What is happening now…

by Connie Allen on December 8, 2011

I have wanted to write to you for a while now to let you know what I’m up to, what’s happening with me since I last wrote to you.

At the end of June, when I returned from my solo journey in the Balkans, I realized a huge shift had happened within me. The person who left was not the person who returned. I needed time and space to sort things out for myself. All I wanted to do was stop everything I was doing and focus on finding my deeper truth.

In the Balkans, I experienced how valuable freedom, joy, exploration, and discovery are to me, how much I need variety and spontaneity in my life. I also longed to stop pushing and ‘shoulding’ myself. This is what I’ve been exploring for the last several months.

Another thing I discovered on my journey is how much joy I can experience in really simple things…sitting on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice and partaking of the unique sights, sounds and smells around me. Hiking around Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, surrounded by luscious turquoise waters. Delighting in the stunning Alpine scenery from my balcony in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia. Savoring the brilliant colors in the harbor of small village of Cres, Croatia.

In those moments, I experienced such deep, abiding joy and contentment within me and a certain knowing I had everything I needed in that moment.

Since my time in the Balkans, I’ve been hanging out, doing what I feel called to do as much as I can in each moment. I’ve found deeper joy and connection with my family, more inner peace – a LOT more inner peace – and way more relaxed! I’ve stepped out of ‘achiever mode’ and am exploring ‘being.’

Plus, in October, Doug and I spent two glorious weeks in Brazil where we made like the locals – chilled and enjoyed the simple pleasures of the moment…delicious fresh fruit, watching the waves, sleeping in.

And, in the midst of all this, in the background of my mind, I’ve wondered if I would ever do anything again. What if I ran out of things to do? What if I couldn’t find what I was seeking? What if I couldn’t find anything I wanted to do? What about all these ideas about children and relationships that I kept feeling the urge to share?

I’ve done my best to trust myself and my process in all of this, to give myself time. I can feel the tide begin to turn inside me. Something new and joyous is coalescing inside of me…the possibility of new ways to share the ideas about raising children and partnering that have been so valuable in my life and those I have guided.

I sit here now, knowing change is in the wind, as I explore new possibilities for adventure in the world and in sharing the information I feel such passion to share. As I get clearer, I will let you know more.

As always, I would love to hear from you, how you are doing, your joys as well as your challenges and questions about bringing out the best in yourself, your child, and your partner. Our families are our richest and most profoundly important treasure of our lives. What do you want to enjoy more with your family?

I wish you and the family you cherish a most joyous, fulfilling, and loving of holidays!

Here is a link to the recording of a radio interview I did last year about “Reducing Stress with Your Family during the Holidays.’ I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/womensjournaltalkradio/2010/12/16/survive-holiday-family-stress-with-joy

I look forward to hearing from you and connecting with you again soon.

Happy Trails!

To your Joyous Family!

Connie

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My Adventures in Slovenia!!

by Connie Allen on June 16, 2011

On Tuesday morning I left Rovinj in Croatia and made my way to Divaca, a much smaller village than I expected in Slovenia. I came here wanting to see two things – the Lippizan Stud Farm where the breed began about 600 years ago and Skocgian Cave.

My guidebook said there were taxis to take me to the horse farm, although I quickly discovered there are no taxis in Divaca! Things suddenly became more difficult, and I felt certain there had to be a way to make this happen. I spoke with the desk clerk where I’m staying, and she quickly arranged to have their cook give me a ride there on her way home.

This fun amazing woman came out, locked arms with me and led me to her car as if we were old friends. She speaks almost no English and yet we still managed to have a fun interaction together.

Then the afternoon clerk at Gostilna Malcovec – Sebastian – picked me up at the horse farm took me back and on the way offered to  drop me off at the cave for the last tour of the day. Didn’t want a penny and his English is brilliant. He kept telling me it was no problem. I was touched by everyone’s generosity!

I loved seeing the gorgeous, beautifully-trained horses and seeing them perform. They brought tears to my eyes.

The cave – way over the top of any cave I’ve ever been in!! It’s a living cave with a deep river roaring through the lower levels. I was blown away by it’s massive caverns and overall size. I didn’t want to leave and kept wishing my family could see it. It is definitely worth going out of the way to see. I have a couple of photos from the brochure and it’s so huge a photo cannot do it justice, only hint at what is there. One of the big highlights of my trip so far. That and the amazing staff at the hotel. I couldn’t believe their generosity and joy in serving.

Tomorrow at 10am I take a train – supposedly the most beautiful route in all Slovenia, up into the Julian Alps at Lake Bohinj. Another home-stay for 25 Euros.

Delicious, inexpensive dinner of authentic Slovenian food. Dessert was excellent! Gibenice – I am going to look for a recipe online. Healthy ingredients and not very sweet.

Wednesday – I had a fun train ride to Lake Bohinj here in the mountains. Spent much of the time talking with a young Slovenian woman who wants to teach kindergarten and travel…we have lots in common.

My home stay that I intuitively chose online is perfect! My room has a balcony with a gorgeous view of the mountains and everything is beautiful and set up for my comfort. I have so loved staying in people’s homes this trip. There are so many available here in the Balkans.

Ribcev Laz – where I am – is a quiet village with everything I need including free internet at the tourist office. Another version of paradise for me!

Having a FANTASTIC time! Time to go enjoy my beautiful room.

Happy trails!

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My Adventure Continues…Plitvice National Park and Cres Island

June 13, 2011

Last Thursday – I walked at Plitvice Lakes National Park for about 6 hours. It is a huge, beautiful, not-to-be-missed series or lakes, waterfalls, and water literally rushing everywhere in Croatia. It was glorious and so nice to have some quality water time, being a Pisces. It was everywhere and it was that gorgeous turquoise [...]

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A Day in the Life of an Independent Solo Traveling Woman

June 10, 2011

Everything went well today, even though it had a couple of interesting moments. BTW,  I sprained my foot a few days ago and you would never know it now. It feels perfect…100% Hard to leave my new friends – hotel staff – in Sarajevo. They were sad to see me go. They took such great [...]

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I’ve Loved Sarajevo, Bosnia!!

June 6, 2011

I have spent the last 4 days here in Sarajevo, a city of contrasts, with a history steeped in WWI, Yugoslavia and Tito, the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the Serbian siege in the early 90′s. The weather here has been quite pleasant and this is supposed to be the coolest, wettest destination on my trip. [...]

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Greetings from Dubrovnik, Croatia!

June 1, 2011

Great day today! Excellent night’s sleep…I passed out after staying up after my overnight flight. I feel rested today although my body gets tired fairly quickly walking all the hills around here. Dubrovnik is pretty touristy so it detracts somewhat from my really seeing it – lots of people eating delicious Croatian ice cream, stores [...]

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