Let them linger in the magic of
their wonder years.
Let them play, dream, be silly, build sand castles and make lots of colourful messes.
Let them grow into who they’re meant to be, not who you want them to be.
We need their creativity, playfulness, imagination and their light, to build us a better world.
So, let them.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
Clearly, adulting is not working,(anywhere in the world).
So let’s put it all down, stop talking and start laughing, stop listening to the news and instead, take time to listen to birds chirping, children playing, rain falling, rivers flowing or waves crashing.
Stop scrolling, and take a break from the noise, the politics, the anger, the chaos; and, pull out some crayons, Lego, or play-dough, or go outside and make a tree-fort or make some mud, blow some bubbles, or watch bugs do bug stuff, and remember what it’s like to be playful, creative, happy, connected and alive.
Let’s all just take a break from whatever “This” is.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
In the end, nothing will hurt
more than;
~ the paths not taken,
~ words unspoken,
~ wounds still aching,
~ moments lost,
~ joy never found,
~ a life not lived,
~ love not shared,
We’re here to take a few chances, have a colourful adventure or two, learn about ourselves, the planet and feel the highs and lows of this pretty amazing and unique human journey we’re on together.
Yup, your heart will be broken, you’ll shed some tears, but, they’ll help you grow. You’ll make a lot of mistakes, you’re supposed to, you’ll learn from them and you’ll move on.
You’ll get lost over and over again, but, you’ll figure it out and find your way back. You’ll get hurt, don’t let that stop you. You’ll fall a few times, and, you’ll get back up.
You will be both tutor and student, continually; learning and teaching; hurting and healing; loving and grieving, all at the same time.
You’ll question your beliefs, the loyalty of others and the reason you exist at all. Each fall, every adventure, every mistake, every success and failure is a step closer to figuring it all out.
Don’t waste it. Be brave, bold, and curious and fully own this thing called life. This is your adventure. Stay true to your path, let others do the same.
And, when your journey is over, I hope your knees buckle, you fall to the ground, with a big crooked grin on your wind kissed face, a heart full of happy memories, and, your final thought is “wow, that was amazing, absolutely frickin’ amazing.
Toni O’KEEFFE 🔆
YOU’RE NOT SELFISH.
You’re allowed to say no, not just when you’re too busy, but, when what’s being asked of you;
~ is unrealistic,
~ violates your core values,
~ violates your personal boundaries,
~ will affect your well-being,
~ is unnecessary or unhealthy,
~ drains your financial resources,
~ depletes your energy,
~ feels uncomfortable,
~ makes you feel guilty,
Or,
~ your gut tells you a situation is wrong.
These are situations you might want to say NO to.
We teach people how to treat us, and we build our self esteem, when we set boundaries and when we’re living our values. This isn’t selfish it’s necessary.
Your time, energy and financial resources are assets to be invested in the things that matter.
You, your dreams, your well-being, your life, your values, your loved ones, matter. Invest in that.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
Your wounded soul is still shining,
your broken heart still beating.
Look at you, still standing,
after all the storms you’ve been through! Wow, just Wow!
💛☀️💛
There’s more light in you,
then you ever imagined!
Now, keep shining, and,
Keep going!
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
The day may come when the people, places, things and habits you’re used to, no longer fit or feel like you. If (when) this day arrives, embrace the calling to let go and move on.
When water stops flowing it becomes stagnate, toxic and foul. When we remain stuck, we can also become stagnant, toxic or foul.
Like water, we’re meant to flow and move forward. Our minds, bodies and souls constantly craving new knowledge, perspectives, landscapes, opportunities and adventures so we can grow.
It often feels easier to stay stuck where we are, because the thought of change is overwhelming. We do this all the time. We stay in uncomfortable relationships, situations, places, jobs, and uncomfortable (and unhealthy) behaviours and habits, because they’re what we know, or sometimes, they’re“ALL”, we know.
Don’t waste your one beautiful life and your curious mind, feeling stuck. We’re born to be curious explorers, to reach for the things beyond our grasp and to move beyond our comfort zone.
The place that feels familiar, may not be the place you belong.
Toni O’KEEFFE🔆
Some battles
require silence.
When we act
from a place
of quiet and
calm, we act
with greater
clarity and
focus.
If you can remain
calm amidst
the chaos,
your mind,
body and
soul, all win.
YOU win.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
There are now more days behind me, than days in front of me; and, I find myself mindfully letting go of what I can no longer control or carry on this journey.
I’ve met and fallen in love with, the freedom that comes with forgiveness, letting go of regret, fear, anger, grief, the opinions of others, and even the material possessions that weigh me down.
As I shed old habits, behaviours and “stuff” a renewed spiritual beauty is blooming within me and I’ve never felt more alive or, more like myself.
My heart has softened, my authentic self is emerging and I see the wisdom in placing more value on stillness, honesty, compassion, simplicity, our connection to each other and to the natural world.
We’re are so easily distracted from what’s important. We’ve made life too complicated, too chaotic, too cluttered, too loud and too messy. But, it doesn’t have to be.
At any time, on any day, any one, can decide to live differently. To live gently, honestly, compassionately and lighter, because one day you might look back and wish you had.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
Water flows around anything
blocking its path.
It’s calm, soft, and persistent.
It’s flexible and adapts
to the environment.
It doesn’t force, it doesn’t fight,
it flows, and still gets to where it’s supposed to go.
Be like water💦
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
What if we looked at each other the same way we look at nature, and marvelled at how beautiful, brilliant, unique, colourful and powerful we all are?
Oh what a happy, peaceful, planet of twinkly, peaceful souls we could be.
You really are one beautiful, bright, brilliant, unique, colourful and powerful individual!!
Oh yes, you are!!
Toni O’KEEFFE🔆
The Whimsey Angel 