My life is a colorful tapestry, full of immense diversity personally and professionally.
Ironically I have come full circle after fifty years to the young child who knew the pure JOY of Simply BEing...
In humble authenticity I clear the page of all “accomplishments, degrees, certificates, stories, blah, blah, blah..,” for in Simply BEing, “I am” says it all…
“I am not my past, I am not my future, I am not what I have done or do, I am not defined by my race, gender, nationality, or…, I am not the labels assigned by others/society/culture –
I am a vibrantly alive woman, enjoying the expansive joy, love and peace that flows when you live in the richness of the moment Simply BEing Yourself.”
I am Enough, I am Worthy, I am Perfect – Living life FULL ON with Joy, Love, Peace, Curiosity, Openness and Presence.
When you read those words, what comes to mind? What do you feel? Do they stir any hidden desires? Are they words only for others? Do they pique your curiosity and passion?
Some of the words are rarely spoken any more, yet they are the fabric of our existence. Without the desire to explore, journey, quest, and…, life would become stagnate. It seems that often people see these words as action oriented, such as someone who goes on a quest to explore some unknown place. What I love about these words is that they can be experienced from anywhere, at anytime, if we choose.
I can sit quietly looking out my window with a curious mind and adventure with the squirrel who is busily dancing on the tree.
I can take a walk with my eyes and heart open to the journey, noticing with admiration the flowers I pass, the homes full of people with their own interesting stories, the busy insects on the sidewalk, the birds who easily move from branch to branch – how does it all interact, who are the people behind the closed door, what is the connection we all share???
I can read a book that encourages me to sojourn within, journey into my memories, hopes and dreams. Like a buried treasure I uncover aspects of the self and the world around me.
I can take a trip to a new place, where all moments are about exploration, wandering in the midst of newness, a pilgrim on an adventure to learn and experience.
I can write, paint, dance, create.., all doorways into an odyssey with my muse.
Sitting quietly with my journal, the inner quest to understand my deeper self guides me down untrodden paths.
I can meet someone new to whom I wish to learn more about, in our time together I get to pilgrimage through another’s life experience, hearing, seeing, open to different perspectives and possibilities.
Wanderlust, can be satiated through learning something new, like a language, recipe, new hiking trail, etc…. Or maybe you appeal its call through changing jobs, moving to a new home, reading a new genre book… Or if you are like me, you embrace your wanderlust through a variety of tactics depending on your present life situation.
Personally I love that my wanderlust, curious desire to explore and adventure has never died. I am grateful that my soul exposed me to the truth that one can follow these callings through a myriad of ways.
I write this at a time when I sit on the precipice of a new odyssey. I am prepping my wings for flight, where, when, how…, well that is still formulating. Since life is a glorious journey, not a destination, much of the fun is letting anticipation build, allowing mysterious expectancy to percolate, and then Ta-Da the call to take inspired action takes over. I’ll keep you posted, for much is brewing…..
My wish for you is that your childlike curiosity leads you on adventures, calls you to new quests and opens your heart, soul and mind to the joys of exploration….
I will never forget the day I asked all my junior high students the question, “Who wrote the definition for perfect?” They looked at me with furrowed brow or comical smiles, for they were used to my zany questions. Of course no one had an answer to this strange inquiry. According to Wikipedia, the word perfection goes back to Aristotle –
The oldest definition of “perfection”, fairly precise and distinguishing the shades of the concept, goes back to Aristotle. In Book Delta of the Metaphysics, he distinguishes three meanings of the term, or rather three shades of one meaning, but in any case three different concepts.
That is perfect:
1. which is complete — which contains all the requisite parts
2. which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better
3. which has attained its purpose.
Following this introductory question I continued with “When did you decide to play along with this definition, using it to judge yourself and others?” Oh boy.., this sparked conversation and exploration. We dug into the power of the media, society, culture and how we allow ourselves to be sucked into the world of “perfection” as advertised.
Following this intensely beautiful conversation I shared a couple of videos which jolted us even more…
As a teacher who is also a mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, etc.., I shared my own raw authentic ownership for the times I played along, got sucked in and passed on my own “image issues.” As a class we delved into the feelings stirred by the videos, my admittance and their own vulnerable sharing. Finding ourselves empowered with the newfound knowledge that everyone struggles at times with this societally and culturally driven game. This is not a gender or age specific issue. It infiltrates from all directions towards all populations.
As I shared yesterday I just returned from a trip that took me to Turkey for a couple of weeks. It was wonderful to enjoy the beauty of another culture, observing as best I could the nuances with image. Of course to really understand, one would have to stay and really submerge within the local society to get a feel for how they judge, label and categorize.
It awaits invitation, it aches to break free, it is alive and calling, that Wild Child who stirs the Wild Woman awake…
I reflect upon my growing up years before cell phones, selfies and social media, whew, I had it easy! However, I felt the labels, the judgments and the harmful internal self criticism that flowed when I accepted what was portrayed as “perfect.” I hurt for those that received the harmful teasing by peers who were cruel with their words and actions. Everyone seemed to accept the latest “in” look or “perfection” label. While I struggled at times with this marketing/media driven bombardment, I would eventually swing the pendulum back to honor my Wild Woman.
I chuckle at how easily we stray into the next “in phase”, tweezing or bolstering the eyebrows, high waisted or low waisted pants, high heels or no heels, curly or straight hair, makeup??? Oh my!! What would happen to all the clothing, makeup and lifestyle companies if we stopped playing along? That question is definitely for another blog entry!
To sit with oneself bathed in self love is to vibrational connect with all the forgotten passions, desires, dreams…
As I reach out into the world for other Wild Women, I feel again the powerful energy of those hundred students (male and female) who opened their souls to a room full of peers. An experience that gave us all the opportunity to feel and see through diverse lenses. For some they became aware and empowered for the first time with the clarity that everyone journeys in their own personal way through the haze of society’s dictated “perfection.”
Ever since I stuck up for a classmate in fifth grade (many moons ago) it has been a dream of mine for all people to feel from within how absolutely spectacular they are. Releasing the chains of self-criticism based on a contrived definition of “Perfect,” “Enough,” and “Worthy.” Of course as a woman I have a soft spot and knowing for the female journey, however, my male clients shared the sad truth that we all can fall prey to such torment.
As a woman who has worn all the hats, I know how we put ourselves last!
I will take that class when the kids are not so busy.
I don’t have the money to do that now, the kids need this, the house, the family…
Someday I will read that book, join that club, get regular massages, etc…
It would be selfish to spend such time on myself.
I really want to connect with other amazing women, but my family needs me, my job, the to-do list.
One of the most powerful things I have learned along the way is that when we do not take care of ourselves and fill up our own cups, there is nothing left to give or share with others. Upon becoming a mother I lost this balance for awhile, until one day I realized that my children learned a lot through watching the people around them – “What was I role modeling to my son and daughter?” Is that how I wanted them to care for themselves, see themselves, value themselves??? This was and is a huge driving force for me. “Do as I say, not as I do,” is not how I wish to role model or engage with this amazing life.
To awaken our Wild Woman – Wild Man is to come home to our inner stirrings, our truth, our vibrant, passionate desires with how we wish to experience and BE in the world around us. This is a very individualistic personal journey. I can’t imagine living this miraculous life any other way!! Here is to YOU in all your magnanomous Wild BEingness!
If you are interested in living a life of BEing – Coming home to a Life of Choice, check out
Only when you listen, will you hear my beckoning desires.
Do not come to me with your need and want contrived by society.
Do not come to me wishing to penetrate in self disguise.
Do not come to me wishing to possess or play games.
I am like the air, I cannot be contained, held or captured…
However, I will gladly stay, I will blossom beyond your wildest dreams if you…
…touch me as though you are blind.
…taste me as though you have no thirst.
…listen as though you are deaf.
For as you unify with the mysterious wild woman, all falls away to expose the truth….
I am here….
Where are you…?
~ Fawn Caveney 7/21
Freedom stirs from within, it swirls and twirls, unleashing the ever present wild child…
I recently returned from a trip that expanded my present transformational journey, for when one sets upon a quest with an open heart, soul and mind, the swirling encounters awaken vast insights.
As a foreigner in a distant country I was titillated by the power of being anonymous, lost in a sea of chaos that I did not need to understand. I was free to be me. Wandering the streets, beaches, historical sites, and delectable restaurants I allowed myself to feel, taste, explore and be seen. Vulnerable yet unafraid, adrift with no expectation, attachment or preconceived desire, I was a wild woman dancing in curiosity and flowing openness.
To flow in the presence of the now moment, opens up vast portals for transformative awakening…
Upon arriving back on the shores of my homeland, I found myself surprised by what percolated forth from the experience. A reoccurring awareness, an old friend, a circling back to my youthful knowing. As a woman growing up one is silently taught to behave a certain way, only want specific things, and definitely do not express yourself as a “wild woman.”
In a patriarchal world I was taught to hide my sensuality, present my authenticity in respectable ways and squelch my wild untamed nature. I have never been good at this. More to the point, I do not wish to be good at it. Thankfully I grew up surrounded by nature, held and nurtured by the true wild and free. This planted in me a knowing, one that has thankfully nudged me in moments when I have forgotten the true power of my feminine energy.
To sit upon the earth connects the breath to that which is, freeing the soul to dance upon the wind…
During my adventure abroad I was approached by various men. My immediate reaction was caution with a twinge of skepticism. However, as my wise female traveling friend can tell you, I ooze with positivity and openness, so…. I allowed the court-ish play and absorbed the attention. Meandering down the streets of their outspoken desires, I knew I was at choice. As I present this I can feel the paradoxical reactions, they race in like flies to rotten meat. I danced along the tight rope of my own desire to be seen and wanted, while staying vigilant to the wise woman’s voice from within.
I reflect back with a smile, grateful to have met unique masculine souls along the way. They were juxtaposed into the trips original purpose, “Soul Sisters” coming together for a female vacation of play. Ahhhh, I love the intensity of life’s perfect timing and coquettish frolic. The dynamic women I was gifted to explore with came in diverse ages, backgrounds and life experiences. Intensifying this profound mixture of masculine/feminine energy was the most powerful source of all – nature.
To remember, all we need to do is submerge ourself below our own personal facade…
Feeling my body glide into the Mediterranean and silky reed filled lake, called forth that Wild Woman. Listening to the cacophony of cicadas, who’s mating song was held in the moist sultry air only heightened the awareness. Sublime ecstasy. Gentle breezes and delicious wind bursts, generated their own wistfulness. I found myself completely swept off my feet. Innocently graced to live each moment in complete presence, no yesterday, no tomorrow, just the vibrancy of now.
As I massaged the intricate aspects together I marveled at the voluptuous experience. Once again I was reminded of the profound Wild Woman Soul. I wish for every woman to tap into this instinctual infinite source; to invite, welcome and rebirth into her true feminine power.
What does this mean? It means you get to live vibrantly alive, sharing and expressing your authentic self. It means you get to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ without apology. It means you get to unabashedly express your desires and passions. It means you get to blossom and reveal as you feel called, free of all expectation, attachment, judgment and labels. It means you dance wild and free….
No building, no bars, no walls can contain the wild spirit of the feminine….or the masculine…
Over and over again in my life I have found myself saddened by the loss of the Wild Woman. I see it and feel it in the eyes of the women I meet, yet, they hold it back, they force it to stay confined in the cages built by a society intimidated by its powerful force.
Within every woman there lives a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, & ageless knowing. She is the Wild Woman, who represents the instinctual nature of women. But she is an endangered species.
— Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Author of Women Who Run With the Wolves
My second night back in the states, I was jolted awake by my muse, who shared very clearly what is to come next for me. I chuckle, for again, I pick up the torch, called by my soul to invite women to join me in Awakening their Wild Woman. In the past I have had the privilege and honor to work with women in various circles, helping them to remember how magnanomous they truly are. My recent life choices and exploratory adventures bring me back home to my calling and purpose – I am here to hold up a mirror, so you may see the Wild Woman that awaits your permission to fly free.
Timeis a funny thing, it is slippery, invisible and elusive. I stare out my window, watching the summer leaves dance in the hot breeze. What does that feel like? To be stationary and at the mercy or celebration of all that is around you. A reactionary component of the big picture. Often ignored, barely noticed by the person walking by on the sidewalk. Like an individual leaf, each person floats in a world of billions. We are tossed and turned upon the breezes created by others and ourself. We react or obseeve, we cry or laugh, dance or stand frozen in the quick sand of our own indecision.
What drives us, calls us, whispers to our very soul? Can we hear? Do we listen? Are we so numbed and stuck that like the leaf we stay even though our heart beckons us to move. A victim of our own paralysis. We put our dreams upon the shelf with the other knick knacks, letting them gather dust, becoming regrets lost in time.
Dreams dance upon the wind of our heartbeat, they sparkle in the light of our imagination, and beckon in a quiet whisper…
Patience, time, faith, belief and persistence keep the spark of a dream alive. Like the farmer who plants the seed knowing that with consistent nurturing the tiny nugget will blossom into a magnificent plant. Too often we are impatient, we give up, let go and deny ourselves the opportunity to believe in the dreams that stir deep within.
I often meet people who say, “well I don’t have any dreams,” or “someday I will go for it,” or “I can’t possibly follow my dreams right now, I have all these responsibilities…” I myself have mouthed such phrases. Thank goodness the tiny voice inside never gives up. The child within me always believes, sadly sometimes I gag her wisdom and pretend I cannot hear her haunting call.
Who knows what shall grow when we believe, nurture and cultivate the seeds of our soul…
Today I sit here smiling at all the little side paths I have enjoyed in my life. Little adventures to keep the wandering spirit in me alive and curious. In high school it was to be an exchange student, my year in Australia was incredible! Last year I moved to a farm to intern, learning so much about myself, farming, and rekindling my inquisitiveness about the world around me. In college I could never decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. It took me twenty-eight years, four campuses and over 240 credits to “finish” my bachelors degree. I have loved following my muse into diverse jobs, exploring new places and spaces. Yes, my inner sprite has joyfully kept me open and engaged with the dance of life.
Growing up I was taught that life is a linear experience, you do this, then this, and then.., all of it focused on some destination in the future. Why?I have asked this question my whole life. Why?What?Why do we put such emphasis on tomorrow instead of being present today. Why do we spend so much time achieving instead of enjoying the journey. What is that destination? What will I feel when I get there?
Life is an invitation to question, explore, investigate, play, imagine, believe, create….
Gratefully I gave up on that paradigm, well maybe I never believed in it. My curious, inquisitive nature could not be held to the worn and trodden path. There is nothing wrong with this path, for many it creates and offers immense joy and pleasure. For me it felt like being caged, confined, and tamed. That’s what glorious about our individuality, like the leaf on the tree outside, we are each rare and extraordinary.
Time... hmmm…how do we want to live in the time we have? We do not get it back. It does not slow down. Personally I find it to be ambiguous in nature, sometimes frozen and suspended, at other moments it’s a speed zone, blurred and lost in the rearview mirror. Before my time is up, I invite the dreams from within to find their operatic voice, it’s time to enjoy the blossoming of seeds planted years ago…
Dreams are not about what we do, they are about how we feel as we bring them to life…
I close today wondering how you –
Spend your time?
Live life? In reaction or choice?
Engage with your dreams?
Dance with contentment, joy, love?
Paint your life canvas – is it your paintbrush or someone else’s?
Watch for my upcoming online courses and the opportunity to work with me – Dream Whisperer and Beingness Guide.
Her eyes sparkle with joyful trust, her feet skip with abandoned freedom, her voice rises with no apology and her hands reach for the dust that sparkles in glittered suspension. She is free, wild and in ecstatic expression of the bliss which always is…
The inner self does not age, it flows pure in all moments, dancing in twinkling curiosity infinitely…
Her face was lined from years of living. Her eyes twinkled, bursting with memories etched like fireworks on a dark night. Her smile beckoned one to sit and listen. Her legs no longer danced, they lay bent and disfigured on the bed, raw open bed sores seeping at her hips. Her vibrant spirit encircled you the moment you stepped into her space, there was no victim in this room, no woe is me, instead one was greeted with dynamic passion, simple happiness, and a peacefulness that gently kissed you on the cheek.
Who are the “her’s” I speak of? The first is me, dancing in my childhood living room, chasing the sun dust I stirred up with my exuberant joy. The second “her” is a divine woman I was blessed to care for in a nursing home years ago. Her aliveness, grace, peace, and love still dance in my memory. She and others I cared for knew a truth, as did the child in me.
What did they know? They knew that happiness, love, peace and contentment always exist. They knew tranquility and exuberance did not exist in things outside themselves. They knew that it was accessible in all moments. They knew that no one could give it to them, yet they lovingly shared it. They knew it was a choice.
Clasping that which is, in desperation, chokes the potential of what can be, before it takes its first breath…
The years and space between innocent curious childhood and the wisdom of one’s latter years is full of “shoulds,” “comparisons,” “judgments,” and the measuring of oneself against a society often textured with fear and distrust. I do not have to sit very long in a cafe before I can hear someone criticizing themselves, or attacking someone else. The stories swirl around like the sound of an espresso machine, surging like the white foam with blame, shame, hurt, victimhood and discontent. It breeds like flies on a patio table, snatching up every scrappy morsel to inject the psyche with why life is so miserable.
Why do humans choose this? A question I have pondered since I was five years old. Why do we let go of our passionate desires to instead fly someone else’s kite? Why do we slam the door on the pure potential of joy? Why do we kick happiness to the curb, to welcome and invite stressful frustration? Why do we say “have to” instead of “get to”? Why do we choose to go through our days and moments on auto-pilot, waiting for someone or something else to make us better? Do we prefer to wait, to lie on our deathbed watching the autobiographical movie of regret? Why do we look in the mirror with such self contempt and hatred, for as young children we loved our reflection? I ask all of this with curiosity and a desire to understand.
A body twitches with delightful anticipation when a matchstick of wonder is lit beneath…
In my sophomore year of college I was blessed to work at an international daycare. Here I witnessed children from all over the world. They danced, played, laughed, cried, and enacted make believe stories together. Dynamically they engaged with each moment in present enthusiasm, viewing the world as a frontier to be explored. I sensed that the older children were on the fringe of losing this curious wonderment. In their play I observed them mimicking adults, their eyes became serious, their jaw set tightly, their voices lowered into somberness, like smoke their joy, spontaneity, compassion and kindness disappeared into the passing wind gust, leaving behind a robotic body controlled by the “taught” mind.
Three years after working in a daycare, I found myself working in a nursing home. Here I discovered the grace and vengeance of aging. I was gifted to share time with souls who lived a full passionate life and others who were embittered with regret. The extreme chasm between the two slapped me stingingly as I would leave one room to enter the other. My heart and soul ached for those fighting their own shadow, their anger and inability to forgive expressed through pinches, punches, and verbal abuse as I tried to assist them to the toilet, shower or dining hall. Off the clock, I cherished the moments I got to sit and listen to the stories from those celebrating life. Stories of falling in love, having children, riding in a car for the first time, rising above struggle, appreciating the gentle flow of seasons, years, experiences, and the pure grace of a life lived fully.
In my forties I found myself teaching language arts to junior high students. Here I witnessed the cross over in technicolor poignancy. A few young people desperately clung to their innocent pure belief that anything is possible, that one could reach for their dreams with unbridled passion. The majority of the students had given up, they did not dream, instead they chased visions of their future painted on the wall by parents and society. They swallowed hard the doses of expectations fed to them with the famous mantras, “when I have lots of money I will be happy, when I get my degree I will be happy, when I buy a house I will be happy, when I marry I will be happy, WHEN I… I will then be HAPPY.
Ironically the joke is on us, for much of life is lived between the wild child and the wise elder. Thus I am forever grateful for the life altering gift of witnessing snapshots of age through my diverse professional life. They have graced me with an awareness and microscopic view that life is really just a brief sojourn. A brief interlude to experience as I choose.
Today I watch the sun dust with the pure delight of my four year old wonderment, I dance with unlimited joy, for I am not young, nor old, I am in between, kissing each spec of time with gratitude.
Today I invite you to join me, breathe deeply into the child you once were before life manipulated you.
Today I encourage you to take back the string to your own kite, feel it dance freely upon the winds of raw, wild adventurous, exploration.
When did you forget that life is an invitation..???
Invitations to play:
Dance to your favorite music.
Sing with unbridled enthusiasm.
Daydream upon the page, letting the ink describe what your heart can imagine.
Play the “what if” game – on a piece of paper and/or in your mind play out the potential of following a dream…
Meditate quietly, letting the images and thoughts arise from within.
Close your eyes to feel into and remember the child within, what did you love, enjoy, imagine…
Invite your inner child to play, then get ready for some fun, as you embrace the wonder and curiosity.
I’m curious, do you prefer to hang around the serious, somber, practical person or find great joy in spending time around someone who is passionate, vibrant, dynamic and happily living life?
It has been way too long since I shared words upon this page. Sometimes I give in to the calling for a quiet hiatus, pausing to reflect, feel, explore and just BE. Often in this crazy world we forget what Just BEingcan feel like. It seems to be ingrained into our personal psyche that if we are not DOing we must BE failing. I completely disagree!
The chaotic zoom of the world even in these times of COVID, incessantly taps on us like a crow pecking on a scavenged dirty cracker found upon a sidewalk. Over time we have become immune to such bombardment, calloused to the dings upon our “lifeblood” phone, the small inanimate object we take everywhere. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, the list continues to expand. I am not against technology, I am actually very grateful for how it has kept my scattered family connected during these isolated times. As a writer at heart, I love coming to the page to dance with my muse, leaving behind the typewriter white out and loud din of pecking on the keys. WhatsApp delights me, for I am free to communicate when I want, for as long as I desire and in whatever format I feel like engaging in – audio, images, video, all of this at my fingertips, literally.
BEing graces our soul with the opportunity to express and enlighten our journey back home to the self…
Just BEing, seems to be a forgotten playmate and lost gift. As a child you engaged with it all the time, for it sparked creative ideas, imaginary scenes and pure bliss. As you grew up, you inhaled the taught (domesticated) expectations, accepting without question that there was only one path to happiness. You pushed aside your precious inspiring playmate to engage with the “to do” list, goal chart, success ladder, asset collecting, bank account and programed paradigms of societal expectations. Now, please understand, I am not against any of the above listed things, matter a fact, I engage in all of them. I ask them to align with me, my dreams, my passions, my priorities and personal desires. It allows me to design my unique empowered path.
During my recent hiatus from this page and my other blog The BEingness Project, I explored more deeply the authentic truth
“And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.”
~ Confucius
Is there truly a wrong or right path? What if all life choices were about exploring the rich diversity of possibility?
As I deeply feel into what I desire for the next phase of life, I give myself permission to squish around the sensations of each idea. As though I am an explorer investigating the textures, smells, sounds and ambiance of a puffy white cloud. Suspended above my purposed next adventure, I take it all in – why, where, who, what… It has been my life experience that we jump like a frog to the next lily pad hoping that it will “fix” our problems, change our situation, or answer our unspoken and unidentified hearts’ desire. While the leaping in and of itself is intoxicating and thrilling, it does not change the reality that wherever you go, there you are. As I play with the soft red clay that forms my life, I give myself the time to unearth the richness or deprivation of each scenario. Does it lift my wings or is it another distraction, an escape route that ultimately leads back to the same dead end cul de sac?
Oh I am poised to jump! All my muscles are taut and ready for my invitation. Delightfully wisdom has started to blossom in full glory, encouraging me to BE, to FEEL, to allow myself the TIME to witness the possibilities as they play out within my heart and soul. What calls me, pulls me towards my song, my story, my sharing…? Cutting away at the puppet strings attached without my knowing, I float in the free fall, trusting the parachute of my own inner GPS guidance. What an exciting time, to stand at the edge of a new horizon, vast, limitless, infinite and grand… The only limitation is that which I put upon myself. Lifting my wings, responding to my poised muscles and heart strings, I set sail. There is no RIGHT or WRONG path, only the knowing that I choose to live a life of no regret. As the astute saying shares, there is no Uhaul that follows us when we pass from this life, thus I wish to fill the coffers of my time here with vapor held experiences, rich colors painted upon my heart, breath stopping memories of love and grace, and laughter that carries me home…
Transformation occurs from the inside out, not the outside in…
Thank you for joining me today, I forgot how much fun it is to BE with you 🙏🏻💖. It is my absolute life passion that each and every one of us remembers how to BE, how to hear and feel our heart/soul call. Rising into a life of passion, dreams and desires. When we walk naked on this path of personal truth, we touch and lift all who connect with us along the way!
If you enjoyed this little blog, here are a couple of old posts that invite BEingness into your life ❤️
Start or continue the Fictional Awakening with us – Your Soul’s Invitation (click on link for novel)
We are never too young nor too old to explore, learn, expand, grow and awaken new passions…
Something that has bothered me for years now is the out dated and expired cultural and societal life span timeline – Born, toddler years, school years (12-13 years), graduate high school, attend college, career, family, home, retire…blah, blah, blah. My brother and I were having a conversation years ago, he asked me, “What about your retirement?” My response, “What do I retire from? Life?”
I’m not “Old”, I’m just Beginning… I literally get giddy inside when I think (daydream) about all the things I am excited to explore, co-create, experience and embark on.
When and why do we say yes to a contrived timeline, created to control, manipulate and categorize our lives… Really..?
Here I sit looking at my upcoming 56th birthday with great enthusiasm and excitement, for I have no desire to be twenty or thirty again. The forties were great, the fifties are even better!! I absolutely LOVE having all the life experiences thus far that fuel my passion and curiosity for what comes next. As I told my son Friday night when we shared dinner, “I just need thirty to fifty more years to live and experience all the things I dream of…” Both of my children have laughed at me over the years, for I am always brewing up some new idea, or scheming about an adventure, or… I remember my daughter once saying, “Mom, you’ll be 86 and still going to college.” My response, “Maybe, wouldn’t that be fun.”
The only thing that limits our life experience is US. As a living and breathing human, you are truly the only thing standing in the way of what you want. Oh believe me, I know and have heard the complete litany of excuses one can use to limit the pure potential of what is possible. As a daughter, sibling, mother, teacher, author, coach and healer I’ve heard the gammit! Thankfully my childlike faith that “Anything is Possible” continues to rev my engine and ignite my passions!
Life is spattered with crossroads and invitations, the only dead end is the one we generate in our mind…
In 2018 I happened upon a book that sang to my feelings about aging in our society, especially in the work place, Wisdom @ Work by Chip Conley (check out the Modern Elder Academy). As one who has been the boss of those older and younger as well as being the employee for those younger and older I have sincerely experienced the intergenerational impacts. In addition to the workplace, I have also been blessed to journey the academic world at diverse ages, 18 and up! I love university campuses, I delight in learning, expanding my knowledge and life experiences. Perhaps that is why it took 28 years to finish my bachelors degree, attending four different colleges and compiling over 240 credits in diverse fields. Last year I applied for a Master’s degree, joyously I was accepted and elected to defer for a year, waiting out the COVID impacts. Will I attend this next year, hmmm.., I don’t know, I’m still daydreaming about all my future possibilities – it’s so FUN to explore the diverse horizons!
Recently I read a blog post by Chip Conleythat accentuated an idea I’ve had for years – intergenerational campuses. The world is full of these amazing institutions of higher learning, why are we cheating ourselves of the powerful gift offered through diverse demographics. Colleges around the globe sit on a precipice of change, for technology is redesigning the face of learning and working. As I stated above I LOVE campuses, they stir curiosity, imagination and knowledge seeking. Lately I have been asking the awesome elders in my life, “would you go back to school,” thus far the response is unanimous – Yes!!
What if graduation caps filled the air of campuses around the globe from hands of diverse ages???
As I dig further into the global awareness that we live longer, I celebrate those on the front lines who see this as a glorious opportunity. The old paradigm of retirement in our fifties or sixties is outdated and literally gyps us ALL of the two way wisdom flow – Young to Elder – Elder to Young. In my twenties I worked in an international daycare and I worked in a nursing home, I have feet on the ground experience with the incredible truth that everyone has wisdom to offer along the path of life. I personally have no desire to retire! In actuality I find myself immensely excited about my “next life!” And then the “next” and “next”! That’s what makes life a magnificent adventure, the glorious blossoming of what’s next. It’s a dance of passionate vibrancy, celebrating the now moments, while opening to our future hearts desires.
In this last week I have discovered great strides towards our waking up with regard to our “New World” of intergenerational and multigenerational expansion (shall dig into multigenerational in a separate blog post).
in·ter·gen·er·a·tion·al
relating to, involving, or affecting several generations.
mul·ti·gen·er·a·tion·al
relating to several generations.”multigenerational families”
These two words are so similar, in context to this blog, I see intergenerational as the sharing of information/life experience across generations, often not of familial relationship. While multigenerational has been defined for years as several generations within a family relationship.
Age is not a limitation, it is an opportunity to explore from a new place of knowing…
I often meet and work with an unenthused younger generation. I can’t blame them, for when I look out at the elders role modeling what is ahead, there is a sense of boredom and lack of enthusiasm. It’s almost like they gave up on dreams, passion, zest, curiosity and adventure. Why??? When did we decide there was a cap or timeline on our potential to create and experience more? Did you buy into this bogus system? Have you resigned yourself to “what is” or are you invigorated by “what can be?”
My son and I…
My son Walker graduates High School, this year he graduates from college.
Life is full of glorious doors…
My daughter and I…
My daughter Raven graduates High School and is now exploring what comes next.
My Bachelors Celebration with my children in my forties :-)…
Our personal timeline is ours to dot, we are the co-creators of our life, we choose the doors we wish to adventure through…
I know for me I’m just Beginning to spread my wings into what comes next! It truly excites me, for I have learned that one adventure opens the doors and windows to so many more – its endless! I just need five or more lifetimes to experience them all 😊❣️ Of course I chuckle at that thought, for new passions will ignite with each exploration, so it is infinitely inviting me into more – Whoo Hoo!! I celebrate with great joy and enthusiasm the pure raw potential of intergenerational expansion. I sure hope you will join me…
One of my latest adventures has been to finally play with writing a fictional novel – Join us herefor the continuing saga.
“Your Soul’s Invitation” – A fictional journey that epitomizes the adventure life can be when we follow our bliss, our heart’s desires… Click Hereto read the latest or start fresh.
As we individually believe, we attract others who share in the dream, this connection lifts us into more…
Over the years I have refined my Daydreaming practice. It has become my way to explore ideas that bubble up, visions that roll through my mind and passions that tug on my heart strings. It has taken me years to cultivate and allow the Daydreaming gift to blossom. Growing up in a society and culture that is all about action and making it happen, leaves one feeling guilty if they are not setting goals to move towards a dream. The challenge for someone like myself is that I am “multi-passionate” a term created by one of my favorite women, Marie Forleo.
I have always been multi-passionate, most days 3 to 5 different ideas jig around my mind, playing with merriment and anticipatory potential. Often, I will be playing with these concepts then bang! Another possible scheme, percolates into my mind’s eye. Ugh.., how does one decide what action to take when they are being bombarded by so many desirable creative adventures. The sensation of this glorious daydreaming is like popcorn in a very hot pan, it pops with such intoxication! It is a high that elevates one, a pure shot of joyful passion. I sincerely wish for everyone to play, for can you just imagine how happy the world would be if everyone was imagining what can be.., versus being stuck in the old story. This high has only positive long term effects, while it is quite addictive, it will not lead you down a path of despair, it will invite you into the pure potential you are here to express and share.
I used to torment myself and others by trying to make it all happen. Taking action steps towards the various projects. Ultimately this wore me down, for I have this pattern of robbing from my sleep. As a single mom with two children, I had to maintain the day job to keep the lights on, thus the only place I could snag time was in the wee hours. I am still guilty of setting my alarm for 3:00 to 3:30am, for the precious morning time is when I can fuel the flames of my passions. I know this will not always be the case, for as I continue to nurture my dreams they are gaining momentum towards expansive growth.
The uniqueness of our Daydreams coming to life is what makes this world so dynamically vibrant…
So where does Daydreaming fit in? Well, to decipher and handle the massive flow of ideas, I play with them, like a cat with a mouse. I give my heart, mind and soul complete permission to play in the imaginary world. I journal in the dark of morning, letting the dreams come alive on the page and within me. It starts my day with such magic and excitement. I authentically allow my imagination to FEEL the sensations I might experience if I was to truly live out the plan/idea? Does it lead to something I truly wish to live day in and day out? Can I see doors opening along the way? When I live in this pretend Daydream, is it what I really want to FEEL and EXPERIENCE? Everything we desire in life is because we want to FEEL and EXPERIENCE something. Humans are purely driven by our hunger to receive certain sensations – love, acceptance, freedom, peace, joy, security, connection, etc….
I joyously allow myself to explore in the Daydream for as long as it takes to feel clarity. Clarity comes in diverse forms, sometimes I have lived the Daydream so thoroughly that I feel like I have already journeyed it, thus, I am complete, done, the idea has been experienced. At other times I experience an inspired action step (these have led to great miraculous journeys in my life) that leads towards my effervescent wish/dream. While still other explorations within my Daydreaming playground conclude at a dead end that feels completely burdensome and overwhelming – no thank you, I close the page on that idea and smile with satisfaction that I thoroughly explored it.
Like a crystal ball Daydreams bridge our present reality with the potential of tomorrow’s becoming…
Why would I ever stop dreaming during my waking hours? Daydreaming is a delicious way to step into the next moments and potential adventures. I already know what is, why would I want to focus in my rearview mirror or floorboards? So much is out there for me to experience when I look out the front window, letting the past be the past.
I squeak my dreams into the cracks of time that life grants me. The wee hours of morning, the meanderings on walks, the moments of stillness I sneak into my present 9-5 job and the sweet sparks generated as I meditate upon waking and prior to going to sleep. My weekends are selfishly filled with inspired action towards my Day Dreams. I’m very excited about the long Christmas weekend, for I have pulled out a book proposal class I purchased four years ago. Enthusiastically I shall generate a book proposal for my nonfiction book series, “K.I.S.S. Keep It Sweetly Simple – Happiness is easy… Living a life of Choice.” This 6 little book series has twirled in my Daydreams for five years. I self published the first book in 2017, removing it recently from Amazon to edit and update. (Click Hereor on the image below if you are curious to see the outline for the series.) Receiving a book offer with an advance would be intoxicating – giving me the freedom to write full time. Oh, I have so many books in my Daydream box 😊!
K.I.S.S. Series, Keep It Sweetly Simple, Happiness is Easy, Live a Life of CHOICE…
I often catch myself hoping to live long enough to enjoy at least half of the Daydreams that sparkle in my galactic imagination. Visions for communities that co-exist, healing campuses that support and shift our relationship in the medical world, bestselling books that entertain and serve, TV series that uplift and inspire…. I have learned over the years that Daydreams have wings! When I believe without question and live as though it already is, the miraculous occurrences line up to co-create and manifest.
I invite you in pure glee to gift yourself with a pilgrimage into your Day Dreaming space. Why not try it? It doesn’t cost money! It easily fits into your day while commuting, preparing meals, getting ready for work, etc…. Like little thought bubbles, Daydreams float about waiting for us to explore and envision.
If you wish to PLAY more with DayDreams here are some other posts including a downloadable Play Sheet –
“Your Soul’s Invitation” is a fictional journey where people around the world awaken to the Daydreamer that lives inside. They are reminded by a chance encounter with a magazine – Click Here to continue on the adventure or begin the quest.
To dream is to believe that we are not limited by our present day reality…
I am curious, when was the last time you allowed yourself to DREAM? To feel, yes, I mean literally FEEL into what brings you joy?
Do you recall a time in your life when you heard someone say, “Get real!” or “Stop dreaming,” or “Would you get serious, that’s not possible,” or???
As a child did you like to daydream? To let your mind and heart wander? To imagine what you might experience, see, do?? Do you still allow yourself this playful exploration? Or did you allow the naysayers, the reality preachers and the nonbelievers to shut you down?
When did you forget to imagine? What happened to your curiosity?
I cannot imagine our world without the Daydreamers, for they are the ones who created and continue to create our tomorrows. They envision what can be and move towards it without question. This takes great courage, faith and perseverance in a world of judges and critics who live from a place of stuck realism.
Let’s really explore this, where would we be today if these Dreamers did not or had not existed –
Thomas Edison
Wright Brothers
Marie Sklodowska Curie
Rosa Parks
Martin Luther King
Alexander Graham Bell
Henry Ford
Ada Lovelace (check this one out…)
Emmeline Pankhurst
Leonardo da Vinci
Nikola Tesla
Steve Jobs
Gandhi
Abraham Lincoln
Albert Einstein
Socrates, Plato
Nelson Mandela
ETC…..
Thankfully this list goes on and on.., for to dream and believe is to live a vibrant, dynamic, passionate life, engaged in what is, while holding tight to the kite of tomorrow’s potential.
The only limitation is allowing other’s to dictate our dreams…
It is interesting to imagine our world without those who bring their dreams to life. Those strong enough to “walk their talk” without question or doubt. Along the way they often fall down or fail as we like to label it, yet, they get up and persevere.
Thomas Edison, one of many great inventors, role modeled incredible perseverance and complete belief…
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
Thomas Edison
Often in my daily world I am surrounded by the realist, the one who sees what is, gets stuck there and is not able to imagine what might be. I have learned to not bring them into my intimate friend circle, for they are the first to criticize my dreams, to roll their eyes or shake their heads at my “fantasy world” or “crazy pipe dreams.” These same people enjoy turning on a light switch, utilizing a car to get places, flying in a plane to visit a new corner of the world, use a computer/phone to communicate with friends and family around the world, hmmmm…, I wonder where they think these things came from?
Passionate creativity expands, opening space for more…
We love the line from Martin Luther King Jr., “I have a dream…” He envisioned a world of equality, as did Nelson Mandela, Gandhi and…
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of life, devoid of breadth.
Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.
Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.
Nelson Mandela
I reflect back at how often along my life path I have been told to “get real,” “get my head out of the clouds,” “it’s nice to dream Fawn, but, how can you ever create that…” Most of these people are well intentioned, they want what is “best” for me. I have learned to selectively share my dreams and visions for the future, holding them preciously in my heart, soul and mind’s infinite space. I prefer to keep the company of Dreamers, those who inspire and remind me that anything is possible.
Belief is the spark that keeps the flame of dreams vibrantly burning…
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.
Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated.
Albert Einstein
Like Einstein I am a typical loner in my daily life. While I am factually surrounded by colleagues, customers, friends and family, I wander within my own passionate dream bubble, a space that is energized by the “invisible community.” It is an interesting space to hold. Being completely present while maintaining the vibrational energy of that which I believe is possible. In the wee hours of my quiet morning, weekends, or evening time I step towards my Daydreams. They are becoming. Yes, you cannot see them yet in this time and space, however, they are energetically manifesting. My joyous faith knows and feels them.
As humans we are driven by a desire to feel. To experience the sensation of joy, love, peace, acceptance, contentment, happiness… All we crave we cannot see or touch. Daydreaming fuels within me such expansive joy, love, excitement and eager anticipation while it breathes contentment into my present moments. To no longer dream is to die for me, to live a life of going through the motions, to hit the repeat button eternally.
Change first begins within, from there it blossoms and manifests….
I tell my children that anything is possible. I encourage them to dream and follow their passions. Sadly the “reality” teachers along their life path have put holes in their Daydreamer kites. The glorious news for them and all of us, is that kites can be mended to fly again.
Thank you Daydreamers for always being curious, for imagining what can be, for stepping forth in the crowd of naysayers to fly your kite…
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
William Arthur Ward
Your dream space is for you to fill, to passionately create, curiously explore and infinitely expand…
I am sincerely enjoying the journey with the characters of “Your Soul’s Invitation”, for they are remembering to dream, thanks to an unexpected magazines. Click HERE to read the latest or begin the journey.
If you have been following along with authentic journey of Rita, Ken, Francine and Doug, click HEREto continue or start this adventure.
Stepping into the unknown can feel exciting or fearful, which do you choose..? And who taught you to feel this way..?
Over the years I have gradually learned how to hear and feel my spirit or muse as I sometimes refer. Occasionally I do not understand how the image or feeling I experience can possibly come into manifested form. However, I let go with joyful trust, allowing the how, when or where, to present itself. Every time I genuinely let my spirit guide me, miraculous things happen and become.
A Journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.
Lao Tzu
When I was child my spirit walked with me, hearing me while I roamed the woods, played in trees, observed the flowing river and danced in meadows. Never did I feel alone, instead I felt true to myself, at one with the world around me. At times I would joyously talk out loud to my musing friend, sharing dreams, desired adventures and asking for guidance. Often I would burst with elation, singing at the top of my human lungs to the universe with pure glee. As I held the hand of my internal spirit the world flowed, like a gentle river, an infinite stream…
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
Anthony Robbins
Have you ever truly pondered where does it all begin, end..? Who am I within this expanding universe..? How do I spend my precious moments..?
As I “grew up” in the world of humans this intrinsic core of my BEing was pushed to the side. I was encouraged to ignore its presence, to shut off the joyful rudder that sang to me of life’s grand journey. I heard from all around me to “be smart,” “don’t be silly,” “you must be rational.” As I accepted this, I began to experience for the first time what loneliness truly felt like. At times this taught way of being shut down my airway, choking the very essence of my wild authentic self to death.
I kept trying to find a way to breathe while conforming to the world around me. I knew everyone was trying to help me. Family, friends, teachers, mentors, they were all doing their best, guiding me towards “success” and a happy life. Yet, the more I entrenched myself into the world of “do, conquer, force, stay on the path of others,” the more I died inside.
As the years passed by, I was coached to compare, judge and measure myself against others, graphs of success, dollars in the bank, possessions in hand and to fear that which I did not know. The more I poured myself into this contrived world, the more intensely I felt lost. I had begun to believe that I was not enough, not worthy and far from perfect.
When did you allow others to fill your crystal ball..? When did you suffocate and extinguish your spirited dreams and passions..?
My lifeline was nature. Here I could breathe. Amongst the trees I felt understood, known. The gentle flow of a river soothed and washed away the debris of society’s discontent. The gentle breeze or violent storm awakened the wild child in me, stirring her very essence into impassioned joyful faith. Screaming into the lightening and thunder, dancing naked in a torrential downpour, natures cleansing always called me home. Her earthly pulse, my beating soul and the universal cosmic orchestra, reminded me I was already enough, I was worthy of anything I could dream and that perfection lay in the arms of individual interpretation.
Thankfully the gag I had put around my spirited muse choked me into sputtering awareness. Tearing it off, my lungs filled to capacity for the first time in years. With the inhale I once again remembered the infinite joy, curious wonder, expansive love and peaceful contentment. Daily I build up this deep breathing muscle, chipping away at the facade and mask I had put on to fit in and please the humans around me.
Who might you become if you danced wild and free with your inner spirit..? What might unfold if you trusted your soul’s calling..?
Today I blissfully coexist with my spirit, my muse, my inner BEing. I let her stir the crockpot of life, intoxicating it with elixirs beyond my mere human imagining. Gracing my moments to be experienced as complete unto themself. Everything aligns and flows with perfection, imbuing my time space reality with joy, love, peace and the glorious sensation of anticipation. I know that life is working out, that as I nurture my spirit, it sprouts grand adventures, life lessons, expansive opportunities and infinite explorations.
What does this mean in common language –
It means I don’t always DO what I am “supposed to do”.
It means that I literally follow the joy or bliss as Joseph Campbell phrased it.
It means I allow myself to just BE, sinking into the quiet, expansive space to listen, feel and allow.
It means I awakened my childhood faith that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE if I believe.
It means that I get to consciously choose to only be around people who joyously “fill up my cup” not “drain it.”
I give myself permission to play everyday with my spirited muse, to imagine, to feel, to embody all that I dream as though it already is.
I enthusiastically let go, surrender with absolute trust, allowing my inner spirit to guide my life, to share the how, when and where…
I ardently fuel the flames of my desires and dreams, stepping forth on the life journey with inspired action.
I choose what I will hear from others, the well meaning naysayers get appreciated without accepting their way as mine.
I am free to choose in ALL my moments how I will feel and react.
Freedom does not come attached to a flag, government or institution. It lies within, always there, it breathes, it pulses, it vibrates eternally…
Life is a glorious journey! I can share with genuine experience that this human life is magnanimous beyond words when we step forth connected to our inner self/spirit/source – coexisting and co-creating. I just need ten more lifetimes to live and share all the amazing dreams, desires and passions that zoom around my joyful BEing…
I ask you –
What fills you with joy when you think about it?
What dreams and desires did you put on the shelf and forget?
If you were lying on your death bed, what un-lived dreams would stand around your bed, the ghosts of personal regrets?
How old were you when you stopped believing you could do or be anything?
When did you start comparing yourself to everyone else?
Are you truly happy? If not, why??? And if you had that, did that, would you now be happy? Or???
The only limitation we encounter is self-prescribed…
If you have been following along with a magazine that reminds you how amazing you are, then click HERE to read more or read it all…
Simply Fawn 