be YOU just as you are

I am taking a leap of faith.

I am changing the way I do things around here...

I am coming into me.

You see, last year I sort of dropped off for a bit while we worked on the blog for our Kickstarter project- we were SO grateful for all the support.  I had SO much going around in my head... it seemed impossible to try to *think* of uplifting things to write about and inspire you.

SO I am changing things up (or down, or any which way that the wind blows)....I have realized by reading other blogs and forums and books.... that the best way to inspire is by showing up just as you are....to just be you:
                                                           just as you are. 

So, I am just going to be  more of "me"...sometimes sad, sometimes mad, a romantic or a goof... with a bit of *woo woo* here and there and of course loads of art... basically: just plain ol' Claudia.

 

May we all be who we truly are,

for there should be nothing easier in the world to do!

2012 was my year for letting go of people who for many years have caused me lots of pain through their constant judgement, criticism and snippy jabs.... it has not been easy and I have built metaphorical secret gardens where we shall surely meet again ... the journey is not finished.... but this year I am ready to move on without the baggage of judgement, criticism and other such useless things that negatively affect my self-image and self-worth.

It has been a very difficult path for me... being ostracized by some of the people I have loved the most....I have shushed a voice that has wanted to be heard ...I have tried so hard to be loved and respected for who I am....yet at the same time I really have not been "who I really am" because I have tried so hard to please, to fit in, to be loved. It has been ages of trying... and it has been as e.e. cummings says:

 

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight."

 

I remember the first time that as an adult I read this quote by Dr. Seuss... it brought me to my knees...and it was then that I knew there was work to be done:

 

“Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind.”
― Dr. Seuss

So this year, 2013... it is my year of being who I am. I am ready to be more of myself and let my inner light shine bright so that it may be one more tiny light added to the flame of light all around the world.... what about you?

 

 It’s hard to be YOUrself when you are  surrounded by people who are judgemental,  jealous of your success, controlling, manipulative, or  laugh at your positive disposition or *woo woo* loving self!

 I have been there and I am telling you: consider limiting your time with them. Instead, seek out those in your life who support you and love the real you...those who want to see you be the best person you can be and don’t mind helping you get there-those are the ones who matter in your life. This is such a big world...and there is plenty of good to go around for everyone...so share your love with others... and make sure to take it in yourself!

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”―Dr. Seuss,