Have you noticed all the good intentions doing the rounds at the moment? January seems to be the time for declaring New Year resolutions and making big plans for the year ahead. I guess it’s only natural.
Many people have declared themes, focus words and challenges for the year ahead. I’m impressed, inspired and also, I’ll admit it, slightly nonchalant about it all.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big believer in setting intentions and having goals but I feel as though I’m in a period of lull.
Perhaps all that sea air and relaxation on the first few days of the new year at Yanakie slowed me down.
I feel no rush. No hurry. And I realise I don’t want to feel pressured. Yes I have my goals and I know what I want to achieve this year but I’m easing myself into 2018.
After the dramas of our December flooding followed by the festivities of Christmas, the high and rush of our milestone wedding anniversary in December and then starting the year off in beachside Yanakie I’m settling slowly into the pace of a new year. It’s a gentle time of reflection.
My new Gratitude Journal awaits me, 360 empty pages and days in front of me to fill. I love the quote that opened up to me today, it was so fitting.
“Time is the universal clock of which we and our planet are a part. It cannot be hurried and we must trust.”
So trust I will. There’s unknown territory in front of us, opportunities to grow, expand, travel, learn and take chances.
It’s a journey with a map and unchartered waters lie ahead.
In my garden I have sweet basil and other flourishing herbs and plants. After waiting months, an abundance of zucchinis are almost ready to be picked and the tomatoes are teasing me with their slow ripening.
Everything is growing, slowly but surely.
Looking ahead, on the travel front, there are plans in place for a big Tasmanian walking trip in September this year.
There’ll be plenty more camping plus weekend and day trips, which always translates to fun research, travel articles and more blog posts.
There are magazine editors to contact and lots of writing goals to achieve, both on and off my blog. But all in good time.
I hope to further grow my Facebook Outanabout Group YOLO (You Only Live Once). If you’re interested come check it out. The link is at the bottom of this post.
On the domestic front we’re still in the throes of contesting our declined home building insurance claim from the flooding. Loop holes in the policy has made it difficult but I know that through challenges we grow. One way or another things always work out.
Everything takes time.
There is no rush.
For in anything we need to determine what it is we want. Plan, plant, cultivate, nurture and then trust that all will work itself out.
Two questions I’m asking myself as the year begins:
1. What is possible for me this year?
2. What is my next best move?
Anything is possible but we have to be clear about what we want.
Then we can take the steps necessary to create our own future, to write our own story.
Along the way don’t forget to look up, take it all in and believe that we can achieve it.
Five slow things I’m doing to nurture growth this month:
- Decide what you want and then go for it! Just make a decision and begin.
- Yesterday I wrote a Dear Universe letter, pouring out my intentions and goals for the year. I stuck it in an envelope, dug a hole in my garden and buried it deep within the earth. I’ve written it and let it go, just like seeds that grow up slowly into plants, time will take care of my intentions.
- Take action, little steps day by day to achieve your goals. Water those plants, write a story, make a phone call, accept that invitation, do something to step out of your comfort zone.
- Do what you love. For me at the moment it’s my music. Stay tuned for another collaborative song in coming weeks.
- Choose to feel good. Too simple? It’s not. I read a quote the other day that stuck with me: “Don’t make where you are too big of a deal. Let it be what it is: it’s a moment in time where you have the choice to feel good or feel bad. That’s all that it ever is.”
As the days turn into weeks I wish you all a gentle easing into the new year.
I hope that 2018 is a year of personal growth for you, one where your desires manifests into doing what you love to do.
Dream big, love deeply and live your days to the fullest, with all your heart.
In love and light as we keep on the journey.
Sharing for WPC: Growth
“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Now, hopefully Harry won’t dig up that letter!
Stay in touch and connect with me on Facebook
Come check out my new group for like minded travelers
Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”
I love the idea of 5 slow things 👏
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It’s definitely how I’m feeling right now.
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Nice! This had such a lovely message and correspondingly wonderful way of conveying it. Your peacefulness came through. I once had a splendid writing teacher who frequently advised us to “move at the pace of guidance.” I assumed her to mean our own inner guidance, and have tried to follow that advice. It conveys to me a similar sense of allowing my life and my abilities to unfold. Best wishes for the new year (and for your insurance woes).
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Your writing teacher was very wise Donna. Thank you for your kind words here and my warmest wishes to you for the year ahead.
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” a gentle time of reflection”….love it. Have a happy and stress-free 2018.
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Excellent start to the year. 🙂
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Thanks Maverick. Hope you have a wonderful year.
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Great tips and reminders Miriam. I admire your attitude and approach.
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Thanks Brad. Hope your year has started well.
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Tough start, but I guess it’s opportunity to practice my intentions for the year. 🙂
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Sure is. Remember there’s always tomorrow. 🙂
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Thanks.
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I love the final quote and the peaceful feeling from your post!
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Thanks Rainee, I really loved the final quote too. Hope your year’s off to a great start.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR. This a great post about planting seeds and patience. Some years are slow to start but that’s also needed i feel. Slow, space and time are needed to figure out what we want to achieve.
Thanks for a great share.
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So very true Bella. Slow, space and time, that’s what I’m savouring right now. Warmest wishes to you for a happy 2018. x
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Very inspiring post. I’m with you, it’s rest time, keep that lull going.. I love point 5, so true. Louise
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Thanks Louise. I guess everything else falls into place when we simply choose to feel good. xo
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Very sound advice – slow but sure wins the day
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Absolutely.
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A beautiful and inspiring post.
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Thanks Michele.
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wonderful words and approach to life
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Thank you
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I love the idea of a gratitude journal!
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Me too! This is my seventh one.
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Great post! Enjoy your year as it unfolds, and yeah, no rush…
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Absolutely PC. No rush …
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Slow and steady is definitely the mantra that I too want to follow. All the best with all your plans ahead.
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Thanks Deepa, you too.
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Sound thoughts. Good luck with the insurance claim
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Good to hear, Miriam, because I’ve been taking the slow approach too. Not with any real intention, just feeling my way, but now I need to think where I’m going. Sorry to hear about the insurance hassle but I love your positive, ‘we’ll get there’ approach. It will be interesting to see where you are at year end. Sending love and hugs spinning across the universe. 🙂 🙂
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No harm in taking the slow but I guess at some point we need to decide where we’re going. But all in good time. Good luck with all your plans this year Jo and thanks for the well wishes my friend. Big hugs back 🙂
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Such a wise way to start of the year Miriam.Growth is such a personal and individual process.Trusting in this process, no matter at what rate it takes, is the best way to go. Here’s to a fruitful 2018. Xx
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Couldn’t agree more Lorelle. Have a good weekend (and stay cool). 🙂 xo
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It’s a hot one today! You too Miriam. Xx
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Thanks. It’s a cooker!! xo
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After the ‘lull’ comes the ‘suddenly’. Looks like a lovey springtime there. Best wishes with the insurance things. Hope it all comes around to your favor. 😁
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Thanks so much Wendy. I hope so too. 🙂
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This was a great share with beautiful reminders. Wishing you the best of 2018 and may your good intentions come true for you. Happy New Year!. Xo
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Thanks so much Stella. Wishing you a wonderful year too. xo
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Thank you for this important reminder to give ourselves permission not to rush. It can be a fast world out there and it is easy to get dragged into the thick of it. Instead of rushing into New Year’s resolutions (that we may not keep) I love your call to a gentle time of reflection. I am off to check out your Facebook Group now.
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You’re so right Donna, it is a fast world out there but we can still choose to take the slow road. Here’s to a smooth sailing 2018. And welcome to my FB YOLO group, awesome. Feel free to post any pictures or contribute in any way. 🙂
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These are some great insights. I stopped making New Years Resolutions when I realized I had no intention of keeping them. I make goals and periodically check them throughout the year, make needed adjustments and keep on. When I began reading your post the quote “Slow and steady wins the race” came to mind. Balance and refusing to get riled up or become pressured is my focus. Thank you for sharing this.
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I love your focus Steph, balance and refusing to get riled is such a great perspective, though I must admit our insurance dramas have tested me. Still, I’m learning to take that step back and look at the bigger picture. Thanks for your reminder that slow and steady wins the race. Have a lovely weekend.
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Miriam, I love your post and feel on many counts as you. What sticks with me is this quote from the end of your post :”Dream big, love deeply and live your days to the fullest, with all your heart.
We can’t then go wrong.
miriam
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Thanks Miriam, I’m glad my words spoke to you and you can relate. Have a wonderful weekend. x
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deep meaning and calm wisdom, thanks Miriam … I have relocated! So many new adventures to come …
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Oh, absolutely! Hope it went smoothly. Look forward to keeping in touch and seeing where your adventures lead you. An exciting year ahead I feel …
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definitely for me, even when I travelled overseas I never had as much uncertainty as this move … change is as good as a holiday!
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That’s true and I think you’re in for a holiday of a lifetime.
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I love your photos, Miriam and the five slow things to encourage growth. Your words are so refreshing! I hope your house insurance woes are solved quickly and without any more issues!
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Thanks so much Jo-Anne, I really appreciate that.
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Wonderfully inspirational as always! I could use some slowing down as this is my busiest month of the year. I think I’m going to tell my boss hey I’ve just read this amazing post and I’ve been advised to go slow and easy…so I won’t be back! HA!! I so so love that your buried your intentions…let me know if anything grows there, I’ll be curious as to what does. My favorite line of this whole post is “Now, hopefully Harry won’t dig up that letter!” I laughed out loud. Leave it to Harry. What a marvelous idea though…you plant something so that it will grow, why not your dreams and desires and ideas!! I think I’ll do the same and bury the letter under the snow…it probably won’t be gone til Spring. Hmmm I’m suddenly getting inspired to write a song about this…I like it. I like it a lot!!! Tell those insurance people, loop hole, schmoop hole…give me my money! I do hope it will turn around for you. Hope you are having a wonderful Saturday morning…talk soon my lovely lady!! Big planting hugs, xo 🙂
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Ha, yep I definitely think you should tell your boss that. Tell him your friend from Australia advised that to get the best productivity you need to reduce your hours (completely) and then you’ll be inspired!!!
It’s a cooker here today, 41C and after being out an about this morning (getting some 1920s head gear, so so cool and glitzy) now I’m sitting inside with the air conditioner on. Thank God for air conditioning!! And you’ve probably got your heater blazing to keep warm. Crazy extremes hey?
Ooh, feel free to write a song Deb, always happy to know that I inspire you. It could be a lot of fun! Yeah, Harry’s a character though I think my letter’s safe from him, maybe not the snails though. What a thought!
Anyway, you stay warm and I’ll try and stay cool and we’ll talk soon. Big hugs xo 🙂
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Lol…I love that…reduce my hours…completely!! Wow that’s 105 degrees…yikes that is a boiler, never mind a cooker…I had my fireplace going earlier, when I first get home I turn the heat up high so that the fireplace will run a while and yet the heat will heat other rooms. I had turned the fireplace off a while ago and just now I was like man am I hot…and then I remembered I hadn’t turned the heat back down when I turned the fireplace off. Thought I was having a hot flash for a moment there.
Ohhhh can’t wait to hear all about what you got…I like glitzy! What fun.
I’ve already written what might be the chorus and one verse….you just gave me more ideas with the snail…hehe
Ok you stay cool and I’ll stay warm…it is crazy extremes. Big chilly hugs xo 🙂
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Haha, you and your hot flashes. Well, I think now you’re most probably snug in bed while I’m roasting like a Miri chicken in a cooker, man it’s hot. I just went out to bring my clothes in and I nearly fried!!
Got your email. Love the title and love the first verses you’ve done … oooh it’s got the makings of something really special, (mind you, they’re all special!), I might even write in a verse myself if I get a chance, how exciting. Happy weekend to you my lovely. Enjoy! xo 🙂💕
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I think you’ll like what you read…so exciting! Oh yes add a verse if you feel it…hugs xo 🙂
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I loved it. Absolutely loved it! We’ll talk soon. Hugs back xo
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You bet we will…xo
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Snail food? Your post reminded me of the Zac Brown / Jimmy Buffet song Knee Deep. Aah…
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I had to google it as I’d never heard of it. Sooo good … 🙂
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I have a paper planner too which acts a daily task manager and my journal. There’s just something about a piece of blank paper waiting to be filled by the day :-).
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Couldn’t agree more Julie. It’s like a blank slate isn’t it? 🙂
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It’s great to have goals, but right now while I’m on holidays at home I’m thinking one day at a time. I do have a trip to Canada to start planning though. 🙂
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One day at a time sounds brilliant to me Carol. Enjoy your holidays. As for that trip to Canada, can I come? 😏
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You will have to carry your own bag!
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I can handle that!
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What a beautiful post Miriam. Oozing with positiVity. I am into action this year as well. Slowly and steadily moving forward, and even prepared to step back temporarily if needed. Main focus is growth with faith in my abilities. I took the first step this year towards growth and shifted to a self hosted site and I am glad because I did it myself. I learned and Feel more confident. Hoping to see many more camping posts from your side.
Happy New Year.
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Happy new year to you too Mann. I’ve just visited your new site. Congratulations my friend and good for you. I wish you lots of love, exciting times and continued growth in 2018. 🙂
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That’s awesome. Thanks for the visit my dear. Have great time ahead.😊
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Thanks for your inspiring post, good questions and quotes.
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You’re most welcome Ruth.
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Happy New year!
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OMG, Ridge! So good to hear from you. You okay?
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Yes, I am well. I am heading to Oz soom Womad and all, and you crossed my mind, so I thought I would say hey…and happy holidays and stuff life that. How are you.
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Our friends and neighbors are going to WOMAD too. Hope you have fun. I’m fine, lots happening in my life, but all good. I have a good feeling about this year. Glad to hear you’re doing well. How long are you staying in Oz?
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You write the most inspirational posts, simply by sharing your thoughts and actions with your readers. Seriously, don’t ever stop blogging….
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What a fabulous comment Ann. I won’t ever stop blogging. And seriously, you just made my day. 🙂
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It is wonderful to see your growing garden and be reminded that there is a season for everything. In Oregon, USA it is winter and I am in the season of reflection & rest.
I do believe that you can create anything if you couple vision with action. You have created this uplifting blog as proof. I look forward to sharing your journey this year. Happy New Year.
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Thanks Ali, such lovely words. Vision coupled with action, so very true. And you’re right, there is a season in everything, so stay warm over there in your cold winter. Wishing you a fabulous year ahead. xo
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Beautiful inspiring post and I love the idea of the Dear Universe letter.
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Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed that part. It was a special exercise.
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Yes! Growth is such a process! Sometimes it’s fast, often it’s slow – we just have to go with it and be patient. 🙂 If you are in a lull, there’s a reason, so just ride it out and know that your patience will produce better results.
Happy New Year to you, beautiful one! ❤ *hugs*
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Aww thank you Ness. You’re right, often we just have to go with it and be patient. No point pushing against the tide. Hope you’re well my friend. Wishing you a wonderful 2018. Hugs back ❤️
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wow – this is so amazing and beautiful post…very touching and so organized!
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Thanks very much Mihran. I appreciate your kind words.
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you are were well deserved, I admit you have such a elegance and wonderful post….You should write your book, you have my support!!
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I love your words Miriam. So true and wise. I too am easing my way into 2018. We’re still enjoying our travels around New Zealand whilst embracing ‘slow’. I’m sorry to hear you have experienced some flooding… Although, I can see that as always, you are remaining optimistic in the face of adversity. Well wishes to you beautiful lady – huge hugs to you my friend xx
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Thanks lovely. I wondered whether you were still in NZ. Your photos on Insta have been gorgeous and you both look as though you’re having such a happy time. Keep embracing that ‘slow’ pace Hayley, it’s such a nice way to ease into the new year. Big hugs back my friend xo 🙂💕
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We are away until the 15th Miriam – it’s been wonderful, it will be very hard to get back into the swing of things I’m sure! I’m glad you managed to get away and enjoy the lush outdoors 🌳🌸💗 xx
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Oh absolutely. Third time back at Yanakie for us, which was so great. I bet you’ll find it hard getting back into the swing of things, but you will. Enjoy till then 😊💕 xo
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What an inspiring post!
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Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Such a great attitude and I’m a great believer in letting things take their own course. To rush can be the way of disaster, slow and steady always wins the race. Follow your dreams Miriam
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Thanks so much, I really appreciate your words Pauline.
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Beautiful as always Miriam! I too have long since not done New Years resolutions. Instead I try to live my life everyday. 😌 I wish you a lovely new year filled with love, laughter and growth! Excited to follow you along as always 🙏
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As I am too Nicole, thank you. I hope your year has got off to a wonderful start . Wishing you more inspired travel this year.
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Beautiful sentiments here Miriam, let the year come to you and not the other way around. 🙂
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Absolutely! Bring it on🙂
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I love the idea of your intention letter, to write it, bury it and let it go, such is the art of manifesting.. Knowing it is already there in the ether to be brought when the time is right. And yes No Rush.. I feel exactly the same and its why there is no new post written as yet..
I feel content. and at Peace… And All will Be what is meant to be..
Love and Blessings, as we keep watching and listening to our Signs.. 😀 ❤
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Going slow, watching out for those signs and not rushing is such a lovely way to begin the year. I’m so glad that you feel this contentment and sense of peace Sue. May it stay there within you as we navigate this new year. Love and hugs to you ❤️
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I love all those things that you are doing to nurture growth. I really love the idea of writing a Dear Universe letter and sealing it away. Enjoy your lull Miriam! xx
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Thanks Amy. I am enjoying it. My daughter’s just arrived home for a few days too, so it’s even nicer. 🙂 xo
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Hi Amy, just wanted to say that I’ve read a couple of your posts that I really love including one on Gratitude. I’ve left a couple of comments but noticed they then disappeared. This has happened a few times with my comments on your blog so you may want to check your spam folder. Just wanted you to know. 🙂 xo
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Thanks so much for letting me know Miriam!! On occasion the platform decides to be fickle and put people who’ve commented in the past into my spam folder. I try to check it regularly because of this reason. I found them and have un-spammed them. ❤
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That’s great! Thanks Amy. 🙂
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Beautiful post, Miriam – the five slow things sound just perfect and I’ll try to take heed myself (not doing well so far!) Wishing you warmth, love, joy and creativity in the new year. xxxx
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The floods sound terrible! I hope things have settled to normalcy now. 😦 Belated anniversary wishes! December seemed like a rollercoaster of highs and lows!
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Hey Cheryl, thanks for the belated anniversary wishes, it’s always great to hear from you, no matter the time frame. Yeah, December was up and down and we’re still sorting out insurance hassles. But we’ll get there, slowly but surely. 🙂
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That’s what I love about your blog! It’s grounded in reality. The reality of the everyday can be more daunting than a fascinating adventure. Paying bills and sorting paperwork or just completing house chores can be such a task. It’s a thankless job! And your posts don’t shy away from talking about them. Thanks, Miriam! You make me learn to appreciate the simple things in life! ❤
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That’s such a nice thing to say Cheryl and ironic too cos I’m just about to go online and pay some bills. Yep, reality is its own form of adventure sometimes. Big hugs to you my friend. xo
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Oooh Miriam I loved that 2nd slow thing you would do, dugging that letter to the universe you wrote. 😁
Beauty!
Alas the Growth…
💞🌷
Shiva
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Thank you Shiva 💖☘️
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I can relate to yor December flooding drama..as we too experienced the same here…theb comes all sorts of christmas gatherings….twas really a busy yet fruitful December..
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Yes, December was busy I agree. Off to catch up on your blog now Mich.
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Awesome
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Thanks!
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