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." 

~C.S. Lewis

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

~Anais Nin

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

Now Is The Time To Express Your Passion

"Anxiety is love's greatest killer.  It makes others feel as you might when a drowning man holds on to you.  You want to save him, but you know he will strangle you with his panic."  - Anais Nin

Thoughts of my imperfection make me really squirm.  I look at others and assume their lives are better than mine.  They have more money, they have more comfort and happiness, they have work that makes them come alive.   These thoughts can easily ramp up my feelings of anxiety about MY life.

This is especially true as I wait for the results from my Practitioners written exam.  I know I have classmates that will soar through the test and get high marks.  And I worry that my "less than perfect" answers will label me as a fraud.

So, I sit with anxiety and wonder why I have these feelings.  It's kind of fascinating how this feeling shows up now.

As I was doing some last-minute studying, I flipped to the back of the Science of Mind text and started reading Ernest Holmes take on the teachings of Jesus.  One of the concepts jumped out at me - "Quench not the Spirit".

He says that we are not to extinguish the Inner Light of our God-self but to express ALL of our emotions.

"If the artist suppressed all spiritual emotion, he would never be a great artist.  In art, we call this emotion temperament; in oratory, we call it inspiration; and in purely spiritual things, we call it Illumination.  Somewhere the soul must stand naked to the Truth, if it is to receive It in all Its fullness."

What this says to me is that I need to embrace the human side of me that is imperfect and - knowing that underneath it all is the perfection of Spirit - I must be willing to make mistakes.  I must be willing to feel anxious but not linger there.

Trusting this, as I move away from resisting life and instead, allow life to unfold, I will see the fruits of my thoughts just as a great artist sees his/her painting become a masterpiece.

Not only that but if I lean into "Quench not the Spirit", I am called to see how far I can let my sense of allowing go.  If everything in the Universe has been designed to handhold me through a beautiful life, why would I not be open to allowing?

I am here to express my passion in my unique way.  No one will express it in the way that I do.  So as I feel the test anxiety creep up on me and wonder if I am "perfect" enough to be a licensed Practitioner, I can remember the truth that this is another step in uncovering my Spiritual perfection.

I will be a Practitioner in a way that no one else will or can be. 

And I don't need to show up only when I can get high marks on a test.  I can wake up and show up and begin to understand my part in the Universe.

It is necessary for me to be here at this time.  And the fact that I am here says it all.

So where are YOU letting thoughts of perfection hold you back from sharing your passion?  

Today, I set the intention to show up even when I might not be perfect, knowing that I have gifts to share that are uniquely mine and I am here to make a difference.

"...what I understand now is that life is not about avoiding pain; it's about

 going through it and continuing on.  Growth is what we are here for."  

~India Arie

"We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can - namely, 

surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us."  

~Saint Teresa of Avila

Affirmative Prayer:
Rejoicing in the awareness that there is only One Divine Omnipresence at the essence of everything, there is a peace that passes understanding.  This Presence is right action and perfect order.  It is Infinite Life that knows only grace, only beauty, only ease and only joy.

With a consciousness of this One as my center, I know that everything this Presence is, is all contained within me.  It is a consciousness of greatness that moves through me and has Its being in me.  And this Creative Brilliance flows around me, designing a roadmap for me that is always guiding me to reach for more - more ease, more grace, more time for stillness.

Claiming this gift of Creative Brilliance that energizes my life, I release the need to be perfect and I simply start from where I am now.  I do not have to settle for anything less than what I am called to be as I step into my unique magnificence.  And I accept the harmony that is everywhere I go as I take this knowing of my magnificence with me each day.  Realizing that what I hold in my heart is a sacred gift, I simply allow Spirit to do Its work through me and I flow with the current, grabbing each experience to be in service as I am called.

I am so very grateful for this truth as I remain open at the top to the divine flow of Life.  I give thanks for the harmony and peace that allows me to be still and allows my life to unfold in beautiful ways.  And I am filled with gratitude for a Universe that says Yes! - you are vital and important and here for a purpose.

From this place of gratitude, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it moves from thought into form as I write these words.  Life is brilliant and beautiful!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of David Jubert/Flickr

Living Our Dreams IS Closer Than We Think

"Sometimes we don't know what we want; we only know that our present life doesn't quite fit anymore."  That statement from the book, What Would You Do If You Had No Fear, explains the exact feeling I have been holding onto for about a year now.

At this point, it seems that, not only is it becoming part of my usual story, but I'm attracting people who can substantiate my story as well.  Maybe that's why I am enjoying this book so much.  I'm not crystal clear on what I want but I'm sure what holds me back from trying something different is fear.

Fear of not being able to pay the bills.  Fear of not being good enough.  Fear of failure.

I know some of this is my ego talking.  Ego always seems to sneak in and tell me that I am different - others might be successful taking action toward their dreams but not me.  So, clearly, there is some healing that I still need to do.

But - I know the truth of who I am.

It's easy to lose sight of the truth that everything is in Divine Order.  Everything is what we hold in conciousness.  There are no exceptions.  So, what will it take to listen and really get that truth?

I need to drop back into my heart and start to feel it.   And, I need to honor that feeling.  I need to see that there is an audience for my gifts and talents.  And, I need to show up each day and demonstrate that the Universe is creating through me.

There is a beautiful story in What Would You Do?   It talks about Todd and how putting himself out there with his music changed his life.  By taking the step to begin voice lessons, it led him to some initial success in theater productions and to singing on stage.

More than that, when his career change to music went through some rough times, he faced his doubts, recognized the value of his gifts and busted through to an even better offer working with some talented people.

What Todd learned, and what I am learning, is that I am not powerless.  Something inside me knows what I need to do and my job is to listen and align with that.

Every day is an opportunity to create my life.  What I can dream and imagine and play and wish for is limitless to the extent that I believe it is.  So, every day becomes a choice to believe and to remember that I am here to do magnificent work.

So, what is YOUR wish for your life?  Can you find a class or a coach and begin taking action toward your dreams?

Today, I set my intention to rediscover some of my dreams and pleasures and take at least one step toward them, knowing I am in charge of my life.

"...and then they day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud 

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."   

~Anais Nin

"You can only recognize what is within you.  If you are able to recognize
 something of the Divine presence and power within a holy person, it is that same
 presence and power within yourself that is recognizing."
~ Tau Malachi

Affirmative Prayer:
In this present moment, as the birds sing and the breeze blows, there is a Power that creates and a Source that sustains all that is.  It is filled with love and with light and with  a magnificent energy that surrounds and uplifts with every exhalation of breath.

This Source is calling my name, seeking to work through me in wonderful expressions of abundance, of joy, and of happiness.  It is such a prominent Power that moves in and as me, it brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.  It is always present and always available and I say Yes! as I tap into this Oneness with Life.

Accepting this goodness, I choose to create a life that is filled with passion, knowing that my unique gifts and talents are yearning to be shared.  I step onto my path, reveling in experiences that bring me closer to living my dreams.  And, I claim my power to move with conviction in my actions, welcoming the everyday miracles that shower upon me as I make Divinely guided choices.

I am filled with gratitude as Spirit works through me, creating an amazing journey that is my life.  And I give great thanks for the dreams and the gifts that are expressed as I lean into the Divine.  I am grateful for the courage to step into the miracles, trusting that I am blessed each step of they way.

Infused with gratitude, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done in magnificent ways.  Life is good!  And I let it be so.  And so it is!