Ilena – doula, matrescence coach, course leader

Two days ago I downloaded the series of podcasts from one of my top five most inspiring sheroes/heroines Elizabeth Gilbert who I was so privileged and inspired to meet in November 2013 at High Tea at the De Hortus Botanicus here in Amsterdam as a celebration and promotion of the release of her then latest book The Signature of All Things.(It’s a really wonderful read btw!!!)

Last night I started to listen to them, this morning I was aching to hear the rest, so the Teletubbies were put on the iPad for the little person and I indulged. Creativity explosions! Ideas galore! Gratitude beating through my body! Thankful faithful heart.

The two quotes in the Instagram picture which literally made me catch my breath when I heard them came from Episode 4 of Magic Lessons where Liz speaks to Rob Bell, had to be written on my fridge immediately. I recently discovered (thanks to my tenants who were living here for the first half of this year) that you can write on my cupboard surfaces with dry wipe marker – anyone who knows about my sheer love of both stationary and playing teacher(!) will atest to the fact that this is wonderful news.

Later this morning as I was walking The Pig and was still reverberating with the thankfulness, creativity and gratitude I decided to share one of my daily practices with you.

My “3 Things”

• 3 things I am grateful for today.
• 3 things I am hoping for today.
• 3 things I am trusting today
• 3 things I am releasing today

So here is today’s list – even though it’s a little earlier than I usually put them together:

Today I am grateful for:

• My friend Liz and all that she is; her work, her generosity, her spirit and her laugh!
• The incredible late summer weather that Amsterdam is bathed in
• Amsterdam Oosterpark – where The Boy, The Pig and I walk every day and enjoy the daily changes where we really notice “It is a new universe every second!”

Three things I hope for today:

• That the forecast is right and that we can enjoy this late summer bliss for three whole days
• That my client is enjoying being 9 days postpartum and that breastfeeding is establishing well
• That my next client is ready to contact me and move forward with our work together

Three things that I trust today:

• That I will be divinely guided to take the next perfect step toward helping my clients to find me
• That the universe in all it’s glorious abundance is taking care of my finances
• That I will start “The Book” when the time is right

Three things I release today:

• The need for perceived originality in my writing  – surely if I write from my heart and soul voice then that in itself is unique?!
• Worry – it takes so much energy and focus away from the areas I wish to direct my energy and focus like The Boy, The Pig, my desires and my dreams.
• Guilt about the iPad and Teletubbies: listen to Magic Lessons Podcast episode number 1 for the justification

Disclaimer:

A) as much as I say “daily practice” I confess it doesnt happen every. single. day.

B) sometimes the same thing will take up space on the list for days/weeks at a time

C) sometimes I don’t manage 3 – but I still write 1 or 2