Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Tree Wisdom

I sit alone in the quiet of the night only a few feet from an enormous Christmas tree
Its flickering lights remind me of how our light within can flicker at times.
There are times in life when we are challenged to keep the light bright.  

The tree is filled with various ornaments, each one distinct and meaningful, many quite special.
We can lose sight of our uniqueness when we compare ourselves to others.  

Its gold ribbons and garland embrace the tree
A gentle reminder to go with the flow and trust the outcome. 

The angel sits on the very top looking down
Offering a reminder that we are divinely cared for.
All is well.

I wish you and those you love the most magical Christmas!

Ellen 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Healing Procrastination

I must admit that I too have been a procrastinator in my life. You know, waiting to the last minute to get something done and then rushing to get it done just as the hand of the clock chimes, "Your time is up! Put down your pencils" Procrastination lends itself to feeling stressed, worried and rushed, also known as crazymaking.



                               How does it serve you to wait to the very last minute?

 Are you trying to prove something to yourself or others? Perhaps when you were a kid in school you thought, I am so smart (or clever) that I can wait to the last minute and still get a good grade? In other words, "Look how good I am." 

Or perhaps instead you feel unworthy of your time. Therefore, you waste it or give it up to others, only to then wonder why you do not have any time for yourself?

Regardless of the reason, why put yourself through this unnecesssary torture time and time again, when you can do things differently.

Learn to ADD rather than to subtract time.  In other words, set your watch five minutes earlier and forget that you have done so.  Add time to whatever time you allow to accomplishing a task. For example if you think it will take you 15 minutes to run to the post office, give yourself 20. Even better is to add in an extra 10 minutes. That can feel luxurious to the procrastinator. Imagine having an extra 10 minutes!  

Learn how nice it is to arrive early. People who avoid arriving early often feel uncomfortable waiting. In order to avoid waiting, they push the limits on the time and sadly, arrive late and keep others waiting. 

Learn to do things EARLY. If a paper is due on Wednesday, you hand it in on Tuesday. You complete it by Sunday and review it for the last time on Monday. Give yourself extra time, rather than just barely enough time.

To heal procrastination, one must become comfortable with being early. Try it on for size. You will worry less and relax more. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Separate yourself
from the judgements
and criticisms of others
to recognize and honor
your genuine beauty within.

See yourself not as others perceive you,
but perfect in your own light. 

Shine! 


Monday, December 19, 2011

Thank you for your help!

To all those whom I have expected help and yet never asked, I wish to say thank you. Thank you for helping me to see that the problem was not that you did not want to help, but simply that I did not feel worthy of help. I apologize for getting upset with you when you could not read my mind. I thought that you should know that I needed help. Afterall, I thought that you could see me overwhelmed and struggling? But then again, I never wanted you to know that I was struggling. I thought that it would punish you to do everything myself. Wrong. It punished me. Is it any wonder that everything became more complicated and therefore took longer than desired? I know now that there was never any ease because I could not allow it to be easy.  Ease comes from allowing others to help. And so, I wish to say thank you for all the times, past and present, when you were there to help me. I not only accept your help, but I greatly appreciate it. 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

How do you prepare?

With only a week until Christmas, I cannot help but to reflect on the concept of preparation. How do you prepare, not only for Christmas or special events, but for most things in your life? Do you allow yourself plenty of time in order to get things done? Or do you procrastinate and rush it all in the end? Stress can be easily avoided by allowing yourself enough, if not plenty of, time to get something done. It is not necessary to push to the finish line only to arrive exhausted.Slow and steady will win the race, provided they have allowed themselves sufficient time to get there.

                               Why not be ready EARLY and sit back and relax for awhile?

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Christmas Card or Letter

Why do people send Christmas cards and letters? With so many other things to do, wouldn’t it be nice to take one task off of the list? After all, there are many people who do not even bother. If they can get away with it, then you probably can too. Maybe they won’t even notice.  The truth is that sending a Christmas card is really more than buying and signing a card and getting it to the post office. Christmas cards and letters are about connection. It is a way in which you stay connected to those that you do not see on a regular basis. It is a way of saying that you have not forgotten them and that you value their presence in your life. I know that for me, I enjoy receiving such cards and letters. I especially enjoy when people send pictures of their families or letters that tell me what they have been doing in their lives. I value this connection. Some cards and letters make me chuckle, while others are heartfelt. All I know is I love to stop at my mailbox and see those envelopes there. I enjoy staying connected to people in my life, even if it is only through an annual card and well wishes. How do you stay connected with those you value?  

  

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Pop Quiz

Do you have a smile?
                                    Do others know you have a smile?

Do you laugh out loud?
                                    Do others know the sound of your laugh?

Do you work hard?
                                   Do others see you working hard?

Do you respect yourself?
                                  Do others see you respecting yourself?




Monday, December 12, 2011

Be Happy!

No one will ever make you happy. It is up to you to make yourself happy.

You have a right to be happy. Yet you often hold out for someone or something to make you happy. And then still, you are not happy.

It is time to assume responsibility for your happiness. No one but you has the key to your happiness. And so, periodically ask yourself the question, "What will make me happy right now?" You may be surprised to realize how simple it is to make yourself happy. Why continue to wait, when you can make yourself happy now.

Wherever you are, be happy.

Wherever you go, be happy.

Whoever you are with, be happy.

In other words, Be Happy! 

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tips for a Merrier Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching. Although this time of year is most noted for being happy and joyful, there are some people who lose sight of the beauty and magic of this special time of year. Sadly Christmas can feel like a burden if your focus is on the buying, the baking, the wrapping and the decorating.Christmas can feel overwhelming when you think about all that needs to get done in only a few short weeks. Here are a few tips for making Christmas merrier:

1. Take time for yourself
2. Remember to choose fun things to do.
3. Make a list of what you need to do and cross items off as you accomplish them.
4. Minimize what you have to do (obligations), so that you have more time to do what you want to do.
5. Play Christmas music in your car and in your home.
6. Wrap a few presents each day.
7. Take a day off of work to go Christmas shopping or to wrap presents.
8. Watch at least one Christmas classic.
9. Keep in mind that gifts are meant to be thoughtful, not expensive. Do not fuss over what to get people. Make it easy.
10. Sit in the dark room with the Christmas tree lights on and remind yourself how very blessed you are.    

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Make Life Fun!

In order to live your life joyfully,

You must stop making life so serious

and indulge in some fun!

What do you do for fun?
What could you do to make life fun?


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Let go of the Outcome

When you are overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next…
Stay true to yourself
and
Let go of the outcome.   
Everything happens in the way that it is supposed to happen.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Reasons for Conflict

What is the point of conflict?

·         To be heard

·         To be understood

·         To gain power

·         To prove our worth

·         To sabotage ourselves

·         To sabotage our relationships

·         To get attention

·         To gain sympathy

·         To push others away

·         To prove to ourselves that we are no good

·         To prove to others that we are not good

·         To “makeup” (improve connection/intimacy)

·         To stand up for ourselves

·         To stand up for others

·         To be heard again   

·         To be understood again



 

Monday, December 5, 2011

Go into each day...

Go into each day with love in your heart and peace in your mind.

All is well and will continue to be well.


Sunday, December 4, 2011

When Strangers become Friends

The day began like most any other weekend day. Yet so much came to unfold as the day came to a close.   There was magic in the air.  Jamie and I decided to spontaneously go and listen to a friend who was playing guitar at an unfamiliar restaurant in the smallest of towns. We had invited another friend to join us, but she was going to be delayed, if she was going to be able to make it at all. From the moment we walked in, we absorbed the beauty of this amazing place. We were graciously greeted by the owner who proceeded to seat us at a small table for two. I had told the owner that we were brought to his elegant restaurant to see a friend play guitar for them. The owner shared that he was also aware that today was the musician’s birthday. Although it was dark outside, from our table you could see a waterwheel through the window of the restaurant.  Jamie and I ordered our dinner and continued to take in the beauty of our surroundings, which one would not have believed existed from outside the front door. After a few minutes, the owner came over to our table and asked if we wanted to move so as to sit with our friends, the musician and his wife. We agreed and were seated in an even more beautiful area of the restaurant. And the magic continued to unfold.

The musician and his wife arrived, surprised to see us and greeting us ever so kindly as if we were old friends who had not seen each other in ten years.  Together we talked, we shared and we experienced.  As time passed we had various people visit our table. Some were old friends of the musical couple; two others were previous students of the musician. The owner and his wife would come and share various stories. The wife of the owner had known the wife of the musician for a long time. Each visitor arrived with a story and a connection to one or more of the four of us. At one time there were four women, including Jamie and I, who shared a connection through attending SUNY Cortland.  Another person eventually shared that she had attended Marywood College for her social work degree where I had also attended.   There were connections through colleges, churches, towns and organizations. The synchronicity of it all left us in awe of the entire experience. Not only had we all helped each other in some way of advice or sharing, each person who came to that table was touched in a profound way by one another’s presence. It was truly amazing! I went to dinner with Jamie, and left with a connection to Ithaca College for Kelci, a guitar teacher for Marissa, information regarding Hope Lake Lodge, new friends who own an antique shop, and an understanding of true hospitality by people who were strangers and are now friends.

 I believe tonight Jamie and I had our own version of It’s a Wonderful Life!
Thank you Clarence!  






Thursday, December 1, 2011

Beginning a Creative Project

It all begins with a blank page, or a blank canvas. With a spark of inspiration, once you put pen to paper or paintbrush to canvas, the hardest part is done. Finding a place to begin is often the greatest challenge of a creative project.  It can delay a person for weeks, months, or even years just trying to figure out where to start. What is it that you are yearning to create? You can begin today by simply honoring the process of beginning.  It is not a place of already knowing what you will create, or what it will look like in the end. It is simply permitting paper and pen, or paint and canvas to join forces in the channeling of creative expression.  And so it begins. ..

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The presence of Spirit

What was that? Why did that happen? Strange things do indeed happen. A light flickers on and off. A friend stops in to see you at work unannounced. The hood of your car pops up as you are driving and blocks your view. Are these strange happenings coincidental? Perhaps they could happen to anyone at any given time. But why to you? And why at the moment when it did? Is it the presence of Spirit? Is Someone trying to tell you something that would be beneficial to know? As you become more consciously aware, you open up to a greater knowing that recognizes that things are not random. Everything happens for a reason, because you were never meant to walk this journey of life alone.  Sure, sometimes you feel as if you are all alone, and struggling. But in truth you are not. You are just unaware of the guidance that comes through daily” strange” experiences.   Open up to greater questions, such as “What does that mean?” and “What is the Universe/God/Angels trying to tell me?” Strange things do indeed happen. Listen for its greater meaning.  Spirit is talking to you.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Wisdom within a Latte

Some may think that the occasional latte is merely just a latte. I would disagree. There is a great deal of wisdom that comes from the latte if only you take a sip...


         Yes! You are worthy

         It is okay to take time for yourself

Some like it hot, while others like it cold.

   Some prefer just enough, while others prefer more than enough.

         Relax

        Indulge

         Socialize

                 Create a tradition.

         Celebrate

         Breathe

         Enjoy

Indeed, there is a great deal of wisdom in that latte.  In fact, the wisdom may also be found in a cappuccino, an espresso or a cup of tea.  Ahhh… Breathe. Enjoy!

Thanks A Latte! :)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Parenting

Parenting is by far one of the most difficult jobs we will ever undertake. You dream about having a child or children for much of your young life. You eagerly wait with anticipation for the day that they arrive, and you truly feel that it is the happiest day of your life. Yet upon their arrival, there is no handbook that will help you to navigate the winding course of parenting. There are children who are easy to parent, as they desire guidance and respect your authority. And then there are those children who dislike being parented and refuse to be told what to do. These are the children who, from a young age say "You are not the boss of me," or "You cannot tell me what to do." Now where is that handbook? If only you could turn to a specific page for advice on how to respond to such statements. How would others, with more experience, handle this situation? The truth is that we as parents, are just as unique as each of our children. We would all respond differently. There is no right answer. On parent may feel angry and yell back, while another may walk away ignoring the comments. Still others may defend or justify. Regardless of your own parenting style, one thing remains true. You love your children each one in a way that reflects their individuality. Therefore, as parents it becomes necessary to be firm when needed, but to be loving always. Be a rolemodel of self-respect and loving kindness. You may never be a perfect parent, but you can certainly be a loving and forgiving parent. Be patient. Don't give up on them. Remind your children that you will always love them.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Tick, Tock.

Tick, Tock. Tick, Tock.
The hands on the clock move quickly. There is nothing like the end of November to remind us that time moves quickly. Another year is coming to a close. What memories did you create? How have you demonstrated your love to others? How have you demonstrated your love for yourself? Where are you taking your life?  Are you continuing to develop goals and move your life in the direction of such goals? If not, where are you stuck? Recognize that time will not wait for you, while you continue to put things off for a later date. You are worthy of the life that you truly desire. Tick, Tock.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Excitement in Anticipation

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get excited in anticipation of something wonderful happening. It may not surprise you then to know that my favorite day of the year is Christmas Eve day. I love the time in preparation for the big event.  I love knowing that something amazing is going to happen. You meet the day with excitement and anticipation. If only every day, we could feel that way. I am writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving Day. I am pleased to say that this year does not hold any grandiose plans, and yet I feel excited. I am eager to experience the joy of a day off with family and good food. This year, I am anticipating staying in my slippers, watching the parade with my girls and helping with the cooking of a delicious dinner. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget my favorite Chocolate Cream pie for dessert! It is so exciting! A part of living life joyfully is being able to enjoy the moments not only in celebration, but also the moments in preparing for the celebration.  Regardless of how you spend the next 24 hours, remember that you are making memories.

Be mindful to

Speak lovingly and thoughtfully to others,

                  To relax,

                              To express gratitude,

                                              To laugh, 

                                                      And to do your part to make it enjoyable and memorable!



Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Response-ability

Too often we experience circumstances or events in our lives that cause us to assume the burdens and responsibilities of others. We take on the responsibility for what happens to others as if the welfare of others depends solely on us.  We can spend a great deal of emotional energy trying to either make something happen for another or to prevent something from happening to another. We ignore the fact that others are responsible for themselves. The actual definition of responsibility actually has nothing to do with being responsible for another person. At its root form, responsibility is merely the ability to respond to a situation. We lose sight of how to appropriately handle a situation with love when we feel responsible for the other person or a particular outcome. In fact, we expect a certain outcome and when it does not happen, we feel that we have failed. Learn how to offer support to those you love and care for, rather than to assume responsibility for them and what happens to them. For example, if someone chooses to live chaotically, it does not mean that it is your responsibility to rescue them from the chaos that they create. Instead, learn to be a role model  of someone who simply responds to a situation with care, confidence and integrity.  


I respond with love


Monday, November 21, 2011

You are worthy

You are worthy of love.

You are worthy of joy.

You are worthy of having it all.



 Why do you shortchange yourself?


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Evidence of Change

For years, I have told people that I choose to be an active member of my Catholic church in hopes to bring positive changes in an organization that needs a great deal of help. Years ago,I had a dear friend, who is now deceased,  say that she could not say aloud, nor agree to, the prayer, "Lord I am not worthy to receive you..." I agreed that the language is harsh and punitive. And so, today my girls and I served on the altar amazed to hear the changes that are to come as of next week with the wording, not only of that prayer, but several other prayers as well. It seems as if the Catholic Church is resigning much of their negative language and finally embracing some much needed change. Marissa held the book that priests have used for many years (if not centuries) to offer prayers during Mass and other Catholic celebrations, in order for Father Leo to "decommission" the Book. Father Leo closed the Book for the final time and handed to me as the lector to carry in procession out of the church. It was truly an honor to be a part of what I consider miraculous! The Catholic Church is embracing positive changes. Alleluia! 

For further information, visit...
http://www.thebatt.com/catholic-mass-changing-translations-1.2687755?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn6%2FFreporti3D19.1114g1ssed-1.1176%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%83%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%83%C3%82%C2%82%C3%83%C2%82%C3%82%C2%9ApatpxtPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Frepo%3Fcache%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163%3FparentPage%3D2.1244%3Fcache%3D03ch63Da3D163Dines-mangan-folling-porti3D19o546788

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Putting the Happy in your Holiday!

The Holidays are coming. A week from today is Thanksgiving. And although it is meant to be a joyful occasion, for many people, it can sadly feel like a dreaded obligation.  After all, the world is full of insecure and wounded individuals who just so happen to show up at your parents’ house on the holidays for dinner. Yikes!  To make this holiday season even happier, the following are some helpful hints for surviving the not-so-Brady Bunch holiday gatherings

1.       Remember that you are not responsible for the insecurities of others, even if they are your family.

2.       Know that it is your responsibility to insure that you have a Happy Holiday.

3.       Ask yourself, “What would make my holiday happy?” In doing so, you are more likely to choose the people, places and experiences that will offer a more joyful experience. 

4.       Stand up for yourself if someone criticizes or mistreats you. Do not react defensively. Simply state, “Please do not criticize me” or, ask a clarifying question such as “What do you mean by that?” At the very least, you will give them something to think about.  

5.       Set yourself up for success. If your family is severely dysfunctional or chaotic, set limits with regard to the time you spend with them. Have dinner at home and visit for dessert.

6.       Avoid those who are strongly opinionated (trying to prove how smart they are), negative (fearful), or gossipy/judgmental (putting others down to feel better about themselves).   

7.       Keep in mind that families are supposed to be loving and supportive. Be a catalyst of change by role-modeling appropriate responses, by praising rather than condemning and by complimenting rather than criticizing. You will not only make it a happier experience for yourself, but for others as well.  

8.       Let go of expectations. They have not changed, but hopefully you have, and continue to grow in loving and appreciating yourself as a person.

9.       Make your holidays, Happy Holidays! Enjoy the experience for what it is and share the love in your heart!



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

What is abundance?

Although abundance is typically associated with wealth, in truth, abundance is much more than wealth. It encompasses all that is good in life. It is a mindset that recognizes gratitude for all that you already have and for that which already exists.  On a spiritual level, it recognizes how blessed you are in your living. Abundance can certainly mean having a nice home or vehicle, but it also means having good health and time with family and friends. Abundance is having what you truly need, which includes love and a sense of value and purpose as a person. Life is abundant, as easily recognized in nature. There is not just one tree, but many trees. There is not one blade of grass, but many. Abundance exists all around us. We simply need to recognize it and tap into its energy. 



Life is always abundant!


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

You are not who you think you are

Although you came into this world pure in your thoughts of who you are, you quickly learned to identify yourself through the eyes of others. As a small child, those other eyes may have been your parents.  As you grew, those eyes became those of your siblings and other children. As you grew older,  so did your innermost longing to be loved and accepted by others. In the effort to gain this acceptance, you also learned how to “be” in order for others to approve of you.  It is similar to the childhood game of telephone. The initial message is distorted so many times that it is no longer recognizable as the message it once was. It is time for you to give up the fears and insecurities that were projected through the eyes of others, and to allow yourself the freedom to be who you really are. In other words, you are not the failure or disappointment that you were led to believe through the eyes of others. You are smart. You are capable. You are talented. You are good in math. You can read. You write well. You have a big heart. You are beautiful. You are worth it. You can do it!

You are not who you think you are…you are amazing!   

Monday, November 14, 2011

Do you know the difference?

There is a difference between holding on and letting go.
There is a difference between letting go and giving up.
There is a difference between giving up and holding on.  
The difference lies in recognizing that everyone must walk their own journey.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Use your voice

Too often people learn to use behaviors, rather than their voice, to communicate. They get angry or upset and sleep in the other room. They walk out the door. They slam down a dish. People who use behaviors to communicate are often misunderstood. Sure, you can ascertain that someone is upset or angry by observing their behavior. However, you may choose to acknowledge or ignore. Most will ignore behaviors as they are deemed immature. A toddler communicates with behaviors as they have yet to gain the language skills to adequately express themselves verbally. Direct communication is healthy communication. Learn to use your voice. Express what you feel. Say what you mean. Compliment rather than criticize or condemn. Otherwise, I cannot hear you.  

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Breakthrough!

Finally, a breakthrough!  It has been years of trying to figure out what to write for my subsequent book. I have been stalled at the crossroads, playing various ideas over and over again. Yet none of these ideas could fuel the passion that I know is necessary in writing for publication. If you are going to invest many months, if not years, into writing a book, it needs to be a book that you feel passionate about.  Although I have had many good ideas and even some well-meaning starts, nothing has held my passion until tonight. I am grateful for a breakthrough! I began to write as I do each day, but this time something happened as I was writing. The fire within me ignited and I was guided on how to fit the things I want to write about into a logical format. Tonight it all came together. And so, if there is something that you too have been feeling stuck with, I wish you a similar breakthrough.  As you reach various crossroads, you must take either a right or a left. You can stand at that crossroads for a long time waiting and wondering what to do. In truth, it does not matter which direction you choose, it matters that you keep moving forward knowing that it will eventually come together. Break Through!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"I am done!"

You may or may not have heard yourself use this phrase at one time or another in frustration. Sadly, this phrase is often thought or stated when one reaches their breaking point. You have had enough. You can’t take anymore. You give up. These feelings can also surface in relationship to others. There are people that, due to their feelings of hurt, will actually write another person off. They will end the friendship or any further contact because they are angry and hurt. It is important to realize however that there is a difference between giving up (surrender) and letting go. Giving up is accompanied by a feeling of powerlessness.  It carries a negative connotation that feeds anger and frustration. Letting go, on the other hand, means that you release responsibility for the struggle or hardship of others.  Learn to let go, rather than to give up.




Sunday, November 6, 2011

Take Action Now

If you have not already noticed, time moves forward. As you get older, time passes quickly. Hence why you may have a list of things you would like to do, but have yet to do. You are the designer of your life.  You make decisions, whether consciously (with awareness) or unconsciously (without awareness) that affect your life and your living. Is what you are doing aligned with the life your desire? If not, why not? Are you selling yourself short? In other words, are you settling for the life you lead, while dreaming about the life you desire?  What do you currently love in your life? Keep those things and have the courage necessary to drop or transform the rest. Take action now to live the life you desire.

The life I desire:



Thursday, November 3, 2011

Yes you can!

Do you ever struggle with feelings of doubt or uncertainty? Do you doubt your abilities? Is there a voice in your head that challenges you at times by telling you, “You can’t do that, You don’t know how, or You have never done that before? Perhaps, that voice tells you instead, “Don’t do that. You will screw it up,” This is often the voice of your ego trying to sabotage your efforts at moving forward. As children, you longed for your parents to notice your abilities, to praise your efforts, to celebrate your accomplishments.  “Look what I can do!” As an adult however, you may sit idly on the sidelines waiting for someone to notice how capable you are. In truth, it may not happen. As adults it is understood that you can take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Therefore, it is expected that you are capable of validating your own needs and feelings.  Yet, too often people resist stepping into that role. They continue to wait for others to notice and to say or do something that validates them.  True validation comes from within.  It is the knowledge that you are capable. You recognize that although you may not do something perfectly, you are able to do it well.  You can accept yourself as a capable person. It is no longer necessary for others to see that which you already know. You are capable. Therefore, the voice in your head tells you, “Yes, you can!”


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Harvest the Good!

It is fall in the Northeast. The trees continue to grace us with their spectacular colors. You cannot help but to notice them as you drive along the roads and highways. People come from various distances to cast their eyes on such remarkable beauty.  The fall  foliage reminds us that change is necessary.  It is also the season associated with the harvest. What do you wish to harvest in your living? There is much in life that is good. Why not harvest the good? Turn your focus to that which is good in your life. Focus on what is going right, rather than what has gone wrong. In doing so, you are likely to focus on the present rather than on the past. Today I harvest the good. I recognize the blessings of love, wisdom, and health. I see only the good.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Evolve


Life is an evolutionary process. We begin this lifetime as a small baby and with time, we grow and change and evolve into something larger, something greater. And so it is true for all levels of your being. You are evolving into a greater person, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Be patient with your evolution. It does take time. Enjoy the experience of knowing and understanding your authentic self. It is this authentic self that will move you to your divine purpose. As you evolve into your authentic self, your gift to humanity as a whole will also be that much greater. You are a physical being evolving into a greater human being that has a special gift to enhance humanity.



I patiently evolve into my authentic being.


Monday, October 31, 2011

Togetherness

Do you often feel like you have to do things alone? Perhaps you were raised in a family where you were taught that you cannot count on anyone but yourself. In this way, you believe that it is necessary to forgo the hope that another person will help you with a needed task. You learn to do it yourself. In this way, you also establish a pattern in which, not only will you do it yourself, you will also forget to even ask for help. You will tell yourself, "why should I ask, no one helps me anyway"Although this is a common belief, the truth is that you desire to have the company or assistance of another. Although, you cannot count on another, you secretly hope that another will join you. There is something to be said for the support of togetherness. It is the idea that we are not alone, and in fact "are in this together." Today I had the opportunity to walk the streets of Newfield with a number of families, sharing laughter and keeping excited children safe. There is a great deal of love and support in togetherness.   
  

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Life is Precious!

Life is indeed precious. We cannot predict how long we will walk this journey called life. Life can be taken from us or our loved ones with little or no warning. Therefore it remains necessary to:

 1)Live your life to the fullest. Do not put things off until tomorrow. Tomorrow may or may not come.

2) Let others know how you feel. Use the words “I love you, “ generously especially to those closest to you.  

3) Make the effort to attend family gatherings to demonstrate that family means something to you.

4) Take life a little less seriously. Drop the worry and live in today.

5) Appreciate life and all the blessings that you have been given.  



In loving memory of my dear cousin, Doreen, who always had a good story to tell us. May all our loved ones come to greet you and bring you home.


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Stop worrying about money

In challenging economic times, it is common to worry about money. Worry is nothing more than normalized fear. No one wants to admit to feeling fear, yet they will often say that they worry. When you worry about money,you are likely to feel afraid that there is not enough. Keep in mind that the fear of not having enough money rarely creates affluence. On the contrary, it brings your focus to not enough. Since what you focus on increases, you increase the likelihood of not having enough money in your life. Worry is a waste of time. It only produces more worry. In addition, I have sadly witnessed people becoming seriously ill as a result of being worried about money. Spare yourself the misery by recognizing that people survive financial issues. It may take some time to turn it around, but you will get beyond whatever financial issues you are facing. It is not beneficial to worry. Worry only fills the void when you are unsure of what else to do. If you need to do something, choose to create a plan for improving your finances. Revise your budget. Get a second job. Sell the treadmill that you no longer use. But do not worry. Know instead, that “This too shall pass.” You will indeed survive. Let go of fear and worry and embrace trust.

                                                        I always have enough.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Are you stuck?

Are there times in your life when you feel stuck? Stuck is sadly a familiar feeling. It is the inability, or more accurately, the unwillingness to move forward. In truth, you may feel scared to move forward. As human beings, we prefer the familiar to the unknown. Even when what is familiar is not helpful, we will cling to it in an effort to avoid the unknown.

What are you currently clinging to, that allows you to feel stuck?

What do you need to become unstuck?


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Decisions, Decisions

Decision, Decisions. Do you have difficulty making decisions? Do you avoid making decisions?  When confronted with a decision to make, do you simply state, “I don’t know.” Even more importantly do you forfeit the right to make a decision and allow others to decide for you? People who have difficulty making decisions often lack trust. They do not trust themselves to make a good decision. They are afraid of making a mistake. In an effort to avoid making mistakes, they avoid making decisions. They falsely believe that if others make a decision for them, then they will not be responsible for the outcome. In other words, instead of trust, the person feels afraid. They are afraid of making a mistake, affecting others, and/or causing an undesirable outcome. If you understand that nothing happens by accident you can begin to let go of the fear of making a mistake. You can instead trust that all is exactly right.  Learn to decide b what you feel rather than what you think. Allow your heart to guide you in your decisions. What does our heart decide?

Monday, October 24, 2011

Just a thought to ponder...

Everyone has garbage to take out,
Laundry to do,
Dishes to wash.
But only some, will do it with a smile.