Category: What Inspires Me

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

Jen Morris

Well I must say, I’ve enjoyed having a bit of the pressure off with the 100 Days Project over.

While I do miss blogging like I was before, I think that blogging every day is a bit much. In all honesty, I don’t have something worthwhile to say every day!

But the 100 Days Project helped me to overcome perfectionism by forcing me to post every day without fail. I didn’t have time to sit around rereading my writing, questioning myself and doubting what I had written. I had to just write it and get it out!

It taught me that I can stick with something and see it through (I had some serious doubts about this before). And it taught me that challenging myself by committing to something just outside my comfort zone can really push me to do things I may have thought I couldn’t do.

I would definitely do the 100 Days Project again, but not with blogging. I toyed with the idea of doing Nanowrimo, but it’s not good timing for me. I’m definitely on the lookout for my next creative project, though!

trees

Here’s your weekly inspiration:

Some very wise words on making time and space for your writing

We all have those mornings that make us want to crawl back into bed… find something to keep you going

As a journaler and stationery addict, I like to do all my planning and writing on paper. Unfortunately it’s unavoidable that sometimes, we just have to use digital tools. I’ve been thinking about switching from Microsoft Word to Scrivener for my writing, so this review has me pretty much sold!

This awesome interview with Jill Winski about her journaling practice

We could all learn to write more handwritten notes

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

Jen Morris

You may or may not have noticed… I haven’t posted in days! I completed the 100 Days Project (yay!) and have been giving myself a bit of a break.

Soon I will post an update about where I’m at and where the blog is headed from now on. But for now, please enjoy this list of things that has inspired me this week!

a-walk-in-the-park

Loved looking at this Filofax art journal!

As I get ready to launch my new business (more on that soon!) with my best friend and business partner, I’m taking on board these tips from Leonie

And this awesome list of blogging tips

Love this idea for catching your days over a month

Stumbled across this old post with a fantastic message

And found these great journal resources

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

Jen Morris

Each week I share the posts and pages that have most inspired me. Feel free to share anything you’ve enjoyed this week in the comments below.

forest

I loved this post I found at Dirty Footprints Studio about art journal morning pages – very inspiring!

Loving the latest post from Samie about how her art journaling practice has changed (I can’t get enough of her journals!)

I came across this post by Carole Ann Penney which offers a cool idea for a journal prompt – something I’ve been wanting to try for a while

Alexandra contemplates what it means to grow big or stay small when following our dreams

A bit of a short list this week I’m afraid! In truth I’ve been so busy getting back into work that I’ve hardly had any time to go online! Here’s hoping there’s more time for inspiration next week.

What Inspires Me

Hope street

Jen Morris

Today I went for a walk with a friend. We were talking about the creative business we will soon be launching, our biggest dreams and hopes for the future.

We were talking about where we want to be this time next year; what changes we want to make over the next 12 months to make our dreams come true.

We dared to imagine what our lives could look like if our business plans came true.

I explained the changes I was making in my own work life – some of which have taken courage and are scary. But I’ve been trusting my intuition to lead me. I’ve been letting my inner wisdom guide me.

As we walked, a beautiful monarch butterfly caught my eye, dancing through the early evening sun’s rays.

Every time I see one of these butterflies I think of Wayne Dyer and the amazing story from his book Inspiration. He believes that butterflies are a sign from the divine. I love this. Each time I see one, I take it as a sign from the divine that I am on the right path.

It was perhaps a coincidence that I saw the butterfly as we spoke about this. But I prefer to see it as a sign.

And then, I saw a literal sign – for a street:

Hope Street.

Again, a possible coincidence. In truth, I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in synchronicity. Meaningful coincidence.

There is no coincidence. Only the illusion of coincidence – V for Vendetta

And I didn’t even want to go walking, really. But by keeping my eyes and my heart open as we walked, I found myself receiving tiny messages from the universe. Tiny nods to keep going.

What Inspires Me

Sunday gratitude

Jen Morris

I am going back to work tomorrow after a two-week break. In truth, I’m a little apprehensive about it.

The past term was tough and there were a few times I felt myself being pulled away from all the wonderful creative practices I have worked so hard to cultivate in my life. This term, I determined to remain focused on the things that matter and to draw clear boundaries between work and home.

I’m lucky, in a sense, to get regular time away from work to recover – although I must say that without it I think most teachers wouldn’t last the year.

The past two weeks have allowed me time to catch my breath, move a little slower and savour more of my time. I’ve spent more time being creative, relaxing, resting, outside walking, journaling, planning my business, dreaming, planning my tiny house, and just generally not feeling so stressed and overwhelmed.

It has been lovely.

Here are a few of the things I am most grateful for, from the past week:

  • Sleeping more (something I don’t get to do enough during the term!)
  • Spending time with family, friends and my partner
  • Taking my pup for more walks
  • Having the time to create my blog planner
  • Making my lunch fresh, at home, every day
  • Reading in bed until late morning
  • Watching some of my favourite TV shows
  • Journaling more often
  • Having time to read blogs and other inspirational material online
  • Just pottering around the house, sometimes aimlessly, and staying in my PJs well past breakfast…

As I head back to work tomorrow, I am mindful focusing on the positive and maintaining my creative practices in my own time.

What are you most grateful for this week?

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

Jen Morris

Every week I share the blogs and links I’ve found most inspiring. Feel free to share any of your own in the comments below.

beach

I’m loving the Be Prompted journal prompt for September (yes I’m a little behind!). See Hope’s journal spread here.

This is a bit of an old post, but it’s got me feeling excited about a new year coming up soon! I’m definitely going to have a major planning party!

I’m hopeless at sewing and to be honest I’ve not really been interested in it much before… but now that I’ve seen this awesome journal cover tutorial I’m thinking it might be time to get some sewing skills!

Here’s a simple but fun journal prompt from To Live Inspired.

I enjoyed this post from Andrea about the importance of being open to effortless growth, rather than always pushing to make things happen. Funny how the things we most need to hear find us at just the right time.

What Inspires Me

Sunday gratitude

Jen Morris

I like to reflect on the things that I am grateful for from the week that has been. I’ve written about gratitude before and I think it can be great to remind ourselves of the little (and not so little!) things that have gone well for us. Not just remind ourselves, but to truly take a moment to appreciate how lucky we are.

This week I am grateful for:

  • Time away from work
  • Going for walks in the evening with my pup
  • Spending time with my partner
  • Working on the tiny house plans
  • A catch up with my parents
  • Coffee with my sister
  • Time away to relax and create with my best friend
  • Getting back into written journaling every morning
  • Catching up on sleep
  • Getting my work out the way so I can enjoy the next week to myself

One thing I didn’t do much of last week was my art journaling. I have a couple of great art journaling courses I’m doing online that I’m behind in, so hope to use the upcoming week to really immerse myself in them. Then I should have more art journaling to share next week.

What are you grateful for from the week that’s been? What do you hope to achieve in the week to come?

What Inspires Me

Just a few thoughts

Jen Morris

You know, I think I’ve almost succeeded in my goal of overcoming my perfectionism and becoming more gentle with myself.

It’s 10pm here and I’ve just climbed into bed. Not exactly a wild Saturday night (those days are long gone!) but still enjoyable: some takeout, a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory and some time spent playing Rock Band, all with my man.

It wasn’t until I snuggled in with my book and my pup at my feet that I realized I had yet to blog today! Usually I would feel quite anxious at this point, but I feel quite calm. Instead of trying to throw together a post that’s totally amazing (so not going to happen), I’m just going to be honest. That’s going to result in a less-than-stellar post, but that’s ok. Because we all have less-than-stellar moments!

There are less than 20 days left in the 100 Days Project. I’ve got to say, I am relieved. Posting every day is tough, especially when I’m so busy with work I sometimes struggle to find time for a shower (sad but true).

As much as I love blogging, I really think that blogging everyday is, for me, overkill. I’ve done my best to keep up with this project (although for anyone who’s been keeping count, I’ve missed two days) and I’ll see it through to the end, but… I will breathe a sigh of relief when it’s done!

Tonight I can go to sleep knowing I’ve posted, even though this is not my best work. But I’ve made a commitment to post, and to be honest. So here I am. I’m doing my best and being gentle with myself. It’s ok that this is not perfect.

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll remember to post a little earlier!

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

Jen Morris

Each week I share a few of the pages and posts that have inspired me the most… lame rhyme intended! Feel free to share anything that has inspired you in the comments.

yellow-flower

I came across this really cool course that runs throughout all of 2015 and I think I might do it!

I know I often share posts from Courtney’s page, but that’s because she inspires me so much! I loved this post about how to get up early and make the most of your mornings

This gorgeous poem by Cynthia made me smile and think more about my own big dreams

I love this practice of Jessica’s to write out ten things you accomplish each day in order to remind yourself of what you’ve achieved, no matter how small

As a washi tape addict I really enjoyed the eye candy in this post! Be sure to click on the links inside the post to see more gorgeous pics. Just when I thought my washi tape collection was complete… I think I feel a tape spend coming on!