#158   

I am extending my wish to you for a warm, wonderful and joyous holiday season. 

I will be enjoying the season with family and friends. Then I'm off to Bali, Indonesia to be with my daughter, Tyra and her family.  

With gratitude and blessings to my readers. 

I will return, renewed, in early February 2015

#157

Make your life come true...

This is for everyone that has dreams, ambitions, or aspirations for themselves. Things that for some reason got put on hold while life took over. 

You are the only one that can make your purpose a reality. If you and your life are a priority to you, anything can happen. If you take responsibility for your life, the way it is right now... then you have the power to change it.

When we are overwhelmed with what we perceive to be our hardships, we start floating down the river without a paddle. 

This is where you are, right now. Are you going to continue going down river, lamenting your life OR are you going to do something about it? 

If you decide that you really don't want to put forth the effort to do something right now, then work on accepting your circumstances as they are. If this is not an attractive alternative, you are out of choices. That's all you have; be dissatisfied or do something about it.  

Stop waiting for your life to change, or for the miracle to take place. Set the wheels in motion, at least. Create a change, shake things up, look at things from a different angle.  Life doesn't happen to you, life's problems happen in order to get your attention. It's time to do something else, other than what you have always done, you are not following your heart and the time is now. 

You are supported in your decision, so quit fighting it, just go with it... and see what happens. Make your life come true

#156

Don't ever let someone tell you....

Don't take it on ... people will tell no end of things, your job is to sift through it all and decide what is best for you...

If there is something in your life that you have always wanted to do - do it!

There are a surplus of reasons why you can't, but really, if this is your burning desire, it is necessary.

We need to follow our own star, do what we want, and need to do. These desires were implanted in you for  a reason. You don't know what you are destined to accomplish. We are who we are, with the attributes, talents and capabilities, that are unique to us. 

Our dreams, as well, are unique to us. If we don't push forward with the idea germinating within we may be depriving yourself and the world of something truly magnificent and special.  

Don't listen to the 'Doubting Thomas' that are hell-bent on keeping you in line, or the ones that are pointing out the hazards in order to save you. Each of these people are working on their own agendas, and from their own fear. You are the one with the courage to go and do what you need to do. "You want something, go get it. Period."

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." Henry David Thoreau

#155

 You can't calm the storm....

This is just a gentle reminder that you can't control everything. 

The only person you can control is you. If your world is spinning off it's axis, and the sky appears to be falling, you can't stop it. There is nothing you can do, it will pass when it is time. The trick is to keep yourself in check until it does. 

After the storm is calm.

In order for you to remain calm while all the world is falling to pieces around you, you must believe in yourself. Have faith in YOU and trust the universe. 

When something is disrupting your world, and you need an answer, you will likely get a sensation in your 'gut.' That is your decision, it will tell you what you need to know and what you need to do. Make a conscious choice to listen to your inner voice, it is your intuition and will bring you the answer you need. You know what to do, you don't need to follow anyone else's direction. Place yourself directly in the eye of the storm, where all is calm, and wait it out.

"There are some things you learn best in calm and some in storms"

Sharifah Nor

The storm is here to teach you something. There is a reason for and it will all become clear when the storm passes.

If you believe in yourself, it won't matter what is going on around you, you will be OK. That is the point you want to reach, the realization that all is well, you can handle anything. The storm will pass.

#154

We're all stories in the end....

As Byron Katie states, "who would you be without your story?" 

The story is the baggage you are carrying around with you. It's everything that has ever happened in your life, all the pain, sorrow, resentment and anger are contained within this story. You react to every situation because of your story. You have fears of certain things because of your story. Your story is directing your movie, the movie that plays the story of your life.

Your parents loved your brother more than you... this has been your story for so long. How does it make you feel when you think that your parents love your brother more? Do you know for a fact that your parents loved your brother more, or is this just a feeling you have always had? Who would you be if you didn't believe that page from your story? You cannot change the past, only your reaction to it. How would it feel to let that particular memory go? If you release that one page, you are on your way to clearing up the rest of the pages.

Without your story, who are you?

Well for one thing... no story, no fear. All the fear that you feel in a situation is from something that happened in your story ... something you had buried deep inside, that you are now reacting to. So, without that story, there is no more fear. Think how freeing this could be, to not be afraid, just living life as it is, with no background. You would just be enjoying your day for what it is.

I know you have been living in your story for a long, long time, BUT it is just that, A STORY. You have surmised that this is what took place and this is how one must react to it. This is your opinion in the frame of mind you were in at the time. It left a lasting impression, but it does not define you, unless you allow it. Let the story go, live life for today, and let go of what no longer serves you.

#153

Don't look back....

Absolutely! All of the changes and hard times you have experienced, have given you the opportunity to grow. Your whole life will be different with your new knowledge and life lessons. You will find that you are more aware and fulfilled. 

Everyone has trials in their lives, some more than others, it seems, but nonetheless we all have heartache. As we age and grow into ourselves, we seem to react better to trying circumstances. We get much more comfortable with who we are, more accepting of everything, and able to handle whatever it may be with less drama and pain. All of this is, of course, because of everything we have gone through. 

We are who we are, because of where we have been

We end up being grateful for all the troubles we've seen. We discover the reasons for most of the problems, what our contribution was to the dysfunction of the situation, and why it had to happen as it did. We develop some wisdom about life and a knowing of how to handle anything.  We are composite of our lessons.

Use all you have learned to prepare a better life for yourself. Fill yourself with joy, do what you want to do.... you have earned it. You have weathered the storm and now the skies are clear and the sun is shining brightly. 

"You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." Johnny Cash

#152

When you go into the woods today....

This is something you don't often catch yourself thinking about .... walking in the woods, we are usually overwhelmed with the beauty surrounding us. We point out the different trees and wildlife, comment on all the moss on the branches, and listen to the singing of the birds or the babbling brook. It's very seldom that someone would think ... that tree is far too crooked and bent for the forest. 

We are tolerant and understanding of nature, we simply accept it, as it is. And yet, we often react negatively to human frailties. Why is that? Why is it acceptable for nature, to be imperfect and humans are held to some unrealistic standard of perfection? Being judgemental, or putting someone down, in order to make yourself feel adequate, doesn't work. It doesn't make anyone feel better. It never works that way.  Everyone deserves to be appreciated and honoured for who they are,  just as they are.

We all have challenges of some form or another. Some people have physical challenges and these are the hardest to cover. They can't hide them deep in their souls, like the emotional baggage we carry, to be faced when we are ready to deal with it. They are right 'out there' for the world to see. They cannot, without surgery, change the face they were given, or change whatever impediment they may have. We need to give them the same allowances you would afford a tree or a mossy stump. 

Everyone is beautiful, in their own way, and it would be good for all of us to be more compassionate and considerate of others .... all of them, not just our chosen circles. Like the trees in the forest, allow people to be themselves, and see them as the messengers they are. We are more apt to learn from someone that appears different from ourselves. It is in our differences that we unite.

#151

Your time is limited....

I think most everyone is aware of the fact that at some point we all pass on, so it is important that we do something with the time we have. It is the variations of 'something' that makes each of us different. Do what you love to do, it is your life, you are the one living it. Why not make it enjoyable?

Don't waste your time living someone else's life.

Don't be trapped by dogma.

Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Follow your heart and intuition, they already know what you want to become.

Follow your heart, do what you want to do, don't look to others for your happiness. You are the only one that can decide what you want to do in any given circumstance. What you need to listen to is your inner voice. Life is short, don't give up your life for any reason.

For Steve Jobs, this was certainly true, he did what he wanted to do, he did it well and he died young. Looking backwards, isn't it phenomenal that he did. He was directed, don't you think? Directed to do what he did, starting so young, and being a forerunner in his field ... because he wasn't going to stay long. He trusted his gut.

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." Steve Jobs

#150

There is more to life than increasing it's speed...

Are you someone that just can't keep still? Someone that is always running, always having something to do, filling their days with 'busy'ness. Just because you are occupied all the time, your days and nights filled with chores, responsibilities and obligations, does not in any way make you successful or fulfilled. It makes you stressed and exhausted. You are missing everything.

Someone that is running all the time is usually avoiding something. They are running away from whatever the monster is that they cannot face. You can't run away from your problems, they will follow you and manifest into something else, like illness. 

You need to slow down and accept life as it is, not as you want it to be. You can't control everything, it's not good for you. You need some quiet time for yourself to assess your situation. Figure out what it is that doesn't allow you to slow down and give some time to yourself.  

Women that have had children, a job, a household etc. find it especially difficult to take time for themselves. They have always been so much in demand that it feels awkward and uncomfortable, bordering on selfish, to dedicate time to  themselves. Of course, it feels wonderful when you kick the guilt to the curb and honour YOU. You really DO NOT have to do EVERYTHING, the world will continue to spin on it's axis if you eliminate or delegate some things from that long list. 

Make yourself a priority, slow down, enjoy this life you have been blessed with. Let yourself know that you are important enough to spend time with. Most people do not really want gifts and 'stuff', they want TIME, this included you. Take a mini vacation, read a good book, go have a latte, walk in the woods, have a luxurious bath, just give yourself over to happiness. Pay attention to how you feel in your body when you are doing something that you want to do. Capture that feeling and enjoy it often. You are important.

#149

For a person to achieve its greatest expression, he/she must come completely undone....

This quote is an analogy for human growth... for the greatest expression, one must start from the beginning. 

Life can, and often will, break you down in order to build you up again. I am talking from experience with this concept. You need to get down and desperate, in some cases, before you will allow any cracks in your armour to let the light in. You have to hit rock bottom and allow that to be the foundation from which you begin to rebuild your life.

You can have some awakenings in your life, you can look at things in new ways,  you can do things you have never have before; but if you really need to grow, if you have some obstacle to overcome; then you need to come completely undone. That is when you really GET IT. That is when you finally give in, give it up and really start to figure out what this life is all about. 

You know this feeling; being at the end of your rope, not knowing where to go or what to do next. When you feel like you have no other choice, but to just let go. When you are finally out of the way, it allows the universe to take over. It is not giving up, it is merely realizing that you cannot handle it alone. 

This could be the greatest moment in your life, this realization that you are not alone, that you can ask for help, and believing that you will receive what you need. And you will.

Like the seed, your shell cracks, your insides come out (at least they feel like they do), and everything changes. You evolve as a person, you understand. This is the beginning, a rebirth. Embrace the change, immerse yourself in this new experience,  your soul is awakening.

#148

If you need permission, here it is...

Do you feel you need permission to be happy? Or do you not remember how? Maybe you are just too busy to think about being happy or to think about yourself at all.

We all get wrapped up in the day to day, and neglect what matters most. What matters most is you. Those around you, in your home... your family, will not thrive if you are not your best you. 

This is similar to the in flight instructions on an airplane where they teach you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then administer to your children. The children need you to be alright to look after them. 

In your life, all of the things mentioned here are of utmost importance; be happy, love yourself, realize your worth, believe in great things and to be treated with love and respect. These are the mainstays of life, everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. It is not selfish or self-absorbed to love yourself, to indulge yourself, and take care of yourself. You are important. 

Your life is a journey of learning to love yourself first and then extending that love to others. 

Love yourself for all that you are, and others will follow your lead. Radiate love and people will be attracted to it. When you love yourself, you realize your worth, and know that you deserve to be treated well. This will add up to happiness!

F.L.Y...First Love Yourself

#147

To make a deep mental path....

This is exactly how it is done. If you want to be kind to yourself and others, you need to change the thought processes that determine your actions and words. You want to keep all incoming and outgoing messages, thoughtful and loving.

Kind thoughts encourage kind actions. Your heart will expand if you delete negative ideas from your mind. This is the rationale for affirmations. If you have a quote or saying on your mirror telling you that you are wonderful, eventually you may come to realize that you are wonderful. That is, of course, if you read it on a regular basis. The problem is when something is always in the same place and says the same thing, you actually don't see it anymore. So change it, colour it or bling it out, something to draw your attention to it. 

Your thoughts can become your reality.

Repetition or memorization works... seeing or hearing something over and over, will eventually implant it in your brain. Therefore make sure you choose your thoughts carefully and only entertain the thoughts you wish to dominate your life. Your future is a result of what you do today. Therefore, surround yourself with positive people that contribute esteem building programs to your brain and eliminate toxic associations. Don't assume the worst, deal in the moment and the facts, do not project fear into what may or may not happen in your life. You are in control of what you think, reject thoughts that don't encourage you to be your own wonderful self.

"You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be." Marianne Williamson

#146

Let go of what you can't control....

Go with the flow, allow life to go at it's own pace, everything will work out, get out of your own way, what will be will be.

All of the above...

I have noticed that things go  more smoothly when I give up control, when I allow things to happen instead of trying to make them happen. 

It sounds easy, but really, it is not. I suppose it depends on what kind of person you are, whether you are a thinker or a doer.

Control is an illusion, and based in fear. People try to control situations because they are afraid of what will happen if they are not in charge. What do you think this says to everyone else involved? You are not the only one that can handle things. No one else can learn and grow if you handle everything for them. Besides, you can't handle everything yourself, the burden is too great. So just let it go.

If you are too attached to a specific outcome, this is still trying to control things. You are implying that you are the only one that knows what is the best result in this situation. Again, how is anyone to learn anything, if you are setting it all up, with the results based in your best interests? Let people have their lives and you can reclaim yours.

Take all that energy that you are putting into trying to control things and channel it into living your life; just as it is. Accept what is offered, and have faith that it will all work out in your best interest. Other people's lives will work out exactly as they need to, as well. You input is not required, it is not your life. Concentrate on your happiness, and yours alone. You will notice the difference and so will those around you. Today is a new day, enjoy it!

#145

Think you can't change the world? Too late you already have...

I think most people find it hard to believe that they are as important as they are to others, and the whole scheme of things. 

You have a position here on earth, you were anticipated at birth and will change more lives than you can imagine, simply by being yourself. You job is to be YOU! That's it. You make a difference, every where you go and in everything you do. You will be an inspiration to some and a warning to others, but a difference you will make. Some people will never be the same because they came in contact with you

Many will be skeptical concerning people noticing their existence, and still others hope that no one will. But you do have an effect; it may be the way you choose to dress, do your hair, the way you talk, or simply that you smiled at them. It may be that random act of kindness, you so graciously kept to yourself, or the way you were impatient with the clerk at the store. Whatever you may have done or said, you were noticed and it had a lasting effect on someone. We all hope it is our positive attributes that are noticed, but either way, the fact is that you do affect change.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." 

Jackie Robinson

“You are here to make a difference, to either improve the world or worsen it. And whether or not you consciously choose to, you will accomplish one or the other.”  Richelle E. Goodrich

#144

Ego.... again!

Our attachment to the ego is the cause of many of the problems in our lives. The insatiable need to be right over being happy will drain your life of joy. The ego's inclination for superiority, is often running the show.

When being dictated by our ego, we are judgmental  of others. This means we are fear driven. We are trying to control the situation or the person. We can't be kind and generous when we allow the ego to dictate our thoughts and emotions. 

"The ego is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; it is your social mask, it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control, and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear." 

As Deepak Chopra states here "the ego is not who you really are", it is your mask, it's who you'd like to be if you weren't so scared. It is a survival tactic in most cases, a means of continuing your day to day life. It helps you to function in the world. It is protection from being hurt. If you use your ego to be a large  tough guy, you can beat whatever is after you; and your greatest fear is that as yourself you cannot. But anything that is fear driven is going to cause you more complications in the long run.

Given a choice, I'm sure we would prefer to be compassionate to ourselves, as well as others. Pay attention to what your mind (ego) is saying, and decide whether it serves you as the person you prefer to be. You don't have to believe everything you think. You do have a choice about how you act and what you say. It's up to you.

#143

Do not leave your longings unattended.....

Where did your longings go, what happened to your dreams? What have you given up to continue in the life you are leading? Was there something you always wanted to do that has been put on hold permanently? 

Do you know that self denial of your longings can lead to depression, anger, and illness?  I would say you just need to follow your dreams, for your own health. But I  understand that life steps in and responsibilities add up, and you just can't go running off into the Himalayas for a hike. If this is your dream, there is always a way, it may not be possible today, but it can be done. If this is what you really want to do, you can certainly attain it. People seem to give up far too easily on their dreams and self fulfillment. It's a matter of priorities BUT I am not saying your dream of hiking is more important than your children, or anything of the sort; I am just.... don't ever forget that you and your longings are important as well.

"It's your thing, do what you want to do." The Isley Brothers

When someone asks you what you always wanted to do, or what is your fondest desire; what is your answer? 
If there is some way that you can actually do it, then do it... 

In the meantime start planning it, set it up on a mood board or something where you can actually see it.. Picture yourself doing it, and eventually you will manifest exactly what you wanted... where there is a will there's a way.

Do not leave your longings unattended

#142

LIFEISNOWHERE....

What did you see? What you see depends on how you look at it. Things are not always what they seem at first glance.

It's fascinating how we look at things, how we read signs etc. We see what we want to see, not always what is there. It depends on our mindset and what has taken place during our day. 

This is a great lesson not to jump to conclusions, not to judge a book by it's cover, to take time to really see what is being offered. To really listen, as well, because we don't necessarily hear what is being said either. Enter into each situation with an open and loving heart and not assume anything, ever.....

Don't allow your preconceived ideas about situations or people to over rule your good sense. If you are looking for something to complain about, or someone to blame or ridicule, you will most certainly find it. You will find exactly what you are looking for. With a mind set like this "life is no where," and that is exactly what you will see. 

The way we look at life determines our experiences. 

This gives a fantastic opportunity to make changes, and see life as a wonderful journey filled with happiness and love.

"Life is now here"

#141

ONE new perception....

All it takes is one new perception, one fresh thought, one act of surrender, one change of heart, or one leap of faith to change everything. 

One day you read something, watch something or talk to someone and you suddenly see things in a different way. That is the day that you begin to question your long standing beliefs. One question usually leads to another and you begin to see that you weren't seeing at all. You had been blindly travelling your path, secure in the knowledge that you knew what you were doing. Now that theory has gone down the tubes.

We should quit at 21 when we know everything, because as you age, you will notice that you really don't know anything at all.

Questioning the way you think is the beginning of getting some answers. This will lead to some awareness, and PRESTO! your life is changed.  All it takes it ONE thing to change EVERY thing.

We all have belief systems, installed throughout our lives, from various sources. We may actually be unaware that we are harbouring anything that may be stunting our growth. We will continue with these systems unless we are challenged or encouraged to take a look at them. One day,  someone says something that causes you to rethink the whole system... a new idea, a new way of looking at things. Sometimes that's all it takes. The awakening has begun. You will see things from a fresh new perspective. It is like being reborn; it's astonishing, refreshing, exciting and stimulating. You can't do better than that. 

#140

Do your thing...

We are so restricted by protocol, dogma, rules and regulations, that not too many go outside the lines too often. So doing your own thing might sound a little far fetched. But, really, you are the only one that can do it... you are the only you there is.

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.

Oscar Wilde

Put yourself out there and do whatever you want or need to do. The naysayers spewing criticism for your choices, are just jealous that you are doing something they are afraid to do. Being yourself and doing your own thing can sometimes be frowned upon, but it is necessary for your well being. If you are the type of person that drives your own bus, then following the leader just doesn't suit. You were created to stand out.  

"You'll turn out ordinary if you're not careful" Ann Brashers

You need to do your own thing, make your own 'mistakes,' and celebrate your own triumphs. Don't ever be afraid of the 'failures' in your life, learn the value of situations that did not work out as planned. They are the greatest gifts of all. You will learn more from 'failure' than success. Take chances, go out on a limb, be a rebel, never compromise yourself for anyone and enjoy your life.

“Don't you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are.”  

Lady Gaga

 

#139

You are loved...

That's really all you need to know. Everything else is incidental. 

What makes this statement even more profound is that you are loved just as you are, you don't have to do anything to earn it. You are loved, you have always been loved and always will be.....just as you are.

You are here for a purpose. There is a reason that you are here at this time, in this place, doing what you are doing. You are a piece of the puzzle and you fit, you have a place and a purpose. Your life is a journey and each step counts, not just the forward steps, but the backward slides, as well. Each step adds up to a life lived and lessons learned.

You receive this love from the source, you cannot do anything that will stop the flow-we are not human being on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey. 

As we grow, we develop beliefs and that, too, is part of our purpose... to figure out what holds us back, learn, grow, and figure out that all we need, we already have. And then we share what we have acquired with others. We are all valuable in the scheme of things. 

"With our love, we could save the world." -George Harrison