Hola Friends! and “Welcome” to another installment of the 52 Lists for Calm. I hope you stay for a while and consider subscribing.

If you’re already subscribed thank you for coming back again and spending some time with me.

Hola to all the friends, and Happy Monday!   I hope everyone had a good weekend.  It’s the 3 weeks of August, as time is flying.  I can’t believe that September will be here before you know it, and Fall approaches.

I have another Wye’s Life Cast below and I’m giving you an update on what’s happening in my little corner of the globe.

“Wye’s LifeCast”

Today I’m working through List #20 of the 52 List for Calm. If you’re new to my blog and this series, check out the backstory and information on Moorea Seal’s 52 List Series —–> RIGHT HERE.

Another update on List #14 …

Sigh…It’s just not happening.  As much as I’ve tried to find something in my home to be my anchor for calmness it’s just not happening.  I’ve searched my physical belongings or just space, or just anything here and there is nothing that anchors me to calm unless you count my Bible.  This discovery lets me know two things … one my space is temporary, and two my calm space … my dream home is just over the horizon.

Now for List #20 …

Please excuse the typos in the graphic … I promise I have embraced spell-check.

List #20 is a MOTIVATION PRACTICE to help show you that you have the capacity for change under most circumstances.  The past does dictate many things, but the present is a chance to make things new and make your life and circumstances a little bit better than they were in the past.

Working through the exercise … 

When I was younger, (let’s say my 20s), I was so green.  Everything was new and beautiful and I was so trusting.  I thought that people were nice (just because), and that folks don’t set out to hurt you on purpose. I had a lot to learn. 

Ok so let me clarify “on purpose”. Do I believe that people deliberately set out to hurt you? … NO. What I do believe is that misery loves company and when folks are unhappy they sometimes set out to make others feel the same so they are not alone. 

Yes, that’s a crappy way to pull yourself out of your misery but I don’t think that some people know any better.  Maybe they aren’t equipped with the right tools. You are the master of your own destiny (and with prayer and love), it is YOU that must decide that your unhappiness does not dictate who you are.

I also learned that I had to love myself, because everything starts with love, and if you don’t love yourself enough to do better, then you set yourself on the destructive path to make others feel the way you do. (Misery loves company)

I know that I have the capacity to make changes in my life to make it better than it was.  To live better, to love better, and to be true to myself, which isn’t selfish.  Self-love is essential for EVERYONE. So what’s the thing that I need to do to make today better than tomorrow.  Knowing myself … knowing that each day is new, and each day is a chance to make changes in my life that will impact my future.

“Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians  16:14

What’s in your toolkit? …

I have a toolkit.  This is not like your average kit with physical tools for work, but one that’s written, to help me get back on track and gain focus through difficult times.  This kit isn’t something that’s going to immediately stop the pain or keep me from crying.  On the contrary, I need to feel that pain, I need to cry, and help purge my system.

What’s a toolkit?  For me, it’s a list of positive affirmations, activities to work on, maybe adding meditation or yoga in the evenings, a list of crafts and projects, or even a writing schedule, so I can work out what’s happening, no matter how hard it is.   Everyone’s toolkit is different and catered to the needs of helping yourself get through that rough patch.

What calms your mind …

Do you have trouble calming your mind? What tools do you have that help you ease your mind in these stressful times?  Check-in with your senses, 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 —

Know Thyself Art …

It’s been my mantra (or manifesto) at the end of every chat to say “Know Thyself”.  The phrase is not a new concept but one I’ve adapted and held near to me.  Know Thyself has many meanings to people, for me it means … know your limitations,  know who you are, know your boundaries… know thyself.  So of course I made this little piece.

It’s not elaborate, just the simple words on a white background. Feel free to download this 8 1/2 x 11 image for yourself.  If a quote or a few words motivate you then write it down, make it an affirmation or turn it into a printable so you can see it every day.

Yoga for Calmness

Chilled Vibes to Listen To

Looking for chilled mellow music to listen to while you study, work, or relax.  Check out Jazz Hope Cafe on YouTube.

You can find me here on Poshmark!

Wye’s Odds & Ends

And also here…