We become so attached to a feeling, a person or some event in our lives that we do not see any other new opportunities or pathways to progress to the next level. Some people love their pain, whether it be physical or emotional so much so, that they are afraid to let it go because then they will not know what to do to get the attention from others that they crave.

A strong ego or continual excuses often begets complacency, which stops our movement and/or progress. Negativity leads to undesirable consequences. Don’t let your arrogance and depressing attitude set you up for lack-that is, lack of joy, happiness or inner peace. Each one of us has the power to choose our destiny, our experiences. If you are stuck in a repetitive lifestyle and you seem to be going backward or in circles, then heed this: Open your eyes and open your mind. Raise your awareness through meditation, time in nature or prayer so that you can begin to see the potentiality that exists around you. Know that pride or arrogance can be an awesome feeling, but it takes a humbling experience to truly see the possibilities that surround you.

ShareThis

I believe we are in a crisis in the world today and many people feel caught up in worry, fear and anxiety so they act out foolishly to numb their discomfort. There are more people drinking too much today, taking drugs and smoking pot than ever before in our history. There are a lot of mixed signals through the media and the entertainment world that filters into our everyday lives. Many of us have lost our ability to make sound judgment and don’t know how to differentiate between what is real and what is fantasy.

Because of all of these factors, families, children and even people in the workplace are having a hard time functioning at their optimum. Instead they are lashing out in anger, resentment and violence and feeling justified for their behavior.

Self-expression and our ability to ask questions in a healthy manner is using our higher intelligence correctly; however, knowingly harming or injuring others because of our poor behavior or attitude is destructive and wrong. If we want to live in balance and harmony within ourselves and with others, we must cultivate an open willingness to listen to the other side of the story and be tolerant of others. This is the natural progression of how life is supposed to flow. Just like the ocean waves. They all flow in harmony but each wave expresses itself in a different way. When the wave has completed its creative expression, it simply flows back to the whole. There is no violent eruption or disruptive change in there patterns. This self-expression is a natural and normal way of growing and learning. All of us need to broaden our thinking and transform it so we can realize a more pure sense of being as we filter out for ourselves a sense of meaning in our lives. Without a sense of meaning and purpose, we become ill and disjointed both individually and collectively as a world.

I believe it is time for each one of us to do a reality check. To slow down, quiet the mind and seek the guidance from within. None of us are ideally capable of helping others until we deal with our own hurts, pains and dysfunctional behavior.

This is the time to open our hearts and souls to accept and acknowledge the truth that we have the power within to achieve a life full of great joy and peaceful co-existence. It is possible when we choose to move into a consciousness that God has gifted us with, an opening to our true self and purpose.

Knowing that we cannot force another to do something they do not want to do or respond to, we certainly can lead and teach by example. Take responsibility for your actions and behavior and continue walking with love in your heart. That is a wonderful way to ignite change in the world.

ShareThis

Sometimes all we need to do to get our thoughts on target is to look at the beauty of nature and the simple joys that surround us daily. There is magic in a sunrise and a sunset. There is magic in the twinkle of someone’s eye, in the giggle of a baby and in the softness of a pet who is coming to snuggle with you. How do you see life? Are you able to smell the fragrance of a beautiful flower and hear the chirp of the birds that fly in the air? All this can bring a smile to your face and help you to slow your mind down so you can simply enjoy the moment. A moment that allows you to breathe in slowly, enjoy a deep sigh or even possibly close your eyes for a minute to just smile and be with yourself.

Just turn on the news reports around the world and you will be getting your fill of the dark side of life, the emotional seesaw that captures out attention. The news makes up a large part of our lives. It feeds our minds, heart and soul with information that can either fulfill us or drag us down. We all see and experience those dark emotional scenes that fill our culture and environment on an increasing and alarming pace. We, as a Human species, are prone to imitate what we see and hear on a regular basis. If you doubt what I am saying, just look around you because no matter where you turn, violent acts and negative behavior is becoming more of an epidemic in the world. Add all of that to your own personal emotional struggles and you start to experience a breakdown in your own personal psyche.

If we want to experience a happier and healthy lifestyle for ourselves and the world we live in, we need to wake up and shift our focus and our attention from those experiences that breed conflict and darkness and start building up your courage and strength so you are better prepared to face your core issue(s)-the root of your sadness, unhappiness and discontent. It takes effort and a conscious and open heart to welcome the beauty and magic that surrounds us daily.

When we are out of balance and harmony, we open the channels where negative and dark cells come alive and start to take over our lives. Those dark cells can show up as cancer, heart disease or many other variables. If, we individually want to live a life more fully, we need to make room and space within our core where health and healing energy can thrive, be nurtured and live to its fullest. I encourage you to take a look at the direction you have chosen to follow for your life. The power lies within you to bring forth the change, the healing energy and the shift that is needed if you want to experience a more whole and perfect existence. Our website and facebook fan page offer daily inspirational messages that can help uplift you and your outlook. If you and all of us sincerely want to experience a strong sense of inner peace and joy in this lifetime, each one of us need to work at it. True consciousness doesn’t just happen-it needs to be feed, cultivated and worked at daily. Then and only then can you sincerely look at your life and see the magic that is right in front of you.

ShareThis

I believe we are always in the state of becoming. We go in one direction, follow a path which ultimately will lead to another pathway and door. We are constantly opening and closing doors and that is the way it should be.

During my lifetime, there have been some roads that I’ve traveled that weren’t easy or comfortable yet in the end I realized that they were needed for me to travel so that I could get to a better place, a better experience that was waiting to be revealed to me. I have discovered that if I want to enjoy inner peace and contentment, I needed to let go of those experiences or obstacles that were holding me back so that I would be able to grow and soar.

If you are a seeker of greater joy and happiness then you, too, must be open and willing to release the past, forgive all those who have done you wrong and forgive yourself, too, for the emotional baggage that has weighed you down and slowed down your progress. Too many people love holding on to their old ways because they are comfortable, familiar and feel safe yet once you become vulnerable and open to new possibilities, you soon realize and discover that all that old stuff was only wearing you down, making you sick and unhappy and most of all stopping you from realizing your best life yet. I often wonder why we fight so hard to hold onto the old when the freedom of realizing the new is liberating and fulfilling.

I encourage you to make time for yourself to reflect on your process of life and begin to examine the direction that it is taking. Are you on the right path or are you fighting change, the process and the journey that has been designed for your highest and best good and in the highest and best way? I have said often: “We all make choices daily-some are positive and healthy and others cause us to suffer. I encourage you to choose wisely!

ShareThis

God has never let me down, and in fact, He has always taken care of my needs. I may not have all the wants that I am seeking but I do believe in the right time, I will experience my greatest joy. If you are a believer and a seeker for all that your heart desires, it would behoove you to release the problem, the situation to God and know without a doubt that there is a better way and that GOD knows what He is doing. Even if you don’t see a way, God has a way and He can give you a miracle, because He is not limited by the facts that we humans see or experience daily. Continue to say: “Nothing is impossible with God.”

If you are fighting a sickness or addiction or anger and hatred over your life situations, maybe even resentment that you haven’t found your significant other yet, I encourage you to move away from the logic and facts that are dictating your life and believe that one favor from GOD can change everything. DARE TO BELIEVE! You can be victorious and free from your doubt and fear but yes, it takes faith-trust and belief that God can change anything.

Stop focusing on the facts that are staring you in the face and start believing that God can and will make it happen if you truly believe in his Power, His clues and His messages. I know that often in the natural world, things look bleak and impossible but if you believe in the supernatural God and know that His power is greater than any force in the material worldyou will get His attention and His favor. Your job is to shake off the doubt, the limiting beliefs and know that God is in control. Your mission is to consciously focus your thoughts on having strong faith, trust and belief mixed with a strong sense of hope that God has a brilliant plan just for you. When you walk in that knowingness, you will win and you will receive God’s best for your life.

ShareThis

Our character is truly defined by the most difficult challenges that we face. It is that moment in time when we have to stay strong, no matter what and think with clarity of purpose on how we are going to move forward and resolve the issue we are faced with. It is also the knowing that if we stay strong, the challenges will move away and we will have an improved outcome. Hope is powerful. It is vital for your survival to have HOPE that tomorrow will be better and that you will find the necessary answer.

The test of our character can only be strengthened with the support of our Creator who is actually giving us loving support and guidance. I believe that I am always presented with clues to help me move in the right direction, but it is my task to figure out the clues and solve the puzzle placed in front of me. The path to courage and strength can be difficult mostly because we are faced with the unknown. If we knew the end result, we would be more receptive to walking through the tunnel of darkness. Unfortunately, that is not our privilege. Yet I can say from experience that God has never deserted me and although it may take me to the last hour to see the right answer, I get it every time. I have also discovered that if the pieces are not falling into place, then I am in the wrong place. That is the time I need to re-think my plans and move in another direction.

Our future is truly dependent upon our ability to develop our character and keep our minds open to all possibilities. The experiences that we face open us up to ways that we never thought I possible yet as I look back over my life, I can say that I wanted to have all of the experience that I was faced with. It has made my life an adventure to behold. Why you might ask? Because I have grown far more than I thought I was capable.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

ShareThis

It would be a good idea to study the life of an athlete. They are some of the most disciplined people in the world-why, you may ask because they envision their end goal and then create a plan, a platform from which they go forward into high gear. There are a number of factors that all those who succeed have in common:

1. Their strong Desire doesn’t shrink. Instead, it becomes stronger as they progress in their endeavor. Possibly because they have a supportive team standing behind them giving help, encouragement and help. Do you need to seek out a support team to help you?
2. Their Belief system is also strong and unwavering. They believe in their talents and gifts. They refuse to take NO as an answer to any challenge but rather continue to stretch themselves every day. They choose to move through the pain to reach the other side. Are you willing to walk through the dark valley to reach the other side?
3. Their Passion is fierce. Their eye is on the ball and their discipline and persistence doesn’t shrink. It continues to grow and grow…and this is what fuels their energy. It is an unending spiral that they refuse to leave because they do not want to miss a beat. Where does your power and strength lie? Do you believe in your self and your talents sufficiently to reach your glory?
4. Positive mind, body and spirit are the character traits that enables them to understand that they have limitless abilities and with the grace and support of their team whether they be natural or supernatural, they are destined to succeed. We all have a supernatural Divine Team that is ready, willing and able to help us on our Journey. It is our job to ask for their help and guidance and then we need to heed their suggestions and advice.

Negative thoughts only have one goal-to help you fail. When you move into that realm of negativity, you open the door to pessimism, feelings of insecurity and the belief that you are limited by some condition, situation or circumstance. I have said often and I will repeat myself- we all make choices and fortunately or otherwise, we will have to live by our choices. If you have a wish or a dream that continues to recur, that is no accident. That is God, your Creator’s way of letting you know that you can experience the success that you want if you are willing to do the work and move through your personal valley of darkness so that you can reach your light and destiny.

If it is important, I know you will find a way, if it isn’t, then you will find an excuse. I hope you choose for your personal glory. I know it is going to be wonderful.

ShareThis

In order for our internal light to shine brightly during the Holidays, we all need to allow our mind as well as our hearts to receive the perfect antidote to stress, which I might add, will also help in keeping you healthy throughout the year. The answer is:setting some time for relaxation daily!

Make time in your life for relaxation even if it is only for a half hour every evening. When we relax, our body and mind has the opportunity to slow down, unwind and feel the peace within. Our muscles and joints become less tense and our energy field takes a breather as our blood pressure calms down, our heart rate slows down and tension is released.

I have found that when I make time for me at the end of a long day, I give my body a chance to feel less anxious and less tense. My nerve endings relax and I am better able to have a more peaceful sleep as, I might add, I also give my immune system a change to catch up and replenish.

Our light cannot shine brightly when we are stressed or vibrating in a negative mode, that is, when we tend to feel overly pressured and consequently less effective.

The art of relaxation is like the art of self-realization where you can develop your conscious mind to focus and enrich your body so that you have time to breathe and commune with your inner voice, your soul.

Here are some ways that might help you get started on a journey towards inner healing:

• Snuggle up on the couch in the evening and simply be still as you enjoy a quiet moment.
• Cook yourself a healthy meal at home and listen to soft music.
• Listen to your body and its messages. You will definitely avoid unwanted disease.
• Get a massage – it definitely releases toxins from the body and makes you feel relaxed too.
• Smile and laugh with your children, partner or pet-you will reap the benefits
• Take a Yoga class – it is definitely calming
• Meditation – We have a FREE Sunlight meditation on our website in the READ LISTEN & LEARN section. Download this 9-minute MP3 and experience a wonderful healing meditation.

I encourage you to add relaxation to your daily routine. Research has shown the benefits of relaxation on a daily basis. It can and will contribute to a healthier and happy lifestyle.

ShareThis

It is easy to get discouraged with life when we are pushed into a dark place of despair and fear. God doesn’t send the difficulties but He allows them so that we can grow our spirit and develop the depths of our soul because in truth that is our true purpose-to grow and move out of our comfort zone. God doesn’t cause the pain but He definitely allows pain to appear because He knows that in our dark places we will get stronger -braver and more in tune with the wonders that God wants us to know.

This may be the time when your faith is stretched and challenged but know that this is also the time when you must develop your spiritual muscles and show God and yourself that you are a winner and will not give up. When I have been challenged in my life, the pain was intense-fear set in and doubt and worry were always present. I soon was shown that this was the time that my soul developed a strength that I would never have understood if I was not brought to this place. God is growing our character-our sense of value and worth to see if we are worthy and up for the task. It is during these times that we are shown who we are and what we CAN become.

God’s message is: We must go through the valley in order to get to the other side-the side where our joys and greatest moments will be revealed. It may not seem fair or just but when you are brought to the other side of the dark valley, you will walk into the brightness of your celebration. God is leading you to your glory but you must first walk through the darkness of the valley if you want to reach your destiny. Believe that on the other side of the valley is the feast prepared for you. The dream you have been dreaming about for a long time is about to be revealed. When you are confronted with your dark places-Trust God-#Believe in His Power and Get Excited because you are being prepared for your greatness. This experience is simply a prerequisite for your extraordinary journey.

We all have questions-we may lack understanding and reasoning but don’t get caught up in the logical reasoning. Instead, continue to honor God, trust in His way and believe that God has a purpose; that the perfect reason of why you were brought to this dark place will eventually make sense.

People do not determine your destiny-God does! Stay in God’s favor-praise and give ‘Thanks’ to God for all that you have. Oh, yes, there will be times when we feel broken, disappointed and move into the darkness ➞but PLEASE ➞ don’t get discouraged or bitter. Stay in faith and do not settle in the valley. Don’t give up and linger in the valley-continue to move through it-push through the darkness and keep going. Soon you will see a small flicker of light and as you keep walking, you will begin to see that small sliver expand into more and more light and finally you will get through and see the beauty that is waiting for you on the other side. No one likes to be buried in the dark places-that is why, you should not linger there. Your potential can only be experienced as you continue to keep walking.

Read this Psalms 23-4-The Lord is my Shepherd:

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows…”

I believe that the journey is well worth the passage way through the Valley of the darkness. For me, I know I must keep walking!

ShareThis

How important are you? Well, that is truly in the eye of the beholder; but I want to tell you today that who you are makes a difference. In the endless paradox of society, each of us holds a valuable place on the grand stage of life. While some of us are called to duty to be mothers, fathers, leaders, engineers, teachers, and service workers, (among others) we are all a critical part of the Universal flow of energy. What we do today, affects others tomorrow. That’s why it is so important to develop positive patterns in life. When we support, encourage and recognize others, remarkable things happen to us. We learn that by showing appreciation, we are appreciated. We learn that by servicing others, service is reciprocated to us. By showing affection, we gain more love. You see, the power of the importance of you is what keeps the flow of Universal energygoing. One good turn deserves another…and that’s what makes the world a much more special place in which to live.

If you think you are not valued, you are certainly wrong. The mere fact that you have taken the time to read this article makes you an important person to me. This means that you are ready to receive recognition and are ready to accept blessings that are waiting for you at this very moment. When you have a positive attitude of gratitude, you areready to become a vital part of the Universal flow of energy. It also means that you are ready to transform your life into a healthier, happier, and more prosperous one.

How, do you ask? Begin making a conscious effort to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. Here are some simple pointers:

• Thank individuals and acknowledge others more frequently;
• Promote and carry out random acts of kindness;
• Offer assistance whenever you can;
• Express sincere interest in others.

Remember what I said earlier? One good turn deserves another. The more you offer your unconditional love, appreciation, and service to others — the more you receive in return. That’s the critical element to keeping the positive Universal flow of energy going. Additionally, you learn that being important to others is much greater and nobler than being important to yourself.

ShareThis