sometimes it just takes a shift ...

I'm beginning my blog in a way I didn't anticipate. This is because I allow my mind to shift directions. I respond to curiosity and I love to mentally wander. A moment ago, I "googled" a man's name. I wanted to learn more about him, because I was going to share something he said with all of you. I wanted to express this morning how in the few days since getting my adoption referral my mind and heart have shifted in new directions and experienced so many new emotions. My google search turned up a website called Shift, Make Your Move  and now three minutes later, I'm enjoying that excitement that comes from reading something new and discovering words that instantly resonate with you.

Make time today to visit this site and read about the visionary woman behind this game and this philosophy. I love what she says about her purpose:

We have no interest in promoting any specific way of thinking. Our interest is only in empowering you to see the thoughts you are thinking and recognize that you can control those thoughts. It is our willingness to see things differently that can change our reality.

and that is what I really want to share. Our reality is simply our perception and the more willing we are to entertain new ideas and perceive our world in different ways, the more we grow and expand what is real.

I have a daughter.

It will take months to bring her home, but I know already that she is as much a part of me as my biological sons are. I saw her newborn picture for the first time on Monday. I tried to be aware of my very first thought, so I could write it down for her, and this is it:

Seeing isn't believing -- I already loved the idea of you and I already knew you belonged with me. That assurance came during a phone conversation with your father, as he read your referral information to me. You were meant to be in our family. There is no doubt in my mind. You are beautiful, but that doesn't change how I feel about you. I can't wait to meet you in person.

My intended Wednesday's Words, were these:

Dont' go with the flow. You are the flow.
                                                        Sugi Tanaka

If it's been awhile since you experienced a "shift" in your thinking and in your reality. I'm challenging you to do something about it. Do something before 2006 ends that will change the flow of your life. Read a book, Make a phone call, Write a letter -- it doesn't have to be huge, just reach out to life in a way you haven't yet done and see what happens. If nothing else, you'll feel more creative and you'll be better able to recognize opportunities for growth in the future.

This is creativity you know -- experiencing life in novel ways and opening yourself up to new thoughts (have you read Angie's article in the September/October issue of Simple yet?) Creativity is the key to finding solutions in your life. Whether it's designing a scrapbook layout or repairing a damaged relationship. If you didn't take my creativity class at Big Picture Scrapbooking the first time around and you'd like to learn more about true creativity, I invite you to sign up!

And I just have to say how wonderful you all are -- thank you so much for your comments and thoughtful words. I have read each and every one and I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community of friends.

I'm off to spend the day with my kids and prepare a package to send to our new baby girl --
enjoy.