Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Show-Stopping Self-Acceptance

Going through my closet and re-organizing my clothes with the change of seasons, I started feeling very proud of what I had to choose from.  At the same time, I was also a somewhat critical of some of the other clothes choices I had made.

As I noticed the critical feelings, I realized that the maturity in my clothing choices is mirroring the maturity in my spiritual choices.

First, I have admit that I love clothing and would like nothing better than to be able to buy something new to add to my wardrobe on a weekly basis.  And, out of college, as I started getting these lovely paychecks that were more than I had ever earned, I indulged myself in just that - shopping every week for something new.

What's interesting is that after wearing my purchases for about a month or so, I'd get very critical of how they looked and how they made me feel.  I had an internal voice that would start to tell me I looked fat in certain things or how the style just wasn't flattering or the color was completely wrong for my skin tone.

And so, I'd donate the clothing that no longer made me feel good and replace it with newer choices that made me feel beautiful and young and trendy.  I was so focused on how the new clothing made me feel, I didn't really pay attention to what would be the quality choices that would last season to season, to what would mix & match with other things I owned and and to what would be something that I enjoyed to wear because it suited me.

What I can see now is that when my life took a turn toward seeing the world differently (not long after my divorce), the choices I started to make in clothing also turned.

As I developed my own taste in spirituality, I also developed my own taste for clothing.  The biggest 'a-ha' was that I was not defined by my clothing  - nor was I defined by my spirituality (Catholic, Protestant, Christian...)

What I've learned to be true for me is that God, Spirit, Creator, is not something outside of me, judging me.  My truth is that there is only One Divine Mind that I choose to call God, AND it's within me - good and loving and yearning for my success.

I get to relax into my spirituality AND my clothing choices.  I can choose what works for me - maybe a few knock-out pieces combined with everyday practical items - and let go of dogma that makes me feel I must wear navy blue pant suits to be accepted professionally.

When I feel confused by life and thrown into chaos, I don't have to throw out my spiritual practices for new ones.  I can lean into the practical black top with slacks - meditation - and combine it with a pretty scarf or necklace - affirmations.

I am reaching a point where I can allow my elegance to shine through and not worry about what others think - proud of who I am; a point where I can pray and sit in the joyful expectancy that it is always answered.

Today, I set the intention to let go of any lingering self-criticism and lean into the beautiful structure of possibility that I am creating. 


"It is well to listen to this Inner Voice, for it tells us of a life wonderful in its scope; 
of a love beyond our fondest dreams; of a freedom which the soul craves."  


"Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, 
its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time."


Affirmative Prayer:
Letting go of the day and opening to the presence of the One Divine Love, there is only peace, only joy.  It is the eternal presence of Spirit, powerful and remarkable as the Source of all life.

I am touched deeply by this presence of Spirit, always pointing me to that which is good.  I am filled with awe and wonder that this presence is ever-present, always available.  I live, move and allow the truth of who I am to wash over me and seep into my very being.

As my innate spiritual qualities begin to emerge, I let go of any lingering confusion and embrace the elegant creation of God as Sandy.  Remembering that I am here to live a life of joy and abundance, I flow with the up-leveling of my life.  I easily make choices that support my prosperity and happiness.  I lean into the newness of what is and let go of what was, opening my heart to the greatness of love.  There are no mistakes - only course corrections and growth into possibilities.  I welcome the beauty of my unique gifts that are expressed more confidently and made manifest in powerful experiences.  I am open to all that is available to me and I let Spirit lead my steps.

I am filled with gratitude for the presence of Spirit, revealing the abundance in my life perfectly.  I give thanks for my faith that reminds me that prayer always works.  And I am grateful that I am free to be my unique, brilliant self and that my passions are able to shine through with confidence.

Releasing my prayer to the Law of Mind, I know it is already done and I can celebrate the results.  I rejoice in this amazing day!  And so it is!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Lelievre/Flickr

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Goodness And Greatness

I spent my weekend contemplating goodness and greatness.  There is a desire deep in me that tells me I am meant to do great things that will touch the lives of others.  And, in my mind, that is tied to goodness in my everyday life.

But - I have a tendency to joke and be flippant which occasionally leads to jokes that go to far (I'm a Sagittarius and have that 'foot in mouth' personality trait).  I especially cringe when I look back and see times where I've made jokes at others expense or sent off an email that was full of judgement because I didn't have the whole story.

I do realize, that in living my life, I will make mistakes.  That doesn't mean, tho', that I'm not a good person or undeserving of my good.

So, in my contemplation, one thing became clear: self-forgiveness.  It's about a forgiveness that accepts the thoughtless things I said or did in the past and learning from it; to be mindful and consider what I'm going to say before I say it.

I can still be funny and go for the laugh.  In fact, I think my humor is one of my gifts from the Universe that has lightened up many a situation or just made someone smile who needed it.  I simply need to look at it from other's perspectives before shooting off my mouth - or my email.

And, in the self-forgiveness and mindfulness, there is space for allowing my greatness to emerge.  Small acts of good leading to acts of greatness that can make an impact.  What a beautiful thing to focus on this week.

Today, I set the intention to think before I make a joke, being mindful of the other person's perspective, knowing that what I speak has the possibility to lead to something great.


"Judge nothing, you will be happy.  Forgive everything, you will be happier.  
Love everything, you will be happiest." 

"Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different, 
it's accepting the past for what it was, and using this moment and
 this time to help yourself move forward." 


Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment of pure joy and contentment, there is the recognition of the Source of Life; happiness, peace, abundance.  Daily, there is evidence of this Infinite Intelligence, from the rising of the sun to the blossoming of the flowers, happening effortlessly and with grace.

I make time each day to sit with and connect with this Source of Life that is within me.  I tap into the Creative Wisdom that guides my steps and experiences life through me and as me.  And as I connect, I see that I am one with the Presence that I call God.

In this space of Oneness, there is an inner freedom that emerges.  As I forgive, I allow a newness to be created that up-levels my life from one of resentment to one of possibility and potential.  I welcome the greatness that is being revealed as I lean into being mindful of the words I speak.  I have faith that as I continue to practice mindfulness, gifts and talents are revealed and I am lifted to the next level of love.  And I affirm that my inner voice is leading me down a path to beauty, to creativity, to grace in perfect and right timing.

I am filled with gratitude for the small acts of goodness that unlock my purpose here at this time.  I give thanks for the abundance and prosperity that flows into my life in ways beyond what I can imagine.   And I am grateful that I wake each morning with a yearning to seek out the happiness that exists in doing great acts that make an impact in other's lives.

Blessing all that I have and all that I am about to receive, I release my prayer to the Law of Divine Mind, knowing it is done.  I can detach and simply let life unfold.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Doug Wheller/Flickr


Saturday, March 21, 2015

Seeing Your Value

We just got one step closer to owning our own home today.  We are officially pre-qualified and have placed a hold on a town-home we love.  Very exciting!

Immediately, of course, I start to think about where all of my things will go - the couch, the bedroom dressers, the fish.  I can absolutely see it BUT my mind also starts churning with plans to replace my older, well-used things.  What I'd really like to do is replace the old 'stuff' with new furnishings (well, except for the fish).

And, as I start to browse Ikea and Target, I just as quickly see my sometimes out-of-control spending habits rearing their head.  I realize that rather than rush out and buy things for the new home just for the sake of having new things won't work for me this time.

This time around, I'd rather spend a small bit more BUT get quality items (not that Ikea or Target are not quality).

I'd love to have a soft leather sofa and comfortable reclining chair in the new living room versus a cheaper fabric couch and love-seat.

I'd love to invest in a nice set of bedroom furniture that is sturdy, holds a lot, AND looks attractive.

I'd love to have window dressings that are effective at keeping out the light, when needed, and accent the various rooms versus an inexpensive curtain that I will likely have to replace within the year.

So, where is the spiritual lesson in all of this?  I realized that when I value myself, it shows in the choices I make.  I can take some extra time and money and decorate my new home with the right mix of quality furniture and window dressings and decorative accents.

I don't have to rush out and spend money on things I won't really enjoy down the line or on things that will fall apart six months into it.  It's so different for me to feel this way.  And I'm embracing it.

Maybe I'm finally starting to see the bigger picture....

Today, I set the intention to see that I am valued beyond measure and deserving of that which calls to my soul.

So where are YOU rushing into choices that may reflect your thoughts of lack and unworthiness?


"Believe in yourself and all that you are.  Know that there is 
something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."  

"Your sacred space is where you find yourself over and over again." 


Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment is the realization that there is a place where heaven meets Earth.  It is a powerful Infinite Intelligence; rich and beautiful, rising up from within; always available - always present.

I am surrounded in love by this Infinite Intelligence like a precious jewel.  A Divine Presence moves through me, reconnecting me to hope, reminding me that I shine brighter than the stars.  I am powerful.  I am courageous.

Knowing I am a co-creator with this Presence, I get quiet and listen to where I am being guided.  I imagine and dream and the Universe shows me how to make a way from where no way existed before.  My life expands beyond anything I have known before; abundant and rich in health, in wealth and in happiness.  I speak my word from a place of joy and Spirit makes it so.  I let go of any difficulties that may come from buying a new home and I welcome the overflow of prosperity that allows me to buy wonderful, amazing furnishings for my new home.  I can easily afford that which calls to my heart's desire.  And there is no need to rush - it all happens in perfect, Divine timing.

I am filled with gratitude for the guidance of Spirit in all things.  I am thankful that I see my value in this world and it is reflected back to me in everyday miracles and blessings.  And I am grateful that I only need speak my word and the Universe answers back, Yes!

I release this prayer to the Law of Mind, knowing it is done and I am changed for the better.  I am limitless.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Get Ready For Your Perfect Life

After successfully healing my flu bug, I can say this with more confidence; life has been really good lately.  My job is going well and what I don't know, I'm learning along the way.  My relationship with my husband is great.  Rather than growing stale after 13 years of marriage, we manage to mix it up and keep it fresh and exciting.

But, there's always something to work toward.  After all, life is all about the journey.  So, after reviewing my affirmations, it feels like it's time to make a move back into home ownership.  The beautiful thing is that it lines up with what's driving Kevin too so at least we're in sync (and sometimes that is half the battle)

I also have to admit, it's a little scary because I wasn't very good at it the first time around.  Instead of being grateful for what I had, I always looked at what needed improvement.  This time, though, I know that my right and perfect house is waiting.

What's funny is I'm torn between how detailed I should get with affirming what I want in a house.  OR, do I simply affirm that we own a house even better than I can imagine and detach from the outcome?

I do know there are some things I really desire at a soul level in a house.  I really want it to feel spacious yet not so large that you have to yell to talk to someone.  I really want a lot of natural light to brighten up the house.  I really want beautiful neighbors who are friendly and quiet and clean.  And, I really want a nice backyard for our dog, Cody.

And this leaves me in a pickle.

What does come to mind is maybe I simply need to just use my imagination.  Maybe I just imagine my house the way I would like it to be.  And, I start living in that house in my imagination.  And, then I simply go about my day in the expectancy that my house is here, now.

I've been told that what the mind experiences on the inside is what we will attract on the outside.  Our imagination creates our reality.  So, it's time to put it to the test.  Time to start imagining my desires and start creating my experience.  Time to let the Universe support me.

Today, I set the intention to imagine my perfect house and have faith that it will be fulfilled in the right and perfect way.

So, what are YOU imagining that you'd like to see fulfilled?


"I say imagination creates reality, and if this premise is true then imagination
 fulfills itself in what your life becomes." 

"The most beautiful world is always entered through imagination." 


Affirmative Prayer:
Turning within in this moment, there is the presence of Divine Love that loves, no matter what.  It is an Infinite Power that uplifts and is strong, no matter what.  It is a Creative Wisdom that is filled with faith and trust each and every day, no matter what.

This Infinite Power and Presence is always within me and delights in expressing as me.  I am the unconditional love of Spirit that flows through me.  And I am the peace of Spirit, ever-present to what is around me, savoring the present moment that is holy and sacred.

On this path I have chosen, I remember that I am made for greatness.  I affirm and know that I have all I need to live a beautiful life filled with prosperity and abundance.  And in this prosperity, I welcome the right and perfect home - spacious yet not too big, a floor plan that works well for our current family of three, plenty of natural light with high ceilings, walking distance to downtown Willow Glen and a yard that our dog enjoys playing in.  I imagine it, I see it, I believe it.  I claim the amazing feeling of happiness that wells up inside of me when I realize the Universe has guided me to something even better than I can imagine.

I am so grateful for the radiant love of Spirit that tells me I am deserving of all my good.  I give thanks for my beautiful home that fulfills my souls desire.  And I am filled with gratitude for the joy that lifts me up every day as I celebrate owning my own home again.

Enjoying the journey that is my life, I release this prayer to the consciousness of the Divine, knowing it is already done.  I simply need let Love lead the way.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.


Photo courtesy of Loving Earth/Flickr

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Have An Amazing Weekend



What are you doing this weekend?  I just started reading a wonderful Victorian mystery by Charles Todd and am looking forward to some down time to just sit and read.  That said, the weather here is supposed to be beautiful and the beach is calling!  Have a good weekend and here are a few fun and inspirational links from around the web.....


Fatal dating mistakes

10 damaging lies and excuses your mind loves to tell you

3 reasons we should be slow to judge

How your daily commute affects your health

So sweet, made me cry

A simple path - to burning for something

12 books that will turn you into a magician

Fear of falling - TEDxCoconutGrove

17 life rules

Taking stock of what's going on

What kind of texter are you?

"For what it's worth: it's never too late to be whoever you want to be.  I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find that you're not, I hope that you find the strength to start over again." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Photo courtesy of Aurimas/Flickr

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

The Subtlety Of Affirmations

Affirmations are so powerful and I'm learning that lesson all over again.  I've been fighting a flu bug that has turned into a cold that has turned into a cough that refuses to leave.  And, I'm pretty sure that I created this flu/cold/cough by buying into the 'flu season' talk.

"It's that time of year again - better stock up Vitamin C."

"Airplanes are filled with germs and spread so easily, I better wash my hands every chance I get."

It's subtle but I truly believe I've been telling the Universe that I expect to get sick.  It's just as easy for me to affirm health and wholeness and yet, I focus my words and my thoughts on avoidance and a 'wishful thinking' mentality.

When am I going to learn to trust in the law of good, to trust that the Universe is always supporting my best health and to really stand in that knowing?

I am just realizing that I have been buying into the lingering fear and doubt that Life can't always be this good.  It's a small crack in my faith and trust which has led me to manifest this lingering illness.

It's the difference between the trust IN God and the trust OF God.  And that small difference is where the real impact of affirmations lies.  Subtle, yet powerful....and life changing, for sure.

So, where in YOUR life are you using subtle affirmations to affirm your faith in what you DON'T want?

Today, I set the intention to have faith and trust in the power of my words, remembering that a subtle change can make a world of difference in my life.



"Every time you praise something, every time you appreciate something, 
every time you feel good about something, you are telling the Universe, 
"More of this please. More of this please." 

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." 


Affirmative Prayer:
Letting go of the day for just a moment, and turning within, there is a Divine Presence that calls out to go deeper.  It is a joy beyond understanding and a peace beyond compare.  It is the fresh air that blows through the trees and the sunshine that warms the flowers.

I know, in the center of my consciousness, that this Infinite Intelligences lavishes me with abundance and loves me more than I can sometimes comprehend.  This Source of Life seeks expression through me, expanding my possibilities and potential beyond what I can even imagine.

I allow this Divine Love to simply wash over me and guide me to my greatest good.  I am open to the realization that life can always be so awesome, so amazing, so wonderful.  I detach from what I think things must look like and surrender to the power of Spirit that shows me how deserving I am of perfect health.  I release the need for any sort of flu bug or lingering cough and feel in my bones the vitality and energy of healing sweeping through.  I welcome the restoration of my easy breathing and peaceful sleep each night.  And I claim the ease with which I get out of bed each morning, ready to something wonderful to happen.

I am filled with gratitude for the wisdom that tells me I can trust the Universe to always have my back.  I am thankful for a healthy, thriving body that runs and jumps and plays with the ease of a child.  And I am grateful that I only need raise my vibration to one of wholeness and I can see the manifestation arrive in perfect, Divine timing.

Returning to the deep knowing of Oneness with the all-good of God, I release this prayer to the consciousness of the Divine, knowing it is already done.  My life is remarkable.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Celeste RC/Flickr