How do they make you feel?

This week Maya Angelou passed away. She seemed to live her life on a higher frequency. There have been many of her quotes floating around social media this week and this one really stuck out to me. 

I used to have what I called a bit of a "paranoia" if I said the right thing. I would never want someone to take things the wrong way because I know where my intention is. What I am getting more clear about with my own self and others is it's not what people say but their intention behind what they say and that's how you feel the words. There is an energy around it and we all "feel" this around people. 

For me this is a good reminder to not worry so much about saying and doing the right thing, but to be clear on the energy I'm bringing forward in each situation which is what people feel.

Happy Thursday...Enjoy!

When A Man Loves A Woman...

For today's inspiration, I saw this statement given by Brad Pitt on "Angie" and how to love your woman. It's worth sharing. Enjoy...

Wise words. Brad Pitt about his Lady:

"My girl got sick. She was constantly nervous because of problems at work, personal life, her failures and children. She lost 30 pounds and weighted about 90 pounds. She got very skinny and was constantly crying. She was not a happy woman. She had suffered from continuing headaches, heart pain and jammed nerves in her back and ribs. She did not sleep well, falling asleep only in the mornings and got tired very quickly during the day. Our relationship was on the verge of a break up. Her beauty was leaving her somewhere, she had bags under her eyes, she was poking her head, and stopped taking care of herself. She refused to shoot the films and rejected any role. I lost hope and thought that we’ll get separated soon… But then I decided to act. After all I’ve got the MOST Beautiful Woman on earth. She is the idol of more than half of men and women on earth, and I was the one allowed to fall asleep next to her and to hug her. I began to shower her with flowers, kisses and compliments. I surprised and pleased her every minute. I gave her a lot of gifts and lived just for her. I spoke in public only about her. I incorporated all themes in her direction. I praised her in front of her own and our mutual friends. You won’t believe it, but she blossomed. She became better. She gained weight, was no longer nervous and loved me even more than ever. I had no clue that she CAN love that much.

And then I realized one thing: the woman is the reflection of her man.

If you love her to the point of madness, she will become it."

Ending the Mommy Wars Article...

Photo by Meagan Baker Photography

I like Gwyneth Paltrow. There, I said it. I think she gets a lot of flack because she does a lot of cool things and it seems people who do cool things get a lot of flack.

Recently she was slammed in the media for some comments she made about being a working mom and how it's easier for those who have a 9-5 job etc. She recently posted more about this on her lifestyle website - http://www.goop.com/journal/be/283/ending-the-mommy-wars

What I liked about this article was it opens up a subject that a lot of women don't talk about. The judgment of the working - stay at home mom wars. Everyone says they support, but come on, let's be real - there is judgement on every side.

I've been the corporate working mom, the stay at home mom and the mom starting her own business. I have struggled with each of these stages in my 6 years of parenthood. I think I'm finally finding a groove that works for me and my family (maybe?) but what I do find is we all still have to justify why we do what we do or choose what we choose.

So for any mom out there that relates a little to what I'm saying this article is worth a read. I think it's time to drop the super mom thing and be the real mom thing. Enjoy...

Are You in Prison?

Somedays I am. I saw this quote early in the week and it was like a big whack in the head. I have had some really great things happen lately and with the wave of life there is always the challenges that come, teaching some sort of lesson.

For me, this quote is the lesson. Actually to be honest, looking at challenges as a lesson that I will grow from has helped a lot in putting them into perspective.

I was thinking - imagine how free everyone would feel and how you would get to see the best and most creative parts of people if they didn't care what others thought. Now, with this might be some nastiest, but the nasty people will be there doing their thing, it's usually the good souls who worry too much.

The older I get I do get glimpses of this freedom. Sometimes I then get knocked back down but the difference now is I'm trying to get back up quicker, dust off the negative self talk and live life with authenticity and integrity, imperfections and all!

Callin all my Girlfriends!

I saw this photo and was inspired to write this post. Partly because I've started watching the Sex And The City amazingness again and man, that show is classic. The story lines, the wardrobe and most of all the friendships are still just as relevant today.

What I love about this photo is the freedom. Girls together just having fun (yes, I guess that's why there's a famous song about this!). Anyway, as I get older (not too old, just maturing) I am becoming more clear about friendships and the value they hold. I have always been someone to have quite a few friends and some very long term friends - we are talking over 25 years - yikes! But as weird as this may sound, until recently I really learned about what a stress reliever friends can be. How when there is a give and take it feels so refreshing. 

I think this new found enjoyment has a lot to do with opening up more, sharing and being vulnerable. I'm also seeing the value of having different circles that relate to the different parts of ourselves as maybe mothers, career women, being active etc.

I am very thankful for the gals in my life and very conscious of all those relationships and the value they add to me and I hope the value I add to them. Now, let's go get a glass of wine ladies!

Deliciously Complicated!

Today's blog is short and sweet. I saw this quote the other day and just love it. Getting to know the complicated parts of people is really getting to know who they are. Perfection is boring, pretending is see-through but complicated is raw and relatable. Enjoy!

Energize or Deplete You?

This is a very simple formula that kinda works with every aspect of your life. Does something Energize or Deplete you?

As someone who used to spend a lot of time on the Deplete side of things, I can tell you this makes a big difference. It's really all about energy. When I first really got this and probably the easiest way to test it out is with people. When you are around someone and leave the situation do you feel a bit better or like you need to go have a gin and tonic? If it's the latter, take note. When you do an activity, attend a class, a certain part of your job - we can notice where we feel a little bit lighter.

Saying no is very hard. I have a very common disease as I know many of you do as well - 'the need to please disease.' But what I'm slowing (and when I say slowly, I mean like a turtle) I am finding the more I can say yes to what feels like a 'Hell Ya' and leave the other stuff I am more focused on what really matters, find time for what fulfills me and feel fuller on the inside.

Don't get me wrong, every time I say that dreaded 'NO' word to something I brace myself as if the world may start crumbling. But so far, the world has kept on going (kidding of course on this) and it actually starts to feel like a world of more freedom and choices.

For the next week, let's all try and do the things that energize us and see if it makes a difference. Go with your gut, go with your feelings. If it fills you up, do it more. If it makes you feel a little less, try and do it just a little less.

Enjoy!

Ready for a Truthbomb?

It's Thursday and I'm holding to my commitment to post on what I'm finding inspiring, helpful and interesting in hopes you may too.

I had a few ideas swirling around and thinking which to start first. I then started watching a branding video and the speaker referred to Danielle LaPorte. There was my sign. Let's start with Danielle LaPorte.

Last year I kept hearing and seeing her name pop up. I was intrigued. I got her book at Christmas time and finished in about 3 days. For me this is a miracle as I was in a book club a few years ago and probably didn't actually finish 1 book (which I still get harassed about!). The book is called Fire Starter Sessions and it is about living by your core desires. Now, that description does not give it any justice, but I want to do a whole other post, or many posts, about all the good nuggets I got from it.

What I wanted to share today is go on to her website and sign up for what she calls her "Truthbombs." It's a daily little bomb of truth that feels like Danielle is talking directly to you. I know that not everyone might read a book, watch the seminars but you can get this which takes 10 seconds to read and I find lots of times what she has to say when I'm reading it usually around 6:30 am holds true to what I need to hear that day.

Here is one of my other favourites. Came to me at the exact right time. Enjoy...

My Intention...

I must fess up, I've been feeling very uninspired on the blog front lately. Could be a number of reasons. Sometimes there is a lack of new ideas, loss of motivation, knowing that this blog doesn't directly generate business etc.

I have been having this 'whisper' lately about my forever interest and curiosity about human nature. About how we live on purpose. Becoming our authentic selves. Learning life lessons and most of all growing. I have been on what I now know can be labeled as a spiritual quest for as long as I can remember. I'm not big on small talk and surface level to be honest. I love going deep. Most people in my life know this about me and I was telling one of my dearest friends that I am finally letting out the 'woo-woo' side of me. I have always been the friend that has been there for advice, trying to help as much as I can. This has actually been one of my biggest lessons (future blog post on this one) as I've had to learn to have relationships where I can still be that friend who can give advice but I don't forget about myself in the process.

So this bit of a ramble leads me to my blog. I have two main passions outside of my family life. Design and Spirituality. I probably used to call it Self Help but don't really like that word anymore. I want to combine these passions. When I wrote my Karla Dreyer Design business plan my mission was "to inspire people about their space." This keeps resonating with me and how I can incorporate this into my work? The blog. I am going to still post design/decor things but I also want this to be a place where I hope to inspire. Share books I've read. Articles I love. People that inspire me. Practices and life lessons. This is a vulnerable place to be so be gentle on me!

I will post every Thursday. It might just be a great quote, but my intention is to invite you on this personal journey with me to live your most amazing life...as 'woo-woo' as it may sound :-)

Since this is a long post already, I'll just leave it with the quote above. Everybody is always waiting for the right timing, me included. Guess what - it's never going to be the right time. If you have a burning desire, just take a step in that direction.

Enjoy!

Random

Ahh, what to write. Was thinking about a fashion post - I have spring on the brain. Then was thinking of a self help post because that's always on my mind. So why not a little bit of everything...

January was an interesting start in my household. A sick one. I was the only one who held strong while my hubs and kids have had about 6 colds, 4 flus and a case of double pink eye. Good times. Throughout this fun period of time I have had some highlights. I have been working on a couple fun projects. I am re-branding and super stoked about the new look for my biz and I have some exciting news soon about a national publication my work may be appearing in!

I have also been meeting with some very inspiration women. It's part of my 2014 Year of Inspiration. I want to sit down with people who inspire me and to sound corny just get inspired from what they do. I've met a couple fabulous ladies lately who are in creative fields and managing/juggling both kidlets, following their dreams and making it happen. It's helping me to learn and grow.

And on a lighter note...I'm daydreaming of spring. I hear the birds, the days are a bit longer - it's coming (well, one day?). I've started putting together something very important. Looks I love. Petty as it is, it makes me happy.

So there you have it. A little reflection, a little fashion and maybe next time a little decor! Enjoy...

via: Pepa by Alexandra

via Fashion Style Century

Via Harpers Bazaar

Via Harpers Bazaar

I'm obsessed with this hair!!