If we look for the
brokenness in the
world, we’ll find it.
If we look for the
light in the world,
we’ll find it.
Our magical human
minds are wired
to seek out the
things we focus on.
Going into the new year,
let’s focus on all
the beautiful things
that will make us
and our world
shine brighter.
Toni O’KEEFFE🔆
The warmth of winter, it’s just out there, beyond dried leaves and cool autumn air.
The sun shines briefly throughout the day,
twinkling stars, moon dust light our way.
Chilly days turn to toasty nights, friendly fire-side chats by candle light.
Berries and holly create warmth upon every door, toys and candy add excitement galore!
Skating and hockey upon frozen ponds, campfires with dear ones strengthen our bonds.
Movies and coco a seasonal treat, fluffy slippers warm our feet.
A license to be cozy, to settle in, to make resolutions before a new year begins.
Burr, it’s cold, yet winter warms the heart,
connecting loved ones who’ve been “distant” or far-a-part.
After solstice days get longer and brighter, igniting hope, which grows stronger and stronger.
Magic happens this time of year, as we create joyful noise and good cheer.
We begin to believe in things we don’t understand, like colourful elf’s and a jolly, long-bearded man.
We warm each other with gifts and praise, celebrating the season in loving, sweet ways.
We give of ourselves to those who have less, an act of gratitude for that which we’re blessed.
Toys are collected, meals served, bringing joy to those who struggle but still deserve.
We’re kinder, more giving, take better care of each other, we shine more brightly because we shine together.
What if through spring, summer and into fall, we hung on to the warmth of winter and the magic of it all?
You feel it, winters warmth as it draws near, bringing magic, hope and kindness, different than other times of the year🌟.
Toni O’Keeffe🔆
To fully love ourselves, and move our lives forward, we have to accept the experiences, the pain, the emotion, and the people, who have been a part of the journey.
There’s been many architects, engineers, and builders, involved in shaping who you are.
Each one brought wisdom, learning and growth. Some made you stronger, braver and more resilient. Others made you softer, kinder and more compassionate. They’ve all been important to your story.
Forgive the ones who made it hard.
Give thanks for those who offered you light and, embrace those who haven’t shown up yet, knowing that when they arrive, you’ve been put on each other’s path for a reason.
Toni O’KEEFFE🔆
Growing well is a gift we give ourselves. It’s the license we’re born with to put our physical, mental and spiritual well-being first, and make decisions without the voices of judgement, criticism, pressure or burden of other peoples expectations upon us.
Growing well is not about growing old. It’s about growing happy, peacefully, growing authentically by listening to the voice within and becoming who we’re meant to be.
We can start growing “better” by letting go of the beliefs, behaviours, attitudes and guilt placed upon us by friends, family, society and ourselves to be, act, look, live or think a certain way and, accept ourselves and the wisdom we possess thats always guiding us to be our perfectly-imperfect-best selves.
If you’re struggling to grow into a better version of yourself, try spending time exercising your curiosity and creativity by going on adventures, seeking out new information, expanding your mind by learning new things, building or creating art, a garden, poetry, stories, music, crafts or something else. Be aware of how you feel when you’re doing these things. Your feelings are messages pointing you towards who you’re meant to be. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can also help you become more aware and grounded in your quest to grow well.
Rekindle the spark with the child in you by stepping into the world of magic, playfulness and the great outdoors. When you’re being playful, listen to the messages and sensations that show up.
Continue to ponder and explore the wonder that exists around you. Find the ones who sing, dance or speak the language of your soul.
Stay active to the degree you’re able and stay connected to those who lift you up and good bye to those who don’t.
You have the right, the freedom, and the power to grow well, despite your life circumstances, and arrive at a place where you’re living your best authentic life; a life that’s calm, brings you joy, settles your soul and where you find beauty, pleasure and inspiration in the smallest, oddest and sometimes most unlikely places and people; a life where you no longer feel the need to be more of this or less of that, all you have to do is show up to life and be you.
Live long, but don’t grow old my friends.
Grow well, listening to the gentle whispers from within, fully embracing the skin and the spirit you’re in.
Love Toni🔆
Give yourself a time out;
🔆to rejuvenate,
🔆to reconnect with nature and your authentic self,
🔆to discover the forest, the shoreline or the view and linger safely wrapped in the healing power of nature,
🔆to be fully present and ponder the awe of you and everything around you,
🔆to explore your purpose in all of this universal magic,
🔆to enjoy a sense of peacefulness and calm,
🔆to exhale the busyness of your human life,
🔆to observe how absolutely amazing the natural world, you and life is,
And,
🔆to be your authentic self and fall in love with who you really are.
Peace comes from those moments that have no price tag. The moments that allow us to refuel and remember who we are and why we’re here.
You deserve a TIME OUT. Take one.
Toni O’KEEFFE🌹❤️
When we’re young, we can’t fully anticipate the changes we’ll go through during our lives. Changes in the world, our priorities, our bodies, our attitudes, our beliefs, our tastes or, how our life experiences will shape us. We’ll stumble, fall, learn, grow and we’ll change.
Ten year-old you could never have comprehended the needs and priorities of the 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, year old you.
So rather than worrying about which path you “think” you should take, instead be mindful of outcomes such as good health, acquiring wisdom, being a good human and a good steward of the planet. Then, take the path that appears.
You can still cultivate your big dreams, recognizing the route to those dreams, may NOT be down the road you expected.
We all grow into who we’re meant to be. How we get there, is not as important as how we live and love along the way.
Toni O’Keeffe ~🌹❤️
~ art work created by Nino Chakvetadze
See these two perfect, little souls?
They might be destined to be the best of friends and love each for the rest of their lives, until somebody tells them not to.
We’re born as loving, kind, compassionate beings. We come into the world wired for authentic soul-to-soul connections and a natural curiously about our differences, we’re not born to fear them.
Society teaches us how to judge, hate, fear, shun and mock others. But, that’s not who we are. We’re born to be better than that, so, let’s BE better than that.
Toni O’Keeffe🌹❤️
Wanna’ feel better?
🔹Turn off your devices.
🔹Drink a glass of water.
🔹Take a walk or a bike ride
in the woods or around the block.
🔹Pet a dog or play with a cat.
🔹Listen to your favourite tunes.
🔹Plant something.
🔹Eat an apple.
🔹Smile at a stranger
and watch them smile back.
🔹Have a conversation with a
4 year old or an 84 year old.
Ask them what matters.
🔹Be silly, do something
that will make you laugh, snort or giggle.
🔹 Have a tea party.
🔹 Have some soup.
🔹Go sit next to the ocean.
🔹Get some fresh air.
🔹Be mindful of all the things
you’re grateful for.
🔹Make art, music, poetry,
or cupcakes.
🔹Hug something.
Wanna’ feel better?
Count your blessings and
lean into the good stuff.
It’s all around you.
Toni O’Keeffe🌹❤️
The same awesome power that created the sun, the stars, the moon, the oceans, forests, flowers, music, art, puppies and everything you love, also created you! Whoa!
I’d say, that makes you pretty big deal.
Have an absolutely wonderful day being your absolutely wonderful self 🌟
Toni 🌹❤️
Have you ever been so
peacefully lost in a moment,
enjoying whatever you’re doing,
that no other thought or thing
can reach you?
Completely present,
engaging all of your senses?
This is what mindfulness looks like.
This is how we’re meant to live,
one thought, one step, one moment,
one beautiful breath at a time.
Slow it all down❤️
Toni O’Keeffe🌹❤️
The Whimsey Angel 