My Pink Roadmap

 
>insert poetry slam voice here.<  

It is you that I take for granted;
the countless ways you provide me
 with never ending expertise
of so many skills I could not claim without you.  

It is with you I am able to embrace
 the ones I love, feed my hunger pains
and create a play on words for my blog readers.  

Without you convenience would not exist.
My world would be drastically different.

It is you I take for granted.  
The beauty of your art work,
displayed on skin so soft.

With strength help me rise above
in the moments of which I have fallen.  

It is my arms that I take for granted.
No longer will this stand.
For now my love grows deep.
All the way to my hands.

A few weeks ago, while in my favorite book store, I picked up a novel by Louise L. Hay entitled “You Can Heal Your Life.” This book had been flowing in conversations surrounding me for quite sometime. I found it only necessary to purchase it.

The conversation of the book thus far has revolved around our thoughts, where they rooted from, how they affect us and altering them. Not too long when I was in Scottsdale Arizona visiting Kristen and her mom, Ellen- I was left with a quote that was instilled in my mind, “Faith is better than belief, because belief was someone else’s idea.”

It is rather absurd the way we live our lives, acting as though certain things are “just the way they are.” But the only reason they are that way in the first place is because that is what YOU choose to believe. Louise Hay’s believes that all “problems” route back to lack of self-love; no matter the topic. The two things that keep coming up for me during my reading of this book are my weight and money. Given, my conversation about health and money has shifted quite a bit over the last year. I have an abundance of money flowing too and from me (but could still use more, who couldn’t?!) And I have shed 10 lbs. over the last year- but that’s not good enough for me.

As Hay’s says, “you’ve tried everything else your whole life and it hasn’t worked. So why not try self-love and watch it wow you.” She was right, what do I have to lose?

Being as it may that I am some-what addicted to the internet and all of my viewers out there- I decided to take this public. The exercise I am about to introduce to you was inspired not only by Hay, but also by my dear friend at Soul-mate Experience. Although their exercise (released in their soon to be published book) was not verbatim of mine, our message is all the same- love the self and anything is possible.

Over the next 30 days I am going to honor, love and cherish my body, mind and soul. I have written out on my calendar a different body part for each day ranging from my hair and nails to my yoni and thighs; no part will go unnoticed and each part will get my full devotion that day. My month long journey will be documented here, for you all to see.

Although I am not attached to results and don’t doubt that this exercise will feed my soul, I do hope to come out lighter, happier and fitting into those jeans I miss oh-so-much.  Wish me luck!

My Dream Life
Three months ago, I decided my dream life would be to travel the United States, seeing new places, people, and things and taking in all the different lifestyles along the way. Seeing as how I work for Owning Pink (from my computer) and have relationships with men and women all over the country (or world, for that matter,) through the Online Pink Community, I had the resources and means to do just that. On February 16, 2010 I took off on The Magical Eyes Tour leaving Dallas, Texas and heading toward Northern California- mapping it out as I went; living my dream life.

It has been a little over a month since my departure from Dallas. I have visited El Paso, Texas, driven through New Mexico, made stops in Buckeye, Phoenix and ScottsdaleArizona. I drove through Palm SpringsCalifornia only to arrive in the lovely home of Kim Jenkins in CoronaCalifornia. From there I made my way up the west coast to Berkeley, then MuirBeach and now Tiburon California- such beauty and adventure I have experienced.  Now that I am here, away from my home, visiting these people and places I have found myself longing for something I once had- a home.

Reassessing My Dream Life
I looked around this past week, after reading one of Lissa’s posts, and thought, “my dream life would really look quite different then what I thought it would several months ago.” After reassessing what my values are, where my passions lie and what would really make me happy, I created a new idea of my current dream life would look like. I would have a house back in Dallas with Brawn (my BF.) I would spend time with my friends and family that are close. I would travel for 1-2 weeks out of the month, continuing The Magical Eyes Tour and my adventures of seeing new places and things, but having a home base to return to and traveling by plane versus car. I would have it all- “why not? Isn’t that why we are here?” I thought.

I Had an Epiphany
I found myself living in a state of mind that was screaming, “when I move back to Ennis, have my house, get settled in, and start traveling again, THEN and only then will I be living my dream life.” In that moment I stopped and something (most likely The Universe,) slapped me in the face. It was less than 3 months ago that my dream life consisted of me getting in my car, taking off and venturing into the unknown. Now that my concept has shifted I must WAIT until I achieve those things in order to be happy?!

 WRONG!

 The truth of the matter is that even when I do get back to Ennis, have my home, Brawn in my arms and are surrounded by friends and family I will still have something else in my life that I am working towards accomplishing, learning and achieving. So long as I continue to be committed to my personal growth and mission to serve others, I will never be at a stopping point. Being happy with what we have now, in this moment is where our fulfillment lies. Our minds and circumstances are constantly changing- that will never stop. Be present, be grateful but don’t stop creating.

 What Is My Point You Ask?
The only time we have is now. I am living my dream life right now, in this very moment. Being in Tiburon California is what I dreamed of a few months ago and I am here, soaking up the sun, taking in the beauty, meeting wonderful new Pinkies along the way. The life I am living today is indeed the life of my dreams. I am here, now and that is all I have.

 The Invitation
Look around- have you been constantly working towards that one day when you will happy? Will it be when you finally get the promotion, buy your first home, lost those 10 lbs. or meet that right person? Stop exhausting yourself. Those things will be great when they happen, but right now is what you have and chances are, several years ago, where you are right now is what you were working towards and hoping for. Give yourself a break and celebrate!

 Please join us here and celebrate all of things that make our lives wonderful RIGHT NOW.

1. Ask yourself this question. “If you knew you were going to die in a year, would you still be living the life you’re living?” If the answer is no, you might want to rethink things.
2. Identify your desire. If you don’t know which risk you’re dying to take, it’s hard to pleap. Be very specific about what you desire. If you can’t figure out what you do want, get clear on what you DON’T want. That will guide you.
3. Don’t obsess about the Hows. Figure out the Whats and leave the rest to the Universe.
4. Recognize and honor what’s holding you back. Assess your fears to determine whether they’re genuine fears meant to protect you (if I jump off this cliff, I might hit the rocks and die) or irrational fears that are merely holding you back (I might lose everything and people will think I’m crazy).  It’s okay to feel the fear. Just don’t let it rule your decision-making.
5. Think things through to their worst possible outcome. What’s the absolute worst thing that would happen if you took this Pleap? Follow it through in your mind. Most of the time, the nameless, nonspecific fear is greater than the actual worst case scenario. While it sounds pessimistic, doing this can set you free when you realize that the worst possible outcome- while icky- isn’t bad enough to keep you paralyzed.
6. Ignore what everyone else thinks. This is about you and YOUR dreams. If you poll your family, friends, colleagues, and partner, you’re likely to get talked out of your dream.
7. Pray for guidance, then watch for Signs from the Universe. You don’t have to do this alone. Surrender.
8. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to Pleap, wait. When the time is right, it will be evident. You will feel it in your gut.  You will no longer be satisfied with standing on the ledge. If someone pushes you over the edge against your will, spread your wings. FLY.
9. Practice radical self-care while you’re considering Pleaping. Nurture your body, rest your mind, feed your spirit. Pleaping is hard work.
10. Believe in YOU. You can create whatever you desire.  You are powerful beyond measure. If you live in love and act from your heart with pure intention, you will never fall flat on the rocks.

I got this piece from Peaceful Daily. It is something worth subscribing to.

Turn off your TV
Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people
Sit on your stoop
Plant flowers
Use your library
Play together
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden together
Support neighborhood schools
Fix it even if you didn't break it
Have pot lucks
Honor elders
Pick up litter
Read stories aloud
Dance in the street
Talk to the mail carrier
Listen to the birds
Put up a swing
Help carry something heavy
Barter for your goods
Start a tradition
Ask a question
Hire young people for odd jobs
Organize a block party
Bake extra and share
Ask for help when you need it
Open your shades
Sing together
Share your skills
Take back the night
Turn up the music
Turn down the music
Listen before you react to anger
Mediate a conflict
Seek to understand
Learn from new and uncomfortable angles
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard. Work to change this.

I got an email today from my friend Kim in Corona, California titled "Putting Problems Into Perspective." As I watched the video, I began to cry at the beauty of this man, his journey and the message he shares with the people in his life. I believe you too, will be truly touched. Enjoy.

Following the Signs of The Universe
It is no coincidence that things appear in our lives in multiples. Whether it is that book that keeps showing up again and
again, insisting you read it. Or that persons name who keeps coming up around you, or that particular word that relates
to the idea you pushed aside to pursue later; the suggestions of our intuition and gifts from The Universe are all around.

It is in your hands to take charge of these signs or suggestions and run with them. How long will you continue to dismiss these suggestions before you realize the endless opportunities in front of you? When you do decide to act on these suggestions, will the opportunities still be there?

It is easy to think that we know the way we will be most happy. But when we give up control and surrender to The Universe, we open our lives to all that is truly possible. things we never dreamed of.  (Mind you I am mostly talking to myself as well here.)

What You Resists, Persists
One of my most favorite quotes that more than often deems true is "what you resists, persists." This is not necessarily implying that what you resist is actually the way your heart should follow (although in some cases this is true.) It is
merely stating that the longer you choose to work against the flow of life, the longer you will struggle. Somethings are simply out of your power. Things will not always go your way and you cannot control many of the aspects of your life,
except how you react. This is in your power.

My Invitation to You
So Pinkies, what suggestions from The Universe have you been ignoring? How can you choose to learn from your situations at hand versus complaining and resisting them? How can you take on a "go with the flow" attitude?

I am a painter.  I am a crafter.  I am a dog lover.  I am a concert-going, album-release-date-following, band-shirt-wearing music junkie.   One thing I was not: a videographer.  Several months ago, on a whim, I signed up for a digital video class while in pursuit of my graduate degree.  Though I was a bit apprehensive, knowing nothing about video and rarely going to see a movie, I figured I would do the coursework, throw together a video, and wham-bam-A+!  Little did I know, there was something much bigger in store.

It was early November and our final project deadlines were looming.  A friend invited me to a Monday night screening of a German cycling film at a local tavern; sensing adventure, I accepted the offer and set off with her to the screening.  Walking up to the tavern, the sidewalk was inundated with bicycles.  Bicycles?  In Dallas?  It’s no secret that Dallas is no Portland when it comes to being bicycle-friendly.  In fact, it was a rare occasion I saw a bicycle on the road at all, yet there they were, 20-or-so strong, glistening in streetlight.  We meandered our way through the maze and into the Tavern.   I struck up a conversation with a guy with one pant leg rolled up, a messenger bag slung across his shoulder, and a tight-fitting cap.  Apparently, this cyclist gathering is a weekly thing.  “It’s just the Monday Night Mash,” he said. 

Monday Night Mash?  I wondered about it for several days.  I consider myself to be fairly in-the-know with regard to goings-on in Dallas, so how is this such a surprise to me?  Do they all know each other?  Where did they meet?  How do they contact each other?  Who organizes this?  And maybe most importantly, why do they do it?  And thus, my class film project was born.

About a week later, after contacting a few cyclists on twitter to find out where they would be gathering that Monday night, I showed up at the designated spot, with me school-issued camera equipment in tow.  I knew no one there, and no one there had ever seen me, yet there I was.  I got surprisingly few strange looks and several cyclists approached me to inquire as to what I was filming for.  I didn’t even own a bike, yet everyone was so friendly!  The event organizer pointed me to several FaceBook and twitter profiles so I could follow what was happening and film more rides.  More rides?

Monday Night Mash.  Tits Tuesday.  Zip code rides.  Critical Mass.  Holiday rides.  The list went on and on.  It turns out every ride was organized by a different person or group of people - all through social media.  Very few of them know each other from anywhere other than the rides or had each other’s cell phone numbers, yet nearly every night, people gather for no apparent purpose other than to ride their bikes and be a part of this temporal community of cyclists there for the same reason.  Single speed, fixed-gear, geared, tandem, cruiser, road bike, unicycle – everyone is welcome who loves to ride.  Then, after the ride and possibly a drink or two, they all go home and back to their separate lives.  It’s there, then it’s gone.  Fascinating.

I threw together a video with my extremely limited video editing skills in 48 hours with no sleep and made my deadline.  Nervous and sleep-deprived, I got up to present to the class.  They loved it.  I put the videos up on YouTube as a thank you to the cyclists who had helped me along the way, and before I knew it, the video was up on 10+ cycling websites, got local online news coverage, and received over 800 hits on YouTube.  I feel like I need to show this to the world, afterall, everyone wants to be a part of something.  The fact that things like this exist is nothing short of inspirational, in my eyes.  I am currently editing it down more to submit to film festivals. 

I am now fairly well recognized within the Dallas urban cyclist community, and I daresay I’ve made some good friends in the process.  An everyday encounter followed by a series of chances and risks have caused my entire life to change; this has snowballed into something much, much bigger than any class project.  I have since been approached to do some activist cycling videos to help change city policy and most recently, to document SXSFixed 2010.  I welcome you to join me on my most recent project beginning Saturday 3/13/2010 in following 16 fixed-gear cyclists on their bike ride from Dallas to Austin in a span of three days, just in time for South by SouthWest.  Crazy?  Absolutely!  Follow us on twitter (@SXSFixed) and check out our website (www.SXSFixed.com), where I will be updating the map with photos, video, and interesting tidbits every step of the way from the back of a pickup truck on the road to Austin.  The resulting film will be screened at a local bike shop.  Who knows?  Maybe I can inspire someone else to take a leap of faith.

Lacy Mahone
@LaceofBase
www.LaceofBase.com

When we look at this month's numerology, we are again called to the number 3! It seems like the number 3 keeps showing up for me lately... maybe for you as well. We are in a general year of 3 (2+0+1+0) and now, a few days into the 3rd month of this glorious 3 year.

3 is about communication. It is the month and year to really connect with our unique voices. This is a month to express SELF. Figure out what needs to be unleashed and DO IT. Allowing creativity to come forth is key this month - whether it's finding creative ways in seeking more financial freedom, or expressing self through creative arts (writing, painting, singing, playing instruments, dancing, etc), this is the month to put it out there.

3 is also about light-heartedness and humor. Laugh more this month! Really belly-laugh as much as possible because this expresses pent-up energies and releases endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) in the brain. Releasing energy in this way is very beneficial to the human body as it jostles/ awakens the 3rd chakra (the energy center of our "knowing") as well as the 5th chakra (throat chakra, the energy center of our "expression"). Laughing is so therapeutic - a little more light-hearted humor in the world is always a good thing as it raises the energy vibration!

Another vibration to look at this month is the 6 vibe. When we add the month of 3 to the year of 3 (2010), we get it's perfect match, the number 6. The 6 vibration is all about nurturing, helping and healing. Approaching and accepting help & healing, as well as giving it is essential for syncing nicely/slipping into a comfortable groove this month. 6 also carries a massive amount of creative energy, so PLEASE allow self to unleash & express it - whatever way you see fit. The 6 is a very magnetic energy, so this number may be popping up for you a lot this month or you may even meet/run into a bunch of 6 Life Paths! How awesome, as these individuals are kind, thoughtful, and would most likely help in any way they can...

Speaking of helpers and healers, I want to give a shout out to one of my favorite 6 Life Paths, Megan Monique of Owning Pink. Megan and her dog, Jack stayed with me and my mom at the end of Feb. as she started out on her Magical Eyes Tour (touring the U.S. interviewing members of OwningPink, "Pinkies" about how they live their truth and their most authentic lives, as well as how to see themselves and others with magical eyes). Megan is such an amazing inspiration who's spreading love and joy to men and women throughout the country - what an adventure! She is brave, creative, thoughtful, wise and a spiritual love-muffin! She left us with a lot to ponder & a whole lot of sunshine and I'm so glad to have met such a beautiful friend. Thanks for the Pinkie love, Megan... may the rest of your journey be full of love & joy! :)

Have an amazing March, everyone ~ I wish that love, healing, expression and lots of laughs envelope you this month!

P.S. I'm now offering numerology readings. Please visit www.lifepathtees.com/readings.html for more information or call me at 602-999-8455 for the scoop!

All my love & good vibes to you!
In gratitude,

Now that the glitter from the weekend gathering has begun to settle I am left looking into the creation of the rest of my year. What specifically do I want to accomplish, what places to I want to visit, who do I want know, meet and love? There are many aspects to consider. I am choosing to leave the “how’s” to The Universe and the end results to myself.

Here are some of the things I have brainstormed:

1. I want to have a book written by the end of the year.
2. I want to fall in love again.
3. I want to be guided to a career position that serves my life purpose; to love.
4. I want to contribute to Owning Pink’s growth.
5. I want to contribute to YOUR growth.
6. I want Think Pink to grow to at least 50 members.
7. I want to get out of debt.
8. I want to be enrolled in school by January or traveling over seas.
9. I want a new car.
10. I want to live in a constant state of abundance.

What about you?
What are some of the things you want this year? What are some of the actions you are going to take to get there? Remember that in surrendering to The Universe, you can leave the how’s out of your mind, but you still need to take action.

A cute story I like to remember in this process is: pretend there is a man drowning in the ocean. A ship comes by and sees this man, they throw him a life raft, it is then the mans choice to swim to the raft or to continue to drown. The Universe can place miracles in your life, but you must act on them.