness arises out of a natural preference for organizing in piles, not files. 

I'm a girl who likes to have all her resources laid out before her when she works. As soon as I put it all away--neatly stored in files--my creativity disappears. I have to see it to be inspired--and for me it's all about the inspiration!

A Sheep in Form-Fitting Wolf Attire 

Sure, over the years I've learned to put up false fronts and outfit this sheep in form-fitting wolf attire for the comfort of others. I've learned to live comfortably and calmly in the world of others expectations—but it's not my preferred way of being. So retreating into my inner world is where I go to be free of judgment.

The Extrovert's Wondrous Inner World 

Although I am an extrovert who loves interacting in the outer world—the truth is--I relish retreating into my own world where I can fully appreciate my own company--unencumbered by the critical eyes of others.

In my own private world I fully accept, roll in, embellish and enjoy the person that I am. I answer to no one--leaving judgment on my person to dwell outside while I move into my fully-loaded free-flowing and uninhibited self. In that private moment I am incorrigible—and I love it.

Is My House in Perfect Order when you Visit? That's a Sign... 

If I'm compelled to tidy up the house before you can visit that's a sign I don't trust you--and we're not very close. The more I strive for perfection, the less I trust you. 

So if you visit and discover a more casually kept house~with the dining room table strewn with watercolor pens, art sketches, blog posts or other such clutter~that's a sign we're good friends with a large amount of trust and appreciation between us. 

And when I open the front door to invite you in for the first time, you can expect me to apologize for the way the house looks--after all I'm not unsympathetic to your expectations. Just know I'm not going to live my life to fit your expectations. 

'Sorry for the way the house looks. It's usually much messier!'

Once we establish you can be in my home exactly as it is--clean, but casually kept--you can visit anytime. I've got too much to do to be bothered with perfection!

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: Home is Where the Dog Is

Lightarted Living: Home is Where the Dog Is: A little self affirmation never hurt anyone...especially me!  Sign Up ...

Home is Where the Dog Is

A little self affirmation never hurt anyone...especially me! 

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: In a world where you can be anything~BE KIND

Lightarted Living: In a world where you can be anything~BE KIND: In a World  ~Where You Can Be Anything~ BE KIND When You Forgive You HEAL. When you Let Go You GROW. May Y...

In a world where you can be anything~BE KIND

In a World 

~Where You Can Be Anything~

BE KIND

When You Forgive You HEAL.

When you Let Go You GROW.

May Your Choices Reflect

Your Hopes, Not Your Fears

Don’t Do Something Permanently Stupid

Because you’re Temporarily Upset

Forgiveness Does Not Change the Past

But it does ENLARGE THE FUTURE

Chalkboard Quotes from Gauteng, South Africa

These 'chalkboard quotes' come from a  gas station in Gauteng, South Africa where they provide fresh, uplifting quotes written on a chalkboard daily. This tradition of providing a bit of humor or insight for customers  has been going on for years. Thanks and credit go to them.   #PetrolPumpWisdom

I dedicate today's post to my brother, Royce, as the chalkboard quotes came to me through him, inspiring me to create the art to go with the wisdom.

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: Welcome Your Weaknesses, Don't Hide Them

Lightarted Living: Welcome Your Weaknesses, Don't Hide Them: Strengths Overused  Welcome Your Weaknesses  Like me, you probably have weaknesses you try to hide to maintain a better image t...

Welcome Your Weaknesses, Don't Hide Them

Strengths Overused 

Welcome Your Weaknesses 

Like me, you probably have weaknesses you try to hide to maintain a better image to the world. But don't be so fast to bad-mouth those weaknesses--learn to welcome them instead.

Our so-called weaknesses have an upside--they are in fact the flip-side of our strengths. 

Your weaknesses can be more effectively viewed as strengths overused. In other words, your strengths show up as weaknesses when you overuse them resulting in too much of a good thing.

By reveling in, and appreciating your weaknesses instead of being ashamed of them, you'll quickly discover the key to becoming your best self: learning to exercise control over your strengths, not hide your weaknesses. 

It's a whole lot easier to gently pull back on doing something you do well than it is to attempt to rid yourself of something you see as bad.

The Dance of Life

Exercise Control over your Strengths 

My son, Sean--an extrovert--has a great sense of humor that used to get him in trouble when he was in middle school. He would talk too much and joke around during class--and ultimately annoy his teachers who would note these weaknesses on his report card.

Back in middle school, I told Sean his lesson was to learn how to exercise control over his fabulous strengths--his gregarious and fun-loving nature--so he could wield them appropriately. By  practicing  control over his assets as he matured, he became more effective.

The upside of being able to engage others with a great sense of humor is these are personal assets that--when managed properly--can help you go far in life. As an adult, Sean has put those strengths to use in his work. 

Dance Joyfully 

Love Who You Are

Before you can change or improve upon yourself, you must accept and love the person you are now--warts and all. 

Change begins with a belief in yourself--and that means learning to leave your critics at the door while you enjoy your so-called weaknesses. 

If and when you're ready to balance your nature, practice exercising control over your strengths. Begin by gently pulling back on what you do well instead of attempting to get rid of something you view as bad.

Get in Front and Make it Look Like a Parade

Make it Look Like a Parade

 'When you're being run out of town, get in front and make it look like a parade' has been my life mantra (always thought it was PT Barnum quote...but not sure). It gets at the heart of embracing one's weaknesses and showcasing them as strengths. 

Stop hiding yourself--put yourself out there for all to see. Parade those warts.

Don't be too quick to accept other's judgments on your imperfections. Within your imperfections lie great treasures worth parading in front of others. Learn to laugh at your foibles--and be ready to forgive yourself for your weaknesses. 

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: From Chaos and Crisis to Harmony and Opportunity~L...

Lightarted Living: From Chaos and Crisis to Harmony and Opportunity~L...: In the Middle of Difficulty lies Opportunity Albert Einstein's three rules of work: 'Out of clutter find simplicity; from...

From Chaos and Crisis to Harmony and Opportunity~Lao Tzu and Albert Einstein

In the Middle of Difficulty lies Opportunity

Albert Einstein's three rules of work: 'Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' 

Who knew simplicity, harmony and opportunity were at the core of Albert Einstein's work values? Or how effortlessly Einstein's philosophy would dovetail with the simple wisdom of Lao Tzu?

'To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.' Lao Tzu

When we combine the wisdom of these two great minds we discover a straightforward way through the chaos and clutter of our current difficulties to the opportunities that lie ahead.

💓 When we sit quiet~out of clutter, simplicity emerges.

💓 When we sit quiet in the midst of discord~harmony emerges.

💓 When we sit quiet in the middle of difficulty~opportunity emerges.

A Still Mind Calms the Chaos and Crisis

Many situations in life break your heart, spirit and belief in yourself and life--making you feel you could never again recover that essential, childlike innocence you were born with. But you can.

No matter what difficulty you're currently facing, the way through is to begin to create moments of quiet to still your mind one step at a time. No--this isn't easy, but it is essential. 

Take the First Step to Regain a Hopeful Heart and Renew Your Wounded Spirit

Not much has changed in the thousands of years humans have been facing and recovering from the difficulties of life. 

Lao Tzu stated so long ago, 'a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step'. 

You fuel your inner strength and sense of resiliency by taking action. But sometimes when faced with 'a journey of a thousand miles' you can be overwhelmed with the daunting task of where to begin. What is the first step?

The good news is any first step will do. Your hope, resiliency, and personal strength will grow stronger with every step you take. It doesn't matter what the first step is. 

As you experience yourself being pro-active and physically taking action, your ability to cope and hope will improve. So start with a single step--any step-- and then another.

Take Small Steps

An old Chinese Proverb says, 'The man who moved a mountain is the one who started taking away the small stones'. When you're in total overwhelm mode, start 'taking away the small stones'--one small step, then another. 

When you stay in chaos and crisis mode you are unable to find the simplicity, harmony and opportunity present in every situation. But take a breather or walk to calm the mind, and the whole universe surrenders to you.

Where can you apply this to your Life?

💓 What difficulty are you currently facing?

💓 Where in your life could you benefit from taking a breather to calm your mind?

💓 Where in your life would you like to rekindle simplicity, harmony and opportunity? Do it now.

'If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading'. Lao Tzu

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.


Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: It Takes a Village and a Song

Lightarted Living: It Takes a Village and a Song: The Unborn Child's Song Thought in Your Mother's Mind  In the  Himba tribe in  Africa, a child's birthday isn't d...

It Takes a Village and a Song

The Unborn Child's Song

Thought in Your Mother's Mind 

In the Himba tribe in Africa, a child's birthday isn't designated as the day they were born or conceived but as the day the child became a thought in its mother’s mind.

When a Himba woman decides to conceive she sits alone under a tree, listening until she hears the song of the child who wants to come into being. 

This song becomes the child's identity throughout life--with the birth song sung during all significant developmental phases of the child.

Conception

Inviting your Child to come to you thru its Song 

When the Himba woman hears the song of the child she returns to the father-to-be and teaches it to him. During mating to conceive, they sing the song of the unborn child to welcome the child into their lives.

Welcome--You Belong

Welcoming Child with Its Song 

A pregnant mother teaches her child’s song to the midwives and old women of the village. When the child is born the old women and people around him sing the child’s song to welcome him into the community where he belongs.

Sooth, Honor and Calm 

Calming and Honoring Child with It's Song

As the child grows up other villagers are taught the child’s song. If the child falls or hurts its knee someone picks it up and sings the child's song to soothe her. 

When the child does something wonderful or goes through the rites of puberty the people of the village sing her song to honor her.

Your Song Calls You Back

When you Lose Your Way

If at any time during his life, a person commits a crime or aberrant social act the individual is called to the center of the village and the Himba people in the community form a circle around him and sing his song to him.

The correction for antisocial behavior in this tribe is not punishment--it is love and the remembrance of identity. When you recognize your own song you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another.

Ancient Traditions 

The Final Song

In a person's final days, the villagers sing to him or her one last time. While lying in bed ready to die, all the villagers sing the song as the person crosses over.

Thanks to the Unknown Singer

The story of this tribal tradition first came to me two years ago in an email from my sister-in-law. I squirreled it away waiting for the right moment for it to be born into my consciousness. 

As I studied my recently created art pieces (one's that emerged on their own), this practice of 'singing our song' to guide and comfort us through life jumped out and into my thoughts. 

I don't know who wrote the email about the tribal tradition. I thank her and share her final 'so whats' for us:

"You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when you are not."

"When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn’t."

"In the end, we all recognize our own song and sing it well. You may feel a little weak at the moment but so have all. Just keep singing and you’ll find your way home."

Unknown

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.


Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: We Are the Dreamers of Dreams~Roald Dahl

Lightarted Living: We Are the Dreamers of Dreams~Roald Dahl: The Greatest Secrets are Always Hidden "Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest s...

We Are the Dreamers of Dreams~Roald Dahl

The Greatest Secrets are Always Hidden

"Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." 

Roald Dahl

The Dreamer of Dreams

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."

Roald Dahl

Cut Loose~Be Silly

“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” 

Roald Dahl

Good Thoughts Shine Out of Your Face 

"If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely."

Roald Dahl

Dream

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Lightarted Living: Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dog Speaks

Lightarted Living: Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dog Speaks: Bird Dog  Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dog Sign Up for Free E-mail updates                            For more tha...

Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dog Speaks

Bird Dog 

Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dog

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list.