As I am walking, one of my goals is to really pay attention to where I am going and what I am seeing.  I try to look at all of the beautiful colors around me or smell the freshly cut grass.  Most of the time my goal is to be fully present in my walk and to enjoy every moment.

There are other times when I am walking that I have a different goal.  There may be something on my mind that I want to be able to answer or solve.  For many people, writing in a journal is a perfect way to answer a question or discover what they are really feeling.  I have found that if  I ask myself a small question while I am walking the creative side of my brain often kicks into gear.  If I don't find the answer that I am looking for, I wait.  Eventually, an idea or maybe more than one will appear. It may not be the answer I want to follow but it is often the beginning that leads to the change that I am looking for. 

About a year ago Jamie Ridler (Jamie Ridler Studios) asked me this question, "Do you realize what a great life you are creating?"  I stopped and thought and thought some more. I  was really surprised at how differently this question made me look at the life I was living.  I had never thought about the fact that I was indeed creating the life I was living rather than just reacting to situations as they arose.  I was making conscious choices about how I wanted to spend my time.  I was learning more about myself so that when I did choose to do something it was because it was something I valued doing and would add to the quality of my life or someone else's life.  I was surrounding myself with supportive people and learning new things.  Now, because of this question I stop before starting something new.  I ask myself many small questions to determine if this new idea or activity or situation will add something to the life that I am creating. It is fun to think of my life as something I am not only living but creating just like a beautiful story or painting.   Today I would like to ask you a question. 
                                  What is one small step that you can take to create the life you want to live?
 
Remember, by asking small questions and taking small steps you can not only create a wonderful life or produce a extraordinary product or experience but you can enjoy the entire journey along the way. Why not start today?  Ask one small question and take one very small step towards creating the life you have always wanted to live.

                "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.  Begin making the conditions perfect."  Alan Cohen
When I first read this I really liked what it said.  Then I began thinking about the word perfect and I realized that this one word could stop me from not only beginning but from enjoying the beginning or middle or ending of whatever I am doing.  So I decided to change the quote to make it work for me.  "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.  Just begin and enjoy the journey."  That feels better! 

This week I am going to begin a Christmas journey.  I want this season to be simple but festive. When I look back upon the season I want my memories to be filled with laughter and fun and gratefulness. I want to enjoy the bright lights, the special smells, and the sounds of Christmas music. I want to visit small local shops and enjoy their decorations. I want to read Christmas stories to my grandchildren and listen to the stories they tell me about what Jack (their elf) has done that day. 
I want to take rides out into the country and enjoy the scenery and then stop for a cup of tea or coffee.  And of course I want to write and paint and blog.  This can be a season of wonder and joy and childlike amazement.  This is what I wish for my family and this is what I wish for you as well.  Let the holiday season begin and let's enjoy it just as it unfolds - perfect or not.