But That's Just The Way I Am

Yep, I've said it about myself and I've heard many others say it as well.

"I was born in Brooklyn so when I'm blunt, that's just the way I am."

"I learned to drive on the East Coast where we drive crazy & fast; that's just the way I am."

"We never had money growing up so I hate giving things away; that's just the way I am."

We all have programming that has been drilled into us since we were born.  It shapes who we are and our responses in any situation in life.  What's interesting is how reluctant we are to change that programming.

It almost seems that we would rather be bitter and resentful and blame things on our past life, then throw out that lame old excuse - 'but that's just the way I am'.

What I'm learning to see is that my old programming is much easier to change when I take it in small steps.  So, if I keep sacrificing my time and things I'd like to do when others call on me at the last minute, it's NOT because that's the way I am.

It's because I have made a choice, in that moment, to make the other person a priority.  And, sometimes that's okay.  But not always...

The first small step to changing that behavior?  Simply notice that it's something I tend to do on a regular basis.

Once I've noticed it's become a habit for me to put myself last, my next small step is to re-script my response and start to make myself a priority in those situations.  If it doesn't speak to my heart, then I've decided it's not selfish for me to explain that I am no longer available.

My next small step after that?  To repeat that process until it becomes a new habit that is more about my new choices versus old programming.  And - every time I make the decision to change what no longer serves me, I create a space where I can avoid a larger meltdown later.

No sacrifice.  No resentment.  No bitterness.  Only a choice about what I do in this moment based on the way I want to be.

So, where in your life are you resistant to change?  Where are you blaming old programming for the way things are?

Today, I set the intention to create new habits that are healthy and loving, allowing me to be more generous with others because I am generous with myself.

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who 

cannot change their minds, cannot change."  

~George Bernard Shaw

"Everything we do is infused with the energy with which we do it.  

If we're frantic, life will be frantic.  If we're peaceful, life will be peaceful. 

And so our goal in any situation becomes inner peace."  

~Marianne Williamson

Affirmative Prayer:
Turning within, there is the recognition of a Divine Presence.  There is a feeling and a sensing of Spirit, of Source Energy.  It is peace and grace, joy and harmony, perfect health and wholeness.

I sit in awe and wonder that this Divine Presence that I call God is everywhere present.  It is light and lightness, living and breathing in me and through me in every moment.  I savor this truth that I am here by Divine appointment at this time and in this place.

Each day, I am filled with enthusiasm realizing that I am supported and guided by a Source that wants my highest and best.  Trusting in this, I let go any old programming that no longer serves me and I welcome the potential to create new habits.  I declare that the awareness of what I am passionate about is what I can choose to create in my life.  I say Yes! to more satisfying experiences and know that I am not selfish when I make that declaration.  There are greater possibilities for vibrant health, for loving relationships, for opulent living and I am free to explore each and all of those as I am called.

I am filled with gratitude for the awareness that I can change my belief system to create a new life.  I give great thanks that this new life is abundant and prosperous, flowing easily and effortlessly every single day.  And I am grateful for my perfect health and beautiful relationships that are richer and fuller and grace-filled, simply because of my shift in consciousness.

Embracing the best in everything, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I anchor to the truth of Spirit within me.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Gioia de Antoniis/Flickr

Relationships As Mirrors

Relationships are great mirrors, reflecting back who we truly are.  And, for some reason, I seem to attract friends whose lives are filled with drama.  So, I have to question why I get so close to a dramatic person in the first place?  What is it that attracts me?  Am I that filled with drama?

I never notice any drama as I first get to know someone and start spending time with them.  I suppose I'm more focused on the things we have in common and the fun I have with someone who sees things from a different perspective.

After a while though, it seems that those similar qualities we share cause me to almost compete as the new friendship develops.

They mention they know someone whose charismatic and fairly high up in an organization and I start to shamelessly name-drop.

They talk about a favorite trip to some absolutely stunning place and I rattle off the places I've been fortunate to visit.

And, after about 6 months or so, our friendship has reached a place where they are having a major life crisis; a love relationship break-down that is never their fault and we have to re-hash every horrible thing their lover has done OR a financial catastrophe where it is over the top suffering and crying and wailing with very little constructive talk happening OR calls and texts at all hours and if I don't respond right away, I'm the bad person and must not like them anymore.

It can be such a complete switch in our relationship, going from ME trying to one-up THEM to THEM having one crisis after another.   So, if relationships are a mirror, does my trying to compete reveal the internal drama I need to resolve?  Is it a peek into my relationship with myself?

Doing some soul-searching, I can see that my push to compete comes from me needing to feel worthy enough of this friendship.  And, from this consciousness of unworthiness, it seems I am attracting drama, attracting people who feel even more unworthy than me and who express it in very vocal and visible ways.

It's a fascinating insight and shows me what I believe subconsciously as far as my relationship with myself.  I believe that I love myself but maybe I need to FEEL it more.  I believe that I trust myself but maybe I need to FEEL it more.  Feelings seem trump everything.

This is my opportunity to do the work.  I can do better at loving myself.  And, from there, I can attract more loving relationships; true friendships that are less about drama and more about connecting, soul to soul.

So, what do YOU see in the mirror when you look at your relationships?

Today, I set the intention to nurture and support and be honest with myself, knowing that as I feel love for myself, that love is reflected back to me in my relationships.

"It is nice to have money when you need it, nice to be free from pain, but it is more

 wonderful to have no fear and no uncertainty and have confidence in the 

Universe and love for each other and a depth of feeling that will not be disturbed."  

~Ernest Holmes

"We are the means by which the earth becomes heaven."  

~Raymond Charles Barker

Affirmative Prayer:
There is a brilliance in this moment; a vibrancy that can only be Spirit, delighting in life - spectacular, amazing, jubilant.  This Divine Presence that delights in life also delights in me;  expressing as me, working through me, opening windows and doors that allow my light to shine brightly and beautifully.

Opening up to the Power of Grace, I surrender and let my life flow with ease.  I am willing to see the best in myself and let that be reflected back to me in all of my relationships.  I keep an open mind  and an open heart, having patience and compassion through the process of mastering my life.  I am in control of what I choose to feel and I choose to see that life is so good.  Love points the way and I live from the knowing that I am free to let go of competing and to cooperate so that my highest and best is revealed.  My days are transformed as I see that through all situations and circumstances, I can delight in the evolution of my soul.

Welcoming the joy and happiness that are my divine birthright, I am filled with gratitude as I see the best in everyone.  I am thankful that I am guided and protected as I make new choices in friends based on the new choices within me.  And I am grateful that the lightness in my heart allows me to unconditionally accept myself as I nurture my growth and transformation.

From a deep place of peace, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is done and made manifest in perfect ways.  My life overflows with good.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Justin Kern/Flickr

A Better Way To Forgive

I am always at choice as to how I respond to someone else's behavior.  And - I can believe that I have even drawn some people into my life for an experience that will require forgiveness.

But, sometimes, while I do know that forgiveness, in the long run, is really for me, I still am challenged by the rituals required to look past a hurt or grievance that was done to me.  

Maybe the problem is that I am pushed and prodded toward forgiveness practices as the ONLY way to heal my soul.  Do I need to work at forgiveness?  Do I need to practice it regularly?

Instead, why can't I just let it go?  

When I am offended by someone's hurtful comments, do I need to work at seeing them as a perfect reflection of Spirit?   Or can I just release it?

When I have been insulted and belittled, do I need to practice praying for their highest and best, knowing they are doing the best they can?  Or can I simply let it go?

When I have been disappointed in the outcome at work or in a relationship, do I need to silently wish them well, knowing they have no idea they hurt my feelings?  Or can I just let it be?

Perhaps, it's ME who can go beyond the limits of my conditioning, entrenched in the race consciousness that forgiveness work is the ONLY way to be set free.   I have learned the lesson that it does me no good to hold onto anger.  So I let it go.

I realize that my vulnerability, in some cases, opens me up to possible hurtful experiences.  And so, I can let it go.

I am not compelled toward lengthy forgiveness practices, though there are times when the ritual of it does let me see things differently.  But - I'm not stuck there.   I acknowledge the hurt.  And I let it go.  No demands.  No judgements.

So, what are YOUR thoughts?  Do you need forgiveness rituals or can you just let it go?

Today, I set the intention to remember that I am always at choice when I am feeling hurt or betrayed,  and to simply let it go.

"It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including

 the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed."  

~Ram Dass

"The truth is more important than the facts."  

~Frank Lloyd Wright

Affirmative Prayer:
In the serenity of this moment, there is an awareness of the One Divine Wisdom.   It whispers through the tress and sings as sweetly as the birds; a beautiful melody of love, of peace, and of grace.  This Divine Wisdom is also within me, guiding me through life as It expresses as me with each breath that I take.  And I am awake to the Presence of Spirit that renews my soul and nourishes my heart.  I am joy and happiness.  I am prosperity and abundance.

Listening to the inner voice, I turn toward forgiveness and welcome the ease with which I can let things go.  I do not need to know why or how or what the reason for the hurt and heartache are.  I remember that feelings of anger do not serve me and I release them with a knowing that I am always loved.  Just as the sun rises each morning, so to does Spirit tell me that I am the beloved, filled with grace. I welcome the wisdom of the Divine that shows me the way forward in every moment.  And I accept my destiny of good, trusting that the highest and best available is seeking me just as I seek it.

I am so grateful for the wisdom of the Divine that allows me to simply flow with each experience.  I am thankful that in letting go of hurt or anger, my heart is renewed and perfect.  And I am filled with gratitude for the unconditional acceptance of exactly who I am, a spiritual being having a human experience.

Seeing the best in Life, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done and made manifest in amazing ways.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Bethany J. Baker Photography/Flickr

How To Collaborate With Life

"We should know that the consciousness of good acts as a law of right action.  A consciousness of good, as it increases, always produces new and better circumstances in one's environment." Ernest Holmes, How to Use the Science of Mind.

That advice seems counter to the work harder, better, faster, stronger notion.  Set ambitious goals.  Get more done in less time.  Keep pushing forward.  Don't quit.  If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.

So, do we only need to have a consciousness of good in order to achieve our desires?  Or must we work hard and struggle to be successful?

For me, I think the point is to let go of our human limitations and align with Life rather than blast our way through it alone.  Because, even though we are working harder, we limit what we think is possible.  Even though we hope there is something better, we tell ourselves that this is as good as it gets.

What if we opened up to possibilities better that we can even imagine and then enjoyed the journey?  It doesn't mean I slow my stride, necessarily, but that I turn this into a collaboration with the Universe.

I know that good and more good is mine.  I know that ever-increasing good is mine.  I remind myself of that every single morning.  And as that becomes habit, Life matches my thoughts and feelings, showing me that there are endless opportunities to manifest that which I desire.  

Life tells me 'Congratulations, something wonderful is happening to you and through you.'  And that is becoming all the encouragement I need to take a bow, accept my good, and say 'Thank you, Life.'

So, where are YOU fighting against the flow of the Universe?  Are you afraid to let your life be easy? 

Today, I set the intention to let my life unfold with perfect ease and grace, every day holding a consciousness of success and prosperity.

"It is possible for anyone to change the trend of his life not by hearing or

 reading truth, but by making it an active part of consciousness in daily 

experience until it becomes a habit, every moment of the day, 

instead of an occasional thought."  

~Joel S. Goldsmith

"If the doors of perception were cleansed, 

everything would be seen as it is, infinite."  

~William Blake

Affirmative Prayer:
Taking a deep breath and entering into this moment, there is no power but that of Divine Intelligence.  A living Spirit that is spectacular, brilliant, absolute.  And in every moment, Spirit is with me, reminding me of the truth of who I am; perfect, beautiful, powerful, courageous - existing for the self-expression of the One Perfect Life.

In this truth of who I am, any burden or struggle simply melts away and I am free to build up my consciousness of prosperity and abundance.  Embracing my journey, I welcome a newness and freshness of successful thoughts and feelings.  I have no doubt that my life is a celebration and I see the hand of Spirit showing me that I am fully supported in every area of my life.  The goodness of life bursts through the doors and windows, showering me with blessings and miracles every day and every night.  And I allow the possibilities of unlimited opportunities for greatness to be revealed in my life.

Smiling with joy, I give great thanks for the blessings and miracles that show me all that I ever need is right here, right now.  I am so grateful for the all-good of God.  Thank you, Spirit, for this wonderful revelation.

Breathing in again, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  The outcome is perfect and assured.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Juan Ramon Martos/Flickr

Have An Amazing Weekend

As I've been walking and driving around town, I've noticed some pretty elaborate decorations for Halloween.  It's inspired me to get into the festivities a little bit so I'm off to do some shopping and then spread a few cobwebs, spiders, jack-o-lanterns and ghouls around our house.  What are you doing this weekend?   I hope it's an amazing weekend and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....


A strategy to avoid stress

Want to be happy?  Buy experiences, not things

It's not too late to change bad habits

7 ways to increase your mental energy right now

Turbo the Chihuahua finally meets the man who 3D printed his wheelchair

12 ways to know if you are too passive aggressive 

Made me smile!

How to show empathy: 4 habits of highly empathic people

4 key ways to dismantle your limiting beliefs

Creation, Reflection, Progress and Courage

Confronting our 10 worst fears

Do you hide from the spotlight?


This weekend, I'm also setting the intention to align with Life rather than try to simply affirm what I like or deny what I don't like.   To that end, Ernest Holmes has the perfection affirmation: "I am keeping my whole mind and thought and expectation open to new experiences, to happier events, to a more complete self-expression."  Enjoy your weekend!

Photo courtesy of Kieran/Flickr

Sidestep Stressful Thinking

Some days, I let the grind of life really get to me.  And, while I would like to blame outside factors - my work, the errands I need to run, the laundry that needs to be done - it's really ME who's creating the stress in my day.

I tell myself the story that cleaning the house is boring so I'll do it later.  And, I determine that getting home to walk the dog is much more important than staying late to file away completed work.  And, I continue to eat out, blaming lack of time to get to the grocery store and stock up on healthy food.

Rather than look for the good in what I'm putting off, I ignore it or neglect it.  I can complain all that I want but, in the long run, it's only me who gets increasingly irritated as files overflow on my desk or as I put on weight due to calorie-heavy restaurant food.

I believe I have gotten lost in the "I can do it all myself" rabbit hole.  I worry that if I hire someone to clean the house, it will be too expensive.  I feel guilty if I pay someone else to walk the dog as if I'm neglecting him somehow.  Plus, is it really in my budget?

Good 'ol money worries.  So, I just do it all myself.

What I've forgotten is that the Universe is really about reciprocity.  I have found work that I enjoy and get paid pretty well for.

So, why shouldn't I pay our neighborhood friend to walk the dog, allowing him the same feeling of accomplishment I do about my work.

Or, why shouldn't I hire a house-cleaning service to come in twice a month, allowing them to earn an income.

The Universe is not just MY source for all things but everyone else's as well.  When I look at it from that perspective, and trust that as I create workability in my life, I am opening up possibilities for others as well, there is a shift that happens.

There is a bubbling up of faith that shows me how I have always been provided for, and I can let go of the thinking that I can't afford to pay someone else.

There is no lack in life.  I can truly let life be easy, with the promise that as I open to receive, I make space for others to give and be in service.

What the heck - maybe I'll stop and scoop up some flowers tonight to brighten up my home.  Who knows what impact that will have on my local florist and beyond.

So, where are you making life difficult for yourself?

Today, I set the intention to let go of my struggles and bring more joy into my life by realizing there is good for everyone when I don't try to do it all myself.

"Let us seek wholeness above all else."  

~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new

 landscapes but in having new eyes." 

 ~Marcel Proust

Affirmative Prayer:
Staring up into the afternoon sky, as the clouds drift gently and softly, there is the recognition of the One Divine Source.  It is the abundance of nature that blooms effortlessly and it is the spectacular colors of the evening sunset that reveal the beauty of the Infinite Intelligence that is Life.

This Allness of Life is the indwelling Spirit that feels what I feel and expresses as me in all that I do.  I am a brilliant masterpiece of Divine Love, open to receive the joy the Universe is showering down on me in every moment of the day.

Embracing this joy and happiness, I let go having to fight against life and surrender to the ease and grace that guides my steps.  I am directed to my highest and best potential each day, trusting that all of my needs are met.  It is so effortless for me to live a life of reciprocity, giving from my heart and receiving the abundance that is my Divine birthright.  I am fully supported by Spirit as I dig deep and know that I don't have to do it all myself.  My life is filled with peace and I simply live my life the best I know how in each moment, welcoming each new experience with open arms.

I am humbly and deeply grateful for the prosperity that flows to me as I give up stress and strife.  I am thankful that I sleep so well each night, in faith that I am working WITH the Universe and moving toward my good.  And I give great thanks that anything I need is provided for in beautiful and amazing ways.

From this sufficiency of grace, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I am blessed in the bounty of love and life.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Edgar Barany/Flickr

Have A Wonderful Weekend

We're in Phoenix this weekend for my mother-in-law's wedding.  She's 83 and still very spunky - including the pre-wedding jitters and stress.  I guess some things never go away.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web...

7 steps to reinventing yourself and reach your goals

Finding your acceptable level of discomfort

7 actionable steps to stop success from slipping through your fingers

3 lessons on creating trust

'Maximizer' or "Satisficer' - which are you?

Made me smile

The votes are in: the best places to be an expat

Why you should treat yourself as someone you love


And from the Tao Te Ching: "But it is not enough to simply clear the debris of the past.  We must plant what we love in the garden of our life."

Photo courtesy of thewomensmuseum/Flickr

Taking Stock Of What's Going On

Today, I got a speeding ticket.  For me, it was probably the best way for Life to get my attention.

I guess I haven't been paying attention to the slight, dull headache I've had recently.

And I guess I haven't been paying attention to the pit in my stomach.

And I guess I haven't been paying attention to the bruises on my legs from bumping into furniture.

It seems I may have been drifting through life, living in my comfort zone and going for what's easy.  After all, there are some things that just come naturally and I definitely gravitate to doing those first - which means I zip through them - no second thought.

For things that don't come as easily, there are times when Life needs to take swift and sudden action.  It's a reminder to me that I am NOT here to drift along in what is comfortable.

So, MY swift and sudden action came in the form of the speeding ticket.

I can see where I have been rushing to get through what IS and move on to what's NEXT.  So, right after I got my ticket and was sent on my way, I turned on some music and took some mental notes of areas that I needed to be more mindful in.

Taking stock of where I'm at, I realized what I've been fighting against - being in a wedding this weekend.   But, it's not about me - it's about the bride.  I just need to slow down and appreciate this next few days, knowing that I can take nothing for granted and need to embrace this time exactly as it is.

No rushing.  No hurrying.   Just be-ing.

So, what areas of YOUR life are you rushing through to get to what's next?

Today, I set the intention to be in the moment, doing things not out of habit but on purpose, knowing that something amazing is seeking to emerge.

"Because you have to just go with the flow.  Your life is not your own, with people

 coming in and out all the time.  You get mellow because you have to."  

~Sarah Dessen

"Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness." 

~James Thurber

Affirmative Prayer:
In the stillness of this moment, there is a Divine Presence that whispers words of love and encouragement.  It is a Creative Wisdom that is the strength and power to accomplish the seemingly impossible.  It is the grace and ease that flows freely and abundantly, surrounding all that is.

I am one with this Divine Presence, together creating a fluid motion of a life that thrives.  Embracing this Oneness, I am guided by this Infinite Intelligence as I align with Its perfect Presence.

Accepting this guidance as my Divine compass, there is a knowing that everything in my life arrives in perfect Divine timing.  As I go with the flow of Spirit, I step out of my comfort zone and into the newness of each moment.  And in situations that seem unfair or unjust, I now see clearly that they are reminders that my compass needs to be checked and I may need a course correction.  I welcome the experience of picking myself back up and tapping into the wisdom of the Universe that puts me back on my right and perfect path.  I am wiser and smarter and I affirm that Spirit is working for my good in ALL circumstances.

From this place of all that I have accomplished, I am grateful for the journey.  I am filled with thanks for what is to come knowing it will be something even greater than I can imagine.  And I am thankful for Life's reminders to be in the present moment, having faith that it is exactly where I am supposed to be.

With a heart filled with joy, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I invite the abundance of happiness that surrounds me to take me even deeper.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Michael Bolognesi/Flickr

Why Is This Such A Struggle?

Why were we so eager to move away from Verizon for cell phone coverage?  That's the question I'm asking after two days of waiting to get my new iPhone 6 activated.

For me, I feel like we jumped ship too quickly.  For Kevin, it's a new toy to compliment his Apple TV and, of course, his phone was activated this morning on our new carrier.

HE wants to make the switch and I am the one feeling frustrated.  He's calmly going through the motions of the purchase and the activation and the learning curve and I'm complaining and feeling like my blood pressure is going through the roof.

I'm ready to hash it out and he's asking if I can help him get Audible working again.  Breathe, Sandy, breathe......

And just that quickly, I realized that it was very likely ME creating this chaos.  I'd forgotten one of my basic spiritual practices - to visualize and see events how I would like them to be.

I never took the time BEFORE we started this process to see it going easily and effortlessly.

I never felt the feelings of peace through the change.

And, I never gave thanks and felt gratitude that we're prosperous enough to have new, amazing technology without a second thought.

<Sigh> lesson learned.  My craziness does nothing at all to help.

So, I'm off to go for a walk with the dog and to turn this around.  It's a beautiful day and I need to make amends with myself and trust that everything really is okay.

So where are you focusing on the obstacles rather than seeing things the way you want them to be?

Today, I set the intention to remember that what I focus on is what I create and I have the power to create experiences that are positive and beautiful and work for everyone.

"Every problem has a gift for you in its hands."  

~Richard Bach

"See only what you wish to experience and look at nothing else."  

~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

Affirmative Prayer:
In the quiet of this moment, there is the recognition of a freedom of the soul that is Divine Spirit.  It is the vibrant Intelligence of Source that awakens all that is to the possibilities of life.  It is a Creative Wisdom that transforms each step into one of power and strength, of happiness and joy.

This same vibrant Intelligence also exists within me and I remain open to guidance of the Universe.  I am the joy and happiness of Spirit expressing as me in all of my daily activities.  Just as the summer breeze blows through the trees, I am gently and softly surrounded by Divine Grace that moves my steps forward in perfect ways.  And I see that I live and move and have my being in the unconditional love of God.

Accepting the truth of my natural Spiritual brilliance, I am filled with self-kindness and self-compassion, even in the face of seeming struggles.  I welcome the learning that comes from each experience as I make mistakes that provide beautiful life lessons.  Closing my eyes to what is no longer working, I open my heart to the knowing that I have the power to create a perfect day, month, & year.  My world is expanding in amazing ways as I take the time to visualize how I would like my life events to be, filled with peace and grace.  I revel in the courage of my inner strength that says I am worthy of the abundant life that is emerging.  And I affirm that I am open to receiving my highest and best good as I go with the flow of the Universe.

Embracing my inner wisdom, I am filled with gratitude for the way events manifest in my life as I take the time to visualize.  I am thankful for Source that tells me I am deserving of the happiness and the prosperity that uplifts me.  And I am grateful for the gifts that pour down on me as I move through problems with ease.

Surrendering to Spirit's love, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done and I am guided perfectly.  The best things are always happening to me!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Trekking Rinjani/Flickr

Relax, Breathe And Enjoy Your Weekend

What are you up to this weekend?  I'd really love to go for a bike ride but, the last time I checked, I had a flat back tire....so, I don't think the bike ride will be happening.  Now that I have no plans, I am completely open to doing what occurs to me in the moment.  We'll see how it goes <fingers crossed>.  Hope you have a great weekend and here are some fun and inspiring links from around the web....


You never know what's around the next corner

6 healthy eating habits you will love

33 ways successful people overcome fear & live a bold life

For my blogging friends; how to put your writing in public

5 ways to stop wasting your time

How to quit or move on without feeling guilty

What to do when anger takes hold

How do you define adventure?

Made me smile

How the bad that happens can reveal something good

Elderly man gets down to 'La Bamba', shows everyone how it's done


And, in hopes that the San Jose State football team wins this weekend against UNLV, this quote from Bobby Knight seems perfect: "Most people have the will to win, few people have the will to prepare to win." 

Photo courtesy of Subharnab Majumdar/Flickr

Traveling In A Direction That Works

Making a change and going back to work part-time has taken a bit of getting used to.  It's definitely bringing the focus back to doing what makes me happy in spite of the fear I might feel.

I was in sales for so long that it was comfortable.  Taking on a new role revolving around marketing for small businesses is well outside my comfort zone.

Right after I started, I had a moment of panic.  It was the voice in my head saying, "Is this really what you want to be doing?"  And that led to another voice asking, "Are you happy with how you're spending your time?"

For me, what that translates into is "Am I safe stepping into something new?"

I am definitely happy with the work/life balance that I have.  And, I am nurturing my desire for growth by having to learn new skills.

My soul has said it is time to take a risk.  It is telling me that I can trust that the Universe is guiding me.

So, I need to let go of being afraid that I might fail.  And I need to enjoy the feeling of happiness that comes from being inspired by the work I am doing.

I am always safe when I hang on to the belief that I am here to do great things.

So, where in your life are you playing it safe?

Today, I set the intention to trust that I am safe in my new career, even if it feels like I am in over my head at times.

"And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."  ~Meister Eckhart

"Those who have great faith, have a great power."  

~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

Affirmative Prayer:
Taking in a breath, there is the feeling of a Divine Presence of Love that uplifts.  It is an Infinite Wisdom that cherishes and adores all that is and brings happiness and joy to every moment of the day and night.

This Presence of Love surrounds me and sits within me, reminding me that I am one with the Divine.  The confidence and courage to follow my own path is sustained by Spirit, living as me and expressing as me in all that I do.  I am peace itself in every choice and action that I take.

Knowing how deeply I am cared for, I also know that I am safe in every decision I make.  My actions are divinely guided and there is a courage that spurs me on to try new things.  I let go of being afraid of failure and instead, claim that changes are energizing and inspiring and are leading me toward prosperity and abundance.  There is a magic in starting something new that opens the way to miracles and I welcome the unexpected good that comes to me with ease.  I affirm that I am loved unconditionally even when my head might say that I am not worthy.  And I am blessed by the inner strength of Spirit that says Yes, I can be happy in the work that I do each day.

Embracing all of my good, I am deeply grateful to a loving Universe that is pushing me into perfect and right action.  I give thanks for each experience that shows me how great my life can be when I simply allow it to unfold.  And I am filled with gratitude for the calm and peace that are at my core as I go forward in faith.

From a place of inner peace, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done in beautiful ways.  I trust that all is revealed and unfolding in perfect Divine timing.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Rick Harrison/Flickr