Archive for category Inner Happiness

Do You Love Where You Are?

Sep 4

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I’ve lived in quite a few cities…it’s not like I just moved from town to town…ok well maybe I did…but hey, I got to discover my country. I lived in several of our wonderful provinces, but I never for one moment, lost sight that British Columbia was my Home. I always knew deep down my travels would lead me back here, to the Island or the Mainland- that wasn’t the issue, it was just the ‘coming home’ part of it.

In all the cities I’ve lived in, I never hated any of them; they each had a certain charm…but there was this invisible string that somehow kept me connected to BC, to Vancouver in particular, so that I never felt far from home.

I can say with 100% honesty and clarity today, I love where I am and where I live. I wouldn’t trade living in Vancouver for anything….this city has the best of everything and, it’s unbelievably gorgeous to be in. It may rain alot, and our winters are often ‘green’, not white…but to any Vancouverite, that’s part the charm. If we want ‘white’, we can go up any of the many mountains and ski hills that are on the North Shore.

The cuisine is varied and eclectic, the neighborhoods diverse and the range of entertainment available- astounding. Vancouver truly is a world class city. I’ve moved to the suburbs and to the Valley over my years back home and never was I as happy and fulfilled, as I was when I lived IN the city itself. I’m relishing a move back now, into the trendy Main Street area and My Guy and I are lapping up all this funky neighborhood has to offer. Just walking down the the street awards us with endless heritage homes, one-of-a-kind cafes, fascinating characters and the tantalizing aromas of local patios offering up lunch…

I’m happy where I am. My Guy and I are about to begin an exercise regime that will take us both walking/running up into a local park…we have both made a promise to support one another in this…and just the simple act of walking through my new neighborhood brings a smile to my face. This is what I’ve talked about people; loving where you are NOW and making the most of it. Get up and move! Get out and see! What is outside your door, is literally there for you to walk into and discover.

If you don’t like where you are, or what you see when you look out the door- how can you change it? What steps can you take to get to where you need to be?

Answer me that. Wait, no…you owe yourself the answer to that…

Love CM

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Just another day in Paradise

Sep 1

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Keep Moving | 2 Comments

Sometimes I feel like a utter and complete wreck. If it’s not my bowels bothering me, it’s my head…which pounded for 3 days and I went to the doctor at My Guy’s insistence. I grumbled, “I’m not a SICKIE!” but my doc said I’ve got an ear infection…in both ears. I wish at times I could rip these hunks of flesh off my head and chuck them in the ocean for all the grief my ears have caused me over the years. This was one more little thing to add on to make me feel just a little bit crappy…I’m on different antibiotic drops (with a steroid in it) and it’s only day 2 but I have high hopes. So to those who know me and work with me, just speak a little louder because I swear, I’m not ignoring you!

The new digs are great but there are some problems in the name of Aslan, the cat. He’s keeping us up at night, every night, with his meowing, batting at the pulls on the blinds, beating up his brother, swatting My Guy’s alarm clock off his bed-side table at 4 am….the list goes on. I thought maybe it’s just because we’re in a new place and surely he’ll calm down…but no, not so far and we’re both getting grumpy. Shutting the bedroom door does no good because Aslan just throws his big body against the door and howls in rage…then the other cat gets all agitated…and the madness never stops…See this vicious cycle?

On the bright side, everything I need is within walking distance now. Technically it was before but I had to wade through Suburbia-Hell to get to it, so I always hopped in my car to get where I needed to go that much faster. Now it’s different. I WANT to walk along Main…I want to walk to my doctors and take Cambie back or explore a new little street and discover a tucked away little family grocer I never knew existed.

I’m standing here on this invisible line; one step in front of me is this new life and I’m so eager to jump head first into it. It’s one step at a time, one day at a time and all these little obstacles (like my ears and Aslans night-time antics) are just little bumps along the way. Life is a collection of these little things and we should be in tune to them.

Before I leave, let me leave you with one little story…it happened this morning at 7 am. I decided to walk out with My Guy as he left for work, a little kiss on the back porch, you know how it is. As I’m standing there watching him walk off in the pouring rain, I see some of the items we haven’t really found a home for yet, getting wet so I think “I should go move those out of the rain.” I reach behind me and pull the door closed so the crazy cats don’t escape…little do I know My Guy has locked the door (the bottom twisty-type lock). I go about my business and move some stuff and decide it was a dumb idea, too cold and want to go back inside…BAM! I walk into the door as I attempt to turn the handle. It’s locked! It’s 7 am, and I’m in a robe and slippers…the more I hesitate the farther down the street towards the bus stop, is My Guy. I hitch up my robe, kick off my slippers and run down the side of house bellowing his name…he can’t hear me! It’s raining and he’s probably running for the bus…I bellow more for good measure though.

I had to admit defeat and thought long and hard about the possibilities of crawling through the barred windows (albeit the bars are quite decorative and all) while the 2 cats stared at me. No doubt they were wondering what the hell I was doing on the wrong side of the window when there was breakfast to be dished out…

Hundreds of thoughts flew through my head: ‘Yay I can take the day off, but wait how will I call in? And wait, what kind of day off will it be in the rain?’ Sigh. The landlords live 2 streets up the road so again, I hike up my robe, clutch my slippers to my chest and head out into the rain. It’s pouring- hard, typical Vancouver rain. Unrelenting. (Turns out the radio announced it was the wettest day today…but I digress) I run up the street in my bare feet, the cool water feels kind of nice actually and it’s liberating to fly by morning commuters in your robe; a flash of my fuchsia nightie lending me a touch of mystery (or so I like to think…).

I rounded the hedge to landlords house, and there He was. On the porch, face to face with a drenched mad-woman, no doubt homeless in a robe with wet slippers in her hand…I had nothing to say but ‘Um hi. I locked myself out…’ and he laughed. I laughed too.

…I ran home with the spare keys clutched in my fingers, the cool wetness no longer feeling that great because my feet felt raw….but I got in to the warmth and to my hungry cats!

That my friends, was a helluva way to wake up…and all before my coffee!

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Right here, Right now…

Aug 27

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

So many thoughts to put down but all they do is swirl about my head, taunting me to put them to the screen. I want to jump up and scream “I’m so happy!” but my headache of the past 3 days is causing me to be less than exuberant. I want to write a million words but my computer and writing set-up at the new digs isn’t all that comfortable. Yet. Despite these things, I wake up and embrace each day and look forward to coming HOME to my new home and My Guy. It’s been a while since I’ve truly let myself feel like this; and let me tell you, it’s exhilarating.

As Melissa over at Sugar Filled Emotions would ask: what am I thankful for?

- I’m thankful I moved back to Van city; even though I was just across the bridge, it feels like I’ve come home…

- I’m thankful we asked for a recommendation for a full and rich, IN YOUR FACE, red wine tonight at Firefly Fine Wines and for under $20 received what was the best red I’ve had in a long time. It was pure velvet on my tongue….a Malbec from Argentina by the name of Domaine Jean Bousquet. Once I finished my glass I suggested My Guy run back to the store and get a case of the stuff. Yeah, it’s THAT smooth. It’s proof a really great wine doesn’t have to break the bank. Oh and no, he didn’t go get a case…

- I’m thankful mom’s ultrasound was all good…

- I’m thankful I live closer to 2 very special people in my life whom I haven’t spent nearly enough time with as of late (G & L) It’s never too late to rekindle friendships; if you are missing someone, pick up the phone and call them. Don’t let people you love slip past you.

Enough about being thankful…let’s get to the nitty-gritty. I’ve put on some extra weight and it’s my promise to myself and to My Guy, to shed those pounds and be who I was. I’m ok with how I look; but I don’t LOVE how I look. I’m not the woman I was 2 years ago when the weight loss was kind of still new feeling and I was on cloud 9. Now I feel as if I shouldn’t have slipped. I feel like these extra pounds are weighing my spirit down and to work hard at losing them, would probably boost my self esteem. People say I’m not fat but that overweight girl inside of me will NEVER quite see that. I will always see who I was in the mirror…these pounds need to be lost FOR ME and me alone. I need to prove to myself I can do it again.

If there is something you’ve been putting off, maybe now is a good time to tackle it. I’d love to write more but damn this work space is sucking right now. Sleep well.

CM

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Back to Reality…almost.

Aug 12

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

When I say almost I mean, I’m not due back until Monday August 16th at the clinic. Phew. I need time to rest after my vacation ‘home’ to the Island. As you can see from my previous post it was alot of hard work shuttling between swimming holes and cold beers, sun-tanning and late nights. We got back last night, had some settling in to do and needed to lavish a weeks worth of attention to My Boys who actually didn’t seem to notice someone else had been looking after them and I was now HOME. Sigh.

One thing I did when I was back home, that I’ve missed in my life here…is get outside and appreciate what nature has to offer. I think I forgot to stop and appreciate where I do live, and it took a trip for me to stop and take in all the smells and sights of just being outside. I may be biased, but the air sure feels a helluva lot cleaner back home, the water just that much clearer and pure…the mountains that surrounded my parents house literally took my breath away.

We vowed to get off our butts once we got back and get out and GET MOVING more…to feel as alive as we felt there….here. I may live in the city, and probably always will, but my heart will always be in the small town I grew up in, and I value that way of life. My goals this fall are simple: get more active, continue to eat well and conquer what ails me- NATURALLY. I have an amazing support system in My Guy and I have treasured friends who constantly motivate me to embrace each day. I’m lucky. I’m truly lucky to have my entire life before me and to be in control of how I approach it. I’m happy I’m not alone in facing it and thankful for the little things.

I wanted to end this post by acknowledging a few things I’m thankful for:

- I’m thankful I had a good friend who watched over My Boys while I got to go home. Knowing that they were taken care of and happy, made all the difference.

- I’m thankful I had this time to visit with my parents. I miss them very much.

- I’m thankful My Guy got to experience my home-town memories and see the place (and people) that made me who I am…

- I’m thankful I have a car that could take me home without any worries!

A few snapshots of my vacation, to sum it up for you…

Here's the slug we named The Great Canadian Leopard Slug...

The best shoes to wear in a river...can walk with ease!

Our version of that Corona Commercial, but with Stella.

The Deep Hole. One of the swimming holes of my youth.

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Home Sweet Home

Aug 9

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | 2 Comments

I’m home. I arrived last week, and My Guy followed a few days later. It’s great to be home and in the place I grew up in, on the Island, but it’s also tinged with sadness at the place it’s become. It’s quiet. Like a ghost town actually…and that’s not how I remember it. Big Industry moved out of the town some years ago, and with that went a good deal of the population- in came retirees from all over North America to replace them…

This is still the sweet village I remember, just a little frayed around the edges and a little less people out and about. What hasn’t changed is the natural splendor of this small hamlet nestled in a valley surrounded by tall mountains, some still capped with snow. The pristine rivers still flow and the swimming holes remain as idyllic as I remember. What amazed me yesterday as we were out hiking and taking in the sights, how few people were out in the sun. I realized it’s not because they don’t want to- it’s because there is HARDLY ANYBODY to be out! We had the river to ourselves, took the Peppercorn trail through the still glistening wet forest, stopping at every rocky beach to behold the perfectly clear green water. You could all the way to bottom and count the rocks there…it was that pure and clean.

My Guy couldn’t believe the stunning beauty or the fact we had it all to ourselves. We didn’t talk much as we sat on the rocks and looked out over the river; there weren’t words to describe the colors and the tranquility we were experiencing.

There truly is no place like home. This is West Coat living at it’s finest- did I mention cell phones don’t even work here? (of course there is the Internet though, phew!) I’m so happy right now, and so content but with each moment I can’t wait to get back to The City and get on with The Move…new changes are a-comin’!

I hope this post finds everyone happy where they are in life, and if not, that you have the means to start making the changes to being where YOU want to be. Where you NEED to be. Now I’m going to go out t0 my parents back yard, sit on the swing in the sun and watch the blue jays play in the garden. And the best part? Zucchini from the garden for dinner.

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Vacation time is here….

Aug 3

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I thought it would NEVER get here. My summer vacation. I finished up last day of work yesterday and I’m off until Aug 16th. What’s a girl to do? A trip back “home” to the Island is #1 on the agenda and that will take place on August 5th. I can’t wait. It’s been probably 2.5 years since I’ve been home to the place I grew up in. My Guy will be joining me on Aug 7th; I’ll run down to the ferry and pick him up…on the way back to my Folks Place I have grand plans to show him all my favourite little beaches and shops along the way. There is a certain way to Island life and it gets really prominent the closer I get the the North Island….the communities get smaller, the smiles get a little wider and the open wilderness is that much BIGGER.

I love the city I live in now, don’t get me wrong, but home truly is where my heart lies. I certainly didn’t appreciate it’s natural beauty as a teenager- I only wanted to get out, and get to the city, but I absolutely love introducing people to where I’m from. The town has changed a fair amount but the places that mean something to me, are still there. Big Bend, Peppercorn Park, the high school, The Deep Hole…

Stay tuned for my updates and pics about my trip…I hope you’re relaxing and enjoying your summer.

Love CM

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A Jumbled Mess of Thoughts

Jul 23

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | 2 Comments

I’ve had trouble sleeping the past few nights. I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather (OK those of you in Vancouver, know I’m probably grabbing at strings here….) or the fact My Guy has been away all week. It’s something. I’m on the brink of some new changes in my life, and it’s as if I’m balancing on the edge of a cliff- knowing the slightest move could upset the delicate balance I’ve achieved; but yet knowing I must embrace the fall with open arms.

There is a move in my future. Soon I will have the green space I once had and again, I can flourish in a garden as I did many years ago in the Heights. I can let The Boys out to roam in the grass, and enjoy drinks on the patio…it’s been a long time coming. I’m not worried about that move. I feel in my heart it’s a great thing to do- I’ve missed being a part of a lively and active community so the fact I’m heading to an extremely funky neighborhood has me tickled pink. While it’s not my West End, it’s damn sweet…I feel there are only positive things to come from this move.

I do worry about age…I worry about never getting the opportunity to be the wonderful Mother I know I could be. I worry about not sharing my creativity and watching another human being blossom into their own person…but I can’t worry. Do I not tell people, life happens this way for a reason? We’re where we are FOR A REASON…and everything we did to get to this point, was what we NEEDED to do? Taking a dose of my own medicine is sometimes akin to getting a kick in the head. I don’t know what tomorrow has in store for me, let alone a couple of years down the road. I need to take my own advice to heart and just enjoy…

Acupuncture is helping alot with allowing my mind to slow down, and my body to heal. I have had 4 sessions now, and I truly feel refreshed once the session is over. I don’t fall asleep during the session (I can’t sleep well at the best of times) but I do feel my mind drifting and my thoughts are not the jumbled mess they usually are. I don’t know if the sessions are helping my bowels at all YET, but I do feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace- and positivity. That’s gotta count for something right?

A trip home to the Island is in my cards as well next month. I still say “home” when referring to where I grew up. I didn’t appreciate it as a teenager- I just wanted to get to the CITY- but I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of the journey back…

You are always welcome at home.

This post has been all over the place; but to try and sum up my thoughts I’d have to go with: It’s a season of change for me, and I must let go of my fears and worries and let life simply, run it’s course.

Love Chere Michelle

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I’m a Human Pin Cushion

Jul 15

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I am trying acupuncture. Originally My Guy suggested it for my lower back because I suppose I was moaning a fair bit about how much it hurt. Then I got to thinking…wait, what’s bugging me more now? My back or all these digestive issues going on in my body? That settled it. I made an appointment at the same place I go to regularly for massage therapy.

I admit I didn’t really know what to think, or what to expect. Of course I’ve seen treatments done on TV, I’ve read about them and knew what acupuncture was…but it’s a little different to suddenly be the one having it done on your OWN body!

At the beginning of my 1st treatment, the Practitioner took a VERY thorough medical history and asked me many questions, most about the issues I wanted specifically to work on, but about other areas of my body as well. She took my pulse several times and also asked to see my tongue at least 3 times…

Then it was time to lie back on the nicely cushioned table, close my eyes and let the needling fun begin. To be honest, I barely felt those needles that went into my scalp or forehead. There was a rustling sound of the needle packages being opened, a cool swab of alcohol, followed by a firm tap into my skin and then the Practitioner wiggled or adjusted the needle to where exactly she wanted it positioned.

When she got to my hands however, I jumped a bit in my skin. The placement of the needle was fine but it was the re-positioning and adjustment that literally hit me right to the nerves. I can’t really explain it, but it was like the core of a very sensitive nerve was suddenly touched, and an immense short burst of pressure applied. I jumped. It happened on my hands, shins and feet…I hardly felt the needles go into my belly.

These sensations are normal I was told…perfectly normal. Most people mention some kind of “pressure” feeling.

Once all the needles were placed, I was covered with a light sheet, the blinds closed a bit more and left alone…I had the sounds of a fountain and some music playing in the background. I didn’t fall asleep (I was very, very relaxed) but lay there listening to my breathing and focusing on relaxing every single part of my body. I figured this was a moment that I was given to just simply be.

Thirty minutes went by and I heard the soft whoosh of the door to the room being opened. The needles were gently removed, I opened my eyes to soft lighting and the Practitioner asking me how I felt. How did I feel? Relaxed. Languid. Peaceful. Most of all though, I felt this strange sense of positivity engulf me and I felt I had something to believe in, something that may in fact give me some sort of relief. I left that 1st appointment very satisfied, and in fact, had my 2nd appointment earlier tonight.

We are working on my tummy; my bowels and digestive system together with helping me sleep more peacefully.

Do I believe in non-traditional forms of medicine? I believe there is hope and energy in whatever we seek to help ourselves with. I figure millions of people can’t be wrong in claiming acupuncture has worked for them, so I don’t have anything to lose. It’s just one more step I’m taking to gain control over my body and how it feels. I alone have the power to help myself…and I choose to try whatever I can….

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Shopping that’s good for the SOUL

Jul 3

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I’m a huge fan of shopping second hand. I love a bargain for sure, but I also love the idea of reusing and recycling what others may not want…and turning into something I desire.

It’s even better when the shops proceeds go to charities or women’s groups- it’s gratifying to know my money is going somewhere other than some huge cash-cow, big-box, money-hungry corporation founded somewhere in Middle America.

Vancouver is a mecca for second hand and vintage stores. Main Street comes to mind…Gastown…thankfully I stumbled upon a site tonight that goes over this very topic! It’s called Secondhand Savvy and the author lists a ton of fabulous places to hunt for FABULOUS FINDS! If you live in Vancouver, and you know of some that aren’t listed, let me know! I’m always on the hunt for more because you honestly never know what you’ll find…

Buying second hand and supporting your community feels good. And feeling good makes me happy.

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Lost in Thought

Jun 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | 1 Comment

Since the last 5 minutes of my work day I’ve felt lost…and like I’m in a fog. It was just one of those days where an incident, after I had clocked out, really hit me hard and I can’t explain why. I was on my way out the door, ready for my weekend to begin and a Client was rushing in, holding a bundle of towels against his chest. There was a small dog amongst those towels and I suddenly felt so sad…I brought that little guy to the back into our treatment area, watched for a moment to see he was stabilized and tended to…and then made my way out…I wasn’t on shift anymore and the capable hands at the clinic would take care of him.

I can’t explain why I felt so sad and empty. I just walked to my car and thought, what would I do if I just came home and found one my pets just lying on the floor? What would I do if I had to experience a significant loss? I’ve been lucky- I’ve not dealt with alot of death personally; such as family and friends. I’ve watched so many others go through it and stood helplessly by wishing I could help. I know, in hindsight, my just being ‘there’ was help enough but at the time, it never feels good enough.

I don’t know the prognosis on that little dog; I’m sure he’s fine…I think that moment was just a catalyst for me, for something else. I have no reason to feel empty or lost…my present is wonderful and my future looks promising. I have the love of My Guy, a job I like going to every day (usually), a roof over my head, a car that runs and food in my fridge. My family is healthy…

But I can’t explain the overwhelming sadness that hit me as I drove away from work today. Perhaps it’s just the end of a work week and all the sad stories or touchy situations piled on top of one another…and the pile just crashed down. Whatever it was, its stuck with me most of the evening and turned my Friday night into a Quiet Time. A time of reflection.

My thoughts are with everyone out there; man, woman, child and animal who is struggling and/or suffering through pain…may they find their way to the top and lift their faces to the sun.

Namaste.

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