Being Comfortable In The Uncertainty

...we try to make everything certain, we try to make ourselves right.  ~Brene Brown

As I have been exploring the next steps for my career, I had a moment yesterday that was a bit scary.  I was caught in a wave of uncertainty, realizing that I have no idea what's next for me.

I've done one informational interview in a field that holds some possibility and I'm doing volunteer work in the event marketing space but I have no solid plan for what my livelihood looks like.  I keep telling myself that at least I'm taking action.

So, where will all this action lead?  That is where my discomfort lies - I'm no longer certain about my path.

It's almost as if I feel I'm no longer important.  When someone asks me what I do for a living, and I reply I'm taking some time off to explore my options, I get a visceral feeling in my gut that takes me down a notch in my social strata.  What do you have to talk about if you're not chatting and sharing stories about your job?

I also didn't realize how much of my energy goes into upholding my self-importance via my contribution in the work place.  After all, I was in sales - very driven by sales quotas and pipelines and making President's Club for being a Top 10 Salesperson in the company.

When asked about work, I could always pull out one of my accomplishments.  Talk about ego leading the way - in a sales environment, it's very easy to get sucked into the competitive chaos and who's over-achieving.

Now that I've taken a leap of faith, I'm being challenged to let go of my obsessive need for certainty.  I have no clue what the outcome will be from taking this leap and that makes me apprehensive.

As I'm stewing in my apprehension and allowing it to take root in my body, I realized that my spiritual practice was the first thing to go.  What happened to taking a breath and becoming an observer of the situation?  I can tell you - it went out the window.

So - I had to remind myself that Life has been telling me it's time to have courage and make some bold choices.  My heart and my intuition have told me that my work was no longer serving me and it was time to make room for a new career path.

I DO have the faith that as I get out of my own way and stop trying so hard to make things happen, a way will be made for me.  And, if I can be comfortable in the uncertainty of my situation, things will flow.

When I let go and allow the Universe to support me, what remains is an effortless acceptance of simply being.

As I mentioned recently, like anything, making a choice to live in the uncertainty will take some practice.  I have to choose to give up the struggle to control. I must be willing to be a little scared.

And, if you listen to any New Thought person, they will tell you - I must trust that what I am seeking already exists and is also seeking me.

So, are YOU willing to be comfortable in the uncertainty?  Are you willing to let go of making yourself right?

Today, I set the intention to sit in the uncertainty of life, having faith that the Universe is supporting me and that what I seek is also seeking me.

"If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."  

~Thomas Edison

"Acceptance simply means that you make a commitment: 'Today I will accept

 people, situations, circumstances, and events as they occur.'  This means I will 

know that this moment is as it should be, because the whole universe is as it should be."  

~Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Affirmative Prayer:
Becoming still in this moment, there is the recognition of a field of Infinite Love, Infinite Grace, and Divine Infinite Creativity.  It is the all-good of God, the joy of Spirit, the miraculous nature of a Universe that flows with ease and effortlessness through all that exists.

I am a unique manifestation of this Divine Intelligence, filled with the joy and the happiness that is my true nature.  Everywhere I go, I express this Intelligence in powerful ways that call forth grace and love and harmony.  And in all that I say and do, I reveal the beauty of this Creative Spirit that surrounds me with Its generous presence.

Centering into my Oneness with the Universe, I accept that this moment is exactly as it should be.  There are no bad days, only days that allow the full expression of Spirit to be revealed.  I claim the peace that supports me as I sit in the uncertainty, to be blessed and beautiful.  I declare that my greatness is encouraged by a loving Presence that yearns to expand through experiences.  As I live full out from a place of power and inner trust, I let go of merely surviving and I choose to thrive.  And as my conscious thought brings the invisible into view, I jump for joy because that which I am seeking is also seeking me and my good is right here, right now.

Holding onto this feeling of joy, I am thankful for the effortless unfolding of my life as I simply allow each day to be what it is.  I am filled with deep gratitude that my path is well lit and I am always in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.   And I give thanks for the magnificent blessings and miracles that are revealed in the here and now, so real and so rich as they come into view.

From this place of gratitude and from a willingness to accept the blessings, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  All that I seek already exists and is within me.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo: J. Ota/Flickr

To Truly Work Through Issues, Change Your Perception

On the DailyOM site yesterday, Madisyn Taylor wrote, "It is only when we actively seek to work through our issues that we can lighten the load and our souls can evolve."

That's all well and good, however, there are times I wish I had noise-canceling headphones to drown out my issues.   Simple solution, right?  Sorry, pain and suffering, but I can't hear you right now!

I know there is an energy inside me that is pulling me toward my vision for life - pulling me toward being what I came here to be.  What if it is the pain and suffering that are pushing me toward that vision?  What if the heartbreak and loss are helping me to see what's going on inside of myself?

And, what if, fundamentally, it's my perception of the challenges that is the real issue I need to work through?

Being a student of Ernest Holmes and the New Thought community, I know that I am never separate from my source of good - from the Universe.  It is all contained within me - peace, harmony, happiness.

The reason for the challenges, then, are so I can push past them and really GET that everything is God.  It is the evolution of my soul.

God, Spirit, the Universe - whatever you choose to call it - is palpable.  I can choose peace in the midst of pain because it always available.  I can choose happiness over suffering because it's in every cell of my body.

It comes back to how I look at the situation - about how I perceive things in the moment.  And, it's always an opportunity to practice.  It's a chance to take off the headphones and examine what's going on internally - to be the observer.

It's a time to ask why the Universe is trying to get my attention.

So, what is the answer I get back?  I am pushed into the opposite of peace so I can grow through it.  I am thrown into the opposite of harmony so I can transform.  And now, my perception of the issues has changed into one that I no longer try to avoid.

Instead, I own my perceptions and learn to see how we are all so connected.  I bless my journey and flow with the obstacles.  I have become willing to simply allow and to connect to the wisdom within.

So, how do YOU change your perception when you are facing issues and challenges?

Today, I set the intention to be open to working through my issues, allowing for the evolution of my soul, with faith that the Universe is pulling me toward a bigger vision for my life.

"It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn 

empathy and compassion and discover our soul."  

~Desmond Tutu

"As we recognize our Oneness with Infinite Intelligence, we are 

set free from uncertainty and pain.  Our heart is a living center, 

through which the Love of God flows to bless eternally not only our 

own lives but the lives of all whom we contact - as long as we 

realize this, our heart cannot be troubled."  

~Ernest Holmes

Affirmative Prayer:
In the exhalation of a single breath, there is a recognition that there is only One.  One Divine Intelligence that pulses through everything that is.  One Divine Wisdom that guides all of Life in sacred and special ways.

Entering into the consciousness of the One, I am filled with wonder at the Divine Intelligence within me, expressing as me.  Every cell of my body contains the Divine Wisdom that heals.  Every word that I say is spoken with reverence as Divine Love moves through me.

I open up and allow Spirit to guide me to a life that is amazing.  As I release old fears and worries, I am free to step into my joy, inspired by everything that is showing up in my life.  I take one step at a time toward my dreams and the Universe rises up to meet me.  My life flows easily and effortlessly and I welcome the love that surrounds me as I become more of who I am meant to be.  I claim the perfect evolution of my soul is right where I am now, in this moment.  I am kind to myself as I work through challenges, knowing that the experience is for my highest and best good. And, there is nothing that can hold me back!

I am so grateful for the guidance of Spirit that directs my path.  And I am thankful for the gift of transformation as I am reminded of my worthiness to receive.  I am filled with gratitude for the clarity of knowing the next right action to take toward the highest expression of God as me.

 It is from this place of gratitude that I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is perfect!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Plan For Prosperity. Ditch The Same Old Life

Every thought impacts your life.  That has become so clear as I continue reading The Power of Intention.  For the past few days, I have been consciously holding the life I want to manifest in my imagination.  Now, I must take the next step - to examine the obstacles that keep me from connecting to my intention.

Yep, I have to get my hands a little dirty <sigh>.

It is so important to be conscious of the conversations I am having with others and having with myself.  I may be creating barriers to realizing my intentions by talking and thinking about what I DON'T want.

According to the book, "Everything in this Universe is a movement of energy."  This includes your thoughts.

"Every thought you have has an energy that will either strength or weaken you."

So, as I have conversations that are not loving and not valuable - conversations that simply fill space - my energy level remains low, impacting not only me but those around me too.

If I keep having the same old conversations in that low energy level, that will translate to the same old life.

What if I am seeking to up-level my life to one filled with more prosperity and abundance on every level?  The goal, then, is to be aware of my thoughts and raise them to a higher energy level.  This means I MUST start noticing what I am actually saying.

I learned something about myself recently as I started paying attention to some of my conversations.  My husband, Kevin, and I were talking about going on vacation to Hawaii in December.   I agreed that would be nice but we won't have the money.

Wait!   HOW do I know I WON'T have the money?  I was already planning for lack and scarcity.  And - I just set my future in motion with that intention.

With that in mind, I took a minute to stop and change my thoughts to one of possibilities.

I went out to the Travel & Leisure website and started picturing myself enjoying one of the many vacation options they had listed.  And, I wrote down affirmations about how affordable our vacation in December will be - how amazing it will be to stay in a 5-star resort this year - how exciting the opportunities for dining and for spa days and for other activities would FEEL.  I even threw in how luxurious flying first class would be on this trip.

I planned for the prosperity rather than the lack.  And, now the doors are open for the Universe to provide unexpected good where before there was "not enough".

So, how do YOU plan for the prosperity and the possibilities for good?

Today, I set the intention to take responsibility for my thoughts, seeking only to engage in higher energy conversations that translate into a life of prosperity and abundance.

"Faith is expectancy.  You do not receive what you want; you 

do not receive what you pray for, not even what you say you have 

faith in.  You will always receive what you actually expect."  

~Eric Butterworth, Spiritual Economics

"When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."  

~Lao Tzu

Affirmative Prayer:
There is a Presence in this moment that is filled with happiness, filled with joy, filled with bliss.  It is a Divine Wisdom and Divine Intelligence that exists throughout all that is - in the beauty of a green meadow sloping down toward a lush river, in the quiet patter of the rain falling against the window - It is alive and awake to the possibilities of Life.

This Divine Presence of Life is also awake and alive through me, expressing as me, in ways that are filled with the wonder of what will be.  As I move through my day, this Presence of Spirit within guides me and sustains my very being as I allow the flow of happiness and joy and bliss to surround me.

As Spirit expresses through me, my dreams and visions are brought into my every day experience.   I keep my thoughts and feelings focused on the good that is available and it shows up in ways that are better than I even imagined.  I let go of any thoughts of lack and allow the Universe to prosper me in every area of my life - in my relationships, in my finances, in my health.  I am worthy of the flow of abundance that is here now and I am enough, just as I am in this moment.  And, just like a stone that is tossed into a pond, this flow of prosperity and abundance, of happiness and joy, spreads out to others who are open to the possibility of every day miracles.

I am deeply grateful for the good in my life, for the blessings that seem to appear out of nowhere.  And I am so thankful for knowing the nature of God is always my Truth, the nature of Good is always my Divine Birthright.

From this place of thankfulness, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is creating through me - right here, right now.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!

Why Small Steps Will Serve You Well

One of my favorite sayings in New Thought is, "Change your thinking, change your life."  What this means for me is that I CAN create the life of my dreams.  On the flip side, I want the life of my dreams NOW.

So, while I have my sights set on big dreams, I know that I must also have patience.  I will get nowhere fast if I try to plow through and steam-roll over people to accomplish my vision.

I also know that I cannot do everything by myself nor can I control everything (as much as my controlling nature would like to).  As I co-create using my thoughts, things flow much more smoothly when I let the Universe guide and steer my direction, bringing people and circumstances into my life to help propel my dreams forward.

Knowing all of that, if I am going to be realistic about achieving my dreams, I can't NOT take action.  But - the action that works for me is to take small steps towards my goals every single day.  That's where my daily spiritual practice becomes important.

Every day that I wake up and roll out of bed, it's a new chance to be still, go within, and ask the Universe to show me the next best step toward my dreams.

Then - I listen.

One dream that I am working on is to become more of a musician.  While I'd like to be playing my flute on stage somewhere, I'm not quite ready for that leap (although I can see it very vividly in my imagination).  So, every day, I pull out my sheet music and practice.  I started with just 20 minutes q day, five days a week and have now bumped up to 30 minutes a day (small steps).  My next step will be to hire a flute instructor so I can clean up my technique.  And, as I take that next step, I trust that the next step after that will be revealed.

The same goes for my choice to eat more whole foods and clean up my diet.   I started by swapping my normal breakfast with a fruit smoothie.  From there, I tackled lunch and snacks.  Now, my kitchen is pretty well stocked with fruits and vegetables and I've tossed out most of the processed foods.  But - it took small steps of making that choice every time I went to the grocery store.  And, I still make that choice every day, especially when I eat out.

As I take these small steps, I'm noticing that my body feels so much better.  I've also made small changes to my exercise plan, even incorporating a day when I do just a 15-minute high intensity run rather than the longer three or four mile run I would normally do.  I've picked up slightly heavier weights for my muscle training as well and I have to admit, I'm liking the results.

I'm not perfect at this.  I do have days that I slip back into having a Snickers bar rather than kale chips.  However, it's so much easier to jump back on the bandwagon now that my small steps are becoming more of the norm rather than the exception.

So, what are some small steps that you can take today?

Today, I set the intention to continue taking small steps into unchartered waters, listening for guidance as I keep my thoughts focused on living the life of my dreams.

"The control of the mind is said to be the highest yoga; it is like the 

control of an unruly horse which must be made to obey its rider."  

~The Bhagavad Gita

"The individual writes the story of our lives through our thoughts, 

deeds, and interactions with creation."  

~Edgar Cayce, Akashic Records/The Book of Life

Affirmative Prayer:
Going within, there is a truth that is revealed - that a Presence for Good exists in all that is.  And, there is a truth that is known - that there is only One.  One life that is God's life now.  It is filled with joy and harmony, with peace and with grace.

It is always available, guiding and directing in perfect ways, and I unite with this Presence in this moment.  I can see clearly that this Divine Presence is a Power that is working through me and as me, sustaining my every choice and every action.

Embracing this Presence in my life, my wishes and my desires and my goals are filled with prosperity and abundance.  And as I align with the presence of Spirit, my life unfolds in ways even better than I can imagine.  I set intentions based in love and in joy and my intentions are made manifest in perfect, Divine timing.  Like precious pearls discovered within the shell of an oyster, so to are my dreams precious and revealed when they are ready to shine.  I take small steps in faith and the Universe reaches out to meet me, making my way easy.  I smile as I see reflected back to me a life filled with wonder and magic and miracles.

And from this place of miracles, I am so grateful for a loving Presence that says Yes to my wishes for a life filled with joy and harmony.  And I am thankful for the Divine guidance that directs my steps in delightful ways.  I am filled with gratitude for the prosperity and abundance that comes from following my heart.

Knowing that it is already done, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law.  I accept and I celebrate this truth.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Intentionally Loving Everything

Life is a journey.  I know it's something I keep repeating as I remind myself not to stress about the little things that happen.  And I continue to nurture my dreams just like I would tend a garden - weeding out the limiting beliefs, planting new thoughts and desires.

But, I also feel the need to balance dreaming with accepting and allowing what is in my world right now.  For me, that means loving everything in my life - the things I label good and the things I label not so good.

So, when I had the flu recently, I decided to try an experiment.  After the second bout of the stomach bug hit and I realized what this was, I started paying attention to my breathing and talking lovingly to myself.

I embraced the virus, gave it thanks for whatever its purpose was and released the need to have the virus in my body.  Repeating this exercise - breathing deeply and really feeling the feelings of love throughout my body - I noticed that my body started responding by calming the waves of nausea that had taken over.

As I noticed the effect this exercise was having,  I became more present to the headache that had been slowly throbbing.  Continuing to give myself loving feelings, I went back to my mantra of releasing the need for the pounding in my head and not long after, the pain started to soften.  It took some time, however, after about 30 minutes, my head also started to feel much better.

Pretty soon, I was able to drift off into sleep and get some much needed rest.  (Why does the flu always hit at 3am in the morning???)

Talk about a beautiful practice!  By simply giving my full, loving attention to my body and what it needed in that moment, I was able to move through my flu bug easier than I have ever moved through an illness before.

Now that I've seen how magical it can be to not only accept EVERYTHING that is in my life but to LOVE it, I am looking for other areas of my "garden" that I can tend in this way.

So, today I set the intention to love what is in my life right now, moving through it all with grace and with ease.

"Each aspect within us needs understanding and compassion.  If we are 

unwilling to give it to ourselves how can we expect the world to give it to us?  

As we are, so is the Universe."  

~Debbie Ford

"Compassion and love are not mere luxuries.  As a source of both inner and

 outer peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species." 

 ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment, there is an all-powerful, all-knowing Presence that moves just as fire burns through a forest.  It is filled with brilliant flames of light and it makes the way for the new to grow and to thrive within a forest of brilliant sights and sounds and smells.

This Presence guides my steps with a passion that is unquenchable.  It surrounds and empowers each waking moment of my day until I am immersed in the knowing that Spirit is all there is and all there is exists within me. 

Taking step after step after step, I am uplifted with a confidence that I am Divinely guided as I move forward on my path.  I am loved beyond measure and see that reflected back in the everyday miracles that flow into my life.  Knowing that everything serves a purpose, I acknowledge the challenges and I move through them, lovingly releasing them when they are no longer needed.  The truth is that even in sickness, I am perfection.  Even with the appearance of lack, I am abundant.  I watch my thoughts and words, knowing that these are great tools for co-creating the life I desire.  And I embrace it all, praying without ceasing, and excited for what will be revealed in my life.  Right here and right now, I live like there is no tomorrow.

As I lean into this excitement, I give great thanks for the passion and desires that rise out of my soul.  And I am grateful for the embrace of Spirit as I accept and allow my dreams to rise to the surface and express in beautiful ways.  Breathing in courage, I am thankful for the wisdom of the Universe that always has my back.

Claiming the love of the Universe as my birthright, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is done with grace and it is done with ease.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Can You Move Beyond Your Upper Limit Threshold?

Over the last week, I've had two instances where I've been reminded of Gay Hendrick's Upper Limit Problem.  Basically, we all have an upper limit for what is possible in our lives, based on beliefs that were instilled in our childhood.    The problem comes when we approach this upper limit - the life of our dreams, being fabulous and successful, rich beyond imagination.

As we get close to realizing our dreams, we do something - often subconsciously - to sabotage our success.  We create situations that prevent us from feeling too good about our life.

I've learned by now that when the Universe is delivering these messages to me in multiple ways, I need to sit up and pay attention.  So, where in my life am I creating an upper limit problem?

Reflecting on every area of my life, it is true that things are good right now - really good.  My relationship with my husband is filled with love, my finances are steadily increasing, my work is picking up and every day I make time to be grateful for it all.    I do admit, however, that I sometimes get distracted by those who are complaining about their life.

That's when I worry that my subconscious carries feelings of guilt for having so much when others are so unhappy.  I also know that, growing up, money was an issue and I'm certain I may have some healing around the fact that my finances are steadily increasing.

So, now what?

What Hendricks recommends is to practice feeling good about the money you have right now, or love, or whatever triggers the Upper Limit Threshold.  Find a place within yourself where you feel good and let that place expand.  Lean into that feeling of good and enjoy it for as long as you can.

The more you can create moments to practice this, the more you will see the good manifest in your life.  One of my favorite tools is from Michael Beckwith.  When I'm filling my car with gas, as I watch the dials spin, I imagine it's actually the money in my bank account increasing and I let myself feel joyful about it, honoring it and giving thanks for it.  

So - if the Universe is bringing this to my attention, I have to believe it's a reminder to keep pushing through and don't let myself get discouraged that things are not happening as quickly as I would like.  It's a push from Spirit to NOT give up on any of my dreams because they are so close to becoming reality.

I KNOW that more good than I even imagine is possible for me.  And I KNOW that I am safe to embrace it because the Universe ALWAYS has my back.

So, I set my intention for today to move beyond my upper limits, sticking with my dreams so I can thrive in every area of my life.

"The last of human freedoms - the ability to choose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances."  ~Viktor E. Frankl

"Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate.  So practice happy thinking every day.  Cultivate the merry heart, develop the happiness habit, and life will become a continual feast."  ~Norman Vincent Peale

Affirmative Prayer:
Each and every day, there exists only One Divine Mind, One Divine Source.  It is timeless and infinite and always available.  It is an amazing Power and Presence that moves through and around and as me, reminding me that in every moment I am made new.

And in that newness, I can safely thrive in every area of my life.  I can excel beyond what I know with my human mind is possible as I let go and let God.  My relationships flourish and I am so successful in my work and livelihood that it surprises me.  It is all so easy and effortless.  And if one door closes, another opens, guiding me to perfect manifestations of my visualizations.  My dreams become reality as I take one step at a time, pushing forward and trusting in Spirit to lead me.  New opportunities come to me and remind me that God's grace is always within and I need not fear nor worry about anything.

I am so grateful for the Divine Wisdom that shows me the way and the perfection of Spirit that takes my hand to walk with me.   And I give great thanks for the gifts and the blessings that arrive on my doorstep wrapped in Divine Love.

Affirming the knowing that I am unlimited, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, stepping aside as Spirit opens the door to show me that it is already done.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.

Simple Steps To Restore Your Soul

Rejuvenation.  Restoration.  Rehabilitation.  Most of us will make the time to heal our bodies and calm our minds but what about our souls?  Our soul - our Spirit - is that inner connection to the Divine.    It is the consciousness that everything we need comes from within.  And, it is the infinite, unlimited possibility that is available in every moment.

When I come from my heart and not my head, those are the moments I can best hear my soul speaking to me.  And when I stay open to the energy of love and joy and happiness, I get an inner-knowing that all is well with my soul.

But - human life always sneaks in.  My car needs repair.  My daughter is sick.  My boss is overwhelming me with work.

So, my "head" feels compelled to step in and take control.  It needs to direct the "how" and take back decision-making from my heart.  And, in the moment when I turn away from letting go and letting God, my soul gets battered in the process.

"I'm not worthy of a great love."  "I'm not deserving of that promotion."  "I'm not good enough to have the nice house and the new car."  These thoughts and emotions steal my joy and box me into a house of guilt and shame.

The good news - I am learning to listen to feelings that usually hit me at the gut level.  I can actually feel it in the pit of my stomach.  When that happens, I have created a few go-to steps to restore peace to my soul and to rejuvenate the Spirit within.

Create a ritual

My ritual involves clearing a space to sit for 5-10 minutes, light some candles and start writing down all the things that are annoyances.  I just let them flow and try to get as many down on paper as I can.  Once the 10 minutes are up (I usually set a timer), I take a deep breath, fold the paper and either burn it - if it's safe - or I physically tear it up into as many small pieces as I can.  Then, I take 5 minutes and write down everything I am grateful for.  After 5 minutes, I bless my gratitude list, usually with an affirmative prayer so I can get into that space of feeling Spirit.  For me, this ritual has brought me back into alignment with what's really important and wakes up my soul to all the good in my life.

Listen to inspirational music

There is truly a healing power to music.  And, if I can pair listening to music with walking outside in nature, even better.  Sometimes the music I choose has more of a meditative tone and other times, it's something lively like Michael Beckwith's Transendance.  I even find myself turning to traditional Christian music when I need to get into that space of knowing that God is all there really is.  Or there are some Top 40 pop music songs that inspire me and have me singing out loud (think Natasha Bettingfield's Unwritten or Fleetwood Mac's You Can Go Your Own Way).  I may not be the best at carrying a tune but it sure feeds my soul to belt out a song like a rock star.

Find something to laugh at

Laughter is food for the soul.  Try and find something that brings you that deep, full belly laugh.  You can start with something that will simply make you smile until it develops into something you're giggling out loud about.   Keep a few movies or TV shows that you know you enjoy.  For me, Wanda Sykes comedy clips are hilarious and, of course, The Big Bang Theory is pretty good for a chuckle-fest.  I also know that my daughters can having me rolling on the floor when they banter back and forth.   By cultivating laughter when things are a bit rough, I seem to tap into a Divine moment that reminds me I'm always at choice in how I respond to events.

Aromatherapy

Our five senses are very strong and our sense of smell is particularly potent.  I find that when I am purposeful and seek out scents that make me feel good, it raises my energy level up quickly.  Who wouldn't admit that the smell of fresh roasted coffee beans are close to Godliness?  Just another reason there is always a line at Starbucks :-)  When I'm surrounded by the smell of lavender, I breathe in deeply and the calm penetrates every nerve ending.  Lemon and mint are especially energizing as well.  Make a note of your favorite smells and seek them out when your soul is feeling drained.  And, really focus on the taking in the scent.  When I walk into a coffee shop hoping the caffeine will provide a pick-me-up, I deliberately slow my pace and savor the smells.  Almost immediately, I feel lighter and my soul is rising to meet me in a very visceral moment.

Using these steps consciously, there is a "remembering" that my soul is limitless.  And taking the time to give my soul the space to tap back into the Divine, I remember that everything is here for my highest and best good.

So, today, I set the intention to nurture my soul, balancing my human existence with my Spiritual being and remembering to be present in the moment.

"Put yourself into life and never lose your openness, your childish enthusiasm

 throughout the journey that is life, and things will come your way." 

~Federico Fellini

"Say not 'I have found the path of the soul.'  Say rather, 'I have met the soul 

walking upon my path.'  For the soul walks upon all paths.  The soul walks not 

upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.  The soul unfolds itself like 

a lotus of countless petals." 

~Kahlil Gibran

Affirmative Prayer:
There is a lusciousness to Life, overflowing with abundance and prosperity.  It pours through the fields of corn and wheat and the vines of grapes waiting to be harvested.  It fills the tables with healthy foods and delicious treats.  It is the Divine Nature of Goodness that blesses everything that is.  

Claiming this Divine Nature as my birthright, I let it flow through and around me, affirming that all of Life is mine for the taking.  It is a Spirit of Joy that moves me and I embrace this joy with an openness for life.  The love, the beauty and the perfection of this moment is all God and there is a knowing from within that everything that God is, I am.

Celebrating the good that is God, I step into my soul's desires for life as Sandy.  I nurture the desires that show up in beautiful ways, knowing they are here for a Divine purpose.  My soul sings with a happiness that shines out from every cell of my body.  And just as the fields are harvested for their bounty, my soul harvests my unique gifts and talents, allowing them to reveal themselves in perfect, Divine timing.  I remain present in each moment, releasing any seeming challenges and letting my life flow effortlessly down the path to my greatest good.

As my soul expresses the unlimited potential for my life, my heart is filled with gratitude for this day.  I am so thankful to know that there is always more than enough for me to receive and to share.  And I am grateful that in this plentitude, my soul is restored to its connection with Source, to its connection with Spirit, to its Infinite Nature.

I sing, I dance, I breathe in and out and I settle in to the stillness, releasing my Word to the Divine Action of the Law.  And as it is released, it is made manifest in my life and brought into my experience in joyful, loving ways.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

The Path To Our Greatest Joy

Could our deepest darkness be the path to our greatest joy?  I read this recently in Mastin Kipp's Daily Love and have been contemplating it for some time now.

Being in a New Thought community while facing challenges can seem less than authentic sometimes.  You start to hear repeated affirmations of "All is Well" or "Just remember that you and God are one."

I get that part, however, isn't everything God including our thoughts of fear or shame or embarrassment?  How can we really know peace and harmony and joy if we have not experienced their opposites?

I love listening to Iyanla Vanzant because she is a reminder that "all things are a lesson God would have us learn."  When we are going through challenges, if we feel the need to cry, it should be okay to honor that and let yourself cry - full out, snot flying, swollen red eyes and gut-wrenching sobbing.

Then - let it go.  Don't continue to stay in your story of how you were wronged, how it shouldn't have happened to you, how it's not your fault.

NOTICE your feelings.

LOVE yourself through them.

RELEASE them.

Even more remarkable, you might find that these feelings, when given the space to be heard, turn into blessings down the road.  I'm sure we've all heard stories:

- if I'd gotten that job, I would have been laid off within two months; instead I love the job I have now.
- if I'd bought the home I wanted last year, we'd have been in a financial mess; instead we have a beautiful home that we can easily afford.

In those stories, it is easy to se that there is something real around Divine Order.  While we may be creating our lives by using our thoughts, there is a Divine Energy that wants our highest and best.  I believe Divine Energy is using some of our darkest times to prepare us to receive that which is so grand and beautiful, we cannot even comprehend what it looks like.

But, through the pain and the loss and the grief, we will be ready - really ready - to accept it and allow it and be thankful for ALL of it.

So, my intention for today, is to experience all of my feelings, being compassionate with myself as I move toward a life of great joy.

"Each aspect within us needs understanding and compassion.  If we are 

unwilling to give it to ourselves how can we expect the world to give it to us?  

~Debbie Ford

"You cannot run away from weakness; you must some time fight it out 

or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand?" 

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Affirmative Prayer:
As the day turns to evening and the stars start to fill the sky, with each twinkle from above there is a reminder that a Divine Intelligence, a Divine Wisdom also shines over and around and through all that is.  It is in the cry of a baby and the bark of a dog, It is in the caw of a bird and in the piano key as it strikes a chord.  It is a lyrical piece of music and in the words of a poet.

This Wisdom and Intelligence that is present in each moment also has It's being in me.  As I move and breathe, Spirit, Source, God, also moves and breathes, expanding as consciousness expands and glimmers in the realization that there is no separation, there is no where that God is not.

As my soul cries out in joy with that realization, I know there is greatness unfolding in my life.  And, though I may go through challenges and struggles, those challenges are there to lift me and show me that I can embrace all of it.  Without the darkness, how can I know light?  And as I see the light growing from within, I can release any appearance of negativity with a love for the clarity it has given me.  I can see now the limitless joy, the  courage, the strength, of who I really am. I let go of frustration and sorrow knowing it has served me as I move forward with a faith that the Universe has great plans for my life.   I am free to claim my prosperity and abundance, trusting that the Universe has my back.

I am so grateful for all of the good in my life.  I am grateful for the freedom to be who I am in each moment, knowing Spirit uplifts and up-levels my life for the better.  And I give thanks to a Universe of plenty, filled with grace and love.

Standing tall in this knowing, I release my Word in faith to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing that God's got this, knowing it is already done.  Joy surrounds me and I simply let it be so.   And so it is.  Amen.

Getting To The Root Of Forgiveness

I have done quite a bit of work on myself around forgiveness.   I have forgiven others for events and situations and it is a growing skill that I am becoming comfortable with. But - I also have a strong need within to be forgiven by others that I feel have wronged.

I am moved by stories that I hear of forgiveness - a mother forgiving a man for killing her child, a soldier forgiven for the attacks on a village that killed a countless number of people.   It seems so easy when I read about it but where does my need for absolution come from?  And why do I not just accept forgiveness when it is offered?

It is a battle within that I am fighting.  I really, really, really want to be forgiven but I don't let it go once it is given to me.   It almost feels as if I have been programmed that I am not worthy of forgiveness.  And yet, if I can forgive others, why would I not be willing to give someone else that same gift of allowing their apology?  Of accepting it and moving on?

For me, I believe it means I would really have to own the fact that I was inconsiderate or selfish.  I don't WANT to believe that about me, however, I am a spiritual being having a human existence.  Being human, it is inevitable that things will get messy in my life.   And, without the messy parts of life, how will I really grow into all that I am meant to be?

So - now I get to the root of forgiveness.  Reading Colin Tipping's Radical Forgiveness, he does a great job of explaining that there is actually a Divine purpose being served in ALL of my actions.  I need to open myself up to see that no one is a victim - it is for everyone's highest and best good.

And, not only did my actions serve a Divine purpose, I actually attracted them so I could heal it!

Knowing that I attracted it doesn't make it easier to heal but it does give me a starting place to realize I am worthy of forgiveness.  On top of that, I can forgive myself without the need for an actual apology from the other person.

My strong need for forgiveness is my soul's cry to heal.  My ego sends me on a guilt trip and my soul is screaming at me NOT to pack those bags.  My soul is reminding me that we are all One.   What I see in another is also what exists within me.  If I can see the perfection in them, then I am also perfect and I am DESERVING of forgiveness.

So, I peel back another layer in my understanding of who I truly am.   I may have to revisit certain issues as they get triggered but I realize that it's okay.  I can start to love myself through these issues and let the layers fall away as I accept myself exactly as I am, right here, right now.

From this place of love, I set the intention for today to embrace the person I am now, having faith that everything in my life serves a Divine purpose.

"You have earned the right to be exactly where you are.  With all that you 

have been through, have been challenged by, have confronted and 

overcome, you have earned the right to live with this, to make it through 

this, overcome this and benefit from the divine opportunity that now stands 

before you.  Everything that lies before you is a divine opportunity."  

~Iyanla Vanzant

Rather than cursing the past, bless it and forgive yourself entirely.  When 

you know that all of those experiences were a part of the divine design of 

your life, you can afford to forgive."  

~Dr. Wayne Dyer

Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment - in this breath - Divine Guidance and Divine Wisdom effortlessly weaves Its way into Life.  Just as electricity sparks the lightbulb, Divine Love shines and illuminates.  As lightening lights the sky and thunder rolls in a storm, Divine Grace overflows with strength and with purpose.

Leaning into this place of Spirit, the Power and Presence of the Universe surrounds me and moves through me.  It is a life force growing and multiplying all that is good and all that is blessed as I embrace the truth of who I am.

Stepping into the Divine Light, I honor all that has come before me and all that is yet to come.  My world is what it is because I have lived a life that is directed and designed in perfect ways.  Every experience, every choice, has been inspired by a Universe that knows only good for me.  I forgive, I heal and I move on, letting it all go and moving to the next opportunity to be a loving presence on this planet.  Affirming that I am deserving and worthy of happiness, of joy, and of peace, I allow God to prosper me in ways that are better than I can even imagine.

Claiming the perfection of this moment, I give thanks for being guided by the Universe as I travel my path.  And I am grateful that each step I take is clearly intuited as I tap into Source Energy.  I am so thankful for Divine Grace and the knowing that I am loved.

Releasing my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, I breathe in and breathe out as a peace descends in the knowing that my prayer is already answered - that no more need be said and I can let go and let God.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!

Finding Peace in Conflicting Feelings

"The Law of Life exists in all of us at all times and we are using It whether or not we are conscious of the fact.  If we wish to make specific demonstrations, we must use it specifically."  Ernest Holmes is always such a great reminder to me of the power of the words I use.  When I choose my words with intention, it is an opportunity to live my life on purpose.

I know this was the case with my current home.   We live in an apartment currently and, after doing a number of affirmative prayers, I truly believe I attracted our beautiful Mediterranean-style home.  It fits my husband and I perfectly for where we are at in our lives right now.

But - we just received a notice that we need to take down our hummingbird feeder and wind chimes.  Actually, we can hang them on free-standing hooks so there is an option available to still enjoy them.  However, there is some resistance showing up within me from receiving that notice.

I'm experiencing conflicting feelings.

I am longing for the freedom to own our home - to be able to hang what we want, where we want.  At the same time, we have access to a number of things that we don't have to pay to maintain - pool, spa, fitness center - and the community is wonderful.

I know these feelings I'm having - frustration, wanting more, embarrassment - are my soul communicating to me.  They are here to teach a lesson and to guide and direct me.  So, I'm attempting to listen.  And, while I listen, I'm using my thought and words and prayers and affirmations to navigate my way through this experience.

As I use the Law of Life specifically and place my attention on what I want, I know that, when the timing is right, I will have my dream home.  I know this because that desire is also something that comes from my soul.

It is all perfect, it is all God expressing, and it is amazing!  Trusting in that, I set my intention today to be at peace with where I am living, having faith that I am exactly WHERE I need to be, exactly WHEN I need to be.

"Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself.  

Before you can move their tears, your own must flow.  To convince them, 

you must yourself, believe."

~Winston Churchill

"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters.  

One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.  

~John F. Kennedy

Affirmative Prayer:
There is One Divine Intelligence that has Its roots in beauty and harmony and grace.  Like the flowers that are blossoming with new growth and the trees that provide shade on a hot day, this Divine Power infuses all that is with magnificence that is effortless.  Looking within, I see the Truth that I am one with this Divine Intelligence and Divine Power.  I blossom and grow in ways that are Divinely guided as I nurture my soul into expression.

Seeing clearly that I am free to dream big dreams, I tune into my soul's calling for a home filled with love.  It is an expansive home that supports everyone's needs for safety and security.  It is a home where there is laughter and joy and fun.  It is a home where I can hang hummingbird feeders and wind chimes, where I can BBQ and enjoy the pool and hot tub.  And it is a home in a neighborhood where others are friendly and like-minded and celebrate the community they are in.  I trust that I am guided with each step down the path toward my perfect home, sitting in expectancy that it is also reaching out to me.

I am so grateful for this vision from my soul that is always unfolding in rich and opulent ways.  I am in awe as I give thanks for the demonstrations of God's love that reveal themselves in every minute of the day.  Miracles are everywhere and I am filled with gratitude as the ever-increasing good frees me to allow full expression of my desires and dreams.

Lovingly, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done, knowing the truth that my Word is already manifest.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

The Perfect Books to Read When You Need Healing

When I'm feeling the need for inspiration or there is a piece of me that needs healing, there are a number of tools I use.  Top of my list - books.  Books can change my mood from blah to woohoo! and they let me know I'm not alone in some of the challenges I face.

Here are six books that help me stay inspired.  Some are more recent than others but all of them are very relevant.  And - if I'm short of time and need a pick-me-up, I choose a book, center myself with a breath or two and randomly flip to a page or let the book fall open where it will.

Every time I've done this, the Universe always delivers to me the perfect text that I need to read in that moment.

Book One:  practicing the presence; Joel S. Goldsmith

This classic book from 1958 has transformed my daily spiritual practice of meditation.  If you are in need of a mantra, flip to any page in this book, choose a sentence to reflect on and go within.  You will soon feel the presence of God surround you and deepen your connection to Source - guaranteed.

Book Two:  Illusions; Richard Bach

If I am ever questioning my faith, this book reminds me that I am a powerful co-creator.  It is also where I borrowed the idea to let a book fall open to any page and read it to see what the Universe might be trying to tell me in that moment.

Book Three:  The Untethered Soul; Michael A. Singer

When I get caught up in my reflexive responses to challenges that show up throughout my day, this book reminds me that I am in control of my thoughts and feelings.  It has great, practical tools to set my conscious mind free from limiting beliefs.  The more often I turn to this book for help, the less other people are able to push my buttons.

Book Four:  The Power of Intention; Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Dyer is wonderful at explaining how we are all co-creators with Spirit.  This book was my inspiration for setting daily intentions for how my day will unfold.  It also reminds me that once I have put my intention out to the Universe, I need only to let go and let God.  Part II of the book is filled with powerful intentions and is a great starting point if you are new to the concept that God is within each of us.

Book Five:  Peace from Broken Pieces; Iyanla Vanzant

"All things are lessons that God would have us learn."  When I need to put something in perspective, this book cuts to the chase and forces me to look at myself.  Forget about my story - what is it that I need to forgive and/or to heal?  The book also makes me feel that I am in a safe place, remembering that nothing can separate me from the love of God.

Book Six:  This Thing Called You; Ernest Holmes

It takes most people some time to get used to how Ernest writes and speaks. For me, this book was one that was clear and concise when it comes to determining how life got to be the way it is.  At its core, it is about prayer.  Any feelings of anger, sadness, hurt, frustration seem to fall away when I sit with a passage or two from this book.

So, today, I set the intention to embrace the pleasure of reading, knowing that time will be made for the opportunity to spend a moment with my favorite authors.

"We should think of our lives as an increasing awareness, an ever-growing

 and expanding consciousness, a never ceasing progress of individual and 

collective evolution.  There should be a constant joy in expansion, an 

enthusiastic sense of adventure in the progressive unfoldment of spiritual 

awareness.  It is enough to know that our good is with us today, that tomorrow 

this same good can be multiplied, and so on forever."

~Ernest Holmes

"When you realize how perfect life is, you will tilt your head back 

and laugh at the sky"

~Buddha

Affirmative Prayer:
There is a perfection in every moment of the day and night.  It shines as brilliantly as the sun and as effervescent as the moon.  This perfection is at the heart of the One that I call God, moving through and around all of Its creation, showering beauty and joy and peace and love over all this is.  Closing my eyes, I can sense the perfection of the One living within me, expressing as me, and filling me, just as the stars fill the night sky.

Absorbing the Power and the Presence of Spirit, there is a knowing that I always have an abundance of time to enjoy the pleasures around me.  Affirming my love of reading, I savor the opportunity to sit with a book that inspires and teaches and heals. Each author has written words that jump off the pages toward me in an amazing clarity of awe and wonder.  And I am called toward books that provide the words and phrases I need to hear in that exact moment.  Regardless of circumstances, these books hold a truth for my life that is relevant and filled with grace.

Claiming this, I sit in gratitude for my perfect eyesight that allows me the privilege of reading the written word.  I am thankful for the presence of Spirit that flows through each author as they write what calls to them.  Each life is Divinely guided and book and reader find each other in the perfect timing of the Universe.  For this, I am grateful.

Embracing this awareness, I release my prayer to the Divine action of the Law, knowing that it is already taking shape in perfect and glorious ways.  And I let it be so. And so it is!

Overcoming The Fear Of Missing Out

Crazy and paranoid thinking.  That's what shows up when I've been asked to help with something or to go somewhere and I say NO.  My mind jumps right to the fear that I'll miss out on something if I don't say yes.  So what am I afraid I might be missing?

Knowing that this is a Universe of Cause and Effect and using the power of Affirmative Prayer, I am co-creating my life. As a creator, my paranoia shows up when I believe I'll miss some crucial guidance from Spirit if I'm not involved in every offer that comes my way.

I have clarity in my thoughts and I hold the vision but if I'm sitting at home, how is the Universe going to support me to ensure I'm on the right path?

I also get a little crazy looking for hidden meaning in things I'm asked to do.

A few years ago, a friend mentioned she was volunteering as part of an event team.  A few days later, I ran into the person who heads up the team and while we were talking, she used words that triggered a vision I was holding for my livlihood.  I was offered a few opportunities to participate and, of course, I was saying yes to all of them.

Over the year I was on the team, I was searching for clues in every wedding, memorial service, friendship visit, etc. as to where I was being guided.   And - I became overwhelmed as I tirelessly did more and more.  I was exhausted and I was becoming resentful.

I'm pretty sure Spirit is not going to be guiding me to my highest and best through stress and fatigue.

For me, as I live life on this journey of expansion, I am seeing that it is okay to say no.  I won't miss a sign or signal from the Universe by setting limits on what I can say yes to.  I simply need to trust - trust that I am always in the right place at the right time, no matter what.

The more I tap into trusting that I am Divinely guided in every choice, the more I can see that something even more promising may be waiting for me when I have boundaries around how I spend my time.

And here is how I KNOW that the Universe is always leading me down the right path for my highest and best good.  This quote from Neale Donald Walsh popped up on my Facebook page this morning.

"You are on the right path; you are marching straight to your own joy, and to happiness for others.  Did you need a "signal" from the Universe about this?  Consider that signal as having been sent...  Now it is just a matter of trust."

So, today, I set the intention to trust that I am on the right path and sit in expectancy that something even better that I can imagine is rushing up to meet me.

"I am no longer afraid of becoming lost, because the journey back always reveals something new, and that is ultimately good for the artist."

~Billy Joel

"No single decision you ever made has led in a straight line to where you find yourself now.  You peeked down some roads and took a few steps before turning back.  You followed some roads that led to a dead end and others that got lost at too many intersections.  Ultimately, all roads are connected to all other roads."

~Deepak Chopra

Affirmative Prayer:

The abundant nature of Spirit, of Source Energy, is always at work, filling bucket after bucket with joy and with happiness and with love and with peace.  It is all Life, moving in perfect ways, to shower an endless gift of grace on all that is.  I am fulfilled in the knowing that this Source that I call God is bringing my bucket to an overflow of abundance as It expresses through me.   Claiming harmony as my truth, I can never be separate from my Source.

And it is from this space of Oneness that I can trust I am always on the right path and exactly where I am supposed to be in every moment.  As I take right action throughout my day, I allow the Universe to guide me in beautiful ways, relaxing into the knowing that I will not miss anything if I choose to say "no".  My life is easy and filled with grace as I step into the overflow of the bounty of Life.  I join with others and rise to levels of success in all areas of my life that are even better than I can imagine.  There is a perfection in the Universe that frees me to have only the faith of a mustard seed to manifest an abundance of good.

I am so thankful for the knowing that I can let go and let God.  I need not stress or worry but simply allow my life to unfold.  And I am filled with gratitude as I am moved to make choices that flow from my heart.  I ask what would you have me know, Mother/Father God, and I am given an answer that keeps me on my Divinely guided path.

Accepting this good with great thanks, I release my prayer to the action of the Law, knowing the work is already done.  All is lining up for my highest and best and I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.