Friday, May 15, 2015

Have A Wonderful Weekend



We're off to Ireland this weekend!  I'm excited for my very first trip to Shannon and then on to Dublin.  We're focusing on the Celtic Spiritual sites and, of course, a visit to the Book of Kells is a must while in Dublin.  I'll be limited in my posting but will be back soon!!  Have a wonderful weekend and here are a few fun and inspirational links from around the web...


25 random things you should know about personal development

Focus on the cause, not the symptoms

11 good financial habits (tips for monetary success and stability)

Do subliminal messages work?

Reclaim your sense of wonder to live an extraordinary life

5 things you can do to kickstart your day

The simple mind trick that will boost your savings in no time

Made me smile

And, if you've never heard of Immaculee Ilibagiza, she's worth checking out: "Peace inside is really what matters, no matter what is happening outside."  Enjoy your weekend!


Photo courtesy of H Matthew Horwath/Flickr

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

When Does A Mom Let Go?

With Mother's Day now come and gone, I've had a chance to appreciate how both of my daughters have developed into amazing young women.  Growing up, they seemed so different from each other but, as their relationship with each other changes and matures, they seem to enjoy each other's company and truly have each other's back.

As a mother it makes me proud, but I still feel like I walk the line between giving life advice and letting them chart their own course.  I see this especially with my 21-year-old and her challenges around finding a career she enjoys.

Looking back, as I first helped guide her toward employment, I might have been guilty of pushing her toward what I saw as her strengths rather than let her figure it out.

So, she tried a 4-year college with the intent of a nursing degree but that didn't work out.

Then, she got her cosmetology license because I saw her passion for working with make-up and was sure that was a perfect fit.  Turns out, it was not the right choice.

Now, she is finishing up her AA degree and focused on X-Ray tech school - something she has worked her way toward on her own.

At the same time, she is struggling to enjoy her current part-time job in retail.  And, here is where I enter the picture as a Mom again.  How involved do I get in directing her path?

What I've learned, and what my intuition is telling me, is that I need to let her do this one on her own.  That's not to say I won't give some basic guidance AFTER I've been asked, but I'm less likely to jump in and start spouting off instructions.

I mentioned it might be good to look around for something in the medical field as that is her current interest.  And, I let it drop.  Turns out, that's exactly what she is doing.

She reached out again because she's having a tough time since most places want previous medical experience.  So, I gave her another small piece of advice.  And, I let it drop.

I won't lie that it's been easy to step back and not jump in to 'protect' my daughter.  But, the more I become someone to just talk out loud with about the options, the more I see her grow and tackle the issues that challenge her.

What has really become clear is that, just as the Universe is guiding me when I surrender and follow my heart and intuition, the Universe is also reaching out to guide my daughter.  So, when I talk about stepping back from directing her life, I can feel confident that the Universe is stepping in and taking that spot....and doing a much better job than I could ever do.

Of course, I'm always available for a hug, as needed!

So, today, I set the intention to re-create my definition of being a Mom, giving my daughter the space to discover her life's purpose, knowing she is guided by the same Divine Power that directs my steps each day.


"My mother said to me, 'If you are a soldier, you will become a general; if you are a monk, 
you will become Pope.'  Instead I was a painter and became Picasso."  
~Pablo Picasso

"When nobody else celebrates you, learn to celebrate yourself.  
When nobody else compliments you, then compliment yourself.  
It's not up to other people to keep you encouraged.  It's up to you.  
Encouragement should come from the inside."  
~Joel Osteen


Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment, I close my eyes and surrender to the all-Good that I call God.  It is grace; beautiful and all-encompassing.  It is a Divine Power, forever shining as bright as the sun, unshakeable and strong in conviction.

This Divine Power that knows only love flows through me perfectly and completely.  I am a Divine Expression of the Infinite, seeing and hearing and tasting and touching with the delight and awe and wonder of Spirit.

Connecting completely to my higher self, I celebrate my Oneness with all things.  There is a fullness of Life that shows me how much I am loved and I affirm that there is opportunity for growth in all situations and circumstances.  I know this truth for my children too - that there is a sweet, sparkling Spirit that dances through their life, encouraging them to shoot for the moon, knowing that if they miss, they will still land among the stars.  I welcome the Divine Intelligence that argues for the depth of their potential, guiding them to reveal their unique and special gifts.  I embrace for myself and for my children the knowing that as we take the time to get clear on what we want, Spirit brings those ideas and dreams and visions to life in right and perfect ways.

With joy and peace, I give great thanks that as dreams are uncovered, the Universe guides my steps with purposeful action.  I am grateful for the good that is being revealed in my life.  And I am filled with gratitude that as I smile and share my joy, that joy is returned, filled with the Living Spirit that shows me we are truly One.

From this place of gratitude, I release my prayer to the Law of Mind, knowing that my word is a powerful force.  Love washes over me now.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Camdiluv/Flickr

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Have A Great Weekend



What are you doing this Mother's Day?  We have a weekend of food and wine planned including a trip to a new winery we found, Las Positas.  I'm excited to try their wine and olive pairing (even though I'm not a huge olive fan).  Have a great weekend and here are a few fun and inspirational links from around the web....


Being open to the miraculous

The world's most patient dog is adorable posing with food

How do you know when you're on the right path?

How do I deal with fear?

May you be present and clear

5 ways to motivate yourself into success

7 techniques for taking criticism better

The universal flow of giving

5 truths world travelers know (but never talk about)

Nap time!


I picked up Michael Bernard Beckwith's book again recently, Spiritual Liberation, and this jumped out at me: "When we set aside downtime to meditate, pray, contemplate, introspect, and study, we find that joy, peace, love, generosity of heart, compassion, and giving are perennially in season."  Namaste.

Photo courtesy of Marlis Borger/Flickr

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Challenges Of Our Middle Years

After leaving a job I felt trapped in and starting a new career in marketing for my husband's firm, I look back and think that I may have gone through something akin to a mid-life crisis.  A recent article I read quoted Gail Sheehy and she refers to the challenges of our middle years as "the passage to the second half of life."

I could not have described my experience better.  In part, I believe my transition to the second half of life was a bit challenging because I was called to make choices.  In particular, I was forced to make a choice about my job - stay on the same career path or do something different.

I grappled with that one for about a year, using every spiritual practice in my book, before finally having the courage to leave behind what was familiar.  Fortunately, I've got a beautiful relationship with my husband which gave me some solid ground to stand on while I floundered around with career choices and deciding what would make me happy.

Change can be scary and sometimes overwhelming, but I remember also that it is part of life's journey.  And what I'm seeing is that I'm much more confident in moving through change as I pass into my second half of life.

So, as I learn to embrace change and I realize that I have the power to control my perspective, I'm starting to choose to celebrate my growth into whomever I am meant to be during this time in my life.

I simply need to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

Today, I set the intention to honor my transition into the second half of life, knowing that there is nothing to be fixed, only experiences that reveal my bigger purpose for being here at this time.


"Nothing stands between man and his highest ideals and every desire of his heart, 
but doubt and fear.  When man can 'wish without worrying,' 
every desire will be instantly fulfilled." 

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed
 is more important than any other one thing." 


Affirmative Prayer:
Surrendering to the One Divine Presence in this moment, there is a deep sense of inner peace.  It is a Creative Power filled with a flow of energy that surrounds all that is with It's greatness and splendor; precious light and unconditional love.

Every cell of my body is immersed in the healing force of the One that I call God.  I can never be separate from this One Divine Presence.  I rest in this knowing that I am the highest understanding of God; a divine, everlasting greater Life than I can even imagine.

In the sun that shines and in the stars at night, I see my second half of life unfolding perfectly.  I am free to be exactly who I am and it is like going home.  I affirm that the courage to step into my life of purpose and passion is always within me.  I release any judgements around past mistakes, bad choices, things that I could have done better.  Instead I welcome the realization that there is nothing missing at the core of who I am.  It is for a time such as this that I was created and I celebrate my aliveness and wholeness.  All things are possible and I embrace the journey.

Knowing that as God is, I am, I give thanks for the very breath of Spirit that moves through me.  I am open to change and grateful for all that change brings, trusting that I am led to something even better.  And, I am thankful for the love that surrounds me as I choose wisely and my outer life reflects that wisdom.

Allowing myself to be lifted higher, I release my prayer to the Law of Mind, the realm of love and light, knowing that my Word is creating a new reality here and now.  I am safe and protected.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Nelson L./Flickr

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Have An Amazing Weekend


I've started listening to the audio book, The Girl on the Train, and can't wait to go for a nice, long drive so I can finish it.  It's become one of those book I can't put down!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend and here are a few fun and inspirational links from around the web....


Why it's better to keep your heart open

Love doesn't require fixing

This astronaut was taking a picture of earth when he discovers this

9 lies that happy people refuse to believe

5 questions to ask yourself before you say yes!

The universal flow of giving

Be the best you - TEDx

How to rewire your subconscious mind in 3 easy steps

What makes you so special?

Made me smile...


And this quote from Annie Dillard makes me think: "Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood you will have nothing. Aim past the wood, aim through the wood; aim for the chopping block." 

Photo courtesy of Tomas Fano/Flickr