#762

SERENITY is not freedom from the storm,
it is PEACE within the storm.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Serenity will be yours when you are able to accept things as they are, not how you want them to be. 

Accept the things that you cannot change: There are so many things that crop up in day to day life that we are unable to do anything about. So many things that we just have to accept, we cannot fix them. Things, such as traffic jams, taxes, line-ups, floods, hurricanes or anything that takes place in the past or the future. We can prepare for some things, but we cannot change them. We can't let these things upset us, just as we can't worry about things that have previously happened, haven't happened yet, or are out of our control.

Courage to change the things I can: The things you CAN change are anything to do with you. Your weight, your health, your mind. If you owe someone an apology, or you need to correct an error that you made; you can do that. If you want to help at the soup kitchen, climb a mountain, or do something that makes you feel good. Do it.

Wisdom to know the difference: Knowing what you can do something about and what is none of your concern is not always easy... it's a fight your own battles thing. If it doesn't concern you, leave it alone. And once you master the art of leaving it alone, you also have to master the art of letting it go. Don't obsess about what the government is doing, or whether or not it will snow in December. Once you discern what you can change and let the rest go, you will be on your way to a serene, calm, happy life.

reprint of #552 

#761

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 its 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.

reprint of #210                                               

#760

All the fear we see in the world is an outward projection of the fear we have within us.

Mastin Kipp

Your world is how you see it. 

If you see the world as a scary place it will be a scary place. Fear begets fear. Fear is a learned behaviour. There are only two emotions - fear and love, that's all there is. All positive feelings come from love and all negative feelings come from fear.

If you are projecting your feelings of trepidation outward, you are attracting similar situations. Carrying fear around with you is like locking yourself in a prison and banishing joy from your life. 

Please do not feed the fears.

Fear is not real. It is the product of thoughts which you create. 

Danger is very real, fear is a choice.

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real

Most of the things that people are afraid of never happen, they are just notions that pop into your head..... ignore them.

When your thoughts tell you that you're not smart, pretty, strong or brave enough.... ignore them.You are in control of your thoughts and you don't have to believe everything you think.

The world doesn't have to be a scary place, for you or for anyone. If you filter your thinking, kick the fears to the curb, and start believing in yourself, you'll find a much brighter outlook will take their place. There is an abundance of joy still in the world, and your share is waiting for you. 

reprint of #366

#759

The more real you get the more unreal the world gets.

John Lennon, an iconic singer-songwriter for the Beatles (1964-1969), as well as for his solo career with Yoko Ono. In 1971, he released "Imagine"...

"Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

Imagine all the people
Living for today..."

'Imagine' was the best-selling single of his solo career, its lyrics encourage the listener to imagine a world at peace without the barriers of borders or the divisiveness of religions and nationalities, and to consider the possibility that the focus of humanity should be living a life unattached to material possessions. 

John Lennon was a visionary, he saw the world differently and spread that message through his songs. He touched us with these words and we are therefore different because of him. I singled him out because I admire him, but this legacy is the same for each and every one of us. We all touch others in some way, each day we live. We all have an effect on other people, we are all connected. We are all one. 

If we think of ourselves as an important cog in the wheel of life, it will remind us of the importance of being authentic, kind and loving to all that cross our path or those that walk it with us.. Give peace a chance! 

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#758

Stop going back and forth on your ideas because of fear.

You're confusing the Universe.

Decide what you want and stick with it. You'll notice things starting to shift in your favour.

We all do that, don't we, jump in and out of our resolve? We REALLY want to win the lottery, start our own business, commit to someone or something, have a baby.... it doesn't matter what it is that's on the agenda at the moment, it's a big deal and it's very scary. So, we think we want it and in the next second, we think maybe we don't and on and on it goes.

You would think that winning the lottery would be the greatest adventure ever, but would it? Really? There are so many variables to such an extreme financial gain that the average person simply would not have the consciousness to accept the radical changes. It seems like it would be all lollipops and rainbows, but a sudden windfall of that magnitude can throw your life into a tailspin. Sometimes it is a blessing that you don't get what you want. 

There is always a reason why things don't happen the way you want them to and hesitating, waffling, or being scared to death are signals that you are not ready to go down that long-anticipated road. The anticipation is all that you are actually ready for, at this time. The decision is up to you, you can have whatever you want.... the trick is to decide what you want and be persistent in your resolve. 

reprint of #574

#757

Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy. If you aren't being treated with love and respect, check your price tag. Maybe you've marked yourself down. It's YOU who tells people what your worth is. Get off of the clearance rack and get behind the glass where they keep the valuables.

Pain makes you stronger. Tears make you braver. And heartbreak makes you wiser. So thank the past for a better future.

You deserve the very best. You don't need to 'put up' with anyone that doesn't truly love and respect you. It isn't always easy to know who the people are that are going to break your heart. But, each heartbreak is a lesson. 

The problem is, projecting your expectations onto people you love.... 

You love them, you would do anything for them, you are trustworthy, loyal and true and you expect the same from them. This may be unrealistic. You are simply projecting your expectations on them. BUT.. They are who they are. They will do what they do.   And if you think about it, it is not a surprise. You just didn't want to believe that they weren't the person you wanted them to be. When someone tells you or shows you who they are, believe them, you cannot change them. 

The other problem is, self-esteem..... 

If you love yourself, you would never tolerate anything less from another. You need to believe in yourself and what you have to offer. If someone doesn't appreciate all you are, that is not your issue. They have come into your life to teach you something. It may be to help you to realize your value, and that you are deserving of all the happiness in the world. 

“A heart given freely is the most vulnerable and selfless thing one can offer another human being. It can be as fragile and needy as a newly born infant, or as solid and self-supporting as a granite pillar, yet it is the hands of the recipient that determines its ultimate fate.” ― 

Mark W Boyer

reprint of #260

#756

You hate when people see you cry because you want to be that strong girl.

At the same time, though, you hate how nobody notices how torn apart and broken you are.

I think most people, male or female can identify with this quote. We are often torn between how we actually feel and how best to present and protect ourselves. 

Of course, much depends on where you are and who you are with, whether or not you want to expose yourself as being weak or vulnerable. You don't trust anyone enough to be so unprotected and if you remove the mask you will be powerless, right? All the torn apart and broken pieces of you will be exposed for all the world to see. And you sure as hell aren't going to fall for that.

The thing is, you are human and life can get you down. Human beings have emotions and sometimes they leak out. It doesn't make you any less, it just makes you human. Keeping yourself closed off, building walls has been your protection for a very long time, hasn't it? It's the main form of self-preservation that's held you together so far and now the question is: is it still valid at this time in your life? Do you still need a defense system to function today? Do you still feel you need protection? Isn't it exhausting always being the strong girl? 

It may be time to revisit this particular reaction. If you ponder it .... the trauma you survived in your life erected the brick wall around you. Would that trauma have the same effect today? You are not the helpless child any longer, you are not powerless, you are an adult. Try taking down a few of the bricks and see what happens, you are in charge. Share your story, don't give up one more minute of your life.

"Being strong means rejoicing in who you are complete with imperfections." Margaret Woodhouse

Reprint of #371

#755

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to bloom"... Anais Nin

I remember seeing this quote when I was just beginning my quest and profoundly identified with it. I thought it was the most deeply brilliant comment ever. Obviously, I was very excited to be starting the inner work. 

This is exactly what was happening to me... you hold on to all the neurosis until you don't ... until you finally let go. At the beginning, you tentatively let go of a minute bit of yourself, but the shift begins.... then the most amazing things happen.  You have achieved awareness, you really SEE, there are miracles all around. When you are no longer "so tight in a bud," no longer afraid; when you actually start to open, you see the world through new eyes. This is the beginning. 

Up to this point..... 

"We don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are" Anais Nin

We have only seen the world the way we were at the point of our shift. All our past attachments, issues, fears, and beliefs are running our lives, and making decisions for us. But once our eyes are opened, we have freedom and choice. This is an entirely different world we are now living in. We can see clearly now. Everything makes sense. 

Of course, this is not spontaneous, but gradually. as we continue to do the work, it becomes clearer. Everything will show up, as you need it. When you are ready, the teacher will come. You are on the path and can finally see where you are going. You can see that the lessons and how they pertain to you, you have a greater understanding. The lessons will continue, we are here to learn, but, each lesson learned is a beacon on the path ahead.  

You are ready to "bloom."
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#754

"Don't worry about how slowly you feel you're heading to your dreams, or how many roadblocks you find, or detours you need to take, you're still cruising far ahead of everyone who's too afraid to even try."Karen Salmansohn

Have you ever noticed how the people that think they know what is best for you, the ones that give their unwanted advice so freely, are the very people that have never put themselves 'out there' at all? 

And yet, there they are telling you the ins and outs of YOUR dreams. Hopefully, you can turn a deaf ear to the 'Doubting Thomas' and continue on your journey. They have fear attached to the direction you are going - it is NOT about you. You will never convince them to join you, that's a fact, so you need to be strong enough to go it alone. And that is okay.

No two journeys are the same, we all have specific lessons. We have all had unique experiences that dictate our reactions. We don't know anyone else's direction, nor do they know ours. This is why you need to turn a deaf ear, no one really knows your destiny. You will go where you need to go and do what you need to do regardless. As for whether someone is trying or they aren't, we don't really know that either. We really don't know where others ARE in their lives. It's just another reminder to do your own thing, mind your business, no judgments and no assumptions. Simply live your own life, at your own pace.

"No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you must cross the river of life. There may be countless trails and bridges and demigods who would gladly carry you across, but only at the price of pawning and forgoing yourself. There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don’t ask, walk!" - Nietzsche

Reprint of #320

#753

The biggest lesson I've learned is:

IT'S OKAY

Everything is OKAY. You are OKAY.

You are perfect, just as you are. You have a mission in life and you have been chosen to be the person to fulfill this mission. 

No matter how often you fall or falter, you will complete what you have come to do. You may wander off your path or lose yourself in a relationship and feel as though you missed or delayed your next step. There are no mistakes.. you are right where you need to be. 

This is not some whimsical little idea you conjured up, this is the Universal plan for YOU. With that in mind, you need to know, there is nothing you could possibly do that will cause you to 'fall from grace'. You are loved, we all are. You are doing the best you can in your circumstances. Your job is solely to love yourself and others... that is what it is all about. 

It's OKAY to be exactly who you are, who else is more qualified? 

You change lives, just being YOU. 

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde.

IT'S OKAY TO BE HAPPY... IT'S OKAY TO MOVE ON

reprint of #285

#752

Don't let past relationships and old mistakes ruin your future. Don't let someone or something that didn't make it in your life continue to hurt you. If you do, you're still giving a portion of your life to something that no longer exists... it's like letting your happiness slip into a black hole. Learn the lesson, release the pain, and move on. Scars remind us of where we have been, not where we are headed.

Your issues have been accumulating for years and years.  You have picked up 'stuff' from various sources throughout your journey, in fact, everyone that has touched your life has left their mark. They may have taught you something that will never leave you, they may have caused heartache, or they may have loved you. No matter what the reason, there is always some residue left from significant people in your life. If they hurt you, it is something that will continue to show up in future relationships until you deal with it. You don't want it to ruin every relationship from here on, so don't ignore the hurt, release it.

Learn the lesson, release the pain and move on. 

Remember that healing, releasing, and forgiving doesn't happen overnight so be patient with yourself.  Hanging on to the past will only drag you down and the main reason for existence is to enjoy your life. Just because it didn't work out with one person does NOT mean you are unlovable, quite the contrary, you have learned a few things, you know what you want now and what you need. This is about you loving yourself and choosing someone that loves you too. Don't settle. 

reprint of #479

#751

Do not get upset with people or situations, both are powerless without your reaction.

No matter what is thrown at you, no matter what you witness, your reaction is what starts the domino effect that could be the determining factor in the outcome. You have a choice of what takes place ... it all depends on how you handle any given situation.

Frustration and stress come from the way you react, not the way things are. Ask yourself if you'd rather always be right or be happy. If being right wins, then you know that you are one that needs to stop, look and listen before you jump in the middle of anything that is going on. 

Nothing can or will happen without your reaction. 

There will be no drama unless there is participation.  Every situation does not require a response. What if there was a war and no one showed up? 

You don't have to attend every argument to which you are invited.

When you challenge every situation it doesn't do you or anyone else any good. Mind your own business and let people handle their own 'stuff.' It is not up to you, you cannot control or save the whole world. Just walk away and watch what happens. The situation may just dissolve or it may explode, but at least you're not in the middle of it and don't have to answer for it.

"Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it." 
Charles Swindall

reprint of #420

#750
The Truth About Your Heart

Your heart will fix itself

It's your mind you need to worry about, your mind where you locked the memories, your mind where you have kept pieces of the ones that hurt you, that still cut through you like shards of glass.

Your mind will keep you up at night, make you cry, destroy you over and over again.

You need to convince your mind that it has to let go... because your heart already knows how to heal. Nikita Gill

Your mind (ego) again, running the show.

The mind hangs on to everything from the story of your life, it wants to keep you on the straight and narrow. "Look before you leap," "Always watch your back," "Don't talk to strangers." etc. Often these are lessons learned and the mind does not want you to make the same mistake again, but what it actually does is instill fear in you. You are not paying attention to how you really feel, but simply reacting to a fear. You become afraid to try anything new or step out of your comfort zone. If you never take a chance or learn to trust yourself and KNOW that you are okay, you don't really live this life you have been given, but simply exist in fear.

"Your heart, on the other hand, doesn't want you to play it safe. It doesn't approach life with rational logic. Your heart wants to move boldly into the unknown. It wants you to have the amazing, awe-inspiring enlivening life possible, and that means doing things that totally freak you out sometimes. Things that excite, thrill and empower you." mindbodygreen.com 

This is something we all fight, head and heart. Who do we listen to? Your head will always put on the brakes, advice against, and keep the fears alive. The heart, says "DO IT! The only advice I have to offer is: if there is something you feel strongly about, something that you really want to do, what are you waiting for? This is your life, do what you want to do. 

"Feel the fear and do it anyway" Susan Jeffers

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#749

The sky isn't the limit; the mind that sees the sky is the limit.

There is NO limit, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. You have the ability to reach beyond the stars, the universe is open to you. The only limits imposed on you are self-imposed.

You may think that you are locked in by dogma, creeds, ideas, principles, laws etc. and if you feel you are, then you are. It is as simple as that. 

You are what you think you are and the only one that can change your way of thinking is you. If you feel comfortable accepting your belief system, then that is what you must do. 

If not, you have choices. The journey usually starts with curiosity, you start to wonder about conflicting ideas, start your research, and begin to open up.

“Religion is belief in someone else's experience. Spirituality is having your own experience." Deepak Chopra

Life opens up when you do!

You have infinite wisdom to draw from if you are so inclined. The choice is yours, always has been, always will be. With your beliefs in tact, you could simply open your mind to possibilities, and you may find something worth investigating further.

"Nothing outside of you can ever give you what you are looking for." Byron Katie

The sky isn't the limit; the mind that sees the sky is the limit....

reprint of #239

#748

People have trained you to care about how they think because it's important to most people who are living conditionally for you to create conditions they can live with. Abraham-Hicks

You have been trained to accept everything that you believe. The majority of your ideas and attitudes have come from someone else; your parents, teachers, religious doctrine, authority figures etc. 

Conditional thinking ... 'A state of mind where people act without fully knowing what they are doing. Similar to habits.' Urban Dictionary

What is happening is that you do things by rote. Simply stated, you were raised to put your socks on first, then your pants. You will continue to do so until or IF you are given a reason, that you can justify, to do otherwise. This holds true for everything you do, there is often no thought process, it's just done automatically.

And then, one day, the light comes on, something was said, or you read something that strikes a chord with you, and you start looking into it. This can be life-changing, and all it takes is questioning your ideas/beliefs. You will find that some are feasible, some outdated, and some just plain silly. You will be amazed at how much you do with no idea as to why you do it. Just be aware, find out what works for you today. Once you are an adult, you are not obligated to continue with beliefs that you didn't establish yourself.

"Our core being is frequently covered up by our ego and conditioned mind. When we peel away the layers of conditioning we get in touch with the fundamental state of existence which is pure awareness."

Deepak Chopra

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#747

Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that doesn't mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life. Sometimes GOOD people make BAD choices. It doesn't mean they're bad... it means they're human.

I have often broached the subject of forgiveness and how it allows you to continue your life rather than be under the thumb of someone that has hurt you. 

This, now, is concerning the person that has hurt you. What should happen to them? Should they be paying for the rest of their life? Some would argue that it would depend on the severity of the crime. I think it may depend on intention.... If someone deliberately set out to hurt you or whether they made a bad choice with no intention of hurting you. 

The point is what is done is done, and no matter how much you want them to hurt as you do, revenge is never the answer. They did what they did, they are who they are, and they have to live with themselves, just as you do. They may apologize and show remorse, but they cannot change what they did, it's out there, it's done. You have done what is best for you and your future by forgiving this person. And, at some point, they need to forgive themselves as well. 

The premise is the same as it is for forgiveness. If you are carrying pain, resentment or revenge against someone, what good is that doing you and in the big picture, what about the person you want to be? True forgiveness is letting go of the animosity toward the person that hurt you and moving forward. It is then up to the person you have forgiven to do what they will with your generosity of spirit. It is up to them to move on, or not. They have been released from their self-imposed bondage by your forgiveness, to go forward and rebuild their lives. It is now their choice and no longer tied to you. Let it be over, it's a new day, both parties have the opportunity to start again.

reprint of #368

#746

The day we walk away from things that hurt our soul,
Our soul sprouts wings.

The walking away in this quote is leaving it all behind. Anything that crushes you, bad relationships, bad memories, bad relatives, bad jobs, anything at all that gives you grief.

Every negative thing that you carry causes harm. The suggested method of healing is to remember the lesson and let go of the hurt, anger, and resentment. Now, is that possible? Can you actually let go of all your past negative realities? 

You don't want your issues from the past negatively affecting the rest of your life, but, at the same time, you do want to remember the hurt to ensure that you recognize it when the situation presents itself again. 

Letting go doesn't necessarily mean forgetting. It is a process to get past the past, it takes time, and deciding to walk away and let it go is the start. Walk away from things and people that bring you down. You don't need it. Too many of us are experts at disrespecting ourselves, we don't need others doing it for us also. 

As you are walking away from destructive forces, take the time to show yourself some respect, as well. You can be just as harmful as anyone else with your negative messaging. Be kind to yourself, you are doing the best you can. 

The day we walk away from things that hurt our soul, our soul sprouts wings. Let today be that day!

reprint of #410

#745

Many around you want to point out 'reality' to you. They say "Face the facts. Look at what is" And we say to you, if you are able to see only what is then, by the Law of Attraction, you will create only more of what is. You must be able to put your thoughts beyond what is in order to attract something different or something more.

Abraham-Hicks

There will never be a shortage of doubters to point out that an idea probably won't work, or that the way you approach your life is foolish. One of the most significant things you can do for yourself is to stop listening to others' opinions concerning your life. Thank them for their advice and do what you need to do, for you.

No one really knows what's best for you except you, others are talking from their own experiences and fears. If they are telling you to 'take a reality check', it is their reality they are talking about, not yours. They are thinking one way and it's not the way you think, you cannot think their thoughts. You only know what is best for you, what you want and need, and they only know what's good for them.

If your reality is not the way you want it to be, then change it. If you look around and find that you are lonely, broke and/or depressed, only you can change what is. You deserve more than that. This may be your life at this moment, but don't just assume that this is the only way it can be. Stop erecting barriers that stop you from moving forward. Put your thoughts beyond the little box you are existing in and try being thankful for what you do have. Send up the vibration of gratitude and you will most assuredly attract something more. It's the Law.

reprint of #470