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Are You Doing What You Love?
by Pam Asberry
One of my writer friends gave me a copy of The Prosperous Heart (by Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way fame) for Christmas. The book jacket states, “The Prosperous Heart presents a twelve-week program for using practical financial tools–in partnership with your creative heart and soul–to guide you to prosperity in all areas of your life. According to Cameron, true prosperity has very little to do with the amount of money we have in the bank. Rather, it is about possessing a prosperous heart and the ability that affords us to see clearly–and appreciate–the aspects of our lives that are truly valuable. With inspiring daily tools, exercises, and strategies, this book guides readers in developing a life that is full, satisfying, and secure–both fiscally and spiritually.”
I am two weeks into the program now, and I think it’s wonderful. I have renewed my commitment to writing morning pages, walking, and “time-outs” (five minutes of quiet morning and evening)–techniques I learned from The Artist’s Way–and added “counting” (keeping a simple ledger of money in and money out) and “abstinence” (refraining from debt). Yes, I know this is common sense stuff. But sometimes we all need to be reminded of even the simplest things.
One of this week’s exercises has proven especially beneficial.
In your journal, number from one all the way to twenty-five. List twenty-five things you absolutely love. When was the last time you were around each one of those items or did each one of those activities?
Here, in no particular order, is my list.
- Warm weather.
- The beach.
- Flip flops.
- Bright colors.
- Cruise vacations.
- Writing.
- Playing music with others.
- Reading.
- Tiny white lights.
- Baking.
- Trying new recipes.
- Candles.
- Dresses.
- Feminine details.
- Making pretty things.
- Christmas.
- Glitter.
- Gardenias.
- Scented body lotion.
- Eggnog lattes.
- Road trips.
- Chocolate.
- Old quilts.
- Anything French.
- Doing anything with the people I love.
Three months after Julia Cameron made her own list, she moved across the country, all the way from New York City to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she found herself literally living her list of loves. Although I’m certain that I’m not in store for such a drastic change in my own life, it is clear that a subtle shift has taken place inside me as a result of this exercise. Maybe I cannot move to the beach–yet–but I can make choices every day that add up to a life lived true to the desires of my heart. And I’m here to encourage you to do the same.
Let’s not wait for someday to be happy. Because all we have for sure is this day, this hour, with moment. And we don’t want to look back on a single precious second with regret. No more wasted time. No more wasted money. “The prosperous heart spends time and money along the lines of its true values,” says Ms. Cameron. Here’s to building strong, prosperous hearts in 2013.
And in the spirit of prosperity, leave a comment with the top three items on your list for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card. I’m looking forward to them!
Pam Asberry
Blog: http://pamasberry.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pamasberryfanpage
Twitter: http://twitter.com/pamasberry
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by Pam Asberry
My top three would have to be:
watching ‘classic’ movies
working on my craft
going for a walk, just for the sake of going for a walk.
Ah, Mary, if we weren’t worlds apart, I’d say let’s walk together and have a good talk. So, that makes:
1. going for a nice walk
2. eating lobster in Maine
3. hubby and I riding around, going no place in particular
My top three would be:
1. The beach
2. Traveling
3. Writing
I enjoyed your post.
Great post, Pam. You always inspire me.
I love the beach, too. Perhaps I love the ideal of a beach. Since I can’t go, I indulge myself in writing about beaches, which requires research. There are a lot of lovely beach videos on youtube. Just look up Hawaii or Maui beaches. Watching them is almost like being there. 
Great post, Pam
And a great reminder to try & incorporate the things we love into our daily grind.
My top few would be:
1. Enjoying a great movie
2. Writing & connecting with other writers
3. Seeing beautiful & inspiring art
All of these things are within my grasp. Even on #3 I don’t have to go to Paris to see a museum. Just browsing around deviantart.com or a cafe with paintings does the trick.
Great post, thx!
I think the list is a great idea. It’s too easy to just keep going day after day and lose sight of what we love and what’s important.
My top 3?
1. Sitting on a screen-in porch and enjoying a water view.
2. Cooking creatively.
3. Traveling with my darling.
Love this post! I’m in the grasp of the flu, so I can’t guarantee my response will be very lucid, but…
1. Creating beauty…writing, gardening, photography, woodworking, building, anything where I use my hands.
2. Cooking healthy for me and others…using vegetables and fruits I’ve grown myself.
3. Spending time with family, friends, and children. Anywhere. Just talking, reconnecting, learning. Making a difference in that person’s life!
Anna
That’s a great list, Mary. As a matter of fact, walking is one of the “basic tools” Julia Cameron recommends in the book I am reading. I need to get back to it. Thank you so much for your comments!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all go for a walk together, Maxine? And I have never been to Maine, but I enjoy lobster dinner night when I go on a cruise and I’m sure it would be even better in Maine!
I might have been able to guess your list, Marilyn!
Hawaii is another place I’ve never visited, Linsey. I love writing about beaches, too. As a matter of fact, one of my good friends suggested I expand my short story from “Seasons and Seashells” into a novel. I am strongly thinking about it!
I can relate to your list as well, Elaine. And it’s wonderful that we live in a world where we can do all three of those things without ever leaving the comfort of our homes! Which just might come in handy in view of the wintry mix we are expecting tonight. Brr!
I don’t have a water view, Deb, but I have a lovely wooded area behind my house. You have inspired me to look into screening in my deck. That would be quite nice! Thanks for sharing your list!
I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well, Anna! We are definitely kindred spirits. I love making things with my hands and cooking with fresh produce, although I will admit I’m not much of a gardener. But it’s #3 that is the be-all, end-all for me. Get well soon!
I am so making this list!!! Love this post. I try to live my life to the fullest remind myself of what is important!
Hey, Pam. It looks like we were on a kindred wavelength this week with the ‘do what you love’ theme. Excellent list you’ve got there. I don’t know if they’d be 1-2-3, but three things that would definitely make my list would be
1. Spend more time with family.
2. Do something creative every day
3. Spend more time on a beach.
1. Reading
2. Snuggling with my kids and my husband
3. Baking!
mmalavec(at)med(dot)umich(dot)edu
Thanks a million, Hildie! Welcome to PFHT.
Great list, Maria! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Maria reminded me that I need to move reading up on my list of favorite things. Reading gives me a lot of pleasure.
Maria-
I’d rather read than watch television.And my next favorite thing is going to the beach, which is where I’m headed this weekend. It might be chilly, but I’m going to love it.
Thanks for stopping by.
I would agree with all the other posts about the beach. There’s just something about the view and sound of water that puts me in a super relaxed mood. I also love a good book. My favorite thing in my life is my almost-three-year-old granddaughter!
My top 3
1 Babies
2 Kittens
3 Books
videoclimber(at)yahoo(dot)com
Me too, Marilyn!
I’m JEALOUS, Connie! I wish I were going to the beach this weekend! But I *will* be at GRW tomorrow, which is the next best thing!
And a book at the beach, Mary Ann, is a little slice of heaven on earth!
I am a cat person myself, Tia, but my middle child is allergic so I can’t have one. But I do love my dog! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I saw your comment but failed to reply, Carol! We are kindred spirits, indeed!
I feel I am doing what I love but I’m always adding to the list. I tend to be over-motivated. I think it is super important to find what you love and do it. Thanks for the post!
Great post, I love the list and agree with all 25 items..those make me happy too!
Spending time with family and friends, being a cruise, and watching the sunset!
Reading
flowing water
Flowers
Hi Pam,
Road trip with hubby, cruising with Hubby, any time with my granddaughter.
I tend to be over-motivated myself sometimes, Erika. That’s why making this list was helpful; it helped me remember what is truly most important to me. Thank you for your comments!
Glad you enjoyed it, Dione! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!
How about watching the sunset with family and friends on a cruise, Jennifer? That’s the ultimate!!
Hm, Elle, I love flowers too. I might need to add a #26 to my list…
It’s awesome that you and your husband have so much fun together, Sandy! And the next time you see that granddaughter, give her a hug from me!
I love this post!
My top 3:
1 – doing anything with people I love
2 – the beach
3 – chocolates
Three of my personal favorites, Anne! Thank you so much for sharing!
1. Decorating my home
2. spending time at the beach
3. relaxing with a good book
1. Disney World
2. Books
3. Baking desserts
MostlyMisha [at] gmail [dot] com
My list would be quite similar to yours with the addition of coffee!
What an inspiring and reaffirming post. I think I need to seek out the Julia Cameron book now!
Some of my top favorite things that come to mind…
1. Having written something that I know is good
2. Kissing
3. Really being understood by someone
1 – doing new things with my daughter
2 – snuggling with my dog
3 – reading a good book
brittneydejajason at gmail dot com
I enjoy home decorating as well, Heather, although I’m afraid I have been remiss in that area the past couple of years. I think it’s time to do something about that. Thanks for the reminder!
I haven’t been to Disney World in more than thirty years, Misha, although I probably should add “roller coasters” to my list. Whee!
Now there’s some food for thought, Cynthia (pun intended). I go days without chocolate, but I can’t get through the morning without my coffee! Hm…
Thank you so much, Amanda. And I love your top three list. In light of everyone’s comments, I think my list is in need of some revision!
My dog says that he cannot believe I left snuggling with him off my top 25 list. That is definitely going on the revised version. Thanks, Brittney!
1.Reading !
2. snuggling with my rescue pets
3 spending fun time with my buddies
Very nice list.
1. reading
2. watching movies
3. chocolate
First off, great post. My top 3 would be doing anything fun with family, good Filipino & Mexican food, and a great nights sleep to tackle anything & everything the day might bring.
1 Reading a good book
2 baking something sweet
3 quilting
1. reading my books where it is warmer than Illinois
2. motorcycling year round (I read my kindle on the back of the bike while my hubby drives)
3. traveling
Thanks, BN100! I enjoy movies too but especially after reading the books they are based on, LOL!
Mexican is my favorite cuisine, Jessica. And youa re absolutely right about the importance of a good night’s sleep, something that often eludes me. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Sweets are definitely my favorite thing to bake, Michelle. And I used to enjoy quilting a lot. Although I haven’t done a project in several years, I have an idea for a collage quilt I might start on this winter. Thanks for sharing your list!
Good list, Diane! What kind of pets do you rescue? Regardless, give them a snuggle from me!
Where in Illinois are you from, Elaine? I grew up in southern Illinois and lived in Peoria for three years. Brr! I cannot imagine riding behind a motorcycle in the winter, much less read while riding in the back. You are amazing! Thanks for visiting our blog!
1. Singing
2. Swimming
3. Reading
Can only do 2 of the above at the same time, but I swim 3 times a week and do the others daily.
Thanks for the contest.
I’m afraid I am not much of a swimmer, Sarah, but I try to run a couple of miles two or three times a week. But I rarely get through a day without making music and reading. Thank you for your comments!
I am with you on glitter.
Thanks, Jen! Life would be a lot less fun if not for glitter! And tiaras.
the beach, reading and chocolate!
1. coffee
2. running with music
3. petting my dog
-reading
-watching movies with my girlfriend
-taking long walks with my dog
Sounds like a perfect day to me, Daniel! Thanks for sharing!
I just bought an armband for my iPhone, Allison, and I am going to try running with music the next warm day we have. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Good list, Brett! There’s nothing like watching a movie with someone you love!
1 My pets.
2 Being outside in nice weather.
3 Once Upon A Time.
1) Reading by the fire
2) Walking on the beach at sunset
3) Drinking coffee with friends
1. Attending the Olympics
2. Attending the Superbowl
3. Eurotrip
Ooh, I’m a big fan of “Once Upon A Time” too, Carla! But it’s one of only four shows I watch regularly, the others being “Downton Abbey,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Modern Family.” Which is why TV didn’t make my list!
Nice list, Lesley! Thank you for visiting our blog!
That sounds more like items from your bucket list, Alexandra! May all your dreams come true!
1) Mountains
2) Reading
3) Sunday drives through the countryside
You are so right, Amanda; there is nothing like a country road trip, especially in the north Georgia mountains, especially on a Sunday afternoon, with a good book to read at rest stops. I hope you will stop by again soon!
my amazing children
rain
sleeping
I have a leaky roof right now, Kristina, so until I get that repaired I am praying for no more rain, LOL! But there’s nothing like sleeping in on a rainy morning, and it was especially sweet when my children were small and snuggled up in bed with me. Thanks for sharing your list!
1. Dance Workouts!
2. Trips to NYC!
3. My perfume collection.
cooking with my 6 year old helper
skyping with my 13 year old grandson who lives in another state
talking to my niece every Thursday who lives in another state
I have only been to NYC twice, Sand, but I would love to go back. What a great place to add to your perfume collection
That’s awesome that you keep in such close touch with your out-of-town family, Meme. I might try Skyping my niece one of these days!