Hello friends, and Welcome to the blog! If this is your first time visiting, I’m glad you stopped by, and I hope you consider subscribing.

If your already part of the family … Welcome back, and be safe out there.

Happy Monday Family!  So last Friday…see what had happened was (LOL). Everything and nothing. I am no exception to the rule of “too much food on your plate” (so to speak), and I have to stop beating myself up when I can’t post.  Most folks that blog have lives and we have a certain amount of responsibility. Be that working, taking care of family, or just plain ole adulting … life happens.

“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”  + 1 Peter 5:7

Today I’m still working through my journal and up next is List #6 which is a create and express exercise.

WHAT IS THIS YOU ASK .. LET’S RECAP: These journaling exercises within the 52 List of Calm require you to quiet the mind and focus on your senses.  Maybe a favorite task, smell, or a change in your environment can trigger your calm, and give you balance.

BACKSTORY: 52 List of Calm …

The 52 List of Calm by Moorea Seal is a companion to the 52 List for Happiness Journal.  Here is a little backstory.

FROM AMAZON | For fans of the bestselling 52 Lists series and anyone looking to bring more peace and calm into their lives (and who isn’t, in our current age of anxiety?), this journal includes lists and tips specially designed to soothe the stressed-out soul.

Let’s get into list #6 …

As mentioned, this list is a  Create + Express Exercise. Now, who doesn’t love a playlist of feel-good songs?  I doth myself the “queen” of playlists.  I currently have a subscription Tidal however, a subscription service for your favorite tunes is not necessary.  You can check out Spotify, or Pandora, to create your list of tunes.

I pulled songs (this is only a shortlist of what I actually wrote) from various playlists. I’m one of those list-makin-fools, that has a playlist for every mood and occasion.  Winter, Christmas, Fall, Halloween, the 80s, Anime … I mean you name it.

A Create + Express Exercise is a quick-calming method of using music to ease the tension and relax your mind and body.  Songs evoke a feeling, a place a time, a mood and so many other emotions are tied to music. 

The songs I grew up with, and what I was doing at that moment in time. How I relate a certain experience to music (Like seeing Prince in concert for the first time).  My life is music and I may forget the details but I remember the song.

The “RENT” soundtrack stands out a milestone because it evokes a feeling and a message.  It was a difficult time in my life, and my daughter and I became even closer and extended our love of musical Theater, which ironically was her major in college and her current profession.

I can think of no better way to inject instant calm then playing your favorite song because that song speaks to you, it helps your brain to release endorphins that allow your body to just relax.

What Calms Your Mind …

“Journaling, writing, and blogging, can be the best medicine for calmness. It quiets the mind and organizes your thoughts. It’s been the number thing to help me over some hurdles in life.  Whether I’m talking to an audience of one of 1001, it feels good to get this out of my system, and onto a platform where it might benefit someone else on their journey.”

Do you have trouble calming your mind? Have you checked in with your senses?  Make your list and start with a simple commitment to yourself to be your best self.  With that, I’ll end this here.  Again … thanks for hanging with me today, and as always. — Know Thyself —

Chilled Vibes to Listen To

Looking for chilled mellow music to listen to while you study, work, or relax.  Check out Chilled Cow on YouTube.

Check out Penzu!

Penzu is not just an online journal, Penzu offers … Pregnancy Journal, Reflective Journal, Bible Journal, Dream Journal, as well as school, health, and food diaries.  So if writing is on your list this year, starting an online diary or Journal on Penzu.

Take advantage of an online course to help expand your knowledge base!

Creative Live
BluePrint
Master Class
A Beautiful Mess
The Annenburg Learner