Use Spring Colors to Energize You!

What colors and activities do you envision when you think SPRING?

Discover simple ways to use colors, affirmations, visualizations, and journal writing to improve your sense of well-being. 

Yahoo. Spring is a fresh season, and perfect time to get together at...

Where: Seasoned Woman,in the Williams Center Plaza, 5460 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711

When: Sat. March 16, 2019 From 2-3 PM

This workshop is fun, interactive, and introduces you to self-care skills featured in Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.

Order Colors of Joy Now!

Journal writing in Colors of Joy  improves your outlook and way you treat yourself and others. 

Discover how easily color-coded exercises and journal writing activities attract positive energy and helps you feel more joy each day.

👍

Reservations to the workshop are on a first-come first serve basis and complimentary. 

Please go to the Seasoned Woman’s Website and Click on the Link for Events to reserve your place.

For Nancy Andres’ bio, event schedule, and wellness ideas click here.


Additional Reading:

Celebrate-spring-with-desert-and-garden-flowers

Spring-blooms-for-wordless-wednesday


Spring Cleaning Guide


Book Review from Judee Algazi of Colors of Joy

😉
Before you go, please comment. 

Do you journal write to get a perspective on things you are confused about? 

Does it help to write down those things that are troubling you?

Isn't spring a wonderful season to reboot your self-care routine (a fresh start) though journal writing or other self-care practices? 

Explain whether you agree or disagree and why.

Before I sign off here's the quote for today.

“What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again.” 
― Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

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Invite to Colors of the Chakras Workshop

You're Invited to

Restore Balance, Joy, and Vitality with Colors of the Chakras

Where: The Seasoned Woman, the Williams Center, 5460 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson 85711

When: Thurs. April 19 between 5-6 PM.

Why: Have Fun as Nancy Andres Shows You Ways to Use Colors from the Chakras to Heal and Balance Mind/Body/ Spirit.

Nancy Andres’ Workshop is Complimentary, and Seating is on a First Come First Serve Basis. It’s best to call the Seasoned Woman at 520-745-5942 to confirm.

See COLORS OF JOY: A WOMAN’S GUIDE FOR SELF-DISCOVERY, BALANCE, AND BLISS. It helps women explore relationships, nourish secret longings, and find ways to attract more joy into daily living.

Purchase an autographed copy at the workshop for yourself. Make gift-giving easy too. Give Colors of Joy as a happy birthday, graduation, or thinking of you gift to all the women you care about. 

Every Chapter in Colors of Joy starts with a Full Page Color Illustration

See more of Nancy Andres’ work at https://www.nancyandreswriter.com




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Be Good to Yourself on Valentine's Day

I often find ideas and inspiration by reading books, and I love to jot down quotes I discover in them that resonate with me. Here are some of my favorites. They remind me to love myself just the way I am. Sharing them is my Valentine's Gift to You and Me! 

These quotes help you remember to be yourself and let your light shine not just on Valentine's Day, but every day.

Get Colors of Joy Here

I'm sending love and thanks to all my blog readers, followers, and visitors. Wishing you a warm and wonderful Valentine's Day!

Do you enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day? Explain. Do you practice unconditional love toward yourself and others? What does that entail? Please share a comment and come back soon again.💖

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Affirmations and the Law of Attraction

Ever wish you knew a secret that would help you improve your sense of well-being, and even draw abundance into your life? Stay tuned and I'll explain.

The Law of Attraction is a belief that "like attracts like," and can be applied to your thoughts, both conscious and unconscious. What you think about or dwell on multiples, and colors your emotions, beliefs, and actions. What you project is going to happen in the future, affects how you respond to life experiences. Saying affirmations aloud and using the law of attraction may help even those with doom and gloom outlooks, and convert negative attitudes to much more positive ones.

Wayne Dyer knew this. An excerpt from his book, The Power of Intention, published through Hay House on the Belief net Website explains:

 How-to-Attract-Abundance

Step 1: See the world as an abundant, providing, friendly place.  

Step 2: Affirm: I attract success and abundance into my life because that is who I am. 

Step 3: Stay in an attitude of allowing. 

Step 4: Use your present moments to activate thoughts that are in harmony with the seven faces of intention: creativity, kindness, love, beauty, expansion, abundance, and peaceful receptivity. 

I agree with Dyer and use affirmations and the law of attraction in my life and work with much success. I have seen others make strides using them and scientific studies show this to be true. 

I notice that as soon as I sit down to create new affirmations, it helps ground, center, and nurture me. Saying affirmations aloud nourishes those vulnerable, tender spots in me that need attention. It also helps me focus on the blessings in my life, and set the intention to aim for the very best that life has to offer. 

Affirmations reinforce our resolve, and suggest those things we want and long for are already manifested in our lives. That's why I write or recite affirmations often... to look at the richness, love, and beauty that already exists in daily living. 

Affirmations are a good way for me to reduce fear of the unknown, doubts, overwhelm, and "not good enough feelings" that come up on occasion. 

Here's powerful affirmations just for you dear readers...

"I learn new things about myself daily, and realize personal growth is a grand adventure."

"My relationships are fluid and rewarding."

"I respect and treasure others."

"Each person I know helps expand my understanding and knowledge of what I want to allow in my life."

"I am emotionally available to others and listen with an attentive ear and open heart."

"I see and appreciate the goodness in each moment." 

"I take time to slow down, meditate, and participate in self-care activities daily."

"I treat myself with lovingkindness every day."

"I take excellent care of my mind, body, and spirit and I live happy and free." 

Take a moment to order Colors of Joy on my Website. It guides you through activities that use the law of attraction. It supplies instructions for composing and using affirmations for self care and life enrichment. 

Purchase Colors of Joy at These Fine Shops

If you're anything like I am, you appreciate knowing affirmations are always available to you. You deserve to feel good, so reserve a few moments to say them. That's why I keep my copy of Colors of Joy handy. It's packed full of self-empowering affirmations that transform thinking. Read what journal owners say about this interactive journal by clicking on the following link and scrolling down to the middle of the page. Colors of Joy.

The Colors of Joy affirmation for Chapter 11 is "I am a wondrous being who nurtures my mind, body, and spirit."

Then, please comment below. Do you use affirmations to help you? Do you have any you'd like to share with me? Please share your concerns, questions, and tips about the law of attraction and affirmations. I love to hear from you. 💖

The quote for today is from Wayne Dyer. "How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."

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This post has been updated 7/25/18

Great Reasons to Travel to Flagstaff AZ

I love to visit Flagstaff, both for business and pleasure. Read on and discover why I think this place is so happening and a travel destination to consider for your next trip.

I'm Delighted Crystal Magic in Flagstaff Now Sells Colors of Joy!

Flagstaff, AZ (elevation 7,000 ft.) is in northern Arizona and is the gateway to the highest mountain in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak (12,633 feet). Flag is an hour and a half drive to the Grand Canyon and on the way to the Four Corners region, the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and spectacular scenery in every direction. This small city of 68,000 people is a haven for outdoor types, foodies, college students, couch potatoes, coffee or micro-brewery devotees, and everyone in between.

Crystal Magic in Flagstaff is at the corner of N. San Francisco St. and Route 66

I traveled to Flagstaff primarily to open new markets for the woman's self-care journal, Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss. 

I was happy to learn that the weekend I was there coincided with the annual Folk Festival. This special event takes place among the beautiful ponderosa pines on the grounds of the Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum.

Some of the best folk and acoustic music in Arizona is performed during this festival, with over 100 acts on five stages, workshops, jams, and food.

An overcast sky and temps in the mid-80's, seemed like an ideal time to take a break from work and to visit the festival. As I sat on a bench, and inhaled the soothing aroma of the pine forest, I joined into the party at the Flagstaff Folk Festival 2017.

Before I go any further, I'll explain that the Flagstaff Railroad Station (on Route 66) is at the heart of this city. Of all the railroad stations I've seen in Northern AZ, the Flagstaff Railroad Station is tops. Freight trains whiz by often, and bench-sitting and people-watching are relaxing pastimes after time spent prospecting for book business on N. San Francisco Street. It’s fun to observe who gets on or off the Amtrak train, after it pulls into the station. Get sightseeing information and coupons at the Flagstaff Visitor Center in the railroad station building and see Route 66 railroad addition and historic district in Flagstaff.

Me Across the Street from the RR Station in Flag

Shops, bookstores, restaurants, government buildings, and a hotel or two line the streets and alleys in downtown Flagstaff. Visitors and locals enjoy the convenience and pleasure of local shopping, and take advantage of various work and play opportunities, dining, and entertainment diversions found in this area. 

One shop made me reminisce about days gone by, as I spotted the candy shop window with its' jelly apple display. Another made me smile as I admired the craftsmanship of artists with items displayed in the Artists’ Gallery (A Contemporary Fine Art and Craft Cooperative) window. Other shops carry handmade and one-of-a-kind merchandise too. Of those shops I sampled, I found that each proprietor and his or her staff go out of their way to be helpful. Isn't that a switch from Internet or big box store shopping?

After I picked up my morning coffee, I went walking in Flagstaff and saw this.

Two popular sights in Flagstaff are the Lowell Observatory and the new Flagstaff Movie Theater at 4751 E. on Marketplace Drive - Just East of Flagstaff Mall. 

Since there was a monsoon one of the nights we were there, we were rained out of an observatory trip and chose to go to a riveting movie, "Beatriz at Dinner” instead. I recommend this film, starring Selma Hayek. She gives what I felt was an Academy Award Performance. The rest of the cast is excellent too. I don't care for how the picture ended, but life and art can be that way at times.

This is the sixth or seventh time I've been to Flagstaff, and I like to stay at different hotels each time. If you’re a light sleeper, even though most hotels are sound proof, I suggest you book accommodations that are away from the station. The trains speed by 24-7 and do make vibrations.

There are ample accommodations for every category room, except for an ultra-deluxe hotel chain. Flagstaff does have RV parks, campgrounds, B and B’s, and rentals galore. It's smack in the middle of the Coconino Recreation Camping and Cabins Grounds.

Summertime is peak season to vacation in Flagstaff, as people from neighboring desert climes like Phoenix at 115° F and Las Vegas at 111° F, come here to cool off. Many activities go on during each weekend. While I was there, it was also orientation weekend for NAU and Pride Weekend. 

Reserve your room early and plan ahead. This small city is a magnet for tourists and business people, as its’ at the intersection of US Interstate 40 and US Interstate 17, making it a hub for transport in the Northern Arizona area. For additional restaurant, lodging, and tips for travelers see this.

It was good to see many bicycle riders and eco-friendly buses there. For those who are interested in public transportation, here’s a link for Bus Information and one for Amtrak Information.

Electric Bus with Drury Inn in Background

When you travel to Flagstaff, take time to enjoy the sights, scenic views, and mild summer temperatures as you work and play in this laid-back northern Arizona city.

If you're not traveling to Flagstaff soon to get a copy  of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss at the Crystal Magic Shop, please pick up your copy of Colors of Joy right now from My Website, These Fine Shops, or on Amazon Books.  

Journal writing is a fun way to improve your relationship with yourself and others and free the joy inside.

Have you ever traveled to Flagstaff? Did you enjoy my travelogue? I welcome comments in the section below. If you're new to commenting, please don't forget to click the publish button, after you enter your comment in th space provided below.

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How to Use Your Journal to Create Self-compassion

Keeping a daily journal to process the difficult events of your day through a lens of self-compassion, helps reduce stress, develops self-awareness, and stimulates insights about how you treat, think, and feel about yourself.

What is self-compassion? “The art, skill, and practice of treating yourself with kind consideration, accepting your shortcomings and mistakes without self-criticism, and witnessing your human suffering with an open, caring heart.” Nancy Andres

When you make journal writing a daily self-care habit, just like brushing your teeth and wearing clean clothes, it can lift a gloomy mood,  bring personal growth, and refresh your spirit. You don't need to write a blow by blow description of every event of the day. Take five or ten minutes to jot down a brief description of what were the high points and troublesome moments of your day. 

Here's Journal Goals to Aim For and Tips to Help You Move Forward 

Journal writing can help you be more patient and honest with yourself. It sheds light on those emotions that come into play, when you have a knee jerk reaction, as well as times when you've felt less than. You know, those times on the job or with relatives or friends, when you compare your insides and your situation to other people’s outsides. 

I've discovered that each time I repeat this old, ineffective pattern, I'm setting myself up for self-esteem disaster. Ask yourself whether you agree or disagree and why. Read-4-Powerful-Reasons-Why-Journal-Writing-is-Good-for-the-Soul.

Your journal can become a dedicated place to improve your relationship with yourself. Revealing your true feelings about who you think or feel you are, what you want, and your concerns, requires trust in the self-exploration process. If you're nervous about this, my suggestion is to "act as if you do trust the process." 

"Spelling out your dreams and vision for the future, as well as goals, wishes, and wants reinforces whatever you write down. Make your words about yourself caring, kind, gentle, positive, peaceful, loving, and healing and you are affirming and accentuating your determination, motivation, and endurance to be there for yourself. This is true self-compassion." Nancy Andres

For any challenging event, emotionally wrought experience, or area of distress you experience during the week, try to recall and write down exactly how you felt. Getting this stuff out of your mind, body, and spirit can help you put some distance from the situation and look at it in a new light.

Use space in your journal to record any change or forward movement you've made since the last time you experienced something similar. If you don't notice any forward motion, assure yourself you're doing the best you can. That's a perfect example of self-compassion. 

It helps to identify and connect with your humanness and vulnerabilities. Get in touch with your motive or motives for acting the way you did, and you'll see it's your responsibility to care for yourself and get those needs meet in a healthy way. 

For me, most often I act impulsively when I have a desire to be liked, accepted, considered, valued, and praised. Those are all things I need to give myself. Journal writing is a simple way to figure this out. 

When you've tried everything I've suggested and still feel stuck, you have an opportunity to reach out to and get help from emotionally mature, available people in your life. Pick someone who's a good listener and will help you sort things through. 

Then, write down every kind thing you can remember about the incident. One example is to thank yourself for not shouting at the other person or calling them names. If you've overstepped a boundary and did react badly instead of responding appropriately, think about a way to make an amend to that person. Do it as soon as you can, to clean up your side of the street! Self-care-Activities-to-Encourage-Optimal-Health.

Next, try to notice if something about the situation triggered an event or experience from the past. One way to check whether this is happening is to identify whether you feel extremely vulnerable and immature, like a duck out of water. See 5-steps-for-managing-your-emotional-triggers for more help. 

Another way to identify feelings from the past, is to evaluate if emotions are intense. When your emotions get hot and heavy, it usually means what happened in the present reminds your subconscious that in the past something bad or hurtful happened to you. It  "sets off" or "triggers" old or frightening recollections, and you feel panic and out of kilter.

I know from past experience that when someone is unkind or rude and I'm hungry, lonely, tired, and off-center, it’s a challenge to brush it off or express my displeasure in a kind, direct way. I usually get tongue tied and regress to old behaviors of silently blaming, judging, and criticizing others instead of saying how I want and need to be treated. Straying from this path of self-care and self-expression makes me feel creepy. Can you relate? If you keep on repeating the same ineffective coping skills or patterns, give yourself permission to consider seeking professional help.

Journal writing gives me the ability to own uncomfortable residual feelings on paper, whenever I still feel bad about an interpersonal or personal issue. I reflect and determine if I am judging myself too harshly, or holding on to guilt, shame, anger, sadness, or hurt. I make it a point to care and comfort myself like I would do for a child. That means I shower myself with love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Read 6-ways-to-shower-yourself-with-kindness for more tips.

It's important to observe the stories you write about yourself and others and what issues you struggle with. When you love and have compassion for yourself, it can transform your life, one event, day, and experience at a time.

"Genuine self-concern is the foundation for extending kindness and compassion towards all other people. Be gentle with yourself today, affirm your goodness, and your relationship with yourself and others will improve. Journal about things you’re grateful for and even the smallest improvements you've made. It's sure to help you feel increased self-compassion each day of your life." Nancy Andres

For many additional tips and guided journal activities that help you create greater self-compassion order Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss. It makes a colorful gift to give yourself. Colors of Joy is also a delightful way for you to show a loved one you are thinking of them. If you prefer, Purchase it at Amazon Books.

The quote for today follows:

“Be kind to yourself. Remember that when you abuse yourself, you will experience the anger, regret, and apathy of the bully as well as the depression, anxiety, and insecurity of the victim. Whatever you do, be kind to yourself.” ― Vironika Tugaleva

Before you go please take a moment to comment and share if you like what you see.

Remember to practice self-compassion for as long as it takes this attitude and behavior to become a habit. And then keep on practicing. Thanks for visiting and please come back again.

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