Granny Said

My Granny was responsible for many of my beliefs and observations about myself. She new me better than I know myself. She would observe "Courtney you always get sick when you over do it". I have felt bad ever since the big Earth Day Event I worked on and then subsequent meetings. Now I am worrying about a conversation last week with the school superintendent where I opened my mouth about many issues from the quantity of therapist to the amount of recess children are getting at school. Though I know I thought out her advice " You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar". I assure you I was a busy bee during that conversation. Many days I spend wondering what she would be telling me now if she were here. I would ask her why I am in constant conflict about whats next. Its so hard being an adult and making decisions. My eyes are looking back and my feet are moving forward. Many of my days have been spent teaching "presence", however, it is something that is fleeting and every student of "being in the now" should know that as to relieve some guilt. No one is able to be "present" all the time. Being present is something that one has to always be aware of. So much of me wants to take some time to enjoy and spend time reading and relaxing but I am worried about if I should be looking for a job or going back to school. Shouldn't I be content being a full time mom?It is full time work. There is all the volunteer work however it can feel gluttonous when its enjoyable and when its maddening I think " Why the hell do I do this for free".
Now I need some time to pray, exercise, catch my breath and get some perspective.

Tips for today Family Life and Frugality:
1. Eat simple meals.
2. Don't do anything for your kids that they can do for themselves.
3. Teach your kids to do chores, it builds self esteem, make them know you need and appreciate help. Never redo the work they have done in front of them and some of it should never be redone, like making the bed.
4. If you have an automobile with removable seats, take them out when you don't need them , this will reduce gas.
5. Don't shop! Never shop unless you need something. Define what need means to you.
. Do with what you have, repurpose what you have around the house, in the kitchen, with your furniture and with your cloths.
7. Consider work, If you make a small amount of money you might could for go work and use that time to do things you would usually pay for.

Blessings,
Courtney

Busy or Bored

Lately its hard to relax. My plate is full with many stimulating activities that are lovely, awful, challenging and deeply educational. There is no doubt I am growing in capabilities. A year ago I decided to live my passion of volunteering for environmental issues full time for one year. My goodness little did I know that I volunteered in THE YEAR OF GREEN. So this has become an issue of self examination for me as I don't' care to be trendy. A fellow student of Voluntary Simplicity gave me a wonderful article about this : there is a huge mass of twenty to forty year olds who are called "YAWNS" Young Adults Wealthy but Normal. All kidding aside on the name. People like me who live within their means, try not to shop, buy used, recycle, live low impact lives and really care about the world and all that lives in it.
As Green became the new Black I had to ask myself the question why am I doing this? The answer is because I want my kids and people in the world to have a better world now and in the future. Not a better world of more stuff but a clean and safe world As a young child when I read the Bible and I read it often, the message I got was if you are a Christian this is part of the deal, you take care of the less fortunate, period.
Spending this year volunteering has made me mad, ecstatically happy, frustrated and joyful. I tend to make one year commitments and then take some time to reflect and step back. Next week "Hot Springs Earth Day and the Green Inattentive" will be launched. Right now I just pray people show up and have a great time and they get excited about learning to live low impact.
This summer you will find me reflecting and finding "presence" in a space called "now" and maybe thinking about the year ahead.

Blessings,
Courtney

Tips

1. Stop, close your eyes and take a deep breath and exhale completely. Sit in silence a moment and feel the inside of you being, its a vibration that you can feel. Then bring your awareness to the suttle noises outside as you feel your body on the inside. Focus on the sensation of who you are inside.
2. When you find yourself bored find a creative outlet to express yourself, it is a big release. Often I find myself bored because I can't relax long enough to enjoy anything without my mind jumping all around. Being creative or taking a walk usually helps me let out the anxiety.
3. Go to bed and get plenty of sleep,life is just better when you are rested.