DAY 9/25 Merry Making

Our imagination is a powerful tool and as children we used it often. Take some time and reacquaint yourself with the simple act of playing pretend. Imagine that you have unlimited resources, what would you be doing right now?

Children say, “Let’s play pretend.”

Adults say, “Let’s manifest.”

Printable

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DAY 5/25 of Merry Making

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Nature is…

Beautiful,

Breathtaking,

Unbelievable,

Spectacular,

Inspirational

and more adjectives then I care to type but you get the point.

It has so much to offer.

Besides the air we breathe, or landscape we daydream about Nature is full of secrets. I’m going to share three that I’ve observed over time.

Side note, remember to visit the Instagram page for daily motivational post.

TOP 3 BEAUTY SECRETS

  1. Never Compare - You’ll never notice a tree envious of another.

  2. Adjust To Seasons - Everything in the natural world changes.

  3. Stand In Your Truth - Self awareness is the most powerful sense any human can poses.

I wanted to get right into the heart of this blogpost because you deserve to know the truth. Now that I’ve shared these they are no longer secrets. It’s up to you in to incorporate them into your life. And if you need help checkout our mastermind.

“25 Day’s Of Merrymaking”

Task 5

25 Day Printable

Every time you complete one of the twenty-five task you can put a sticker on that day. Keep in mind that this is intended to be fun and full of small wins. This PDF is available for a limited time.

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Day 4/25 Merry Making Challenge

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What are you listening to?

Our subconscious never sleeps so be intentional about what you’re listening to, this includes conversations.

As I write this I can hear the conversations around me, unintentionally, it’s important for me to protect my hearing.

That might sound funny but the physical and digital world around us breathes negativity so guard your ears.

Be intentional

about everything in your environment. Surround yourself with love and joy as much as possible.

For a limited time

This printable is available and there’s still time to download your copy.

See what other’s are sharing, we post it in our stories on Instagram.

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Day 3/25 Merry Making Challenge

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The question is…

How do YOU define joy?

What does it feel like to you?

We all want JOY but do we know what it looks like?

I think joy is a unique experience just like our DNA. Imagine sitting at a table with 100 people and they’re all asked to define joy.

You would end up with 100 different answers.

Ready for the task?

Below is the merrymaking task for day three and four. Remember to print the tree-tracker and follow along.

 

For a limited time

This printable is available to all of our fellow Mermaids check the community page. If you’re not a member click on the link above. This is for a limited time. We like to add new content to our community page.

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25 Days Of Merry Making 2021

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Making Merry

Might be the last thing on your mind when racing around but we’re hoping to ease your mind.

We’ll Be Sharing…

A combination of prompts or activities for you to do.

Maybe a self-care activity or words of inspiration.

The Goal Is

To visit the blog over the next 25 days until Christmas and see what’s in store. Or follow on Instagram for updates.

Scroll Below

To print your Christmas calendar.

Now you know we couldn’t make a Christmas blogpost without including a fun printable. If you’re a Mermaid check your inbox or visit our community page. If you’re not a Mermaid good news! I’ve included a link below and you can print/use then post your updates using #walk_inn_beauty because sharing is caring.

Day 1

Comment when you complete the task and visit our Instagram.

Day 2

Comment when you complete the task and visit our Instagram.

How Culture Saves

Our Salvation

Actually comes from

Our Ancestors…

Woven into the fabric of each and every Indigenous Culture are the coping mechanisms and life giving advice. But what happened?

Why are we so stressed?

Why are we so busy but never productive?

Why are we struggling emotionally?

How did they manage stress?

I think the answer is found in their creativity. They did more with their hands and everything had a purpose.

“Indigenous Culture saves because it’s a collection of coping skills from our ancestors. A variety of songs, dances, crafts and prayers to help us live a good life.”
— Ho'omālamalama

Art Saves

Actually Culture Saves

There’s a book called “Art Saves” by Jenny Doh and every artist mentioned shared how art literally saved their lives. It helped them to make sense in a senseless world but I would like to push the narrative a little bit further. I believe “Culture Saves” because it’s a collection of coping skills from our ancestors. We are left with intangible gifts such as uplifting songs, stories that motivate and an artist’s interpretation of the world. These are priceless artifacts that are passed down through each generation.

What if you don’t know how to sing, tell a story or create art?

Boarding schools, yes we had them in Hawaii, made sure that these practices would cease and they almost succeeded had it not been for pockets of ‘Ohana who continued traditional teachings despite the oppression. Then there’s the TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson that asked, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” Which was eye opening for parents everywhere with over 20-70million views on different platforms.

We need to revive our cultural teachings.

 
 


How do we revive our culture?

Giving our ‘Ohana a safe space to discover and develop is a good place to start. Speaking kind words and refraining from negative opinions and hurtful criticisms. Listening to the music of our ancestors and immersing ourselves in the legends and folk art of our people.

Although it’s nice to be part of the melting pot of the USA but we don’t have to loose our flavor in the process.

One day,

I was huckleberry picking and came across this amazing plant. It was so vivid against the ferns, berry bushes and evergreens.

I took a picture and showed it to a Nisqually Elder, Joyce McCloud, and she said that it looked like Indian Paintbrush. My mind reflected on a childhood story I read by the late Tomie dePaola, one of my favorite storytellers.

He wrote, “The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush” and here I was 30years later looking at the very plant.

That story influenced me and I was mesmerized by Native American Culture. It taught me to be grateful for who I am and that great things will come from small beginnings. I wanted to learn more about them as a race than I red their history and was heartbroken. I was 13 at the time.

The Significance of Culture

So many Indigenous Peoples face

layers of discrimination, genocide and eraser-culture due to colonization. Yet we all know the importance of Native heritage and knowledge. In fact every yogi who practices yoga are using someones else’s culture, one that was on the brink of destruction by the British. Let’s not forget the individuals performing Ho’oponopono ceremonies without regard or homage to the Hawaiian people. Then there’s the mass produced Dreamcatchers so far removed from its place of origin and made to sell in China.

Why are we taking?

We realize that these Indigenous Cultures offer us peace, healing and restoration. What we need to do is look within ourselves and see what our own ancestry will provide.

When is it okay?

When you’re invited to participate in someone else’s cultural practice, is a good place to start. For example I live in the Pacific Northwest and only participate in Canoe Journey, Pow Wow and Coastal Jams when invited. Luckily, being a cultural practitioner myself these invitations are always opened to my ‘Ohana and I.

Example

When I teach hula

I will open with the very same oli (chant) that was taught to me from my Kumu, teacher. Therefore I am perpetuating the Mana, spiritual power, of this oli. Then one day someone attended my workshop and decided to use my teachings as her own knowledge when speaking to a group. Instead of asking me if it was appropriate.

Unfortunately we are use to this type of cultural misappropriation. However our art from and culture belong to us.

Let me explain

If you painted an original art piece and I bought it I only own what I purchased. You, as the artist, owns the image. Therefore I can not reproduce it or print it on greeting cards.

In essence

She paid to attend but does not have the right or permission to re-teach. So many people what to borrow without paying the price. I paid the price, through time, sweat, money , tears, more time and tears to learn. Traditional knowledge is traded in time and servitude.

On a happy note

I am surrounded by awesome friends one of whom heard my teachings and asked if it was appropriate to share this knowledge to her peers. I appreciated her honesty and sincerity. She’s also a cultural person and knew to ask.

For the Youth

We started a summer/fall program called Cultural Arts Reimagined and partnered with Nisqually Culture, Nisqually HUD and Nisqually Emergency Management to provide an immersion program. I’ll post one of the tutorials we did for our online learners.

If you would like to learn more join our Newsletter.

 

Thoughts to GROW by.

I appreciate thought provoking info-graphics

Especially when they help me deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Here are a few of my favorites and a couple that I made up.

These are fun to share on Instagram and please tag me when you do. @hoomalamalama

 
 

“Grow where you are planted.”

I actually don’t know who created this saying but I appreciate that person.

 
 

I’ve heard this saying all my life but I added an after thought.

Just because you’re in a season you don’t have to like it. Just hold on and stay positive.

 
 

Another tried and tested saying.

Even when things aren't going so well I’ll read, watch or listen to a self-improvement lesson. Anything that will take my mind off my problems and allow me to expand my ideas.

 
 

I have to admit that the phrase, “Do it afraid” scares me but I know that it’s extremely beneficial.

When you're facing tough times take a deep breath and connect with the source of your strength. Fo me it’s my ‘Ohana. What is it for you?

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How to Level Up by Letting Go

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We hear people talking about leveling up their life, lifestyle or life’s work but what about letting go to level-up? We often associate letting go with emotional stress or struggles but is there more to it? How can letting go influence or effect our finances, future opportunities or decision making abilities?

The sad truth is this… holding on to certain things can effect your ability to level up.

The reason hides behind one word, REGRET!

Often we hold on to something because we feel regret. Unfortunately regret can last a lifetime and embed itself into our mind, body and soul. If not addressed it will seep in and destroy all forms of love, self-appreciation and creativity. It’s a dark disease of the soul who opens the door to doubt and ungratefulness.

Regret: To feel sad or disappointed over something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity. [online dictionary]

I heard this analogy; The windshield on your car is big for a reason, to show you where you're going. However, the rearview window is tiny in comparison and gives you the opportunity to refer to what’s behind but only for a brief moment.

A person who lives in regret will always bring up the past, talk about unfinished projects that are no longer relevant and have trouble pivoting. I can relate because this was me for many years after my grandmother died. Then I realized she was all about her ‘Ohana, community and her bible. As long as I was loving my children (she loved children), building community and reading my bible I was making her proud. I didn’t have to move or build a monument to her name, I just had to love.

There’s hope!

Letting go is the practice of releasing to clear the clutter (it can be physical, spiritual or emotional) and make space for the things you desire. Basically to fulfill you purpose and LEVEL UP. I’m not going to cover how to let go because I wrote about it in previous post which I’ll link here on the blogpost.

I’m going to hope and assume that you’ve already let go and are ready to level up in your life, relationships and sharing your gift with the world.

How to Level Up

Make a List

List are helpful strategies to release the pressure from our brain. We often hold a lot in our thoughts but it won’t get done if you're not physically aware.

Writing stuff out makes us physically aware of what’s mentally happening.

 

Make Time

It’s not enough to have a level-up list of things you want to complete. If you’re not making time you will never achieve anything of value or worth.

Once you chose a place in your schedule to work on your level-up skills or plan then commit to a block of time.

It’s important that you're staunch about the time you set aside. If you don’t believe me then look in history, every person who made a significant contribution to society made time to make-it-happen.

 

Make Your Bed

This is the mother in me but I’m not alone in this. There were studies completed that proved the psychology of positive daily habits and how it boost ones potential. They noticed that people who got up and made their bed often achieved more in life.

A simple gesture creates the natural tendency to level up.

 

Make Yourself

Again this is the mom in me but take the time to make yourself pleasant and reflect the beauty within. Essentially I’m referring to our work-life during quarantine and how we got comfortable with complacency. Our whole culture shifted and it was okay to live in pajamas 24/7 because everyone else was.

Remember the goal is to level-up your life not anyone else’s.

I initially struggled getting all-dressed-up for my living room but it eventually paid off. I took my work more seriously because I was dressed for success.

 

Make It Happen

No one’s going to level-up for you but with consistency you’ll get there. The probability of you trying once and failing is 99.9% but if you tried 100times you will succeed at least once. And those odds aren’t terrible because it takes one moment to be wildly successful in health and wealth but you you have to be consistent.

When you show up for your dreams, goals and visions it will show-out for you.

Join our Tribe

We started a GOOD VIBES ONLY Tribe and community. To connect join using the link below because together we can bring more light into this world.

Stay Inspired

Rev. Elizabeth Kapua (Kamai) Mahaulu and Ho’omālamalama (me)

Bonus

Having a planning system is key and it will change your life.

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The confusion behind MOTIVATION

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As a holistic lifestyle & fitness coach or HLFC I try to keep our members motivated. My brain would be filled with ideas, events and challenges to motivate the ladies in our group. I started simple with, “Hey come join” which turned into a whole production.

  • Monthly Challenges

  • Giveaways & Prizes

  • Swag Bags & Gifts

  • Group Coaching

  • 1:1 Coaching

  • Text Reminders

  • DM Reminders

  • Posting Reminders

I started to wonder, “Why are so many excited in the beginning but dwindle down in the end?” Am I not motivating them enough?

Then I remembered something about myself, I needed to drink more water but wasn’t motivated. So I bought a fancy water jug, got a water-drinking app and an accountability partner but none of that worked. I knew I had to do it but didn’t have the motivation. Until… I started working out regularly. I was so thirsty during and after my fitness session that I started to CRAVE water.

What’s even more interesting is the definition of MOTIVATION: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. Needless to say but that definition gave me a real “Aha” moment.

“The REASON we do anything is the reason we’ll do a-thing.”
— Ho'omalamalama

The REASON is your WHY!

If you’re not following through with something it might be because you don’t have a strong WHY. Our WHY anchors us to the reason we work, build, create, love, etc.

MOTIVATION: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

What is your reason, what is your why???

I’m driven to understand the psychology behind our WHY and wrote several blogpost on the subject. What’s funny is that I assume that I’ve exhausted the WHY topic but am able to dig up something new.

How strong is your WHY - here

Why self-care and selfish should go together. - here

Will your WHY stand the test of time? - here [Same as the 1st]

Interactive Learning

Below are the five mind-shift steps you can do to find your WHY and switch from survive to thrive. Click on the podcast link to dive deeper as I explain each step in detail. It might not make any sense at the moment but trust me, the podcast explains it all. Enjoy the journey!

 
 
 

Have you red the recent blogpost? It’s dedicated to the MMIW movement and how you can become an ally. Learn more here.

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Becoming an #MMIW ally

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Understanding the movement.

What’s an ally?

Defined as an alliance to unite or form a connection or relation between. To ASSOCIATE with another as a helper : a person or group that provides assistance, support in an ongoing effort or struggle. [Online Webster]

What is MMIW?

Missing Murdered Indigenous Women. I’ve added links for you to dive deeper and learn more.

Native Hope, learn more here, a mural in Tacoma, Washington visit here, cities with the highest count view here and a Wiki version.

How to become an effective ally.

Empathy is a key factor in joining any movement or struggle. You have to literally feel the aches and pains or have personal experience. Once you understand the foundation and the WHY, you’ll be an effective ally.

“Here is the path, young and old, to the daughters of the four seasons find your place among the mountains.”
— Ho'omalamalama

Something to Share

I wanted to bring an awareness to my native students back in 2021 while inspiring them to be excellent. I didn’t want them to fell overwhelmed by what they couldn’t control.

Many of the families in my local Native community have experienced the loss of a loved one who's gone missing and I was aware of its effects on the children in our school.

  • How do I educate without crossing traumatic experiences?

  • How do I uplift and give hope to a difficult subject?

That’s when the word REVERENCE came to my mind. I needed to teach them the power of reverence and how it can compel us to move forward.

In a flow of conscious writing I penned a literary piece and entitled it, “In Reverence.” Then I brought it to the teaching staff in the Elementary and together we created a special event for the students.

The Mom’s from our FACE program sewed matching ribbon skirts. I designed two images to be placed on t-shirts and our principal made MMIW mask for all the adults.

During our morning Circle (gathering) all of the women gathered together and then faced the students as we red the poem. Next to me stood my Native Sister, Patricia Ortiz and the tears flowed. We wanted to reach out and let the students know that we can get through this together.

 
 

Later on in the day I was at Nisqually’s Longhouse during culture night and read the piece to them. Joyce McCloud, respected elder, gathered everyone to listen and in our circle we connected.

As an ally I am responsible to maintain the integrity of this movement and be a catalyst for positive change.

Looking back I’m grateful to have this shared experience with both Puyallup and Nisqually Tribes. Today I hope to continue educating the next generation and creating educational pieces to help them thrive.

As allies we allow our hearts to break, to feel the sorrow and then provide healing and resources.

Something to Know

Our intention and the WHY behind everything we do matters. I wanted to point out some key factors to consider.

Movements such as MMIW have deep roots and aren’t merely for likes on social channels. Respect the WHY.

Often well-meaning individuals want to add their own spin to the movement in an attempt to be inclusive. Refer to #1

 

Some social accounts are built off of trending topics. Make sure to find the source or at best link it to a Native account.

The simple act of wearing RED will bring awareness to the movement. You can also support Native artist who create MMIW designs. Refer to #3

Teach your daughters and sons to be watchful. The idea behind MMIW wasn't to exclude other races or genders but as a place of reference.

Something for MMIW

The first time I heard this song it was being sung at Chief LESCHI School then I listened to West Shore Canoe Family and couldn’t stop crying. Many songs, poems have been written and I am sharing one of many.

Westshore Canoe Family, Lummi WA. Song composed by Antone George. Video posted by YouTuber JTCLARK91 from Canada.

Our prayers go out to the missing & murdered indigenous women. We love and miss you. This video features the West Shore Canoe Family. Song composed by Antone George. Video produced by Children of the Setting Sun. Music arranged and recorded by Mark Nichols.

Since 2020, pandemic, I’ve partnered with SPIPA of Squaxin Island to develop and create an online holistic-fitness program for women. It is important that we take care of our mind, body and soul.

It's all about the TIMING

 
 

Have you ever planned a special event just to watch everything go wrong. Perhaps you had a clear idea about your future and then you entered the twilight zone. All of your plans fell apart.

Here’s the kicker, what if this scenario happened over and over again. What are you suppose to do? Is it the timing?

Hopefully you’ll find your answers as we go through this blogpost, so grab a cuppa tea and let’s uncover.

“Time is relevant because we chose to believe in it. It was once a creation which became the creator because we endowed it with power. Be careful what you believe in.”
— Ho'omalamalama
 

Do a self check

When you feel like your timing is off and nothing is working, pause.

We’re so used to rushing from one thing to another and have become clueless to hints, signs and gestures of warnings.

Your intuition can not benefit you if you’re not paying attention. Often that gut feeling is trying to tell you something, perhaps an unexplainable pitfall awaits.

Maybe the timing isn’t aligned with your core values.

 

Stop, Slow & Go

Decide if the obstacles are there to warn you, help you reconsider some of your details or increase your drive.

Sometimes hindrances have a purpose and that’s when you have to determine its meaning. Are you suppose to stop, slow down or go and keep moving forward? Maybe its time to uncover.

 

Plan your next move

Do you need to adjust your plan or create a new one?

If it’s not time to stop then you have to figure out how you will proceed. Slow down and figure out another strategy or create a plan-B,C,D, whatever it takes to get back into your flow and perfect your timing. Or consider the final option and GO!!! This is when you’re completely aligned, well prepared and determined. You know that it’s not about the timing, it’s all about your tenacity and perseverance. Maybe you should do it afraid.

“Have fun in the journey and if the timing’s off take it as a sign to stop and smell the roses.”
— Ho'omalamalama

Only you can figure out the right timing for your relationships, projects, business endeavors and so forth. Remember to align yourself with support, like-minded thinkers and healthy habits.

  • Resist the urge to loose yourself in the hectic details of situations that are out of your control.

  • Hold on to your core beliefs and make it your foundation.

  • Maintain your character, be steadfast and take care of your mind, body and soul.

Join our tribe

Get the Habit-Tracker

  • Change a negative habit.

  • Create beneficial habits.

  • Know thyself.