by Tina Games | Apr 5, 2021 | Authenticity, Calling, Courage, Creative Expression, Creative Genius, Dreams, Journal Writing, Life Journey, Life Lessons, Life Story, Possibility, Reflection, Transition, Uncertainty, Wisdom
Over the past year, as we’ve navigated through the pandemic, I’ve had many discussions with clients, colleagues, and friends who are at a major crossroad in their life, both personally and professionally, which is resulting in an intense period of reflection. They’re feeling stuck, confused, unmotivated, and unable to connect with what might be ahead of them on their life’s journey.
There’s a feeling of being “a late arrival” to their own life – to a degree that causes them to wonder if they’ve missed an opportunity.
Many are pondering an array of questions, such as:
- How did I get here – in this place of darkness, confusion, and wonder?
- I see nothing ahead of me, so is this it?
- What does this stuckness mean – and how do I sort through it?
- How do I make sense of my life and the journey I’ve traveled?
- What do I do with all the lessons I’ve learned and the gifts I’ve received – and what do I let go of?
- Where do I go from here?
For all of these individuals, the most interesting thing about this crossroad is what has brought them to it. In some way, shape, or form – they’re all facing a major life transition. And it has come to them at a time that many would call “middle age.”
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by Tina Games | Mar 24, 2021 | Acceptance, Authenticity, Healing, Journal Writing, Life Journey, Personal Growth, Self-Care
A year ago, as the mother of a high school senior – and as a certified journal writing facilitator, I found myself pulling out every personal writing tool I had in my repertoire. My daughter was struggling with what was quickly becoming an upsetting end to her 13 years in public school.
Since kindergarten, she had looked forward to her high school graduation and had already assembled her cheering section, consisting of close friends, teammates, family members, and mentors. In her mind’s eye, she already knew what graduation day would look like – until a global pandemic changed everything.
Even before the coronavirus hit, my daughter and her high school friends, along with other teens and young adults, were already facing intense mental health challenges like academic stress, relationship challenges, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression — just to name a few.
And when you add in tough pandemic realities like virtual learning, social distance from family and friends, and the loss of employment opportunities many are facing, it’s no wonder that many of today’s young people are feeling more isolated, afraid, and stressed than ever before.
The new book, “Be You, Only Better: Real-Life Self-Care for Young Adults (And Everyone Else)” – recently published by New World Library, introduces young people to simple, yet powerful day-to-day practices that promote mind and body wellness. With simple, straightforward tactics like journaling, mindfulness, healthy sleep, and sound nutrition, author Kristi Hugstad empowers young and old alike to take charge of their own wellness.
The book came to me at just the right time – and has now made its way to my daughter, who is in her first year at college, and is being circulated among her friends. It’s making an impact, so much so that I asked Kristi to join me on my blog today to touch on a few key topics addressed in the book.
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by Tina Games | Feb 27, 2021 | Creative Genius, Creative Voice, Creativity, Full Moon, Inner Wisdom, Insights, Journal Writing, Light, Muse, Possibility, Winter, Wisdom, Writing
Just over the horizon, the snow moon rises – bringing light to the heart of the winter season.
It offers a rich opportunity to awaken the “creative genius within” – stirring insights and ideas that can be developed into passion projects that inspire a larger creative calling.
As Italian poet and playwright Pietro Aretino once proclaimed, “Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.”
What creative insights are waiting for you in the heart of the winter season? What ideas want to be explored in the light of the snow moon?
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by Tina Games | Feb 14, 2021 | Abundance, Beauty, Blessings, Creative Surrender, Curiosity, Flow, Gratitude, Journal Writing, Life Journey, Magic, New Beginnings, New Moon, Possibility, Self-Discovery, Symbolism, Synchronicity, Winter, Wisdom
Happy New Moon Valentine’s Day!
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, spending it than on the back end of a new moon phase.
A new moon always brings a time of new beginnings. It’s a period when the sky is completely black, with the exception of little sparkles of light in the form of stars.
It’s the point in every month when the moon takes a retreat and begins to grow again, redoubling her light and reflecting new creative energy on all worldly things. It marks an ideal time for connecting with our inner selves and our heart’s desire. By looking for the “light” and knowing that it’s there, somewhere, waiting to be discovered – we can reach a place where our personal reflection begins to shed its own light.
What wants to emerge from within you? What wants to be created outside of you?
It sounds like a perfect message for Valentine’s Day, don’t you think?
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by Tina Games | Dec 21, 2020 | Abundance, Creative Voice, Creativity, Darkness, Full Moon, Illuminate, Journal Writing, Letting Go, Light, Possibility, Reflection, Winter
As we move into the winter solstice and toward the last full moon of 2020, what are you choosing to bring into light?
And what do you need to release – in order to make room for this light?
In the words of mystic poet Rumi, “Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being.”
As you settle into the winter season and begin to think about what you’d like to manifest, give yourself permission to express the brightest light within you – and allow it to take you where it may.
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by Tina Games | Dec 16, 2020 | Creative Expression, Creative Process, Creative Voice, Darkness, Journal Writing, Letting Go, Life Journey, Light, Magic, Possibility, Reflection, Winter
The winter season is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in the creative process!
It brings a rich opportunity to awaken the “creative genius within” by exploring the gifts that are found in darkness. It allows us to reflect on our personal and creative journeys, taking a closer look at who we are – underneath the layers of life.
By looking for the “light” – and knowing that it’s there, somewhere, waiting to be discovered – we can reach a place where our personal reflection begins to shed its own light.
It’s a time to ponder where we’ve been, how we got to where we are now – and where to go from here. It’s an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and to prepare for a new path of travel. It also marks an ideal time for connecting with our creative voice and our true heart’s desire.
- How will your “creative genius” be inspired by the darkness of the winter solstice?
- What magic will be created within you – as you move through the winter season and into spring?
- How will this magic be expressed through your creative work – and brought into springtime’s full bloom?
These are great questions to explore as we approach the winter solstice and move into the winter season – a time of rich reflection, introspection, renewal, and a thirst for all that is light.
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