New Year's Quests of Intention: A Year Inspired by Middle-Earth (LOTR)

Welcome to a preview of my unconventional journey into 2024! 

In a world often dominated by traditional resolutions, I long ago traded in the idea of committing to generic goals. Instead, I've embarked on a yearly tradition of curated adventures. This year, I've themed them by using the inspiring characters and rich cultures of Middle-Earth. 

As a challenge and a celebration of growth, in 2024, I plan to weave a tapestry of intentional living by drawing inspiration from different qualities of Tolkien's characters as a guide. Below is a photo of my pages in Charmwoven and after that is the general text for each month. Feel free to join me or use this as a template to create your own! 

I will be releasing some other themed ideas for New Years in the weeks to come, so stay tuned.

January - " Galadriel/Elven Month" • Elves have a deep appreciation for art and music plus they are stewards of the forests and rivers. Their cities harmoniously blend with nature. Practical Tasks:

* Spend time in nature this month appreciating its beauty even if it's chilly
* Try calligraphy

February - " Arwen/Rivendell" • Her story emphasizes the enduring power of love, even in the face of profound challenges and sacrifices. Practical Tasks:

* Write letters of love to family or dear friends
* Make my own Evenstar necklace (try a wire bending jewelry project)

March - "Bilbo/Hobbit Month" • Celebrate the simple joys and cozy lifestyle of Hobbits. Practical Tasks:

* Plan a cozy birthday celebration (this is my birthday month but switch it to yours if needed)
* Hobbits love gardening – plant something!

April - "Treebeard/Ent Month" • Ents move and respond slowly due to their deliberate and contemplative nature. Practical Tasks:

* Slow down! (maybe a yoga or Tai Chi class or YouTube video?) Spend more time to contemplate your decisions this month.
* Spend a day in the forest.

May - " Aragorn/Arnor Month" • He is a skilled ranger and practiced healing arts like herbalism. Practical Tasks:

* Research more about how to use food as medicine.
* Survival skill – learn basic survival rope knots! (bowline, square, trucker’s hitch)

June - " Faramir/Gondor Month" • Faramir is portrayed as a thoughtful and noble figure. Practical Tasks:

* Visit a labyrinth and walk it's path - https://labyrinthlocator.com/ 
* Write some poetry. “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend. – Faramir”

July - "Gandalf/Mithrandir Month" • He is wise, knowledgeable, and well studied. Gandalf is also playful and loved fireworks. Practical Tasks:

* Dive into "The Symposium" by Plato.
* Shoot off fireworks this year or go to an in-person display.

August - "Samwise "Sam" Gamgee/Shire " • Among all his great qualities, he values nature and liked to cook! Practical Tasks:

* Enjoy a breakfast picnic and morning at the lake.
* Create a special “2^nd” breakfast meal: Mushroom Omelet, with crispy bacon & fresh homemade bread.

September - “Frodo Month/Bag End" • Determined, resilience. Frodo set off on his journey from the Shire to Rivendell to pass off the ring on Sept 23^rd. Practical Tasks:

* Declutter any of my own “burdens” - mental/physical.
* Write a short story on my personal growth and resilience over the last year.

October - " Boromir Month” • Warrior, darker character with internal struggles provided a complex story, redeeming sacrifice in the end. Practical Tasks:

* Take on a fitness challenge this month.
* Visit a local Museum or a story-telling event.

November - "Gimli/Dwarven Month" • Deep affinity for craftsmanship, resilient. Practical Tasks:

* Try leather stamping.
* Do a “dwarven” beer tasting at a local bar

December - " Éowyn/Rohan Month" • Background on Eowyn: Celebrate the bravery and independence of a Shieldmaiden. Practical Tasks:

* Study self-defense/take a class
* Photograph horses & have a LOTR marathon

12 Years of Silver Trumpets

It's hard to believe that 12 years have passed since my very first post on Silver Trumpets - Dec 2, 2011. As I celebrate this special anniversary, my heart is brimming with appreciation for the support and I am filled with gratitude for your readership.

I look forward to Silver Trumpets continuing to remain my little cherished corner in the vast expanse of the internet...a simple place where deep hearts and kindred spirits come to discover community and inspiration.  

 

Thought Transformation Guide

Gunner contemplating ;)

 

Taking on a mindset shift challenge involves identifying and transforming negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs into more positive and empowering perspectives. Here's a basic step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Negative Thought Patterns:

   • Reflect on your thoughts and identify recurring negative patterns. These could be self-doubt, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or any belief that holds you back.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts:

   • Question the validity of these negative thoughts. Are they based on facts, or are they assumptions? Challenge the accuracy of your negative beliefs.

3. Replace Negative Thoughts with Positive Affirmations:

   • Develop positive affirmations that counteract your negative thoughts. For example, if you often doubt your abilities, replace it with affirmations like "I am capable and resourceful."

4. Practice Mindfulness:

   • Cultivate mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness helps you observe negative thoughts without getting overwhelmed by them.

5. Seek Evidence to Counter Negative Beliefs:

   • Look for evidence that contradicts your negative beliefs. If you believe you can't succeed at a particular task, recall instances where you've overcome challenges in the past.

6. Set Realistic Goals:

   • Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. This helps build confidence and demonstrates that progress is possible, shifting your mindset from "I can't" to "I can."

7. Surround Yourself with Positivity:

   • Spend time with supportive and positive individuals. Surrounding yourself with optimism and encouragement can positively influence your mindset.

8. Practice Gratitude:

   • Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Focusing on what you're thankful for can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

9. Visualize Success:

   • Create mental images of yourself succeeding and achieving your goals. Visualization can help rewire your brain to focus on positive outcomes.

10. Seek Professional Support if Needed:

    • If negative thought patterns are deeply ingrained, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and tools to facilitate a mindset shift.

Remember, mindset shifts take time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Consistent practice of these techniques can contribute to long-lasting positive changes in your mindset.

Beyond the Turkey: Our Thanksgiving Book Tradition

I'm excited to share a heartwarming tradition I started with my family back in 2016. We now have a Thanksgiving book that has become a cherished part of our holiday celebrations.

The Genesis of the Thanksgiving Book

It all began with a simple idea: why not create a tangible record of our family and gratitude each year? I'd seen the idea of a Thanksgiving tablecloth, where everyone writes what they're thankful for each year. It sounded awesome, but I wanted something that could stand the test of time, something we could pass down through the generations. And that's when the Thanksgiving book was born.

What Goes Inside?

Each year, as we gather around the Thanksgiving table, we take a moment to reflect on the past year's blessings. From the big milestones to the small, everyday joys, we jot down what we're thankful for. Whether it's health, family, friendship, or even just someone signing their name, nothing is too big or small for our Thanksgiving book.

A Snapshot of Memories

But here's where it gets even better—we accompany our written gratitude with two photos. One serious, capturing the heartfelt moments, and one funny, because, let's face it, laughter is a big part of keeping us from being boring. My favorites is when we decided to do "jazz hands" but all end up looking like we are under arrest! Ha. These photos add a personal touch to our Thanksgiving book, making it a true reflection of who we are.

The Evolution of Thankfulness

As the years roll by, flipping through the pages of our Thanksgiving book becomes a journey through time. We see how our family has grown, how our priorities have shifted, and how our laughter lines have deepened. During the pandemic of 2020, when we sadly had to spend thanksgiving apart, my family members emailed me photos and their gratitude list/cards for the book. It truly is a testament to the ever-changing tapestry of life, history, and the constancy of gratitude that binds us together.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

This Thanksgiving book has become more than just a collection of entries; it's a living, breathing expression of our collective gratitude. As our family has grown, the entries and photos have increased too! Children's first scribbles slowly evolve into words, grandparents treasured handwriting warms with their own wisdom and when friends join us for our meal, you can bet they join us in pictures and gratitude entries too!

So, if you're looking to add a dash of legacy to your Thanksgiving celebrations, consider starting your own Thanksgiving book. Wishing you, your loved ones, and friends a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter and thankfulness.

 

Women's Quarter Series: Zitkala-Ša

  

It feels fitting for me to share this next women's quarter during National Native American Heritage Month.

I'll be on the lookout for this beautiful 2024 quarter on Zitkala-Ša. Also known by her Anglicized and married name, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, she wrote several works chronicling her struggles with cultural identity, and the pull between the majority culture in which she was educated, and the Dakota culture into which she was born and raised. She was a writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and  political activist.  In June 1895, when Zitkala-Ša was awarded her diploma from the White's Indiana Manual Labor Institute she gave a speech on the inequality of women's rights which was praised highly.

A collection of her written works, some published posthumously, can be found here: Zitkala on Amazon. Like the other women highlighted in quarters that I've studied out, she had a Venusian crater named "Bonnin" in her honor.

 
 

Personal Development Manifesto!

A manifesto is a declaration of principles, intentions, or beliefs. It's often a clear written statement that outlines the goals, values, and purpose of a person. Consider creating one of your own as a set of guidelines for you to become the best version of yourself. It's not a one-size-fits-all thing; it's personal, unique to you. Another way to think of it is as your own motivational constitution.

Here's how you could create one:

1. Reflect on Your Values: What do you stand for? What are your core beliefs? These could be anything from honesty and kindness to curiosity and resilience. Your manifesto should reflect what matters most to you.

2. Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve in different areas of your life? It could be career, relationships, health, or personal growth. Your manifesto is like a roadmap guiding you toward those goals.

3. Embrace Growth: Acknowledge that growth often comes with discomfort. Your manifesto should encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and learn from both successes and failures.

4. Cultivate Positivity: Focus on the good stuff. Your manifesto can include a commitment to gratitude and maintaining a positive outlook, even when life throws curveballs.

5. Be Kind to Yourself: Acknowledge that you're human, and humans aren't perfect. Your manifesto should include self-compassion and the understanding that it's okay not to have it all figured out.

6. Prioritize Well-being: Mental and physical health should be at the top of your list. Your manifesto could include habits that contribute to your well-being, like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.

7. Embrace Learning: Commit to being a lifelong learner. Whether it's through books, experiences, or interactions with others, your manifesto should encourage a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.

8. Nurture Relationships: Acknowledge the importance of connections with others. Your manifesto could emphasize the value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.

9. Take Action: Your manifesto should be a call to action. It's not just a list of ideals; it's a commitment to actively pursue the life you envision.

Remember, this isn't set in stone. Your personal development manifesto can evolve as you do. It's a living document. If you need help, consider asking GPT for a sample of one!

From Crossroads to Milestones: 3 Guiding Tips for Change

 “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” —Heraclitus

My 29th birthday was a real challenge. Momma teases me, saying I freaked out more at 8, and this family joke makes me smile. Nevertheless, in 2003, I carried the weight of shortcomings. I'd dropped out of college, which goes against my finish what you start mentality, my living situation echoed dependency, and my romantic relationships held their own complexities. Oh, Life!  

My life is SO different now. It's like I've lived multiple lifetimes in one. Over the years, I changed things. At 32, I got my college degree and began checking off  things from my dreams list. In 2014, I started my family by adopting teens. And in 2021 at the age of 47, I married a great guy I met during the pandemic. 

So reflecting recently, I pondered what has been the compass for me.  Maybe they can help you too.

1. My Relationship with God: letting scriptures guide me as well as my desire to get closer to Him
   
   
2. Embracing Learning and Growing: trying new things or learning a new skill. Maybe even change jobs. Continue evolving.
   
   
3. Being More Flexible: As things change, move with them like it's a dance. If you get out of step, don't worry, you can get back on beat again.
   
   
4. Create a Meaningful Legacy: Infuse your life with purpose, considering the legacy of inspiration, impact, and cherished memories you're crafting for the future.

But, of course, you don't need me to tell you that life's full of learning, growing, and changing. These just came to me as I was reflecting. 

Today, I'm sipping coffee in my dream bungalow, amazed at how each chapter, whether tough or triumphant, has shaped me. Momma also shared with me a few months ago that she thinks I am the woman generations of my family would hold in high esteem in view of the life I've led. And that warmed me as much as the coffee.

"The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change." - William Arthur Ward