I have been busy busy these days working on decorating and styling for Original Conference. These are some pictures from last year, that I don’t think I ever shared? I still love the giant heart painting. But…what I’m really excited to show you is pictures from this year (and I’ll be sure to do so in the next week or two). We did some really fun things!
Original is one of my fave conferences and I look forward to it every year. 1,500 girls gathered in one place to have fun, learn, grow and give.
Say, do you spend enough time focusing on inner beauty and things that make you shine from the inside out? You know, feeding your soul. I certainly don’t. I used to but lately I’m feeling very unshiny and all kinds of dull, actually. Feeding my soul has always been an important part of my life. It’s kind of what keeps me going. It gives me balance when every thing seems out of whack, stability when all around me is uncertain, joy in the midst of painful times, gratitude even when I have needs to be met and mostly it gives me purpose. I don’t like going about my day to day without a purpose. And lately, most days feel like I am wandering about aimlessly or maybe I should say running and scrambling about aimlessly. I need a bit of a refuel and a centering. Do you ever feel this way? And tell me what kinds of things do you do to feed your soul and focus on inner beauty?
It always helps me to get away for a bit, even just an afternoon and to spend some quiet time thinking, writing and reflecting. Sometimes just hearing nothing speaks louder than words. And what I find is, that what I need to hear the most is sometimes only heard when I’m still or when I’ve closed out all of the daily noise.
The next couple of days, while I’m at the conference, I’m planning on feasting my soul. And am hoping to brighten up a bit … from the inside out.
You can read more about Original here and who knows maybe I’ll see you there next year?
Mary
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 9:50am
Lovely pictures and post. And yes of course I understand what you mean about feeding your soul. The daily routines can sometimes take over, so it can be hard to remember to find the joy and focus on the things that bring us peace. At this stage of life (with little ones), quiet time is what I crave. It allows me time to think and reflect and plan. Have fun this week!
Torrie @ a place to share...
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 9:59am
my husband just got over being really sick (the kind of sick where testing, waiting, uncertainty was involved)… it was a pretty scary time and made me realize that i have not been doing enough to feed my soul. i’d been shopping for spring, working out… feeding it on the outside, but not the inside. it took me stopping and slowing down to realize that i was starting to feel empty inside.
…so, i ordered a couple of books that have been ‘floating’ around the blog world (bloom, simplicity parenting), i’ve made plans with a couple of good, sincere friends (who i’ve been “too busy” to get together with), i’ve made it a point every day to both get some fresh air (on a hike, a walk, in the garden, or even my front porch), and to have a late afternoon cup of tea… to take time away from the to-do list and simply reflect.
i hope you have a wonderful time at the conference… feasting your soul :).
Torrie @ a place to share...
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 10:05am
@Torrie @ a place to share…, http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Pleasures-Essays-Ordinary-Happiness/dp/0374239304 … another ‘soul-feeding’ book that i’ve had on my bookshelf for god knows how long, that i’m finally reading!
Trina
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 10:52am
Torrie – thanks for your comment. I’m so sorry you and your hubby had to go through that. In these busy times its so hard to take care of both the outside and inside. And both are important. I’ve found that when I take care of the inside than the outside usually happens with much less effort and struggle. I know this… but I don’t always follow it. But I hope to find a little more balance. Fresh air, a walk, a cup of tea and some reading are some of my favorite things! Enjoy your daily time reflecting! xo . trina
katie//salt+pine
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 8:40pm
I know exactly what you are talking about, Trina. It sounds like the conference will be a wonderful opportunity to focus on feeding your soul.
I always find that doing something contemplative really helps me refocus and gives me a little breathing space. I’m lucky I live by the water–walking the beach and listening to the waves calms me like no other…
Trina
Commented on April 23rd, 2012 at 10:26am
Katie – You are so lucky to live by the water. I can only imagine how that feeds your soul, gives perspective and calms you. Hope you are well friend!!!!
xo . trina
Theresa / inspirationCOOP
Commented on April 19th, 2012 at 11:02pm
Ah, I always love when I see familiar faces in the comment section. :)
I understand the feeling of ‘unshiny” and needing to work on your inner beauty all too well, especially as a fellow mama who is pulled in so many different directions. I hope you get plenty of opportunities to feed your soul this weekend at the conference. As a bonus, I bet you’re going to meet so many inspiring people, as well.
Doing something just for you – stealing away to read an inspiring book, getting out into nature, spending time with supportive, positive girlfriends, even spending a little time on your own – makes all the difference.
Trina
Commented on April 23rd, 2012 at 10:26am
Thanks, Theresa. I had a great time! It’s back to the grind today but I def hope to make time for reading, getting outside and time with positive girlfriends (great tips) more a part of my everyday living!
xo . trina