But That's Just The Way I Am

Yep, I've said it about myself and I've heard many others say it as well.

"I was born in Brooklyn so when I'm blunt, that's just the way I am."

"I learned to drive on the East Coast where we drive crazy & fast; that's just the way I am."

"We never had money growing up so I hate giving things away; that's just the way I am."

We all have programming that has been drilled into us since we were born.  It shapes who we are and our responses in any situation in life.  What's interesting is how reluctant we are to change that programming.

It almost seems that we would rather be bitter and resentful and blame things on our past life, then throw out that lame old excuse - 'but that's just the way I am'.

What I'm learning to see is that my old programming is much easier to change when I take it in small steps.  So, if I keep sacrificing my time and things I'd like to do when others call on me at the last minute, it's NOT because that's the way I am.

It's because I have made a choice, in that moment, to make the other person a priority.  And, sometimes that's okay.  But not always...

The first small step to changing that behavior?  Simply notice that it's something I tend to do on a regular basis.

Once I've noticed it's become a habit for me to put myself last, my next small step is to re-script my response and start to make myself a priority in those situations.  If it doesn't speak to my heart, then I've decided it's not selfish for me to explain that I am no longer available.

My next small step after that?  To repeat that process until it becomes a new habit that is more about my new choices versus old programming.  And - every time I make the decision to change what no longer serves me, I create a space where I can avoid a larger meltdown later.

No sacrifice.  No resentment.  No bitterness.  Only a choice about what I do in this moment based on the way I want to be.

So, where in your life are you resistant to change?  Where are you blaming old programming for the way things are?

Today, I set the intention to create new habits that are healthy and loving, allowing me to be more generous with others because I am generous with myself.

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who 

cannot change their minds, cannot change."  

~George Bernard Shaw

"Everything we do is infused with the energy with which we do it.  

If we're frantic, life will be frantic.  If we're peaceful, life will be peaceful. 

And so our goal in any situation becomes inner peace."  

~Marianne Williamson

Affirmative Prayer:
Turning within, there is the recognition of a Divine Presence.  There is a feeling and a sensing of Spirit, of Source Energy.  It is peace and grace, joy and harmony, perfect health and wholeness.

I sit in awe and wonder that this Divine Presence that I call God is everywhere present.  It is light and lightness, living and breathing in me and through me in every moment.  I savor this truth that I am here by Divine appointment at this time and in this place.

Each day, I am filled with enthusiasm realizing that I am supported and guided by a Source that wants my highest and best.  Trusting in this, I let go any old programming that no longer serves me and I welcome the potential to create new habits.  I declare that the awareness of what I am passionate about is what I can choose to create in my life.  I say Yes! to more satisfying experiences and know that I am not selfish when I make that declaration.  There are greater possibilities for vibrant health, for loving relationships, for opulent living and I am free to explore each and all of those as I am called.

I am filled with gratitude for the awareness that I can change my belief system to create a new life.  I give great thanks that this new life is abundant and prosperous, flowing easily and effortlessly every single day.  And I am grateful for my perfect health and beautiful relationships that are richer and fuller and grace-filled, simply because of my shift in consciousness.

Embracing the best in everything, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I anchor to the truth of Spirit within me.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Gioia de Antoniis/Flickr

Traveling In A Direction That Works

Making a change and going back to work part-time has taken a bit of getting used to.  It's definitely bringing the focus back to doing what makes me happy in spite of the fear I might feel.

I was in sales for so long that it was comfortable.  Taking on a new role revolving around marketing for small businesses is well outside my comfort zone.

Right after I started, I had a moment of panic.  It was the voice in my head saying, "Is this really what you want to be doing?"  And that led to another voice asking, "Are you happy with how you're spending your time?"

For me, what that translates into is "Am I safe stepping into something new?"

I am definitely happy with the work/life balance that I have.  And, I am nurturing my desire for growth by having to learn new skills.

My soul has said it is time to take a risk.  It is telling me that I can trust that the Universe is guiding me.

So, I need to let go of being afraid that I might fail.  And I need to enjoy the feeling of happiness that comes from being inspired by the work I am doing.

I am always safe when I hang on to the belief that I am here to do great things.

So, where in your life are you playing it safe?

Today, I set the intention to trust that I am safe in my new career, even if it feels like I am in over my head at times.

"And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."  ~Meister Eckhart

"Those who have great faith, have a great power."  

~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

Affirmative Prayer:
Taking in a breath, there is the feeling of a Divine Presence of Love that uplifts.  It is an Infinite Wisdom that cherishes and adores all that is and brings happiness and joy to every moment of the day and night.

This Presence of Love surrounds me and sits within me, reminding me that I am one with the Divine.  The confidence and courage to follow my own path is sustained by Spirit, living as me and expressing as me in all that I do.  I am peace itself in every choice and action that I take.

Knowing how deeply I am cared for, I also know that I am safe in every decision I make.  My actions are divinely guided and there is a courage that spurs me on to try new things.  I let go of being afraid of failure and instead, claim that changes are energizing and inspiring and are leading me toward prosperity and abundance.  There is a magic in starting something new that opens the way to miracles and I welcome the unexpected good that comes to me with ease.  I affirm that I am loved unconditionally even when my head might say that I am not worthy.  And I am blessed by the inner strength of Spirit that says Yes, I can be happy in the work that I do each day.

Embracing all of my good, I am deeply grateful to a loving Universe that is pushing me into perfect and right action.  I give thanks for each experience that shows me how great my life can be when I simply allow it to unfold.  And I am filled with gratitude for the calm and peace that are at my core as I go forward in faith.

From a place of inner peace, I release this prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done in beautiful ways.  I trust that all is revealed and unfolding in perfect Divine timing.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Rick Harrison/Flickr

Have An Awesome Weekend

"You can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust the sails to reach your destination."

This weekend we have family in town to say goodbye to our son.  He leaves on Tuesday for the Air Force.  Big life changes are happening for us and I know for a lot of other people as well.  That's why I love the quote above.  Change is always happening and I am always at choice as to which way my sails are taking me.  So, if you're facing change in your life too, take some time to breathe and enjoy the weekend.  And here are a few fun links from around the web...


3 quick Be Here Now exercises to help you remain in the present moment

The mom you always wanted....28 reasons Claire Huxtable is perfection embodied

Warm sand, swaying plam trees...24 American beaches you want to be on right now

And, don't forget to take along an award-winning good book by Ann Patchett

Something that made me smile...

If money was no object, everybody including you would be doing this

5 best vitamins for beautiful skin

A home on the 18th hole

5 celebrities who pray

10 hilarious graduation speeches that won't put you to sleep

Ode to the mother-in-law

And you should read this....The Gift

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget...

"All of our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."  ~Walt Disney

(Photo courtesy of Flickr by Susan)

Yay, the weekend is here!

I'm so excited for this weekend.  Kevin and I will be part of a Global Drum Circle.  This is new for both of us and we're ready to unleash our creative side but I have no idea what to expect so there is a bit of the "will I look silly?" thinking.  Should be interesting and I am open to allowing the experience to be what it will be.  What are you up to?  Have fun and here are a few links from around the web...


5 Questions to catalyze big change

Balcony gardening for your apartment

3 Surprising ways chefs use carrots

A food writer's first fiction novel for those who like comfort food

How to stretch yourself to success

10 small space storage solutions you never knew

DIY on the mind this week?  More storage ideas that are cheap and easy

Fact: A ceiling can hold 3,000 pounds.  Comedian Laura Prangley vs. Ariel Yoga.  Who wins this one?

$1,000 dinner in a $100,000 gown.   And this city is my backyard!

We move animals.  I had no idea...

Food humor - and it's true, I admit :-)

16 Thoughts Prince George has had while on the Royal Tour

And we can't forget about happy hour....as demonstrated by penguins.


Have a good weekend!    "...whatever age you're at, life has its own rhythm.  My goal is to stay in step and not take one beat of it for granted."  ~Oprah Winfrey

A Powerful Behavior That Could Be A Game-Changer

Change is a constant part of life.  I don't think anyone would disagree with that statement.  And - there are some who embrace change and there are some who will run far, far away from change.

It's funny but I really thought that the more I grew in my spiritual practice, the more things in my life would change.  Instead, what I've seen is that the changes I've been experiencing have been small.  In fact, over the past year, I've had very little change.

Is it that my spiritual foundation is so strong now that I simply move through the changes and barely notice them?  I find that hard to believe.

I can SEE fabulous opportunities for change.  Who wouldn't like more money in their bank account or to lose a little more weight or to have a better relationship with their family.

And it's NOT that I'm unhappy that I haven't been inundated with changes.  But I believe that change is a great opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings that I often didn't even realize I had.  It's a way to meet a new part of myself that had been under wraps.   It creates a space for some spring cleaning for my soul.

So has my personal growth stalled?  If there's no change, how am I supposed to pull out my creative ways of dealing with it?  (Wow, I think I'm coming full circle on my thoughts from a few weeks ago about hitting a ceiling in my spiritual growth.)

What I can FEEL is that there is some change bubbling up from within me.  For me, that feeling reminds me to deepen my connection to the Divine.  Maybe this time of little change is a nudge to keep building on that connection, to really fall in love with Spirit.

There was a song playing on the radio recently and it's a more "Christian" type of song but it beautifully stated what I'm coming to believe about my relationship with the Universe.

"it's gotta be/ more like falling in love/ 

than something to believe in/ 

more like losing my heart/ 

than giving my allegiance"

Now there is a thought to contemplate  - falling in love with the Divine.  

Dr. Patrick Cameron said recently that "Gratitude is one of the key spiritual practices for transformation, because gratitude shifts us into a greater alignment with Source...it is a pathway to greater love."  And, I have to admit that, while I am certainly grateful for things occasionally, I've been hit or miss including this as part of my regular practice.

So, as I seek to take my relationship with Spirit even deeper, gratitude will be essential.  As part of the daily intention and affirmation practice I have been working on, I'm adding a gratitude list as a way to finish it off.  Six things to be grateful for every day and, as much as possible, they have to be different from the day before.

Demonstrating gratitude will bring more things into our lives to be grateful for.

Gratitude is a powerful behavior that could be a game-changer in my life.  So, as a good friend of mine likes to tell me, I say BRING IT ON!  Oh, and don't forget to breathe....

What are some things YOU are grateful for?  Do you have a gratitude practice?

Today, I set my intention to transform my life through the practice of gratitude, knowing I will move through any changes with ease and with grace and uncover abundance in everything as a result.

"And because all things have contributed to your advancement, 

you should include all things in your gratitude." 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Your lamp was lit from another lamp.  

All God wants is your gratitude for that.  

~Rumi

Affirmative Prayer:
Hearing the birds sing and the breeze gently move through the wind chimes, there is a recognition of Oneness with all of creation.  And in this Oneness, there is Creative Intelligence that reveals beauty, uncovers wisdom and transforms dreams into reality.

This Creative Intelligence flows through me, seeking to express in new and greater ways as me.  Leaning into this knowledge, I allow joy to surround me and courage to move my feet, excited for the good that flows from embracing this truth.

As I am inspired to step up my practice of gratitude, I accept that abundance and prosperity in all areas of my life will unfold in amazing ways.  Relationships that are loving and kind are revealed as I express gratitude for my current relationships.  And I celebrate my increasing good health as I say Thank You for my current ability to walk and run and dance with a strong heart and lungs filled with life-giving oxygen.  I affirm that I am a better person as I express gratitude to others and gladly help them with a gracious attitude of service.  I love being in love with Life!

I am so grateful for this feeling of excitement that is expressed as my ever-increasing abundance and prosperity are realized.    And I am thankful for the big and the small opportunities that allow me to practice the art of gratitude in my life.  I am filled with gratitude for the blessings that are showered upon me as I stay in this feeling place of thankfulness.

Reveling in the awareness that my life is good, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  I am fully available to what is next.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.