Saturday, September 27, 2014

Have A Vibrant, Amazing Weekend



It's another home game for San Jose State Football and we'll be there this weekend.  Our poor dog must feel like the football widow.  He gets a quick walk before the game as we rush out the door and a quick walk after the game because we're just plain tired at that point.  My fingers are crossed for a win today!  Hope you're doing something wonderful this weekend and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....


Forget the body and mind; there is only consciousness

Take a hard look in the mirror

Coming out of the closet about following your intuition

Got someone who drives you crazy?  Here's why they might be your soulmate

Perhappiness: 6 ways to embrace the unknown

How to (finally) find your soulmate

I wouldn't be at all surprised if I get what I want

A whole home for less than $80,000!??

21 London street foods that will change your life

This bear is unstoppable!


So, enjoy the good life this weekend and savor each experience.  And, from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  It is the only thing that ever has."  

Photo courtesy of Andy/Flickr

Friday, September 26, 2014

The Art Of Making Spiritual Excuses

When something in my life goes wrong, I immediately start making excuses.  And - what I notice is that I blame what went wrong on Divine Intervention.  It's simply out of my control, right?

These are my tried and true excuses:

"I know I'm late in getting this work to you but everything happens in perfect, Divine timing."

"It's not my fault.  I'm carrying around old past habits that make me do things this way."

"I realize I got angry with you but I'm trying to work through my feelings by expressing them."

Not surprisingly, these excuses are starting to sound lame.  And, I don't want people to tune me out or roll their eyes when I throw these out there.

At the same time, I'm not perfect and there will be times when I sincerely need to explain why I acted badly or am late or needed space for a minor meltdown.

And, here's where the art comes in of identifying and re-directing my excuses into something that works for everyone involved.

So, when my project is delayed because I got stuck, I can explain that this was beyond my comfort zone and admit that I can use some help.  It now becomes a learning opportunity for my self-growth.

Or, when I get frustrated because I don't have the details I should have received from others, I take a deep breath and find a trusted person to bounce some problem-solving ideas off of.  Now, I have created a space for compassion and understanding rather than self-pity and anger.

And, I know myself well enough to recognize a few of my triggers.  Being aware of those allows me to be pro-active and express concerns BEFORE I take on a task.  Rather than flippantly blame old habits, I simply admit that managing others, for example, is not my forte and I may be challenged by keeping people in line.

With the new re-worked excuses, what emerges is something that is truly more spiritual than the whining I did previously.  It becomes more about self-mastery and MY evolution of recognizing that things are not happening 'to' me, they are happening 'through' me.

And, that recognition is exactly what I need to make a change. There is an intelligence within me that is here to push me to grow and to thrive; it is NOT here to be my scapegoat.

So, where are YOU using the Universe as your scapegoat rather than taking responsibility for your choices?

Today, I set the intention to take responsibility for my actions in ways that allow Spirit to move through me and NOT throw Divine Life under the bus.


"There is no need for you to be some kind of super-being in order to measure
 up to everyone else.  Who you are is really quite enough!  You know enough and
 have enough to offer something valuable, whatever is going on."  

"The will of the Spirit is peace, clear thinking and happiness; it could have no other will."  
~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind


Affirmative Prayer:
Breathing into this moment and surrendering to the end of the day, there is an awareness of One Divine Life.  It stands as tall as the trees and is as vast as the ocean.  This Life is strong and at the same time gentle; vibrant and at the same time soft.

And in this moment, I can see that I am surrounded by an Infinite Intelligence that responds to all that I think, all that I say and all that I do.   I am open to the Spirit within as I create a life that awakens my souls desires.  I am moved to new experiences, allowing my actions to be guided by the still small voice that always has my highest and best in mind.

Embracing the energy of Divine Wisdom and Love, I claim with conviction that I am, at heart, a spiritual being.   I see clearly that as I make choices at work and at play, I am supported, even when I may make a mistake.  I let go of the fear of admitting I am wrong and, instead, find compassionate and truthful ways to admit my human tendencies.  As I claim my errors, I welcome the support of the Universe that tells me I am always enough, in every situation.  And I affirm that as I get better at voicing things I didn't handle so well, a whole world of possibilities opens up for me to prosper.

I am filled with gratitude for this growing awareness that I can be humble and still thrive.  I am thankful that as I discover my own unique brilliance, success chases me down and lifts me up.  And I am grateful for the gentle reminders from the Universe that put me back on track to accepting responsibility for my life, here and now.

From this place of deep gratitude, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done and made manifest in loving ways.  I am worthy of this and so much more.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!


Photo courtesy of Banu/Flickr

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

But I Don't Want To...

"But we always go to Aqui's on Friday"  As soon as I said the words, I stopped in my tracks.   I've been so busy with my recent efforts in my career that I've fallen back into easy routines at home.

In my defense - if I'm in a routine at home, I know that one area of my life will be settled and structured and comfortable.  But - what my family experiences is that I'm so set in my ways, I'm not much fun to be around.

So, when my daughter wanted to try a new pizza place downtown, my inner child started stomping her feet and whining, "No, no, no...."  Wow, I seriously need to lighten up!

Of course, I really do enjoy my favorite Mexican restaurant but I also know that the Universe is guiding my life.  And when someone suggests I try something different, my job is to jump in with both feet and say "Yes, of course, I'd love to try the new pizza place."

Because I never know who I will meet that might change my life.  And I never know what might happen that could alter my path.  And I never know if that decision might be the catalyst for change in my daughter's life.

Sure, it could also just be that we go for pizza and have fun.  Maybe THAT is what the Universe intended...a little levity to balance the hard work.

So, where are YOU stuck in your routines?

Today, I set the intention to remember the importance of being available to stepping out of my routine and jumping into new experiences, having faith each experience is here to serve a purpose. 


"Perfection is the obstacle of creation and the enemy of achievement.  At some point, 
you've got to say, 'This is good.  And this is enough.'  If you cannot do this, you will never 
get anything done - and that is the opposite of what you want, is it not?"  

"You are braver than you believe, stronger that you seem and smarter than you think."  
~A.A. Milne from "Winnie the Pooh"


Affirmative Prayer:
Sitting in the garden, feeling the wind softly blowing, there is the Allness of Life that moves through the trees and flowers.  It is the blossoming of the rose each morning and the softness of the dew on the grass.

This Creative Intelligence is always available, speaking to my heart and reminding me that, at my core, I am Divine.  I am safe and protected as the Universe surrounds me with love and light.  I step into this truth and choose the joy and happiness that is my inherent nature.  Goodness flows from within me, spreading through my life in perfect, beautiful ways.

Knowing that I am never alone, I am overwhelmed by the inner voice that thunders through me, telling me that I am the beloved, here to share my gifts and talents.  As I say, 'Yes' to new experiences, I tune into the beauty of each moment.  I accept that my life is changed, up-leveled and uplifted in magnificent ways by simply being available to new opportunities.  I am transformed as I stay tuned to the all-good that I call God and let myself rise to each occasion with a spring in my step.  And I affirm that as I hold thoughts of what is important to me, I easily balance the hard work with lightness and fun and laughter.  I am here on purpose, for a purpose and I am enough.

I am thankful for the guidance from the Universe, showing me how strong and capable I am.  I am filled with gratitude for the confidence that I will be okay when I step out my routine. And I give thanks for Spirit's wisdom that flows to support and sustain me through all changes.

With an open heart and open mind, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.   I hear the guidance clearly and trust deeply in my good.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of David Kracht/Flickr

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Have An Awesome Weekend



Have I mentioned before that we are BIG San Jose State football fans?  Game time is 1pmPST and we'll be watching from the comfort of our living room and big-screen TV.  Mimosa's and football sound like a great way to start the weekend to me.  How about you?  Any college football fans with big plans for Saturday?  Hope it's a good one and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....


Finding your feet - a TEDx Glasgow talk about being all you can be in the face of trauma & adversity

Stick to what you say; 7 effective ways to boost your happiness

Looking for something new to try?

How to go after your dreams AND stay sane

And, how to not be stupid

Two elements of an apology

This lip synch battle made me laugh

Ever wondered why so many Disney characters are lacking in the Mom department?

Are these 'unhealthily thin' models a step backwards for fashion?

Adorable parenting moment

Allow your dream to live inside you


And, some words of wisdom from one of my favorite inspirational people, Iyanla Vanzant: "You've got to be willing to lose everything to gain yourself." 

Photo courtesy of Derrick S./Flickr

Friday, September 19, 2014

Traces Of Being Deeply Loved And Loving Deeply

I am an introvert.  My plan for Saturday is stay home in my pajamas, finish reading Gone Girl, and get someone else to take the dog for a walk.

My other half, Kevin, is an extrovert.  His plan for Saturday is to watch college football and have a group of friends over for dinner.

It's ironic but I believe the Universe, in It's wisdom, has brought us together for exactly that reason  - because we are complete opposites in our need to recharge.

When I look at it more closely, I can see that for each of us, our relationships can stagnate when we are too much alike.  But, when there are contrasting personalities and uncomfortable moments, we are called to grow out of our comfort zone.

So, how else can I learn compromise but by having to negotiate for some "me" time on Saturday.  And, how else can I learn compassion but by acknowledging his desire for group activities with family and friends.

On the flip side, I can see times where Kevin realizes that I need my "recharge time" and will offer to give me my space to nap on the couch or binge-watch House of Cards.

Admittedly, reaching this point didn't happen in the beginning of our marriage.  But - we knew enough that if we wanted a different partnership this time around, we would have to do things differently.

Our approach in our first marriages simply didn't work.  Our approach in this marriage is to realize that there are lessons to be learned, to notice when things seem to get painful, and to make space to give each other what we need at that time.

I absolutely believe the Universe paired us up as we placed our demands on it for a loving, beautiful partnership and healthy relationship.  And, it's been an opportunity for both of us to go from something that was merely good to a marriage that is filled with genius.

So, what choices are you making in YOUR relationships?  Are you learning from past relationship mistakes?

Today, I set the intention to see that when I make demands on the Universe for something even better and take a new approach toward life, I am supported in going from good to brilliant.


"Spiritual growth involves giving up the stories of your past so the Universe can write a new one."  ~Marianne Williamson

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."  ~Lao Tzu


Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment, I let go of any decision that needs to be made and simply choose to be still.  And in that stillness is the all-good of Life.  It is the Infinite Intelligence that is steeped in joy.  It is the Creative Wisdom that sings with beauty and harmony.

Centering in this knowing, I open up and allow the recognition to blossom that I am one with this Infinite Intelligence and Creative Wisdom.  I am peace, allowing for Spirit's love to guide my steps and surround me with grace.  I am abundance, available to be the channel for Life's good to flow through me and around me.

Embracing the desires of my soul for a beautiful, healthy relationship, I let go of what didn't serve me before and open up to a marriage that is aligned with my highest good.  I am not trapped by the differences but am called to rise up to be more of the love and joy that is my true nature.  I welcome the contrasts in my partnership and trust that, as I make a choice to be compassionate, that compassion is returned to me many times overs.  I accept the uncomfortable moments, having faith that they will pass and be revealed to hold a pearl of wisdom that let's each of us shine in ways that are brilliant and amazing.

I am so thankful for a Source that is always giving of Itself to each of us.  I am filled with gratitude for the learning that continues to transform my marriage, knowing that with each lesson, it gets easier and easier to be a peaceful presence.  And I give great thanks for the courage and strength to open up and be exactly who I am, having faith that I am always supported by the Divine.

From a place of joy and beauty and abundance, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I am filled with exhilaration and happiness and sit in expectancy of ever increasing good.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Georgie Pauwels/Flickr

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Why Life Will Give You The Experience You Need

For the past few days, I've been busy buzzing around, excited about my new potential career opportunity.  But - I'm also noticing a bit of the angst of moving into new territory.  So, while I feel like I've had an extra dose of caffeine and want to jump right in, my fears about success are also making themselves felt and saying "Whoa, hold on there."

What I've come to understand is that both sides of these emotions are valid.  I know that my excitement about the new opportunity will push me to try something outside of my comfort zone.  I also know that my fears will keep me from pushing too far and going down a path of mistakes and wrong choices that could be avoided.

It's a powerful realization that I have learned enough about life and the Universe and my own nature to see that I don't have to identify with only one way of feeling and thinking.  I can embrace both.  I can get the lesson and change my behavior when necessary.

I've been given an opportunity to go down a path and create something new.  I don't have to dampen my fears and 'positive think' my way through.  And, I don't have to rush through the experience and miss the journey itself.  I just take it one step at a time, notice my thoughts, and let myself be available to the personal growth that will get me from here to something even better than I can imagine.

So, what are YOU learning from your emotions?  Are you seeing the gift in both the positive and the negative emotions?

Today, I set the intention to embrace and learn from both the positive and negative emotions I have, knowing they are teachers and leading me down a path of ever-increasing good.


"Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of 
your consciousness.  How do you know this is the experience you need? 
 Because this is the experience you are having at the moment."  

"All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make, the better."  


Affirmative Prayer:
In the wholeness and fullness of this moment, there is a field of infinite possibility, stretched out and inviting the knowing of a Divine Presence.  It is a presence of peace and joy, of harmony and bliss making Itself felt as steadily as the rhythm of a beating heart.

As I stand in this stillness, I see that I am the peace that is at the heart of this Infinite Intelligence.  I am the softness and compassion that moves as gently as a cloud on a quiet summer day, revealing the Creative Wisdom that I call God and allowing it to surround me and flow from within me.

In this awareness of my Oneness with Source, I am clear of my path each day as I take one step forward.  I welcome the ever-increasing good that transforms my experiences into celebrations of learning and wisdom.  I stand deep in the faith that my personal growth is Divinely guided and my evolution into a life filled with meaning and purpose is perfect.  And, I affirm that joy and bliss follow me and that peace and grace sustain me with each opportunity that is presented on my journey of transformation and expansion.

Exhaling into this moment, I am filled with gratitude for the healing that takes place in embracing all of my emotions.  I am thankful that my relationship with myself is evolving into a beautiful knowing that Life is here to support me to thrive.  And I am grateful for each experience that brings with it a pearl of wisdom, a gift that encourages me to reach for higher and better outcomes in the here and now.

From a place of thanksgiving, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is done and being made manifest in amazing ways.  I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of David Blackwell/Flickr

Monday, September 15, 2014

Make The Most Of Your Week



We spent the weekend in Seattle and it was great to see some fun things like the Space Needle and the Chihuly Glass Garden.  We also got to spend some time with friends and family, eating our way around town.  I love traveling but there's something to be said for being at home too...  Enjoy your week and here are a few fun and inspiring links from around the web....

5 tips for having hard conversations

How to make the most of our mistakes

The Chorus: a poem for those of us always trying to get ahead

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes

Can single moms raise happy, well-adjusted sons on their own?

'Apparently Kid' is apparently over the word apparently

Grandparents are too cute!

Made me smile

Ultimate taxi <video>

Yoga Joes: army men doing yoga

And to start your week, here's something to think about as you go through your day from Paulo Coelho: "Enjoy the questions.  Don't worry about the answers." 

Photo courtesy of Garry Jone/Flickr

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Value Of Self-Love

Labels:  Selflish.  Self-centered.  Self-involved.  Am I defined by those labels?  Sometimes, yes.

But - labels are just that; a way to define or, dare I say judge, something or someone.  And, what I'm starting to see is the more I love myself and who I am becoming, the less I fret when those labels are applied to me.  In fact, the more I embrace those labels as evidence that I am important and valued and cherished, the better balanced I am in my life.

Because it means I am taking time for my own growth.  I am making time to do what makes me happy.  I am open to and allowing the space for my own development.

So, for those who give me those labels, I say Thank You.  And for those who can see my growth and are encouraged to go down the road of self-love with me, I say Lets Go!

Incorporating some "ME" time is creating a path that leads me to the life I desire.  And, it's creating a path that guides me to that which I need to become in order to have the life that is calling to me.

It's all happening in perfect timing and in perfect ways.  I simply need to take the next step and follow the map that my intuition provides each day.

So, how do YOU feel about loving yourself right where you are?  Are you making time to focus on yourself?

Today, I set the intention to see the value of self-love and accept myself, just as I am, right where I am, knowing my dreams will follow.


"Self worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy."  
~Wayne Dyer

"The true value of a human being is determined primarily by 
the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self."  
~Albert Einstein



Affirmative Prayer:
Breathing in the joy of this moment, there is the glimmer of the One Life, the touch and feel of the One Divine Presence.  It is a richness and a ripeness that is revealed throughout each day.  And it is a stirring of a recognition that this Infinite, Creative Power is a source for only good, only beauty, only happiness.

This Presence is reflected in everything I do, everything I say and everything I think.  It expresses as me, reminding me that I am even more than I imagine.  I am Spirit in human form and my activities are those of the Divine.

As I go through my day, I let go of any striving and I give in to simply allowing and accepting my desires to unfold.  As I love myself more deeply, I am reminded that I am worthy of all the wonderful things this life has to offer.  I move through the field of possibilities and experience the prosperity and abundance that seems to flow right to my door.  My talents and desires become evident as I remain open to opportunities for growth and development.  I am here at this time to thrive and I welcome Spirit's Infinite Love which is always surrounding me and sustaining me.

I am so grateful for the experiences of love and generosity that are revealed as I give and as I receive.  This is a reciprocal Universe and I give thanks for that reciprocity for it is evidence that the Divine Love of Source is always available within each of us.  And I am filled with gratitude for the ever-increasing wisdom that says we are all here, not just to survive, but to thrive!

With a shout of exuberant thanks, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is always and forever working on my behalf.  I accept all that is to come in trust and faith.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.


Photo courtesy of IamNotUnique/Flickr

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Are You Thriving Through Life's Obstacles?

Life's obstacles.  They shine a bright light on areas where we have grown AND in areas that we continue to work on AND in areas where we are starting to allow our greatness to shine.

One of the best ways to see these life lessons?  Learn from the past.  And yet - that advice seems counter to what we hear often in our spiritual journey.

We should be in the Now.
Embrace this minute Now.
There is only Now.
Breathe and sit in this moment Now.

Those are all great messages and certainly, we should always be aware of the Now.  But, I believe, it's not until we begin to clear out the clutter of our past and to look at our cultural conditioning, that we can begin to focus the energy of our mind on new beliefs.

So, as I look back at my past, I can see times where I have used words to shame someone into feeling bad about themselves.  I can see times where I have been critical about my job or my home.

And, before you know it, I have been laid off or I have been given a 60-day notice to move out.  Or, I would no longer be invited to spend time with that person I had shamed.  Talk about feedback from the Universe!

Life is a great teacher.  My most recent lesson?   I don't need to make anyone wrong.  I don't have to compare myself to anyone else.  Instead, I can choose a different response.  I can choose not to react to something that triggered a negative emotion.

Every human being on this planet is a powerful manifester.  By learning from the feedback, focusing on our goals and affirming the good that we see in achieving that goal, we move closer to not just surviving but thriving.

So, what lessons have YOU learned from the obstacles in your life?

Today, I set the intention to be aware of the feedback and lessons from my past, using them to move more into the success that I am affirming for my life.


"Because others cannot vibrate in your experience, they cannot affect
 the outcome of your experience.  They can hold their opinions, but 
unless their opinion affects your opinion, their opinion matters not at all."  

"Source Energy is intimately, infinitely always responding to your requests, 
no matter how great or small they may be deemed by you
 or anyone else who is observing them.  There is nothing so big
 that Source Energy can't get its thoughts around it - and there is
 nothing so small that Source Energy isn't willing to get its thoughts around it."  


Affirmative Prayer:
Stepping into a place of life and love, there is a recognition that Spirit is all there is.  It is a feeling of being-ness that permeates all of creation.  It is a Divine Peace and Infinite Wisdom that bathes each and every living thing with grace and ease, joy and happiness.

This Creative Intelligence is speaking to me through my soul, calling me Beloved.  It is the guiding lamp on my path, expressing through me as perfect health.  It is the sustaining flow of effortless abundance that surrounds me and I am filled to overflowing with the knowing that I am perfect, whole and complete in every moment of the day.

I soar into the knowing that there is a fullness and wholeness to my life.  I celebrate the truth that I am worthy of the ever-increasing good that is my Divine birthright.  I am learning lessons from my past experiences and evolving into being more of who I am here to be, sharing my unique gifts and talents.  I stay focused on my goals and desires and I welcome their manifestation into reality.  Infinite Love flows through me as I embrace the adventure that comes with each choice I make.  And, I affirm that success unfolds easily and effortlessly as I focus the energy of my mind on beliefs that tell me I am more than enough.

I am filled with gratitude for dreams that are realized in beautiful ways and I give thanks for the seeming miracles that transform my life day after day.  I am grateful for the success that transforms my life, showing me how much I am loved unconditionally.

Letting any resistance melt away, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I celebrate being in the presence of love and light.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Entrer dans le reve/Flickr


Saturday, September 6, 2014

Have A Fabulous Weekend



We're off to the tiny beach town of Aptos this weekend!  Kevin and I have scheduled a massage for Friday night and, other than that, the days and nights are open to spontaneity.  My only hope is that the fog doesn't hang around too long in the mornings.  What are your plans for the weekend?  Whatever they are, enjoy...and here are a few fun and inspirational posts from around the web...


If you're dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough

Best relationship advice from celebrities who are in it for the long haul

The 5 "P's" that will dramatically enhance your life

The power of setting BIG, hairy, audacious goals

When life doesn't meet our hopes and expectations

The first step to reaching your goals is believing you can get there

A wonderful guided meditation app

A touching vlog interview with a woman who felt that breast cancer robbed her of her beauty

A smart nanny-cam with facial recognition and air pollution sensors

Why you should always check your pizza carefully before complaining to Domino's

And in honor of Joan Rivers passing, here's one of my favorite quotes from her - she was one of a kind!  "Life goes by fast.  Enjoy it.  Calm down.  It's all funny."  RIP Joan....


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Why Judgement Has A Boldness To It

Rueful choices.  Complicated situations.  Words I wish I could take back.  I've survived them all.  It's fascinating at how accepting I am becoming of myself when I look back at the choices, words & situations that turned out less than perfect.

I no longer run away from those moments because, really, everything is all right.  I can relax and stop worrying.  I can quit being so hard on myself.

And the simple act of self-acceptance has freed me to make bolder choices, knowing that I can ask for forgiveness if my choice unintentionally hurt someone.

It's opened me up taking risks, knowing that I can always start over if I fail.

It's allowed me to make a mess of what I say, knowing that there is a lesson in the mess I now feel called to clean up.

It's the never-ending story of judgement.  And, what I'm realizing is that it's okay to have judgement.  Because the lesson I'm now seeing in judgement is that as I clean up my mess, I have bonded more deeply with people I care about.  And as I dig myself out of failure, I fall more deeply in love with the passions that drive me to try again.

There is a wisdom that comes from experiencing each moment, even the things that we judge wrong or hurtful or as weakness.

And all the time there is a recognition that the Universe is always there to pick me up and brush me off.   It is telling me that if I don't experience life because I am worried about making a mistake, I will likely not get another chance to experience it later.

So, I'm opening up and I'm owning all of it.

What about you?  Can you accept ALL of who you are, even your blunders and messy situations?

Today, I set the intention to celebrate the revelations that come from living a life true to who I am as I strive for authenticity and self-acceptance in all things.


"We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget
 the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it is all about."  

"The experience of eternity right here and now is the function of life.  Heaven is not
 the place to have the experience; here is the place to have the experience."  


Affirmative Prayer:
Beyond time and space, there is a field of infinite possibilities.  There is no beginning and no end.  There is only a Divine Presence that is love.  It is a Creative Wisdom contained in the sounds that are heard and in the silence.  And, it is a Divine Power that is the essence of a breath and the unceasing heartbeat in every creature, great and small.

My nature is that of this Divine Presence that is in every aspect and situation of my life.  It is the creative force of the Universe that is always present within me and all around me.  It is present in every thought, every action and every feeling that I have.  And I am made new in each moment as who I am expands with every experience I have each day.

Remembering this truth, I am lifted up and I am blessed simply for having the courage to try new things.  I am fully supported as I make choices and lean into situations that speak to my soul.  I am making a contribution to all of planet Earth as my path leads me on encounters that are Divinely guided and directed.  Having faith that Spirit is always present, I celebrate with a heart wide-open and affirm that my conversations with others and my actions allow blessings to move through me.  I let go of judgement and consciously choose a life of authenticity and self-expression.

For all of this and more, I am deeply grateful.  I am filled with gratitude that Spirit is present in every situation and circumstance.  And I am thankful that my life experiences reveal my true nature - a spiritual being having a human experience, an expression of joy and love.

In trust and faith, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is perfect and knowing it is already done.  I smile in happiness as I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Meg Wills/Flickr


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Don't Over-Complicate Forgiveness

It can be a difficult conversation to have.  The one with yourself, that is.  Why have I held on to this grudge for so long?  Why is it so hard to forgive?

There are days when what I'm thinking just doesn't make me feel good.  And I realize it might be time to let go of that long-held grudge that's bringing me down.  But it's not always as easy as simply changing my thoughts to better ones to make me feel good.

I certainly don't want to re-hash the issue with the person I'm resentful of but I do feel I need to have a conversation in order to let go of it.  I liken it to de-cluttering my home from things that have been collecting dust - I need to de-clutter my thoughts.

So, what works for me?  I sit down and write (or type) a letter to myself that lets me explore what  it is I'm thinking that is making me feel bad.

And - I don't make it too complicated.  I simply let it be a free-flow of words or sentences that come to mind as I'm opening up to what I'm holding inside.

So here's a recent issue that I noticed.  I have held on to feelings of resentment against my sister for being the young, cute one that always got what she wanted.  How it shows up for me is that, when I hear of a success she's had, my go-to feeling is jealousy.

Because I really do love my sister, I turn this feeling back towards ME and start to feel guilty that I'm jealous.  Boy, does that bother me.  Because - then I just stew in the back-and-forth emotions.

So, I put pen to paper and started to write:

"It's so crazy that I feel jealous of my sister, especially when she's always so encouraging toward me.  Why do I do that?  Well, I always had to give her my toys when we were young.  And everyone commented on how cute she always looked.  Even in high school, the boys were always chasing her. 

Whoa, is that why I feel jealous?   I never lacked for anything growing up and I had lots of friends too.  In fact, I made the cheer team in high school and I won lots of awards for playing the flute.  I've had a lot in my life that I've loved to do and really enjoyed.  

It's okay that I wasn't cuter than her.  And it's okay that she was always thinner than me.  We are both doing the best we can with what he have."

I keep it simple and short.  And - I may not have gotten to the very root of why I feel jealous with that one letter, but I'm getting closer.

I'm forgiving MYSELF and that's one more step forward to uncovering something that might be holding me back from living the life that is calling my name.

What works for you when you need to have a difficult conversation?  Have you ever checked in with YOU?

Today, I set the intention to remember that forgiveness comes when I can let go of thoughts that make me feel bad.


"Just like gravity or light, beauty is seen as a force that exists everywhere, always.  
From this perspective, our job is less about creating beauty and 
more about seeking it out and recognizing the beauty that already exists in all things."  

"When we allow ourselves to take a breath and tune inwards rather than
 be controlled by external forces, we stop battling with life."  


Affirmative Prayer:
Opening to the truth that there is only One Life, there is a magnificence to this moment.  The all-good of the Infinite Life is masterful and powerful, overflowing with abundance and prosperity that is revealed in wondrous ways.

Accepting that I am one with Infinite Source, my words are the words of Spirit moving through me.  My actions are the actions of the Divine Love that I call God, expressing as me.  I come into alignment with the knowing that I am an avenue of untold blessings for others and for myself.

Letting go of any jealousy that has gotten in the way of the truth that I am born of great things, I gratefully receive the gifts of the Universe.  Life is always offering Itself up as an experience of grace and harmony and I see clearly my role in every new situation.  I see the potential in every situation for forgiveness and compassion.  With faith, I easily step into being more, beyond what my mind can fathom, trusting that I am guided in all that I do.  I affirm that my thoughts are creating a life where I have more than enough and I open my heart to knowing that something big is seeking to emerge when I simply allow it to.

I give thanks for the blessings that seemingly fall from the sky onto my path.  I am profoundly grateful for the ability to see things in a new way so that I no longer struggle but open to the ease and grace of life.  Thank you, Spirit, for everything that is unfolding in perfect, Divine timing - life is so good!

From this place of good, I release my Word to the Law that moves this into form in bold and beautiful ways. My life is blessed with abundance and prosperity.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Eternal Sunshine/Flickr