GATHER / cultivation

from the Dear Lizzy blog

I recently read Brene Brown's [lady game changer extraordinaire] The Gifts of Imperfection and beyond offering me a whole new mindset from which to encounter the world, I was left with one really resonating question,

"What does it take to cultivate what we need?" 

I immediately went to my trusted journal and began to write down all the words for my chosen future.

I WANT

ocean waves
mountain views
children laughing, lots of laughing
teaching students at home where they feel most safe to explore
long and meaningful gazes into my husbands eyes
cool breezes and lots of light (pouring in)
a house with homey feelings
bright bouquets that greet me
radical and life altering conversations with people I admire
adventures always on the calendar
lots of noise with my family and then silence when I deeply need it
a cultivated and chosen tribe
morning hikes with my dog
yoga as my continuing teacher, guide, and source of inspiration
trust in the universe and a pathway to explore spirituality
flannel and lots and lots of blankets
early mornings
plane rides home to visit and connect with those three i love the most
belly laughs (there it is again)
lots of snuggling and whispers and midnight kisses
afternoon naps, long and luxurious
to be my own boss - to own what I create and inspire others to do the same
generosity to be a default - a place to start from - to give to give to give
financial freedom to calm and maintain the struggle
a space in that airy place to call my OWN
an early bedtime
space for sensuality, sexuality, and intimacy that grows and deepens over time
moonlit walks, lots of stars, and feeling small in the universe
hand holding, hand holding, hand holding
wandering without a destination
traveling to see WONDER
phones turned off during meals and meaningful conversations - I crave connection
a schedule that allows for me to be a mom, a wife, a yoga teacher, and a entrepreneur
a business partner to collaborate with who shines just as bright as me

This list could go on and on and on. When I thought about everything on this list, a smile found it's way to my lips and was firmly planted there for thirty minutes. I really, achingly, enthusiastically want to create this life. When I started thinking about HOW to create action towards those moments, I immediately tapped into feelings. I know that the path to the future happens in each and every step; nothing is wasted, everything is earned. These words are my feeling path to cultivation.

PATH TO CULTIVATION 

connection
communication
courage
compassion
honesty
trust
love
patience
curiosity
dreaming
growth
evolution
empathy
faith
fight
fun
collaboration
ease
exploration
playfulness
freedom
light
darkness

If we never start dreaming about our ideal life, how will we know when we've found it?

How do you cultivate what you need?