Kindness

Wow---It has been years since my last post! I have been feeling inspired to write again and share about kindness. I remember growing up and my Mom saying--"If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all!" Life is all about choices---Why not choose to be kind? Imagine what our world would be like if everyone chose to be kind on a daily basis... Unfortunately, not everyone is kind in this world...That is why we are at war and there is so much violence and hatred among people. I am often amazed at how human beings treat each other and think it is O.K...On Yahoo the other day I saw a news clip that, young teen girls' mis-treated a disabled boy...Really?! That is NOT O.K...in our society??! We have more power in our minds and actions then we give ourselves credit for... Challenge yourselves the next time you want to fight back or say something nasty to someone...Words can never be taken back and they can cut like a knife...It is not always easy when we have been wronged by someone to not say anything or want to seek revenge...STOP...in that moment and think about choosing kindness... I hope my post today has helped make a difference...Breathe...count to ten...walk away...You will feel better inside for choosing kindness... "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."---Dalai Lama

Hope...

It has been a few months since I have written and I feel inspired to write about keeping hope alive in our lives when life truly does not make sense. One of my favorite scriptures is: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 I believe in hope in better days ahead when life is challenging. Sure, challenges will come,(especially during these economic times) however, it is our reaction to these challenges that build character within ourselves. We always have a choice in how we react to someone or something happening in our lives. Sometimes laughter helps relieve tension and stress. Doesn't it feel great when you can laugh until your stomach hurts? Have you ever done that with a friend? Plus, laughing is healthy for you. :) I have faced some of my own challenges within the last few months due to the economy and I rely on hope, prayer, my faith in God and trusting there is a lesson to be learned in each situation. Nothing will waver my faith in God during challenging times. If all of us are doing the very best that we can, choosing to live honorable lives and living in integrity that is all we can do. Take life one day at a time, BE in the moment, and cherish each new day. All of our lives can change in an instant...God Bless.

Forgiveness...

I feel inspired to write about forgiveness today. I know for myself, it is not always easy to forgive others' when they do hurtful things and are unkind. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? It does not mean that, we condone the behavior done to us, but to forgive means to let go of the pain, hurt, resentment, anger (or whatever emotions you are feeling) so we do not stay 'stuck' and connected to that other person or event. It allows freedom in our lives to let go, move on and live from our "Highest Selves." All of us can connect to our Higher-Self in any moment we choose. It is a direct connection to the Divine...

I have had the pleasure and honor to meet an amazing woman in my life (She is also part of my blog list:)) and her name is Immaculee' Illibagiza. She has also written a book: "Left to Tell." She is an 1994 Rwandan Holocaust Survivor and her book is one of the most profound books I have ever read. Her faith in God and her forgiveness of the killers of her family and friends during that horrific time is nothing short of miraculous. Her book brought me to tears because of her faith, devotion to God and enduring unimaginable pain of loss. She continues to share her story and it helps put things into perspective for my own life to be willing to forgive...Choosing not to forgive is self-sabotage and detrimental to our spirit...

Life is too short to 'hold onto' anything that does not serve our highest good. God searches our hearts and He sees all. Choose to be a blessing to yourself, others' and do as Christ would have you do. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Col 3:13.

God Bless each and everyone of you reading this blog post and may you find it in your heart to forgive...

Surrender....

Each new day is truly a gift (I know I have written that before :)) and to the best of my ability, I live in the moment and surrender to what is happening in my life. I truly believe in my heart that, as long as I am doing my best and treat others' the way that I would like to be treated, my life will unfold as it should. How many of us truly surrender? For me, it is a deep knowing that, God is in control and I could not possibly know all the answers about my life. How could I possibly know more than my Creator? Sometimes that question has made me laugh. "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." There is also a chapter from Debbie Ford's book: "The Right Questions" that, always brings me inspiration in times of doubt. It is called: "Am I Choosing from My Divinity or Am I Choosing from My Humanity?" "Divine consciousness and human consciousness co-exist within each of us." It first starts with this awareness that, we have this choice. Sometimes we can be 'prisoners' to our own thoughts! I have been guilty of this many times, but with this new level of awareness, I am more in control of my thoughts than allowing my thoughts to control me. In each moment you have the power within you to shift your thinking! Something else that brings me peace of mind is watching the flow of nature...Allow yourself to connect in a deep way to nature and the natural order of life...Trust, allow and surrender to all that is...

Let us all take a moment of silence in rememberance of Natalee Holloway who disappeared May 30th, 2005 in Aruba. God Bless.

Self-Care...

I have had the honor and pleasure to meet the author of "The Art of Extreme Self-Care" by Cheryl Richardson. Some of you reading my post today may have heard of her or have listened to her speak. She is a lovely woman. Self-Care is so important and there are so many ways to pamper yourself every day. I enjoy taking time to listen to the sounds of nature, pray, meditate and journal among many other things. I believe it is important to take time to reflect without interruptions during your day. Sometimes our days can get so busy, we forget about taking time for ourselves! I also take time to exercise, eat right (the best I can...:)) and honor myself any opportunity I have. God has given us the gift of our bodies to do our best to take care of ourselves. Have you honored yourself lately? Have you given yourself the gift of a massage or done something special for yourself? I am guilty of this as well, but sometimes we can be our own worst enemies! We beat ourselves up, or put ourselves down about this or that, when I believe we should honor and respect all parts of ourselves. If you are making a choice to sabotage yourself in anyway--it is only going to make you feel worse. Instead, make a choice to say something nice to yourself, eat something healthy or do whatever makes you feel happy. It is all up to you! I know for me, there are times I really surprise myself with discipline when I want something bad enough. In Debbie Ford's book: "The Right Questions" there is a chapter called: "Will This Choice Bring Me Long-Term Fulfillment or Will It Bring Me Short-Term Gratification?" This is something to think about when you are making day to day choices. You are the only--YOU--you've got. You are special, unique and you matter! It all starts within...If you love yourself, others' will, too. Live your life to the fullest and choose Self-Care...

"Trust the process..."

For those of you reading my post today--STOP--breathe and know that, all is perfect in this moment. During my coaching training with Debbie Ford and her staff, I would constantly hear this phrase..."trust the process..." As my training went on, it made more and more sense of what that phrase meant. No matter what we are going through, it may not make sense to us in the moment, but trust that, everything we are experiencing is for our highest good. It is not the easiest thing to do, however, it does help to release your fears, let go of the 'attachment' to the outcome and trust...I believe everything happens for a reason and there are Divine lessons to learn in life. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 All of us are spiritual beings having a human experience. Each one of us are unique, children of God who are "powerful beyond measure." We have different gifts and talents to share and make a positive contribution in this world. "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."-Charles Dubois I encourage you to remain open-minded to ALL possibilities in life. Do your best, treat others' with kindness and "trust in the process..."

Dare to Dream...

"Choose a wish, find a dream,
Pick a wishing star;
Let your hopes and spirits soar
High and free and far.
Reach for the unreachable,
Stretch to touch the sky,
Know no dream you treasure
Is too far away or high.
Believe in the impossible,
Then work and try and do-
For only those who dare to dream
Can make a dream come true!"

I believe God puts dreams in our hearts for a reason. I know for me, when I reach out and make someones day, words cannot express the joy I feel inside. One of my greatest passions in life is making a difference for others' in whatever way I can. Starting my blog is an example of reaching out, sharing knowledge and writing from my heart. A best friend of mine encouraged me to do so and I am glad I listened. Thank-you, Jenny! :) Do you have a dream stirring inside you? Do you long to make a difference? How about to help someone in need or help others' dreams come true? I was deeply touched awhile ago by watching the movie the "Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. Can you imagine if there were more families that made a difference for a child in this way? Or people that reach out to others in small, kind gestures can make a world of difference as well. I would encourage you to just BE...go within, be still and connect with your Divine essence...Trust God will guide you to fulfill your dreams whatever they may be. Hold onto the vision of what you would like to see happen and do your best to take action in seeing that vision manifest. I may not know all the "hows" for myself, but I do know it first starts within and connecting to God. You are the only one that knows what is best for you. Live in hope and gratitude. Follow your heart and dare to dream...

To thine own self be true...

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!"-Eckhart Tolle

For those of you reading my post today, please let this quote by Eckhart Tolle resignate within your soul...Realize you matter in this world and it all starts within...I am realizing more and more how happiness is truly a choice. It takes just as much energy to be miserable as it does to be happy. Why not choose to be happy! Sure, I have my down days, but I don't stay in my "pity party" for long...:) I allow myself to feel my emotions and then move on. I try not to dwell on things that, bring me down or are negative. Happiness is an 'inside job' and I have realized that, my relationship with God and my spiritual values are what bring me lasting happiness. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 I have been guilty of this as well, but if you continue to 'search' outside yourself for happiness in material things, you will be continually disappointed. Money, jobs, homes, vacations, etc...are all wonderful, however, my belief is to depend on these things to make you happy is what can cause misery when they do not live up to your expectations. Search within your hearts and souls for your own happiness; realize your potential in your life and focus on your God given gifts and talents. You have the power within you to be your own very best friend and again, to thine own self be true...

Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful women who make a difference for your children. Honor and pamper yourself today, because you are truly worth it. God Bless.

Believe in Miracles...

"Your dream is not too big, your mountain is not too tall, your sickness is not too bad, and your situation is not too difficult." "Miracles really do happen."-Joel Osteen
I see that, each new day is a miracle in itself...I do not take anything for granted, because I know in an instant life can change. Just the fact I am alive, breathing, see the beauty around me, have a loving family, friends, etc...are all miracles! "With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
I would encourage you to not give up! I believe this for myself, too. When faced with challenges, I may not know in the moment what the lesson is, or "why" things are happening as they are, but I do know that, I continue to have faith there is a lesson to be learned and a Divine plan...
Some of you reading this may be feeling discouraged or are struggling to pay your bills, etc., but again...Believe in miracles! BE in the moment, concentrate on your breathing, realize the moment you are in is all that is real. Do your best, and "let go and let God." I am realizing for myself answers to my prayer's may not come exactly when I want them to, however, I keep my faith and hope for better days ahead. I hope these words help you feel secure in knowing you are never alone...

"Faith over Fear"

"When you have come to the edge

Of all the light that you know

And are about to drop off into the darkness

Of the unknown,

Faith is knowing

One of two things will happen:

There will be something solid to stand on or

You will be taught to fly."-Patrick Overton


Debbie Ford has written a book called: "The Right Questions." The title of chapter 12 is: "Is This an Act of Faith or Is It an Act of Fear?" "Every important choice we make is being guided by one of two places: either it is an act of faith or it is an act of fear." Within all of us, there is the power to make wise, conscious choices every day. In my own life, when I am 'in my head too much,' I choose to relax, breathe and trust that, "there is a power, an unseen force, guiding (us) me." I also reach out to family and some of my best friends for support and listen to their positive words of wisdom. All of us face challenges and we never want to feel alone."Fear, on the other hand, keeps us rooted in the past." "Fear shuts us down, while faith opens us up." These are just a few quotes from Debbie's book that, help me choose "faith over fear." I hope these words help you, too, trust you have the Divine support from the Universe.

"Imagine..."

John Lennon's song..."Imagine" has always inspired me. Also, (on a previous post) one of my favorite quotes by Gandhi is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Imagine a world where we are all united as one--not at war, no bullying in schools or elsewhere, no genocides, gangs, sex trafficking, rape, murder, etc...

All of us are only responsible for ourselves. We always have a choice how we choose to react to someone or circumstances in life. For instance, the next time you are angry, there are appropriate ways to deal with your anger and there are not. Why not try breathing and counting to 10 before yelling at someone or saying things you will regret. Or...when appropriate, use a plastic bat on your pillow or mattress. (Debbie Ford suggests this) I have done that before and you may feel silly at first, but it feels really good when you are done. :) Don't 'beat yourself up' for feeling angry or whatever emotion you feel. Allow yourself to feel the way you do and then move on...

All of us are doing the best that we can with where we are on our journey in life. Sometimes it takes looking at something with a different perspective or a new awareness of a situation.

Again, it is my intention to share from my heart and hopefully, my words will help you "shift" your thinking or behavior and raise your level of awareness...

Making a difference...

Wow...it has been awhile since I have written. Actually, my friend Kathy inspired me to visit my blog again and write a new post. Thank-you, Kathy! I have always been inspired by her and it has been great to re-connect on facebook and now be a follower of her blog.

I truly believe there lives a "sleeping giant" within all of us to make a difference in our world. One of my greatest passions in life is making a difference for others' and I am always thinking of new ways to do so. I have realized it can be the simplest gesture of a phone call to brighten someones day, smiling at a stranger, small acts of kindness, cooking a meal for a sick friend or praying for others' in need. Sometimes I feel so helpless when there has been so much destruction in our world today. In those moments when I feel like I am not doing enough, I breathe, relax and pray...

I believe each of us can continue to do our part to make a difference in someones life. To the best of my ability, I try not to judge others,' because we never know what kind of battle they are facing in their life...

Mother Earth is definitely getting our attention with the recent earthquakes on our planet. It is a wake-up call to be united as a collective consciousness and do our part to "be the change we wish to see in the world." Gandhi.

Let's stand united and choose acts of kindness...

Living in the moment...
Each new day is truly a gift. How often do we pay attention to the moment? Are we worried, fearing the future or are we appreciating the moment we are in? When I find myself anxious or thinking of the "what if's" I breathe and remind myself only-NOW-is what is real...

We truly are the master of our minds, the thoughts we choose to think and the joy we can feel in the moment. I take time everyday to pray and be grateful for all of my many blessings. Sure-life is not all I want it to be right now, but I am still grateful for what I do have....

Life can truly change in an instant. I hope these words have helped somehow to make your day a little brighter for whatever challenges you may be facing. "Keep Believin'' and trust all is perfect in the moment....

A new day....

I feel inspired to write from my heart and hopefully, something I write will help inspire you to honor yourself and to be your best friend. Life is truly an adventure and journey. Yes, there are challenges, however, attitude is everything. From moment to moment, all of us have the power of choice. How do your view these challenges? Do we give up? Be the victim? Play small? Or do we believe in better days and put one foot in front of the other trusting everything will work out for our highest good. It is always our choice.....

I had been very fortunate a couple of years' ago to meet the New York Times Bestselling Author-Debbie Ford. I completed her Coaching Program at JFK University in 2007. The knowledge and awareness I received during that time was priceless and has truly changed my life. There is nothing more valuable than looking in the mirror and truly liking who you see. This includes all parts of myself-my darkness as well as my light.

"Our Deepest Fear"
~Marianne Williamson as quoted by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural Speech~
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves..."Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."