bella grace magazine Archives - Keeping With The Times

Hello, and welcome to the Field Guide to Everyday Magic Blog Hop hosted by Bella Grace Magazine!

The hop consists of a group of about 15 writers who are willing to share their ideas, stories, and photography to help launch the new field guide (and I’m beyond thrilled and truly gob-smacked to be included!)

Inspired by its sister publication, Field Guide to Everyday Magic is filled entirely with the worksheet-style prompts, captivating photographs, and inspirational quotes that Bella Grace Magazine has come to be known for
~Bella Grace Magazine~

I hope my contribution today inspires you in some small way, and if my words resonate with you, please make sure to leave a comment to become eligible to win a copy* of this beautiful guide. PLEASE NOTE: CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

I Will Not be Afraid and What to Do in Case of Fear (My Story)

It was autumn, about two years ago, when I first started thinking about how easy it is to become afraid of anything and everything.

I remember the morning so clearly; I’d headed out on my usual walk along the secluded country road I call home, the unconfirmed report that a cougar had been spotted in the area running through my head.

It was clear, peaceful, and beautiful as ever.I stood quietly, listening to the rustle of leaves and peering into the shadows of our beautiful boreal forest. I scanned the tops of the trees (cougars are a cat, after all) but only saw a friendly raven. It croaked a quick “hello” and flew off.

I pushed the thought of the cougar to the back of my mind until I rounded the bend where I could no longer see our house.

I stopped. A flicker of unease ran through me.

The road ahead was deserted but that cougar was definitely prowling around (if only in my head) and I couldn’t control my fearful thoughts: cougars stalk their prey … you never see them coming … they can run at speeds of 60-80 km/hr …

I suddenly wanted to turn around and go back, so I knew I had a decision to make. Was I going to turn back to the safety of my home and become a prisoner of my fears? or was I going to continue on my walk and remain free? After a few minutes of inner struggle, a small voice whispered “I will not be afraid.”

Was it possible there could be a cougar lurking in the area? Yes of course. Was it likely? Not really. I’d heard of cougar attacks on humans and the thought is horrific. (Note: after a bit of research I found there has been only one fatal attack in Alberta since 2000 and it was in the mountains.) I do not want to trivialize that terrible statistic, but how likely was it that it would happen to me, on this day, in this place? Not likely.

I went ahead and finished my walk that day, even taking a shortcut through the trees where a beautiful path winds its way to the lake. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel a tiny bit apprehensive (I did), but my bigger fear became how my world would shrink if I gave in!

Don’t let your fears distort your thoughts to the point they paralyze you …As I stood taking in the gorgeousness, I thought about other things that have scared me throughout life: plane crashes, illness, bear attacks, people attacks …

Our biggest fears are related to things that are difficult to predict (and I might add, control)
~Philosopher and Psychiatrist Damiaan Denys~

Later I decided to purchase bear spray and bear bells and I now carry them in a small backpack whenever I walk. It’s a small bit of reassurance and gives me a sense of having control … especially over my fears.

Does this mean I am never afraid? Of course not. Not ever being afraid is not possible. Our brains are hardwired to see threats everywhere, but I take steps to minimize wild imaginings, and move ahead despite the fear.

What to do in case of fear:

sit down with a cup of tea and write down your fears
analyze (what are the chances?)
prepare (carry bear spray)
trust (all will be well)
have faith (faith makes you feel strong)
stay quietly strong and repeat “I will not be afraid”
move forward

What are some of your fears, and how do you deal with them? I’d love to hear!

Simply leave a comment on this blog post by Thursday, August 31/2017 to become eligible to win one free copy of Field Guide to Everyday Magic.

*Please note: contest is open to U.S. residents. International participants are eligible to receive a free digital edition of Bella Grace. But wait! I also have a secret surprise of my own to send to a runner-up no matter where you live, and I know you’ll love it ;)

I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened
~Mark Twain~

Many thanks to Bella Grace Magazine for including me in this blog hop and for generously providing me with a copy of the guide for the contest.

Good luck everyone!

*DISCLAIMER:

This is simply a personal account. Do not attempt an activity of any kind based on this blog post. Exercise caution in all activities and do so at your own risk. Keeping With the Times does not accept responsibility for anything related to this story.

COMMENTS CLOSED! WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4th!

Incredibly, I recently had the privilege of being published in Bella Grace Magazine, Issue 6 and I could not be more astonished or proud.

I became aware of this publication when Issue 2 hit the stands … I was in Barnes and Noble, and as I flipped through the pages, I slowly moved toward the nearest bench and sat down. My heart was pounding a bit … and when that happens to me, I pay attention.

The photos were so real … perfectly imperfect, and beautiful, and intriguing. The magazine itself felt like a coffee table book with beautiful, thick paper (I believe I thumbed along the edges and smelled it, and maybe even said “oh wow” out loud.)

As I skimmed a few articles, I realized I was reading pull-quotes and storylines that were highlighted or printed in different fonts and sizes … it was pure magic. I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving this treasure behind, and as I tucked it under my arm and made my way to the cashier, I know I was smiling.

So when I was contacted and asked if I would like to have some of my Instagram images appear in their Instagram Spotlight feature, I nearly fell off my chair! I was flabbergasted and excited. I didn’t waste any time getting the required images and text to them … I think it was within hours … ;)

Here are a few of the images I submitted:

Today I am thrilled that Stampington & Company has generously offered to supply one copy of Bella Grace Magazine for a giveaway** on my blog!

All you need do is leave a comment saying that you’d love to have this magazine! That’s it! That’s all!

But if you’d like a little prompt from me, write a comment describing what fills you up and feeds your creative soul. Is it an afternoon spent sipping tea and reading? or a walk? or maybe it’s shopping … sure why not? but maybe for the antiques and treasures kind of shopping … so please share … what feeds your creative soul?

**Contest is open to U.S. residents only**
* Draw to be made December 16 at 1:00pm MST*

With deepest gratitude to Stampington & Company and Bella Grace …

Comments closed … winner announced December 17th!