Friday, November 28, 2014

Have a Beautiful Weekend



Since a theme of gratitude seems to weave it's way through every TED talk I've enjoyed, I decided to share a few of my favorites this weekend.  I spent time this week reflecting on everything I am grateful for and it was beautiful and humbling to see my list.  I hope you all have many things to be grateful for, and if you have only one or two things on your list, know that it is enough to start there.  Have a great weekend...


"In a piece of music, it's the pause or the rest that gives the piece its beauty and its shape." ~Pico Iyer

"Love is in us. It's deeply embedded in the brain. Our challenge is to understand each other." ~Helen Fisher

"It's unbelievably important for us to really test our listening skills, to use our bodies as a resonating chamber." ~Wade Davis

"People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny box with a very specific label." ~Rosie King

"Why 'follow your passion' can be terrible career advice." ~Mike Rowe

"Hard choices are precious opportunities for us to become the distinctive people that we are." ~Margaret Heffernan


Photo courtesy of Luz Adriana Villa/Flickr


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

You Got What You Wanted....Don't Panic

At the beginning of this year, I chose four affirmations I wanted to focus on and started writing them down daily to invoke the feeling of having them.  As I wrote them again today, I realized that one of them has manifested.

I now have the financial means and freedom to travel to beautiful resorts six weeks out of the year.

What I've discovered today is that perhaps six weeks out of the year is too much for me.  Kevin and I just returned from staying for a week at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans and this Friday, we leave again - this time to stay in Palm Desert at another very nice resort.

I mention this because it started with a simple, small intention.  I love travel and figured six weeks a year was perfect.  And, I really enjoy staying at a resort where everything you need is at hand and you get that wonderful, pampered feeling.

But - I love my home too.  And I miss my dog when I'm gone, worrying about his care even though he's with my daughter and an awesome dog walker.

I believe this is very likely the dilemma for a lot of us.  As we use the creative process, knowing that our thoughts and feelings and words are directing our life, we sometimes create things that aren't quite as on the mark as we thought.  We got what we wanted - or at least, what we THOUGHT we wanted.

That's especially true for me with my ambitious nature and readiness to go 'all in' on the things I enjoy.  What shows up, then, is that my intentions have gotten ahead of me and my imagination has me moving through experience after experience after experience with no time to savor the simpler, beautiful things I have created.

So, as the year-end gets closer, I'm re-evaluating my affirmations and declarations.  I still want the experience of traveling, however, I think five times per year would be plenty enough.  And, it might be fun to mix it up.  I love resort-style getaways but I'm open to trying some luxe camping or bed & breakfasts where you meet the innkeeper and enjoy the company of others.

Above all, I'm celebrating the fact that I see the evidence of my imagination come to life.  I have co-created, with the Universe, a life that is in alignment with my desires.   Now, I can expand on that, checking in with my soul and deciding if I need to pull in the reigns OR affirm something even bigger than what I have been declaring.

Of course, that's after Palm Desert AND Cabo San Lucas AND Ireland AND Germany....  :-)

So, where are YOU seeing evidence in your life of what your thoughts have created?  And, are they still in alignment with what you desire?

Today, I set the intention to rethink my affirmations, choosing words and thoughts that are in alignment with what I now desire, and based on what I have created previously.


"You who breathe mindfully, you know that you're alive, that life is a miracle, 
that you're living that miracle in the here and now."  
~Thich Nhat Hanh

"There is something within us that can lead us and direct us if we will but let it...
it is in the integrity of our own mind, in the silence of our own solitude, 
in the immediate presence of that Divine Being inhabiting us and the Universe."  
~Ernest Holmes


Affirmative Prayer:
Immersing myself in Life, I see clearly that Divine Spirit is everywhere present, infinite and unbound.  It is love and joy, empowering and healing, perfect and whole and complete.

In the greatness of this knowing, I am supported always by the indwelling presence of Divine Spirit.  My life is impacted in big and powerful ways as the thought of Oneness with Source becomes so very clear.  The reality is that I can never be separate from the good of Life which is always available in every moment of the day.

Despite the churning of the waves of the ocean, there is a calmness in simply going with flow, wherever it leads.  As I go with the flow of Life, I claim joy despite outer circumstances.  I co-create with Spirit through my feelings and I am at choice as the evidence of my thoughts become manifest.  I celebrate that I can always make a new choice, living from my heart's desire and my soul's calling.  I am guided into so much good, I accept the powerful possibilities available to me.  There is a magnificence that calls my name and I simply open my arms and welcome it home.

Cultivating my magnificence, I give thanks that life is so good as I simply live it the best I know how.  I am grateful that joy is at the center of my being as I choose thoughts and feelings that reveal good health, beautiful relationships and solid finances.  I focus on gratitude and my life is transformed.  Thank you, Spirit, for the daily reminders of how deeply I am loved.

From this place of greater awareness, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I celebrate my Oneness with Spirit.  I open my heart.  I let it be so.  And so it is.


Photo courtesy of Amanda Tipton/Flickr

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Have A Beautiful Weekend



Kevin and I are back from New Orleans and our weekend will be spent doing laundry, restocking the fridge and a few other neglected chores.  On the other hand, it will be perfect to catch up on The Blacklist and How To Get Away With Murder in between running errands.  What are you up to this weekend?  Hope it's fun....and warm!  And, here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....

Lose your fear; it's never too late

Are you giving your attention to empty vessels?

How he decided to move to Las Vegas in 12 hours

Why positive thinking sucks

Now is the time to express your passion

3 body language adjustments that will change your life

Letting go of guilt about what you "should" be doing

I always need to be reminded of this

30 things you had no idea you needed

You want me to what?

Hate to admit it but it's true


I had a chance to listen to Michael Beckwith's radio show today.  His guest was Mark Nepo and I've forgotten how much I enjoy what he writes.  My favorite from the show?  "We are challenged to have the courage to ask for what we need, only to practice what we are given." ~Mark Nepo.  Enjoy your weekend!

Photo courtesy of Charles Roffey/Flickr

Friday, November 21, 2014

Making Progress In Parenting

I can remember my fear at being a new parent very clearly.  At the time, I was sure I was dealing with issues that no other parent had dealt with before.  Of course, I learned that wasn't true.

I was also convinced that I was raising my children to be more creative, more original, more intelligent than I was and perhaps, even than their peers.  I soon found out how impossible - and exhausting - that would be.

As a parent, I think THAT is our nature - to want more for our children AND to believe we can provide that space for greatness to emerge.  What became clear as I grew as a parent is that, while I want the best for my children, they have their own path to follow.

My real job, then, as a parent, was to affirm the very best version of THEM be revealed as they grew. So, as I had conversations with my kids, I used words that encouraged possibilities versus limitations.  I spoke about their originality versus simply fitting in.

What emerged from my own progress as a parent was a discovery of my children's unique gifts and talents.  They learned to move through fear and to take risks that helped them grow in their abilities.  They grew in self-respect, generous with their time and making choices that were empowering.

My children know that they matter, not just to Kevin and I, but that they matter here in this life.  And as they move through the challenges that come their way, they see the lessons and move courageously through the issues.

I am unique as a parent, building on the parenting I learned from others who have done it before.  My children are unique and will build on what they have learned from others.  And they will take their knowledge forward with an awareness that, while greatness may or may not be part of their journey, being who THEY are meant to be is really the path forward to happiness and fulfillment.

So, as a parent, are you letting your children travel their own path, supporting them with words of encouragement?

Today, I set the intention to remember that we are each here on our personal journey, even our children, and it is our job to guide and encourage others with words that allow for growth into the unique self.


"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." 

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." 


Affirmative Prayer:
Turning within and listening to the still small voice, there is a knowing that Spirit is all there is.  It is a Divine Intelligence that awakens the feelings of endless joy and eternal happiness.  It is a Creative Wisdom that transforms and transcends.

Aligning with this knowing, I see clearly that I am one with Divine Intelligence.  I am endless joy and eternal happiness, on a journey of revelation and discovery.  My heart is open as Source expresses as me and through me, strong and powerful in each step I take.

As I grow in Life, I have compassion for the sometimes messy journey I am on as a parent.  I have faith that I am guided to make choices that allow my children to grow in loving and supportive ways.  I affirm that there is a passion within that lights my path in the perfect and right direction, knowing the same is true for my children.  I remember that I am doing the best I can with what I know as a parent and I listen for Divine Wisdom to show me how I can be even better at raising my children.  It's wonderful to see the transformation in all of our lives as I meet the gift of parenthood with trust, letting go of the fear of 'doing it wrong'.

I am filled with gratitude that Spirit is active within me, showing me the truth of who I am and who my children are.  I am thankful that I can let them be exactly who they are, knowing that they are guided in right and perfect ways.  And I am grateful that with every cloud in life, the sun is sure to shine and light the lessons that take each person to the next level.

From this place of thanksgiving and grace, I release my word to the Divine action of the law, knowing it is already done.  Life is wonderful.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Lotus Carroll/Flickr

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Have An Awesome Weekend



It's a busy weekend for us.  First, we're hosting Kevin's family for an early Thanksgiving dinner (plus the birthdays thrown in).  Then, we're off to New Orleans on Sunday for a few days of work and fun.  It's my first time in the French Quarter and I'm excited to take everything in.  Hope you enjoy your weekend and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....


What's your purpose today?

Spiritual economics - training the mental muscle (podcast)

Two rules of giving

When peace goes away, it doesn't make a sound

How to make every day count

A reason to forgive your parents (and how to soften your anger)

Seeing the good (TED talk)

When resistance smacks you in the face

What to do when your prayer goes unanswered

6 ways to minimize moving day stress

Unlock your creativity


Enjoy your weekend and remember: "Nothing remains as it was.  If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting."  ~Judith Minty

Photo courtesy of Andy/Flickr

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Expectations For Prayer

Prayer is an opportunity to make a conscious choice about how you want your life to look.  It's a chance to put your dreams out there to the Universe and let it conspire to help make it happen.

So, what if you're praying for something you want badly and it just doesn't seem to show up in your life?  For me, I went through a period in time where I struggled financially and it seemed my prayers were always about money.

I could see myself living a financially free life.

I affirmed my prosperity and abundance daily.

I gave thanks for my overflowing bank account.

And yet, I still lived paycheck to paycheck, some months worrying if I would make it until the next pay period.  I needed money and was certain the Law of Attraction, via prayer, was going to start showering down all the money I could ever desire any minute.

Prior to this latest 'need' for money, I had no problem being in the flow of abundance.  I had a great job and, with a little hard work, was able to travel and go shopping and eat out as well as the Joneses.
Still, there would eventually come a time when it seemed the money just stopped coming in as easily as it had before.  Looking back, I had somehow fallen into this cycle of earning and spending it as fast as I could earn it.

I believe that's where the Universe finally said, "Enough!"

I believe we are meant to be good stewards of the gifts we are given, financial and otherwise.  When we move away from that, there is a correction from Life that is a reminder to get back on track.  In my case, the reminder was increasing and significant struggle financially every time I fell into the black hole of debt.

The good news: I DID attract someone into my life that has a beautiful nature with money and finances.  He realizes the importance of circulation and giving and saving - all the skills of a good steward.  Once that became clear and I was able to turn money management over to him, my financial life turned around very quickly.

It's allowed me to share my unique gifts from a solid financial platform and now, when I pray for abundance and prosperity, I can simply release it with gratitude, let it go completely, and trust that it will show up.

I have a budget that more than fits my needs.  I still get to travel and shop and eat out.  But the best part?  I have financial confidence in giving again, knowing it will come back to me in right and perfect ways.

I am worthy and deserving of financial abundance.  And I am conscious of the power of being a good steward of that abundance.

Above all, I have faith that my prayers are always answered.  Not in the way I may picture at the time but in a way that brings me around to my desires in a much better way in the long run.  That is something I choose never to forget.

So, where in YOUR life does it seem your prayers are going unanswered?  Is there a lesson to be learned from the unanswered prayer? 

Today, I set the intention to see the gift in seeming unanswered prayer, to learn the lesson and to look for evidence that I'm heading in the right direction.


"Everything is a choice.  This is life's greatest truth and its hardest lesson.  It is a great 
truth because it reminds us of our power.  Not power over others, but the power to be
 ourselves and to live the life we have imagined.  It is a hard lesson because it causes 
us to realize that we have chosen the life we are living right now."  

"You're never too old, it's never too late, and the mistake is never too big.  
Your destiny is bigger than your mistakes." 



Affirmative Prayer:
Turning within, there is a divine and radiant center of Life, an internal light that glows brightly in every moment.  It is a wholeness and harmony that is beauty and courage and grace.  This wholeness and harmony moves through me as Divine Spirit, expanding and experiencing as me as I enter into the fullness of my journey here.

Stepping into this new day with a sense of adventure, I declare that magnificent good is right where I am now.  I affirm that I am worthy and deserving of financial abundance and that as I receive my good, I make wise and beautiful choices in my giving.  Knowing I am always enough, even in the simple things I do, I say a prayer that my desires and dreams are realized in joyous ways.  If there is a lesson to be learned, I get the lesson easily and get on with life.  I welcome the presence of Spirit that guides my prayer from thought to manifestation and I only need to let go and let God.

Remaining open to possibility, I am grateful for answered prayer that unfolds in perfect, Divine timing.  I give thanks that as I relax into the flow of abundance, prosperity is revealed effortlessly.  I am filled with gratitude for my new confidence in being a good steward of my abundance, knowing it is wisely shared from a place of love.

With an open heart, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  My good is already flowing.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of My Tom Hai Trung/Flickr

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Have A Wonderful Weekend



This weekend, we're going to a Nadine Risha concert.  She has an amazing voice and I've heard her back-up band adds a nice touch to her performance.  I'm also planning to make a big batch of fudge brownies with walnuts.  I've been craving brownies for about a week and I figure it's time to indulge a little.  What are you up to?  Hope it's a little indulgent too :-)  Have a great one and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....


What habits are best for creativity?

Don't let your past keep you from your future

Stop comparing yourself to others and find your sweet spot

Great quote about conscious living

Turns out dogs love boxes too

If you don't ask, you don't get

The desire to tinker makes us feel like we're fulfilling our purpose

And here's a quote from one of my favorite authors, J.K. Rowling (if you haven't read her new books under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, you should check them out). "It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all; in which case you fail by default."  Enjoy your weekend!


Photo courtesy of Neon Tommy/Flickr

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Universal Flow Of Giving

Money - easy come, easy go.  That's the perception I've lived with for a long time.  Recently, I've noticed because of that perception, I tend to keep score with my generosity.

And while I'm keeping score and sometimes hoarding my money or making judgement calls about who I feel safe being generous with, I can feel my bank account shrinking.  It all comes back to the Universal Law of giving - the tighter I hold onto money (or love or a job) the more I struggle with bringing money (or love or a job) into my life.

On the other hand, when I remember that there is more than enough financial abundance to go around and give from that place, I tend to receive back MORE than I originally gave.  Not surprisingly, it comes back to me - usually - from a different source, NOT from the person that I gave to in the first place (which has been another misperception on my part.)

There is a flow to giving and receiving.  It's an acceptance and trust that something bigger than me is at play here.  I am financially okay and I will continue to be financially okay.  Thinking anything else is defeating and self-fulfilling.

So, where in YOUR life are you keeping score?

Today, I set the intention to remain open to the universal flow of giving, knowing there is always more than enough prosperity and abundance to go around.


"You have not lived today until you have done something 
for someone who can never repay you."   

"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures.  
The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own."  


Affirmative Prayer:
Being fully present in the silence of this moment, there is the sense of one Divine Intelligence, one Creative Wisdom.  It is in the power of a song that touches the heart and in the gentle rain that falls on the fields of flowers; sustaining, nurturing, strengthening.

This Creative Force that I call God knows me personally, expressing as me in every moment.  I am the song and the rain; sustaining, nurturing, strengthening.  Centering my consciousness in this knowing, there is a peaces that settles throughout and I allow Spirit to light my path forward.

Today, I choose to remember that I am a co-creator with Spirit.  I release any thoughts of anxiousness around money as I put the Universal Law of giving into action.  I let go of the belief that money goes as easily at it comes to me and instead, affirm that I am in the flow of an ever-increasing supply of abundance and prosperity. Goodness and prosperity pour themselves down on me all the time and I, in turn, pour my prosperity down over others I meet.  I welcome the transformation in my life from living this Law of Reciprocity.  It is powerful and exciting to know that my dreams of living from the overflow are being made manifest, right here and right now.

I am so grateful for the changes in my life around finances as I watch them multiply into more than enough.  I am thankful for my awareness of something bigger than me that tells me every day, life is wonderful.  Thank you, Spirit, for Your fullness of expression as me and through me.

Feeling renewed, I simply release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law which activates my word into fulfillment.  My life is filled with peace and joy and happiness.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!


Photo courtesy of Chris Gin/Flickr

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Why Good Leaders Are Well-Equipped For The Good Of Others

I am a great worker bee most of the time.  If there is a list of things to be done, and some structure around how to do them, I can easily get through the tasks pretty efficiently.  I also have the strength and energy to take on the tough tasks that no one else wants.

But - there is a calling within my heart to be more than just a worker bee.  I have a desire to become a a leader.  My challenge is that my 'leadership' role models have been somewhat brutal when it comes to managing a group of individuals.  And, I've carried around the belief that to be an effective leader, I also have to be brutal.

I have to raise my voice when things don't go quite right.

I have to slam doors and critique people in front of their peers.

I have to constantly watch the clock and call people out when they're a minute or two late.

At least, that's what I used to think.  I've NOW learned that the really strong leaders can lead in effective and supportive ways.

I believe that's the case because those same leaders want for their team, the good they seek for themselves.  They get it that people are ready to work hard when they are valued rather than scoffed at.

Those leaders take into account what the individual has done rather than discipline them based on a single error when they make a mistake.

Those leaders look at all that the individual knows rather than belittle them because they lack one small skill.

Those leaders encourage the individual's goals for their life rather than tell them their big, fat, hairy dream is unrealistic.

I no longer have to shy away from leadership roles.  I can be a different kind of leader from the stories I've been programmed with.

I can follow my heart and assert my authority so that everyone on the team, myself included, is well-equipped for the good we all desire.

So, where are YOU struggling to chase your dreams?  Where are you fearful of asserting your authority?

Today, I set the intention to know that it's safe to assert my authority, realizing that the good I want for myself is also the good I want for others.


"Life wants to come into form through you.  You didn't come here to get - 
you came to this world to contribute your gift.  Doing what you love makes you come alive.  
The more alive you feel, the more present you are.  The more present you are, the more
available you are to the creative connection to the Infinite."  
~Christian Sorenson

"That which holds our attention determines our action."  
~William James


Affirmative prayer:
Savoring the magnificence of life, there is the recognition of One Creative Power.  It is the tranquility found in a calm sea and the vibrancy found in the strains of a symphony.  Empowering and at the same time gentle, this Divine Wisdom flows freely around all that is.  It flows through me and around me reminding me that the One Creative Power resides within me.

I embrace this gift from Spirit; the knowing that I am a co-creator with Source.  What I think creates a feeling and as I make a declaration from that feeling, it comes forth in beautiful and amazing ways.  Like a field of sunflowers that follow the sunlight, my ideas and dreams follow a Divine light that calls out for expression.  I welcome the abundant possibilities for my life as a leader.  As I take the steps forward into guiding and directing a team, the perfect and right team-mates are guided toward me.  We work together in ways that support everyone's good, allowing Spirit to lead us to a life even better than we can imagine.  The way is made clear and the progress and breakthroughs into success and prosperity are evident each and every day.  Life is so good as we each contribute our gifts and talents together.

I am filled with gratitude for the connection with Spirit that makes all things possible.  I give thanks for the greatness being revealed in my life and I am grateful and available to the abundance and the joy that are on their way to me right now.

From this place of gratitude, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I sit in expectancy of the good that is becoming a physical reality.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Rushing/Flickr

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Have A Great Post-Halloween Weekend



I hope everyone survived Halloween trick or treating last night.  We ended up going out to dinner with friends and all of the restaurant employees were dressed up.  There were some amazing costumes and it sure created a fun atmosphere.  Hope you have a good weekend and here are a few fun and inspiring posts from around the web....


Living healthy doesn't have to feel like a day to day strain

Don't call people out, call people forth

Kick your comfort zone in the teeth and create lasting change

Grab the tissues for this story

What are the flowers for?

Why we're more afraid of sharks than car accidents

Take the high road to happiness

We live lifetimes in our lifetime

Caring for yourself while caring for aging parents

10 personal growth habits

And here's something wonderful to remember this weekend from Marianne Williamson: "The opportunities for infinite possibility exist no matter what age we are."  Enjoy yourself!

Photo courtesy of George/Flickr