Spirit


Yesterday was my sister’s birthday. She would have been 24 yesterday.  It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 9 years since she transitioned.  Sometimes I catch myself thinking of what she would be like, how she’d wear her hair now, what we would be doing together, what we’d talk about, who she’d be dating…  Sometimes I fantasize about us shopping together, laughing, being goofy, ganging up on our little brother…just being sisters.  I have to admit, there are times when I feel cheated, and I become angry.  There are times when I feel like a victim and become really sad.  It’s not that often, but that day came the day before her birthday.  It was really hard to deal with and I pretty much kept to myself the whole day and shut down.

After reaching out for support, I felt a bit better and decided to spend her birthday in celebration of her life.  I decided to focus on the good memories and I was reminded that she is always with me.  It’s a tradition for me to go to Olive Garden her birthday, because that was her favorite restaurant.  On my way there, it was raining slightly and all of a sudden the sun came out.  And, next thing I knew the biggest, clearest, most beautiful rainbow I have EVER seen in my life appeared!  I was in total awe and amazement.  I instantly knew it was a sign from her.

I knew instantly that I am never separated from her.  She is always with me.  And, no matter what is going on in my life, the sun is always going to shine in the morning.  I was comforted knowing that it’s okay to feel sad, to grieve, and to sometimes feel angry.  I just have to be patient with myself and trust that it will pass.  And, it did.  Seeing that rainbow was a reminder that I am never forsaken.  Comfort, peace, joy, and love are available to me at ALL times.  There is no separation.  Separation is simply an illusion.

Today I’m headed to the airport, with tons of traffic, and I’m playing it real close. Not to mention, I’m also going to have to self-park, check-in, then head to my gate. It’s Friday, rush hour in Atlanta…yeah, good luck, right?

I get to the airport with a half hour till departure time. I’m still optimistic until I turn into the wrong parking lot in the wrong terminal. Oh God, please help me! A little bit of me begins to panic. Not only do I have to walk through this large parking lot to the terminal, I’ve also got to then walk to the correct terminal (if you’ve ever flown through ATL International Airport, you know this is quite the feat).

Twenty minutes left and I’ve made it to the correct terminal to find that the ticketing station for my airline is all the way at the end of the terminal! I’m still walking as fast as I can while a small voice inside says that I’m definitely gonna miss my flight. I ignore it…and keep walking. I finally get to the self check-in with fifteen minutes left to find that my flight’s been DELAYED!! YES!! Not only will I be able to make my flight, but I’ll also be able to get something to eat!

I was sooo happy and I stopped to think…what if I had given up? How many times are we almost there, but things look bleak, so we throw in the towel? And, I’m not just talking about catching a flight.  How many times do we get discouraged when something in our lives isn’t working out the way we want it to, and so we just quit? I’ve learned that when it’s something I want to really give it my all. If I’ve given it my all, and it still doesn’t work out, I have no regrets…:)

I still drive my very first car…it’s an ’01 Honda Civic…I love her.  I’ve never had any serious problems from her, she’s always been very dependable.  Except there was a period of time when my battery would become completely drained without any known explanation.  After this happened a few times, I took it into the shop.  I explained that I didn’t have anything plugged in, never left the lights on, and didn’t understand what was causing this.  They said they’d run a test and let me know.

The mechanic called me later to say that the tests showed that there was something in my car that was constantly pulling energy from the battery, even when the car wasn’t on.  They looked through the car to find the culprit and later found that it was my car alarm draining the car.

You see, when I first got the car, my parents took it to the neighborhood mechanic to hook up an alarm system in my car that was cheaper than the manufacturer’s alarm.  Yeah…it was bootleg..don’t judge me…lol.  This alarm was installed incorrectly and was causing a major energy drain without me even knowing it.

And, I thought to myself…how often does this happen in our lives?  How often do we subconsciously hold onto people, old situations, old stories, old beliefs, old relationships that are literally sucking the life out of us, and we don’t even know it?  How often do we keep people in our lives that no longer feed us, and instead leave us feeling depleted?  How often do we stay at jobs that no longer challenge, inspire, or fulfill us?  How often do we avoid stepping outside the box, only to stay cramped and stunted doing the same ole, same ole day in and day out.

I’m learning to recognize the energy drains in my life.  I’m learning when it’s time to let go and move on.  Sometimes it has nothing to do with ‘the people’ or ‘that job’.  Sometimes, it’s simply the mind set, or belief attached to them that is causing the energy drain.

What’s causing the energy drain in your life?  Are you ready to let go and move on?  Are you ready to stand in your power and go for what you really want?

All this year, I’ve been on a quest to really figure out what I want to do with my life.  I always had an idea, but I hadn’t really been able to pinpoint how to incorporate it into my career.  You see, I’m a person with many, many interests and talents…and it’s hard to just focus on each one, one at a time.  Perhaps I secretly believe I’m superwoman, because I somehow want to do it all.  Everything I’m setting out to do is extremely positive.  I love helping other people, I really, really do.  And, I love learning…I’m a true geek, seriously.  I know I haven’t totally shared with everyone what all these things are I’m getting ready to embark on…but, it’s awesome, trust me…;-)
 
But, I realized that as soon as I figured out what I wanted to do, and actually started making steps towards accomplishing my goal….haters have been coming out of the woodwork!!  And, it’s been really hard to deal with…to the point where I was really considering throwing in the towel and forgetting it all together.  I’ve had people forming and spreading ridiculous rumors about me, and I’ve had self-righteous, overly opinionated religious people relentlessly giving me their unsolicited opinions about me and my goals.  All of these attacks have been totally unfounded.  None of the people know me, nor do they know my personal relationship with God.
 
Long story short, I’m writing this post to encourage all of you out there that are trying to work toward your dreams.  DON’T GIVE UP!!  Sometimes, right when you’re about to come upon something great…you’re tested.  Your tested to see if you REALLY believe that your steps are ordered.  Do you really believe that God is guiding you?  Do you really believe that what’s been placed in your heart is real?  Or will you succumb to the naysayers…will you succumb to those that will judge you unfairly…will you succumb to those that don’t believe in you.  You’re being tested…will you believe in YOU, or will you believe in THEM?  
 
It’s hard…really, because I wanted to doubt everything.  But, I quickly turned to those who support me…my team of ME.  I love God, I love my friends and I love my family.  They helped to remind me of who I am, and helped me to recenter myself.  I’m back, and I’m stronger than ever.  So, don’t give up…lean on your support system, and you’ll make it through whatever test comes your way. 
 
And for all those that have experienced this…please leave some advice in the comment section!  How do you deal with the negatively while walking down the road less traveled???

Every morning I read my daily inspirations delivered to my inbox…and this one in particular really touched me.  I’m inspired to bring more joy into the intricate parts of my day.  I hope you’re inspired to do the same…enjoy…

Morning Messages
by Peggy Black

Joy is the elixir for all things. Bring more joy into your tasks. When you radiate a vibration of joy, however mild, there is a shift in response within your body that is reflected in the response of your reality.

It can be an easy as a smile on your face as you do one of your many tasks. This will create a different message to your body and you will shift the usual stress responses to your work and busyness into a more conscious relaxed state of mind/heart.
Become aware of the stages or subtle frequencies of the emotional vibration you label joy. There is ecstasy, rapture, bliss, jubilation, delight, happiness, cheer, gladness, and pleasure. Practice the different frequencies of joy.

Be delighted. Celebrate the small wonders all around you. Rejoice with your breath. Smile for no reason, just smile into the moment. Allow new face muscles to be discovered as you smile into your concerns and worries.

Find cause to laugh, giggle, or radiate cheerfulness, practice being light-hearted, carefree, and elated about the miracles in your life or the miracles of the moment. Be happy, be bright, rejoice and enjoy. Be in Joy.

The skill of maintaining an attitude and frequency of joy is a most important skill. Imagine that you have a joy muscle and you have not exercised it enough. You need to stretch it, expand it and fully express it. Allow joy in any form to proceed you.

Smile as you answer the phone, make a meal, and pay your bills. Smile into the mirror each time you look at your image, smile at your reflection. Smile as you are falling asleep at night. Practice smiling even while you are thinking.

Place your awareness in your heart when you smile. This is a powerful alchemical practice. The simple act of smiling from your heart will attract more joy, bliss, and happiness into your life.

The physical tasks will flow easier, your body will respond by being relaxed with less stress. The worries will evaporate; the tasks will be completed with ease and grace. Joy will clear the way for incredible miracles and expansion. This is a wonderful skill to practice and use that will enhance everything in your life.

The energy field that radiates from joy will transform any experience, activity, outcome or results. Your joy will be like a healing balm to yourself and others in your life. Practice your joy in all is wondrous forms.

www.morningmessages.com

image from frankfarm

image from frankfarm

Like every other day this week, my alarm has gone off at exactly 6am. My goal is to wake with the sun, lol…and do my yoga and meditation and my morning routine before work. And, like every other day this week…I’ve hit snooze and rolled over. Yes, I still do my yoga and morning routine, but it’s rushed…sigh. I get up and I say, everyday, “I’m just not a morning person.” Aha!! I’m reinforcing the negative belief that I just can’t possibly wake up early and feel good about it!

 

If we could see our words in the physical, our speech would be drastically different. Haphazard speaking, habitual sayings, and the like…would all cease. I look at the problems we have with the environment as a reflection of our problems with our thoughts, our speech, and our actions. The environmental problems are our words manifested. If our negative words were actual trash…we’d find that some of us are have a lot of “trash” all over our homes, in our cars, at work, in our purses, briefcases, etc. And, we wonder why things aren’t improving in our lives! Well, how can any positivity possibly get in when there’s all this negative “clutter” that needs to be cleared out???

We need to start “recycling” our speech. Transmuting it into positive energy…clean, crisp, fresh air we can breathe in deeply to nourish us. This positivity has the power to literally transform our lives! So, I will start with my morning banter that always gets me in the same place every time. I’ll update later with my progress. In the meantime…why don’t you give it a try?

What are you speaking that is holding you back???

“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.”

—-from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.

In the infinity of life where I am,
all is perfect, whole, and complete.My life is ever new.
Each moment of my life is new and fresh and vital.
I use my affirmative thinking to create exactly what I want.
This is a new day. I am a new me.
I think differently. I speak differently. I act differently.
Others treat me differently.
My new world is a reflection of my new thinking.
It is a joy and a delight to plant new seeds,
for I know these seeds will become my new experiences.
All is well in my world.

-Louise Hay

 

 

Thanks Evelyn for this quote!  :)

When we find ourselves holding negative thoughts and energy, many times our first reaction is to try and ignore it. We try to send those feelings to the back of our minds and focus on something else. I know for me personally, I do this because I start to worry that if I continue thinking those thoughts…not only will I drive myself crazy, but by the law of attraction I’ll create something I don’t want. The only problem with this is that if you continue to ignore your thoughts, you’re only burying them…they don’t just go away. Consequently, you may find that one day you’ll just blow up at someone for seemingly no reason at all. You can even make yourself sick, literally.

So, how do we give attention to these thoughts without driving ourselves crazy and in turn creating something we don’t want? How do we take note of the thoughts without overwhelming ourselves and becoming depressed and non-productive? I’ve found that three things help me:

1. Acknowledge the thought…accept yourself lovingly, then replace it with a positive intention. For example,

Even though I feel like I will never find a job (acknowledging the thought),

I love myself (having compassion for yourself, unconditionally loving yourself, placing no judgements)

and I intend to have a peaceful day (positive intention).

I know that my perfect job is waiting for me right now (additional positve affirmation).”

For those of you that are familiar with EFT (emotional freedom techniques), this is a great time to practice this while you acknowledge your thoughts and state your positive intentions. Taking a nice 10 minute break from your day to peacefully acknowledge your thoughts, while taking nice, deep cleansing breaths, can really make a difference in how you feel.

2. Do something creative. When I have a lot of stirred up energy and I don’t know what to do with it…I find that channeling it into something creative really helps. This is the perfect time for me to write. Not only am I letting out my energy, but it’s producing something that’s positive and will bring joy to someone else (if I so choose to share it). What is it that you like to create? Believe it or not, we are ALL creative beings. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect, just something you enjoy. If something in your life is really bothering you…this could be a good time to take an art class, learn how to make pottery, dust off the notebook and get back into poetry, visit your local arts and crafts store for ideas, or simply redecorate a room.

3. Exercise. My exercise of choice is yoga. But, whatever gets your blood pumping and helps you break a good sweat is perfect. When you engage in a physical activity, you’re literally purging yourself of a lot of negative energy. Plus, you’re releasing many feel good endorphins. It’s a great win-win situation.

Having negative thoughts is something that we all deal with. But, from time to time, we have our moments where they become overwhelming and immobilizing. These are three tips that I’ve found to work very well in my life. Give them a try and see how they work for you…:)

Spring  Image by OakleyOriginals

 

"Spring, the very word conjures up images of rebirth, rapidly lengthening days, emerging blossoms and greenery, and the smell of freshness. In the spring season of the human life cycle, we undertake new beginnings, a time when we change the I will statements of our winter planning to I am action statements. We may begin a new job, career, pastime, or relationship. We may start a new lifestyle or alter the old one. Spring is a time for overcoming the inertia of winter rest and springing into action, to sow the seeds of our winter planning which, with careful husbandry, will provide a rewarding harvest come autumn."

-Keith C. Heidorn
Living Gently Quarterly

Next Page »