Angel Violet

What is Your Holiday Glue?

December 2, 2014 By admin 8 Comments

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Heart Centered Holidays: Keep Calm and Carry On

L-Love yourself
I-Illuminate the true spirit of holidays
G-Give the gift of love to yourself and others
H-Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on
T-Trust your inner knowing to guide you

Illuminating the true spirit of the holidays happens as we focus on creating traditions from our heart, not with stress, obligation or because we have always done it that way. “Holiday glue”, our family traditions, are what supports you and your family in the heart centered illumination of the true spirit of the holidays.

shannon books I am happy to have Shannon Kelley Pattee as a guest blogger on the beginning of this month of holidays. Shannon has many talents but I know her as an author, extraordinaire-front desk and first line of fire, jack of all trades and keeper of calm, always with a smile on her face at the front desk at Bright Beginnings:Early Learning Center in Dunedin, Florida, a wonderful place for young children.

Read about Shannon’s “holiday glue “…. and I hope it inspires you to create your own!

“I have such wonderful memories of holidays past and the traditions, which my parents maintained year after year. A sense of familiarity, warm nostalgia and family unity, which occurred during these times, was the glue that keeps us connected even today. I always looked forward to Thanksgiving Day. The television was tuned to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and later in the day we all gathered at my Grandparents house where my overwhelmed Grandfather would typically sit quietly trying to make sense of the fifteen different conversations that were all occurring in unison due to being out number by a houseful of women. He and the other two or three men didn’t stand a chance! My Mom usually made her annual sour cream fruit salad which is still one of my favorites today. Everyone brought something to share and a good time was had by all.

My parents were also consistent with our Christmas traditions. The Christmas tree was decorated by all of us while the Walt Disney Christmas Carol album was playing in the background and don’t forget the Charlie Browns Christmas special which was an annual treat. The family also sat together and read the traditional “Christmas Story” to remember the real reason for celebrating the season.

On Christmas morning there was but one rule to follow. Before entering the living room where Santa left our gifts we must first wake the adults so that all of us could share in the excitement. Although, I think that Santa’s elves had been up late putting things together so their excitement was not quite as vibrant as ours. Everyone opened gifts together and I have to admit that Santa did a great job of providing a well-rounded selection of presents. We would each get a few personal items, but then there were also items for the entire family to share. Such as our ping pong table, board games, bikes and even a racetrack that was already put together for everyone to enjoy and designed to bring us together as a family.

Even New Year’s Eve had its own tradition, which we still carry out and laugh about today. The infamous Cheese Ball! Champagne for the adults and sparkling Cider for the kids and if we could stay awake until midnight we would watch the ball drop in New York City.

Cheerful familiarity and traditions are the uniquely designed glue, which bond friends and family. However simple, creative or over the top your traditions are for whatever holidays your family celebrates keep them going year after year and you to will develop “The Holiday Glue” for lasting memories.”

Shannon’s heart-centered holiday glue she’d like to share with you!

“The Sharing Child”

Preface

A child’s moral character is developed in the early years of life. The need to instill kindness, empathy, understanding, respect and love for others is top priority if we are to do our part in creating a peaceful world.

I was inspired to write “The Sharing Child” by a strong- willed little spitfire of a girl who had no problem speaking her mind, yet had one of the most giving hearts that I have encountered throughout my many years of teaching. She was always the first to offer food, the first to soothe a crying child and would keep her teachers and classmates in her nightly prayers. She lived with her mother and grandmother who laid a strong foundation for her sharing heart.

Please enjoy reading “The Sharing Child” with your family. Next, print out a copy for your “Sharing Child”. Sign their name on the bottom, add your child’s.

Happy Holidays!

Click here to download PDF.

The Sharing Child

“I have worked with children and families for twenty-five plus years. There are two main character traits which one must possess if one is to embrace the plethora of personalities along with the jovial thirst for knowledge; a flexible spirit and a great sense of humor!

My background as a Child Development Specialist has led me down an amazing path. My array of “hats” include that of an Early Childhood Educator, Director, Staff Writer, Children’s Art Instructor, Family Outreach/Events Coordinator, Author and many other mix and match combinations.

At the top of my life’s list is helping to strengthen the family bond and filling the needs of others. Through my stories and ideas I hope to send fun, inspiring messages which will promote a positive mind set and instill a strong value system in all. “ You can find Shannon at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChttMKtd5yQZeOAFP5VffVQ

Thank you, Shannon!

Please post and share the “holiday glue” that you and your family love to illuminate the holidays,

Bonnie

Gratitude, the Magic of Blessings

November 25, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving option 1

Gratitude opens your heart and the space for more miracles and magic to show up in your life. Pausing during the day, at night or in the morning to express a quick prayer of thanks, or appreciation for whatever has happened is powerful. Expressing gratitude and appreciation on a daily basis connects you to the deepest most powerful aspects of you-your divine self. Gratitudes pave the way for your life to move with more grace ease. Researchers in the Positive Psychology arena continue to find that people who practiced gratitude on a regular basis were happier, healthier and yes wealthier.

“Gratefulness for all of our many blessings – this month – the month of November is the time that most minds and hearts tune into the energy of gratitude – and so the influence of our personal gratitude statements increases because the over-all vibration of gratitude on our planet is so high.“ Unity Minister, Lauren McLaughlin, author of Go to Elf Special

If you already have a gratitude practice how can you expand it. If you or your family doesn’t have a regular time. Make this the year you start a gratitude ritual. For some ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/angelvioletsmagicwings/posts/466271280179741

Happy Thanksgiving! Safe travels! Enjoy those treasured moments with family and friends,

Bonnie

PS “Everyone has angels that are always around them. You can’t always see them but your heart knows they are there.” says Joy and Dan from Angel Talk Cafe.

I am delighted as Joy and Dan come back on their blog talk radio show Angel Cafe to be their guest on December 1st at 9:00 PM ET. Mark your calendar. The show will be recorded. Monday, December 1st at 9:00 PM http://www.blogtalkradio.com/angel-talk-cafe

Stress Free Holidays? -Maybe? Yes!

November 17, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

LIGHTen Up Stay Calm and Carry On

L-Love yourself
I-Illuminate the true spirit of holidays
G-Give the gift of love to yourself and others
H-Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on
T-Trust your inner knowing to guide you

Most of us would love to have less stress and more joy during the holidays. I suspect you believe that’s possible, but hard to achieve. I truly believe that it is possible, however, it’s easy to get caught in the outside hustle and bustle in the frenetic rush of the holidays rather than listening to your heart.

Angel Violet, being the wise angel she is, knew this and wanted to illuminate the true spirit of the holidays. She has said YES, less stress! I will create a party- A party that will support women, moms and grandmoms, a place where you can find the ideas that suit you and will help you feel less stressed, create more ease around and during the holidays.

Angel Violet would like to invite you to her Pre Holiday Facebook party-Be More Relaxed and Ready- Heart Centered Holidays. Facebook.com/AngelVioletsMagicWings. (Great isn’t it? You don’t have to find a gift or an outfit. Just come read, like, post or share to receive your party favor.)

Angel Violet knows that as a community of likeminded individuals, as we all share our ideas and tips how to de-stress, how to bring the spirit of the holidays into your family, share great ideas for simple gifts of love purchased or created we start to change the energy of the commercialism and return to the true meaning of the holidays.

angel violet stress free holidays So give yourself permission to let a bit of the rushed feeling go and come to a party, dressed as you are! Enjoy the sense of peace, fun and energy of the holidays without the holiday stress. Let Angel Violet’s Pre Holiday Party support you in finding and creating the holidays in a way that you remember this year with a smile. The party is from today, Tuesday ,November 18- to Thursday, November 20^th all day! So stop by! Visit anytime during those days. Facebook.com/AngelVioletsMagicWings

Anyone who posts will be receive a party favor- a gift for being at the party. There will also be raffle prizes. Bring an open heart, your curiosity, and get ready to be more peaceful before and during the holidays. Invite your friends and come to the party.

See you at the party!

Bonnie

PS Besides the party favors we will be raffling of several signed copies of Angel Violet’s Magic Wings and Angel Violet Dolls as just a few of the raffle gifts. You must pick up your party favor to be entered in the raffle.

PPS We have a very special Angel friend of Angel Violet visiting so keep checking Facebook.AngelVioletsMagicWings! She is giving away a special gift.

Illuminate True Holiday Spirit

November 11, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

LIGHTen UP Stay Calm and Carry On

L-Love yourself
I-Illuminate the true spirit of holidays
G-Give the gift of love to yourself and others
H-Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on
T-Trust your inner knowing to guide you

I – Illuminate -to shine light on something, brighten something, clear and easier to understand, spiritually enlightened

When you see the beautiful colors of the clouds and the sky illuminated by the setting sun, doesn’t your heart open and don’t you feel illuminated with light and love?

Or the light shining in a child’s eyes as they see something for the first time, the brilliant light of a full moon, or opening your Facebook or Pinterest page and seeing an inspiring image and beautiful words that touch you?

Don’t you feel illuminated when you see the light of understanding dawning on someone’s face or seeing something as simple as beautiful, decorative lights at Christmas time?

How do you start to illuminate the holidays?

What is truly important to you? What messages do you want to give to your family and those around you during the holidays? How do you want to highlight the holidays this year?

Illuminate yourself from the inside out! Illuminate your true spirit.

Listen to the answers with your heart. Don’t listen to the voice telling you what you should do or that you must repeat what you have done in the past.

Joy comes from heart-felt giving and living. You can’t be LIGHT and carry a sense of dread thinking about the holidays. (Remember to be LIGHT you must start with L – Love yourself in the first two blogs).

Remind yourself to be light in your movements through each day with the additional tasks, errands and all that comes with the holidays. Check in every now and again to notice how you are holding up and reacting to things.

Are you moving through the holidays tired, with an “I do it all” attitude, or with the energy of the Grinch? You can complain about the commercialism, focus only on the external holiday meal, parties and gift giving or illuminate what is truly the spirit of the holidays.

Ideas to Illuminate Thanksgiving and Create Gratitude all year around

Thanksgiving originated as a day “to set aside time to express our blessings”. In many families there is sharing and celebration over a meal to give gratitude for the blessings of the year.

What do you want to illuminate about this Thanksgiving? Do you want Thanksgiving to be the only day that you or your family counts your blessings or expresses gratitude? Positive Psychology researchers have found that people who express thanks for three blessings a day are happier, healthier, and, yes, a bit richer.

How can you cultivate gratitude in your family year round?

Family-Blessing-Jar-Martys-Musings Gratitude Ideas
• Even the smallest children can come up with blessings or things they are grateful for each day. Part of the trick is to vary the routine.
• Some families have a gratitude or blessing jar (great with school age kids). They write what they are grateful for, and if there is a day where it is hard to be grateful they can pick out of the gratitude jar. You can start a gratitude book, paper or photo book. One you can touch or even an album on your iPad or computer
• Or, just simply, each day at a family meal, share three things you are grateful for that day. It’s literally impossible to be grumpy and truly grateful!

http://martysmusings.net/2014/10/family-blessing-jar.html

Good questions to ask:

• What are the core values you want to illuminate during the holidays?
• What do the holidays remind you and your family to celebrate?
• What do you want to illuminate (and have your children learn) about the holidays to remind you of for every day of the year?
• What lights you as a spiritual being that you want to share? How can you bring more of that into your holidays?

heart-holidays-self -empowered-light

Inspire another woman. Post on the blog or on Facebook.com/AngelVioletsMagicWings during Angel Violet’s Pre Holiday Facebook Party Heart Centered Holidays on November 18th-20th and share what you do to illuminate the true spirit of the holidays.

LIGHTen up stay calm and carry on,

Bonnie

PS If you are looking for a special family Blessing Bowl for the holidays you may like this one: http://diamond pathways.com/resources/gifts/

Stop Create Magic

November 6, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

L – Love yourself -L-Love to Stop? Probably not, but here’s why you will love to Stop!

I – Illuminate the true spirit of the holidays

G – Give gifts of love to yourself and others

H – Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on

T – Trust your inner knowing to guide you

quiet-destress-relax I believe there is magic in the word Stop. Think of stopping as loving yourself. It is a chance to re-fuel from the inside, out. Stopping can create more “room” for you and for those you love. Stopping creates space… space for creative ideas to flow, and space for life to resume in a more efficient, simpler way. When emotions run high, stopping to eat, shower, be still, meditate, etc., even for a short time, can make all the difference. So next time you’re feeling stressed, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and remember to stop.

Love yourself, by being kind in the expectations you set for yourself. Remember to create your own special quiet moments.

When you let go of the old thoughts and messages of the past, it clears space in your mind for something new. “Happiness” researchers have found that people who took time to be still-meditate for a short time (10-20 minutes) were happier and more productive.

Stop when you are tired, and definitely when you are exhausted, (I so remember those holiday seasons that I was fighting a cold by the time Christmas Day arrived).

Ask yourself, “What is really important?” Stopping without guilt and worry actually creates space-time. Hard to believe, but true. Many companies know this, they put play areas in so their employees can stop and play. Work productivity in those work places increased.

de-stress, relax, stop, magic of stopping

One year I wondered why I had decided to have a Christmas party. I thought about all the work and time, and how tired I get. It didn’t feel like fun, although I love the end result. I noticed how I was feeling, stopped and tapped into the feelings of joy and fun of the party. I asked myself, “How can I do this in a different way, so I won’t feel as tired?” I took some quiet time (believe me, not long) and a plan emerged. I let go of the past, how I thought it should be, kept the most important elements and planned the party in a totally different way. I won’t tell you it didn’t take time or wasn’t work, but it wasn’t stressful. And, as hard as it was to believe, I was ready an hour before guests arrived. Never, ever have I had that amount of time before company or a party. I know I created magic and a miracle by stopping.

heart-holidays-self -empowered-light

Choose one thing you would like to do differently this year to Love yourself and shine your LIGHT? Post on Facebook (at the Angel Violet’s Pre Holiday Party) or in the comments below, and inspire another women to do the same.

Stopping and Partying,

Bonnie

PS Are you looking for ways to keep yourself more relaxed, better prepared, and less stressed during the holidays ? Join us on Angel Violet’s Magic Wings Facebook page from November 18-20, anytime during those days. Bring an open heart, your curiosity, and get ready to be more peaceful before and during the holidays.

Heart Centered Holidays: Stay Calm and Carry On

October 28, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

How many times does your LIGHT get dimmed during the holidays? Wouldn’t you love to stay calm and carry on? When you feel your light beginning to fade, there are pathways you can turn to, to help you remember what you know in your heart will shine your LIGHT.

Now thru December, I will share with you blogs and articles to support you in the most heart-centered ways so as to help you create a light-filled and magical holiday season.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

L- Love yourself

I – Illuminate the true spirit of the holidays

G – Give gifts of love to yourself and others

H – Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on

T – Trust your inner knowing to guide you

Starting with Halloween at the end of this week, the stir of the holiday season begins.

In hearts of children we see pure joy as they anticipate and prepare for Halloween festivities. The gleam in their eyes (before the candy) reflects the excitement of the costumes, colors, and the fun of trick or treating. Their imaginations and sense of adventure are unlimited as they think about ‘who they can be’ and acting out those roles with no inhibitions as only a child can do.

As adults we get caught up in the activity and exploration for fun, but with our own limitations and expectations on perfect costumes and ‘getting the night right’. Then, when trapped in our own stresses, we don’t set limits on time, festivities and on the sugar goodies. The smiles turn into whines and upset tummies, and the fun into chaos and mayhem.

Then, before you can catch your breath from costumes, parties and Halloween festivities, preparation for Thanksgiving is upon us.

If your focus is kindness, giving and thankfulness, then Thanksgiving will be a true day to celebrate.

However, the overload and stress of cooking, cleaning, and even traveling for Thanksgiving can dim the joy and take away from the lightness and purpose of getting together with family. Many times you begin to feel less than thankful because you have overextended yourself, not set limits on what you are doing and not asked for help or simplified how you created the festivities for Thanksgiving Day.

Then with the speed of sound, we move into the Holidays of Light in the month of December.

The weight of the multitudes of additions to the already full to do list becomes overwhelming. There are the ever increasing demands of the holiday season, holiday parties, costumes for Christmas plays and of course the gift giving. The list goes on and during the month of December.

BE the LIGHT.

IS it possible to be LIGHT during the holidays? I believe it is.

If you listen closely Angel Violet whispers not so softly,“It all starts with you!”

L- Love yourself. (Part 1)

You will thank yourself (and so will your children and family).

A heart centered holiday mantra is “Stay calm and carry on”. Being calm means letting go of the should’s, ought to’s, and most importantly, what others will think about what you do or don’t do for the holidays. (This works well in life in general, as well.)

Some of the loving questions you can ask yourself are:

Does this stress me out or give me joy? what can I do differently? Why am I doing this? Will this make a difference 10 years from now?

It’s amazing the sense of peace you’ll experience when you let go of the should have to reason for doing certain things. Not only will you feel better, but you will have more energy for what you want to do.

The negative energy weighs you down.

I know this is easier said than done but give it a try. I think you might be surprised how easy it may be to let something go or do it differently.

For Halloween – Do you really have to make the costume this year? Where can you set limits? Something that has worked for many parents is trading candy for something else the day after Halloween.

Shine your LIGHT on Halloween; join in the fun, but set limits for everyone so that the day and evening remain pure and enjoyable.

Remember, Thanksgiving is not the only day of the year you need to get together with family, and isn’t the only day gratitude is present in your life. Your LIGHT can always shine with a sense of heart-felt happiness as your family gives thanks for the small things in life. Take the pressure off of only thinking it can happen one day a year.

Think about it, what is the message you want to give your children/family about the holidays?

Ways to Love Yourself

This may sound preposterous but giving yourself a little “love” -yes quiet or alone time, even ten minutes, will refresh your body and mind.

More importantly, if some of that loving time is already in your schedule, don’t skip that time during this season, or don’t skip your yoga or gym class, which is so easy to do during these busy weeks. This is when you need it most.

When you engage in “quiet time moments”, you may find that your to do list keeps flashing through your mind. Stop and give your mind something else to focus on. Be gentle. Notice your mind wandering and bring it back.

You may want to:

Listen to a short, quiet meditation.
Focus on your breathing.
Play music you love and really listen to the words.
Or sing the words to the song. (Loud!)
It may be cold but 10 minutes in the fresh air will clear your mind.
Don’t skip the opportunity for quiet if you get a mani pedi. If you don’t do that, gift yourself some time. Be still. Enjoy the pampering.
Your physical body will thank you.

I believe magic is in the letting go, creating space. Although contradictory it does work.

Love yourself, by being kind in your expectations of yourself. Stop when you are tired, and definitely when you are exhausted. (I so remember those holiday seasons that I was fighting a cold by the time Christmas Day arrived).

Loving yourself is stopping. Stopping to refuel your inner self, stopping to eat, and stopping to be still….even for a short time.

As you love yourself, it takes pressure not only off you, but also your children and everyone around you. Children feel your stress and act accordingly, so loving yourself IS loving your children (family and friends).

Three Pathways to Loving Yourself This Holiday Season

De-stress and Relax, just a bit, to Shine Your Light this Holiday Season

First Pathway:

Enjoy the Free Spa Jacuzzi Room and 3 Minute Light Meditation

http://serenitypathways.com/free-spa/

You’re taking the fist step off the busy treadmill of life as you nurture your body, mind and spirit. After your visit you will notice how in just this short time you feel more relaxed and calm.

Second Pathway:

nkmealplansheader “This site had a hands down agreement of being helpful with families who had young children to those who were very busy looking to prepare meals in an easy but time effect ant way. “Feeding your family nourishing real foods doesn’t have to be hard. http://diamondpathways.com/resources/gifts/

Third Pathway:

The Family Diamond Audio Series

Many women are not alone in needing support to navigate the holidays with as much ease as possible. Your “inner family” (inner child, inner nurturer, inner warrior, inner sage) can support in small ways you may not have thought of to move through the holidays more easily and with more joy. Your inner family can also remind you what’s important to navigate your days more efficiently and gracefully. The Inner Family Diamond 5 part audio series is for anyone who wants to more easily find inner peace (especially during the busy season), listen inwardly more closely, support yourself more quickly and go after what you desire more confidently. read more at DiamondPathways.com/family-diamond/

Post your ideas, your experience and inspire another women!

Be your loving light during the holidays,

Bonnie