CreativeCat's Blog

Today's Lesson in Ease:
One of my deepest loyalties is to my vision. I am loyal to remaining patient while pursuing that vision. I am loyal to others who are inspired to be a part of fulfilling that vision. I now affirm that the essence of my loyalty is found in love, trust and the empowerment of others and myself.
--Ellie Drake

This card would have meant something very different to me a while back, but it's meaning is clear to me now. I understand it and I am exercising it! Ever since I moved from Miami to South Carolina at the end of August 2010, my purpose and my vision have been clearer to me. It is something I asked for, prayed on and required to clarify. My purpose here on Earth and my vision for my life, though still a little cloudy at times, are much clearer than they ever have been.

One thing I noticed as the clarity came is that many of my relationships changed. I don't have nearly as many associates as I used to, but the people I do have around me (be it geographically or just energetically/spiritually) are the ones I cherish and require. They are the people I am loyal to, that are loyal to me, and that foster a mutual support.

As a matter of fact, some of the folks I consider closest are people I have only recently met through BraveHeart! When I say recently, this could be since RISE in October or since my first release 5 or so years ago. Some of my other "tribe" members are folks I grew up with, who have seen the changes I have experienced in life, but who truly know the core of me. As they said in Avatar, they "SEE" me and I them.

The tribe I have created and that have invited me in are carefully selected, purposefully fostered and supportive. I no longer scatter my energy on people and things which do not fulfill or promote my vision. And I offer myself in order to do the same for them. We do indeed love, trust and empower each other and will lovingly and respectfully release each other if those elements are not being upheld.

Again, years ago, loyalty would have meant something much different. It is a wiser, more purpose-driven me that understands the meaning and truth of this vision-fueled loyalty.

Today's Lesson in Ease:

The Universe gives. I am now open to receiving the abundant resources available within the Universe. I am also open to giving for the sake of giving. I now trust that the exchange is really between the giver and the Universe and not between the giver and the receiver.
--Ellie Drake

This is a lesson that I believed I had learned but realized recently I didn't own in the core of my being. Let's see if any of you relate to what I mean...

There are times when I do things to "prove something" or to retaliate or even to "earn favor" with someone. I had never considered that even these actions go against the principle of Fair Exchange. When I speak about proving something, it can be to prove someone/thing either right or wrong.

My dear boyfriend, after a week of us eating wonderfully crappy meals (gotta love the holidays!) said to me: "We need to go to the gym!" Well, I had just spent the last month NOT going to the gym to prove he didn't control me when he made a comment like that right around Thanksgiving. The 8 pounds I put on as a result were making me unhappy. When he said it again this time, my reaction at first was "I'm still not going", but then the bulge at my waist made me modify my thought. So then I went to the other extreme: "Just watch...I'm going to get so fit in the next month and eat so right, he won't even know who I am!".
Wow, talk about going against "Fair Exchange"! Why wouldn't I simply want to be as healthy as I can for myself, not as a reaction against him in either direction (positive or negative?) After all, the exchange--once again, is between me and the Universe, not between me and him!

You may be saying "That's not what the card is talking about" but I implore you to think about it. We give of ourselves, our intentions and our actions. By me giving myself the best in food, activity and healthy choices the Universe will meet me--it's not to give him a beautiful, happy girlfriend! The beauty is, that is probably what he will get as the Universe provides her resources to me. If, however, I base all my actions on the exchange between him and me, one well-intended yet offhand comment like he made will make the exchange seem unfair or one-sided and tip the whole cart.

I now remind myself that the exchange is really between me and the Universe--and I'm open to receiving the abundant resources she will provide. The difference is this time, I'm not EXPECTING anything--just open to receive.

Cat

Today's Lesson in Ease: Breathe

I breathe into my Self. Breathing is the bridge that connects my Mind, Body and Spirit. I breathe not only to survive, I breathe to thrive! Breathing to thrive is not corrective breathing it is preventive breathing.
--Ellie Drake

One of the greatest gifts attending RELEASE has given me is my awareness of breath. I knew before attending about the power in slowing one's breath down when we are stressed, panicked angry. But that is all corrective breathing.

What I am referring to is the preventive breathing that Ellie and Dr. Sugar taught me over the two RELEASES I attended. I understood Ellie on a mental level when she explained it the first time, but as the process was expanded and refined, I really got IN MY BODY what they meant at the second RELEASE. Especially when it comes to the grounding breath.

The Vagus Breath and the Grounding Breath are the two corrective breaths that have literally given me a new life. As a matter of fact, this practice of pulling cards in the morning is reinforcing my breathing--to pull the card that I feel will truly resonate with my requirements for that day, I take two or three grounding breaths before I begin!

The breathing has been such a powerful, easy and simple tool that I've taken away from yet another BraveHeart experience. Ladies, it probably sounds like I get "paid" or compensated somehow to talk about and promote RELEASE and RESTORE. The compensation I get is the knowledge that anyone who attends will be changed for life...God granted me the gift when I required it and I feel it is my duty to let other people know! I've never been able to keep a good thing to myself.

Ahhhhh, (that was the sound of a big 'ole Vagus breath). I'm holding space for you ladies, I'm doing my preventative breathing and I'm encouraging any of you who have not yet attended to go to a RELEASE. The butterfly wants out!

Yours in BraveHeart,
Cat

Yesterday's Lesson in Ease on Manifestation:

I choose to see the Universe as though everything is a miracle.

How I perceive to see the Universe is how it will be to me, because what I think about eventually finds me. I am now open to manifesting miraculous results within my life.
--Ellie Drake

Manifestation goes hand in hand with the Lofty Dream affirmation. If we hold on the the baggage instead of carrying a light load, we are focused on the weight and negativity of the baggage.

However, if we release that baggage and choose to carry a light load, we are freed up to focus on the lofty dream. Energy flows where attention goes so the miraculous results will surely come!

Another aspect of this which I will delve into when I come across the card is the idea of Commitment before Clarity. Manifestation happens much more quickly once you have made a commitment to your dream even before you have clarity on the "hows?".

So much can be said about this...The Secret brought a lot of attention to it, but truth of manifestation is around us at all times. If you are wondering "where, how?...Give me an example!", just think back to the last bad day you had. When you got up that morning and thought "This is going to be a terrible day." or "I'm going to be late" or "He's not going to show up"...didn't all of that happen just as you imagined it would!

I won't belabor the point, but Manifestation is an idea we could all explore a whole lot more--we have such an impact on it and often don't realize it.
Be aware and manifest!

Today's Lesson in Ease on EQ: (Day 8)

The Emotional intelligence/quotient is about using my emotions appropriately. I am now an emotionally literate person who is like a parent and/or grandparent to my emotions. I acknowledge my child's requirements, love them and encourage them to be creative, yet manage them wisely when they act negatively. I navigate my emotions with ease.
--Ellie Drake

EQ is a great card for me as I require this reminder often! There are moments when I slip into letting my emotions rule me--thankfully they are coming fewer and farther... Growth is indeed happening though. For instance, with the knowledge that it generally requires 21 days for a habit to form, I was intending to write a minimum of 21 consecutive blogs with the affirmation cards as the basis.

I missed Friday and Saturday. In the past, that would have been the cue for me to beat myself up emotionally and ultimately probably stop writing altogether since I had "failed" myself.


Well, I still pulled the cards each day, so I got the message. And this morning I simply said to myself "Cat, go ahead and blog about the past two and do today's card this evening! That way you will be right back on track tomorrow."
Here I am, emotionally a little more intelligent!

Today's Lesson in Ease on A Lofty Dream: (Day 9)

Every morning I get up and have a choice. I choose to empty my backpack and move on, experiencing life with a lighter load. My willingness to choose a life of ease instead of a life of struggle will release the load that is no longer relevant to who I am today. A commitment to ease, then, is my prescription for realizing a lofty dream.
--Ellie Drake

There is a song by Erykah Badu that correlates to this thought. It's called "Bag Lady".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqN0jsSeqPo

*Bag lady you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that
I guess nobody ever told you
All you must hold on to
Is you, is you, is you

One day all them bags gone get in your way
One day all them bags gone get in your way
I said one day all them bags gone get in your way
One Day all them bags gone get in your way

So pack light
Pack light
Pack light
Ooh ooh*

It's hard to hold on to a lofty dream when our heads and backs are stooped to carry a load we no longer require! If you haven't already, it's time to drop the bags ladies! Empty that backpack. It may seem strange at first, the lightness--the freedom. But don't go filling that bag up again just to have the comfort of the burden you know and recognize. That freedom and ease will fit comfortably on you very quickly...and it will become EASE-y.
Dream-On with Free-dom!

Companionship
Today's Lesson in Ease:
In true companionship there is a reservoir of strength to call and draw upon, yet it is a strength that is rooted within each partner. I accept my partner for who they are. I raise my own bar of inspiration and therefore contribute wisely to the energy of our companionship.
--Ellie Drake


There are two thoughts this card brings up for me. One is that famous line from the movie Jerry McGuire which so many people love but which has always bothered me..."You complete me".

The second thought is of a visual representation of a healthy relationship that Ellie Drake once shared.

She said something to the effect of: Imagine these two scenarios of partnership:
One is two birds, tied together by a string at their feet. They are bound, yet neither of them can fly!

The other is of two oxen yolked together. In this partnership, the power of the two beasts when harnessed and working together, is stronger than either one could ever exert on their own.

"You complete me"= two birds tied together, weakened and impotent due to that type of union.

True companionship as described in this affirmation card= the strength, power and unshakeable force the two partnered oxen represent.

I tell you...in this case, I'll be a cow over a dove any day!
What's your choice ladies? (And if so far, you've been the bird, you can choose to be an ox tomorrow...)

Enjoy
Today's lesson in Ease:
I can no longer look for Joy to come from accomplishing external results. Joy comes from within. I am "In Joy" while I take daily actions. My "In Joy" actions will bring about effortless results.
--Ellie Drake

Yesterday when I was listening to the morning affirmation cd, this is the affirmation that I was hearing more distinctly than the others. No surprise that is is my card today.

This lesson of Joy and being "in joy" has been pertinent in my life lately. End of July I made a huge change, moving from the international, hot and spicy hustle and bustle of Miami to the um...less international, more rural and tame town of Greenville, SC. I also went from being very independent and "bachelorette-ish" to living with my boyfriend and his 6 year old son.

The change for me felt drastic. I kept looking outside of myself for the things, people and situations that I thought would "make me happy". Boy, did I have it backwards! Now, I focus on feeling the happiness in everything I do--from the exciting to the mundane. I might not be jumping off of yachts into a warm ocean, or dancing until the sun comes up but I feel the same sense of joy from the inside out when the boy and I walk downtown Main Street, or when the three of us curl up to watch a movie together. I am doing and being IN JOY instead of trying to attain a sense of Joy externally.

Especially during this season, with the New Year approaching, we can put a lot of demands on ourselves to "get things done" or resolve to change something that we no longer require. I urge you (and me both!) to keep in mind that if we infuse our DAILY actions with Joy, life is more InJoy-able and results come about with much more ease.
And that I say with a smile on my heart!
Full of joy,
Cat

Healing
Today's Lesson in Ease:
Healing is a wholesome process of recognition and reintegration.
Healing occurs: When I release negative dialogue in relationship to my body, mind and spirit.
When I release negative relations to other people.
When I realize that there really is no us and them; there is only us.
--Ellie Drake

You know how sometimes when you break a bone, the doctor has to re-break it in order for it to heal properly? Well, I think that too often, we don't start the process of emotional healing for fear of the temporary pain it will bring. "I don't want to dig up all those feelings. I don't want to relive that experience!"

Sometimes the only way to properly heal is to experience a brief discomfort. The long term gains will greatly outweigh the temporary pain.

One of the most incredible healing experiences I have had was attending RELEASE and RESTORE. I had quite a bit of healing to do, so I actually did RELEASE twice. Both of these experiences truly, truly help with the process of recognition and reintegration. They embody what this affirmation card speaks of.

Anybody, anybody who feels they still have static around certain issues, or who constantly has negative self-chatter, whose spirit is not at ease, who is misaligned with their purpose--I highly recommend you consider going to RELEASE. It is a gift you owe yourself and that you in fact deserve. WE deserve.
Heal on!
Cat

Certainty
Today's Lesson in Ease: When my certainty far exceeds the world's doubt, that is when they will follow me. My level of certainty will be nourished and strengthened when I connect with a purpose that is larger than myself.
--Ellie Drake

The first time I heard Ellie say "When your certainty far exceeds the world's doubt, that is when they will follow you!" I felt a shiver up my spine. I knew in my core exactly what she meant and that she was, of course, right!

Think of all the Greats, and how preposterous some of their ideas may have seemed at their time. I'm sure their naysayers were loud and clear: "What do you mean the world isn't flat?"; "What do you mean woman should be allowed to vote?"; "What do you mean we can harness this thing you call electricity?"

Can you imagine what the world would be like if the great thinkers, changers and doers of the world did not have the strength of their conviction? And not only have that strength but also the "knowingness" that their certainty was linked to something much larger than themselves...that even if they were taken out of the equation, the truth could not be. To me, the power in this really lies in the fact that the foundation of certainty always comes from the person's connection with something that is much larger than him/herself.

As a matter of fact, Ellie Drake is a prime example of this. The first time I heard her say that was when she was talking to a group of 99 other women and me. I'm proud to say I am one of the 100 founding members of BraveHeart Women Global Community. 100 women and Ellie's certainty. Look how far we have come and just imagine how far we will go.

Today's lesson in Ease on connecting:

The tip of the iceberg represents what I say.

The foundation of the iceberg, the base that holds the tip above the surface of the ocean, is how I feel when I say what I say. I now choose to be aware of this emotional undercurrent and therefore infuse my words with positive emotions.
--Ellie Drake

My friends would all tell you that a surefire way to make money would be to play poker against me. I have one of those faces that immediately (and quite accurately) expresses exactly what I am thinking or feeling. It's been 34 years and I haven't been able to change it yet, so I think I'll stop trying.

One thing I AM able to do, however, is listen and really hear what people are saying. I'm also fairly good (in 1x1 situations) to express myself--if not through words, then at least through the emotion I am attempting to express. If I'm doing what I call a "drive-by-hi" which is one of those superficial, "hey, what's going on, how you been" that requires a one to three word response, you'll hear it in the way I ask it. If, however, I mean "how ARE you?" and you give me a coffee-shop-encounter "Oh, I'm fine" when really you're not and your world is crumbling around you I can pick up on that quite easily. As a matter of fact, most of us can but often don't take the time to dig deeper. We see the tip of that iceberg and steer clear, not really wanting to know or having time to figure out what's at the base.

I really like this card because it not only reminds us to be aware of the base upon which we are building our words and therefore our connections; it also reminds us to listen to what people aren't saying to truly hear what they mean!

This ranges from conversations with our teenage kids (They say they're bored in class--they mean they are unchallenged or not comprehending) to conversations with our partners (they say we don't _____fill in the blank_________, they mean we don't show our appreciation for them in a currency they understand.)

The reminder that connection lies in the emotional undercurrent of our conversations and interactions is especially fitting during this holiday season. If you don't really want to give your change to the bell-ringer at the shopping center, do you really think they can't feel your disdain as you drop your quarters into the bucket? On the other end of the spectrum, if all you have is a few quarters but a heart full of love, don''t you think that elderly or homeless person feels your embrace as they wrap their hands around that 50cent coffee you lovingly bought them?

Ladies, let us remember to be aware of and look for the base of the iceberg during all of our connections and to allow those connections to come from a soul-space instead of a role-place. We will be and feel so much more connected once we recognize what lies beneath the surface.
Cat

Today's Lesson in Ease on Intensity:
I create results with calm intensity. The essence of calm intensity is enthusiasm and ease. I choose intensity not stress and trust that creating with calm intensity is empowering and fulfilling. --Ellie Drake

It's 5:45am and I got up early to do some work. I intended on doing the majority of it yesterday but this cold I have been fighting had other ideas. Instead of sitting in that nebulous cloud where I neither rest nor getting anything done, I just listened to my body and basically slept on and off al day.

I say all that because I got up this morning thinking: "I've got so much to do before the babysitter comes and I go to my 10am meeting!" Then I took 3 grounding breaths and pulled the "Intensity" card.

I'm grateful I did...it is so fitting.
Let's remember BH Sisters--today, through the holidays, and every day thereafter that creating stress in our lives to "get things done" is an exercise in foolishness. It doesn't get things done any better or faster, it creates unnecessary and unhealthy stress in our bodies, it makes us unpleasant to be with and doesn't allow us to appreciate the moment.

If we do things with INTENSITY, however, the path becomes clearer, the road a little smoother, the project (and ourselves) more enjoyable. We become more purposeful, feel more accomplishment and as the card said it is both more empowering and fulfilling.

With that said I wish you, my dear BraveHeart Sisters, an enjoyable and INTENSITY filled day.
Cat

Harmony
When I am in harmony with the divine current of my life, synchronistic events occur naturally. This is confirmation that I am on the right track, as they assist me in manifesting results more effortlessly. It is now my intention to be in harmony at all times.--Ellie Drake

Today's card, harmony is (of course) no accident. As a matter of fact, in reinforces both of yesterday's cards and the recent occurrences in my life.

Harmony--not necessarily balance-- is what I've been striving for in the past several years. It feels amazing to finally start seeing the effects of my efforts. Some of the decisions I've made lately may seem disjointed from the outside looking in (working at an elementary school, when I prefer middle school; helping to start a charter elementary when I have neither the experience in how an elementary school functions nor the knowledge of how to write a charter.

Both of these actions, however have are in harmony with my overarching goal: To work with teenagers through essential yet non-traditional education. The elementary after-school position has allowed me to "get my foot in the door" in the Greenville School systems. It also has allowed me to get to learn/know my "clients" before they actually reach me and require my services. This obviously makes me more informed and will allow me to create a more effective product.

Secondly, the charter elementary not only gives me the experience in writing a charter (which I planned on doing for my school in the future) but it also aligns me with the culture, politics, leaders and supporters of educational reform right here in my own state. It also allows me to assist in creating a pool of students from which to draw in the future whom I know will be of the same "tribe"--what I mean is that I am helping to form the mission, culture, principles and vision of the school they will be attending. It's amazing how aligned Sara (the woman who initiated the whole process) and my minds are already.

And just yesterday (or this week at least) the State of South Carolina's DOE decided they will partner with Teach For America. I was a TFA NYC '98 Corps member. They gave me my start in education, I know how incredible the organization is and I've been waiting for this moment. It not only brings a much needed educational powerhouse to South Carolina, but the opportunities for me to contribute even more just multiplied.

Talk about Harmony!!!

After a long hiatus, I've pulled out the box of "Easier Done than Said" Affirmations and also listened to Ellie's Morning affirmations this a.m.

I love how the Universe works...check it out:

The two cards I pulled were Intuition and Synchronicity.

Intuition: Intuition consists of genuine hunches and a calm knowing within. I now know that to live in fulfillment, I must honor my inner knowing of the direction my life should precede. I trust that my ability to listen to my intuition and then acting upon it is the most essential part of fulfilling that destiny.

Synchronicity: Synchronicity occurs whenever circumstances unfold in a way to beautifully complement and assist one another; creating an end result that perhaps exceeds one's expectations. I now declare that I am open to receiving the assistance of synchronicity.

To be as brief as possible, these both apply very specifically to my life RIGHT NOW! The last 5-6 months, I've been listening closely to my intuition which has been whispering (forcefully) that my purpose is to get back to working with/teaching middle-schoolers. It has also been reminding me that my soul craves creativity.
Intuition has been guiding me to make decisions that put me closer to being in a position to do both of those things. The Universe has been working with me by presenting me with opportunities to do both and to be rewarded for it.

Synchronicity has shown up in my life in several specific ways. 1) I wanted to start "teaching" in stead of babysitting at the Elementary extended-day program I was working at.
2) I wanted to be better compensated
3) I didn't want to spend as much time there and wanted to free up my time to make my Soy candles.
All 3 were answered in one fell swoop: My director offered me to teach Spanish with the 1st and 2nd graders at double the rate I was making AND he found a great "sub" who I suggested simply replace me when I wasn't teaching Spanish--which she did (and I'm now the sub!) So now I only go in 3 times a week for one hour. I'm happy and my time is being used more efficiently and satisfactorily.

4) I wanted to make my creative outlet more profitable. After all, now that all the time was freed up, I didn't want to have a house full of candles!--Well, I got a huge order for the holidays from the store I supply. That helped me clear out inventory, get more fragrances I wanted and assisted financially.

5) Finally, I had to make a decision in terms of my graduate program that a) allowed me to go to Togo this summer b) got me in the classroom sooner rather than later and c) was the smartest route to certification and would be the most profitable/useful degree (Master of Arts in Teaching--but the decision was whether it should be in Social Studies, TESOL or Spanish and whether it should be one that included a certificate or not)

Synchronicity kicked in by having a middle school principal I've met since I moved here call me and basically offer me a job for next semester. Not only does that put me back in the mix with the middle school kids, but there are options there for the school to assist me with financing my MAT and he basically said he would like me to get certified in Spanish and eventually TESOL (teaching English to students of other languages).

This would be at a Charter school in its first year of operation and he is also essentially giving me creative rights to address various needs as they come up. This ALSO means then that I can start developing "Opt-I-On-All" in real-time with real "project participants"! I've got a veritable lab to develop the program and tweak it as necessary, and in the meantime assist a great group of kids.
Oh, AND I could still teach Spanish to the 1st and 2nd graders in the afternoon.

The reality is even bigger than the dream...and I know it's just the beginning. I am so grateful for all the doors that just opened up, and for the Universe meeting me and exceeding all hopes/intentions.

Intuition and Synchronicity--in full effect!