Bailey is my two-year-old Golden Retriever who came into my life unexpectedly. She has some growth/health obstacles, but she is my perfect little girl. It could very well be my age or even the journey I am on now, but I am more present today, and it has much to do with her. I observe her closely. I love watching her sleep. I am aware of her moods and know what she feels by just being present.

I have always been a dog lover. When I walk into a new space, I will greet the dog before I greet the humans. If I am ever at a party and they have dogs, you will find me sitting on the ground at their level, playing with them. I take care of other people’s dogs too. I don’t do it for the money but because I enjoy it.

I even carry a box of Milk Bones in my car because I am constantly meeting dogs. Milk Bones are my number one treat because I haven’t met a dog who doesn’t eat Milk Bones! Of course, I always ask their human before offering them one. I probably spend over $100 monthly just on dog products, so I like to shop for deals. If you know me, you know that I am a bargain shopper. I added a link below for these Milk-Bone box medium size bones. My go-to box.

I have noticed today that the more I am busier (living life on purpose), the more I crave my creative outlets. I have a wide variety of them, such as:

• Writing a blog post
• Writing a chapter for my next book
• Personal Journaling
• Memory Keeping
• Moon Journaling
• Junk Journaling
• Mixed Media Art
• Organizing
• Doodling
• Illustrating my children’s book
• Making candles
• Making charms or clips for my junk journals

Right now, as I write this, it is Sunday (my favorite day of the week), and yes, I have laundry to do, a kitchen to clean, and I need to get ready to watch my grandkids for a couple of hours while my daughter goes to a summer concert. I have a list of things I need to finish, but I have a short free time.

I am sitting on my bed with craft supplies spread out all over from a monthly junk journal I wanted to finish up. I look around and need to clean up, but the call for being creative is a strong feeling mixed with the perfect timing of a few free hours. I cannot pass it up. Instead, I allow what must be and do what is necessary for me now.

I take moments where I stop, close my eyes, and breathe deeply. I listen to the birds, I hear the cars passing by, and I hear my dog Bailey sleeping. I notice my plants have grown and a slight breeze in the trees outside. I then return to my junk journal, playing with pictures and tearing up papers to make this beautiful booklet that reflects me and what I love.

Life is about choices, and staying in your head too much can be overwhelming and lead to laziness. I have learned that I don’t need hours to work on a creative craft. All I need is 10 to 20 minutes. If I can schedule it, then great, but most times, it is when an opportunity is calling. Choose what makes my soul happy.

I hope you create joy and do things that make your soul happy!

How are you when someone recommends a book? Do you listen or read your books? I read a lot and have several books on my bookshelf that I tend to read at some point. The books I read are self-improvement, spiritual, and art books.

This past month I have read three, well listened to through my Audible App. I got the app when I wanted to simplify my traveling. Since my husband and I travel more and take only a personal carry-on, I don’t like the extra weight of books. I genuinely love it. Plus it is helping with having less clutter in my home. Win-win!

Here are the books I have consumed with a short and simple review.

The Joy of Well-Being
In this empowering and accessible collection of health and wellness advice, the co-founders of mindbodygreen challenge our definition of self-improvement by revealing what a healthy lifestyle looks like at the fundamental level—and how it’s not what we think.

I love that they are health and fitness coaches who look honestly at the complicated wellness world to give you simple tips for living a better lifestyle. I found myself laughing out loud at times. I walked away inspired and full of joy.

​My next read was Enchantment.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, annoyed, or just plain tired of social media gossip, the news, and in consideration of others, you need to read Enchantment. The author provides a light and thoughtful way to navigate today’s world.

As someone who likes to see optimism in everything and stay away from darkness, I found this book comforting and inspiring.

​My last read for the month was The Highly Sensitive Person.

Can I say oh my gosh?! As someone sensitive, shy, empath, and introverted (at times), I connected with this book instantly. This book helped me identify and adore the person I am (well, I already love who I am). Still, hearing that others identify with these personality traits comforts me.

For years, people have told me that I need to step out of fear or get out there and live more when I have been doing a fine-ass job at it. I have always driven my path, but I wish I had this book earlier.  

If you have ever been called or identified as being sensitive, shy, empath, or introverted, you read this book!

If you have a recommendation for a self-improvement or spiritual book please let me know. I am ready to line up my next couple of books.

​Happy reading!