Nothing is permanent

 Embracing Impermanence as a Way to Live Fully

    Happy autumn equinox. The season is yet again changing, the leaves are turning. Sometimes it seems so sudden, the yellowing of the leaves and the cooling of the air but it was always changing. nothing stays the same and that's a good thing

    No one and no thing can stay the same. Everything is always changing. Can you imagine what life would be like if it never changed. People never changed, the world didn't move, the season was always the same. Life would be utterly boring, predictable and meaningless. Living in this constantly changing world is such a blessing to experience. Life is unpredictable and can be scary sometimes, but it's wonder and beauty are exponential and ever growing. People have the ability to change and grow. We need to embrace the impermanence of life to fully appreciate it.

What Is Impermanence?

• Impermanence simply means that everything changes.

• It’s not something to fear, it’s the natural rhythm of life.

• Recognizing impermanence allows us to release attachment and accept life as it unfolds.

    Embracing impermanence it realizing that things can never stay the same. Your parents will get old and they'll forget things you find important. The people you once couldn't spend one day from can and might grow away from you until one day you are both strangers to each other. Places you grew up will change with age, renovation or removal. Things you love will be lost to time.

Why Embracing Impermanence Matters

• Reduces suffering: When we stop clinging to “how things should be,” and "how things used to be." we free ourselves from disappointment, allowing us to appreciate the now.

• Deepens gratitude: Knowing moments are temporary makes them more precious.

• Encourages growth: Change creates space for new opportunities and transformation.

    It's important to embrace the change of life. The ebb and flow of existence. Allowing yourself to let go of needing things to stay the same and flowing with the current gives serenity and peace of mind. Whether life is going good or bad, this too shall pass. 

Practical Ways to Embrace Impermanence

• Mindful pauses: Notice small daily changes (shadows moving, flowers blooming).

• Practice of letting go: Release one thing each week you no longer need (an item, thought, or worry).

• Journaling prompt: “What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?”

• Gratitude in the moment: Instead of waiting for big events, find beauty in ordinary moments. Find the silver linings, the quite blooms of life around you.

Everyday Examples of Impermanence

• The warmth of morning sunlight. The breeze on your skin. The raindrops that fall all around.

• A child’s laughter. Your favorite persons smile. Conversations with loved ones.

• A good cup of coffee, a delicious meal, or even a fast.

• How life is today. How it was yesterday. How it will be tomorrow.

All of these come and go  reminding us to notice them while they’re here.

    Impermanence doesn’t mean loss, it means life is alive, flowing, and evolving. When we accept this truth, we stop resisting change and start embracing it as part of our journey.

   “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

- Ferris Bueller

    Today, choose one simple moment, your morning coffee,  a meal, a sunset, a hug, something and sit fully with it, knowing it won’t last forever. Instead of sadness, let that awareness fill you with gratitude.

    Life’s impermanence is what makes it meaningful. The more we embrace it, the more we open ourselves to joy, growth, and presence. Nothing is permanent, embrace it and live fully.

Get your free Letting go journal page here!

Move with purpose

Slowing Down to Speed Up: Present Productivity

Why We Rush

    We live in a world that promotes and celebrates always being busy. If you’re not hustling, multitasking, or crossing off to-do lists, it can feel like you’re falling behind. But what if slowing down isn’t about doing less, but about experiencing more?

    As a mom of 7 in this crazy society, I fully understand the pressure to be busy. I have always felt if I'm not doing something I'm failing. If I'm not doing everything, I'm failing. If I can't do things fast enough, I am yet again failing. Over the last few years though, especially this year I have found that although I  love getting things done, but I am slowing down to enjoy the journey and smell the roses.  My kids are growing to fast that the grass can wait to tomorrow, my time with them has passed so fast. In the blink if an eye and in another they'll all be fully grown and gone. The high demand from the world to constantly be on the go and productive, treats us like robots instead of the humans we are. You are allowed to breath, take a break, and relax. You aren't a set of numbers you are a beautiful soul existing on this planet.

    Slowing down to speed up, is being mindful. Being intentional in your actions and present in the moment you are in. Moving with purpose while also allowing yourself space to breath and relax. Most people don't see that the price of always being busy outweighs the benefits of go go go. You might get many things done but as the cost of yourself and your loved ones.

The cost of constantly being busy

• Always rushing = stress, burnout, and missed moments.

• Our minds stay in the future (what’s next) instead of the present (what’s now).

• Even achievements lose meaning if we never pause to savor them.

The Benefits of Slowing Down

• Clarity: When we pause, we can see what truly matters.

• Joy: Small moments — like sipping tea, watching the sunset, or listening to laughter — bring deep happiness.

• Productivity: Paradoxically, slowing down often helps us focus better and achieve more.

• Connection: Relationships deepen when we give people our full attention.

    In a world where we are burning ourselves out constantly for someone else's goals and dreams, it's important to stop and prioritize ourselves, our health (mental and physical), and our own goals and dreams. We start by slowing down.

Practical Ways to Slow Down

• Mindful mornings: Start your day with a slow ritual such as journaling, breathing, or stretching.

• Single-tasking: Do one thing at a time. Enjoy the process instead of rushing to the end.

• Digital pauses: Step away from screens and devices. Reconnect with nature, silence, and creativity.

• Breathing breaks: A few conscious breaths can reset your nervous system instantly.

• Unplug evenings: Create space before bed to read, reflect, or rest without rushing. Leave phones and devices away from the bed, turn off the tv. To allow you the time and space to re center yourself.

A Gentle Mindset Shift

    Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you’re living with intention. Productivity becomes more meaningful when paired with presence.

Mindful Exercise

    Next time you eat, put away distractions and eat slowly — notice the textures, flavors, and gratitude for the meal. This small act is a practice in presence.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren't enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.

Viggo Mortensen

    Life isn’t a race. When you slow down, you don’t lose time, you gain it back in presence, meaning, and joy. This week, choose one area of your life to intentionally slow down, your mornings, meals, or conversations. Notice how it shifts your energy and focus.

Get your free Slow living checklist here!

The Mindful Commute

 The Mindful Commute: Turning Traffic into Tranquility

    Usually when most people hear the word 'commute' they don't think of peace or calm. The daily commute has been associated with stress and anxiety. But what if it doesn't have to be that way. 

    What if you use your daily commute to find peace and tranquility in your day. If your commute could actually become a sanctuary? A time for calm, reflection, and presence, rather than stress and frustration?

    Welcome to the concept of The Mindful Commute, a shift in how we approach getting from point A to B that can transform traffic into tranquility.

    I don't know how many times in the last few years my kids or husband have mentioned my road rage to me. Not road rage as aggressive or dangerous just getting mad or irritated with the people driving around me. To be fair, the main source of frustration is the parent drop off and pick up lines, if you've been in them you know. Yet, I am still determined to reign in my frustrations and attempt to find peace in an otherwise stressful situation. A situation I am in every morning, and afternoon like most everyone.

    The first step toward a mindful commute is reframing how we view it. Instead of seeing the commute as a bad time or stressful, think of it as uninterrupted time that belongs to you. Whether you're driving, biking, walking, or taking the train, it’s a rare slice of your day when no one expects anything from you except maybe staying in your lane.

    This time can be used for intentional stillness or mindful movement. With a shift in mindset, even gridlock can become a gentle reminder to slow down.

Breathe Between the Brakes

    Yes, literally. Breath is one of the most accessible mindfulness tools available—and you don’t have to be on a yoga mat to use it.

Try this simple practice while sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic:

Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4

Hold the breath for 4

Exhale through your mouth for a count of 6

Repeat a few times, gently focusing your attention on the rhythm of your breath

This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce stress and calm your mind, no incense required.

Turn Off the Noise or Change It

    Not all background noise is created equal. News alerts, aggressive morning DJs, or back-to-back true crime podcasts might be keeping your nervous system on high alert without you even realizing it.

Consider swapping those out for:

• Mindful podcasts or audiobooks that inspire calm or curiosity
• 
  
• Nature sounds or instrumental music
• 
  
• Guided meditations designed for drivers (yes, they exist!)
• 
  
• Or simply silence

Sometimes, just turning off the radio can feel like opening a window in your mind.

Observe Without Judging

Notice how often your inner dialogue during your commute sounds like this:

“Ugh, why is this person driving so slow?”

“If I miss this light, I’m going to lose it.”

“Why didn’t I leave earlier?!”

Now try this instead: become the observer. Watch your thoughts without feeding them. That driver isn’t your enemy. That red light isn’t personal. Traffic isn’t a failure.

The practice of non-judgmental awareness helps build emotional resilience far beyond the road.

Micro-Gratitude Moments

    Gratitude is a proven mood-shifter, and your commute can be a great time to practice. Try silently naming 3 things you’re grateful for before arriving at your destination.

Examples:

“I’m grateful my car started this morning.”

“I’m thankful for this hot coffee in my cup holder.”

“I appreciate the sunrise I get to see on the way.”

Small things, noticed deeply, can shift the entire tone of your day.

Remember to breath, consciously.

Tune the sounds around you to what will be calm and soothing for you.

Mindful Commute Spotify Picks

• Mindful Moments. A serene, instrumental playlist featuring artists like Nils Frahm and Max Richter, perfect for tuning into the present while traveling.
• Morning Commute. A long mix blending mellow and upbeat tracks to carry you through a busy day smoothly.
• Happy Drive. Pop-infused, positive tunes guaranteed to uplift your mood behind the wheel.
• Relaxing Driving Classics. Timeless favorites like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Summer Breeze” by The Isley Brothers, and “One Love” by Bob Marley to center your mind with a dose of nostalgia and calm.
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Podcast / Episode Duration Best For

• Commuter Challenge.  4–5 minutes Busy mornings needing a quick boost
• Zen Commuter. 15 minutes Meditative guidance for drivers
• Mindful Travel Meditations. 5–15 minutes Deepening presence while traveling
• Commute Like a Warrior.  4 minutes Building focus and resilience
• Go Slow to Go Fast. “Commuting Chronicles” ~21 minutes Reflection and intention-setting
• Meditative Story Weekly. (varied) Narrative-driven mindfulness
• Community picks. Varied Popular, well-rounded options

I have 2 playlists on youtube that I created and use often.

Kids morning

I made this playlist based off of my kids favorite songs and over the last few years it has changed and grown so there is a vast range of music on this one.

Positive music 

I created this playlist for manifesting things and also helping to de-stress when life gets overwhelming.

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.

Dalai Lama

    Commuting isn’t exactly most people’s favorite part of the day. Between bumper-to-bumper traffic, honking horns, and the occasional existential crisis while waiting for the light to turn green, the daily commute can feel like time lost to chaos.

    Your daily drive (or ride, or walk) doesn’t have to be a mindless ritual. It can be a mobile meditation, a journey inwards as much as it is outwards.

    In a world that’s always rushing, the mindful commute is a rebellious act of stillness. It’s a reminder that peace isn’t found at the end of the road—it’s available right here, between the lines and behind the wheel.

So next time you find yourself in traffic, don’t just wait.

Breathe. Notice. Be.

 

Set your course

 Why Positivity Isn't About Being Happy 

All the Time

    There is a misconception about positivity and that it means you have to be happy all of the time. Smile through everything no matter how bad or hard life is getting. Ignore the pain and bad things. 

    

But that's not what positivity means.

    Often people who exhibit toxic positivity push the narrative to be happy, sunshine and rainbows all of the time. Mind you, being happy isn't a bad thing, it's great actually. But the reason why positivity isn't about being happy all of the time, is simply put that happiness is a mood or emotion but positivity is a mindset. You can choose your mindset. You can persevere and push through the hard times with a positive mindset even if you are experiencing negative situations and emotions like sadness, fear or anger. Having a positive mindset is like setting your course towards your end goal, the emotions you experience are just signals and reactions to obstacles that are there for you to over come. 

    It's important to understand the difference between happiness and positivity because although they are similar, they are different.  It's like using the same color and shade of a chalk and a marker. The ink from the marker is set once it hits the paper but the chalk isn't. If you let your emotions run your life you'll run in circles. Like sailing a ship after a butterfly. Constantly getting lost because the directions constantly change, fade, or smear like the chalk. Yet by setting your course to a star, your goal, you can navigate around the rocks, eddies and storms in your path. It doesn't waver. A positive mindset is long term with decision and control, reframing challenges, and seeking growth even in difficulties. While happiness is an emotion, that is short term which comes and goes.

    It's important to implement this in your daily life because running your life simply on the basis of your emotions, you have no set direction. There is no order or peace because you relinquish the helm and let your emotions steer. If you have the idea that you have to be happy to achieve your goal or to manifest what you want in life, then your manifestations will waiver, always. By adopting a positive mindset it allows you to experience the your emotions in life while not pulling you off course and losing control. Choosing a positive mindset can help navigate the negative stuff quicker and easier. You're less likely to spiral in the negative. Allowing emotions to guide you, you will have no clear direction. Also, chasing happiness is like chasing butterflies, fleeting and unpredictable. Chasing a star and choosing a positive mindset allows you to see the bigger picture, find the silver linings, and continue on your course.

Tools for Practicing Positivity

• Gratitude journaling 

• Reframing negative thoughts 

• Affirmations 

• Surrounding yourself with uplifting people 

• Practicing mindfulness 

Tools for Cultivating Happiness

• Savoring small joys (good meal, nature walk, laughter) 

• Acts of kindness 

• Pursuing hobbies or passions 

• Celebrating small wins 

• Engaging in social connection 

Choosing a positive mindset each day

• Set your goal and intention when you first wake up.

• Being mindful and present in each moment

• Anytime events or emotions knock you off course readjust

• Don't get stuck in a whirlpool of negative thinking, reframe the situation and move forward.

• Appreciate and have gratitude for the progress you made through out your day.

• Rinse and Repeat.

    I have found setting my intentions for the day help tremendously with setting the tone, expectations and energy for the day. Choosing to being mindful and in the moment helps when life throws something at me. It allows me to continue to see the full picture and not spiral into fear and what ifs.  If my negative emotions take over, I give myself time and space to bring myself back to calm. Give myself grace and love because I am only human. Being grateful for the good things in my day, and in my life.

    

    Remember a positive mindset is long-term, sustainable. It’s more about how you approach life. Happiness is short-term, fleeting. Feelings rise and fall. Both are great but they are not the same. Chase the star not the butterfly.

"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."

-Zig Ziglar

    Are you chasing butterflies or stars? What does your life look like? Do you let your emotions run your life or do you decide where you're going and what you're doing in spite of the situations around you and the emotions brewing within you?

    I encourage you to be brave and stay the course to your goals and dreams. Be optimistic and positive in your journey, regardless of what obstacles and emotions come upon your path. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Get you free Positivity Worksheet here!