Flora Stream of Consciousness

Posted on Nov 29, 2020 by startlifeat50

Decisions, decisions, decisions

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela.

Making decisions is something we all do on a daily basis. They range from small, trivial things like what to have for dinner and what to wear through to major life decisions like getting married or divorced, moving interstate, overseas or just to the next suburb. Learning to drive, renting or buying a house, deciding on a career to making a career change and when to retire.

“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions than can change your life forever.” Keri Russell.

Some decisions are easier to make than others. Decisions don’t just impact the person making them. More often than not other people’s needs have to be taken into consideration.

“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions.” Deepak Chopra.

We may feel indecisive at times, but I believe we know which choice is the right one for us. Sometimes we just need assurance that we are making the right one. We think we need confirmation from outside of ourselves. However all we need to do is listen to our intuition. Listen to our hearts and we can’t go wrong.

“Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.” Caroline Myss.

One practical way of making up our mind between say two choices is to write them down. Get two sheets of paper. Mark a column down the middle of the page. Column one is “Pros”. Column two is “Cons.” On the second piece of paper do the same. I find this helps me to make a decision. Happy decision making!

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Nov 22, 2020 by startlifeat50 · 3 Comments

Metamorphosis

Today I went for a walk as I often do. The purpose for walking was so I could figure out what to write for this week’s blog. I saw a beautiful gold butterfly with black trim on the outer edge of its wings and black spots on the inner part of the wings. It stopped on a blade of grass.

It sat there a while flapping its wings so I had time to observe. At this moment I thought write about metamorphosis, because hey that’s what butterflies do. They represent transformation. They mutate from an egg to larva, to pupa and finally to a beautiful butterfly.

”Everyone is like a butterfly, they start out ugly and awkward and then morph into beautiful graceful butterflies that everyone loves.” – Drew Barrymore.

So what is “metamorphosis?” I found this meaning online and I think it describes this process perfectly. “A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.”

Of course a human being can’t morph physically into something else, unless you have a whole lot of surgery which I don’t recommend. LOL. A butterfly’s transformation is obvious, however when we humans transform ourselves it tends to be internal. Not something that is obvious to the naked eye. A butterfly only does this once in its short life. This is where we as humans differ.

“The butterfly said to the sun, “They can’t stop talking about my transformation. I can only do it once in my lifetime. If only they knew, they can do it at any time and in countless ways.” – Dodinsky.

The basic personality doesn’t change. Well I’m an introvert and once an introvert, always an introvert. I think experiences have changed me in subtle ways. My perceptions change as I go through life. I’ve learned to be resilient as life throws its challenges at me. I think I’ve become more resourceful, independent and have developed the skills I need for survival.

When I was a child and into my teen years I lacked self-confidence. I was very quiet and reserved and rarely if ever spoke my mind. In fact I went through this well into my twenties. I wondered how I could overcome this. The only way was to push myself out of my comfort zone. I started doing dance classes as a way to help me with this.

I think it did help to build confidence within myself. Once I felt comfortable around new people I started to speak up a bit more. Even now meeting new people is nerve wracking for me. Family and friends started to notice this shift. I was still me in essence, but I was changing as I said earlier in subtle ways.

“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.” Franz Kafka.

This was my metamorphosis. My transition into the person I was meant to be and into the person I am today. This is the journey I’m on. Learning lessons on the way. Meeting different people, experiencing all life has to offer.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Nov 15, 2020 by startlifeat50 · 3 Comments

Self-care

“An empty tank will take you exactly nowhere. Take time to refuel.” Unknown.

This week I will be focusing on self-care. When one thinks of the phrase “self-care” what immediately comes to mind? I’ve got no time or I will seem selfish. This isn’t true. It’s easy to think if I take the time looking after myself then that takes time away from everyone else. If I burn myself out how does that benefit others?

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” Katie Reed.

“If you feel burnout setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.” Dalai Lama.

It’s important to take time out to focus on me. What I do with that time is up to me, as long as it nurtures my mind, body and spirit. Anything that makes me feel good about myself and restores my well-being.

“The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.” Diane Von Furstenberg.

It can be something I buy myself – flowers, a beverage and my favourite sweet, a facial, a massage, skin care, perfume, etc.

It can be spending time at my favourite location – a park, the beach or out on my verandah on a cloudless sunny day.

It can be something I enjoy doing – Going for a walk, meditating, writing in my journal, listening to my favourite music as well as singing and dancing to it. Watching the sun rise or set.

“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” Unknown.

Whatever it is make it something that makes you happy. Something that raises your vibration and makes your heart and soul come alive. Once you’ve engaged in self-care you are in a better place to be of service to others. With equal amounts of giving and receiving it brings equilibrium to your life.

Blessings to all xx

“Self-care is one of the best forms of self-love.” Flora Sciarra.

Posted on Nov 8, 2020 by startlifeat50

Water

This is the last instalment of The Elements. It’s a transparent, colourless, odourless liquid that shapes oceans, lakes, rivers, icebergs.

If there’s a light rain. If the river flows smoothly and calmly all is well.

If there’s a storm, tidal waves and choppy seas, all is not well.

Water reflects back to us what we truly are. Water represents the emotions in dreams and tarot cards. Water is calm. Water is tempestuous.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” Loren Eiseley.

Water is different shades of green and blue.

Photo by Kammeran Gonzalez-Keola on Pexels.com

It freezes, it melts. It rises, it recedes.

It’s a precious resource that is taken for granted. I know I do at times.

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin.

It feeds our forests, our plants and trees. It nourishes and sustains us. We can survive without food for 30 days, but can only last without water for three days.

Without it life on earth would cease to exist. About 70% of the earth’s surface is made up of this precious liquid.

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” Leonardo Da Vinci.

Blessings to all xx

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” Jacques Yves Cousteau

Posted on Oct 31, 2020 by startlifeat50

Fire

This week I will be talking about fire. What does it mean to me.

“The most tangible of all visible mysteries – fire.” Leigh Hunt.

Fire – yellow, orange, red. Burning, burnt, scorched earth. Heat, all consuming.

“Fire is never a gentle master.” Proverb.

Can be comforting – a fireplace. A fireplace cozy in the winter.

Can be scary – bushfires. Bushfires not so welcoming in the summer.

“Where there is smoke there is fire.” Proverb.

Get moving. Light a fire under someone. A flame of an idea. Light a spark.

After a fire regeneration and renewal. New life.

“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” Carl Jung.

Next week – “Water.”

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Oct 24, 2020 by startlifeat50

Earth

Welcome to my second instalment of “The Elements”. This week Earth takes centre stage.

Earth – Mother Nature, Mother Earth, soil, sand, desert. Crystals, minerals, fossils, clay, mud dirt.

“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” Ernest Hemingway.

Grounding (terra firma). Feeling the earth under my feet as I walk around. Planting crops to sustain life on this planet.

Earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, droughts. Burning, then regeneration and renewal.

“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” Gaylord Nelson.

Colours of the earth – blue, brown, green, red and orange.

Forests, beaches, deserts.

“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” Barbara Ward.

The name “earth” is derived from both Old English and Germanic “eor(th) e/ertha” and “erde” which mean ground. One interesting fact. Earth is the only planet not named after a Greek or Roman god or goddess, although it is connected to the goddess Terra Mater (Gaea to the Greeks). She was the first goddess on earth and mother to Uranus.

Blessings to all xx

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” Wendell Barry.

Posted on Oct 18, 2020 by startlifeat50

The Elements – Air

In this post I’m starting a four-part series in which I am looking at the elements of air, earth, fire and water. This week – Air.

“The sky and the strong wind have moved the spirit inside me till I am carried away trembling with joy.” – Uvavnuk.

Air – in the heat thick, heavy air. I can cut it with a knife. My shoulders feel heavy. It suffocates and weighs heavily in my lungs.

“I love to work out under a clear sky with lots of fresh air purifying my lungs.” – Nushrat Bharucha.

In the cold – cold, crisp, snap frozen air. Feels like I could turn into an icicle. Inhaling it through my nose. Could my brain freeze? Open my mouth to inhale. My lungs feel a cool rush. Exhale and the air freezes in front of me.

“Love is like the air. I can’t see it, but I can feel it all around me.” – Flora Sciarra.

Thoughts travel through the air. This happens too fast to catch them. They are like emissions of energy hurtling through time and space. Let go of thoughts. Don’t follow them. Let them go. I press them into a balloon. Whatever colour I like. Let them go. They are just thoughts. I detach from them. I let them go.

Next week….Earth.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Oct 11, 2020 by startlifeat50

Being happy

Being happy also means being unhappy. If you have never been sad how would you know what it feels like to be happy. These are two sides of the same coin. If I own this I will be happy. If I’m with X I will be happy. When I get there I will be happy. The saying “You can’t buy happiness” is true, but so is the fact that you can’t achieve happiness as such.

“The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are.” Goldie Hawn.

If you are trying to be happy stop that right now. Happiness is an emotion that should come naturally. You don’t have to think, “Am I happy now?” You simply are.

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Dalai Lama.

I’ve lived long enough to know I can’t be happy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hey shit happens. I’m realistic enough to know that life has its ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be happy overall. Happiness isn’t a possession, something you need to obtain. Happiness isn’t something you find somewhere out there. It isn’t measured in material things; cars, houses, clothes, etc. You won’t find it in your external world. There will always feel like something’s missing. Go inward. Go into your internal world to find what makes you happy.

“Being happy never goes out of style.” Lilly Pulitzer.

A good place to start is to write a list of gratitude. What are you grateful for. It can be five things or ten. We all have things to be grateful for. At the start and end of each day I say a prayer of gratitude. It goes something like this:

“For the roof over my head and the bed I sleep in I am truly grateful.

For the food I eat and the water I drink I am truly grateful.

For the clothes I wear I am truly grateful.

For my loving and supportive family I am truly grateful.

For access to the best healthcare I am truly grateful.

For all my life experiences both positive and negative I am truly grateful.

Amen.”

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Oct 3, 2020 by startlifeat50

Change of life

This is a post about a subject that’s personal for me, but common for women my age. It’s menopause. I’ve been going through the stage leading up to it called peri-menopause. I think it started when I was 48 so it’s been with me for three years now. I wasn’t having any real symptoms till the beginning of this year when I started having hot flushes. Before that my periods were irregular, however now I haven’t had them for five months.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

Menopause is defined as not having a period for twelve months. I’m not quite there yet, so I’m still in peri-menopause. I’ve always been a poor sleeper, but now it has gotten so much worse. It’s frustrating not getting a good night’s sleep. It affects my ability to concentrate and focus. I also get irritable (most likely due to poor sleep) which isn’t like me at all.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu

I’ve seen a doctor about it who confirmed I’m in peri-menopause. The doctor suggested HRT may work for me, but I need to do several tests before this happens. I know HRT carries risks i.e. breast cancer so I’m a bit worried about this. I’m doing some research not only into HRT, but alternative treatments/therapies. I need to find something that’s safe and effective. Something that works for me on every level.

“You’re always you, and that don’t change, and you’re always changing, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” ― Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book

This is a time of transition for me. My body is behaving in ways I haven’t experienced before. My hormones are imbalanced and it’s important I address this. I could start thinking that I’m getting old and wallow in self-pity, but I’m not going to do that. This is just a part of my life, part of being a woman. There’s plenty of help and support out there. It’s a stage of my existence that I need to deal with as best as I can. I can fight it or I can accept it. Either way it’s going to happen, so best to accept it. Be at peace with it. Life will go on and it will get better for me.

Blessings to all xx

“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” ― Eckhart Tolle

Posted on Sep 27, 2020 by startlifeat50

Red

I was thinking (as usual) what to write for this week’s post. The word “red” popped into my head. Red is my favourite colour. Mum says my love for this colour goes right back to when I was a child. I don’t recall when it all started, but I do remember thinking when I buy a car, it has to be red. Well my first car was white. Second car which I’ve now owned for almost five years is.. wait for it RED! Funnily enough I don’t wear a lot of red. I have a few pieces of clothing in my favourite hue stored in the back of my wardrobe.

“Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” Claude Monet.

So why red? Red is a warm colour. Red doesn’t need to be mixed with another to create it, so it is a primary colour. You could say red isn’t just a warm colour. It’s a hot one. When angry our cheeks go a shade of red. Anger, violence and aggression are associated with red as are signs warning us of danger ahead. For example stop signs, traffic lights and warning labels on everyday products. Why are red carpets used for special events such as award shows? To give it an air of significance.

“Colours are the smiles of nature.” Leigh Hunt.

I think I’m drawn to other colours at various times. Right now I’m drawn to pink (a mix of red and white). The colour of unconditional love, femininity, sweetness, tenderness and romance. You could say pink is the sweeter side of red. While red calls me to action, pink has a way of calming me down. I’ve been drawn to purple or blue when I need to focus on matters of a spiritual nature. Red is connected to love and passion. Funnily enough both the Devil and Cupid have been associated with the colour red.

“Colours speak all languages.” Joseph Addison.

Red means different things to different people. Red is an important colour to the Chinese. Their flag is red and red is a colour seen everywhere in Chinese New Year celebrations. It is the colour of prosperity and happiness and is used to attract good luck. To the ancient Greeks it symbolised super-human feats of heroism. Brides in India wear red saris to symbolise prosperity and fertility. In Russia the word for “red” means beautiful. I tend to agree with that.

Blessings to all xx

“Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” Oscar Wilde.