25/30

this has been an amazing year in so many ways.
ironically, it's been a very difficult year. for me. for many.
and yet, i have received so many gifts i could have never imagined.
there is no doubt i am a better person.
alchemy works its magic in many strange ways.
and, in spite of all and because of it all, I feel blessed.

focus of today's celebration: taking time for reflection

There have been both heartaches and heart-filled moments.
I've had ah-ha moments of clarity, and lingering days of chaos and confusion.
So many lessons I have learned.

I've traveled less, and discovered more.
I've surrendered gracefully and fought with fierce grace.
I've learned that perseverance does pay off.

I've been inspired by the beauty, brilliance and generosity of others.
It has left me speechless in awe and appreciation.

I've learned that self-sufficiency is not sufficient.
I've learned adversity is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
It's about living with a spirit of adventure and knowing that our circumstances do not define who we are.

I've been broken open with no where to hide.
I've learned how to stay with the discomfort during trying times.
I am learning to tell the truth- with compassion, kindness and confidence.

I've remembered how much I love to move.
It's a language that speaks my truth more than words I could ever say.
I am grateful for the music that echos through the house.
It's my medicine and my muse.

I've learned that sitting and doing nothing is some of my time best spent.
I am thankful to have a teacher to guide me on the path.

I've been surrounded by art and artists who create a bewilderment of beauty.
It's been hard to hear conversations about the survival of that beauty.
And yet, the spirit prevails.

There's been reorganizing and reigniting.
I've seen people leave and lose jobs, and then unexpectedly find their soul.
It's been about knowing that finding our calling trumps keeping a career.

I've had amazing meals shared with others around the table.
I've connected with so many people i didn't know before who share my passion.
I know I am blessed to be able to afford an abundance of good food.

I love my family.
unconditionallove.

grateful. gratitude. grace.

















copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

how to be remarkable

ok, so as much progress as I make everyday, i still feel kinda dumb. dumb that i haven't "gotten it" yet. dumb that i am only where i am. {as if, where other place where there to be??}
but, i am smart enough to know that i have not yet pushed myself outside the box.
the place where the razor's edge is tempting me, mocking me {a good test for truth}, calling me, encouraging me.
the space where it feels expansive and scary and exhilarating and like i am really doing something that matters. I mean, really matters. not just the "get it done" accomplishments that draw ahhhhs and admiration. this is just for me, and all for others.
heartfelt expression, passionate conviction, determined non-aggression.
i am checking in with some people i admire, who toss up the status quo, who are not afraid to step out {ok, they probably are, but they do it anyway}

let's see what they have to say
let's watch what i do

here is where i started:

1. danielle laporte

2. the art of non-conformity

3. john, my buddhist teacher

4. friends who aren't afraid to tell me like it is, with love


time to be remarkable without excuse, apology or diffidence {that little number came compliments of my buddhist teacher, john}




copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

white.hot.truth

The best conversation I am having today is with Danielle LaPorte, real-life success story and self- realization rock-star . Her website and daily download offers a dose of instant inspiration. It's the kind of tough love, get-going motivation I need right now. This power girl guru is not about fluff. Did I mention the design? That alone is enough to inspire....

I just signed up for my first "fire starter" session with Danielle. 90 minutes of musing to find out where my feet should be moving and what my heart should be singing. After 14 years of being in business, I need an outside perspective and a new way of thinking. I want to revisit my vision, refuel and re-ignite my passion, and restart my engine. I need to let go of the habitual patterns that no longer serve me well and create a shape-shifting attitude that will take me out of my comfort zone.
I can't wait. Bring it on, sistah! {PS: tattos are still not an option.}

Visit her site and see for yourself. You may love it or hate it, but at the very least it will make you think out loud.
Here is to all of our success, fulfillment and dreams. Here's to the white.hot.truth of life and living.

Click HERE for inspiration.



copyright 2009 Alisa Barry