I’ve been slowing down lately. Choosing my time more wisely. Thinking about what I want to do from this point forward. I’ve been watching less television, reading more, being kinder to myself. Going inward a bit I guess.
For the last several months, I’ve been going full throttle. Rushing here and there. Some of it has been due to external circumstances and some of it, well, because that’s who I am.
Life has slowed down now. My work, my going here and there. I think there is a reason — a rhythm to our lives — cycles that we go through. If we choose to observe it that way, we can learn much about ourselves. Worrying is pointless. Fighting feelings is futile. What I found is, you have to embrace your feelings — whatever they are — joy, pain, sadness — there’s no way/where to go but through. Our spirits and resolve become stronger, we become wiser.
Intention and Purpose
I think we all have a desire to figure out our purpose in life. I think it changes as we change, as we evolve into whomever we become at the “end” of our lives. I’ve thought about this a lot lately and have come to conclusion that the most painful times in our lives can bring about an awareness we didn’t have before — a realization that we only have so much time in this human form and what we do with our time matters.
It doesn’t have to mean grandiose accomplishments, to me it means doing things — even mundane things, with intention. When we make it a point to do this, even the simple things can be an accomplishment of sorts.
If we approach a task, any task, with intention, the actual doing of the thing, can be a kind of joyful experience. It’s solely how we look at it and when we slow down enough to think of it that way, our perspective of it shifts.
This hangs above my desk. I try to remember this — what a privilege it really is.
Instead of thinking: I have to do this, with dread or anger, we can think: I have the ability to do this, with a marvel and a respect for our minds and bodies — the vehicle in which our true selves reside. It takes practice and patience as any good intention does.
We take our abilities for granted until something happens to make us more aware of just what an incredible gift we have at our disposal — any time we want to tap into it.
A Little Levity Goes a Long Way
We all go through painful situations in our lives if we live long enough. My grandmother used to say, “If it doesn’t take your breath away, you can get through it.” She was right. Even during the bleakest times, we can find something that makes us smile or laugh. We can come up out of our pain to do that. Over time, we begin to smile and laugh a little more.
I grew up watching Looney Tunes on Saturday mornings. My Dad often imitated Bugs Bunny by moving his eyebrows up and down. His favorite was Road Runner and Wiley Coyote.
Isn’t it a gift to go through the good and bad with people you love? Le purrrr.
I was particularly found of Pepé Le Pew and Penelope. Remember how Penelope would slide underneath something that had wet paint and get a white streak down her back? Pepe mistook her for someone like him and would, with the purest of intentions, pursue her.
Penelope would run and run and run, trying to escape the inevitable. Pepe, on the other hand, would just saunter along. I loved how he always had that satisfied, knowing smile on his face — there wasn’t any alternative for him — despite what he had to go through, he knew joy would be his, in time. He just had to wait it out.
I’ve been feeling like Penelope for awhile now, running, scurrying, worrying, gasping for air, trying to escape.
But I’m beginning to feel a little more like Pepé. I’m starting to discover a purpose again and like Pepé, a smile is beginning to bloom inside my heart and make its way on to my face.
I’ll get there when I get there. In my own time, with good intentions.
Happy Monday everyone and here’s to good intentions.
~
What are your good intentions lately? Oh, and who is your favorite Looney Tunes character and why?
Brigitte's Banter 
Brigitte, there is truth in everything you’ve written here. Most of all, a little levity goes a long way. I set an intention to laugh everyday and many days, I say, I say many days, that has made all the difference! If you didn’t guess already, Foghorn Leghorn is my favorite!
Posted by Honie Briggs | February 25, 2013, 9:53 amHi Honie, nice to see you my friend. Omg, I LOVE Foghorn Leghorn. And Yosemite Sam and Daffy Duck. xxoo. Thank you, S.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:56 amIt’s so good to see a post from you in my email. It sounds like you’re finding your way with grace and beauty, Brig. But, of course you would. xoxo
This was a refreshing and needed post for me to read this morning. Perfect timing. People tell me to slow down and breath more than I’d like to admit. I have that kind of nervous energy. I love the quote in the frame. Wonderful.
I think when I absolutely have to slow down, God finds a way to bring me to a screeching halt. It’s never comfortable. Lately I’ve been brought to a stand still and made to change direction. I’ve enjoyed this time in my life as much as I enjoy sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. Umm… not so much. 😉
I loved Pepe Le Pew and Penelope. I haven’t thought about them in many moons. Bugs Bunny was always my favorite because he was so tricky. I love the one when he gives the monster a manicure. I also like the one when the witch is about to cook him in a stew, and he really looks like he’s done for – then he makes those big sad, watery eyes. Why I remember those moments, I’ll never know? I watched them every saturday morning, too. Good memories.
Have a restful and inspired day, my beautiful friend. 🙂
Posted by A Gripping Life | February 25, 2013, 10:01 amLisa, thank you and I know you’ve been experiencing some up and down moments yourself so I hope this day finds you well. I have that nervous energy too and I have to rein it in pretty often. God does find a way to tell you what you need to hear though and it’s always a loving thing. I know that you’ll be in a good place again.
I love Bugs myself. He was such a smarta*s, huh? I just loved the way he’d look at the camera and move his eyebrows up and down. Remember when he dressed up like a woman?
Oh a totally unrelated subject, I, for whatever reason get alerts when someone comments on your About Me page. Your blog looks beautiful! Where do you get all those gorgeous pics? And your pinterest — we are very similar in our tastes — just beautiful! You have a wonderful day too, Lisa and thank you. xo
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 10:09 amThat’s so weird that you get notices for my about page! haha! I find most of my pictures on Pinterest. I have to go to your Pinterest, too. It doesn’t surprise me that we have similar tastes. Add me as a “follow” and I’ll do the same. It’s so addicting. I switched to this new blog theme, it’s more visual, we’ll see how it goes…
Lisa
Posted by A Gripping Life | February 25, 2013, 12:06 pmI don’t have a Pinterest. I need to get one because obviously all the cool kids are doing it. Love yours — it’s very pretty!
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 1:09 pmThanks, Brigitte!!
Posted by A Gripping Life | February 25, 2013, 1:14 pmWhat a beautiful quote, dear Brigitte, from which to draw inspiration and be reminded to set intention. To me, the other message in “Breathe” is to be fully present, in this moment. When we focus on our breath, we cannot be in the past or the future. We must be fully engaged in the now…and the now is all we ever have, my dear friend. Let’s breathe and experience it to the fullest! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | February 25, 2013, 10:06 amThanks, M. I do love it and really try to remember it! You are very good at that being in the moment thing, which is a gift. I’ve been working on that a lot myself these days. I’m taking a big breath now. :).
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 10:11 amDearest Brigitte, there’s a reason being in the moment is called a practice: it takes intention to remember and compassion when we forget. It’s not a destination but an ever-unfolding adventure. Perhaps I’ve been practicing a little longer, my friend, and I still stumble. I’m extremely fortunate in having the support of my loved ones and friends to steady me when I lose my way. 😉 xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | February 25, 2013, 10:23 amYou, M. Anything worth having is worth putting in the practice! And I like the thought of an ever-unfolding adventure — ahh. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 10:54 amI think about this kind of stuff a lot – and I seem to know the WHAT but find it’s harder to know HOW. I know that I should embrace my feelings but sometimes I don’t know HOW…but I like the advice of thinking that at least we are ABLE to do X – like go to work (which I love my job but a lot people dread theirs), have someone in our lives even if we are working thru anger with them etc…
Thank you for your take on things ~
Posted by Rutabaga the Mercenary Researcher | February 25, 2013, 10:26 amHi Ruta, nice to see you here. I know what you mean — the how part. It’s not always easy for me either but the more I consciously try, the better I get at it. Thank you for your wonderful comment!
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 10:55 am“It doesn’t have to mean grandiose accomplishments, to me it means doing things — even mundane things, with intention. When we make it a point to do this, even the simple things can be an accomplishment of sorts.” I love the whole post, but this paragraph in particular speaks to me.
This was a well-measured and thoughtful post – a great way to mindfully start the week – (hugs) – LouAnn
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | February 25, 2013, 10:40 amHi Lou Ann, thank you my friend. I’m so glad it speaks to you. And as always, SO nice to hear from you. This is going to sound really weird, but sometimes one of those mundane things I like to do is iron. I know, I know but I use this lavender spray stuff and it just seems soothing to me sometimes. Talk about “mundane.” 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 10:58 am“I have to do this, with dread or anger, we can think: I have the ability to do this, with a marvel and a respect for our minds and bodies.”
Love this, B. And love the Looney Tunes analogy. Been looking for a looney tunes box set for a while.
Posted by mabukach | February 25, 2013, 11:22 amHey Mike, it’s not always easy to do this. It way easier to just through the motions, you know? Thank you — hope you find that boxed set… 😀
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 11:51 amBrigitte, thank you! That was the post I needed to read this morning. I love your intention and I love the visual of a placid, focuses Pepe’ on his journey. Mind if I emulate you? Happy Monday, my friend!
Posted by michelleatplay | February 25, 2013, 11:36 amHi Michelle, so glad to hear that and your comment has made my morning! Emulate as much as you need, my friend. Happy Monday to you. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 11:52 amGreat Post! Being more kind and compassionate to myself and others:) Love Porky Pig. Happy Monday
Posted by cravesadventure | February 25, 2013, 11:41 amHey Craves, good for you — we all need to do that more, right? Thank you for you nice comment. Happy Monday! Th-th-at’s all folks! 😉
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 11:54 amMy all time favorite is “What’s Opera Doc?” It is one of the only three episodes where Elmer actually defeats Bugs. I love the music and the play on the Richard Wagner’s operas. I also love Monster in a Can episode. I am a huge Looney Tunes Fan– and yes I can be found watching them on my day off– Cartoon Network as re-added them. Ok enough dorkiness ha haa.
and now for the serious comment.I love what you wrote and you wrote it so well. It is hard to stop and to focus on what you are doing. How all paths lead to something– it is how you walk your path. Sometimes I richochet off the walls, or be found on my hands and knees crawling/dragging myself(ha), and other times I might have a little bounce in my step but it is hard to maintain and even steven attitude.
Ok enough babbling. I am so happy to see you back :0) REALLY
great post–
Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | February 25, 2013, 12:46 pmElmer Fudd…love him. Is that the one where Bugs plays with a barber? Vigaro! Remember that one? It’s not dorky. You have good taste.
I’m rusty on my blog writing but I’ll find my stride again. As always, it’s wonderful when you stop by Audra and take the time to leave your wonderfully insightful comments — so appreciated, my friend. So much. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 1:12 pmhaa I love that one too.
I now have Elmer’s voice in my head ” I killed the rabbit, I killed the rabbit” haa thanks for that B!
and geeze– if this is rusty, we all better look out. My goodness woman. You make me look like a kindergartner.
Posted by unfetteredbs | February 25, 2013, 1:15 pmWascally wabbit. 😉 You’re so nice. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 1:16 pmHey Brig, I’ve been wondering about how you’ve been doing. It’s good to hear from you as you philosophize on how things are going as you heal. It’s a pretty short stay over here, that’s for sure. I think that life changes force one to make honest assessments. It’s comforting to know that we can sink back into the comfort of our favorite childhood sources of pleasure when things get too heavy. I’m a big Looney Tunes fan, too. One of my favorites is Duck Amuck (actually a Merrie Melody). I’ve always related to Daffy:
Posted by lameadventures | February 25, 2013, 1:51 pmHi V, some days good, some not so, but better I think day by day. Yes, it is comforting right? I so love Daffy Duck — he’s one of my favs as well. I think there are so many adult themes within these cartoons — the creators knew what they doing — adults and kids can relate. Thanks, V.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 5:02 pmAh Ha! NOW I see what you were talking about. Both our posts seem to be swirling around a similar topic. Yours with INTENTION; mine with AUTHENTICITY. How closely related they are! I LOVE the Pepe La Pew reference. It is a great example of the feline femme uncomfortable in her false garb and more importantly, what or who she attracts when she is projecting something other than her true self. The law of attraction rings true in this case. You attract what you transmit. Sometimes when you even unknowingly transmit.
Great post, Brigitte. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🙂
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | February 25, 2013, 1:56 pmHey Sue, well great minds think alike, yes? ;). I think that’s what we all want — to be authentic and for the people we love to accept that. That what love is, in my opinion! Glad you enjoyed, Sue and thanks so much for your support and friendship.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 5:03 pmIt’s no surprise to me that another beautiful, inspirational post was waiting for me when I clicked on the email link to get here. For many people, myself included, it seems easier to get wrapped up in negative emotions and thoughts than in the positive ones. I’ve had limited success in breaking away from that trap through the years, but I keep trying. Every day is a gift, and if every human could understand that fact, and respect it, maybe we would be a kinder and more advanced species than we are. If we could all just take a collective breath and really think….
Maybe someday.
Posted by jmmcdowell | February 25, 2013, 2:01 pmHi JM, so GOOD to see you here. I do the same. It’s much more difficult to stay positive, especially during difficult times, but it feels better and is so worth the effort, you know? It’s easy to feel bad, down, etc. — that requires very little effort. Of course, we have to feel sad when we feel sad — that’s okay, but sooner or later, we must remember just how precious this life is and the blessings we have. That’s what I TRY to do. Thanks so much, JM.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 5:06 pmBrigitte, what a beautiful and inspirational post. Much needed today, and probably any day of the week. It’s good to think about slowing down and acting with purpose. I always feel there’s too much to sift through, so much so, there’s less quality to my actions. It’s all about getting it done. The truth is that will never change. I don’t know who my favorite Looney character is…I like Jerry from “Tom and Jerry.” He thinks outside the box and never lets anything get him down. He’s Looney Tunes, right?
Posted by The Bumble Files | February 25, 2013, 2:13 pmHi Amy, thank you — what a nice thing to say. It’s hard to slow down, isn’t it? I find myself rushing around sometime and it really doesn’t save you any more time — sometimes, it takes more time than if we just take it one step at a time, know what I mean? I don’t think Jerry is looney tunes, but he’s cool anyway. Thanks, Amy.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 5:08 pmGreat analogy. Long live Pepe! He does have sweet intentions (just not such a sweet smell).
Posted by char | February 25, 2013, 2:53 pmThanks, Char. He is way cool. Penelope, over time, did fall for him, remember? I guess she became accustomed to his face, as well as his “aroma.” 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 5:09 pmI agree–I think our purposes change over our lives and depend a lot on what stage we happen to be in–young kids, older kids, no kids, etc. Hopefully we can get our wants and needs to line up with those purposes. Then we may reach contentment.
I think I have to go with Bugs Bunny. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | February 25, 2013, 5:14 pmHi Carrie, they do change, don’t they? As do our perceptions, desires and choices. I’m striving to be content no matter what! That, I think is a good intention in itself. Yes, I love me some Bugs too. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:47 pmDie-hard Daffy girl here! ( lol) Brigitte, another spot-on post. Thank you for helping me to see things in a different light. I will try to remember your advice in the weeks ahead as I work on my projects.
Posted by Jennifer's Journal | February 25, 2013, 6:59 pmHi Jennifer, I love Daffy too. Thank you for saying that — how nice and for stopping by.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:40 pmWhat I found is, you have to embrace your feelings — whatever they are — joy, pain, sadness — there’s no way/where to go but through. I love that line! This post is quite timely for me – thank you!
Posted by dianasschwenk | February 25, 2013, 7:29 pmHi D, I’m glad it was timely and hope that whatever feeling you are embracing ultimately brings you joy and even more wisdom. :). xo
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:44 pmHey Brig! Levity is sometimes the only thing that gets me through. Thank you for reminding me of Pepe Le Pew. Your observations about him and Penelope are spot-on. Like you and Penelope, I’m stopping the endless rushing around too. It’s far less exhausting and a lot more rewarding. Xoxo
Posted by The Waiting | February 25, 2013, 7:29 pmHi Em, I know exactly what you mean about the levity thing. We have to laugh — humor is very healing actually. Yes, that rushing around ends up acomplishing much less that you think, right?! Thanks, Em.
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:42 pmI’ve been feeling a little out of sorts lately myself and have been questioning this “purpose” and “intent” thing for a while too so this post comes at just the right time (which it always seems to!). Like you said, we go through a lot of cycles and once we step back and see where we’re at, it’s easier to accept that our downs are as inevitable as our ups. It all comes down to how we deal with them.
I always liked seeing the interaction between Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny. But in general, the Looney Tunes gang were just a good bunch of characters to watch. 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | February 25, 2013, 9:39 pmHi Lillian, I’m glad it came at the right time for you. You’re most definitely going through some cycles, eh my friend? Don’t you have a big move coming up? And you’re right, how we deal with all of life’s ups and downs makes all the difference. Daffy and Bugs — what a fine pair. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2013, 9:50 pmBrig,
Beautiful, inspiring post today. Yes, slowing down, setting intention, moving through feelings, being conscious and aware. It was nice to see the email in my inbox today for a Monday Musing from you. I saved it until I got home from work so I could read it at my leisure. So glad I did.
My favorite Looney tunes character used to be the Roadrunner – but I think that was because I ran around all day in a hurry – interesting. Now I’d say it’s Bugs, although he was always a close second. He’s confident, charismatic and observant.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | February 25, 2013, 11:21 pmHi Cathy, why thank you. I’m slowing down, obviously, because I’m just now getting around to answering your wonderful comment. I’m glad you took the time to read and it resonated with you. Ah, Roadrunner — he (she?) was so sweet but did rush around a lot and seriously who doesn’t love Bugs? There’s a little bit of Bugs in all of us, I think. That confident, charismatic and observant thing came later in life for me. ;). Thanks, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | February 26, 2013, 10:08 amI like the way you think. That’s all I have to say, because I was raised on Disney. Can we still be friends?
Posted by Katie | February 26, 2013, 4:24 amKatie, welcome! Of course we’re friends, Disney is/was brilliant as well. Thank you. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | February 26, 2013, 10:06 amWhew!
Posted by Katie | February 26, 2013, 10:36 amIt is so true about highs and lows in life and finding the right path. We are all on a journey and it is a good idea to stop once in a while and take pictures…
Posted by susielindau | February 26, 2013, 10:12 amHi Susie! I am ready for some highs now! But yes, the journey is interesting and I need to start snapping more pics. You definitely are a master of that! Your blog and pics are beautiful! Thank you, Susie.
Posted by Brigitte | February 26, 2013, 10:16 amNice musings. I liked what you said about turning off the voice that says, “I have to do this,” and instead being grateful that you *can* do this or that. (I’m thinking housecleaning here.)
I’m all about intention and mindfulness. I’m currently doing an ancient practice called the Prayer of Examen, where I review my whole day each evening, trying to recall everything I did, how I felt, what my motivations were, etc. Knowing I’ll be doing the review at night makes me a lot more mindful during the day. My blueberry pancakes are delicious, my cat’s fur is softer, the cardinal at the feeder is soooo scarlet! It’s very eye opening and has resulted in a lot of gratitude and humility.
Thanks!
Posted by melanielynngriffin | February 27, 2013, 9:14 pmMelanie, thank you and welcome. I would love to know more about this prayer you speak of — it sounds wonderful! Gratitude and humility — more of what we all should aspire to — thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | February 27, 2013, 9:37 pmHere is a link to an article about the Prayer of Examen – also called the Examen of Consciousness — or Rummaging for God! I’m not a Catholic, but I love some of the ancient traditions. This one is from the 1500s.
http://www.americancatholic.org/newsletters/cu/ac0303.asp
Posted by melanielynngriffin | February 27, 2013, 10:56 pmWhat I hear you say is that you are taking stock and re-evaluating priorities. That is a great intention and comes from enhanced awareness.
Shakti
Posted by Shakti Ghosal | February 28, 2013, 8:49 amHi Shaki and welcome! Yes, that’s it exactly and you’re right — it is a good thing. Thank you and hope you’ll visit again.
Posted by Brigitte | February 28, 2013, 9:47 amAs usual, there are too many awesome and true points in this post for me to comment on all of them. I’ll pick my favorites.
First of all, I agree wholeheartedly that the most trying times in our lives can be revealing.As I think you know, I look back on some of the most grueling events in my life as a sort of test (which I believe I passed). I’m not a fan of Scientology, but the Scientologists have a saying I’m pretty fond of: “The Way Out Is Through.”
I also like your re-thinking of the idea that you “have” to do something. Brigitte, you probably already know, that you don’t HAVE to do anything except breathe (try to stop doing that–it doesn’t work). There are consequences for not doing something, and those consequences are often dire (i.e., failing to pay your taxes), but it’s still a choice. You choose to pay your taxes because the consequences are a b*****. Knowing that we aren’t forced to do these things can make them easier, I think.
And lastly, I think levity is the best way to get through tough times. I remember at my mom’s funeral (and this might sound awful, but it wasn’t), as we were packing the dirt in her grave, my aunt said something like, “I’ve waited years to step on my big sister!” But it was said with love and their were tears in her eyes. We all had a laugh. That sounds really awful, but it wasn’t.
Posted by Smaktakula | March 2, 2013, 2:16 pmHey Smak, why thank you — glad you enjoyed. I don’t know why tests have to be so painful but I’m guessing its because you learn and remember. That is a cool saying but I agree with you on the Scientology thing. To each his/her own as long as no one gets hurt, right?
I do understand why your aunt tried to introduce some laughter – it’s a self preservation thing I think so we don’t totally go over the edge, something to make us aware I guess of how precious life is and how vital it is to love and live the best life we can.
Thanks, Smak.
Posted by Brigitte | March 2, 2013, 7:05 pm