Daring Greatly- Brene’ Brown

When we stop caring about what people think, we lose capacity for connection. When we become defined by what people think, we lose our willingness to be vulnerable. If we dismiss all criticism, we lose out on important feedback, but if we subject ourselves to the hatefulness, our spirits get crushed. It’s a tightrope, shame resilience is the balance act,  and the safety net is the one or two people in our lives who can help us reality-check the criticism and cynicism.

The quote above has touched my heart, mind and body. I picked up “Daring Greatly” by Brene’ Brown after three weeks of not reading any non-fiction and the book opened to page 169. The words have made a difference!

The solitude in the desert gives me time and space to hear my thoughts, ideas, beliefs, dysfunctions, wishes, wants, and needs. I give gratitude for the people, situations and experiences where being uncomfortable shines new paths, creates new ways to change and allows me to release, allow and find my own life journey.

Big SHOUT out to the people who are my safety net- those sweet humans who see me as a wholehearted person who is NOT perfect, who understand my tone, my body language, my volume, my words used because I am a passionate & overly caring human! I am trying to speak my truth while learning what my truth looks like.

Here I am in the desert near Blythe, CAlifornia. My plan is to stay in the area for several reasons:

Covid- CAlifornia and Arizona are spiking so MY plan is to stay out in the desert. I have food for 2-3 weeks. Propane for 2-3 weeks, access to water and a friend with a dog. Daily walks, shared brunches, reading, writing, cooking, eating, meditating, and enjoying life is the plan. My safety is important! I reevaluate my situation each day.

A rain event is happening as I type. Rain in the desert can be dangerous if one is not careful. Avoid Washes/ arroyos! Stay on higher ground. Don’t drive into sand. I am camping on a high flat area! Be prepared for generators running constantly and solar systems not producing power.

The Quartzsite area is very crowded during the MLK long holiday weekend brings people to the Big RV tent sale, an ATV race and many gatherings of nomads, campers, adventurers, 4 wheelers, etc. a Mecca for outdoor fun! Staying away from the crowds has been my goal.

While I am content – my hair is not! Hoodie hair is a reality!
I ordered an electric hair trimmer which should arrive later this week. I can’t wait! Really could not wait. I cut all the hairs that flipped inappropriately!

Yesterday I found the scissors again and cut more hair off. The scissors are dull. I have NO idea what I am doing. The right side is more difficult for me so I am a bit unbalanced.

Just wanted to share the my journey of the shorter hair.

Currently, in the Big Maria Mountains outside of Blythe,CA hanging with a fellow boondocker, Michele and her I year old Shih tzu- Tessa.

I am enjoying 2021! Currently hanging near the Colorado River in CAlifornia. Just chilling before heading further south.
Last night, I did a bad thing – I left a bag of trash outside my van. I WAS planning on walking ? the bag 200 feet to the trash bins but my comfy bed won.
Around midnight I heard the plastic bag and assumed I had rodents! A much better surprise- when I switched on the porch light I discovered the cutest Kit Fox dragging the bag of trash across the desert floor.

The Fox was small enough I wasn’t afraid and he wasn’t afraid of me either. As I gathered my bag of trash he stayed within 6-8 feet of me- moving near the front of the van near the holiday lights under my engine which are suppose to repel rodents from getting into the engine and chewing wires.

5-6 pounds is so small!

Before this trip I had a motion detector porch light installed. I had been wondering if animals would trigger the light. The light was NOT triggered by my small visitor.

Jamie Sams Medicine cards says FOX medicine is camouflage. I am thinking this is my 2021 energy!