How did I meet YOU? Was it online, in person, at an Artella retreat or an art show? I know we're connected because YOU are an Encourager reader - YOU are part of the Square-Peg tribe.

In many ways. YOU said that you often felt you were "different". In the way you think, the things you are (and the things you are not) interested in. Definitely in your priorities.

And YOU mentioned that this has sometimes been very helpful, and sometimes been very hard.

You hedged here because - well, sometimes life is just so darn great. But when you thought a minute you remembered times when people didn't appreciate your unique views - your interests and insights. People weren't always supportive of YOU.

It seemed that finding a "tribe" came easily to others, while YOU found it hard. This has bothered YOU a lot. But then YOU met other Square-Pegs and heard them describe similar struggles. YOU then noted that your blend of creativity, integrity, depth, and unique way of looking at things - would make it hard to find similar souls - you're so wonderfully unique.

Open-mindedness! Your willingness to see things differently.

And, of course, your humor.

You've found the internet to be a great resource - no limit to how far you can see and reach to find people with like minds and hearts. And to learn more and find resources for almost everything, because YOU are interested in so much.

Your creativity is a huge source of strength to YOU. You've been seeing that you use your creativity in everything: relationships, work, home, even what you wear.

We can realize our connections - and remember not to let the round-hole world hold us down. Look at all YOU've done - the places YOU've been (even when those places were not in the physical world, but in the vast expanses of YOUr mind).

Know YOUrself (and appreciate who YOU are) - if we could spend a day with YOU - we'd be in awe.

Read more...

Square-Peg-Stacks

Reviews Martha Beck's book: The Joy Diet - 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life.

Menu Item #1 (or Chapter One for the uninitiated) on Martha Beck's list of "10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" - is one I am very good at - proficient even! I don't even think I need to practice it for the recommended week before progressing to Item #2 because this is what I proudly (and sometimes blushingly) am known for in many circles. OK, enough boasting.

The Menu Item I'm referring to is Doing Nothing. Doing Nothing is praise-worthy - it's the antithesis of Perpetual Doing:

"...perpetual doing, without ever tuning in to the center of our being, is the equivalent of fueling a mighty ship by tossing all its navigational equipment into the furnace."

And Martha reminds us:

"...every ancient tradition holds that from this still core of the self, this infinitely fertile emptiness, springs all that is authentic about you..."

According to the author, Doing Nothing doesn't come easily for everyone.

"If you're one of those enlightened people who can simply stop thinking for fifteen minutes a day, go for it. If you have a squirrel brain like mine, however, an easier option --in fact, your only option-- is to simply watch your mind do its thing..."

She then provides plenty of exercises to help get us there.

In this chapter, as in the other 9 - Martha gives several descriptions (and stories!) of what this Item # will feel and look like when achieved. Also in this chapter, as in the other 9 chapters, her sense of humor makes the book a fun read.

I don't want to give the whole book away here, so I'll pick a couple of my favorite chapters to tell you a little bit more about - but let me tell you: they're all good stuff!

In Menu Item #3 Martha delves deeply into Desires. You could sum the chapter up with these 2 incredible maxims:

"Your True Hear't s Desires Are Never Destructive."
"Repressing Your Heart's Desire Leads to Destructive Action."

Martha talks about "The Danger of Desirelessness" - then follows it up with the "Then What?" exercise for getting to the core of your desires.

Read more...

Looking Ahead:

Our January tele-call is Wednesday, January 10th at 8 P.M. Eastern.

Square-Peg Tribe member Tina M. Marks Shirley is going to join with me to bring YOU what she smilingly refers to as "Slices of What we all Knead".

The telecall is entitled "DAILY BREAD: Everyday Ways To Comfort And Nurture Yourself Throughout The Winter Season". We'll give you practical - physical, spiritual and emotional - tips, exercises and ideas for being kind to yourself.

And, although it will be interactive (like our other tele-calls), this one will be low key on YOUR end - nothing to do but listen and smile. We've even got a follow-up message we'll send you so that you won't need to take any notes. Plus we'll have fun!

Sign up here.

Square-Peg-People interviewed Janice Taylor, author of Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal, for the January Encourager. Janice is funny - FUNNY! You can check out Janice's motivational weight-loss site here. Make sure to look for January's Encourager so you don't miss this interview.

Take JOY. See you next year!