Cheap Therapy... handcrafted paper art that celebrates Life.

The Cheap Therapy Soul-booster Word for January is NORMAL.

As one of my new collage cards states, "Normal is just a setting on the dryer."

In most of the real world NORMAL doesn't exist. So be something that does. Just don't be NORMAL!

Be your best self. Be brave. Be afraid. Be loud. Be quiet. Be coy. Be bold. Be blonde. Be brunette. Be red. Be purple, even.

Just don't be NORMAL!

NORMAL won't get you to the front of the line. It won't get you backstage. It won't get you noticed. Worst, NORMAL isn't TRUE.

NORMAL just isn't what it's cut-out to be.

Start something new, exciting and healthy. Stop something old, worn-out and unhealthy. Forget seeking NORMALcy.

Why wish for NORMAL times? Have you ever really had any? When you're hoping for NORMAL, you're missing what IS. And what IS is always what's most important.

Be exactly who, what, when, where, why and how you are. And the next time you find yourself longing for NORMAL - go look at your dryer!

SOULBOOSTER...

The Cheap Therapy Soul-booster Word for December may help you laugh.

It's LINGER.

Stop rushing. Just stop.

Yes, time is limited. There's so much that absolutely, positively MUST get done. AND every single moment we are alive is sacred and irreplaceable. Honor each one by lingering with it.

Sip the last drops of your tea instead of gulping them. Finish your conversation before running to the next item on your calendar. Linger at watching the person singing in the car next to you at the stoplight, the woman stir-frying the Chinese food, the child practicing for the pageant. Linger with the memory of That Kiss.

If you're at a party, linger there, rather than anticipating the NEXT ONE. You never know, you might find something (or someONE) you want to LINGER with.

And if you find yourself someplace you don't want to linger... find someplace linger-worthy!

Look at the sky a bit longer before you get into your car. Pick a leaf of rosemary or lavender and before continuing on, rub it between your fingers and linger over how beautiful it smells. It doesn't matter how many shopping days you have left if you're not living until then.

Linger as you listen (especially when you've heard the story many times before). Linger over coffee. Linger at the at the grocery store. Linger over dinner. Linger in bed. Linger as you create. Linger in the shower. Linger as you walk the dog. And of course, linger longer with those you love.

SOULBOOSTER...

The Cheap Therapy Soul-booster Word for November is SAY.

Say what you mean.

Say "Thank you" (for all kinds of things).

Say "THIS it what's important to me and this is what I'm doing about it".

Say "I love you". Say "I love you too" or say "I can't say that".

Say "I'm sorry". Say "I'm sorry too" and say "I forgive you".

Say "I miss you". Say "It's good to know you've missed me."

Say "I need your help". Say "I can't help you this time".

Say "You hurt me". Say "I'm sorry I've hurt you".

Say "You're looking great. Say "I'm glad I look great to you".

Say "Hello" and then smile all the way up through your eyes.

Don't be afraid to say it before others do.

Say what you say through three filters:

Is it honest?

Is it necessary?

Is it loving?

Yep, say what you mean to say and then trust.

SOULBOOSTER...

The Cheap Therapy Soulbooster Word for October is RIPPLE.

When was the last time you stopped to watch how far a ripple travels across water? When was the last time you started the ripple?

Sometimes it's necessary to make waves. Often, a ripple will work. Unlike waves, ripples have great endurance rather than brute force. They also carry rather than crush. Ripples whisper transformation - rhythmic and encouraging.

Cause a ripple. Be a ripple. Notice ripples. Be carried by ripples. SAY "ripple" five times real fast. It's a GREAT word!

Think about someone you know who's started a ripple that's changed your life for the better. Now contact that person and thank them! Remember that no change in the world happens without a catalyst - without one small ripple. Rather than wait for someone else to make the change you want (or even worse complain about it) DO SOMETHING to make the difference you want. You'll be amazed how far your ripples will travel.

Yep, let's all be ripple-rousers!

SOULBOOSTER...

The Cheap Therapy Soulbooster Word for September is IMAGINE.

Imagine things being different.

Imagine less struggle and a lot more joy.

Imagine yourself living every moment out of love instead of fear.

Imagine making time and space for yourself every single day.

Imagine peace breaking out all over the world.

Imagine loving your body just as it it. Imagine everyone loving it.

Imagine working at something that fills your soul, challenges your mind, fulfills your purpose & calling, and pays the rent/mortgage. Now imagine that it all IS.

Imagine that no one is dying of cancer or suffering in any way. Imagine there is a Heaven and it's right here on Earth.

Imagine feeling rested, comforted, serene, safe and loved each & every day.

Imagine THAT!