The Growing Soul

This, 100% real words to live by! 🍁 Happy first Sunday of Fall…I hope your day is infused with only the things that fills your heart & frees your soul.

🧡 – Alison



🐞 thanks to my soul tribe sister, , for sharing this photo.

old photo • recent journaling:

Reaching this point of acceptance that I need to dig a little deeper, to sift out the chaff of what I really want to do, sit a little stiller to hear my heart and open myself to cleaning “house” so I know the way.

Grateful that I now have space to do so and am embracing the shift in seasons.

—•—

Sometimes you need to go back to a home base, a creative space and make a real fresh start.

Transitioning is never easy, never solid footing, if you’re dragging old “baggage” everywhere – limiting beliefs, self doubt, procrastination, you name it.

Fall is the perfect time to sit for a spell, making space to let go of the chaff and find your golden kernels of truth.

🌾 – Alison
9.23.2023

Light your candles. Turn on your favorite music. Drink water. Draw something, even if it’s just a doodle. Read your book. Take a hot bath. Go to bed early.

— My Favorite Evening Mantra

There’s something to be said for watching the clouds go by!

That’s my code for taking a break to sit in some outdoor space and think things through. It was a [mostly] foreign concept until a few years back and took awhile for my brain to handle sitting still for…but I’m pretty fluent in it now. 😉

What do I want? Where do I want to go? What do I want to do? How do I want to get there? How can I do it better?

These are some typical “cloud watching” considerations and sorting through them in the great outdoors is a truly beneficial practice.

Today was definitely one of those conscious considerations day; I’m really grateful for the clouds that helped me do it!

We can only take life one day at a time…but it’s what we do each day that matters!

Intentional living is key when you’re trying to reach a goal and making a mark on every calendar space will make results happen consistently.

While now is the only moment we can count on, doing our best with each moment we’re given quickly adds up to reaching our goals faster.

For me, making the effort to map out a solid—and realistic!—plan each week helps me stay focused on what I intend to do, no matter what moment I may find myself in.

(Read: just over here doing my best to keep my darling mentalpausal brain on track…lol!)

Here’s one of my favorite weekly planning tips that doesn’t get shared enough though: give yourself some daily “don’t do” moments as well. These designated spaces can be used for reading, creative projects, or just plain ol’ “sit still and watch the clouds go by” time. You know, things that are really good for the soul!

How is your to-do list looking for this week and what time management techniques help you the most?

Fresh peach slices in my oatmeal (which is laced with raisins, chia seeds, cinnamon, applesauce & a sprinkle of palm sugar), hot coffee in my cup, a sweet healthy drink in my favorite glass & a book I’m immersing myself in fully…the perfect way to take a break this slow Sunday morning!

Nourishment is important; being wise about what we choose to intake is more important.

How are you feeding your body & soul today?

Eight’s been great…but the next chapter is going to be even better.

I never imagined loving the whole structure of single life at this age but it’s been way more wonderful than I expected!

(Don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard also…the joys just far outweigh the tough stuff.)

Eight years seems like a milestone to start an even better story on now…I feel great anticipation for what’s coming, with wide open possibilities on the road ahead.

If you are experiencing challenges due to unexpected singleness or a deteriorating relationship, feel free to contact me…I’m always happy to help a sister be stronger!

🧡

Advice from a chronic overbooker? Please don’t take this to mean that you need to do ALL of the things, more!!

Actually, I highly recommend that you do less, and stop doing anything that doesn’t bring you joy, feed your health, passions or purpose.

That street-crossing mantra we were taught as children really applies here: stop, look & listen.

If your life feels like insanity, stop to look at what’s not working for you and really listen to your heart about those things. For example:

🛑 Stop packing your schedule so tight that the slightest disruption puts your day in a tailspin.

🛑 Stop sitting in a job that drains your soul.

🛑 Stop investing in a relationship that offers no positive balance or returns for you.

🛑 Stop putting off that idea or project that really puts a spark in your step just thinking about it.

🛑 Stop ignoring your body and what it needs, thinking you’ll have time to tend to it later.

🛑 Stop piling so much on your plate that you have no appetite for living.

Because living with any—or all—of those means you’re constantly at risk of doing things halfheartedly or haphazardly, which ultimately makes you miserable.

Believe me on that, if you haven’t already figured it out for yourself!

Here’s my 2nd best piece of advice:

🛑 Stop thinking life is a competition and that you’re always behind.

You’re only behind, sister, if you’re not doing for yourself first.

Releasing what doesn’t work to make more time for what does is the very best gift you can ever give yourself (and everyone and everything around you)!!

Once you stop trying to do all of the things, or less of what doesn’t fit you, the more time you can spend focusing on what fills and fuels you.

You’ll not only end up with more time to do more things that make you happy, you’ll also open yourself up to more calmness in your life, which can lead to more creativity, opportunities, financial and life gains.

Trust me, that “stop, look and listen” is well worth your time…and the best time to do it is now.

Red light, green light, stop and go do more for you!

Coffee in my favorite cup ✔️
Journal & book I love ✔️
Planner & pens ✔️
Notebook & more pens ✔️
Sunshine on my patio ✔️

Checklist for a perfect morning. 💛🩵

Things that make me go, “hmmm”!

Mel Robbins has a reel up asking people to normalize not going out to eat to connect with friends because you spend $100 on “crap” food and wine.

The comments were pretty enlightening: some agree but a lot of us like to eat out and the food industry would like us to continue in that direction…especially women-owned or small restaurants!!

It made me think though…I’m all about supporting local and am incredibly grateful that we have a variety of eateries with healthy options and affordable dining. (Come to Bonners Ferry, , we’ll show you a fun time for less $! 😘)

But I also understand where she was going with her message because she continued on to say: think about grabbing a friend and going for a walk or to garage sales, run errands together, anything that can bring you connection, with a lower price tag!

(I do think she lost a point for suggesting we go to Target together…y’all, I’m too easily out of control when I shop at Target by myself, let alone add peer pressure to the mix!!! 🫣 lol)

So let’s talk about making time for connection; what are your favorite things to do with your BFF(s)…especially those of us who live in a small town with limited options!?!

Are you a wine & dine pair?
Do you go shop until you drop together?
Or do you have some creative other-than-spending-money options for growing your friendships?

I’d love to hear your feedback on friend activities that leave both your heart and your bank balance filled!!

Share your favorite or most memorable friend’s dates—bonus points for creativity!!—and to keep it fun, I’m going to give a prize to one person & their BFF for my favorite answer.

Just a reminder that the best day to get things done is today and the best time to do it is right now.

Being present in the now is sometimes a challenge when you’re wedged between what happened in the past and what could happen in the future.

My grandma had a little sign in her house that said, “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

Do you know how many yesterdays I wasted worrying about what was going to happen tomorrow and then when tomorrow was today, nothing I worried about came to be?!!?

(That made me tired just writing it!)

The Bible even points out that worrying doesn’t add a minute to our lives…and I would expand on that to add that it can also make our minutes and lives miserable in the process.

So I think our ol’ buddy Buddha says it best: what we do today–in the present tense, sense, moment–that matters most of all.

Do your best today and let tomorrow dawn bright and worry-free. You can live it the best that you can, right as it happens!

My journal quote for today:

The bad news is time flies.
The good news is you’re the pilot.

If you know me, you know that I love to travel…and one of my biggest regrets is not taking an opportunity to get my pilot’s license when I was 19.

Ugh, a pilot’s license for almost FREE…& I picked a boyfriend!! 🤦🏼‍♀️

To be fair, I made the choice that seemed best then + I did get two beautiful children out of that route, so no regrets there!

Later, after my kids heard this story, to appease their appalled little souls, I said I’d get the dang pilot’s license by the time I was 40.

Nope, didn’t do that either. Life put bigger things on my radar like a mortgage, bills, a partner who had other ideas of where our $ should go while I was busy juggling a crazy mom/work/life schedule.

But seriously, at some point I could’ve made the license happen if I’d made it a priority. I had time; I just chose to use it differently & didn’t make the most of the time I had.

(And no, I haven’t ruled out becoming a pilot…but I know it’s going to cost me a LOT more now than it would’ve in 1985!!)

Here’s my point: You make choices every single minute of every single day on how you’re going to spend your time…when you’re young, it seems infinite. Like you’re five miles in on a west-to-east coast flight.

When you’re 58, it seems a lot more limited, like you just flew over the Mississippi & the drink cart is getting put away!

Yes, time flies. When you’re my age, you wonder why you didn’t spend it more wisely. (I know, hindsight is always 20/20.)

But now I know it’s never too late to start making the most of your time. You’re never too old to change your course, map a new route, learn a new skill or upgrade to a better “plane”!

I’ve intentionally sat on the runway rerouting my life, purging things that don’t pertain to my journey. The peace and joy I’ve found from doing so is PRICELESS!

Time goes by whether you’re living the life you want or not & believe me, there is nothing more miserable than wasting time living a life that’s not lined up the way YOU want to live.

You’re the pilot. Time flies. Want to use it better? Let’s make it happen.

Good morning from my happy place!

When I bought this house 7 years ago, the backyard was a dismal mix of lumpy stump mounds and spotty patches of grass. There were no flowers, garden or pretty spaces for me to hang out in.

Cue Pinterest!! And one very determined woman…lol.

My backyard now contains beautiful flower beds and garden boxes. I’ve got strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and a thriving rhubarb plant. I’ve planted more vegetables than ever and chuckle at the little girl in me who wants to go check every day to see if they’re growing yet!

There’s a hand-built patio with concrete pieces from an old silo (fun conversation piece but manhandling those heavy blocks multiple times almost killed me).

While I have more to do, I LOVE my happy place and am proud of everything I’ve accomplished.

Here’s what I didn’t have to do all of this work: money (for the first two years my budget was $0!), a man, a truck, proper tools or skills to tackle a project of this size.

Here’s my point: I didn’t have those things but I still got it done!! While I was stubborn about not asking for help (read: dumb thing to be stubborn about), I asked a lot of questions and figured out how to resourcefully get what I wanted done!

I was 52 when I started this project which is added proof that you’re never too old to learn new things or limited by gender from doing hard things.

It’s helped having a mother who’s accomplished so many great things in both her career and her own yard after she became single in her mid-40’s.

I’ve watched my sister power through deep grief in her unexpected journey into widowhood while still raising her son, working full time AND operating a gorgeous, thriving flower farm/business!

I’ve also been gifted with strong, talented female role models in my sister-in-law, aunts, cousins, coworkers and friends.

Seeing women do great things inspires me to never stop trying or believing that I can’t do more, harder, better!!

What’s on your dream to-do list? And what’s holding you back from getting it done? Let’s talk because I am the queen of resources and resourcefulness!

This, all of this, I cannot emphasize enough how important this is!!

Do it. Curate your life. Cut the crap, including the exuses. ESPECIALLY the excuses. Ditch whatever drags you down.

While you’re doing that, think about what you really love, what brings you joy and feeds your passion. Make a list and swear on all that is holy that that is ALL you will keep, do, live for and with all of your days. (They’re limited!!)

Need help making the purge and taking the plunge? Want to get past the “buts, what ifs, and I don’t knows”? I’m a Transitional Life Mapper & Goal Coach, I help women curate the life of their dreams, to live better, braver and bolder.

Depending on where you’re at, six to twelve months of working with me will get you living a life you’ve only imagined (and then some 😘). C’mon, call me; I’m excited to see you find your freedom!

On Mondays, I plan (or anytime I’m on a plane heading home, lol!) because planning motivates me!

I strategically keep this day open as my “let’s look at life” day so I know what’s on my plate to manage or what needs to be dealt with in the week ahead.

Sometimes I let this be a day when I also catch up on things that I didn’t finish the week before or things that got missed or piled up over the weekend (clutter, laundry, etc.)!

Today it’s finishing up my calendars for April–I have four that I write out: 2 whiteboards for my office & fridge, my planner and the art one that I create.

On 3 of them, I’ve listed a topic for each Monday that I want to focus on: first of the month, marketing, business growth, finances & taxes so I know what I need to prepare for.

(Last week, I mapped out content calendars for the month of April for each of my social media clients and this page so that’s done and greatly simplifies that side of my life!)

I’ve got a couple of invoices and some notes to send + coaching client outlines to create.

I’ve also been chewing on a couple of feeling-good-so-far ideas, rolling a problem around in my head and planning research for my businesses. Lots of deep thinking today!

And I don’t know about you but my best deep thinking time often happens when I’m staring out the window, walking, or, like today, working on a painting that I’m designing for a class this Friday.

Creativity and movement always open the trajectory for good ideas or solutions to roll into place!

How do your Mondays look? Are you a planner or do you fly by the seat of your pants and hope for the best? What’s your favorite organizational strategy if you do have one?

If Mondays are crazy (or any day for that matter!) and you don’t love them them or are looking for more sanity in your life, please bring it to the table!

I’d love to open circles of conversation on any situations/topics that are robbing our motivation and/or joy…pm me or post in the comments below and let’s talk about it!!

Happy Monday, happy week.

HEY!! It’s the last day of March and here we are, at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

How are you doing on your goals that you set for this year? Crushing them? Limping along? Ummm, what goals, Alison?!?

If you’re crushing, congratulations! I’d love to hear about your wins.

If you’re limping along, let me know and I’d be happy to be your accountability partner!

No goals? It’s never too late to set some…matter of fact, centuries ago, the Spring Equinox was considered the time to set intentions for the year ahead. So you’re just a few days behind! 😉

How am I doing? My walking goal for March was 75 miles; I finished the month at 80.25.

I wanted to have my tax paperwork turned into my tax lady by the end of March; I signed on the dotted line today and they’re allllll done!

My business is more organized, I made good traction on some projects AND I took a 12 day vacation to spend with family.

That’s just March, y’all!

Have a vision for what you’d like to accomplish this year but need help getting organized and on your way? Already heading in that direction but could use some consistent motivation or accountability?

Let’s talk…I’m a transitional life & goal coach who would dearly love to help you get clear, focused and moving in your best direction!!!

Almost forgot to post my creative calendar page for March!! 🍀

I’ve been feeling pretty darn lucky so decided to express my gratitude by crafting a dimensional shamrock in honor of St Patrick’s Day & my [slightly diluted] Irish roots!

It’s made of torn art paper infused with watercolor ink + a sea glass bead center + copper wire + watercolor, pen & ink borders.

Pushing myself to create pieces that are more inventive and challenge me artistically has been a lot of fun!

Happy Spring Equinox!

Today's the day that our sun balances over earth just right, giving us equal hours of light and dark. In the northern hemisphere, we start the shift towards longer days and warmer temps...a perfect balance that transitions us into the beautiful Spring season.

(I don't think I'm the only one here saying "Hallelujah!"!!)

Balance has been on my mind lately. I've been pondering it as we near the end of the first quarter of 2023, finding it equally useful and needed when looking at my progress so far.

Here's where I've found balance to be useful:
· in my health journey. I've been working on a balance of exercises, walking and dietary adjustments to keep on track so I can elevate my fitness.
· in my schedule. I'm still intentionally committed to not overbooking myself so I can keep a better balance with my work and personal life.
· in my financial strategies. I know this is one area that I want to focus on all year so I do my best to keep my finances tracked and spending balanced.

Here's where I need to find more balance:
· in managing my schedule . Figured out that my planner/trackers weren't working so I'm experimenting with systems to find one that's better at balancing all of my bits.
· in my level of self-expectation. I had a breakthrough on this topic recently and after giving myself a break, I'm putting my to-do lists together with more realistic balance so I can finish my tasks without overwhelming myself.
· in areas that bring me joy. I love to be creative and read, yet I will spiral down a social media rabbit hole before I pick up a brush or book any day. I'm resetting my goal to balance free time so I scroll less and create or read more!

How's the balance in your world? Are you staying on track with your 2023 goals or managing daily life? Is there an area where you feel that you need more balance or a struggle that you have finding it?

I always think we learn more when we talk with others so if you're feeling off balanced, please reach out to me or share your frustrations in the comments below.

Happy Women’s Day!

If you’ve ever felt diminished, discouraged or weak, remember that we women have kept the world populated & powered for centuries.

Single-handedly, one woman can do amazing things…collectively, we are unstoppable!

Happy today & every day to all the women in my world…I am grateful, proud & impressed with every single one of you.

Can’t think of a better way to live!

Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday & don’t forget to always let your beautiful light shine. 💡

I remember when I was 17, a woman in her 30's called my parent's house one day and asked for me. Turned out that she was struggling with something and wanted to talk to me about it!

After being her sounding board for over an hour, I hung up and my Mom looked up from her book to ask me a question that I'll never forget:

“Did Ann Landers die?"

Maybe you don't remember but Ann Landers & her twin sister, Abigail, were well-known advice columnists who dished out daily solutions to people's problems for decades. My mom's point was that this wasn't the first time I'd given my time to listen to people and help them find a solution, just as Ann & Abby did in the newspaper. And it didn't end there, that's for sure!

My calling. I knew for ages that I wanted to help people but it took me a long time to be brave enough to step into it. I knew I COULD, but I let fear hold me back. I made excuses, waited for the right time, tried other jobs until—with some pointed help from friends—I finally accepted what was clearly written on the wall:

I was already my own version of Ann Landers...I just needed to honor that and move into my role as a coach!

My point is that for many people, it can take time or experience to know exactly what your calling is all about. Sometimes you have to try on different hats before you find the right fit. Maybe you feel called in another direction after time or change your mind completely.

Sometime obstacles (real or assumed) hold you back from making your calling a reality and this is where I can help!

I've taken the experiences + lessons learned along my way to create the foundation for my coaching. My map through transition is useful for anyone who needs to overcome obstacles or find a clearer way though life's challenging landscapes to get to where they want to be.

Learn from me. If you feel trapped, stuck or worried about the unknowns, trust me when I say it doesn’t have to be so hard or take so long. By working together, we'll figure out where you're going and create an intentionally designed plan to get you there faster.

I love my life. I want you to love yours.

Consistency — I had every reason to skip my walk tonight: it snowed this morning, it was icy, it was late, it was 20°.

My irrational brain said “Screw that, I’m staying home where it’s safe and warm until it’s safe and warm out there!”

My rational brain said, “C’mon, you said you wanted to try walking every day this week and you’re going to quit on Tuesday?!?”

Rational brain reminded me that a.) I feel so much better after I walk, and b.) There was snow/ice/cold last month and I didn’t let that stop me then.

So I didn’t let that stop me today.

What’s a goal that challenges your motivation levels and how do you stay consistent?!?

A friend shared in a group text that today was National “The Family You Choose” Day. It was a pleasant drop in the bucket of my morning, to be reminded I have some super sweet extra sisters out there.

To be honest, I’ve been pretty blessed in the family department–biological and chosen–for which I’m immensely grateful…even though I’ve joked occasionally that we put the fun in dysfunctional, and maybe a time or two, I wasn’t quite joking. (Ha ha!)

Here’s the deal though, family dynamics can be tricky and sometimes, dysfunction is way more of a challenge than you’d like to let on.

If your family damages or diminishes you or drags you into cesspools of drama, you have the right to make the choice of stepping away and setting some super solid boundaries. (If you need help taking that step, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance!)

If your family is estranged or isn’t as connected as you’d like them to be, you can choose to design a family “circle” that, on the outside, might look a little unorthodox but on inside the circle, it nourishes your heart and soul.

This “family you choose” could be friends, coworkers or neighbors but be selective. Look for people who add good, healthy energy to your circle and are willing to bring positivity to the table. (Food, wine and/or a barrel of laughs are also acceptable offerings!!)

If your family is normal–or bears a strong semblance to normal!–plus you have a whole bunch of “extra” family, choose to be grateful because you’ve got something that many people only dream of having.

And be sure to collect some super sweet extra sisters (or brothers) along the way to keep you going when the going gets tough…or when life needs some spice!

To the family of my choosing, thank you all so much for being part of my tribe…I appreciate every single one of you, today and every day. 🫶🏻

Happy Single Awareness Day

My first thought when I learned that this was a thing was, "Gee, the day after Valentine's Day...thanks a lot."

And then I realized Valentine's Day candy is 50% off now so my "thanks a lot" got real, fast!!

A self love holiday with discounted chocolate and cheap flowers? Ummm, YES, please!

Ha ha. I'm not going to lie though, Valentine's Day can really suck when you're single...especially if you believe Hallmark movie norms of "LOVE"— i.e. you've got to get flowers/candy/jewelry/wined & dined or your state of "LOVE" is pitiful.

Well, reality check here: life is (rarely) movie-quality and even with the best of "happily ever" intentions, you can still end up in a state of singleness.

The best single [self] awareness gift is: change your mindset so that "LOVE" is a nearly constant state where you are happy & content within YOUR self, without the sappy, often unrealistic romance story that Hallmark tries to sell us.

I know, being suddenly single isn't easy, especially if it's unexpected + there can be hard obstacles to handle in the beginning (living situation, finances, all the details tied to getting a divorce, etc).

The top 2 things to learn first are: 1.) be OK with being alone and 2.) fall 100% in love with yourself.

And let me tell you, once you master those 2 steps and start building life as YOU want to live it, solo living can be pretty wonderful!

(If you feel stuck in a pity pool and want out so you can get started on the right/best track, please contact me! I would love to help you avoid some/most/all of my mistakes and be a support to you during this challenging time.)

What are some of the Single Life benefits?

You can breathe, be creative, learn something new, travel, spend time with family & friends, go where you want, do what you want, say what you want, wear what you want, live how you want...you just need to be brave and believe in yourself.

Because what Miley Cyrus says is true, we CAN buy ourselves flowers....and 50% off candy!

 It’s the LOVE month!!

I said I would share my hand-crafted calendar page each month, for two reasons:

1. I vowed to make a page for all 12 months this year. (This is my 3rd attempt…I. Will. Succeed!!) so I’m sharing here for accountability. (Seriously, if there’s a month I don’t share, call. me. out!!)

2. Making art makes me happy and I want to do more of what makes me genuinely happy in 2023.

So with that said, here is my “love”-themed page for February! I had great fun with these tiny hanging hearts, even as I struggled to get those little pieces to stay put!

There’s real joy though in figuring out new/better skills to achieve a higher sense of accomplishment, even for smaller projects.

It’s also helpful to have a tangible visual to remind you of your commitment throughout the month. I love making my calendar pages meaningful or creating a vision board for this purpose.

It is also handy to have a friend or community to share your goals with and ask them to be your accountability partner! (I’m alllllll about that, let’s talk if you need someone to be yours!)

What’s on your calendar for this month? Do you have a new skill that you’re trying to master or have a commitment that you want to keep?

February can be a tough month as winter drags on here but if you want to make it one you love, I’m happy to help you find ways to make that happen.