Sugar Blues

For the last few days, I've been kicking a sugar monkey that's been on my back for too long. Just like ridding ourselves of any vice, sugar has been a worthy adversary. I've been cranky, had headaches... not to mention cravings. Oh, and don't let me start about the social pressure. Everywhere I look there's cute cupcakes, yummy looking cookies, ice cream, hmmmm. 

I'm sharing this because eliminating sugar from my diet is not any different than letting go of any addiction. We can become addicted to alcohol, drugs, food, cigarettes... Those are obviously addicting substances. But we can also become addicted to our own chemical process when we are in certain situations such as drama-filled relationships, risky behavior, anger and rage. The bottom line is that kicking addiction is tough. It doesn't matter if it's an obviously bad drug, a negative behavior, or a socially acceptable one, changing behavior is rough. 

If you are living with a behavior that you feel is not good for you, you have the power to choose again and let that go. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it! 

Blessings,

Laura P.

Take actions that support your own personal walk

Quiet house, now time to work.

I'm starting to believe that people imagine us artsy folk as having lots of time on our hands to create whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, I wish that was true.  I'm so blessed to have a very busy April and that means I have a lot of getting ready to do. I have two classes scheduled at Trezhers Gift Shop in Sacramento, three events at Little Relics, a gallery which is showing my art (Yeah!!!) and I'm doing the Mariposa Butterfly Festival  with my mom the first weekend in May. So, that means I'm painting today, cutting glass tomorrow, putting together outfits for the showings, posting Inspirational Images, working on the proposal for HCI Books (because that's actually top of the old list)... And then there's my sweetie, my kids, dogs, house, laundry.... I guess you're getting the picture. Okay, that said, I'm happy and thrilled because I've gotten what I dreamed of. Now, I need a maid! :)

Seeking balance, and keeping my fibromyalgia under control, is very important to me. So, taking time to meditate, go for walks, or anything else that calms me down and allows me to relax is very important while things are so busy. That's why I chose this Inspirational Image for today. I took this picture on a trip with Jim to the coast. This was taken in Gilroy, Ca at a seed company's garden. I think the beautiful flowers with the dark green background have a very calming feel.

I hope that you take time to find peace and calm today, despite the busy-ness of your business. :)

Inspirational Image - Peace

Thoughts for the day

I've always loved taking pictures. And, since my goal with my book, Walk in Your Own Footsteps, is to help people improve the quality of their lives on a daily basis, I'm creating a new image with inspirational words every day. Yesterday's image was about balance. We are all looking for more of that in our lives. The 21st century is so full of wonderful opportunities to experience so much! Then, there's our fabulous time wasters which are so fun, but when we overindulge in them, we find that we are not as productive as we'd like to be. Finding balance of fun, work, joy, silliness, meditation, and so much more, is increasingly challenging but also more important than ever. 

 Today's message is from the chapter in my book called, "Grass growing time" in which I propose taking time to simply sit and relax. To let your mind drift and proverbially watch the grass grow. In an effort to bring balance to our lives, relaxing, hanging out, and just being instead of doing can help bring peace and clearer thoughts and actions. I hope you enjoy these and look forward to many more to come.