Considering Friends..who are not

Bumped into someone yesterday. Who like a memory wafted through my awareness just present enough to be seen, unremarkable enough to be just remembered. Tugged, pulled yearning for connecting-something to reignite the personable affable delighted personality I had known. I. had. known. I knew no longer this one before me. I knew not the makings of this human – the  fears, pleasures, pains, or dreams. Ghostlike…exiting our encounter without saying goodbye. I realize then we never even said hello. What do I do then with a memory thus half unwrapped? Saved for a moment of nostalgic enterprising it long ago went stale. And now the stench remains. Unpleasant, unforgiving. Remains with me. Though they are gone.

 

Natanya

Instagramming.

I really ♥ Instagram. I really do.

Not only can I capture the little moments that make up so many fond memories, it makes me feel like a badass photographer. And even my Grandmother loves it! (Well I haven’t asked her directly but I imagine she does  because I email her pictures constantly as a way of keeping in touch. Oh yes, pictures worth a thousand words.)

Here are some of my favorite recent shots. And if you’re on Instagram feel free to follow me! My handle is @natanyahaviva

Doing a happy dance for kale.

He's wearing his hat the way I like it so I had to capture it.

Blog magic occurs as a precise result of coffee + computer.

Date night. And the best red wine I've ever had.

Hello, delicious.

My man made me breakfast. And an accidental heart shaped face!

It's 10 degrees outside and my office is hot enough for a tank top. #somethingswrongwiththispicture

Sunrise over the Hudson Valley.

Hope you have a magical Monday.

xoxo,

Natanya

Because you are listening.

It’s obvious to me what I need to do in my life to be happy. I have had questions, but now I see, I’ve always had answers. They are obvious and, actually, not very subtle.

When I get (silly) messages from people/society/TV telling me not to stand too tall, or be too bright, because I won’t fit in or won’t be liked, I don’t grow very tall and I let my light become dim. Ugh. Yuck. Eventually I couldn’t help but question the comfortable mediocrity. And then. The answers came in a call. nearly immediately, like a telephone with no answering machine it began to ring. And. It. Wouldn’t. Stop. It kept calling– the Life Line was ringing and ringing and ringing and ringing. It was scary. How quickly the call came… and what would be on the other side of the line? Even when I refused to pick up the call it just kept ringing!

I’ve tried many distractions to keep from hearing the ringing, Just in case. Because I might not like what I hear on the line. But I can still hear the ringing. So, I pick up the phone. I don’t have to say a word and the message begins…”This is yours. This is your life and this is what you were meant to do. You don’t have to do it all now, in fact you can’t. Please just start moving in this direction. The world needs you fully alive. No more sleepwalking, wake up. Take a hold of your future by ignoring the past. Relieve those holding you back from their vigilance and demeaning posturing and allow them the freedom to find their own truth. You do not need to be beloved by others to love yourself. You are enough, but you do not want to stagnate so get moving. I am with you all the time if you would only listen. And now, you hear me and my guidance, because you are listening.”

And I am still listening. And the more I listen the louder and more consistent the Voice speaks. So, what are your answers? Are you listening?

xoxo,

Natanya

Perseverace.

It’s coming up on the end of January – the time of year resolutions most likely fail. If yo’re like me, its so fun, so easy to start things. So many half started blog posts, primed painting projects, and I could probably make a decent sized blanket out of all the knitting I’ve never completed.

But really, I’m craving to complete my projects and to make a huge impact on the world. So, what’s it gonna take to get things done? To make the impact I’m craving to make? Perseverance, right?

Unfortunately, I it felt to me like my perseverance tank went empty long ago. Sometimes it felt like I just expected to not finish. And that really wasn’t the inspiring place I wanted to live from.

Tthen I was asked, every so gently, “but what is perseverance anyway?” The question was obvious but one I had never thought to ask myself. Since I was game to play I looked it up (Love you, Dictionary.com).

per·se·ver·ance [pur-suh-veer-uhns]

noun

1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

2. Theology: continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

It was the second part that was striking . “Continuance in a state of grace to the end.”

No freaking out or flipping out. Just steadiness, and with grace. Continuing with purpose. That is perseverance.

And to the end? Left undefined. The end might be seeing the completion of the project a day early or a year late. It might be packing up when you realize its not something you care to finish anyway and giving thanks for the realization before you put in more time. Maybe the end is right on time. All in all its up to us.

Perseverance. I’m leaning into this new description…  Continuing forward when the purpose is absolutely clear. Continuing with the energy and patience that comes from being guided by the Universe. True perseverance invites struggle to the table knowing that with every obstacle comes the solution.

Just like a chef uses the coarse steel to sharpen his knives, if you come upon something rugged on your path, why not use it to sharpen your resolve?

Love,

Natanya

Badass.

xoxox,

Natanya

Things I Love Thursday: 1-19-12

It’s Thursday! Can it really almost be the weekend again? This week was so full of goodness. I love recounting what lovely things happened throughout the week – it reminds me of all the pleasures large and small that make up time as it passes us by. Have you thought of whats going well for YOU lately?

This week I’ve enjoyed…

A trip to Northampton ♥ new clothes ♥ instagram! ♥ making progress on work projects ♥ hanging out with my new roommate ♥ making brussel sprouts four ways ♥ vanilla americanos ♥ finding new ways around town ♥ Blueberry Beer with real blueberries ♥ new friends ♥ Jiminy Peak at night ♥ reconnecting ♥ writing ♥ coaching ♥ celebrating good news ♥ finding the perfect (possible) new home ♥ dreaming of Puerto Rico (one month away!) while shoveling snow ♥ phone calls to California ♥ swapping iPhone app favorites ♥ “Sh*t Kripalu People Say” screenplay ♥ office redecoration ♥ Blog Workshop 2.0 with Elise Blaha Cripe ♥ gearing up for a big work event this weekend and feeling totally prepared ♥ birthday plans in the works ♥ baking brownies ♥ feeling inspired.

Thanks for reading and sharing in my love list this week!

 

xoxo,

Natanya

Certified Awesome at Life

Recently, I was challenged to come up with a “diploma” of my life’s accomplishments. Could be any of the many things I’ve done in my life – whatever I was “Certifiable” in, “Master” of, or even where I was merely “Proficient”. Rather than inspiration the activity brought up major anxiety. As I looked back at my credentials in the literal sense, I only saw how it took me 6 years and multiple starts to finish my Bachelor’s degree; I haven’t even cracked open a GRE study book in years.

What do I have on my friends with their MFAs and PhDs? Sooo, it was obvious that the ‘Who ME?’ bug had bitten. And I got called out on it. So I sat and thought. In 26 years have I really accomplished nothing?? Impossible. I set out to start a list…And suddenly, I found a lot to be proud of, if only I cared to look! For instance, did you know I’m exceptionally skilled at baking cookies out of a box? You’d never guess they weren’t from Paula Deen’s personal kitchen! AND, I’m exceptionally loyal to my favorite Thai dish. Exceptionally.

Ok, so I’m being a little cheeky. But, it’s a fair question and one worth asking of yourself. Where do YOU dazzle and wow the world? In what field can you say you excel?  I know some of us have at times have wondered if we’ve done enough in our lives or are curious about what kind of legacy we’re really leaving, and all of us I venture to guess care about what impact we are making on the world. So with that in mind, here’s the start to my list (I definitely have a PhD in starting things)…

• Recently retired from the ‘All or nothing’ mode of thinking (hallelujah).
• Ace at trying again after failing the first time.
• Master of idea generation. For example I once thought about co-writing a Teen Tax Guide, a Teen Puberty Guide, and a Teen Financial Planning Guide. None of which happened, but for all of which I had questions.
• Well traveled. Visited over a dozen countries before I graduated high school.
• Dynamic inspirational speaker. I have spoken in front of hundreds at a large sales conference,  one-on-one with a friend who needed reminding of her brilliance, in the midst of a workday when morale was low, impromptu on invitation.
• Magnificent manifestor. This year’s short list includes…a boyfriend, a job, a car, perfect places to call home, ways to save $$ big time, travel, vacations, fun fun fun, presents, incredible sunsets (and sunrises actually!)
• Super Conflict Resolution Facilitator and Effective Communicator.Trained in Israel, advanced practice in Santa Barbara, and lots and lots and lots of additional study and practice at Kripalu.
• Professional Life Appreciator. I take inspiration seriously.
• I can make melted crayon art like nobody’s business.
• Best “I can’t believe I’m the Homecoming Queen?!” face. That was fun.
• Phenomenal fine motor skills. No really, they rock.
• Experienced spider catcher and exporter. As long as I’ve got a vessel and a piece of paper, I’m your gal.
• Terrific bow tie-er. (The trick is to turn it upside down).
• Old Pro at positivity. It’s a way of life

Happy Wednesday!

Love,

Natanya

Pictures from the Weekend 1-14-12 to 1-16-12

Started the weekend off right with a delicious four course dinner at Nudel. Plate #1,  beef tongue! (Yes, I did feel like I was kissing my food).

Later, we had to get food to cook at home. Did a little kale dance at Guido’s Fresh Marketplace.

After some much needed shopping we stopped in for tea and juice at Haymarket – My favorite cafe in Northampton.

Got a chance to start a new book. It had a 12-year old mystery inscription from Geoff to Doug. I don’t know them but I like to think we’d be friends.

Got myself some new glasses!

My awesome private chef I’m so lucky.

Here’s to a great week!

Love,

Natanya

Taking a drive.

Take it as it comes. Let the lived life love you from its distance

Let the the newness spark within an engine of passion. With fuel to burn you’re on the highway past the landmarks of where you’ve always been. Today’s a fine day for a drive you say. To no one.

 

Love,

Natanya

 

A Blessing for Friday the 13th

If you set up riverbanks, the river knows where to flow. If you don’t give yourself a seat, you’re more likely to run. If you dare to be coached, you give yourself the chance to live into who you’re becoming instead of who you were.I’m all in this January. All in to bring my WHOLE self to work, to the people — friends, strangers, co-workers , and to the cause of living life beyond my old expectations. In moving towards that ever-expanding end, I want to set the stage with a benediction on the morning of a day that often is seen as a cause for fear and anxiety. (By the way, I LOVE Friday the 13th, it’s often one the better days when I’m keeping track of ‘em).

Today (and always),

May I set proper boundaries to allow juicy goodness to move me and through me.

May I encourage myself to achieve my goals by paving the way with intention and acknowledging and preparing for obstacles.

May I be a light. A beckoning towards the knowing that we are all in this together, our work together bigger than we know and more influential than we imagine.

May you be inspired to follow the light of that which calls to you.

Happy Friday y’all!

Natanya