Living Your Dreams

There's a dream inside your heart, waiting to be free. A little voice inside that says, "All I want is to be me." You know there's more to you than meets the eye, but afraid to let it show, you hide that piece away inside, but never let it go.

The time has come for you to shine, to open up that door. No reason now to hide inside, the world needs your light. Be brave my friend, be bold this day, step up and take my hand. You'll never be alone in this, I'll help you as you go.  - Kayleigh Radatus

It's all about you.

Play, be, dream, become.  - Kayleigh Radatus

This is one of my favourite ways to disconnect

Close your eyes and imagine yourself....
Sitting under a palm tree on a sandy beach.
The warm sun shines in a brilliant blue sky and the palm fronds above you sway gently in the breeze blowing off the ocean.
You breathe deeply, inhaling the scent of sun and ocean. You exhale, feeling the tension slide from your shoulders.
You inhale deeply once more, and peace fills your being.  Life is good.
Finding your peace. Pursuing your joy. Living your dreams.

Relax. You've found your way.

If I'm feeling particularly stressed, I'll read over these words, picturing the descriptions as I do, while breathing deeply. After I'm done reading, I close my eyes and stay in this place I've created for as long as I need.  I always feel calm and relaxed after just a few minutes of this visioning activity.

On Opportunity

Keep your heart and mind open to the opportunities that come your way; never reject an idea immediately. You never know where that idea might lead you! Now THAT is living in rhythm! - Kayleigh Radatus

Change Your Rhythm

You ARE the rhythm of your life. If you don't like the feel of your groove, rewrite it! Just as one note changes the sound of music line, one small shift in another direction will change the rhythm of your life. - Kayleigh Radatus

On lessons and learning

We can never know everything there is to know. Lessons come from all places, even from areas where we think we've got it figured out. Stay open, and be ready to receive what others have to share with you. - Kayleigh Radatus

The sum of the parts

We are the sum of all of our actions & inactions - what we do not do affects our lives just as much as what we do. - Kayleigh Radatus

I was thinking about avoidance of action when I wrote this, and how fear or lack of commitment changes our outcome. What could you become if you pushed through your fear and committed 100% to your desire?  

Writing

I used to write all the time. I still do on occasion, but far less than I used to. Reading this piece, I find myself remembering how much I enjoy it, and how beneficial writing is for me. I need to do more of it.

This was me about 10 years ago. I wrote this poem and entered it in the Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Awards contest, hosted by the Kitchener Public Library, and counted myself as incredibly brave for doing so. I received an honourable mention in the contest and was so proud of myself! I still am! The contest organizers asked if I would be willing to read my writing at the awards ceremony. I was terrified, and couldn't do it. The me I am now would be able to, and I love that I have accomplished so much since that day.  In honour of who I was then, and the journey that has taken me from there to here, I present to you, "I need a new job".

I need a new job
dreams living in plastic shields, like furniture too precious to sit upon
they creak and crackle with the sterility of it all...
no comfort found in the soft contours and cushioned arms

unworn, unlived, afraid to touch and make a mess
scolded by the old lady in the faced house dress, her knee highs stretched too tight

improper, unruly, misbehaving like a child
grow up, do the right thing, be more like Joe in his suit and palm pilot

follow all the rules;
be stiff and aching as the old pressback chair in the corner.
- Kayleigh Radatus

Creativity

Open your hands & let your creativity flow to the page, canvas, instrument or whatever medium you choose & it will be as water to the parched ground, sun to the drooping flower, and everlasting love to the spirit; be that spirit broken or whole. Creation is a beloved gift to both the creator and those who perceive the creation. Please give it! - Kayleigh Radatus