Saying Thank You...

I heard an interview once about a man who wrote a thank you note a day for a whole year. Then he wrote a book about the experience. Not surprisingly the year changed his life for the better.

I can't think of his name, or I would post a link here. If any of you know who I'm referring to, let me know.

Thank you notes, especially hand-written ones are a dying art form in my mind. Everything these days is over the Internet, or texted, or just not said.

For this retreat, let's turn writing a thank you into a calm ritual that brings extra love to the process. Here's my idea...

Retreat Time:

Take some time, put on some nice music, maybe make a good cup of coffee (or tea if that's your thing), choose a favorite pen, and worthy paper. Brainstorm a short list of people in your life for whom you are thankful. Add a few words next to each name reminding you of what they bring to your life.

Now pick one, and thank them.

Pop it in the mail.

Now here's the thing...I don't want you to stress out if you don't have their address, or you don't have a stamp, or any other reason why actually sending this note would cause you anxiety. If you can't mail it for whatever reason, take a few deep breaths, hold it to your heart, and "send" it that way. Just be sure and write it first. Putting pen to paper has an almost magical way of focusing our thoughts with sincerity. If you picture the person in your mind while smiling some love their way, they'll get it. They really will.

One more idea...post your thank yous here. Your words will enter the blogosphere, and even if your intended recipient doesn't read them, many others will.

Thank you to all of you who have read this blog, commented on its contents, and befriended me. I am touched, and lucky beyond imagining.

(((big smile)))

Love, Kimberly

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat~~Day Three

Now isn't that a beautiful thing?


My sink doesn't look this good. I'm not sure it ever did, even when it was new forty years ago. But you've got to see the beauty in this image--this shining, mirror-like, reflection with the drain looking the part of an opulent brooch deserving of a lady-in-waiting.


Maybe that's a stretch, but if you think about it, any surface in your house can be seen as something spectacular with a little imagination. Need a get-away? 


I give you the humble kitchen sink.


Dishes are done.


Time for coffee.


And pie,
Kimberly

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat

When I started this blog, this particular idea came to mind, and I dismissed it.

This can't be a retreat.

But when dirt, grime, and clutter suck the life out of a room, make me crazy, and generally cranky, then getting rid of them and basking in the peaceful glow of cleanliness is a GIFT!!

Story Time:

About a year ago my husband and I pulled to outdated tiles off the ceiling in our bedroom to expose old farmhouse wainscoting. Charming! And filthy.

Weeks went by and I eventually took a mop, covered the bed with old sheets, and started cleaning the ceiling. Water dripped everywhere, my arms ached, my neck hurt, and I only got about a quarter of the ceiling done.

More weeks went by, then months. Then two days ago my husband asked me what one thing bugged me most about our house of many undone projects and messy corners. He thought I would take issue with the mudroom. I immediately mentioned the bedroom ceiling. So we simplified my system by ditching the mop and using a small bucket of hot Pine-sol water and a wash cloth. We brought the step ladder in and worked on one small section at a time. Just ten minutes. By the end of the week, the whole thing will be done.

Almost instant happiness!! :)

Retreat Time:

Pick a corner, a drawer, a grubby section of ceiling and clean it up for ten minutes. Then walk away. That's it. Survey what you've done and claim it as good. Let the feeling of accomplishment sink all the way down to your toes. You deserve it.

Squeaky clean,
Kimberly

p.s. Remember my last post? I have taken my own advice and I am embracing life as a writer. I have entered a contest courtesy of Jennifer Louden. It is a #WritersRetreat in Taos, NM and I encourage you all to check it out, and Jennifer's site. She is amazing. Here is the link  http://ht.ly/4Pwka
Many blessings to you all!!

Week Something~ I've Missed You~

I was at my cousin's wedding reception last weekend. The room was filled with people I hadn't seen in many years, and along with the blissfully happy bride, was her sister's husband Paul.

We used to see Paul, Laura, and their beautiful children once or twice a year, but it's amazing how before you know it, four have ticked by.

That's just too long.

And Paul asked me about this blog..."What happened? You haven't posted in awhile."

There are lots of reasons for this, and I suppose over time I will share them with you, but for now, Paul's kind words have gotten me typing again.

No excuses. I'm back with another retreat.

I am reframing what retreat means to me. I am moving forward with my life, not pulling back, not surrendering. I am actively choosing to pause, not out of fear, or procrastination, but for the celebrations that come in every small moment.
Slow down enough and you'll see them.

Retreat Time:

Is there something, or someone, you've always wanted to be?

An Astronaut
The President
A Singer
A Humanitarian
A Professor

A Writer

Why not let yourself "be" that person for a day. Maybe even a moment. Our imaginations are time machines, and our thoughts can take us wherever we want to go. It's not about running away from the lives we have by immersing ourselves in a dream world. It's about pulling that world desired into our present here and now.

Why not?

Explore.    Lead.    Give voice.    Help.    Learn.    Write.

So good to be back,
K.

Week Eighteen ~What's in a Word~

I've been thinking a lot lately, and I'm reconsidering the name Retreat With Me.

Originally I saw this blog as a place to offer up ideas for little mini get-aways, anytime, anywhere. Suggestions for moments that would refuel the soul, calm the mind, and warm the heart. I have had a lot of fun sharing with you my many ideas, my retreats.

There's that word again--retreat.

As life goes on, I see retreat not as a sanctuary, or a time of reflection and repose, but as a falling back in defeat. If I am forever retreating, how do I grow my life? How do I embrace the magic, the wonder, the joy, if I am drawing myself away?

Hmmmmm.

I need a new name for this blog. One that fuels me, one that glows with promise and pride. I claim my life for the thrill of living it! I will not fall back. I will not retreat. I will celebrate, embrace, and see wonder, magic and joy in all things.

What's in a word?

Rejoice.

Rejoice with Me.

Charge!!
Kimberly

Love for Japan ~Day Three~

                       
~Meditation prayer for today~                     

With closed eyes I hold Japan inside my heart.

A tiny glimmer of light inside my heart.

Deep breath.

Exhale.

Send this spark of compassion around the globe.

To Japan.

Wherever it is needed.

Maybe it will warm a child who is crying.

Or a Mother who is grieving.

Or a Father who is searching.

Maybe it will lift one spirit up.

Somehow that one person will know they are thought of, and loved, by me.

Just maybe, this one little light will make a difference.

This I can do.

Bless you Japan.           





                      
                                                       
    

Week Seventeen ~Love for Japan~

I have learned a lesson.

Taking time to care for myself is hard.

Life was difficult this past week, and my time here suffered. So today before I offer a new idea for retreat, let me share my painting with you. It actually inspired this week's intention.

When I started painting, I just did what came to me. I didn't think about it. I was busy with the squishy feel of the paint, and the buckling wetness of the paper. As this picture evolved, I "saw" what it was trying to tell me.

It's a heart kiss for Japan.

I don't need to remind all of you of the horrors the Japanese people have recently suffered, or the continuing agony the ones who survived the earthquake and tsunami are facing. It's unspeakable, and when I see images from their country I freeze up with sadness. How can I, or anyone, help them?

So for this week's retreat, I encourage you to find quiet time each day to pray for the people of Japan. Find moments to sit quietly in meditation. Hold their nation in your heart, and send them your loving kindness.

To start things off, consider this:

Prayer for Japan

By passionistcharism

Merciful God, you never depart from us even in the worst of times; be with us in both our joy and in our sadness. Grant your aid and encouragement to those who suffer in the face of this great calamity. We, too, continue to offer you our prayers and sacrifices for their sake. Bring us with all possible haste to the day when all can live in safety. May all those who have lost their lives in the devastation find peaceful repose in your presence. Mother Mary, pray for us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.  [Composed by the Japanese Bishops Conference]

[Father Paul Matsumoto, C.P., Vice Provincial Superior of the Passionists in Japan]

May we all keep Japan and her people close to our hearts. Sending blessings every day.

Gratefully offered,
Kimberly