Your Authentic Refreshment: Mari McCarthy, Journaling Therapist and Singer

Music can be such an empowering element in our lives, and Mari McCarthy, founder of CreateWriteNow, journaling therapist and author and host of the annual Journaling Expo, shares how true that is as she shares the wonderful, life enhancing benefits of her musical Authentic Refreshment, crediting her journaling practice in helping her discover what truly refreshes her.


Mari starts by sharing what her Authentic Refreshment is, when she discovered it and how often she engages in it:

My authentic refreshment is Singing and Music. I've loved singing and music as far back as I can remember. Right now, thanks to my daily journal writing practice, I can remember back to kindergarten. So my answer today [of when I discovered music] is kindergarten. I fell in love with Van Cliburn around age 7 and begged my mother to buy a piano so I could take piano lessons. She did and I took lessons and entered competitions for about 4-5 years. When it came to singing, my mom and I had a running repartee about that topic. I would walk around our home lamenting, “Oh mom, I wish I could sing,” and her reply was “Oh, honey I wish you could too!” 

I sing, sing, sing and groove to music every day. It’s a part of me and daily practice, practice, practice is for me an adventure of discovery and growth as well as a source of serenity. 

She tells how she loves singing alone or with friends:

[I sing] solo but I love breaking out into song when out at restaurants with friends. It tends to affect the waiters and other customers and becomes a real conversation piece and community builder. 

Mari shares how journaling has been an essential part of her Authentic Refreshment discovery process:

I use my daily Journal Practice for reflection on how I’m feeling psycho-spiritually about my authentic refreshment time. Through my singing and music, I've discovered I do have lots and lots of feelings and they inform my journaling and vice versa.  It was when I started Journaling about 10+ years ago that my love of music and singing showed up on my pages. So, with the help of my Journal, I set my goal to take singing lessons and become the singer I always wanted to be. Less than a month later, I read about a music school in the next town that accepted adult students. About a year later, I made my first public appearance performing Frank Sinatra’s “All the Way” and I knew I was home.

Mari shares a beautiful moment of validation with her music:

After I walked off the stage after making my first public singing appearance (Frank Sinatra's, "All the Way"), I looked up to my mother who art in heaven and said, "Mom, I can sing!" And I heard her say, "Honey, I know you can too!" I felt that my feet were firmly planted on the ground, and I was simultaneously traveling beyond the Milky Way. That night, I lay in bed and quietly yet firmly announced to the universe, "I can sing."

Mari reveals beautifully how her music nourishes her soul:

It quiets me down, helps me reconnect to my soul and pay attention to my soul, my reason for being.

Here is Mari's greatest benefit of Authentic Refreshment:

Singing and music have helped me regain my health. I haven’t taken any prescription drugs in over 10 years and I eliminated over-the counter drugs almost 5 years ago. I've changed my diet and being off dairy has helped improve my vocal range.

These are Mari's Favorite Parts of her music:

[My favorite parts are] working with my music partner Perry at his Peartree Productions studio, creating new arrangements, putting down vocal tracks, learning more about singing and my most marvelous instrument. Also performing in public.

Mari shares how her music has personally empowered her:

My singing and music informs every aspect of my life. I am much more comfortable in social situations and speaking to others: 1 person or an audience of 100. I feel I can do anything. My singing and music motivates and inspires me to reach for the stars and beyond. 

Here is an encouraging word from Mari on finding your Authentic Refreshment: 

Sit down and have some conversations with your Journal. Ask it any and all questions and write, write, write the answers. Our Journal helps us discover our wit, wisdom and our own authentic refreshment.

Here's an example of Mari's Authentic Refreshment in sound! Enjoy. 

Mari's Music: To Make You Feel My Love 

Mari L. McCarthy is The Journal Power Guide, founder of CreateWriteNow.com, home of Journaling for the Self of It™. Mari offers counseling and encouragement to writers through her many online journaling resources as well as private consultations. She lives in a beachfront home south of Boston where she raises her roses and her consciousness. She enjoys photography, walking, reading, organic dark chocolate and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Your Authentic Refreshment: Lynda Monk, Journal Writer, Author, Speaker

Journaling is a huge passion of mine and of many others. My very good friend and fellow journal keeper, Lynda Monk, Writing for Wellness Coach, Speaker and Author, facilitates journaling workshops and is one who finds great benefit with the process of journaling and expressive writing for her Authentic Refreshment, which she so eloquently shares in her following essay. She shares her process of asking the right questions and combining journaling with other refreshing activities that are true to her authentic process of knowing who she is.

When I think about my own unique Authentic Refreshment – what’s true is that it is never just one thing that refreshes me, which I imagine is true for most of us.  Different times in my life have called for different ways to refresh and replenish myself. 

What I needed for replenishment…

·  in the early years of my social work career while working in the deep end of stress and trauma, 

·  during the many sleepless nights with two babes under 2 years old,   

·  as I grieve the loss of my father to Alzheimer’s disease, 

·  during the push of a deadline 

·  in the midst of an exciting new work contract 

·  or in the everyday balancing (juggling) of marriage, motherhood, my business/career

…is ever changing.   The context of my life is always shaping what I need for Authentic Refreshment – day by day, moment to moment.  I often pause and ask myself, “What do I need to feel refreshed or replenished in this moment?” 

Then I listen within for the answer.  I might need to go on what I call a “spirit walk”; a solitary walk in nature, a blend of walking meditation and quiet.  Nature is my church.  I might take a night away for a mini-retreat where I stay in a hotel, take my journal, bubble bath, a candle, an inspirational book (I recently did this and took Natalie Goldberg’s new book called The True Secret of Writing).  Stepping away from the ordinary, entering into solitude and time in my own company refreshes me from deep places within. 

As a creative, sensitive, heart-centered care “giver” by nature, (I am an ENFJ on the Meyers’Briggs J), having solitary time where I can come home to myself and my own self-care is really essential to filling my emotional cup.  While I am fed and stimulated and even refreshed by inspiring and dynamic interactions with others, I also need Solitary Authentic Refreshment to support the ebb and flow of self-care and other-care. 

 

Journaling and writing are my absolute favourite ways to refresh.  When I meet the blank page, pen in hand, my heart opens, mind settles, body breathes and my spirit is nourished through reflection, story, dreaming, exploring, remembering and forgetting on the page.  Journaling is like meditating with a pen in my hand.  It stills me, drops me into my desires, connects me with my self – is always authentic – real, true, deep rooted.  It grounds me.  My journaling writing practice shapes who I am - it is more than just something I do.  Journaling feeds my soul, the deepest essence of who I am.

I discovered journaling as a young girl.  I can still remember an early diary, pink with a lock and key.  It was all very top secret – although I have no memory of what I was printing about at 8 years-old - perhaps I was writing about the fun I had with my best friends, Carrie and Darlene.  Now, my journal is an 8. 5 by  11 inch spiral bound sketch book, with my .05 mm pilot pen held in its spine.   I journal on my own and with others – in my Writing Alone Together circle with two other women, in my journaling workshops, with my husband from time to time.   This practice of journaling with others has led to me  co-authoring a book called Writing Alone Together:  Journaling within a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection (will be published in 2014).  You never know where writing leads!

My passion for journaling and writing for self-care, self-discovery, growth, healing, and joy…has also, in the past few years, deeply shaped my work in the world.  My coaching and speaking business, Creative Wellness, is focused on all things writing to heal, writing to grow.  Now, I regularly speak and teach about the healing and transformational power of journaling and expressive writing as practices for self-care, personal growth, and inspired living.  Writing for myself, and others too, feels like a portal for accessing Source energy, a way of opening to all that is through words, ideas, thoughts and feelings – an awakening and authentic refreshment that is born with a pen in hand.

Lynda Monk shares a video clip from one of her journaling workshops.
She is also one of the upcoming speakers for the annual Journaling Expo coming January 12, 2014. 

Bio:

Lynda Monk is a passionate journal writer, founder of Creative Wellness and author of Life Source Writing™:  A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity.  You can access her FREE Writing for Wellness Getting Started Guide which is filled with over 30 journaling prompts to discover and nourish YOU.

Your Authentic Refreshment: Stephen Smith, Artist and Hobbyist of War Games

Whether it's sharing photos of his latest hand-crafted recipe or his custom-created Morning Pages approach to journal writing, Stephen Smith, is a natural creator in many forms. One of those forms is through his
fascinating War Games hobby featuring his hand-crafted Toy Soldiers as his Authentic Refreshment. Stephen shows us how taking the time to do something creative in your day can give you a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie with those with similar interests.

Stephen shares what refreshes him, how he learned about it and how often he engages in his Authentic Refreshment:

I enjoy reading and fishing and camping, but I probably get the most out of my hobby activities, building and painting miniature soldiers in particular. A friend of mine introduced me to tabletop miniature war-gaming in the early 90’s, and just like that, I was addicted. I usually work on some aspect of the hobby at least once a week, sometimes as often as five times; it depends on my schedule and what is going on around the Smith household.

Stephen shares about his creative drive and his childhood refreshment in relation to what he does today:

I have always enjoyed working with my hands and doing creative things ever since I was a kid. I used to draw and paint-by-numbers, but over the years I have found most joy in these little metal or plastic men (and women). [My Authentic Refreshment] is really an offshoot of my own creative drive and interest in history and science fiction; it gives me a chance to create something that I can share. 

Stephen talks about his custom approach to his war-game activity and how he shares it with other gamers:

From time-to-time, yes, [I will change it to suit my preferences]. I will often cut apart and re-pose the model soldiers, or modify model vehicles, so suit my tastes and inspirations.

The “hobbyist” portion [of my crafting] is solo, but it is also fun to get together with others and play the games.

Stephen shares how he applies journal writing and other educational sources to his Authentic Refreshment:

I have used a journal to record games (what happened on a turn-by-turn basis, see a detailed example) as well as to keep notes on what kinds of tactics worked and which did not. I also have a digital “scrapbook” of images and tutorial videos that I reference when painting.

He comments on the benefits of his Authentic Refreshment, including the greatest benefit of all:

I find it to be rewarding and relaxing; remarkably I can sit and work on my models for hours at a time, yet my ADD often makes sitting still very difficult. I enjoy the time alone, and the time sharing and exchanging ideas with other hobbyists; and I appreciate the recognition they often provide on a “job well done.”

He also shares how he anticipates his Authentic Refreshment, how he benefits in the moment, how he feels afterwards and what his favorite part is:

Oh, yes, I do look forward to having my time in “the workshop.” After I am usually tired, in a good way, and feel like I have accomplished something. My favorite part is creating amazing little works of art.

When asked if his Authentic Refreshment helps him to appreciate himself for who he really is at his core, this was his reply:

I am 43 years old and still not sure who I really am at my core… I suspect that there is a chef in there, trying to get out.

Stephen shares how his perspective has changed as a result of his Authentic Refreshment:

I have been able to learn a lot from others that has raised my own skill level to a point where I feel comfortable taking on very difficult modeling/sculpting/building challenges.

Finally, Stephen shares a word of encouragement for those still looking for their Authentic Refreshment:

Keep looking! Find something that you can’t imagine NOT doing. Then work at it, get better at it, and revel in the ‘afterglow.’

Bio:
Stephen Smith is a married, forty-something living in Western New Hampshire who still likes to play with toy soldiers. He's had a varied work history, mostly focused on Hospitality and Entrepreneurship. Stephen and his Lovely Bride are currently planning on purchasing a small farm to join the Local Food Movement and supply a Food Truck. 

You can view his online writing and blog, Words,  here. 

When he's not at his workbench, painting away, you can find him in the woods, hiking and fishing. 

Your Authentic Refreshment: Michelle Casto, Soul Coach, Author, Spiritual Teacher

Soul Coach, Author and Spiritual Teacher, "Bright Light" Michelle Casto shares her vibrant, "Rock Your Destiny" attitude wherever she goes. I enjoy her refreshing and enlightening questions and encouragement to follow your destiny and be authentic. In this interview, Michelle shares her Nature-Based Authentic Refreshment and how it makes a difference in her perspective and life experience. 

Michelle shares about her Nature-Based Authentic Refreshment, how often she engages in it, and why she prefers to go "solo" in her refreshment:

My greatest source of Authentic Refreshment is being in Nature. Whether it's a walk in the park, at the beach or near a tree, I breathe in nature and all she has to offer and provide. A Question I sometimes ask, "What can nature contribute to me today?"

I am making relaxation a top priority these days and learning to carve out time for fun and self-care time. My current average is three times per week. When I lived near the beach, it was a bit more often because the call of the ocean is so powerful. 

I usually find the most refreshment going solo. As a highly sensitive person, I require a lot of alone time and actually revel in it quite a bit, as it helps me to tap into my inner self and be more creative. 

Michelle shares how her refreshment time helps her to appreciate and tap into who she really is:

When I am relaxed, I am more of who I am. So it reconnects me to me. 

For me, "Me" is found in my heart. It's funny to note that when you ask most people to point to themselves, they point to their heart, not their head, arms or feet. :) 

Here is a CONNECTION to YOU process:

Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor. Breathe deeply until your shoulders drop and you are fully relaxed. Take as long as you need. Focus on your heart and turn your listening inward. Notice your heartbeat and your breath. Feel the movement of your rib cage as your lungs expand and contract. 

Sink further inward and shift your focus into the lower Tan Tien (just below your navel). Slow your breathing. Your home frequency is felt/sensed/heard in the Tan Tien, in the space between exhaling and inhaling. 

Mantra: I AM the perfect reflection of Love


Michelle talks about how her refreshment enhances her creativity:

I am a bit unusual in that I can be creative most every day, but I do know that when I gave myself permission to take self-care time, I come back rejuvenated. Then the creativity flows even more easily and fluidly. 


She shares how her refreshment validates her emotions and feelings:

I find it helps me process my emotions; for example, on a walk, run or swim, I am able to be with my feelings. They tend to dissipate more quickly [as a result]. 


Clarifying Michelle's Purpose in Life is another refreshing benefit:

There is a Chinese saying, "Tension is who you think you are; relaxation is who you really are." So, for me, being relaxed, having fun, feeling refreshed and alive is one of my purposes in life. Entrepreneurs and creatives especially need this! 


Michelle is personally empowered by her Authentic Refreshment:

Authentic Refreshment empowers me to be authentically "real" and more grounded in what is going on around me. 


Michelle encourages folks to find Authentic Refreshment:

Drop what you are doing and go do something to refresh yourself; start now and commit to a regular practice because you deserve to feel alive!


Here Michelle shares a youtube video where she describes why it's important to take time to refresh yourself! 

Michelle Casto's Bio:

Through her practice of transformational coaching, Michelle Casto helps people release what's in the way of fulfilling their greatest Destiny. Michelle combines a unique formula of spiritual guidance and mindset re-setting techniques with an empathetic and intuitive heart to help her clients access the self-love, courage and confidence essential to creating Life on Purpose and with the highest consciousness. 

Michelle focuses on the heart of the matter and expertly reveals where you may be deceiving yourself and buying into illusions or outdated belief systems to set your Soul free to Succeed.

A prolific author, her latest book is The Destiny Discovery: Find Your Soul's Path to Success, available on amazon.com and audio version on audible.com. 

She lives in Austin, Texas with her beloved and two dachshunds. 

Visit at www.brightmichelle.com. 

Your Authentic Refreshment: Caroline Gavin, Coach and Author

Avid Journal Keeper, Caroline Gavin, Christian Business Coach, speaker, author and radio host and previous special guest of #JournalChat Live, also engages in Authentic Refreshment through several activities that enhance her Quiet Time each day: Prayer, Meditation, Scripture reading, writing poetry, journaling, singing, visualization and communing with nature. Caroline shares how each of these activities helps her to create a refreshing and life-enhancing dimension and spiritual connection with her Creator.


Caroline shares the meaningful elements of her authentic refreshment as well as how and when she discovered them:

My authentic refreshment is my morning quiet time routine in which I pray, meditate, read Scripture, write poetry, journal, sing, visualize goal achievement, recite my mission statement and commune with Nature.

The practice has evolved over time, but I have enjoyed all elements in their separate entities since childhood. God has graciously led me to intertwine these activities into one quiet time routine in order to refresh my soul during the dawn of a new day. Several years ago, when I started my business-ministry Purposeful Pathway, I combined these various activities into one daily morning routine. 

She shares how she engages in them as part of her Quiet Time:

I engage in this quiet time routine every morning, and some elements I practice more than once a day. I pray frequently. I journal often. I commune with Nature as frequently as I can. I sing when I am able. I meditate in still moments. 

Caroline shares her point of view on her "solo" refreshment:

Although I am “alone” in my morning quiet time routine, I am actually never alone. I consider these activities to be direct communion with God. His Living Water is my eternal source of refreshment.

She shares how vital journal writing is as a component for refreshment and reflection:

Journaling is a vital part of my authentic refreshment. I reflect about what God has done in my life, document the visions He has placed in my heart, sort through the challenges I may have, brainstorm the solutions that come to mind, capture the inspirations I feel, and outline the actions to which I commit. Reviewing my journal entries is a powerful tool for revealing life patterns, and it is a launching point for positive transformation.

Caroline expresses how natural her authentic refreshment is to her:

The various activities in my quiet time routine have always felt natural to me. Integrating these activities into one routine has felt like coming home. During my authentic refreshment I feel kissed by God’s presence and filled with His Spirit.  

She shares where her desire to refresh comes from and how she has enhanced it with her specific activities:

The Scriptures encourage believers to pray, read and meditate every day. I have added the poetry writing, journaling, singing, visualization, mission statement recitation and nature-communing over time.

Caroline validates her emotions and feelings, appreciates herself, and nourishes her soul through her quiet time activities:

My morning quiet time routine is a beautiful haven in which my emotions are validated. I freely share my feelings with my Heavenly Daddy. I confide in Him about my challenges. I seek guidance regarding my path. I feel His love for me, and I express my love for Him. I write my feelings in the journaling process and see these feelings clearly on paper. I do not judge my emotions, as even "bad" emotions (such as anger and sadness) are gifts that lead me in the right direction. I embrace my bliss when singing and writing and visualizing. I experience joy when hearing the sounds of the birds, feeling the caress of the breeze, and smiling in the kiss of sunshine. 

I appreciate both my God and my own self all the more during my quiet time routine. I feel in the core of my being that I am meant to love and to be loved. Being fully refreshed by this truth allows me to embrace each day with the purest of heart and the sweetest of joy. 

My morning quiet time routine fills my heart with God's Spirit; my soul is nourished by His Word. “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ' " (Matthew 4:4) I pray to align my will with God’s will; in aligning myself with Him, His love, peace and joy flow to and through me. This is pure nourishment and refreshment.

She shares the greatest benefit of her authentic refreshment activities:

Though the benefits of my authentic refreshment are countless, the greatest benefit would be the eternal fruit it bears. The quiet time routine strengthens my relationship with my eternal Father; His Spirit allows me to live in a way that bears eternal fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

She also shares her anticipation, the joy of engagement and its life-enhancing effect: 

I wholeheartedly look forward to my authentic refreshment each morning when I awake. I savor every second; I sometimes experience joyful tears during prayer and meditation. I feel enriched, encouraged, inspired and blessed after partaking in my quiet time routine. The “glow” continues throughout the day, and it impacts every step of my purposeful pathway. 

Caroline's favorite part of all of her authentic refreshment activities is prayer:

I enjoy all aspects of the quiet time routine. The integration of these various activities is beautiful, special and powerful. If I had to choose just one activity, I would choose prayer. Prayer is my connection to my Daddy, my Source, my Light, my Love, and my Life. He is my Refreshment. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)

A-ha moments have been wonderful life paradoxes for Caroline:

Many an amazing a-ha moment has occurred during my quiet time routine. These moments often come in the forms of precious paradoxes. True victory comes in surrender to God. The torrential rain of tears sows the loveliest blooms of joy. Everlasting life comes in releasing life to Christ. God converts crosses to crowns and trials to triumphs.

Surprising discoveries are happily a part of Caroline's Authentic Refreshment:

Priceless, and often surprising, are the treasures I have discovered during my quiet time. This is one of the reasons I cannot imagine my days without this morning routine. 

Caroline shares how her Quiet Time activities clarify her purpose in life:

My quiet time routine clarifies purpose in life, as prayer, meditation and reading Scripture allow me to hear God's voice. Hearing His voice has provided beautiful clarity regarding my direction. Writing and singing allow me to connect with blissful creativity; this creativity heightens my awareness and aligns me more strongly with God. Journaling allows me to express myself, sort through ideas, discover patterns and define visions. Collectively these activities are immeasurably powerful in propelling me on my purposeful pathway.

The empowerment of refreshment is a great benefit for Caroline:

My authentic refreshment is empowering, as I commune with the Eternal Source of power during this special time. To know that power and love and light are always available to me is both comforting and uplifting. I need only to seek my Refreshment to be filled with God’s Spirit.

Here is a word of encouragement from Caroline for those still looking for their authentic refreshment:

From the depths of my heart, I encourage all who have yet to find their authentic refreshment routines to keep seeking. Yet, in saying that, I believe that your authentic refreshment is closer than you think. It involves those very things that bring you bliss and that feel completely “you.” Still your heart and you will hear God's whispers leading you to the true treasure of real refreshment. 

Caroline Gavin is a Christian Business Coach, Speaker, Author and Radio Host. Having found eternal victory in Christ, she overcame the dark depths of depression and the near-death of an eating disorder. Her joy now is sharing this joy in Jesus. As a Christian Business Coach and the Founder of Purposeful Pathway Business Coaching, she helps faith-based entrepreneurs pave their vocational paths, live with purpose and walk with God’s way. With years of experience in the financial and real estate industries, Caroline blends her passion for God, her financial expertise and her business acumen to create phenomenal results for her clients. She helps them to attract their ideal clients, powerfully package services and systematize efforts so they can enjoy fun, fruitful and profitable businesses. Refresh with her poetry and glean practical wisdom from her Biz Tips at www.PurposefulPathway.com. Connect with Caroline on Google+, Facebook and listen to her shows on Purposeful Pathway Radio. Contact her via caroline@purposefulpathway.com for a free Christian Business Coaching Consultation. You can also enjoy free resources such as the 7-week transformational Journey to Joy and the 21-Day Attract Clients NOW Challenge on the Purposeful Pathway web site. Caroline delights in her purposeful pathway of helping others to pave pathways of purpose, peace and passion for God's glory!

Your Authentic Refreshment: True Turner, Musician

I am excited to share the delightful and insightful Authentic Refreshment Story of True Turner, a good friend of mine whose music CD, Butterfly Emerging, has been a life enhancer for my entire family, especially for my grandboy who sleeps to it every nap and sleep time. True shares the truest of her musical life dimension of composing, recording and performing music. She is a true inspiration, both in music and in life. 

What is your authentic refreshment?  

Music – Composing, Recording, and Performing!  Even playing alone or jamming with friends is an authentic refreshment for me.  Sometimes just listening to music is an authentic refreshment.

How and when did you discover it? Does it hail back to your childhood or is it a more recent activity? 

I started piano lessons between the first and second grade. It was not yet an authentic refreshment at that time. However, when I was 13 years old, I took up the guitar, then bass guitar, and finally moved back to keyboard by the time I was 16. Somewhere between 13 and 16, music dawned into an authentic refreshment and became a life-long passion.

How often do you engage in it? Is it part of your routine or is it more of a spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous kind of activity? 

It’s definitely spur of the moment, but I engage in it constantly…with or without an instrument to play. I’m always hearing things musically and writing melodies or lyrics in my head or going through a tune I’m working on. I do this while I’m at work or out with friends….it’s kind of like a computer program that always runs in the background. Sometimes I even work on music in my dream state.

Do you go solo or do you share it with a friend or group? 

I play and write for myself and for groups. It doesn't matter. Music flows through me and has to be expressed either individually or with others. As far as performance goes, I prefer to work with a group. Composing, on the other hand, is mostly a solo activity although I enjoy composing with others….that just doesn't seem to happen as often as the solo composition thing.

Do you use a journal to record your authentic refreshment time? If so, do you just record what you did or do you also reflect on its benefit to you each time? 

I haven’t journaled about it, but I usually record my new compositions as that is much easier with the advent of computers than it was in my younger years. As far as reflection on it goes, that is [the] part of that always-on program that runs in the background for me all the time. I’m constantly reviewing, analyzing, changing, comparing, upgrading, playing with something that I have written either recently or years ago.

When you first engaged in your authentic refreshment, were you surprised by how much you enjoyed it or did it feel as natural as breathing, like you've come home?  

It felt as natural as breathing, like I've come home…and it still does.

Did you find it from another source and then change it up to suit your preferences?  

That depends. It was my interest in music that caused me to become a musician because I first wanted to be able to play the songs on the radio that I was listening to. That soon evolved into composing my own music. So, in a way, yes, it came from another source and I changed it up to suit my preferences. J

How does it enable you to validate your emotions and feelings?  

Wow! I could write a book about this. Suffice it to say that music has been my unfaltering emotional support system. Many times it has taken me from absolute despair all the way to joy in a matter of 30 minutes to an hour...just playing can do that for me. I have used it in all of my peak moments to stabilize me and in all of my valleys to pull me out of the well of darkness. Music always brings me to the light!

How does it help you appreciate yourself for who you really are at your core?

I feel that music is my core. It is how my soul expresses itself. When I am totally absorbed in playing or writing music, there is no separation…there is only oneness.

How does it nourish your soul?  

Completely! As to the “how” it does that, I don’t know. It feels like music IS my soul and that it is connected directly to the source of all that is (call it God, the Force, Universal Mind…whatever you want). I know that I can be totally depleted energetically, and music has the power to refresh my energy and bring me to an ecstatic energized state.

What would you say has been its greatest benefit? 

Music keeps me sane in an insane world. Music never leaves me in my darkest hours. I can depend on music to always be there to get me through life’s greatest trials.

Do you anticipate it? How does it benefit you in the moment? How do you feel afterwards? 

Usually I anticipate it. Usually I consciously create it. However, there have been spontaneous eruptions of song in my life…pure joy expressed musically because that is its highest expression.  How does it benefit me in the moment? Music is always healing. It always raises my vibration to a higher more in tune level…an at-one-ment. Music leaves me feeling high and joyful. Usually I am highly energized after playing.

What is your favorite part of it? 

Creating in that space of at-one-ment!

Was there an a-ha moment that changed your perspective in a way you didn't expect as a result of it? 

Although I've had several a-ha moments with music, the only one that changed my perspective unexpectedly was the moment I realized I was a musician, that I would always be a musician, and that music was all I really wanted to do. I had denied that possibility to myself for a long time. It finally hit me when I was about 19 that this is a music lifetime and that I needed to follow my bliss.

Has it ever surprised you with the new discoveries you have uncovered?  

Music is a lifetime of learning that always has little twists and turns and new surprises along the way. That’s because music is alive and evolving just like I am….it’s an expression of my soul that has a life of its own.

How does it clarify your purpose in life? 

Music is the universal language. It speaks to everyone. It makes people happy. It empowers people and motivates them to go beyond themselves. I am both a communicator and a catalyst this lifetime…music is the platform for both of those.

How has it personally empowered you? 

Music took me from being a shy introvert into being a strong, self-assured extrovert that really doesn't care what other people think of me.

As someone who has benefited from authentic refreshment, what would you say to someone who is looking for theirs but they haven't found it yet? 

Don’t give up. Follow your bliss! Pay attention to what makes you forget about time and space…that is the dimension of authentic refreshment.  Do more of that!

Short Bio:

I was born in a small town in central Texas, the daughter of a Theology professor and an English professor.  My dad was a preacher, historian, and Greek and Hebrew scholar, while my mother was the English professor, church choir director, and pianist/vocalist.  I grew up in a deeply spiritual and profoundly musical environment.  My parents always encouraged their children to be and do whatever they were passionate about.  They never set limits on us.

I began playing music professionally as a guitarist at the age of 13. By the time I was 16, I had returned to my home base of keyboards.  When I was 17, I began creating a stage persona that would allow me to be more extroverted…I lived into a character that I created and acted the part.  I’ve toured all over the US and Canada with rock bands and played solo in Mexico and Europe.  I have two CD’s out, “Dreams of the Neophyte” (a New Age Instrumental Sampler) and “Butterfly Emerging” (a massage/meditation CD timed to exactly one hour with time signals).  I also have numerous rock recordings that have not made it onto a CD yet  (some can be found on Soundcloud http://www.soundcloud.com/true-tidwell)…still in the works!  I have also written a rock opera titled, “Alien Blue” and am currently working on the book of the same name.  I also have a book titled, “The Lucifer Conspiracy,”  which is almost ready for digital publication.

I am a graphic artist, a photographer, a tarot reader, a player of Native American Flutes, and a lover of animals.  I love to travel the world and love being in nature, both hiking and camping.  I am also fascinated with languages; this probably stemming from having learned the Greek alphabet before the English and having heard my dad speak phrases in many different languages as a child.  I am currently working on learning German.

 Wherever your mind goes, reality follows.

Your Authentic Refreshment: Kathleen Pooler, Writer and Blogger

I am pleased to feature the Authentic Refreshment Story of Kathleen Pooler, a writer, blogger, and

#JournalChat contributor, who is in the process of writing a memoir and sequel with her hopeful life experience. I appreciate Kathleen's contribution to our #JournalChat Live sessions; she brings a thoughtful, healing vibe to what she shares. Her blog, Memoir Writer's Journey,  represents what comes from her heart and the beneficial purpose of sharing our stories through memoir. Here, Kathleen shares a combination of activities that bring her authentic refreshment: prayer, journaling and positive visualization. 

Kathleen defines what authentically refreshes her: 

The three things that come to mind when I think about what charges my batteries, adds positive energy, inspires and helps me keep a fresh perspective are: Prayer, Journaling and Positive Visualization.

She shares a portion of her memoir, Hope Matters: A Memoir of Faith, revealing her prayer roots and effective positive visualization:

As a "cradle Catholic" I was brought up with all the traditions and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic faith; so prayer has always been a part of my life. My faith slowly matured from a religion to a spiritual journey where I felt God's presence in a personal way. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Stage Four Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1996 that I sought and found an even deeper relationship with God that sustains me in my times of trial. Journaling and positive visualization also added to my authentic refreshment in a meaningful way, especially during this cancer journey. 

"On December 19, 1996, worsening shortness of breath and a dry cough had precipitated an early morning trip to the emergency room. As I was pacing near my stretcher, waiting for the results of the CT scan of my chest, realizing something serious was happening, I cried out in desperation, 

'Dear God, please give me the strength to do whatever it is I need to do for this is the battle of my life and for my life.'

A peace beyond understanding flowed over me and stayed with me throughout my eventual diagnosis of Stage Four Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and my two-year treatment course which included chemotherapy, radiation and a peripheral-stem cell transplant. I allowed myself to be open to accepting help from others--meals, gifts, prayers. God had answered my plea to "do whatever I need to do" to fight the battle.

Throughout my treatment, I journaled my feelings and worked on positive visualization. On March 17, 1998--Ash Wednesday--the night before being admitted to New England Medical Center in Boston for a peripheral stem-cell transplant, I wrote a list of twelve positive visualizations: attend my friend's wedding in May, visit my friends in Wisconsin and Missouri during the summer dance at my niece's wedding with hair in October, etc.  I even leafed through an LL Bean catalogue and ordered out an outfit--denim shorts and a gingham blouse in my normal size--that I visualized wearing in the summer. 

And every single visualization I had written came true!"

Kathleen gives a clear view of her specific process to prepare for effective positive visualization: 

Finding a quiet, distraction-free space and time to think and journal, [playing] soothing background music to get in the mood, taking a hot bath in a darkened bathroom with a lit candle, prayer time and playing the piano. 

She shares more specifically about the list she created and visualized during her illness: 

My anxiety and sense of vulnerability--fear of the unknown--over traveling to Boston to start the process of my peripheral stem-cell transplant [prompted this list]. I wrote these visualizations in my journal while sitting in the hotel room the night before my scheduled appointment at the medical center where I was to discuss the details of the procedure with the transplant RN, see the Oncologist who would do a bone marrow biopsy, see the Cardiologist who would make recommendations since previous chemotherapy had damaged my heart. The visualizations helped me to center my thoughts on the positive rather than the myriad of potential negative outcomes. It worked!

The frequency of her authentic refreshment is revealed: 

Positive visualization, prayer and journaling helped me to tap into positive energy during a time when my prognosis was uncertain. It worked so well that I have made it a part of my daily routine. I try to journal daily, even if it is jotting a few thoughts down, but I usually pick up my journal when I need to reflect on my feelings or reactions to something that has happened.

Kathleen shares her preference for refreshing solitude versus sharing with a group:

Often times positive visualization, prayer and journaling are solitary activities, but any of these can be shared when it feels right. I did have an experience while undergoing chemotherapy that steered me away from sharing temporarily. I had attended one meeting of a cancer support group facilitated by the staff at the cancer treatment center. My expectation was that I might not feel so alone if I talked with other cancer patients. The exact opposite happened. I felt dragged down by the negative energy and pessimism in the group. I wanted to focus my limited energies on the hope of survival not the despair of the diagnosis. I never went back.

She shares her enjoyment and sometimes surprising benefit of her authentic refreshment:

All three authentic refreshment activities I have engaged in have grounded me by offering self-awareness, solace and clarity. Sometimes I have been surprised by an insight or recognition of a pattern. Often it has helped me sort out and frame my thoughts. And we are what we say we are, even if we have to "fake it til we make it" initially!

Here is how her engagement provides her with validation of emotions and feelings:

[My authentic refreshment provides] a safe and sacred place to pour out my deepest feelings and needs. I do not need to worry what others may think or deal with their responses. I can feel free to unload it on the page. Then when I read it back, it may take on a different shape than when it was grinding away inside me. Somehow labeling a feeling feels validating and empowering. When I can identify what I'm feeling, I can decide on actions I may need to take.

Nourishment of the soul is also a benefit for Kathleen:

These activities help me to get in touch with myself. I am taking time out of a busy day to pay attention to what I am thinking and feeling. I am honoring myself as I would honor a best friend or someone I love. This helps me get in touch with what I need to nourish my own soul--reinforcing healthy boundaries, helping me embrace my unique humanness, and helping me stay connected to what matters most.

She offers how her authentic refreshment has personally empowered her: 

By reaffirming my values and beliefs, I can act with more confidence. By being clear on my own feelings and boundaries, I can offer the same to others--allow for differences and respect each other's differences. It reminds me of a quote (author unknown), "You can't meet the needs of others if your own needs aren't met."

A final word from Kathleen on what she recommends for others looking for their authentic refreshment:

Learn to trust your feelings. Stop, listen and take time every day to get in touch with yourself and your needs.  Find a way that works for you to learn about yourself and honor your own story.

Kathleen Pooler’s Bio:

            Kathleen Pooler is a writer and a retired Family Nurse Practitioner who is working on a memoir and a sequel about how the power of hope through her faith in God has helped her to transform, heal and transcend life’s obstacles and disappointments:  domestic abuse, divorce, single parenting, loving and letting go of an alcoholic son, cancer and heart failure to live a life of joy and contentment. She believes that hope matters and that we are all strengthened and enlightened when we share our stories.

            She blogs weekly at her Memoir Writer’s Journey blog: http://krpooler.com and can be found on Twitter @kathypooler and on LinkedIn, Google+, Goodreads and Facebook: Kathleen Pooler

            One of her stories “The Stone on the Shore” is published in the anthology: “The Woman I’ve Become: 37 Women Share Their Journeys From Toxic Relationships to Self-Empowerment” by Pat LaPointe, 2012.

            Another story: “Choices and Chances” is published in the mini-anthology: “My Gutsy Story” by Sonia Marsh, 2012.