Tag Archives: minimalist lifestyle

Prickly Personalities

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Have you ever encountered a person with a prickly personality? Maybe they’re self-centered, quick-tempered, impatient, or maybe they’ve got a “quirk” that grates on your nerves…

The thing that jams a thorn in my side is someone who’s in a perpetual state of gloom and doom; whose cup is always half empty:

Look at that rainbow!
Yea, but it rained.

You won the lottery!
Yea, but think of the taxes.

When I encounter a person who rubs me the wrong way, I know it’s time to take a good hard look in the mirror. And while I’d like to think I’m always sweet, loving, kind, and thoughtful—that’s simply not the case.

As an extremely high energy person, I tend to talk with my hands and either bounce my knee or kick my foot when sitting (the human version of wagging a tail). Oh my gosh, what if I’m the prickly person’s prickly person?!

What’s it like to be on the receiving end of you?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan– All Rights Reserved

Removing Self from the Anger Equation

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A few weeks ago I called in to Evolving Your Spirit radio where host Debbie Mackall was interviewing her guest, Maggie Wilkins, who was speaking from Thailand. One of the many things she said that spoke to my heart was:

“The Thai people believe that when you lose your temper, you lose face. They believe that if they engage with someone who’s lost their temper they not only disrespect that person, but themselves as well, so they simply walk away—remove themselves from the equation—a position of respect for self and others.”

I contacted Maggie to confirm I’d accurately captured the spirit of what she’d said before posting it on my Facebook wall. Later she wrote:

“It is amazing to witness the first time you see it. When you know what is happening, it is to witness grace at work.”

How do you respond to anger in others?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan– All Rights Reserved

Picnic Palooza!

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Last week Len and I went on a picnic at Three Oaks Recreation Area. A hubbub of activity, it was packed! People were swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing—all with the common focus on picnicking.

We saw all manner of picnic styles: from bags of take out, to gourmet grilling, and everything in-between; there was even a group who had their picnic catered. People were relaxed on a blankets, in lawn chairs, and at picnic tables; clearly enjoying their picnics.

All the while we were surrounded by flowers—gorgeous, purple-ice-cream-cone-looking flowers. My friend, Sandi, told me that they’re known as Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata). They definitely added to the festive ambience.

For me, a picnic’s not a picnic unless there’s watermelon involved.

In your eyes, what food makes a picnic a picnic?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan– All Rights Reserved

The Deadly Dash

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So I’m out taking photographs in the cemetery early one morning (don’t ask), and I’m passively noticing differences:

Every headstone has a different name

Every headstone has a different birth date

Every headstone has a different death date

Every headstone has a different epitaph

When all of a sudden—Bam!—it hits me like a ton of bricks. Every single headstone, without exception, has one thing in common. The dash between the birth and death dates.

Now the Universe has my rapt attention and I’m actively paying attention. That little mark—the dash—represents everything in-between; a person’s whole life.

The more I think about it, the more outrageous it becomes. A little “dash” to represent an entire life?!

I shared this observation with my friend Sandi White of Under Southern Skies and in her sage, Southern style she said:

“We start at the beginning of our lives and then seem to ‘dash’ for the finish line! If we’re lucky we make it a 90-yard dash instead of a shorter run.”

I intend to downshift and live the dash slower than a herd of turtles in a jar of peanut butter!

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