Last year, while celebrating my 39th birthday, I had an epiphany - unlike many women my age, I actually enjoy getting older. Here's why:
I know myself better now than I ever have, and - I like who I have become. I have come to realize it's so important to feel comfortable in our own skins because if we don't love and value ourselves - how can we truly love and share ourselves with others?
I have learned not to worry so much about what others think about me and my lifestyle. I try living my life being the best person/mother/wife and citizen I can be, and don't feel compelled to make compromises because they might make my life easier, or simply to "keep up with the Joneses".
I am learning not to regret decisions I made in my past... not that I have any skeletons to hide, nor do I have any big secrets... but when I look back over my first 40 revolutions around the sun, even though some choices were difficult, and others might not have been particularly advisable at the time I made them, everything I did has brought me here in the good place I am in my life today.
I am learning to live in the moment, not worrying about future possibilities that are beyond my control. I am trying to trust that the universe is unfolding as it should, and to enjoy this life's journey for what it is - a big adventure.
I love my community, I love my family and I love my friends. Even though many of them live so far away from me, thanks to modern technology (especially Facebook), I don't feel as out of the loop with them as I might otherwise ... as hokey as it may sound, I really do feel that my life is full of blessings, and I am Thankful.
SO - over the next 14 days, as I countdown to my big 4-0, I intend to begin celebrating the milestone by treating myself to something special each day - something totally self-indulgent, that makes me feel good .... and I'll write about each of them here. Some of these self-indulgences might seem silly to you, but whatever, I'm going to enjoy them anyways.
As Always, Dayna
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Three Cups of Tea
I love reading.
I love reading books.
I'm not convinced I'm an e-reader type, and not in any kind of hurry to find out, because I'm so in love with the whole experience of reading books - from the smell of the paper and ink, to feeling the weight of a good read balanced in my hands, to the luxury of being able to read anywhere I want - from the bath to the beach.
Usually I gravitate towards fiction and novels; however, this month I am reading Three Cups of Tea
. It's the incredible story of Greg Mortenson's life project to build schools for the children (both boys and girls) in remote rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The story is absolutely inspiring - especially considering how Greg's vision started out from literally nothing. It is written in such a way that one feels immersed in events, as they unfold - from the sheer exhaustion of trying (and failing) to climb K2, to being inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, to the desperate need to follow through on a promise and vision made to people on the other side of the world - without the resources to do so, to experiencing the drive along treacherous mountain roads, to the frustrations of working in another culture and language, to the sadness of losing a beloved family member, to falling in love with a soul mate, to being kidnapped and held for 8 days on the other side of the world - on the eve of becoming a first time father ...
Greg Mortenson is continuing to make a difference in a part of the world that lately, we most often associate with war, oppression and violence. His website is: http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.
I love reading, and my new love is this book. If you've already read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book, and on Greg's work.
Watch the video of Greg Mortenson and George Stromboulopoulos from CBC's The Hour.
As Always,
Dayna
I love reading books.
I'm not convinced I'm an e-reader type, and not in any kind of hurry to find out, because I'm so in love with the whole experience of reading books - from the smell of the paper and ink, to feeling the weight of a good read balanced in my hands, to the luxury of being able to read anywhere I want - from the bath to the beach.
Usually I gravitate towards fiction and novels; however, this month I am reading Three Cups of Tea
. It's the incredible story of Greg Mortenson's life project to build schools for the children (both boys and girls) in remote rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.The story is absolutely inspiring - especially considering how Greg's vision started out from literally nothing. It is written in such a way that one feels immersed in events, as they unfold - from the sheer exhaustion of trying (and failing) to climb K2, to being inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, to the desperate need to follow through on a promise and vision made to people on the other side of the world - without the resources to do so, to experiencing the drive along treacherous mountain roads, to the frustrations of working in another culture and language, to the sadness of losing a beloved family member, to falling in love with a soul mate, to being kidnapped and held for 8 days on the other side of the world - on the eve of becoming a first time father ...
Greg Mortenson is continuing to make a difference in a part of the world that lately, we most often associate with war, oppression and violence. His website is: http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.
I love reading, and my new love is this book. If you've already read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book, and on Greg's work.
Watch the video of Greg Mortenson and George Stromboulopoulos from CBC's The Hour.
As Always,
Dayna
Saturday, February 26, 2011
"Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann
When I was a little girl, my mom had a poster that she kept on the wall in our home. I remember it being very long and very wordy, and because there were no unicorns on it (yes, I was that kind of girly girl), I never bothered to really look at it.
Just before Thanksgiving of my first year at university, my father had a very serious health scare... so scary that when I came home from school for the long-weekend, my parents called my siblings and me together for a family meeting to let us know the doctors were giving him 6 months.
I Thank God they were wrong about that, and I Thank God for modern medicine, because my father is still with us today - more than 20 years later. ANYWAYS, it was during that trip home that I happened to notice my mom's poster, and actually read it for the first time.
Perhaps it was because I was distressing myself "with dark imaginings" and had many fears "born of fatigue and (the anticipated) loneliness" of losing my beloved father; AND perhaps it was because, at the tender age of 19, and living away from home for the first time, I was always comparing myself to others, and was overwhelmed by the misguided pressure to have to know right away what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life; BUT, whether it be the context of when I read it the first time, OR whether it be the inspiring message it carries - this piece has stayed with me over the years,
The poster was a poem called Desiderata - at the time it was credited to Anonymous, but I have since learned that it was actually written by a gentleman named Max Ehrmann.
Today, I have a plaque that bears the same words as that old poster did, hanging in my bedroom. I don't pretend to read it everyday - BUT it does catch my eye from time to time, and whenever I'm feeling particularly stressed, or unsure about my future, I read it again to keep perspective on life.
SO, in honour of my younger self, who didn't trust enough that the path she was on would lead to a full and wonderful life and who constantly worried about the fact that she would choose the wrong fork in the road - I share it with you today.
As always, Dayna
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Just before Thanksgiving of my first year at university, my father had a very serious health scare... so scary that when I came home from school for the long-weekend, my parents called my siblings and me together for a family meeting to let us know the doctors were giving him 6 months.
I Thank God they were wrong about that, and I Thank God for modern medicine, because my father is still with us today - more than 20 years later. ANYWAYS, it was during that trip home that I happened to notice my mom's poster, and actually read it for the first time.
Perhaps it was because I was distressing myself "with dark imaginings" and had many fears "born of fatigue and (the anticipated) loneliness" of losing my beloved father; AND perhaps it was because, at the tender age of 19, and living away from home for the first time, I was always comparing myself to others, and was overwhelmed by the misguided pressure to have to know right away what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life; BUT, whether it be the context of when I read it the first time, OR whether it be the inspiring message it carries - this piece has stayed with me over the years,
The poster was a poem called Desiderata - at the time it was credited to Anonymous, but I have since learned that it was actually written by a gentleman named Max Ehrmann.
Today, I have a plaque that bears the same words as that old poster did, hanging in my bedroom. I don't pretend to read it everyday - BUT it does catch my eye from time to time, and whenever I'm feeling particularly stressed, or unsure about my future, I read it again to keep perspective on life.
SO, in honour of my younger self, who didn't trust enough that the path she was on would lead to a full and wonderful life and who constantly worried about the fact that she would choose the wrong fork in the road - I share it with you today.
As always, Dayna
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
The lyrics of today's favourite thing say it all.
Give it a listen - forward it to your younger self and take to heart this advice for the ages....
As always, Dayna
Give it a listen - forward it to your younger self and take to heart this advice for the ages....
As always, Dayna
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Imogen Heap - "Just For Now"
I LOVE this artist.
I LOVE the composition of this song.
I envision this version as a sound painting, and lose myself in it every time I hear it.
I wish I were more musical - but alas being born into a self-diagnosed tone deaf family my musical performances are limited to karaokeing with my 5 year old daughter (when no one else is at home), or when I've had too much wine to really care what you think about my (ahem) crooning.
ANYWAYS - even though I don't make much time to express myself creatively these days - I have long ago accepted that painting and drawing is my personal poetry, whereas music such as this is my muse.
So enjoy this song. It's my future inspiration and will definitely be on the playlist in my glass bottle walled dream studio.
As always, Dayna
I LOVE the composition of this song.
I envision this version as a sound painting, and lose myself in it every time I hear it.
I wish I were more musical - but alas being born into a self-diagnosed tone deaf family my musical performances are limited to karaokeing with my 5 year old daughter (when no one else is at home), or when I've had too much wine to really care what you think about my (ahem) crooning.
ANYWAYS - even though I don't make much time to express myself creatively these days - I have long ago accepted that painting and drawing is my personal poetry, whereas music such as this is my muse.
So enjoy this song. It's my future inspiration and will definitely be on the playlist in my glass bottle walled dream studio.
As always, Dayna
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