As we navigate our way through this new year, I'm sure many of you have made some great resolutions and set some wonderful goals for yourself. I just want you (and me) to be prepared for the moment when reality will slap us in the face and say, "Really? You really thought you could do this? Are you kidding me? Who do you think you are?"
When (not if, but when) this happens to you, your job is to stand up to this illusion of reality and say, "Hell yes I'm doing this and there's nothing you can do about it."
That's the only way to accomplish really hard stuff -- face it, force your way through it and plow on.
Reality slaps me in the face all the time. Last year when me literary agent said, "Your writing is too dark for me; I don't think I'm the right fit for you," I had to go teach part 2 of my Manifest Your Destiny class. I cried the whole day and the entire drive to the studio. But I taught that class, even though I felt like an impostor the whole time. I was honest, though; I told them how I had manifested every goal I'd ever set for myself except getting my novel published. And I used that example to show people how when we really, really, really, really want something we'll never manifest it because we want it too much. Part of manifesting is learning how to let go. Surrender is the key to everything.
There are days when I like to pretend that my marriage is normal and just like everyone else's, that my husband doesn't have a brain injury and nothing has changed. I can over look the twice daily doses of medicine, I can write off the debilitating migraines as just a headache. I can pretend that most grown men need to take naps. But then reality will slap me in the face. One week into my kids' Christmas break, for example, he set the alarm for six am and woke us all up saying, "It's time for school." He'll forget appointments and then blame me for not reminding him. If I ask him to run the bath for the kids, he'll forget to turn the water off. He says inappropriate things all the time because part of having a brain injury means you don't have that filter -- you know the one that tells you when to shut up. Once we were having dinner at our favorite restaurant and were shocked to see a friend of ours walk up to take our order. She had an excellent job as a Pharmaceutical Rep. Mike said, "You're our waitress?" She smiled and said, "Yeah, I got laid off when the company merged, so I thought I'd work here until something opens up for me." And Mike said, "Wow, that really sucks. This is all you could find?" It was at that moment that I kicked him under the table to which he replied, "Ouch! Samantha! Why are you kicking me under the table?"
Oh good grief.
Yes, reality slaps me silly sometimes, but I still forge on.
My husband Mike, who spent 14 years working the poorest of poor projects as a police officer and had to witness daily things we don't ever want to know about, has a habit of saying, "Well, that's reality."
This morning, I made him turn off the news because I didn't want my children to hear the news story about the three girls killed in the Christmas fire. "Turn that off," I said. "I don't want them to see that." And Mike replied, "Why not? It's reality." Well, so is murder and molestation and all sorts of mayhem, but it's not my reality. I don't have to invite it into my home.
Like the title of one of my favorite teen movies proclaims, "Reality Bites." It really, really does. And we all have to face it. We can not hide from reality. The fact that your dad has no idea what love is and will never really be able to show anyone love will not change and that does suck. The fact that your wife left you is terrible. And you who lost your job a year ago and can't pay your mortgage this month, that is reality and it's not changing.
Ah, but here's where hope begins to sprout its eternal wings. Because while the facts may not change - my husband isn't going to wake up tomorrow with a healthy brain and no good Samaritan is going to pay your mortgage -- what will and can and must change is how we confront reality. We have to face it not with dejected shoulders and a, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Life does suck" attitude, but with a new face -- one bent on optimism and hope, possibilities and miracles.
Take me, for example, if my husband hadn't been struck by that bullet, I might never have found the courage to do this work. Because I ignored the dreams I'd had for weeks prior of someone being shot, I vowed to never again ignore my intuition. In addition, I now handle all the bills, investments, major decisions, and, well, everything. Given that I was raised in a home where my mom never even wrote a check in her life and given that I was once voted The Girl Most Likely to Sit Poolside at the Club, I think that's a huge victory. I now know how to fix a clogged drain, a broken toilet, and can put together any toy in any box. I can pick up every bug that comes in my home and take it outside instead of whining, "Mike! Come quick!" I can also look people in the face who are dealing with similar situations and say, "You'll get through this. I know you will."
These are huge triumphs for me. Really, they are. I used to be someone who wanted to be taken care of. My childhood was very difficult, and when I met a big, handsome cop, I practically fell into his arms and said, "Save me." Now I'm the one who saves him -- as much as I can -- and when I can't (refer back to waitress story), I just try to laugh it off. Back off Reality; you're not as scary as your bark.
So, the moral of this story is that when reality barks at you, BARK BACK.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
What Do Our Guides Think Of Us?
I love hearing from people's spirit guides. They have all sorts of different personalities. Mine is strict and a bit serious. But some of you have guides who are hilarious or maternal or sympathetic. Some are a bit nagging and can even be pushy. Others are quiet and patient, preferring to remain firmly in the background.
The first guide I ever communicated with made me laugh out loud. I was taking an intuitive development course, and the teacher instructed us to work with a partner and try to connect with his or her guide. I was partnered up with a quiet, older woman who had never attended the class before. I held her hands as instructed, closed my eyes and allowed the teacher to guide me on a meditation to meet her guide. I have a place I go to when I meditate -- my crystal cave. So I pictured my crystal cave with the crystal bridge to the other side and mentally asked my partner's guide to show up. Almost instantly, I saw a tall, white, very thin man walk across the bridge. He had a long, grayish white beard and sparkly blue eyes. He was wearing an old, worn brown robe with a simple rope belt. He had shoulder length, thinning grayish white hair. He smiled at me. I asked him his name and he said, "Archibald." I asked, "Archibald?" He nodded, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Yes, but she can call me Archie," and then he bowed to me and revealed his monk's tincture, a perfect circle of baldness, "Or Baldie." I laughed out loud because it was such a funny joke and a joke I could never have "imagined" myself.
When I asked him if he had a message for my client, he said, "Yes, tell her it's time for her to go back to her gift, to doing this." Wanting more validation, I asked what she did now, and he showed me a business card with the word "Weddings" written in calligraphy. My partner said she was a wedding planner and that she used to give readings more than 30 years ago.
Archibald still remains for me the clearest and most accurate contact I've ever had with someone's spirit guide. I felt as though I could have talked to him all night. He gave me validation after validation after validation. Sometimes, I've wished he were my guide instead of the stern, strict Native American man who always appears to me with his arms crossed in front and a slight frown on his face. Oh well.
Yesterday, I met a lovely, joyful guide -- a little Indian yogi man -- who said the most wonderful thing about my client. When people come to see me in person, I like to begin by doing Reiki on them. These moments of silence are needed for me to communicate with the client's guide. I always ask the guide for the same information each time -- my client's soul purpose and life lessons. This time, the woman's spirit guide was a chatty one and he said, "Tell her that her strength of spirit inspires even us over here sometimes."
That really struck me. Can our guides and angels be inspired by us? I asked myself. Well, why not? Sometimes humans do, experience and endure amazing things with great strength and love. When I sat down to talk with my client it was revealed throughout the hour that she'd lost her husband and then her son had passed in a tragic car accident. Yet, the woman before me had a beautiful smile and a wonderful, joyful energy. I could see how her strength could inspire people everywhere -- even on the other side.
It's something to think about, isn't it? What does your guide think of you?
The first guide I ever communicated with made me laugh out loud. I was taking an intuitive development course, and the teacher instructed us to work with a partner and try to connect with his or her guide. I was partnered up with a quiet, older woman who had never attended the class before. I held her hands as instructed, closed my eyes and allowed the teacher to guide me on a meditation to meet her guide. I have a place I go to when I meditate -- my crystal cave. So I pictured my crystal cave with the crystal bridge to the other side and mentally asked my partner's guide to show up. Almost instantly, I saw a tall, white, very thin man walk across the bridge. He had a long, grayish white beard and sparkly blue eyes. He was wearing an old, worn brown robe with a simple rope belt. He had shoulder length, thinning grayish white hair. He smiled at me. I asked him his name and he said, "Archibald." I asked, "Archibald?" He nodded, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Yes, but she can call me Archie," and then he bowed to me and revealed his monk's tincture, a perfect circle of baldness, "Or Baldie." I laughed out loud because it was such a funny joke and a joke I could never have "imagined" myself.
When I asked him if he had a message for my client, he said, "Yes, tell her it's time for her to go back to her gift, to doing this." Wanting more validation, I asked what she did now, and he showed me a business card with the word "Weddings" written in calligraphy. My partner said she was a wedding planner and that she used to give readings more than 30 years ago.
Archibald still remains for me the clearest and most accurate contact I've ever had with someone's spirit guide. I felt as though I could have talked to him all night. He gave me validation after validation after validation. Sometimes, I've wished he were my guide instead of the stern, strict Native American man who always appears to me with his arms crossed in front and a slight frown on his face. Oh well.
Yesterday, I met a lovely, joyful guide -- a little Indian yogi man -- who said the most wonderful thing about my client. When people come to see me in person, I like to begin by doing Reiki on them. These moments of silence are needed for me to communicate with the client's guide. I always ask the guide for the same information each time -- my client's soul purpose and life lessons. This time, the woman's spirit guide was a chatty one and he said, "Tell her that her strength of spirit inspires even us over here sometimes."
That really struck me. Can our guides and angels be inspired by us? I asked myself. Well, why not? Sometimes humans do, experience and endure amazing things with great strength and love. When I sat down to talk with my client it was revealed throughout the hour that she'd lost her husband and then her son had passed in a tragic car accident. Yet, the woman before me had a beautiful smile and a wonderful, joyful energy. I could see how her strength could inspire people everywhere -- even on the other side.
It's something to think about, isn't it? What does your guide think of you?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2012 By the Numbers
I thought it be fun to look at the upcoming year through the eyes of numerology.
2012 is a FIVE year (2 + 0 + 1 + 2 = 5) which means we can expect a lot of change, adventure, travel and some upheaval too. The number 5 energy is only happy when it's changing things up, so you can expect surprises this year.
Now, let's look at your personal year by the numbers. To find it, all you have to do is add your birth DAY plus your birth MONTH plus 2012. So, if you were born on January 1, you would add your numbers this way: 1 + 1 + 2012 = 7. If you get a double digit number, simply reduce it to a single digit by adding them together. If you were born on December 23, for example, your numbers would look like this: 12 + 23 + 2012 = 13. Then you would add 1 + 3 = 4. You are in a 4 year.
Here's a look at what the numbers mean for your year.
If you're in a personal year of 1, this is a year of new beginnings for you. This is a great year to start something new, to venture out, to begin again. This is your year to take a leadership position, to be number one at what you do. When we're on a 1 year, we often want to do everything ourselves, so don't forget to ask for help.
If you're in a personal year of 2, this is good year to meet someone, to fall in love or to join a partnership. The 2 year also involves taking stock of your relationships and determining which ones are and aren't working for you. A 2 year is often an emotional year where we take a step back and evaluate ourselves more closely. It's the year to focus on intimacy and affection. Don't be afraid to open yourself to love.
If you're in a personal year of 3, this is the year to put yourself out there. Three is the energy of the creator, so it's a great year to work on any creative project. This is a year of great socialization, meeting new people, networking, making great contacts and fulfilling goals you've been working on since your one year. It's also a great year to work on your appearance, to dress up and feel good about yourself from the inside out.
If you're in a 4 year, this is a great time to put down roots, find balance in your life and sharpen your knowledge. Four is the number of the teacher, so it's a great year to learn something new or to become a teacher, coach or mentor for someone. Because fours love their home, this is an excellent year to tackle some household projects. Do some painting, get new kitchen counters or turn that attic into a guest room.
If you're in a 5 year, prepare for lots of adventure. The motto of a 5 year is plan for nothing because everything might change at the last minute. It's a great year to travel. This is not, however, a good year to make commitments.
If you're in a personal 6 year, this is the year to make commitments. It's a great year to get married or have a child. The six year presents a great opportunity to settle down. You'll also find that you're a magnet for other people. Sit back and relax. After the five year you just went through, you deserve the rest!
If you're in a personal year of 7, this is a great year to explore your spirituality. Seven represents the seeker. It's also a great year to try counseling or therapy because you'll feel more thoughtful, more introspective this year. You'll be asking the big questions, evaluating the past, and going within. A good therapist can help you navigate this inward journey. You might find that you need more alone time this year, and that's okay. Just be sure to make your faith life a big part of this year's plans.
In a personal year of 8, you just might find yourself coming into money. Eight years are years of working hard, but you'll get the payoff of a better paycheck in the end. Your focus this year should be on working hard, saving for the future and planning your investments. In our eight year we have to be careful about our health. Make sure you take good care of yourself this year. Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise.
If you're in a personal year of 9, this is the year to clear away what's not working for you. Often referred to as the Garage Sale year, in our 9 year, we take stock of our lives and walk away from friendships, relationships, jobs and other situations that aren't working for our betterment. This is also a great year to do some physical cleaning. Clear out your garage and attic this year or organize your photos. Nine is also the spiritual number of completion, so this is a good year for things to come to a conclusion. If you've been waiting for a promotion to come through or waiting for a divorce to be finalized, it just might happen in your personal year of 9.
Whatever year number you find yourself in, I wish you a great one!
2012 is a FIVE year (2 + 0 + 1 + 2 = 5) which means we can expect a lot of change, adventure, travel and some upheaval too. The number 5 energy is only happy when it's changing things up, so you can expect surprises this year.
Now, let's look at your personal year by the numbers. To find it, all you have to do is add your birth DAY plus your birth MONTH plus 2012. So, if you were born on January 1, you would add your numbers this way: 1 + 1 + 2012 = 7. If you get a double digit number, simply reduce it to a single digit by adding them together. If you were born on December 23, for example, your numbers would look like this: 12 + 23 + 2012 = 13. Then you would add 1 + 3 = 4. You are in a 4 year.
Here's a look at what the numbers mean for your year.
If you're in a personal year of 1, this is a year of new beginnings for you. This is a great year to start something new, to venture out, to begin again. This is your year to take a leadership position, to be number one at what you do. When we're on a 1 year, we often want to do everything ourselves, so don't forget to ask for help.
If you're in a personal year of 2, this is good year to meet someone, to fall in love or to join a partnership. The 2 year also involves taking stock of your relationships and determining which ones are and aren't working for you. A 2 year is often an emotional year where we take a step back and evaluate ourselves more closely. It's the year to focus on intimacy and affection. Don't be afraid to open yourself to love.
If you're in a personal year of 3, this is the year to put yourself out there. Three is the energy of the creator, so it's a great year to work on any creative project. This is a year of great socialization, meeting new people, networking, making great contacts and fulfilling goals you've been working on since your one year. It's also a great year to work on your appearance, to dress up and feel good about yourself from the inside out.
If you're in a 4 year, this is a great time to put down roots, find balance in your life and sharpen your knowledge. Four is the number of the teacher, so it's a great year to learn something new or to become a teacher, coach or mentor for someone. Because fours love their home, this is an excellent year to tackle some household projects. Do some painting, get new kitchen counters or turn that attic into a guest room.
If you're in a 5 year, prepare for lots of adventure. The motto of a 5 year is plan for nothing because everything might change at the last minute. It's a great year to travel. This is not, however, a good year to make commitments.
If you're in a personal 6 year, this is the year to make commitments. It's a great year to get married or have a child. The six year presents a great opportunity to settle down. You'll also find that you're a magnet for other people. Sit back and relax. After the five year you just went through, you deserve the rest!
If you're in a personal year of 7, this is a great year to explore your spirituality. Seven represents the seeker. It's also a great year to try counseling or therapy because you'll feel more thoughtful, more introspective this year. You'll be asking the big questions, evaluating the past, and going within. A good therapist can help you navigate this inward journey. You might find that you need more alone time this year, and that's okay. Just be sure to make your faith life a big part of this year's plans.
In a personal year of 8, you just might find yourself coming into money. Eight years are years of working hard, but you'll get the payoff of a better paycheck in the end. Your focus this year should be on working hard, saving for the future and planning your investments. In our eight year we have to be careful about our health. Make sure you take good care of yourself this year. Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise.
If you're in a personal year of 9, this is the year to clear away what's not working for you. Often referred to as the Garage Sale year, in our 9 year, we take stock of our lives and walk away from friendships, relationships, jobs and other situations that aren't working for our betterment. This is also a great year to do some physical cleaning. Clear out your garage and attic this year or organize your photos. Nine is also the spiritual number of completion, so this is a good year for things to come to a conclusion. If you've been waiting for a promotion to come through or waiting for a divorce to be finalized, it just might happen in your personal year of 9.
Whatever year number you find yourself in, I wish you a great one!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Year!
This year we made homemade fortune cookies. They were so fun and easy. My children wrote and decorated the fortunes including phrases like, "You will be fortunate in everything this year" and "Health and happiness are your constant friends in 2012."
Tomorrow we'll eat black eyed pea salad for good luck. After church, we'll go have brunch and take a walk on the beach. Somehow, I have to start my new year next to the ocean. And we'll eat cake baked with a lucky coin. Whoever gets that piece is sure to have good luck all year long.
However you spend the first day of this new year, I hope you take some time to send out your positive intentions, to focus on your blessings, and to really enjoy the feeling of a new beginning.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Would You Want Martha Stewart As a Friend?
I did a reading yesterday for a woman who said, "I don't really know why I'm getting a reading. Everything is perfect in my life. I love everything about my life. I'm happy in my marriage, my job, I have great friends." And I thought, "Me think she doth protest too much." But I understand where she's coming from because I'm a reformed perfectionist. Maybe some of you reading this are too. It's not easy being a perfectionist, and we have to ask ourselves, "Who are we being perfect for?" Because in all reality, no one likes a perfect person. I mean, really, would you want Martha Stewart to be your friend? Would you feel comfortable having her over for dinner? None of us wants a perfect friend. So why do we so often try to be viewed as perfect?
There is no need to be perfect or to be seen as perfect. That is not nor should it be our goal in life. Drop any illusions you have of needing to be seen as perfectly happy, perfectly beautiful, perfectly wealthy, perfect, perfect, perfect. It's exhausting!
Why do we tear down people in our society who are viewed as perfect? Why are Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Anniston on the cover of magazines every week with terrible titles like "Angelina off to rehab" or "Nanny tells all and it isn't pretty" and "Jenn still pines for Brad." Because we know they're not perfect. We know that the image Hollywood presents to us is fake, and sometimes it's a relief to see this proven so. It reminds us that none of us is perfect. None us gets out of life with a free and easy pass. That knowledge comforts us in our difficult times and reminds us that we don't have to be perfect, and that's okay.
People trust and like people who are real and honest and genuine. And in all truth you are perfect just the way you are. Really. We are, each of us, on our path, working our goals and life lessons and dealing with the trials and tribulations of life's ups and downs. We are doing the best we can, and that's perfection. We are all okay just as we are.
There is no need to be perfect or to be seen as perfect. That is not nor should it be our goal in life. Drop any illusions you have of needing to be seen as perfectly happy, perfectly beautiful, perfectly wealthy, perfect, perfect, perfect. It's exhausting!
Why do we tear down people in our society who are viewed as perfect? Why are Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Anniston on the cover of magazines every week with terrible titles like "Angelina off to rehab" or "Nanny tells all and it isn't pretty" and "Jenn still pines for Brad." Because we know they're not perfect. We know that the image Hollywood presents to us is fake, and sometimes it's a relief to see this proven so. It reminds us that none of us is perfect. None us gets out of life with a free and easy pass. That knowledge comforts us in our difficult times and reminds us that we don't have to be perfect, and that's okay.
People trust and like people who are real and honest and genuine. And in all truth you are perfect just the way you are. Really. We are, each of us, on our path, working our goals and life lessons and dealing with the trials and tribulations of life's ups and downs. We are doing the best we can, and that's perfection. We are all okay just as we are.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Manifesting Your Best Year in 2012
Another year is soon upon us, and so a great energy is swirling around us asking us, "What do you want to bring into this year?" If we don't consciously answer this question, if instead we focus on what we don't want this year, then we will unwittingly invite all sorts of negative "stuff" into our new year. There are two times when the energy is ripe for you to create your best future -- the new year and your birthday. So take advantage of this time to begin really envisioning what you want your life to look like at the end of 2012.
Where do you want to be living? What will your home look like?
Who will you be in a relationship with?
What will your present relationships look like?
How much money will be in your bank account?
What vacations will you have gone on at the end of this year?
What will your career look like in 12 months?
What will you look like at the end of 2012?
How will you feel at the end of the year?
Really take some time to visualize, feel and see the answers to each of these questions. Write down at least 10 goals for this year -- not resolutions. Those get broken too easily. Write down goals, things you plan to accomplish and achieve. Visualize each of these goals coming true. Make it part of your daily ritual.
And also, be prepared for some not so great things. The universe will always test you. Always. When you set a goal, it will say, "Really? Are you sure you want this?" I'll give a simple example to prove this. My family and I wanted to adopt another dog last year. Our dog Gretchen was so friendly and social that we wanted her to have a little friend. So I set the goal. I visualized the dog and I surrendered it to the universe. We did not get the first three dogs we put in applications for. I was sad each time, but I knew the right dog was waiting for us. I remember standing in my back yard and saying aloud to God, "I know the right dog is out there for us. I give this to you. Please send the right dog to our family." And I'm not kidding you, but right then three coon hounds came running into my yard. It was like the turkey stealing scene from A Christmas Story. I just laughed and said to God, "Not these dogs." The dogs eventually returned to our neighbor behind us and the very next day, a client called me and said she had an 8 week old Yorkshire Terrier that needed a good home. Were we interested? Those first three dogs we had our hearts set on were just the universe's way of saying, "Do you really want this?" I guess it's a good thing too because we really don't want everything we think we do.
Which reminds me of the Rolling Stones song. "You can't always get what you want, but you just might find that you get what you need." There have been a few things I've tried to manifest without success. And that's okay too. Those things weren't part of my plan. Part of being a good manifester is learning to surrender.
But first you have to have vision or you'll be like an actual rolling stone and who knows where you'll roll? A palace? A sewer? Who knows? Proverbs (29:18) says, "Where there is no vision, the people will perish." If you don't have a vision for your life, you will slowly perish.
Of that I am sure. You will perish -- slowly -- without a vision for your life. How many people do you know who just exist without actually living their lives? They go to work, sure, and pay their bills, vote in November too but they have no life to them. Do you know how many people I had to buy for this year and had no clue what to get them because they have nothing in their life -- no interests, passions, or hobbies. Nothing but work and family. No vision for themselves, for their lives. Ugh. It's depressing.
So, take some time this week to create a vision for your life or at least for this year. You'll be glad you did and so will your friends come the next holiday gift buying season!
Here are three things to remember when trying to become a magnet for good things:
1) Be grateful. Turn your "have to's" into "get to's." Instead of saying, "I have to work late today." Try, "Thank God I get to work late today. It means they need me and so my job is safe and secure."
Every morning, before your foot hits the grounds, try to think of three things you're grateful for in your day to come. For example, "I'm grateful I get to have lunch with my friend. I'm thankful I packed the kids' lunches last night. And I am so thankful that I have nothing to do after work today."
2) Be optimistic. Habits take time. Try to break any negative thought programing you have. You know my motto -- fake it til you make it. Really, this glass half full thing really works. Try it for 21 days. That's how long it takes to make anything a habit. Avoid negative people, negative movies, shows and news. Read positive books and magazines and hang out with other positive people. Even if you live with someone who's negative, try taking mental breaks from them. Treat them like a boarder in your home from time to time so that you can have a break from their negativity. Don't argue with them, don't defend your new positive way of thinking. Just let them be and focus on yourself, your positivity, your growth.
3) Love yourself. This is really the most important. We can't manifest a thing until we love ourselves. We can only manifest to the degree with which we think we deserve our good. If you don't think you deserve that much, well, you won't get that much. It's that simple. Like attracts like and love attract love. If you're feeling love and loving and lovable, that is what you will attract to you.
If you don't love yourself -- truly and unconditionally -- you will manifest very little. So if you do nothing else this year, please promise that you will fall in love with you.
Where do you want to be living? What will your home look like?
Who will you be in a relationship with?
What will your present relationships look like?
How much money will be in your bank account?
What vacations will you have gone on at the end of this year?
What will your career look like in 12 months?
What will you look like at the end of 2012?
How will you feel at the end of the year?
Really take some time to visualize, feel and see the answers to each of these questions. Write down at least 10 goals for this year -- not resolutions. Those get broken too easily. Write down goals, things you plan to accomplish and achieve. Visualize each of these goals coming true. Make it part of your daily ritual.
And also, be prepared for some not so great things. The universe will always test you. Always. When you set a goal, it will say, "Really? Are you sure you want this?" I'll give a simple example to prove this. My family and I wanted to adopt another dog last year. Our dog Gretchen was so friendly and social that we wanted her to have a little friend. So I set the goal. I visualized the dog and I surrendered it to the universe. We did not get the first three dogs we put in applications for. I was sad each time, but I knew the right dog was waiting for us. I remember standing in my back yard and saying aloud to God, "I know the right dog is out there for us. I give this to you. Please send the right dog to our family." And I'm not kidding you, but right then three coon hounds came running into my yard. It was like the turkey stealing scene from A Christmas Story. I just laughed and said to God, "Not these dogs." The dogs eventually returned to our neighbor behind us and the very next day, a client called me and said she had an 8 week old Yorkshire Terrier that needed a good home. Were we interested? Those first three dogs we had our hearts set on were just the universe's way of saying, "Do you really want this?" I guess it's a good thing too because we really don't want everything we think we do.
Which reminds me of the Rolling Stones song. "You can't always get what you want, but you just might find that you get what you need." There have been a few things I've tried to manifest without success. And that's okay too. Those things weren't part of my plan. Part of being a good manifester is learning to surrender.
But first you have to have vision or you'll be like an actual rolling stone and who knows where you'll roll? A palace? A sewer? Who knows? Proverbs (29:18) says, "Where there is no vision, the people will perish." If you don't have a vision for your life, you will slowly perish.
Of that I am sure. You will perish -- slowly -- without a vision for your life. How many people do you know who just exist without actually living their lives? They go to work, sure, and pay their bills, vote in November too but they have no life to them. Do you know how many people I had to buy for this year and had no clue what to get them because they have nothing in their life -- no interests, passions, or hobbies. Nothing but work and family. No vision for themselves, for their lives. Ugh. It's depressing.
So, take some time this week to create a vision for your life or at least for this year. You'll be glad you did and so will your friends come the next holiday gift buying season!
Here are three things to remember when trying to become a magnet for good things:
1) Be grateful. Turn your "have to's" into "get to's." Instead of saying, "I have to work late today." Try, "Thank God I get to work late today. It means they need me and so my job is safe and secure."
Every morning, before your foot hits the grounds, try to think of three things you're grateful for in your day to come. For example, "I'm grateful I get to have lunch with my friend. I'm thankful I packed the kids' lunches last night. And I am so thankful that I have nothing to do after work today."
2) Be optimistic. Habits take time. Try to break any negative thought programing you have. You know my motto -- fake it til you make it. Really, this glass half full thing really works. Try it for 21 days. That's how long it takes to make anything a habit. Avoid negative people, negative movies, shows and news. Read positive books and magazines and hang out with other positive people. Even if you live with someone who's negative, try taking mental breaks from them. Treat them like a boarder in your home from time to time so that you can have a break from their negativity. Don't argue with them, don't defend your new positive way of thinking. Just let them be and focus on yourself, your positivity, your growth.
3) Love yourself. This is really the most important. We can't manifest a thing until we love ourselves. We can only manifest to the degree with which we think we deserve our good. If you don't think you deserve that much, well, you won't get that much. It's that simple. Like attracts like and love attract love. If you're feeling love and loving and lovable, that is what you will attract to you.
If you don't love yourself -- truly and unconditionally -- you will manifest very little. So if you do nothing else this year, please promise that you will fall in love with you.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Crystal of the Week -- Chiastolite
Chiastolite is great to meditate with if you're arguing with someone because it helps us to see all side of an issue.
It works to strengthen all chakras, especially the root and sacral chakras. As a result, it's a good stone for encourage balance, grounding and creativity.
This is a good stone to give to teenagers because Chiastolite will balance hormonal moods.
It's excellent for psychic defense. Legend says that wearing Chiastolite protects against curses and ill wishing.
Your other crystals will benefit from Chiastolite because it works to energize the stones around it. Carnelian will cleanse the stones around it; whereas, Chiastolite will charge up the surrounding stones.
Chiastolite helps to reduce fear and anxiety. Physically, it will assist issues with blood disorders, blood circulation and blood pressure.
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