itiwjm read-along - chapter 3 tgif

It seems like all of my projects are intersecting today: our read-along, the wholeheARTed giveaways, and TGIF. Intersections often mark sacred ground and this certainly feels special to me!

T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not.

Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know that they are fleeting.

A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable.

I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration. Every Friday, I'm going to try to be deliberate and mindful about what I'm trusting, what I'm grateful for, and what's inspiring me. Won't you join me!

Giveaway!

I'm so excited to celebrate this special "intersection" day with an amazing giveaway from my good friend Kelly Rae Roberts. Kelly is definitely a woman who lives and loves with her WholeHeart. She's also a brave shame resilience warrior. I love that we're celebrating with her wonderful art today.

We're giving away 5 (yes, that's five) limited edition prints of her WholeHearted painting - a painting done especially for the wholeheARTed movement. The prints will arrived signed, numbered, and matted (ready to frame). All you have to do to win is leave a comment telling us:

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?

I'll randomly choose 5 winners from the comment section on Monday morning! If you're doing TGIF on your blog and you leave us the link, that counts too!.

My TGIF: We're spending a few days in the Texas Hill Country right now (one of my favorite places on earth).

I'm trusting the lessons of nature today - slow is OK - there's a time for everything - you can be overwhelmed by beauty if you just get still and open your eyes.

I'm grateful for outdoor time with my family.

I'm inspired by the really small moments like sitting on the porch with Steve after the kids go down and seeing a million stars in the sky . . . watching Ellen collect fossils . . . watching Charlie hunt for armadillo tracks.

And . . . I'm SO excited and inspired about this!!! Congrats to Shutter Sisters, Jen Lemen and Stephanie Roberts! Thank you for voting and hoping!

Happy TGIF everyone! Here's to reading-along and living and loving with our WholeHearts!

Update on Monday, April 27, 2009 by Brené Brown

Congrats to the following winners!

Jennifer (post 16)

Dawn (post 144)

Paper and Pearls (post 53)

Katie C. (post 78)

Meg B. (post 74)

I've sent y'all emails! Please respond so we can get these beautiful prints to you!

A huge thanks to everyone who participated! I think we're sending good energy into the world!

Comments

[Breana]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I am trusting myself to make it through the last week and a half of the term (I'm a phd student!) and trusting the voice that is coming out in my writing--it's a good, valid voice, with important ideas to share.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
My husband and children--without them, this journey wouldn't be half so joyful.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
These podcasts! I'm getting caught up, listening and writing papers at the same time, and it's amazing how much inspiration I'm finding that relates to my field (education). So, thank you!

[Savor It]

I am trusting that I will eventually learn to live in the present moment. That I will someday realize that my never-ending to-do list is actually MY LIFE and not just things to check off and get done, in the anticipation of the next thing. Trying to slow down a bit and enjoy.

I am so grateful for my husband, my son and my wonderful family and the many amazing moments we have had so far. Just browsing photos from the past 8 years (trying to clean up my iPhoto (!), and realizing how truly truly blessed I really am.

I am inspired by the collective talent of women artists, who find time to create amidst daily pressures and life challenges. I look forward to seeing this documentary: http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/. Anyone seen it yet? If so, what did you think?

[steff]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I am trusting the process, accepting that I will have fits and starts but this process is moving me forward.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
A couple of my very dear friends here, and the support I get from my connections with them.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Bela Fleck's trip to Africa...saw his film Throw Down Your Heart and I've been listening to the CD non-stop. I'm inspired by the creative joy expressed in the music, how the musicians embody courage in their voices. How the people in the film incorporated music into everything they do. http://www.throwdownyourheart.com/

Especially Oumani Sangare - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcc3BN_FGJM

[Lee-Ann]

I am trusting myself a little more. I am grateful for my super kids! They surprise me everyday with who they came into this world as. I am inspired by artists big and small. Especially some of the new ones I'm finding on Flickr and the blog sphere. Maybe I can be one, too.

[Sweetie]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
God! I am so trusting that God has me where I am to be, whispering what to do each part of my day if I simply listen!

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for a beautiful sunshiney day, a family that loves me as I am, and a garden to get my fingers dirty in!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Brene Brown, Claudette , the stepmomcoach....of coachingsteps.com And every one who has made it their passion to help other people grow!

.

[debbi]

1. what/who are you trusting today? I am trusting myself that honesty is the best policy and will not be deterred by others that think stretching the truth to be politically correct is the way to go.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am grateful for this beautiful day.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? www.firstourselves.com for great articles in self-care.

[Lis]

1. Who/What are you trusting today?
I am trusting Flow. Instead of trying to control the day, a slave to the "must-do" lists, I am going to let the day unfold at its own pace and do what I feel inspired to do. It is my day with my daughter and I'll let our union carry the day ... we may start at the garden center, buying the soil we need to plant seeds she received for Easter and who knows where we will end up? The park? The kitchen making art? A pillow fortress in the basement? Yes, trust flow and just Play.

2. Who/What are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for all the inspiration that has seemingly flowed into my life after a long, frozen winter. I am grateful for this Read Along; grateful for the art camp I am doing with my daughter (truly, it is more about encouraging my inner Child); and grateful for this beautiful day and the chance to be fully immersed in it.

3. Who/what is inspiring you today?
So many creative women have appeared in my life and their sense of play and joy has been inspiring me to tap into my own wellspring of creativity and joy. And I am inspired by my rescue dog of 1 week who is showing me nothing but love, trust, wagging tail and the deep peace from napping whenever possible! Have a great weekend and thank you thank you thank you!

[Emilyt]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I'm trusting myself. That I can bring myself through the day without giving in to the stress of the work environment.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I'm grateful for this blog - it has brought my thoughts to a place of awareness & connection to my actions. (Thanks!)

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? I'm inspired by my community and their willingness to give back. Fellow PTA members have organized a makeover for the teacher's lounge, a luncheon, and several small gifts for the staff at my daughter's school. It's all about acknowledgement and appreciation. The amount of time, ideas, and effort going into all of that is inspiring. A small group can really make a big impact!

[Jo]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
Myself. Listening to the last podcast just last night I finally discovered my main shame trigger. My heart thumps just thinking about it. I trust myself not to run away but to keep working on shame resilience.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
That I will be 46 this weekend. Many people I know or know of have passed away before they should have this year. 46 feels ancient to me but I'm eternally grateful that I am still here and that even just today, new opportunities are landing at my feet.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
The itiwjm podcasts.
The sunshine on my face.
My dogs.
The future.
This link via @jenlemen: http://tinyurl.com/dxhesb

[Jenny]

I am trusting my soon to be 50 year old self today. I am very recently single again, so pulling strength from way down deep. I am so grateful for my girl tribe who also coincidentally inspire me every day.

[krys]

I'm going to try to trust me today - to trust that I can talk about something that is bothering me and feel the emotions surrounding it. I'm grateful to have a safe place to do that.
My niece Bizzy is inspiring me today. She is so full of joy, and her curiousity is contagious. I'm going to eat up the time I have with her.

[Sara]

Who/What are you trusting today?
I am trusting myself. I am trusting that while my husband is away on his first-ever deployment with the military that I will be okay, that I will handle whatever may come, and that I am not alone.

Who/What are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for the friends who shore me up, who reassure me that I am not alone, that say they would do anything for me, and that I can rest in knowing that they truly mean it. And I am grateful for my amazing community-- all sharing the experience of living overseas.

Who/What is inspiring you today?
Brene'. The podcasts. (I can hardly wait for the book to arrive!) Trying to catch up, but knowing that I can, and that I'm welcome here.

[Clara]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I'm trusting my instinct to apply to a graduate program in Studio Art. I did this yesterday on what seemed the spur of the moment, and yet I know that this is something that I've been mulling over for months -- and in fact, years -- and it feels right.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
My relationship with my wonderful husband, who, although we are very different in some ways, is built on a foundation of love and trust that I've never experienced in quite this way.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
The mountains outside my window. There's nothing quite like the Blue Ridge in the spring.

[Justin]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? Me: I am trusting that I will start writing. TODAY!

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? The beautiful weather here, freshly manicured nails, that I have a partner who says to me "I am grateful for all that you do & recognize that you might need some time away with your friend. Make some plans, " and my best move-a-body friend ever to make those plans with!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? Hmmm...I am inspired by the fact that I FINALLY cleaned my scrap area. I actually have room to create now! So excited! Also inspired by all of the butterflies strown around that area & the project I am working on (Although in addition to being inspiring, it's harder than I ever imagined!!!)

LOVE LOVE LOVE That print. THANK YOU...again : )

[Davielle]

Who/What are you TRUSTING today?
I'm trusting my intuition and I'm trusting that God has me right where He wants me, doing this work with the read-along (and comment-along!) community we have formed.

Who/What are you GRATEFUL FOR today?
I am grateful for ART and the important role it plays in MY life -- it's therapy, it's fun, it's a great outlet for my creative energies.

Who/What is INSPIRING you today?
I continue to be "inspired" by my need to find a way out of the almost daily migraines that I've had since December. It's been a rough patch. I've had them 47years altogether, but these last 4 months have been wicked-bad. By doing this work, by making more time for "me" and for my creative expression and play-time, I am hoping that they'll subside. That, and a really good doc! (sounds selfish, maybe, but pain can inspire one to do MANY things ...)

thank you, Brene, and thank you, Kelly Rae -- you BOTH rock.

-- Davielle

[Jennifer]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am really trying to trust my friend who trusts in me to photograph her wedding. If she can believe in me to do this , I just need to let go and trust it.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am grateful for long distance friends who pop up just to see how you are. Always puts a smile on my face for the unexpected contact.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? After reading the add-on from Tuesday's post bonesighart is inspiring me. I looked at the site and her art and words are wonderful.

[JennaKate]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I am trusting that the ground work we have laid will be something I can build the summer on. My husband is taking a job in our hometown 2.5 hours away, and starts next week. I'm staying here this summer to do my field work my my MSW. I trust that our love is like a rope of many many many strands that tie us together and can withstand the tug of living apart for three months.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful that I can shape words the way I can. I love having this gift! (If only I'd put it to work writing my last major paper of the semester!)

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
pandora.com, the station for the artist Mirah. I feel like it breathes air into me.

[Stacey D]

I'm trusting that I am a good mom. I am trusting that God will give me the strength and wisdom to know how to correctly set boundaries with my 2 year old instead of just giving in, which is so much easier.

I'm grateful for my husband, Paul. We make a great team and balance each other well. I love how he can make me laugh and is still a big kid at heart.

I'm inspired by this recent story in the Houston Chronicle about 95 year old cyclist, Bud Schiffman.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6381833.html

[Amanda]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I'm trusting touch. A dear friend of mine offers his skills as a massage therapist to facilitate my healing from trauma. Even safe, healing touch is hard to process, and I usually feel too ashamed to allow all of the tears to surface during the massage. Today, I choose to trust that it is safe enough to allow myself to feel exactly what I feel, and I know my friend won't look down on me for it.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am deeply grateful for my friend's healing touch; for taking huge leaps in therapy this week; for the directness of this week's shame.less invitation; for your response to some of my questions in your podcast!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? I saw the William Kentridge show at the SF MOMA yesterday, and am still running high on his political stop-motion animation charcoal drawings. So brilliant...a whole new world of art is open to me and I am eager to get messy with my charcoal again!

[Leana May]

I am trusting myself today. I trust my gut instinct will lead me to make the "right" decisions.

I am grateful for my beautiful trip to Colorado this week and the chance to meet new and old friends.

I am inspired by the mountains. Their beauty fills me with a sense of calmness and hope.

[MonicaMcNeill]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I'm trusting my blog readers. I answered a meme today and did it without filters. After I pressed that button I felt so exposed & vulnerable.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? Today my heart is full of gratitude for my husband. I love that man so much.

3. Who/what is inspiring you today? My son, he has been flitting about the house full of joy & contentment with his life.

[Sheila]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
thanks for asking, because my first thought made me realize I was trusting some negative thoughts in my mind about myself. Now, I am trusting that sitting with this uncomfortable realization is the best thing I can do right now.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
Running water, good friends, stand up comics, inspiring women who blog

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Small budding trees, red tulips, and my yoga teacher.

[Bria]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I'm trusting that the world will align my finances for me and that it will all be okay with school, unemployment, self-employment, financial aid, and new clients.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I'm grateful for time off and ease.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Today I'm inspired by the fog over the ocean outside of my windows.

Thank you for the chance to win... Happy Friday!

[Michelle in Canada]

My TGIF: I am going to organize my craft studio this weekend, finally get it unpacked after not being able to get at anything for three months. Yippee!

I'm trusting my instincts.

I'm grateful for sunny weather and hot coffee.

I'm inspired by the Book of Days (http://blueyonderranch.com/) and The Magnifying Glass (http://themagnifyingglass.typepad.com/)

[kim mailhot]

I am trusting that little voice (getting stronger everyday !) that tells me that being in the moment is the only way to go.

I am grateful for the new tools I am learning and using to make my life better, less shame-filled and more self-compassionate.

I am inspired by all mu friends who share the path with me and how openly and loving they share their stories !

I LOVE Kelly Rae Roberts !!!!
Thanks for the TGIF chance !

[phyllis]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am trusting in my ability to be myself and be the spiritual leader that I need to be.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am grateful for the opportunity to be on retreat, a retreat from home and from work, a retreat to be and do and create....

(it's a quilting retreat, actually)

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? i am so filled with inspiration from the women who are surrounding me today - the gorgeous art they are creating and the amazing stories they are weaving....

and we have already talked about kelly rae and her book is sitting next to me as i type this!:-)

[Roja]

I'm trusting myself and my friends. That I can write this darn 2 minute speech well, and that it doesn't need to be perfect.

I'm grateful for my husband Jay. He is understanding my busy schedule this week and being supportive.

I'm inspired by what? don't feel inspired right now:) and I will be looking for it today. ask me by tonight:)

[Deb J]

I am trusting in God that he has me right where I am supposed to be. I'm trusting that, in spite of a flare of my FM & CFS that has caused high levels of exhaustion and pain, I will be able to complete the work I have been doing on the last podcast "opportunities."

I"m grateful for the work that is going on in my life through this Read-along and through Brene and her work.

I'm inspired by Brene and the people in this read-along.

[Maegan]

What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks to you and Kelly Rae for the opportunity.

Okay...
I am trusting in "the process." Really in all things, just trusting that the not always knowing what or how to do something and figuring it all out is part of how we become what we become.

I am grateful for my husband! We just had our third daughter so I'm pretty overwhelmed and spend most of my time talking to little ones. My husband is super helpful, completely supportive of my finding "me time" wherever I can get it, and an amazing friend to sit and talk with at the end of the day.

I am inspired by the creativity of others...seriously. I soak it up like sunshine and it fuels me to live fully and not waste a moment!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

[Dee Dee]

I am trusting connection and courage to be the path to what I want my life to be.

I am grateful that my pediatrician was not in the Hill Country on Monday!
(It's funny but I really am.)

I am inspired by work and messages (like The Daily Om, Pema, Brene, etc.) that remind me regularly of my commitment to kindness, compassion, trust and gratitude for myself and others.

[Shalet]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
Today I am trusting the universe. I trust that everything will be okay with my health, money, work and family. I'm opening my heart to the possibility that it all can and will be okay.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for time spent with family. I'm grateful for time spent alone. I'm grateful for the little things like clean dishes and vacuumed stairs.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
I am inspired by Spring and the season of renewal, by the leaves magically appearing on barren branches, flowers in the snow and sunshine.

[Cheri Andrews]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am trusting this process - and that although I'm going through some pain right now recognizing and acknowledging my shame triggers, that in the end the progress I make will be worth it.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? The sunshine and beautiful weather - and the feeling of hope they give me.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? blog hopping. Love the insights and artistry of the women I follow!

[Carmen Torbus]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
The Universe and the path it is leading me down today.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
Opportunity! I'm so grateful to have my first art exhibit tonight!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Friends that have believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself.

[KathyL]

I am trusting "my gut" today. There are things that my gut tells me I must say to my 16yr old. Hoepfully they will be received.

I am grateful for my family: Marc, Kaitie, Colin , Claire and my three greyhounds. Together they keep me on the right path.

I am inspired today by dance. My son performs today. He moves me to tears and makes me realize that anything is possible.

thank you
k

[Sylvia V.]

Trusting: the dance of life - you don't have to do it 'perfectly' , just do it!

Grateful for: the opportunity to be challenged and to grow yet again

Inspired by: the goodness and groundedness that many folks seem to be finding in this difficult time

[Am Sullivan]

1. I am trusting that there will be enough food tomorrow at the small reception we're having for my daughter's First Communion. This is hard for me, but I always over prepare or over order and stress out about who will come and will there be enough, and then I make the people who are there feel like they can't eat what they want. But for some reason, I'm totally okay with it for tomorrow. And even if there's NOT enough food, I'm sure it will still be A-OK.

2. I am thankful for my co-workers today, who make it easier to sit inside my gray cubicle and type away when I'd prefer to be outside.

3. This one was my easiest answer today: I'm inspired by the sun, the earth, the blue skies. It's been a while since we've seen sun, wind, and blue skies all at the same time, and, oh it makes me sing!

[Heather Blackwell]

1. Trust: Myself. Some very big changes are happening in my life, and I am trusting myself to make the right choices. It shouldn't be a big leap, but I've taken a few hits lately, so it's a bit unnerving.

2. Grateful: I'm extremely grateful and BLESSED to have THE BEST family and friends EVER. You can be in a pretty deep place at times, and you really can be completely overwhelmed with the amount of love and support that shines from them in those times.

3. Inspired: I'm truly inspired by those that pull themselves up from pain and horror with a smile and hope.

[Cynthia]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

I am trusting perfect timing. There are things happening in my life right now that seem so unexpected and I feel unprepared but I am trusting that now is the right time to move forward.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for enthusiastic, energetic friends who push/pull me forward when my nature would be to hold it all in.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
My new grandson, born this week, Styles is inspiring me. New life is incredible ... full of hope and promise. I want that to be part of my life everyday.

[Lelainia Lloyd]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am trusting that every though I am faced with the uncertainty of some very scary health issues, I will continue to be met with caring and compassionate doctors and caregivers.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am grateful for my friends who always have my back, no matter what.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? The Wailin' Jennies 40 Days cd. It's beautiful and uplifting. Balm for the soul.

[Jane Thorpe]

1. I am trusting Mother Earth that she knows what she is doing...that Springtime really is here somewhere...that my bees are safe in their hive and can soon fly free again and that my Daughter and her friends will have fun camping outside tonight at her friends birthday despite the snow that fell last night! (Rather them than me)!!

2. I am grateful for my amazing husband who truly is my rock in this crazy crazy world and has pulled me through the last few months.

3. The sunshine is inspiring me today...it may be cold outside but the sun through my window just won't let me stay down!

[Cassi]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? -- Myself

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? -- Gorgeous weather and my fabulous hubby!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?awesome craft supplies to make some great projects, some great blog postings i've seen today too!

[elk]

i am trusting a doctor's treatment today to heal my daughters voice
i am grateful for a bowl of hot fresh vegetables for lunch (and a decadent desert!)
i am inspired by the winds in the trees making the leaves sing and dance!

[Kristin]

I am grateful today for the gentle lessons I keep getting. My heart was suffering earlier in the week. I asked for support and I just keep getting it in little gentle nudges, loving phone calls and subtle messages.

So then I'm grateful that God has my back and I am exactly where I need to be.

I am inspired by Kelly and you today. I've never been to your blog before and she let me here. I too am headed to the hill country and I'm looking forward to hearing you more from you soon.

[Kelley]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
Today I am trusting myself. To do whats right and true.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for my beautiful daughter...she is the bet thing I will have ever done!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
The process of making Art is inspiring me today. It never ceases to amaze me what happens when you just start creating!

[Joanie hoffman]

I'm trusting myself today to make the time I'll be spending with my granddaughter, Lindsey, fun and full of love.
I'm grateful that we will have this afternnon together on such a beautiful sunny day.
I'm inspired by the anticipation of our time together.
thanks for this exercise!
Happy days,
Joanie

[kate...a momma]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I am trusting ME today! I feel joyful at the steps I am taking to be a happier and healthier me!
2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
Mr. Sun, Sun! Mr. Golden Sun...please shine down on me! It is a beautiful day and I am grateful that the forcast shows no change :)
3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Today I am drawing insipration from all of the dormant plants coming out of the dark and cold soil to find the sun and light.

[Barbara (WA)]

1) Trying to trust myselt - my intuition, my faith, my dreams, my desires.

2) So grateful for life and another day to grow & learn & heal.

3) I am inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts who pointed the way to your blog just today, and Deb who is on her own creative, healing path, and Jill, my counselor.

[feva]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? my intuition, never let me down

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? my Mr. Man, I love you.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? garden full of white daffodils

[jenny]

1. trust: I am trusting God.

2. grateful: I am grateful for time outside with my family, the wind blowing my hair dry while swinging on the swings with my daughter, learning to play tennis.

3. inspired: I am inspired by new opportunities, nature, songs, other bloggers.

[Mary M.]

1) I'm trusting God.
2) I'm grateful for the sunshine that has FINALLY come our way today.
3) I'm inspired by a weekend full of wonderful weather and time to be creative!