Modern B*a*g Lady Truth #4

She who insists on constantly riding "too busy highway" will run out of fuel just before "get real" exit.

Universal Truth: Old habits are hard to break and new ones hard to create. Unfortunately, sometimes we need a good kick in the ass.

Fuel Your Believe Act Go Traveling Sanctuary

When you create a sanctuary within your heart you can take it with you everywhere. When you travel with the intention of sharing that sanctuary with others, they find the sanctuaries within their hearts. Traveling Sanctuaries(tm) create physical sanctuaries, which fuels the Traveling Sanctuaries(tm). Many times when others observe you're being a Traveling Sanctuary(tm) they think to themselves, "I'm having what she's having." And so goes the glorious cycle. Kind of like the chicken and the egg. If you think about it too hard you get confused. Don't think. Do!

Here's a visual example of what can happen when you fuel your Believe Act Go Traveling Sanctuary and share.



Love you sister! Thank you for sharing your fuel.

There's a Genie in my Head, Gut and Butt.

As I begin to write I search for words floating in a thick soup of brain fog.




Pausing......



Searching..........



Hey, give me a moment.... rubbing my temples as if the Clarity Genie will magically appear.



You can only go so fast when you're traveling along in the fog. Ok, I'm approaching a stretch of clarity. Perhaps my eyes are playing tricks on me, but I swear I'm witnessing the fog forming into an actual genie-like figure. Where was I? Oh yah, brain fog. "It's about time you seriously examined this issue with your soupy brain," exclaims the Clarity Genie. She's decked out in some trendy exercise outfit. Whatever! She's one of "those" types. You know the type, all healthy and fit. Secretly I want to be one of those types, but publicly I am almighty on exercising my creativity. Well as long as she's here and given the fact that I am in a bit of a minor crisis, maybe she can be of service to me. "Oh great Clarity Genie, are you here to grant me three wishes?" "No, not really. Its more like I have three wishes for you, which involves your head, your gut and your butt. You have some committing to do, sister. " I'm thinking to myself, I did start this whole thing and she did come out of my ear, so she must be a smart, caring friend.

"First you must understand what is going on (or the lack there of) inside "our" brain, so onward to GOOGLE. Wow! There's no lack of information on "brain fog". We discovered a virtual smorgasbord of causes.

I'm sharing this information because by the looks of it, this condition is at epidemic proportion. Don't feel like you have the condition? Read on, so you don't fall victim in the future. I'll start with a short list of causes and weigh in on my particular circumstances. I will share my own personal de-fogging commitment plan. I find making these types of plans public adds weight to the accountability scale. Lastly I will provide links to the information I found helpful in my own analysis.

#1 - Stress - Over stimulation is not always good. If somebody is suffering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome their gland, that controls you body's ability to cope with stress, is not functioning. My stress is not overwhelming, but I will commit more time to quiet meditation.

#2 - Fatigue and sleep deprivation - SOCK ME IN THE HEAD, GUT AND BUTT. This one hits home with me. I will commit to being in bed no later than 11:30 each night.

#3 - Poor nutrition - I certainly could do better in this category. I will commit to eating less white stuff and more green stuff. I will start taking a supplement.

#4 - Candidiasis - This is a systematic overgrowth of yeast in your body. After some further research into this condition I feel strongly that I have this. If you have the following symptoms you may want to take this survey: depression, anxiety, sudden mood swings, lack of concentration, headaches, drowsiness, and/or fatigue. Warning: The survey does lure you into purchasing their products, but it did appear to be comprehensive. I personally went to my local health food store for advice and the appropriate approach for me. I will do a Coconut Oil Cleanse.

#5 - Chronic viral infections. To my knowledge I am not suffering from any viral infections.

#6 - Metal Toxicity - I am not exposed to these metals so I will discount this one: aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

#7 - Blood Sugar Issues - Consuming protein in the AM can help to regulate your blood sugar and eating health small meals/snacks throughout the day.

#8 - Artificial Sweeteners - KICK ME IN THE HEAD, GUT AND BUTT - I haven't had a Diet Coke for 6 days. There are many articles on the ill effects of artificial sweeteners. GOOGLE it for yourself and come to your own conclusion.

#9 - Menopause - My baby apartment was removed a few years ago increasing the likelihood of earlier onset of menopause with the partial hysterectomy.

#10 - Constipation - You feed it via the mouth on your head. It makes it way through the gut and hopefully eliminates regularly out the butt. All of my other commitments will keep it all flowing. I have started taking a probiotic supplement.

There's a short list of causes of brain fog to contemplate if you are so inclined. In regards to my genie reference, she represents one of the 7 Chakras, which spans your head, gut and butt. They are all dependant on each other. All for one and one for all. Here is a fun, no brainer guide to your 7 Chakras, 7 Courses of Living Fully. My brain fog is caused by a combination of many things. My awareness and willingness to address it has centered me back to being aware of all the areas of my mind, body and soul that need proper fuel and care. Like I said earlier, the fog causes the the Traveling part to be slow and sometimes dangerous.

5 Causes of Brain Fog

Brain Fog Causes

Arm Pit Sniffing, Tree Kissing Super Star! (down on one knee, arms in the air)

TIME TO EXERCISE!!! Your well being that is. I know.... I bring up stripping a lot and trust me stripping is good exercise. The reality is that most of us are sooooo good at layering on the negative labels that we need to cleanse often.

You will need to take out a piece of paper and a writing instrument (crayons are welcome).

First, lay your paper landscape and draw lines to make three category columns. Label them, My BAGGAGE, My FUEL and Go to My Dreams. Carry this piece of paper with you for a week.

When you place a label on yourself write it down in either the Baggage (negative self talk) or the Fuel (positive congratulatory talk) category.

To complete the Go to your Dreams category, you will need to tap into the realm of limitless possibilities. Can you go there? Think about what you wanted to be when your were young. New skills you would learn if money and time were not a factor. Think about people you admire. What do they do that resonate with your born beliefs that you wish you could tap into. Pull out those buried labels you were born with and are the core of you.

Reflect on your list at the end of the week. Only you really know what it means, but just being aware of the labels we place on ourselves allow us to make sense of them.

This exercise also applies to our awareness of putting labels on others. Let's not limit others with the labels we place on them.

Here's my list from several weeks ago. The Baggage column took an early lead, but the Fuel and Go to your Dreams columns made a huge comeback later in the week.

I read the Baggage label and cancelled them out with a counter acting Fuel label. Here's a partial list.

Late Night Person cancels out Non Morning Person
Distracted Dreamer cancels out Disorganized
Clothes Folder YAH cancels out Poor Housekeeper
Good Mother cancels out Bad Mother
Prayerful cancels out Fearful
Doer cancels out Fearful
Prayerful cancels out Angry
Capable cancels out Poor Money Manager


Here are some leftovers:

Happy
Happy #2
Smart
Expressive
Surprised
Good Friend
In Pain
Tired


Now for the Go to your Dreams List:

Super Star (in that Molly Shannon kind of way), highly sought out key note speaker, author, columnist, dancer, radio show host.

All of the labels in the Fuel column will help me Go to my Dreams. Doer, Capable, Prayerful and Expressive match up very nicely with these new labels.

Which Baggage Labels did not have a counter label?

In Pain and Tired. This is where I am out of balance. I need more sleep, exercise and a better diet. My chronic back pain would probably get better with the sleep, exercise and weight loss. Stretching and yoga would also help my pain.

This exercise reminds me that the answers are not in the answers, they are in the exploring, reflecting and doing part of life. Now stick your fingers under those arm pits, pull them out and sniff. Lunge down on one knee and PROCLAIM it! YOU ARE A SUPER STAR!

P.S. Do you like my new ride? I had to put away the convertible for the winter.

Sisters Share Giveaway

Who do you know that is a little crazy?

Who do you know that has a source of infinite love?

Who do you know that deserves a little boost from time to time?

Go to www.enchantedmakeovers.blogspot.com, leave a comment and you might win a great gift.

Dont' Deny Yourself of YOUR Fuel

A Dancing BAG Lady just isn't herself without fueling up on some great music. Why would I deny myself of fuel that I know I need. It puts a spring in my step and song in my heart. I feel as if I could conquer all my fears, a female likeness of a young John Travolta.

I carry my Ipod in my Traveling Sanctuary bag. Won't leave home without it, yet lately I haven't been listening. I think to myself how listening to a few songs would do me good and yet I don't do it. Finally today I turned on the tunes. My heart and spirit lifted. AHHHHH!

Its one thing to have a full tank and another to put a spark to that fuel.

I've concluded that I just wanted to wallow in some self pity. Not a good place to be for an extended amount of time. Thank goodness I kept my music with me, so when I finally pushed my ego aside I could make a speedy escape.

Bears, Butterflies and the Power of the Feminine

What did you like the best at the zoo? "The bears, because they were right in front of us playing in the water, growling. They were so big and their teeth...." Surprisingly Paige proclaim, "The cows." Why? "I got to pet them." "Mom, you don't have to tell us what you liked the best. We already know." For which I replied, "I know, I LOVED the butterfly exhibit."

From bears to butterflies, a trip to the zoo yesterday, got me thinking about how power can be defined. The bear's power was one of physical dominance. The butterfly's power was one of captivating presence and attention they draw to our delicate life cycle. We need both types of power in certain measure, but power over others seems to dominate a bit too much these days, I feel.

Feminine does not refer to a gender, but rather the stereotypical traits seen in women; holistic approaches, presence and intuition. Here's how I visualize feminine power.

I awaken Saturday morning with a pile of dishes. Kids are about the house eating cereal and watching some television. I approach the chore of loading the dish washing and washing pots and pans with honor and presence, humming a tune and gazing out the window at some birds. I express my satisfaction in my dish doing accomplishment and smile.

Approaching the dishes as the means to getting on to the next thing would not demonstrate feminine power, but a conquering power as if we need to departmentalize every bit of our lives.

Feminine power has it place whether you're doing dishing, ruling a country or teaching children. You are invited to stand together for all women, fueling the the power of the feminine.

Features and Benefits of Being a Modern B*a*g Lady

Le'ts familiarize yourself with some main features. Hop in, Let's take a test drive.

B is your Believe. You can categorize beliefs into 4 categories called your BB's; Born, Buried, Bought and Borrowed Beliefs. Our beliefs drive our dreams & thoughts. Dreams and thoughts drive our Actions. This part is about beginning with the end in mind, so it is important to be aware of your BB's.

A is your Act. When our actions are focused around spreading joy, shredding fear and having fun we find the keys to our Traveling Sanctuary. Turn the key. Spark the fuel.

G is your Go. When we believe, dream and take action we can realize our dreams. Our G's are our OH Yes Moments. That inner Yes that isn't that temporary yes from outside forces.

You need to seek out your Fuel. You need frequent, small fill ups. Your Fuel is your self care, not your selfish care. Sometimes your self care includes sharing your fuel as well.

Have B*a*g, fuel and keys, will travel. Traveling is getting out of your safe lane and seeking to help others and yourself. It's proclaiming your dreams to the universe.

As you travel you need to be the safe place for others to renew. You will be the Sanctuary for others. Your mirrors will reflect other's goodness back to them.

Finally, the Modern part is about today being your day. Women are no longer viewed as second class citizens. We have proven ourselves, but perhaps to a fault. Not all women want to bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan. The modern day is ready to allow women to be themselves. Let's claim it today.

B *a*g? Check
Keys? Check
Fuel? Check

Welcome aboard to your Believe Act Go Traveling Sanctuary. Your first B*a*g challenge is to go to your handbag and find some fuel. If all you can find is baggage well its time to go fill it up with one thing that will fuel you dreams and charge you to act. One of my favorite things to carry with me is my Ipod. A Dancing B*a*g Lady needs her music.

Putting Yourself First: Selfish or Self-Care?

Kim Beebee, our Sister of Soul B*a*g Lady, shares some thoughts on self care as we approach the most loving of days, Valentines Day.

Kim, and her team, is in the process of launching Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women ...inspiring women of all ages to let their passions rise to the surface. With a strong support network it is possible to tap into your power, realize your potential and achieve your dreams. I have a feeling we will be hearing from Kim again. Her self care enables her to share her fuel, which fills her tank even more.

Putting Yourself First: Selfish or Self-Care? by Kim Beebe

It’s February, the month of love. Of course our thoughts turn to our most precious of relationships: our spouse, our children, our parents. But often we forget the most important relationship of all; the relationship with ourselves.

Just as our relationships with others take great care to remain strong, so do we need to show our own selves that same kind of care and compassion. While you might expect me to suggest taking a long soak in the tub, which I must say is never a bad idea; the problem goes much deeper than that.

As women we are the nurturers, often putting the needs of others above our own. We tend to make family and work matters our highest priority, thinking that makes us a better mother, wife, sister, employee and friend. The problem is that the longer we go without addressing our own needs (filling our fuel as Kim Lampe would say), the more depleted we become. Our dreams fade, our goals wither and our passions slowly dry up. As you can imagine, this has a negative impact on us emotionally. Often overlooked however is the effect this behavior has on us physically, as research reveals more about the connection between belief, emotion and disease.

What we as women need to understand is that there is a difference between “self-ish” and “self-care”. We have this one life to live and a purpose to fulfill. By not pursuing our passions and dreams we are doing the world, those we love, and most of all ourselves, a great disservice. That is “selfish”.

By treating ourselves with respect, listening to the cues of our body, placing importance on our own dreams and carrying out our divine assignment for our life, we are empowering ourselves at the deepest of levels. That is “self-care”.

While you’re showering affection on those you love this month, don’t forget to give yourself a healthy dose of love. Allow time for silent contemplation daily, appreciate your uniqueness in the world, get in touch with what it is that stirs you, affirm yourself with positive self-talk, and care for your physical body. You’re definitely worth it and it is only then that you will have the “fuel” you need to be and give all you can for yourself and others.

Check Your Baggage, Tag Your Baggage, Trade it in

Drop Off Your Baggage, Trade it in for B*a*g workshop January 17th was the debut of our Believe Act Go Mapping exercise. I made it a 4 hour event before I knew what the heck we were going to do. And guess what? I could have filled 8 hours and everyone confirmed 4 hours was too short. So, I have been following up with the participants with some follow up exercises.

Holy B*a*g Ladies, we had some fun with this stuff. Here's a little preview.

WE STRIPPED......

ourselves of labels.

WE DROPPED OFF SOME BAGGAGE and

NEATLY SECURED IT TO OUR TRAVELING SANCTUARY SO IT DOESN'T FLY OFF AND CRASH WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S BAGGAGE.

We stopped for some fuel and will be sharing it with other Modern B*a*g Ladies who couldn't attend the workshop. Join the Sisterhood of the Traveling Sanctuary today!

You really don't want to miss out on the MBL news, goings on and free fuel, so I suggest you to to the top right of this page and sign up for our Traveling Sanctuary Newsletter. Modern B*a*g Ladies is running on some high octane fuel and guess what, we share it at $0 per gallon.

Modern B*a*g Lady Lingo - 101

Modern B*a*g Ladies is a sisterhood as much as it is an Attitude (that's with a capital A). Its all about taking your B*A*G (Believe Act Go) on the road, so grab your keys (spreading joy, shredding fear, having fun), crank up the tunes and go lady go!

It's all in the B*a*g!

Ok, you have your..............

Baggage that needs to be dropped off or recycled into fuel for your B*a*g Traveling Sanctuary.

B*a*g Age - the ages and times in your life that you connect with as being your true self.

B*a*g Gauges - being aware of your fuel level and your speed so you don't run out of fuel, which results in your getting outside of yourself and pushing yourself uphill. Very tiring!

Getting Your B*a*g On - Being yourself.

My B*a*g isn't always Her B*a*g - accepting others as they are, looking for their goodness and reflecting their goodness back at them.

MBL are eco-friendly, body and spirit, so ................... see that link just to the right? Subscribe to our weekly Traveling Sanctuary Newsletter and claim your weekly source of Eco-friendly fuel. You'll be spreading joy, shredding fear and having fun, which are the keys to your Traveling Sanctuary, so you will need this nice new key chain sent to you compliments of Modern B*a*g Ladies. It will be your reminder to check your gauges and fuel up.

Great Family Room and Pen Pal Gals

We have a Great (Kitchen, Dining, Family) Room which makes up almost all of the square footage of the main level of our home and it is indeed GREAT. When I saw the plans one late night, searching plans online, I knew we were finally going to build a home after purchasing 6 existing homes in 12 years of marriage. I knew it would be where friends and family would gather, sharing, having fun and just do our own individual things amongst everyone gathered in this space

We've been in this home for almost 3 years now and this Great Room has exceeded our expectations. Yes sometimes the television is too loud and food is too often eaten not at the table (covered with mom and Paige's projects), but this room has bared witness to almost everything that happens in our family. Homework, meals, parties, movie night, sewing projects, playing, sleeping AND.....


Within this space I have found reason to give the laundry, dusting and toilet cleaning less attention. Some day perhaps I will meet these ladies in person just like back in the day when you would meet your pen pal. I imagine where they may be, while pouring out their wisdom, love and humor onto the keyboard. The keyboard, the new pen. They have expanded my world, sitting here in my Great Room. The grand world all within my reach by just a click of a few keys. Not an addiction, but an enhancement to my old and new real world connections. Traveling Sanctuaries through the information highway.



Mind numbing television replaced with giving and receiving love, wisdom, humor and advise. Ladies should gather together more often, virtually and in person. No pretense, just ourselves, being ourselves. Why not? Yes too busy I know. World's expectations and commitments of course. Sure we probably talk and gather with others all day long, but too often not really making a connection, not truly listening and sharing. All so plastic and a means to an end.

Let's gather with our families and with other ladies. Spreading Joy. Shredding Fear. Having Fun.

Thank you for gathering and doing it together, Mom, Michelle, Mary, Veronica, Elizabeth, Sheryl, Tashina, Teresa, Molli, Rosie, Karla, Janet, Casey, Gabrielle, Cindy, Beth, Suzie, Stephanie, PopArtDiva, Angela, Teri, Kim, Myrna, Heather, Sarah, Stephanie, Wendy, Sue, Carmen, Vickie, Sally, Lori, Patty, Paige, Gavin, Jordan, Hubby, Dad, Brian, Dean..... you fuel and blow me away.

My Reluctant Sanctuary

I was raised in the Catholic Church. Today I wonder what that means? We attended Sunday school and church almost every Sunday. I memorized prayers, learned about the sacraments, knelt on my knees and preferred to sit in the balcony during a crowded service.

I disliked going to confession greatly, cried during my first communion and felt ashamed to receive communion after my divorce (I am not worthy for I have sinned). It all felt like a bunch of RULES to me, but I also knew it meant community and a safe place to go.

Contrary to my perception, I could see that for my parents it was something all together different. But yet it was within a sub-culture of our Catholic church that my parents participated the most and were most fulfilled, it appeared. They had their prayer groups and attended weekend retreats. At the time I didn't realize it, but now I can see the divide between religion and spirituality, yet they are linked together respectfully.

After leaving home I married somebody Catholic, so my religion routine pretty much stayed the same. We attended his church, which was much smaller, friendlier and more fun. After my divorce to my first husband, I disconnected from religion and the bought and borrowed beliefs of what a good Catholic girl should do.

I remarried, in a Baptist church, but had our first daughter baptized in the Catholic church. Moved to Minnesota. Had our son who we didn't have baptized. This last little fact weighs on my mother, which reminds me of the RULES that get ingrained in your mind. Do I really think my son would be condemned to hell if he were to pass today? No!, but the Catholic guilt still lingers inside.

Since moving to Minnesota, 10 years ago, my children and I have been members of a Catholic, Methodist and Lutheran church since. My husband rarely attends. We are now well settled into the Lutheran church and my 13 year old daughter Paige is attending confirmation classes. She is required to write sermon notes, which means we must attend church.

MY RELUCTANT SANCTUARY........

As I reflect on my spirituality and my religion I try to understand why "church" has been my reluctant sanctuary. I believe partially because my upbringing in the Catholic church made it feel like an obligation, a test, a set of rules, which were all outside forces.

But ironically enough it is the obligation of fulfilling my daughters requirement of sermon notes that I am drawn back to the sanctuary of a church, for which am I grateful.

Obligation or not, as I have learned that, God, spirit, the greater power (call it what you want) is not out there, but rather WITHIN me, going to my reluctant sanctuary truly fuels me. This is what my parents knew, so why didn't they just teach me this? They did teach me. It just has taken me many years to be in a place of understanding.

Everyone has their time and everyone has their reluctant sanctuary. Maybe we are lazy, selfish or maybe we don't love ourselves enough. We are worth it, so everyone, go to your reluctant sanctuary (whether that be church, 10 minutes of quiet tim or quality time with your family) and claim your well deserved fuel.

Put some B*A*G Fuel In Your Bag

I got a new bag yesterday and I must say I LOVE IT!!! Barbara and Sarah of ete handbags customized the perfect bag for me. You can choose your inner/outer fabrics (I added a plastic liner), add inside pockets, add a matching coin purse, etc. You see I've added some maintenance tools & fuel to my Bag (Traveling Sanctuary), so I needed some more leg room and trunk space.




My B*A*G in my bag.....

1. What is a Dancing B*A*G Lady without her Ipod? A Crazy B*A*G Lady shaking her booty to pretend music. Trust me I do dance when there is no music playing, I call it doing the "Happy Dance". Eating yummy food and finding stray coinage invoke the "Happy Dance".
2. A "no excuse not to use a reusable shopping bag" compact shopping bag from Target, supplied by Green Bag helps me do my part to preserve the environment. Seems so small, but every little bit helps. Small Changes = Big Benefits. 'Here I come to Save The Earth"!
3. Food For Thought - Daily Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much. Perspective, perspective, perspective.
4. Brain dumping into this little green journal is like having my own personal therapist. The good, the bad, the ugly. It all eventually makes sense, even if it is seven years later (story for another blog entry).

Remember, "Let's Make A Deal" game show? Well it's the end of this post so I ask, "Do you have any B*A*G fuel in your bag? Love to hear from you.