It's Your Choice

We made the choices that led us to the situation we are in and no one else can take the credit or blame. If we allow another person to make the choices for us, we still made the choice to let someone do it for us. In the moment we take responsibility for our actions (and non-action) and understand that ultimately we can alter any circumstance something deep within changes. A change in Self-perception. It's not just Self-confidence, -empowerment, -appreciation, -value, -love evolving, but the entire perception of Self.

Life is about experiencing emotions – feeling and expressing. Love, hate, joy, sadness, excitement, anger, birth, death and, with a swing of the pendulum, the list continues down the path.

Ask, “What am I learning?” instead of “Why me?” By rewording the question with the intention set for a better understanding, we declare, “There is power in my words, beliefs and thoughts.”

"Live your "I Am" moment wisely." -John of Peniel

Letting go of the sense of inferiority, the false internal persuasion of insignificance and the many other deteriorating emotions towards not just our Self but towards other people, too, we change our perception of Life. It may take years, it make take only a blink of an eye – we can make the choice to allow the beautiful person we truly are to come forth instead of hiding from the Self-created fear.

A Thread to the Rescue

It fascinates me to how, where, when we find motivation to do something that a few minutes ago seemed painfully dreaded. It's not been a secret that I've been blocked - down right stopped - from completing the novel that I've been working on for over 5 years. Actually, we are close to the five and a half mark.

Friends who care about my mental stability are now emailing me links and forwarding encouraging words to help light a fire under my fingertips in hopes they will dance on the keyboard again. "Breathe, damn you, breathe!" I beg the ten lifeless appendages.

By chance, pure luck (or maybe I manifested it), I came across a blog post - http://marjoriemliu.com/blog/you-will-be-rescued/ - that made me say to myself, "There is a thread dangling. Yes. Yes, a heartbeat." Realistically I don't expect to finish the novel in a month (oh, wouldn't that be nice!), but just enough inspiration to lift the lid on my laptop and find the lonely file that I've avoided for so long.

"Often, though, you just have to wait for a quiet moment when some odd sensation slips back into you — a little thread, a tiny beat, the edge of something that you can hold on to." -Marjorie M. Liu

A week ago in a conversation with a good friend, about the power of our words, he was quick to remind me of how I talk of my novel. Blocked. Blocked. Wordless heap of nothingness. He said, "Stop talking about it. Stop thinking about it. Every time you say anything about the novel it's always about how you have nothing to write. Simply walk way from it and let it grow on it's own." His words made me realized that I was smothering the story like a mother-in-law inspecting their grown child's house - searching out every flaw until her presence was known that she didn't approve of his spouse's housework. Oh my...

For the past week, I have not thought about, shared any details, or even looked at the laptop begging for forgiveness. I simply stepped away as suggested...until twenty minutes ago. I may have found the thread I was looking for and it was here all this time.

"Leap and the net will appear." -Julia Cameron

Words Combined with Action

There is power in your words.

There is power in your actions.

Combined with perception, we set forth the intention (knowingly and unknowingly) casting Love and harm onto All.

Our internal strength is a mighty force that influences not just one person, but All.

It is our freewill to utilize words and actions to bring forth our experience... and interpret another's intentions.

~Pearl of Wisdom written by Cindy Kochis

Creating Synchronicity

As I sat and listened to a farmer explain how he received the items he needed to build several greenhouses, I was in awe. He simply stated, “Lord, I need ___ so I can ___” and usually within a few weeks the items came to him through various means. For example, a man at an auction thought, “Ya know, I think so-and-so could use these.” He raised his hand and bid $5 on the item to purchase for his friend. After arriving at his friend's farm, he is welcomed with, “Ya know, I was just wondering where I was going to acquire ____.”

Intuition and manifestations intertwine our journey and we create by intention and vision. It's when we notice the synchronicities life appears to be more magical. Our thoughts, our words, are very powerful. Be careful what you wish for, is more than a silly cliche.

“Observe the synchronistic events unfolding around you and marvel in the knowledge that you are consciously creating you life experience.” -Lee Simmons

What manifestations have you noticed lately? Create a list of situations you're aware of and watch how life has changed in (un)expected directions. Our journeys were never meant to be stagnate. Like a river current, our desires and dreams move us to new experiences. It's when we stop the flow, or attempt to manipulate it, we form blocks. The resistance can only build up for so long, until the pressure becomes too much and the flow pushes open the release valve.

Curious to see what you can create? Sit and listen to your heart. If you wish, simply state, “I would like ___ so I can ____” with as many details you can think of and envision possessing it. Be patient. Allow it to come freely without demands or deadlines. Watch for the magic of synchronicity.

Words Versus Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

In August of 2009, this blog started off as a public means for me to track the novel I've been writing. The idea was that if I told you about my progress, I would quit loosing ambition to follow through. I'm afraid to open the computer file and see when the last time I added to the content of the story, but I'm sure it's somewhere around a year. There's a printed rough draft that lays dormant on my desktop having a love affair with the wood-grain Formica. For some reason, I get the feeling the romance is over and I need to do something with the novel. And soon.

‎"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." —Tom Clancy

As my attention shifted, the words filling the text box evolved into observations; you know, things in life I was witnessing. Tossing in my two cents, I began writing from the heart on ways to empower, encourage and remind readers of the importance of Self-love. Isn't that was life is about – falling in love with Self. The blog took me on a journey that led me to self-publishing Get A Compass Not A Clock full quotes and pearls of wisdom I'd mainly wrote here.

‎"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within." -Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Now, things are shifting again. Not sure which direction I'm traveling but I'm up for the adventure. Thoughts of my novel poke and prod me into either finishing the work of art I've started or begin yet another and let go of the practice run. As Stephen King clearly states in his book, On Writing, “Learn to kill your babies.”

‎"Whatever we focus on expands. We focus so much on what's wrong in our lives; shouldn't we focus more on what's right?" -Marianne Williamson

There are so many beliefs, concepts... oh hell, things... that we feel we must hang onto, fix or reevaluate till we get it (what we consider) right. Writing is a passion of mine; always has been. I get such a natural 'high' from it. I can travel the world, even visit different realms and never disturb my Siberian husky sleeping on the floor right next to the casters on my office chair. When I was a kid, I'd take my mother's typewriter to the basement, use a sheet or two of her carbon paper (yes, I know what you're going to say) that I swiped from her desk and wrote my own version of a newspaper. Of course I got the best satisfaction from making my younger (you're welcome, Sis) sister purchase a copy for a nickle or whatever spare change we could find around the house.

”Words hang like wash on the line, blowing in the winds of the mind.” -Rameshwar Das

Sitting here contemplating my next paragraph, the Monkey Mind is begging me to make chocolate chip cookie dough. Not to bake cookies. Oh no... To eat the raw dough. I've conquered the house-cleaning-procrastination gremlins that go around tossing tissues on the floor and spilling houseplants onto the floor till I start cleaning. Ignoring them has gotten easier, however the cookie dough bunnies might be a different story.

‎"Choosing To Be A Victim Of Your Circumstances And Re - Living In The Shadow Of The Pain That Holds You Bonded In The Darkness , As Some Wear It Like A Badge . Yes It Happened But You " Survived " Move Past It." -Donna Genovese

Life Adjustments

Life is unpredictable, to say the least. It's an adventure. At various points it feels as though you're on top of the world; and other times, no so much.

I'm not the type of person to fluff up the subject of Life-Altering Change with artificial sweetener. When the words, “Oh my God, what am I going to do now?” crossed my lips, I didn't want to hear someone tell me, “You'll get over it,” or “Just think how better your life will be.”

Get over it? Be better? I liked things the way they were. They were comfortable. The routine was predictable. I knew what to expect.

"This is a time of adjustment...
This is not a time to re-focus...
This is not a time of planning...
This is not a time to do anything other than adjusting to your circumstance.

It is okay to rest.
It is okay to sit in silence.
It is okay to contemplate.
It is okay to remain motionless...
It is okay to be just as you are in this moment."
-Cindy Kochis

Change provides challenges, especially when you're broadsided with it. Even if I were to win the lottery, it would bring on a whole series of new stresses. Sounds silly, but when you think of it, ”What do I do?” “Where do I go from here?” “What do I expect from ME (forget about what others think)?”

This is a time of adjustment. Allow your emotions freedom and give yourself the opportunity to feel it to the core. That is when the healing gains momentum. When I'm listening to a friend talk about what they are going through, I listen. It's not for me to know why we have to go through these experiences, understand the “lesson” to be learned or even see the point of it... What I am witnessing is, in some way, life adjustments encourage us to find that same kind of love we feel for others within ourSelf – to feel unconditional love for Self.

At Your Own Pace

Change happens. In most cases, it is unexpected; an auto accident, loss of a job, an illness diagnosis, a spouse reveals a secret...the list goes on.

We all deal with change differently. Loving Self during these times can be a bit trying to say the least. Blame, regret, anger, sadness are some of the first thoughts to run rampant in our minds. In an attempt to find comfort, guidance from friends and family is sought. For some, standing there with the viewpoint of not knowing what to say or do, they offer advice and stir up more painful emotions while Self-image and confidence effortlessly slip away. They say things like, "Get over it." "Good he's gone." "Smile, life could be worse." Or more detrimental, "Buck up and put on your big girl panties." How does this help? How is this nurturing? Show me the love in those statements! You can't find it, because it doesn't exist in those clusters of words.

It's important to feel the emotions swirling uncontrollably in that moment. If you are hurting - feel it, experience it and allow it to be. Know that this is just a moment and by letting the emotions to take their natural course you will heal. Trust that you will heal. And, by golly, experience the situation as an observer. Honestly look at it without hiding, burying, avoiding what is actually happening. Don't try to see the other person's point of view. Don't waste precious time attempt to sort it all out. It is what it is, so be it.

By learning to be the observer, it has been my experience to witness and understand that this situation provided me the golden opportunity to explore ways to strengthen Self; to love Self; define Self-love more clearly.

What makes ME feel happy?
What brings joy to MY day?
What can I do for myself that I wish someone would do for me?

Take the time to feel your emotions freely and without judgment. Be compassionate to the loving person you are and allow this situation to arouse the desire for healing. Only you know what is best for you. Look within, your answers are there. Even if for two minutes, be still - quiet - and listen to your spirit say, "I love you."

You Can Change It.

Careful of your words as they mirror perceptions and beliefs. What is it you are saying when you tell your friends that you'll never meet the man/woman of your dreams, or that you'll never have enough money to go on vacation to Barbados, or when you express your frustrations about having to go to work on Monday? We manifest, bring forth into our reality, situations that we believe are true.

How can you find the man/woman of your dreams if you believe he/she doesn't exist? How will you ever afford a vacation when you believe you don't have enough money? How can you enjoy your job when you believe that it's an inconvenience to your schedule. Seriously, what else would you be doing with your time?

"Until today, you may not have realized that you are totally able, perfectly prepared, fully capable of doing the very thing you have convinced yourself you could not do. Just for today, be devoted to doing just one thing that will help to convince you." -Iyanla Vanzant

By feeling at peace and dipping your big toe in the pool of joy, you can alter your perception of any situation including those that are causing you frustration, uneasiness, disappointment, discomfort and a sense of lack. Don't like how something makes you feel - change it. Yes, it's that simple. Change it.

Let's take work and use it as an example. You have been taught, convinced, that Mondays are to be the most dreaded day of the week. What if your work week started on Friday? Your preconceived notion is that Fridays are the end of the work week and a time of celebration. Will you now dread Fridays and Mondays? What if your work schedule does not maintain regularity? What then? You dread every day? Oh my, honey, this is not a way to be alive.

So how can you change it? Retrain your thoughts - beliefs. If your situation is horrific, change it by exploring other options. Find reasons to enjoy life and the things you do in it. Search for things are are grateful for and make a list. Life is how you perceive it; there's no getting around it.

Careful of Your Thoughts

Perfect day to write about the statement, "Careful what you wish for, you just might get it." According to Doreen Vitrue, a series of one's means to "Monitor your thoughts carefully, and be sure to only think about what you want, not what you don't want. This sequence is a sign that there is a gate of opportunity opening up, and your thoughts are manifesting into form at record speeds."*

Today is 1-11-11. I cannot tell you what my thoughts were at 11:11 this morning as I was in the process of establishing another blog titled Pinky Region Of Michigan. Most likely I was thinking about the different subjects to write. I think. Maybe... Or was I letting the dog outside?

There are times when we get so caught up in making sure we do "IT" right that relaxing and enjoying the moment seems out of reach and we feel as though we are sabotaging our good fortune. The perception matters. How we think of ourSelf and others directs beliefs like a compass. Are you thinking they like you or not? Did you only notice the fun and excitement or did you belief they were leaving you out because you weren't the center of their attention? Oh the ways our minds play tricks on us.

I did an experiment just to see what would happen to my perception. I quit watching television shows that didn't resonate with me or showed situations I didn't want in my life. The news was the first to go. Programs of crime, deceit and marital discord quickly followed. To tell the truth, I feel much better about life. As I moved through this experiment, I started spending less time with people that spoke ill of others, bathed in drama and basically carried an attitude I felt was undesirable. Same result! I feel much better about life.

Life is meant to feel good, be full of joy and bliss. How are your thoughts directing your perceptions?

*Healing with the Angels written by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., page 160

Healing Touch

The awareness of healing touch is growing. Once thought of as something only intuitive energy healers (Reiki Masters, Flowing Liquid Light Healing Practitioners and etc.) offered, people are beginning to understand how they too contribute to the energy flow.

Energy emanating from the heart is of the purest love and light. It cannot cause harm to anyone. When the transference comes from the ego, then ultimatums, judgments, conditions and so on interfere with the authenticity of the love and can be harmful. It is the deep-rooted intention that dictates the flow.

We are all intuitive energy healers. The firm hand placed on the shoulder of a friend needing courage provided the person with more strength. The nurturing hug you gave to your child just before bedtime brought comfort and security. And the list goes on...

Think the healing touch concept is hogwash? How did you feel the last time someone who cared held your hand? It was an extension of love. Nothing more, nothing less.