Blog
Eliminate Hate
Last night laying in bed, as I was drifting off to sleep I had this thought.
I wonder if anyone else logs onto Facebook and sees someone they were just thinking about pop up on your timeline, and think, 'cool on me to have a connection with the universe through Facebook?' Then I will look at this persons page for a minute, usually until something else distracts my puppy brain, and then I'm on to the next thing. Then as I began to wonder about this, I realized that it doesn't actually mean I connected with this person, although, in my mind I did. I read their posts saw some pictures of their puppies or kids, and then carried on. Really though it's not connecting unless we actually interact with the person....I will work on that I think...
Then my thought gets interrupted just as I'm thinking about the love/hate relationship I have with facebook, by both of our guest bedroom doors popping open. I laugh and think, hmm more signs from the universe, what could it be? I always check Steve first, and once I saw he was okay I was reminded of an interaction with my oldest nephew this weekend. He's wise beyond his years and a very special boy (I'm not just biased, it's true):)
We were getting ready to go visit Linn Run State Park, my favorite place to visit when I'm in Pennsylvania, and as we are bundling up to get ready, I casually say, "I really hate the cold weather."
To which he quickly responds, "We aren't supposed to say we hate things, Aunt Hope."
I look at him and smile, and again my puppy brain went somewhere else without thinking much about the interaction.
So last night I sat and thought, "It's too easy to say I hate something." It shouldn't be that easy. In fact I shouldn't use the word in my vocabulary at all, because hate just breeds more hate. So hating the cold just makes me miserable and focus on all the misery about it. You know what, that whole trip to Linn Run, I didn't notice the cold one bit. In fact I enjoyed every minute about the experience, all because my nephew casually reminded me to eliminate hate.
How are your words influencing your life? It's simple to not see it, but the mindful elimination of the word can be pretty powerful. I plan to work everyday at eliminating the word hate from my vocabulary. Will you join me?
More love. No more hate. <3
Ideas
I'm an idea person. On an average day at least 20 ideas float through my mind. Some great game changing ideas and some eh, not so much. However, allowing the ideas to flow have been the start of some amazing projects in my life.
I recently had someone gently suggest to me, "Less ideas, more focus." I could see where they were coming from and it totally rattled me. Am I too flaky? All these ideas and not enough follow through? Do people see me as just a wild card. She'll one day have something that sticks?
Feeling totally discouraged I went to my trusty adviser (Steve :)), and asked what he thought. He said without skipping a beat, "You're an idea person, and that's what makes you special. Don't allow someone who doesn't understand you stop you, from being you."
That's why he's my adviser, you see. I come to him with every wild idea, and he always tells me to pursue it with the rare exception of the idea being to big for my breeches. He encourages me to pursue everything with equal measure, and is there to catch me when those ideas flop, and to keep pushing me when I need the extra motivation.
The beauty of having someone tell you to run with your wild ideas, is that some of those ideas blossom into really amazing things. Our documentary started out as just a wild idea. Now, it's going to be distributed world wide May 3rd. Hopie Hippie started as an idea, Hope for Steve, this blog, all the changes done to our home, etc.
All these started with just an idea where Steve encouraged me, "Yes, Hope, run with that." If he hadn't encouraged me and I listened to the "nay sayers", a lot of magical things wouldn't have happened in our lives.
If you find yourself constantly being discouraged when you have an idea, don't stop. Find a new adviser, and keep going. Because all beautiful projects started as just an idea, and then the courage to try and follow through with that. If your ideas have been failing, and you can't seem to find one that sticks. Don't give up! Your golden ticket is coming I promise.
Ideas are the way the world keeps evolving and growing, and one day yours could change the world. It could be the cure to ALS, or it could be the next life changing movie someone sees that impacts their life so much they change, or the next big invention to make our lives better, or even a way to add just a little bit of beauty to our lives.
Your ideas are worthy of being pursued. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Be an idea person with me, and let's keep shaking up the way people see the world.
I recently had someone gently suggest to me, "Less ideas, more focus." I could see where they were coming from and it totally rattled me. Am I too flaky? All these ideas and not enough follow through? Do people see me as just a wild card. She'll one day have something that sticks?
Feeling totally discouraged I went to my trusty adviser (Steve :)), and asked what he thought. He said without skipping a beat, "You're an idea person, and that's what makes you special. Don't allow someone who doesn't understand you stop you, from being you."
That's why he's my adviser, you see. I come to him with every wild idea, and he always tells me to pursue it with the rare exception of the idea being to big for my breeches. He encourages me to pursue everything with equal measure, and is there to catch me when those ideas flop, and to keep pushing me when I need the extra motivation.
The beauty of having someone tell you to run with your wild ideas, is that some of those ideas blossom into really amazing things. Our documentary started out as just a wild idea. Now, it's going to be distributed world wide May 3rd. Hopie Hippie started as an idea, Hope for Steve, this blog, all the changes done to our home, etc.
All these started with just an idea where Steve encouraged me, "Yes, Hope, run with that." If he hadn't encouraged me and I listened to the "nay sayers", a lot of magical things wouldn't have happened in our lives.
If you find yourself constantly being discouraged when you have an idea, don't stop. Find a new adviser, and keep going. Because all beautiful projects started as just an idea, and then the courage to try and follow through with that. If your ideas have been failing, and you can't seem to find one that sticks. Don't give up! Your golden ticket is coming I promise.
Ideas are the way the world keeps evolving and growing, and one day yours could change the world. It could be the cure to ALS, or it could be the next life changing movie someone sees that impacts their life so much they change, or the next big invention to make our lives better, or even a way to add just a little bit of beauty to our lives.
Your ideas are worthy of being pursued. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Be an idea person with me, and let's keep shaking up the way people see the world.
Back to the basics
What would you do if there was no one following you? No Instagram followers, no Facebook posts, and no 140 character tweets?
Would you be different? More focused? Try more things? Would you be less judgmental on yourselves and just do your own thing? Would you wear that bathing suit and sit in the sunshine soaking it up? Would you try to dance? Paint? Create?
Getting back to my roots this past weekend reminded me of a simpler time. A time where I would spend most of my days lost in nature and in my mind. I didn't care if people thought it was weird that I spent more time with trees than people, and certainly didn't care if something I said was misunderstood by someone on the computer.
I remember when computers were introduced because my mom sold them. They were a tool, she explained that would help us feel more connected to the outside world. Well, I didn't want to be connected at that time. I was perfectly happy being lost in the mountains and trees. I was okay with who I was, and it didn't dawn on me that it was abnormal to want to be alone rather than with people.
Now, I have the same fondness for being alone and doing my own thing, thankfully. I also have that fondness with connecting with those around me, and sometimes the balance is a tricky thing. How much do I share to be able to make the impact I intend to make? How much does the feedback I get influence what I post? How much do I allow that person who doesn't agree with me, sway my way of thinking?
Being back in nature this weekend awoke something inside of me, that I was slowly loosing to the social media world. So back to the basics of doing what makes me, me. Spending more time in nature, and in the presence of actual people. More time creating, less time comparing. My most creative times come when I unplug and just let the divine flow through me. When I am just me, that's when I make the most impact. No more feeling like I have to compete to get more likes, more followers, or more support. I am supported and loved and those that feel that way, do so because I am just me. Not some girl on the internet.
Having a strong social media presence will still be important for Steve and I. However, it will be on our own terms again. Back to the basics when being me, didn't mean posting things just for likes. The things I post I want to come from my heart. From the part of me that wakes up when I'm with the trees and things that excite me.
How are you letting social media take away from the gift that is YOU? Is it holding you back? Are you afraid of the negative feedback that might come from just being?
What happens when you let that go? Be you, the you that isn't being watched by hundreds to thousands of people, and remember that you IS ENOUGH.
Would you be different? More focused? Try more things? Would you be less judgmental on yourselves and just do your own thing? Would you wear that bathing suit and sit in the sunshine soaking it up? Would you try to dance? Paint? Create?
Getting back to my roots this past weekend reminded me of a simpler time. A time where I would spend most of my days lost in nature and in my mind. I didn't care if people thought it was weird that I spent more time with trees than people, and certainly didn't care if something I said was misunderstood by someone on the computer.
I remember when computers were introduced because my mom sold them. They were a tool, she explained that would help us feel more connected to the outside world. Well, I didn't want to be connected at that time. I was perfectly happy being lost in the mountains and trees. I was okay with who I was, and it didn't dawn on me that it was abnormal to want to be alone rather than with people.
Now, I have the same fondness for being alone and doing my own thing, thankfully. I also have that fondness with connecting with those around me, and sometimes the balance is a tricky thing. How much do I share to be able to make the impact I intend to make? How much does the feedback I get influence what I post? How much do I allow that person who doesn't agree with me, sway my way of thinking?
Being back in nature this weekend awoke something inside of me, that I was slowly loosing to the social media world. So back to the basics of doing what makes me, me. Spending more time in nature, and in the presence of actual people. More time creating, less time comparing. My most creative times come when I unplug and just let the divine flow through me. When I am just me, that's when I make the most impact. No more feeling like I have to compete to get more likes, more followers, or more support. I am supported and loved and those that feel that way, do so because I am just me. Not some girl on the internet.
Having a strong social media presence will still be important for Steve and I. However, it will be on our own terms again. Back to the basics when being me, didn't mean posting things just for likes. The things I post I want to come from my heart. From the part of me that wakes up when I'm with the trees and things that excite me.
How are you letting social media take away from the gift that is YOU? Is it holding you back? Are you afraid of the negative feedback that might come from just being?
What happens when you let that go? Be you, the you that isn't being watched by hundreds to thousands of people, and remember that you IS ENOUGH.
You ARE amazing. Don't let anyone to tell you other wise.
I recently took a trip home to visit family, and it's been 3 years since I've had the chance to do so. I was inspired by the strong women that raised me, to blog more often, and continue to stand strong in my own power.
This inspiration happened to coincide with International Women's Day, which is today; and some negativity that Steve & I experienced on Facebook yesterday. This message isn't to focus on the negative, so I'm not even sharing the details of what happened; it's a thought that spun from this all happening at once.
My mom is a strong, loving, kind, empowered, open, Jesus loving, hard working mom; whom I'm eternally grateful for. Growing up she taught us to be strong in your own power while being open to the love and blessings the world has to offer. She taught me to hustle and to work hard, and also taught me that it's okay to accept help; instead of seeing it as a weakness. She taught me to show love and kindness to everyone, even those who we may see as undeserving. She taught me that WE decide how we see ourselves, and that if we allow others opinions of us to shake us; that's on us.
So I'm here to say, thank you, to my mom and all the strong women (and men) out there who taught us that we decide the value we put on our lives. That just because someone doesn't like us, or they use our words against us; doesn't mean we can't like ourselves.
In this world of social media, where we can hide behind our computers and phones and say whatever comes to mind, without thinking if it's kind or not; we need to have a strong sense in who we are if we decide to share our lives. Part of me gets sad when I see or experience negativity or judgment, that it's become so okay to be mean. How it's socially acceptable to speak unkindly to someone even when you don't know the facts. But, then it reminds me that I have work to do.
There are some among us who don't feel like they have value! A comment on the internet could make them feel like they aren't worthy of love, or like they deserved the negative attention. I'm here to tell you, you ARE SO worthy of love. You are beautiful, strong, capable, and deserving of love and kindness, and if someone isn't giving you this; it's NOT YOU. It really is them.
****Please if you're ever feeling like you have no worth (regardless if someone told you that or you just think it) please reach out to me. I'm happy to help you see the beauty that lies in you. We ALL have it.****
If I'm judgmental on someone, 100% of the time it's because it's something I haven't worked out with myself. Look, I'm just as guilty of judging people as the next, but I make a choice in my interactions. Is this kind? Is it really them? Sometimes it takes me a while, because I think there's no way this is on me, but if I remove my ego long enough to see; it's life changing. If I am judging you, it's because I am judging that quality in me. 100% of the time.
Kindness is not weakness. You can say what you need to say, while being kind. I promise you can. Trust me if I feel like I need to say something to someone I will, but I will do everything in my power to find a loving way to do it. It's hard, it's a strength! It takes actual strength to be kind to some people.
On this day where we celebrate all the strong women out there building people up, shaking up our old ways of thinking, creating beautiful lives in your own way, shining kindness and love on others; I praise all of you difference makers. Women (and men) doing their things with love. You are amazing. I'm also here to remind you, that your value doesn't come from a comment on the internet, or something mean someone said to you. YOU ARE AMAZING. Don't allow anyone to tell you otherwise.
<3
This inspiration happened to coincide with International Women's Day, which is today; and some negativity that Steve & I experienced on Facebook yesterday. This message isn't to focus on the negative, so I'm not even sharing the details of what happened; it's a thought that spun from this all happening at once.
My mom is a strong, loving, kind, empowered, open, Jesus loving, hard working mom; whom I'm eternally grateful for. Growing up she taught us to be strong in your own power while being open to the love and blessings the world has to offer. She taught me to hustle and to work hard, and also taught me that it's okay to accept help; instead of seeing it as a weakness. She taught me to show love and kindness to everyone, even those who we may see as undeserving. She taught me that WE decide how we see ourselves, and that if we allow others opinions of us to shake us; that's on us.
So I'm here to say, thank you, to my mom and all the strong women (and men) out there who taught us that we decide the value we put on our lives. That just because someone doesn't like us, or they use our words against us; doesn't mean we can't like ourselves.
In this world of social media, where we can hide behind our computers and phones and say whatever comes to mind, without thinking if it's kind or not; we need to have a strong sense in who we are if we decide to share our lives. Part of me gets sad when I see or experience negativity or judgment, that it's become so okay to be mean. How it's socially acceptable to speak unkindly to someone even when you don't know the facts. But, then it reminds me that I have work to do.
There are some among us who don't feel like they have value! A comment on the internet could make them feel like they aren't worthy of love, or like they deserved the negative attention. I'm here to tell you, you ARE SO worthy of love. You are beautiful, strong, capable, and deserving of love and kindness, and if someone isn't giving you this; it's NOT YOU. It really is them.
****Please if you're ever feeling like you have no worth (regardless if someone told you that or you just think it) please reach out to me. I'm happy to help you see the beauty that lies in you. We ALL have it.****
If I'm judgmental on someone, 100% of the time it's because it's something I haven't worked out with myself. Look, I'm just as guilty of judging people as the next, but I make a choice in my interactions. Is this kind? Is it really them? Sometimes it takes me a while, because I think there's no way this is on me, but if I remove my ego long enough to see; it's life changing. If I am judging you, it's because I am judging that quality in me. 100% of the time.
Kindness is not weakness. You can say what you need to say, while being kind. I promise you can. Trust me if I feel like I need to say something to someone I will, but I will do everything in my power to find a loving way to do it. It's hard, it's a strength! It takes actual strength to be kind to some people.
On this day where we celebrate all the strong women out there building people up, shaking up our old ways of thinking, creating beautiful lives in your own way, shining kindness and love on others; I praise all of you difference makers. Women (and men) doing their things with love. You are amazing. I'm also here to remind you, that your value doesn't come from a comment on the internet, or something mean someone said to you. YOU ARE AMAZING. Don't allow anyone to tell you otherwise.
<3
The real B word
I have recently been referring to myself as a Bitch. I know my mom is saying silently, "Oh, Hope Ann, why are you swearing?" Some others may be saying, "I can't believe she would use such a sexist word." Even more absurd is some thinking, "Hope could never be a bitch, she's such an angel."
Now I don't feel like being a bitch is a negative trait because I like to give the word a different definition.
Bitch
Now I don't feel like being a bitch is a negative trait because I like to give the word a different definition.
Bitch
biCH
noun
- 1.a female dog, wolf, fox, or otter.
verb
informal
- 1.express displeasure; grumble.
noun 2015 definition
- A HUMAN who is aware of having an emotion. Understanding that emotion is trying to tell you something. Once they become aware of this emotion they then actively try to change it. Understanding that in order to change the behavior you must first understand where it's coming from. This person will speak about these emotions because they are living in the moment and feeling life as it happens to them. Because of the passion these words may not be agreed with. No harm is meant, this human is just being true to themselves & their emotions.
Okay, so maybe I can't add a new definition to the word; but I am tired of people feeling like in order to be a spiritual person wanting to make an impact on the world, you have to let of ever having emotions. People feel like they need to be perfect. Well, not only does perfect not exist no matter how enlightened, the definition wouldn't include pretending emotions don't exist.
I know I'm not alone on this experience; where I speak out against something I don't agree with, and the response being, "You're so fake, everyone thinks you're such an enlightened angel, when you're just a bitch." Why do we put such high expectations on another person. Speaking on behalf of the imperfect, I will do things you may not agree with, I will say things I sometimes shouldn't have, and I won't always realize when I'm being insensitive. As hard as I am working towards reaching my highest self and living a life with the most purpose; I am human and have learned that allowing myself to be human does a whole lot for my mental health.
Let those expectations go and see how free you feel. Then see how your views on others may change. That girl you said was being a "bitch", takes on a new meaning. That girl speaks up for what she believes in and has passion and she is doing her. Why does her being self expressive make her bad?
Let's start seeing each other through new eyes. HUMAN eyes.
photo found on tumblr source unknown
Rituals have changed our lives in 1 week
"Ritual is the Remedy"
For the past two years, I have had some sort of morning routine I did, but it wasn't consistent. In trying to improve my consistency with life, I've been actively seeking a morning ritual. After attending the Ritual is the Remedy workshop with my teacher last weekend, Steve & I developed a consistent morning ritual we both do.
Since doing this everyday I have to report great success already! I will first tell you about each of our rituals, and then share our results!
I wake up 2.5 hours before Steve. It helps me to be able to have my own time to focus on my morning ritual & it also forces me to get up and going; which I need sometimes.
I start with Lemon and Ginger in warm Water, Golden Milk, and homemade Chai tea. I will enjoy these while I do my morning smudging and journal.
I then do oil pulling, washing, face care, massage with oils, Nasya oil, brush teeth, & clean my tongue.
Following I do yoga, I usually flow with whatever I am feeling that day. Some days I do a challenging hour long session if I have the time, or other days I do 20 minutes of easy flowing. I then do around 5 minutes of Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), followed by 15 minutes of meditation. With the meditation, I find mantra meditation the most effective for me, explore what works best for you as there are so many useful techniques.
After that I do some earthing, and go put my bare feet on the earth and absorb the grounding energies momma earth provides us with. I do this for usually 5 minutes while I take in all the sounds and sights nature has to offer.
*********************************************************
At this point, Steve is usually just waking up. Our morning routine with Steve includes traditional medicine & natural medicine.
- Our first thing we do is put him on his morning dose of IV antibiotics.
- We then clean his nose with suctioning the drainage and using nasya.
- I then do full trache care including changing drainage sponges, inner canulas, ties, & deep suctioning.
- Then we do some Calendula massage around his neck where he has the most spasms, and do other oil massage on his neck, shoulders, & arms.
- Following we give him 3 (to start we are working towards more) types of tinctures that help with lung health, infections, and muscle spasm
- Give him his morning medicines
- Brush his teeth
- Clean his tongue
- Wash his face.
My most noticeable benefit is feeling more grounded! :) I also have some relief in constant stomach pains and my skin is clearing!
Steve's are more profound. Previous to using the Nasya on Steve, he had constant drainage from his nose to the point where eventually we would have to plug his nose with tissues. Steve is currently on 36 hours plug free!!! He's needed his nose wiped a few times, but it's been profoundly better. Also, Steve has a lung infection called Pseudomonas, and for those unfamiliar it has a very distinct odor. While, his lungs have a ways to go; between the several things we have been using plus a new fairly expensive antibiotic I don't smell the Pseudomonas today. For the first time in a year! His sputum cultures we collect weekly still shows infection, but this is only after 1 full week of this. I can't wait until the pharmacy calls me in shock to tell me the infections are getting better! Because I believe in all we are doing and finally feel like we are hitting Steve's health in all directions!
We are pretty relaxed with planning our days because with us everyday is different for us between ALS needs, nurses, visits, projects; etc. We have started an evening ritual as well of turning off from technology an hour before bed, with some evening gratitude journal, and short meditation.
I know the positive results will increase as times go on and I'm very excited to continue sharing our journey with y'all. Thanks for being a part of it. :)
If you don't have a morning or evening ritual; consider trying it. Start slow and with what works best for you.
xo.