#223

Letting go, doesn't mean we don't care.....

When you find yourself attached, remember that ‘letting go’ is not ‘getting rid of’ or ‘throwing away’. 

If you are overwhelmed with a problem, you don't know where to turn, cannot think of any solution, your only choice is to let it go. You are merely putting it to rest, leaving it alone for a time to clear your mind of the obsessive thought process you have been living with. 'You are letting go of trying to force the outcome and making people behave as you think they should.' No more fussing and fighting my friend, you can stop resisting what 'is.'

If you are able to give yourself some distance, you will have a clearer objectivity concerning the problem. (You will also be easier to be around.) So let it go, give it to the universe, with love, and allow it to work out as it should. Now your intuition should start to kick in, giving you a new perspective to work with. Once you leave something alone for awhile, the answers start to come to you. This is the universe at work, you are calmer, and the answers can get through.

"Letting go helps us to be live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not belong to us. This frees us from unnecessary stress." Melody Beattie

#222

He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.

Being in harmony with yourself, necessitates acceptance as you are and of what is.

Constantly arguing with the way things are in your life... wishing that things were different or at the very least, exactly as you wanted them to be, leaves little room for harmony. 

Accepting every situation that comes your way as it is, is the way to peace and happiness. 

Whatever might be taking place in your world, it is what it is. Whether it is illness, financial problems, death or divorce, (insert your worst case scenario), you will need to accept that this is what is going on right now. Just accept .... it doesn't mean you don't grieve, seek solutions or guidance, just accept that this is the reality... the way it is in the here and now. Face it head on, no denial. The next step is to decide the way you want to handle it. There is no point in wanting it to be something it is not. It can't be changed, edited, forgotten, or erased, it can only be accepted.

"When you argue with reality you lose, but only 100% of the time." Byron Katie

Accepting yourself, with all your frailties, is another all encompassing task. Do not degrade yourself, (or allow others to devalue you) over perceived imperfections, mentally or physically. You are what you are. You were given this body, it is a gift. You may have issues with certain areas of your body, or your intellectual abilities, but again, you are arguing with what is. Work on being gentle with yourself, be kind and encouraging, treat yourself like you would your best friend, and then become exactly that. 

When you start to live in harmony with yourself, and with what is, you will live in harmony with the entire universe.

#221

You are important and you matter

Your feelings matter
Your voice matters 
Your story matters
Your life matters
Always

You are one of a kind, your life matters; not only to your parents, or those close to you, but to the scheme of things. You have a place and a purpose here that only you can fulfill.

There are things about you that no one else has, your smile, your laugh, the way you dance, or how you hug your mother. These are your traits, they belong to you and make you unique. Others have their own unique traits, as well. You have had an effect on people, just being who you are and doing what you do. Everyone is important and plays a significant role in the lives of various others, known and unknown to them. 

It is an intricate plan. You are a piece of the puzzle and it is important for you to fill that slot. The puzzle cannot be complete without you. It will not work if you are trying to fill someone else's slot, it will throw everything off. You are here to fulfill your destiny, and that is what you will do. 

We rarely realize the effect we have on the people we meet throughout the day. The ramifications of a simple 'hello' or a smile, are unknown, but could be just what a person needed to carry on. The things you do and say, without thought or intent, can make a difference to someone. Each person that crosses your path does so for a reason. You are at a particular place at a particular time, just because you are you. Your reaction or response changed a life forever.

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. So you see, YOU matter, YOU change people's lives, YOU are one of a kind, the one and only YOU.

#220

My mind gets to wandering, and I become troubled.

Isn't this exactly what happens, especially in the middle of the night? Many tiny fears jump into your head and you're unable to sleep. Those tiny thoughts manifest into your greatest fears. You start to worry about your children, your finances, your parents, war, the world, any fear you have ever contemplated. It doesn't matter, what the fear is, when it is the middle of the night these issues seem totally insurmountable. 

Your rational mind may know they are just thoughts, not real, but that doesn't calm you down, or ease your mind. Like a frightened child responding to the 'boogeyman', the fear is so intense that the idea alone is enough to scare you. Your stomach is churning, and the thoughts just keep on coming, informing you of what could happen. 

Anything can happen and that's what scares you... but you are projecting into the future. In the here and now, there is a person, safely tucked in bed, awake. The thoughts have come into your head, but where do they fit into the reality of where you are in this moment? You are safe, none of this stuff is actually happening, and yet you are stressed and anxious, over what? A random thought, a misplaced notion, nothing reasonable or rational, just crap.

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." Norman Vincent Peale

To quote Byron Katie: "do not believe your stressful thoughts" and in my words....don't listen to them, do invite them in, pay them no mind; however you want to say it. Drop them like they are hot.

"The only time we suffer is when we believe a thought that argues with what is. When the mind is perfectly clear, what is is what we want." 

Byron Katie

#219

Life is not happening to you. Life is responding to you.

A major misconception in our lives is that some things just happen to us; especially 'bad' things. We rarely question the good things, these are just a matter of luck. 

You come to earth to learn, this IS the school of hard knocks. Lessons will require total immersion in each of the negative issues you have accumulated. You can release yourself from pain by changing your vibration. Liberation depends on your reactions and attitude. If something 'bad' happens, calmly look at the situation, and handle it to the best of your ability. Then move forward. 

If you lose yourself in the 'badness', you are sending out 'bad' vibrations to the universe. Things will continue to get worse. By berating yourself, name calling, blame etc. you are perpetuating the negative aspects of your experience.  Life will continue to give you exactly what you are sending out. 

Life is responding to you.

When something fabulous happens, hang on to the feeling it gives you. This is the starting point. Immerse yourself in that feeling, so that whenever you hit a brick wall, you can manifest the joy. This is the vibration you want to be sending out, it will bring you more  of the same.

Life is responding to you. 

Gratitude will work as well. Don't concentrate on what you want, what you don't have, what is going wrong in your life; but be thankful for all that you do have and how blessed you are to have it. And once again.... 

Life will respond to you!

#218

The more something upsets you, the more it is meant for you. When it no longer upsets you, it is no longer needed because the lesson is complete Bryant McGill

When something someone says or does really irks you, it is pushing a button. That button was installed in your youth, but is still fairly easily activated. You will react the same way to the same stimuli until you investigate the problem. Once you start the search within, you will find the answers. 

This person that bugs you so much is a messenger, he/she has come into your life to help you with this issue. You notice that each time he/she does or says the same thing, you react. This is the issue you need to work on. You need to allow the feelings from that deep, dark place, that you have so carefully avoided for most of your life, to rise to the surface. Face the fear, face the feelings and then let them go. You cannot change what has happened to you, all you can do is face it. 

The idea of looking at that 'stuff' may scare you, it's hard and painful, but it is better than being stuck; the results are well worth it. You can regain control of your life. 

"There is nothing to fear but fear itself." Franklin D. Roosevelt 

The lesson from this person will not be completed until you can face him/her and are not bothered by whatever is said or done. That is the ultimate gift, people can no longer 'get' to you. You are back in control and the world is your oyster. Good for you. The lesson is complete.

#217

7 Cardinal Rules For Life

1. Make peace with your past...

This is what this part of the journey is about, digging up your past and locating all the stuff that need to be dealt with. Then working through it, in order to let it go. This is done for your benefit, freedom and relief and also so it will not get in the way  of living in the now.

2. What other people think of you is none of your business...

Don't concern yourself with what other people think of you, that is their stuff to deal with. People come from all kinds of different backgrounds, and form their own opinions, you have no control over their thoughts. Your job is to love yourself, nobody can take that away from you.

3. Time heals almost everything.

It really is amazing, but true. At the time, you can't figure out how you will ever live through it, everything is so deep and intense; but slowly, very slowly, you begin to smile again. Be patient.

4. No one's in charge of your happiness. Except you

It does take awhile to realize that thinking that one special person, a job or a baby will make you happy, is not the way it is. After tripping and falling a few times you will eventually turn it around and put it where it belongs, right on your own shoulders. You are your own happiness, always have been.

5. Don't compare your life to others

Comparison will always cause heartache, and there is no need. We are all different from one another and have our own special qualities. So no criticism, no judgement, just accept that you are what you are, as are they.

6. Stop thinking too much.

You don't have to know all the answers, don't over think the situation, it is what it is. Just go with the flow and enjoy every day.

7. Smile

You don't have to carry the problems of the world on your shoulders. You only have to concern yourself with your own business. This is freedom, you could do this all day long, which is good because that's all you have to do.

#216

TRUST THE JOURNEY...

Although you may feel that you are getting nowhere fast, that nothing is going your way; you can rest assured that you are exactly where you need to be. It doesn't matter what it looks like, or what it feels like in this moment, there is a reason why things are as they are. There is something that needs to be dealt with before you are able to move forward. 

If you aren't feeling good about the situation you're in, then you must be the change. 

Be still and breathe. 

Take a look at your situation... what needs to be changed? What can be done differently? Is there a solution to the problems at hand? If you are able to change things to your satisfaction, then change them. If not then you need to rethink your priorities. Your priority is always YOU. This is your journey and you deserve to be happy. If you are not, no one else will be happy with you. The solution is within YOU. Although you need to treat others with kindness, you cannot make someone else happy; that is up to them. 

You are in charge of your own destiny. Trust the universe, trust the journey, respect the process. Nothing will change until you do, and everything will happen as it is meant to, when it is meant to. It is the universal order of things. Be patient.

Breathe, Believe and Receive.

#215

Your task is not to seek love, but to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. Rumi

All you need to do is trust that the journey you are on is leading you toward what you need. No matter what happens in your life, the lessons add up to the blessings. 

No one needs to seek love, if love is meant to be, there is no way that you can avoid it. You may feel that the partners in your life, until this point, have not been the best choices for you; but there is a reason for each relationship. 

Every step of your journey has a purpose, all of them, every step. Some people enter your life for a single purpose, to show you what you need to know at that point. Some stay longer, for tougher lessons, or because they actually are the love of your life, and you are meant to live happily ever after. For everything there is a reason, there are no mistakes, and you will learn something from everything.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

So now you know.... if you are meant to experience love, you will. 

Now all you need to do is open yourself up to welcome it and work on whatever is holding you back. Whether it is your lack of trust, disillusionment, fear of rejection or any other fears you are harbouring; give them to the universe, take a deep breathe, and leave it alone. When the time is right you will receive everything you need, with love.

#214

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.

Albert Einstein

Are you looking at your world, at all the natural beauty available to you? Actually the more important question is, are you seeing it? 

Everyone gets caught up in the traffic, the dishes, groceries and misses the sunset, and even the rain. 

We are like robots, our daily story sounds like a 5 year old.....I got up, I went to school, I came home, I went to bed. There is much, much more all around you. 'I don't have time', really  doesn't cut it. I don't have time is an excuse, it's a matter of priorities. If you want to take time, there is time. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else.

There is more to life than work. Everything on the agenda seems to pertain to work. Whether it is the actual job, or dinner, house cleaning, doing the dishes, doing errands .... it's all toting and fetching. What has happened to family time? Or date night? Or anytime at all to simply enjoy your life and your surroundings. Two weeks a year, although better than nothing...do not a life make. Neither does getting your required exercise in the gym. We have the great outdoors, even if you don't have the woods in your locale, there is usually a park somewhere in the vicinity. Or take a drive to the country. Find a place that has grass, trees, flowers, or maybe find a beach. Take a look at the view, breathe some fresh air, doesn't that make you feel better? 

We all seem  to be so locked into our houses, our cars, our phones, TVs and computers. There is a whole world outside, not requiring electricity, to enjoy. Open your eyes and take it in... "I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger. May you never take one single breath for granted." excerpt from I Hope You Dance-Lee Ann Womack

#213

Buddha was asked, "What have you gained from meditation?" He replied nothing! However, let me tell you what I have lost: Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Insecurity, Fear of old age and Death.

This is a sound way of explaining the feeling that is achieved in meditation, prayer, or reciting mantras. What is accomplished is the loss of fear. Everything mentioned: anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death, is a result of fear. 

Buddha lost all his fears through focusing his mind, using this form of mental exercise while sitting quietly in reflection. When you take a look at your fears, whether it is through one of these methods or jogging, walking in the forest, working in your garden or playing your music, you can face the fear head-on, and work on releasing it. 

These moments of quietude, all alone with your thoughts, open you up. They heighten your awareness of things around you and feelings within you. This affords you the opportunity to really look at what scares, upsets or depresses you. And eventually this process results in less fear, and you can actually feel the joy bubble up from within you.  

#212

When the pain of staying put is greater than our fear of the unknown.... we find our wings.

It is always easier to stay put than to venture out of our comfort zone. 

'It's better the devil you know than the devil you don't' Right?

No matter how bad a situation is, at least it is familiar. You know how to handle it, you feel you could do this forever. Knowing where you stand is important. 

But this doesn't solve the dilemma. The dilemma being: something in you feels you deserve this treatment. It's always about you. You are accepting the pain, because you  don't feel worthy of anything better.

"No one can take advantage of you without your permission."  Eleanor Roosevelt

You will stay until you don't. It's up to you when and if you want to make a move. Until you realize how wonderful you are, you won't feel secure enough to fly. But one day you will, you'll learn to love yourself; that's what this journey is all about. And once you do, you won't tolerate any disrespect from anyone. Just keep telling yourself, you are important, you are loved and you are not alone. 

"You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is no doubt unfolding as it should" Desiderata

#211

I am made of energy, I will always exist.

Whatever happens in this life is a vehicle to move me along, not a beginning or an end. No matter what the ego tells me. No matter what the body feels. Those are merely experiences that I need to feel to achieve what I came here to do, be and experience. 

On some level, I already know everything that needs to be known. I don't remember it all right now because it would prevent me from the experience of the here and now. 

When I seek my truth it will come back to me. There is nothing to fear. There is infinite love here. All that is glows divinely from within me.

This says it all. You have come to earth to have new experiences and learn lessons. It is all for your continuous growth. Sometimes, no matter how many nudges or hints you receive, you don't get it, or perhaps you aren't paying attention; caught up in your busy life. When things start to fall apart, or even completely fall apart, then the light starts to flicker. I know this from personal experience, I have to be hit with the entire ton of bricks, before I even start to clue in. The hard times, as well as the good times have a lesson, it is all designed to make you a better person. Stop, look and listen.

When you start looking into what makes you tick, why you are like you are, is when things start to percolate. Life opens up when you do. 

#210

People take different roads to fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road, doesn't mean they've gotten lost. 

Dali Lama

Everyone is on their own unique journey, they have pitfalls and successes, we all do. We have no idea what anyone goes through in the course of a day. We cannot judge a book by it's cover. We simply do not know.

Many people seem to think that they are on the only genuine path. This is far from the truth. We may be on our path, but it is not the only path. Each person sets out on their own journey. We cannot say whether it is right or wrong, we don't know their purpose. 

If it is right for them, it is right, period.

Every single person is unique; they all have different ideas, dreams, desires and distinct life experiences. Our experiences help to form us, which allows us to expand in our own unique way. Everyone will respond to life according to their own backgrounds and life experiences.  You need to remain on your own path, and not worry about where the others are going.

You can equate this to an orchestra. If you are the drummer, you can't just decide to play the trumpet, it would throw everything off. There is already a full trumpet section. You must stick to your own instrument (your own path) because you are an integral part of the orchestra.

You are an important part of the plan, you fit, you are necessary.

So the moral to this story is: mind your own business. Walk your own path and leave everyone else to walk theirs. It is not up to you to dictate the path. Keep your mind open and your mouth shut ... and walk the walk on your own path.

#209

Always be prepared to have the time of your life... 

You never know what's next on the agenda,what new and exciting prospect is waiting in the wings. 

The first step is to say YES, when presented with a new possibility. Acceptance is being open to new adventures; to taking that first step, to embrace the chance that you just may enjoy something different. Your inner buttons may be screaming NO, NO, NO, but if you have the courage to ignore the buttons and step out of the protective bubble, you never know what might happen. 

Obviously, this is exactly the problem....you never know what might happen. That is what has you screaming. You like to know what will happen, the familiar is the safest option. It's hard to be prepared to have the time of your life, when you have a fear of leaving the bubble. Past experience has proven to you that when routines change, bad things happen. You know better than to rock the boat. Keeping things on an even keel, is the only way to be safe. 

So what happens if the time of your life happens anyway, without your approval? What if it just jumps out at you? All of a sudden, out of nowhere, you are having the time of your life, how do you feel about that? Could you accept it? You may not like the surprise part, but the time of your life part, that's good..Right?

All it takes is being open to possibilities, trusting that, although it might be scary at first, there is more 'out there' than safety. Take a risk, take a leap of faith, put yourself 'out there.' Ask for what you want, you don't know the what the answer will be. I know you think you do, but believe me, you don't. No matter how much you think you know, there are still some options out there that you have never entered your head. Suffice it to say, I received a life altering option today that I had no idea could or would ever be possible. You just never know, always be prepared to have the time of your life.

#208

If you are depressed, you are living in the past.

If you are anxious, you are living in the future.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

-Lao Tzu

There you are, now you know. This is an instance for loving what IS, living for today, in the here and now. That is really all there is.

The past creates your story, it shows what issues you carry, where you need work. Getting in touch with the past may cause depression as you relive all the pent up anger, resentment and sadness. The past may be  worthwhile for a visit to 'rights some wrongs' but not a place to live. You can't change what is done, you can only change your attitude toward it.  

If you are projecting all your thoughts into the future, you will be experiencing anxiety. You cannot predict the future... it's unpredictable. Nothing is more anxiety inducing than trying to control the unpredictable. Control is an illusion. Leave the future alone, you aren't there yet. Don't wish your life away, waiting and planning for the next day off, the next vacation, or the next event.  Be present.

All you have is this moment, nothing else is guaranteed. Live each day to the fullest and make the most of every minute you have. Practice gratitude and love yourself.  This is where and how you find peace.

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”  Henry David Thoreau

#207

You gotta look for the good in the bad, the happy in your sad, the gain in your pain, and what makes you grateful not hateful.

That is great advice, and I especially like the wording of it. 

Looking for the good in the bad... there will always be something good to come out of the bad times. If you can unwrap yourself from the misery and look around, there will be a blessing.

How do you put the happy in your sad? Sadness is often completely overwhelming, but it is still a choice. You decide how you are going to feel every day. Depending on the source of the sadness, there may be a time when it fades just enough for the happiness to sneak back in. Most feelings are not permanent, but if you are grieving, all emotions are unpredictable and you may need to fake it 'till you make it.

Looking for the gain in your pain.. what is the pain all about? A physical pain can be a strain or a break, a sign of an illness, or a manifestation of some emotional pain. There is always a message in pain. We are not meant to suffer... there is something that needs to be examined and corrected, or for actual physical damage, worked through and strengthened. But to gain the 'gain', look closely, the pain is an opportunity for growth. 

AND practice gratitude, seriously, hating is a waste of time and energy. The haters are simply coming from a place of fear, and can turn it around by being grateful. Try making a list or reciting what you are grateful for each night. There is always something to be grateful for. Leave out the list of what makes you angry or upset and concentrate on what makes you happy. Anger, resentment and hatred will melt away eventually, they can't stand up against gratitude.

#206

People were created to be loved
Things were created to be used
The reason the world is in chaos is
because things are being loved
and people are being used.

Hmmm? What are your thoughts on this theory? Do you think the world is in chaos and that this is the reason? I definitely agree that this is how it appears. Accumulating seems to be a way of life now. The importance level of 'stuff' has accelerated beyond recognition. People love their toys. 

'The one with the most stuff when he dies, wins.'

My feeling about accumulation is that the people feel that 'stuff' is more fulfilling. 'Stuff' doesn't let you down, it does what it says it is going to do. It makes you feel good. The 'toys' are honest, as far as, they give what they advertised. If you buy a new car, you get what you paid for and it is good. Whereas the person you picked has many layers, and doesn't always act as you thought he/she would, and often doesn't make you feel good. 

The problem with other people is your expectations of them. Expectation always causes heartache. If someone is not meeting your expectations, you feel let down. Well, I have to tell the 'stuff' will probably give you the same feeling eventually, because that can't fill you up either. While you are filling yourself up on 'stuff' you are missing the point. 

No thing or no one can fill you up. you have to do that for yourself. People need to be accepted for who they are not who you want them to be; just as you want to be accepted for who you are. So turn the focus back on yourself; if you love you, you will not be looking outside yourself for something to fill you up. The things that you accumulate, or the people around you will never be enough, until you, yourself are enough. Loving yourself will help restore the order of things and enable you to accept and honour those loving you.

#205

"Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know."

Pema Chodron

If you are experiencing anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, or even temper tantrums; these, plus many more symptoms, are trying to point out something that needs to be dealt with. We receive little indications that something is out of whack. Those issues buried deep inside, the ones you don't want to look at, will manifest into something physical that will get your attention. 

Everyone has 'stuff' to work on, nobody is perfect. Sometimes the 'stuff' is so deep within us, we are not even aware that something is wrong. But our actions or health will eventually bring it to our attention. We may not be aware of what is wrong, but we do know that our life is not right. Things have been so wrong for so long that it has become our normal. We don't know any different.

Nothing will seem right or be right until we face the music, until we look inside ourselves for what is wrong. In order to maintain our health, our happiness, we do have to deal with our pain, resentment and anger. We need to figure out what it is that causes these feelings, face the feelings and then let them go. Give them to the universe, with love, and then, just breathe. 

You may need to make some apologies, remove yourself from a situation,  ask for forgiveness or grant forgiveness to another,  because.... 

"Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know."

We are here to learn and grow, not avoid and mope. Take some time to get to know what makes you, YOU. And at the same time, see if you can locate the source of some of your symptoms, and start the process.  Happiness is your natural state.

#204

"The world is as you believe it to be. It can never be more or less than that." Byron Katie

So the world is as we see it, is it? Actually yes it is... if you see a safe, kind, loving world, that is what it is. 

I have had an ongoing disagreement with a friend concerning this very subject. She feels I need to watch the news, and keep current. I do not like to watch the news, I find it negative and depressing. If you are looking for some negativity in your life, the news will take care of that for you.

If something newsworthy sparks my interest, I'll look into it, but the rest.... why do I need rape, murder, crashes and natural disasters in my day? I am not willing to invite negativity into my home or my life, and this, I feel, is an intrusion. 

I cannot change what has already happened, I can only send love and blessings to victims each night and that is what I do. If I heard of something that I could actually be involved in and helpful, I would look into it. But to expose myself to 30 or more minutes of violence and sadness; simply doesn't make sense to me. I am fully aware cruelty and brutality are a fact. I know there are wars and famine on our earth, I don't have my head buried that deeply in the sand. But the negativity entering my world is not worth it. I have a condensed version of current affairs, by choice. Each of us is different and I like my life the way it is.  

As I said at the onset of this piece, I see the world as a safe, kind and loving place. And it is. Don't invite trouble, violence, or negativity into your life, they do have consequences.....often manifesting into health issues. It is overwhelming to your system to be bombarded with 'bad' news and it's up to you who and what you allow in.