"...good writing is about telling the truth." ~Anne Lamott

Bloggers are talking about this. About writing their truths, getting raw, speaking from the heart.

But they're scared. Afraid to be "found out." Afraid of baring the soul.

I mean, as bloggers, especially one's who write about positive things and self-development, we're supposed to have it all together, right? We're supposed to live what we write about, otherwise, we're just telling other people how to live a life we know nothing about. We're liars.

That's what we're afraid of at least. 

But remember this...we're also human.

That means we don't always have it together. Some days are crap. Some days we're really moody and speak badly of ourselves and eat lots of junk food. Sometimes we just don't live what we write about and that's okay.

I don't know why, but it's easy for me to write in the raw. I've always been able to expose my scars, my flesh and bones to the world. I have no problem writing about the dark stuff, sad things, pieces of my life that drip of fear and pain. Or even just about the days I don't really believe a word I'm saying.

I thought this was relatively easy for everyone, but I've been reading a lot of blog posts from people who were afraid to push "publish" on that very raw piece of writing. They were afraid to show the imperfect parts.

But when they did it, and I've found this to be true for me as well, people responded. People resonated. People really like to read about other's truths.

Sometimes people don't want to read another blog post about rainbows and laughter and how everything is peachy keen. Sometimes they just want to read a good sad story and they want to see that the person on the other side of the screen is human just like them.

So don't be afraid to uncover the flaws, the failings, the not-so-happy moments. Because ultimately, all of those things have led to breakthroughs, happiness, wisdom. Those moments made you who you are. Own them.

Get naked. Let the words flow. Even if they're not happy ones. We want to read them because they're true.

Happy spring equinox! Let's stretch our limbs, wipe the sleep from our eyes, and celebrate making it through another winter. Here are some ideas...

1. Spring Clean
Of course this tops the list of things to do. It feels so good to freshen up, declutter, and get things organized. Pull out unworn clothes and shoes from the closet, get rid of old beauty products and broken jewelry, clean out the fridge. And don't forget your social networks! Have Facebook and Twitter "friends" you don't keep up with? Delete!

2. Air Out the House
Feeling sleepy and sluggish when you're at home? It could be due to carbon buildup. Get the air recirculating by opening all the windows. You'll have more energy in no time.

3. Get Some Sun
In moderate amounts the sun can be a good thing. You'll get a dose of Vitamin D, which is good for bone health. And there's no doubt a little sunshine can brighten your mood. It's especially important when you're stuck inside for most of the day. Get out on your lunch break and soak in some rays.

4. Grow Something
Sweet peas, roses, lavender, rosemary...I especially love this growing wishes seed kit.

5. Add Some Color
All too often winter becomes the season of black and gray. Introduce color back into your wardrobe, accessories, or even your manicure. 

6. Visit a Farmer's Market
There's nothing like knowing where your food comes from. Look into your local farmer's markets and pick up some spring veggies and fruits. Look for strawberries, cherries, radishes, and asparagus. 

7. Cook a Seasonal Meal
Now use all that fresh produce to cook up a healthy meal. Oprah has a nice list of what's in season and recipes to try.

8. Host a Spring Tea Party
This can be as simple or extravagant as you'd like it to be. Go simple and serve tea and a few sweets or go all out and have guests dress in frilly hats and lacy dresses.  

9. Turn Up Bob Marley & Dance
'nuff said

10. Get a Hair Cut
Have a winter mane? Looking for a change? Browse magazines and the internet for interesting hair styles, colors, and cuts. There's nothing like a trip to the salon to make a girl smile :)

11. Cloud Watch
Kick off your shoes, lay in the grass, and watch the clouds go by. What do you see?

12. Take a Hike
Now that it's starting to warm up, it's much easier to get back to nature. Hit your local park with trails or plan a trip for a weekend nature getaway.  

13. Ride a Bike
Get your gams goin'!

14. Concoct a Natural Perfume
Here's a good recipe.

15. Unplug for a Day
Some of my favorite days are spent away from the computer, TV, and phone. Allow yourself just one day away from Facebook, blogs, reality TV, and texting. Journal about your experience.

16. Have a Picnic
Two years ago I received the perfect picnic basket, and oh how much fun it was to pack it full of homemade sandwiches and desserts! You don't have to have a basket to have a picnic though. Brown paper bags will do just as well! 

17. Paint With Watercolors
Ah...those glorious rainbow swirls of color. Let your creative goddess play and don't worry about what it looks like. Just paint and have fun!

18. Clean out Mental Clutter
Mental clutter is just as bad as material clutter, maybe worse. While you're spring cleaning your home, don't forget to sweep the cobwebs from your mind. And not just under the rug! Spend some time getting to the root of your thoughts and pulling up those weeds for good.

19. Create a Spring Playlist
Some of my favorites are "Say Hey" by Michael Franti & Spearhead, "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, and "Everybody Got Their Something" by Nikka Costa.

20. Eat Raw
The recommendation is to include at least 50% raw food into your diet. I feel lighter, have more energy, and a stronger immune system when I eat raw meals. Watch Food Matters for inspiration.

21. Buy Yourself Flowers
Guaranteed to make you smile!

22. Spend a Day Doing Nothing
Forget dusting the furniture, putting away the dishes, and mowing the lawn. It will all be there tomorrow. Instead, lounge around, daydream, watch your favorite movie. 

23. Makeover the Furniture
I'm dying to get my hands on a can of turquoise paint so I can makeover the boring green Adirondack chairs in the back yard. The couches could use a spring update as well. Hello slip covers!

24. Donate
Kiva is my favorite place to donate money, but there are tons of other great causes to give to. What are you passionate about? What change would you like to see? 

25. Sign Up for an Amazing Biz & Life E-course
Leonie Dawson has some really beautiful and soul inspiring e-courses, meditations, and workbooks. Become a business goddess, radiant goddess, creative goddess, and of course there's the magical Creating Your Incredible Year workbook. 

Over on Madelyn's blog she encouraged us to write about our creative space:

I'm in between creative spaces. I can't really say I have one; it's here and there. 

Sometimes it's at the dining table with the basket of seashells placed in the middle and a dog in my lap (this is happening now).

Sometimes it's in my childhood bedroom where I've hung my prayer flags, a small chime, and other "me" things I brought with me from San Antonio. 

I loved the creative space I had there - the big windows I looked out of each day to see cardinals and squirrels and tree branches growing over the neighbor's roof. I had my bookcases filled with books and trinket fairies, a typewriter from 1920, the Mary Cassatt painting of the little girls on the beach. 

Even though I don't really have a creative space of my own right now, I know I will in time. It will be made of the South China Sea, blue skies, salty air. I will hang my prayer flags there, arrange my crystals, open my computer, and write. 

Until then, I will create here and now, wherever here and now is. And it will most likely involve a dog in my lap.

Where is your creative space? What pieces of you have you filled it with?