Hey there, lovey!
Welcome to ZenCaffeine.
Does living a Zen-inspired life feel unattainable to you?
Do you think that, to be “Zen,” you need to be this ethereal, robe-swaddled being of perfection, always present, mindful and accepting of everything?
LOL. Good luck!
But for real. I used to think of Zen that way too, until I started taking Zen classes a couple years ago. There, I learned that you can incorporate peaceful principles into your life and still keep your personality. That you can live a Zen-inspired life without being perfectly peaceful at every moment.
And that’s what this blog is all about.
If you want to create more peace, presence and love in your life, this is for you.
If you wanna do that and be silly, creative and light, this is for you too.
I’ll blend the two together for you to help you take small steps towards more love, light and joy…This unique blend is called, of course, ZenCaffeine.
The Zen is the slowly sipping green tea, the watching of the trees blow in the wind, the appreciation of the warm sun glowing on your face. It’s the opening of your heart, the growing of compassion and the morning meditation to get you centered.
The Caffeine is the straight up WHIMSY. It’s applying Zen principles in a lighthearted way. It’s weirdness. It’s starting a Nerf gun war by shooting the first dart at a 10 year-old. It’s drawing zombies on your windows with window markers (link). It’s calling people “superstar,” “lovey,” and “turdburglar” (typically reserved for the 10 year-old).
So if you were wondering what ZenCaffeine is about, there you go! It’s a nice mix of Ohm and OhMy! It’s a community of peacemakers, dreamweavers and whimsically kindred spirits.
Here, we open our hearts, step into the moment, live in peace and whimsy, and craft our dream lives. We live intentionally, have a superstar vision for the future, and support each other along the way.
Are you feelin’ it?
Yes?
Hooray! Welcome, future friend. To become an official member of Club Awesome, just type your e-mail into the form up top and hit submit. That way you’ll be sure to get all the latest updates. If you like social media, you can find me on Twitter and Facebook.
I can’t wait to get to know you, so please, feel free to have a poke around and drop a comment or two. Or better yet, drop me a line at kaylee@zencaffeine.com . I’d love to hear from you.
About Kaylee Rupp
About me, eh?
I feel a little awkward writing this, like in college or a job interview when they ask, “So…Tell me a little about yourself.”
How ‘bout I start with what I’m not: I’m not a Zen master. I don’t even meditate every day. And when I do, sometimes I roll my eyes and grumble. I’m not always this joyful ball of energy. Sometimes I’m a tired, crabby b – especially when I’m hungry (just ask my boyfriend). I’m not a published writer, practicing coach, or paid speaker (YET).
But I am a seeker, a dreamer, a writer, a peacemaker, and a weirdo. I’m crafting a life I adore, piece by piece. Sometimes I get impatient, but mostly I’m trying to enjoy the ride.
My credentials?
Besides a B.A. in Sociology, I’m an enthusiastic student of life. I’ve taken peace-making Zen classes, read lots of books, partnered with an awesome life coach, started writing a book, written this blog for a year and a half, and practice whimsy on the daily. I’ve set goals and accomplished them. I’ve set goals and failed. And I’ve learned lots of lessons that I’d love to share with you.
I also think credentials are a little boring.
You know what I think is more fun? Bullet points. So here are some random factoids for you:
- In fall 2012, I took a ballet class ‘cuz I always wanted to be a ballet dancer. It sucked. One dream down, twenty to go!
- I unintentionally open my left eye wider than my right, and my eyebrows are almost constantly arched.
- I’ve always wanted to be an amazing painter. But I’m not – yet?
- I play a supportive role for my manfriend as he parents his son. I’m like the unofficial stepmom (without the evil part, usually).
- The Sims 3 is my favorite computer game ever.
- After being an atheist for 24 years, in November 2012, I finally gave in and told God, “You win.” I never thought I’d be a believer, but here I am.
- I didn’t know what a “birthday suit” was until I was 16.
- I’m currently wearing mood earrings in my 4 gauge earholes. One is blue and one is green…Not sure what that means..
- I have a health condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
- I LOVE handwriting things in swirly, pretty font.
- I love going to bed early, and am often waiting for the kid to go to sleep so I can. 9:30 bedtime? YES PLEASE!
- When I was 4, I wanted to be Angela Lansbury because she played the voice of Mrs. Potts (the teapot in my fav movie, “Beauty and the Beast”). I even told my preschool teacher that I was changing my name to hers.
So there you have it. I’m a quirky, quiet old soul who loves to write, eat and play Zombies on Call of Duty.
Wanna share some random facts about you? Please do! I think those can tell the most about someone, and I want to know you.
I have been to your site before Kaylee and must have been interrupted because it is not often I do not look at folks’ about page. In fact I ALWAYS do, as I like to read up on whatever the authors want me to know about them.
Your picture is beautiful and it has captured a glow that you have interpreted as freedom and you may be quite right.
I am glad that you have your studies to keep that glow going and you are being realistic about your journey ahead. I look forward to seeing how you progress via your blog. I particularly like “I’m also a future-famous public speaker and life coach .”
All the best.
I’m glad you liked that part – it’s particularly exciting to me too.
It’ll be a process, like anything else, but I’m taking the steps to get there.
Thank you for being here to experience my journey, Pea. I really appreciate your presence and the comments.
Looking forward to seeing you here again!
Til then, peace and blessings.
- K
Your work is inspiring. Thank you for your transparency, wit, and wisdom. Namaste… stephen
Thank you for the kind words…and for reading! I appreciate your presence.
Peace,
K
Brava, Kaylee!! You’ve already inspired *me.* You will be a stellar life coach and motivational speaker. You exude positive energy yourself! I can’t wait to go back and peruse your blog. This post resonates with me very strongly, and I read it at just the perfect time. Those people who keep pulling you back are dangerous, you’re right. You hit on some undeniable truths that really give me something to think about in regards to my own situation.
I don’t think we’re always morally obligated to forgive. Some people don’t merit forgiveness– but detachment. I, like you, associate forgiveness with reconciliation. I’ve learned there’s no such thing as “closure.” Some relationships are fundamentally broken, to flawed to grow and maintain. As a person who likes peaceful resolutions, I tend to over-extend myself in the name of “forgiveness,” and often times– it wasn’t worth it. It takes courage to forgive– but it takes true self-love to let go. Because in doing that, you are declaring that you believe you are worth more. That’s the tough part. Not having a safety blanket. But sometimes those “safety” blanket relationships we cling to can smother us.
Sure, we should be compassionate. But not at our own expense.
Thank you Amee! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.
Especially lately, I’ve been doubting myself…so to come back and read this comment really makes me smile.
And thanks for the great response to this post: http://zencaffeine.com/?p=236. A good month later, I can say I feel much better after releasing the negative relationship. I let go of that one and promised myself better…and voila! I met someone new who is kind and genuinely respects me. Great things happen when you respect and love yourself!
Hey there! I’m glad I surprised you (in a good way). I was wondering what you’d think. A force to reckoned with, eh? That made me smile, as did the rest of your comment. I did tell you empowerment was one of my favorite topics, didn’t I?
Thanks for the encouragement Mike!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!! It’s interaction with kindred spirits like you that keep me goin’.
There’s such a thing as blueberry coffe?! Seriously, you’re very cute.
Well thank you, I try.
And yes – Green Mountain Coffee, Wild Mountain Blueberry flavor – the BEST. It smells and tastes like a blueberry waffle. YUM. 
Hey. I really feel it a gift that you were able to share this entire journey, including the ups and downs as we are all human, with us. I like that you had the moxy to make your withered old prune of a boss squirm. And I smiled when you said this wan’t about religion; whether we pray to a God in the sky or a rock we found. Love it. Thank you for being a positive influence in my life.
Lee J Tyler recently posted..Busy blogger? Free, simple tip to keep your correspondence organized.
Thank you, Lee. =) I’m glad that part made you smile. I really don’t care about religion – I care about waking up. Opening up to our full potential, deepest ambitions and the interconnected nature of the Universe. And having fun, of course!
A year in, ZenCaffeine is transforming. It’s about lightening up and diving into life. I’m so glad you’re here for the journey. And thank YOU for being a positive influence in mine!
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Your article on “Tiny Budda” really hit home with me. Thank you! I hope to have the strength to begin and maintain my journey of what it is I really need.
You absolutely do have the strength, Sabrina! We all do – we just have to discover it and empower ourselves. It can definitely be a rocky road, though. I still screw up – I’m not finished with my journey, we never are – but if you need any help along the way, or just wanna chat, feel free to drop me a line at kaylee@zencaffeine.com. I’d be happy to connect. =)
Anywho, glad ya found me and that my article meant something to you. Hope to connect again soon!
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