Accepting the Answer

The concept of ask and you shall receive is one I once followed loosely; I have witnessed its power and believe in it faithfully.  Like most people, I'd pray for something wonderful to happen, hoping it will fit neatly into the list of wants, begging for it to be all roses and bright sunshiny joy.  It is in my experience:  when we demand an answer, or focus so hard on the outcome, we lose sight of what we initially requested and it seems as though our inquiry fell on deaf ears…again.  Life is the greatest teacher; I continue to learn to ‘expect’, ‘trust’, and ‘accept’.  I expect a response will be provided clearly and at the right moment.  Trust it will be for my highest good.  I may not always like the answer, but I accept it.

Yesterday I posed an array of questions regarding inspiration on elementsofbeautystudio.wordpress.com (another blog I write).  Basically, how and what tools do you use to stir up the creative juices?   Less than two hours later, while scrolling through a spam email folder, I found a letter from a woman who had purchased my self-published book ‘Get A Compass Not A Clock’ from a local bookstore.  V.G. wrote the following:  “Your writing is captivating and transcended me into a quiet and meditative place.  I bought your book and am thinking I’d like to get a couple of more copies for friends and my 26-year-old daughter.”  

"Many blocked people are actually very powerful and creative personalities who have been made to feel guilty about their strengths & gifts." ~Julia Cameron

The first email I read this morning was from a local publication, it stated:  “Unfortunately, the piece is not for us."  For years I carried the belief that to be considered one of the good local writers I had to fit into this social group of authors.  After reading the rejection letter I heard a heartwarming voice tell me, “This was necessary.” 

In this moment, I sit at my keyboard knowing I am paving the path for others to explore their courage and express themselves authentically.  I am proud of my natural talents and of who I am.  I am grateful.  This lesson helped to remove one more writer’s block and reminded me to trust God will lead me to people who I inspire and encourage - and vice versa.  

To answer the questions, "What inspires me?"  You.

“Your writing is captivating and transcended me into a quiet and meditative place.  I bought your book and am thinking I’d like to get a couple of more copies for friends and my 26-year-old daughter.”  -V.G. 

Thank you...

Peace - It is that Simple.

“Peace - You cannot acquire peace if you are at war.”
–Cindy Kochis

Peace.  Sounds simple, right?  Consider the terminology loosely used in the media, ‘War on Cancer’, ‘War on Hunger’, ‘ At War with (enter a country’s name)”.  

The vast majority of people desire peace at some level.  It may be a conflict with a sibling, disagreement with an organization, at war with the world, or battling something internally.  If there is conflict, you cannot have peace.  It is that simple.

Just a thought to consider today.

“If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning.  First, our individual self must learn peace.  This we practice.  Then we can teach the rest of the world."
-Jenzin Gyatso, 14^th Dalai Lama

A Set of Footsteps

A few years ago, on my way to the job I’d cry driving to and home from, I begged my Divine Companions for help. “Please show me love. Show me that someone actually cares… I would like to experience love.”  Oh, little did I know what the following two plus years would bring.  Careful what you ask for is a slight understatement.  I am grateful.

A question I’m often asked is, “Why would you stay in a job that causes so much heartbreak.”  The reason is simple – intuition affirmed there was an abundance of lessons to be experienced.  Awareness would be brought forth either there or the next place of employment or the next until I embraced Self.  It was my choice on how I followed through with the Shadow work – gracefully or face-plant in the dirt.  I did both. 

"The most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently." -Pema Chödrön

I wrote, “I will not fight back not will I argue with you.  I am not weak.  This is my choice.  I am strong.  I see, respect and love the person you are.  And forgive you for your actions.” while three co-workers eagerly attempted to tear ME down with some of the most vicious manipulations.  Weeks, months, a period of time later, I spoke with a dear friend and described how it felt like my tower of Self crashed to the ground in a hopeless pile of rubble; I was broken; wondering how was I going to rebuild?  He smiled, and asked why, since I was provided this opportunity, would I want to use the same bricks and foundation?  Defeated and desiring to curl up in the fetal position, all I could think was, “I don’t wanna start over.”  It took a while to fully grasp his words.

Intuition strengthened.  

Choices made.  

Appreciation of Self evolved. 

“It does not matter what the opinions of the outer world are, but it does matter greatly what is within your feeling.” –Guy W. Ballard

We are experiencing life, perceived only by Self.  Truth is in the eye of the beholder is a profound statement.  The descriptions of love, hate, joy, sadness, wealth, poverty will vary based on emotional interpretations of a person in a particular moment.   Tomorrow the definitions will be altered by an action, event, situation, and so forth.   

"When your mind starts telling you what you have to do to make everything okay, don't buy into what it's telling you. The truth is, everything will be okay as soon as you are okay with everything. And that's the only time everything will be okay." -Michael A. Singer

I am grateful for the hardship of the past couple of years.  For me, it confirmed there is no right, there is no wrong, it just is.  Each of us has an important role and purpose.  It reaffirmed the power of our words – especially when the sentence begins with “I am”.  Everything we seek outside of ourselves is available to us – within our heart.  The fear of loneliness, fear of failure, fear of this, fear of that is imagined… it is only an illusion. 

There are choices.  Do you wish to follow the crowd (and their interpretation of how life is supposed to be)?  Do you independently take each footstep on your journey influenced only by Self’s desire?

Shifting Moments

There are a great number of individuals experiencing a shift in their life. A shift in how they feel. A shift in what they believe. A shift in what thoughts we consider true.

Fear is creating a false sense of isolation and uncertainty as relationships, jobs, life situations are changing. Our intuition continues to console us on this journey, while the ego (reinforced by the things we were taught) would have us believe otherwise. Emotions run high one moment, then drag ass the next.

We are in the process of transforming the beliefs at the core of our being from fear, guilt, darkness, lack into that which truly resonates with Self in its purest form ~ love. There is a peaceful solution; we feel it in our hearts. In the manner in which you are most comfortable (prayer, meditation, and so forth) ask for guidance and for this transformation to be gentle, peaceful and loving. Allow yourself to express all the emotions and resist the temptation to bury and ignore what hurts. Focus and explore various ways to experience Self-love, joy, peace, laughter, pride, and curiosity.

When the moment is right, you’ll decide, “I am content in life.” Soon, without realizing it, you’ll ease into claiming, “I love life.” Please understand this process can take as long as you want it too. The decision is yours. No one can say, “In two week, three days, 6 hours and 42 minutes you will have peace of mind.” It would be nice, but the schedule is based on ones desires in a particular moment. It is a choice.

I personally have found it’s difficult to be in a state of fear when I’m too busy giggling and enjoying the moment. A sense of humor has a tremendous impact in keeping the events of the day light and fun.

Revisiting the Bucket

Change provides a wonderful opportunity to explore a new way of being.  As heartbreaking as a change in our relationships can be; there seems to be a large shift taking place.  Whatever the situation, no matter who made the decision, understand life evolves.

When ready, and the decision to move forward is made, it’s time to focus on one’s personal journey.  One avenue is to dig out the Bucket List buried somewhere deep in a night stand, closet or maybe it’s between the sofa cushions.  If lost, then create a new list.  It’ easy to keep promising Self, “This summer I’m going to _____,” and easier not follow through.

Do we avoid these ideas because we are running from something or just running?  Is the internal battle loneliness?  Does the thought of doing something without a companion sends shivers of absolute terror into the core of your being?  If this is familiar, start small.  Do one thing alone and allow the adventure to unfold.  Remember to be gentle with Self, have fun, and follow your adventure.

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

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.

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."

Unexpected Christmas Gift

Last Wednesday as we sat facing each other, he cut me off before I could complete my statement, "I'm an easy target for them because I won't fight back. I will not participate in their meanness; there's no reason for it. It's only meant to hurt people in a feeble attempt to feel better about themselves." I sighed, "(They've) cut me down to my core with their wicket words, manipulations and need to continue their nasty dramas. They destroyed my Self-image and now I'm rebuilding..."

"Why would you want to use the same bricks and 2x4's?" he interrupted. "It'll only collapse again. If it didn't work the first time..." he paused for a moment, "You have the opportunity to begin from the ground up. You have changed - evolved - and what once served you, no longer does. Do you really want to rebuild the old you?"

"Nobody is superior, nobody is inferior, but nobody is equal either. People are simply unique, incomparable. You are you, I am I. I have to contribute my potential to life; you have to contribute your potential to life. I have to discover my own being; you have to discover your own being." -Osho

On the night of December 25th, as I lay with my head on the pillow staring into the darkness of nightfall, I heard his voice again - reminding me. "You have the opportunity to begin from the ground up." The heartbreak I endured Christmas morning caused me to notice things about mySelf I was unaware of - habits, taught patterns, learned beliefs of Self.

As the event was occurring, guilt, rage, anger, self-demolishing thoughts filled my mind. For hours after the altercation, I remained in the destructive mode; tearing every shred of my being to smithereens. I'm not worthy.

"Oh my! Did I really think that?"

With that one sentence, I slammed on the brakes to stop the descent into the spiraling out of control vortex that consumed me. An awareness deeply rooted within my soul was forced out of the shadows. I gathered internal strength to build a new foundation - reaffirming the person I truly am. Blessing the situation for the awareness it brought forth, it was released with love and light. IT was let go without strings attached. In the silence of my still mind, I send love and gratitude to all that have shown me their perceptions of me. It is not mine to alter; there is nothing to fix. It is as it is. Everyone has the freewill to develop, maintain and nurture their beliefs of themselves and others. Someday they will see the real me. Until then, I cherish who I am.

I love you. I thank you. All is forgiven. Blessings to all.

Slumbering Emotions

Dreams are just another way for us to explore and release unresolved emotions. Deep within there may lay in waiting hidden secrets of things we've either done or witnessed and, in some cases, feelings that percolate up from a space we had no idea existed.

As the details of the slumbering memories fade as I awaken and merge more into this day, there is still a part of me that is hurting, sad and regretful. It involved family, forgiveness and love.

"If you haven't cried, your eyes can't be beautiful." -Sophia Loren

When you wake from a dream that shakes you at the core, and emotions are very tender, do you do everything you can to forget them or do you put forth the effort to "react"? By that I mean, when you awaken, are you willing to cry and release the residual emotions? Do offer forgiveness to Self and all involved? Do you take a moment to say, "thank you" to the awareness? Can you, or are you willing, to say to Self, "I love you unconditionally"?

Witnessing the Alignment

The key is Awareness.

The answer is Love.

And life is meant to be full of Giggles.

It never seizes to amaze me when pondering thoughts fill my mind as I awaken from slumber. Life is continuously evolving. Mind-sets shift; old beliefs fall off to the side when new one materialize; and then, then you finally understand the messages you've been given over and over and over...

The intent is Compassion.

The focus is on Blissful Joy.

And life is meant to be full of Precious Moments.

Situations present themselves in our day-to-day lives for us to notice. When ignored, they become louder and larger until the words, "Oh, now I get it," are vocalized in one way or another.

The action is Trust.

The integrity is Divine.

And life is an Alignment with Oneness.

Way of Thinking

The conversation took a turn that I truly wasn't expecting. Walking back into the room, my friend says to me, "Don't take this the wrong way, but..."

Unfamiliar with Abraham-Hicks, I played several clips posted on the internet for her to hear. In my excitement of introducing another person to the concept of seeing how our thoughts affect our perceptions, manifestations - our lives - I was shocked to hear her compare Ester Hicks with a dangerous cult leader. The charisma, the repeating of certain words, ability to get people to listen and follow instruction; it was not for her.

Right now there are millions of us artisans, in one way or another, aspiring to encourage others to explore Self-empowerment. Each one has a message, a reminder and on occasion something that sparks a new way of 'being'. Inspiration to create a desired life is one of the most powerful gifts a person can give from the heart.

There are many artisans that'll never know, understand, witness the impact of their work. And that's perfectly fine. Sure, to have the ego stroked and told how wonderful our works of art are offer more encouragement; it's not the real reason behind the passion.

If you think about it, why do we do certain things that make us feel good? Okay, silly question. But is it? Those with the set intention of highest good for all, with harm to none including the Self-help gurus, channellers of non-physical beings, friends, family, and even co-workers all share generically the same message: Love Self.

Personally I would rather learn more about the teachings to look in the mirror and say, "I love you" instead of "Damn you're fat and ugly." I'm all for having the awareness of how positive thinking can, and will, affect what we manifest. Abraham-Hicks' message is clear, "Ask And It Is Given."

Interwoven Messages

Fear is a belief. Fear from a past life can affect this life. Fear is part of our shadow work; an aspect of Self to be nurtured and seen for what it really is ~ withdrawal from Love.

In a conversation with a friend, I asked him if it was okay to tell him something he may or may not believe. He was open to what I had to say and listened. I asked him if he knew a woman who has passed on with long, straight black hair and the most beautiful brown eyes (the kind you cannot look away from). She appeared to be Native American Indian or at least part Indian. She came to me (she's visited on several occasions) this time just before I was getting in the bath tub for a soak and requested I share with this man her gratitude and love. He made a difference in her life. [As a side note, there's nothing like standing naked getting ready to put a foot in the warm water when something like this happens. Of course, I giggle at the irony as I write this article - vulnerability.]

At the time of the conversation, he seemed okay with the message. Uncertain of who the woman was, he was still appreciative. As we parted ways, I wondered if it was bothering him on some level. The next day I emailed a quick note just make sure I hadn't upset him. I explained, "It's that vulnerability issue - putting myself out there to 'get noticed' (and burnt at the stake)." The moment those consonances and vowels spread across the page, a flash back of the morning I woke up in absolute terror filled the mind.

The dream what horrifying to say the least. However, it answered the question I'd been asking for years - "What's holding me back?" I woke up knowing who it was that turned me into the council for being a witch in the days when innocent women where being burned at the stake or hung. The person was a loved one, a person I (in that lifetime) trusted with all of my heart and loved to the core of my being. Forgiveness, compassion and love surround the dream and still continues to provide me insight.

Learning to trust in the trust of trusting is not bravery ~ it is embracing love of Self unconditionally. Love is the key element to everything... What belief is holding you back?

Listening to Emotions

You know how people are searching for peace of mind - a source of joy in their lives? It has been proven that meditation is a technique that helps people transform their lifestyles. It provides an open channel that connects them with Self. Through meditation, you can open your heart to the flow of universal consciousness and, if you choose, live blissfully in the present moment.

There are many reasons people take the time to incorporate the action of meditation into their daily lives, it helps in: improving intuition, relaxation, to rejuvenate energy, reduce stress, connect with personal guides, letting go of fears, forgiveness, open Self to love, inspiration and creativity...just to name a few.

We've all experienced a period when life was uncomfortable and it seems everything is going wrong (remember - there is no right or wrong, only awareness), meditation helped me to dispel some harmful beliefs that were falsely held dear within my heart and thoughts. In relation to feeling the sense of loneliness, feeling everyone else held the keys to the happiness as I stood off in left field, alone and empty handed. My dear friend, we posses the power to change. A belief is only a thought that we replay over and over in our minds until we allow it to become reality.

There is so much power in our words. Worlds are created with the emotions attached to the words. When we become aware of the feelings in that moment, we express the beliefs held dear within and it provides us the opportunity to honestly say, "Hey, is this how I want to feel?" Truly it is our choice.

On the right hand column of the OneGigglingWriter.blogspot.com blog is a section of FREE Worksheets & Stuff. There I have added a free worksheet for anyone to download and explore emotional attachment to a handful of words. It's not necessarily the choice of words we use - verbal or non-verbal - it's the emotional attachment we feel when they are expressed. Awareness can create a defining moment for change.

Take the words I love you. Three simple little words. When you say them to a newborn child, it will sound and feel different than if you were to say it to your parents, to a lover, to a spouse, to a pet... you get the idea. It is the extension of vibrations that impacts the world often times unseen ways. Close your eyes, relax and listen to what your heart has to say.

Giggling My Way Through Adversity

Ever have a couple of days where nothing seems to be going right? Roadblocks to dodge, small animals running out in front of you, white knuckle grip on the steering wheel... and the brake pedal is missing. That's how the past eight days have felt. I can proudly say that my patience has been tested and I giggled through the whole process. Well, most of it anyhow - I did cry on Thursday.

Life is meant to be fun and not taken so seriously. Personal growth is key. Are you willing to step back, look at the situation while in the moment and ask Self, "What aspect of ME am I being made aware of?"

Ah-ha. Is this a characterization, or better yet, a misunderstanding of the phrase be in the moment. Being in the moment doesn't mean to be nonchalant about the situation, it is about being aware. Does this make sense? The more I attempted to make "it" work my way, the faster the roadblocks were built. I spent all of my morning and afternoon, hence why I'm posting this today and not on Monday, trying to get the recorded show of Guided Journeys with Cindy to the producer. I spent countless hours trying to figure out how to get my voice data recorder to download the show onto the computer. Even though it was obvious Plan A was not working, I still pursued it. Then Plan B pooped up. "Yes!" I hollered and giggled with delight.

Plan B was wonderful, exciting and unexpected. Now I felt really good for having spent the $20-25 on a headset/microphone for a completely different project. A new buzz of energy rose and I spent the next hour and a half recording Guided Journeys with Cindy. A key element needs to be noted is the fact the show is 55 minutes long.

So at this point I'm all happy and giddy driving back into town for the high speed wireless internet at the library only to find out the file is too big to email. This beautiful, wonderful show is too flipping big. Ka-thud. My wild and woolly crazy buzzin' energy screeched to a halt. "What?" I exclaimed from inside my truck, "No!" I tried several ways. Nothing worked. Nervous energy started flowing out of control until I realized what I was allowing to happen and turned the focus on the fact that everything will be okay. I giggled and took the revised approach of maybe this is not how it was meant to be, but everything works out for the best.

Then Plan C hits me like a bolt of lightening. Vroom.... I drove back home like a mad woman. I recorded the beginning and ending of the show thinking the producer could cut out the meditation portion from last week's show and plunk in the middle right where it belongs. "Yes! This will work!" I spend another 30 minutes getting Plan C completed and, vroom, back into town for the high speed internet. The email was sent in a few seconds. A message was left on the producer's voice mail during the drive to work giving her a brief description of the events of the day and of the email sent to her.

Later in the evening, when it was too late to do anything regarding the show, I checked my email only to find out that there was no sound on the file. I laughed at the situation. After spending literally all day working on this project, worrying, hustling, getting frustrated only to find this out, I simply laughed. Sahvanna, the producer, reassured me all was well. In the email she wrote, "No problem Cindy, don't stress. :)" How awesome is that? My guess, she was giggling at the absurdity of the situation as I was. She made the show happen and all is well.

Everything works out. I trust that it will... I have faith.

Thoughtful Choices

'Careful of your thoughts' is an understatement for they possess more power than we acknowledge. Thoughts create perceptions and formulate beliefs to be held as current Truth. This is not a new concept, just one that should receive more attention.

The things our minds dwell on (work, relationships, money, status) puts focus on our intent - the experiences we wish to attract into our lives. If thoughts are centered on how horrible Monday is going to be at work, the person seeks out to notice all the challenges of the day to confirm the desire (belief) without recognizing any joy. It is, afterall, what Self is expecting. And when the day goes better than expected, that person will believe it was only a fluke and that won't happen again. Well, maybe on Friday. Here's something to ponder, people are typically fired or let go from their jobs on Fridays - not on a Monday.

Let's chat about relationships, shall we? This is a very sensitive subject to most. The number one question a psychic is asked is in regards to relationships. "Will I ever meet my soul mate?" "Does he love me?" "Is she the one?" "Will this relationship last forever?" "Will we get married?" If you think about it, the person asking has already set doubt into motion - perception established. If the questioner were to sit quietly in the energy of the relationship and listen to the heart, the answer is already there because you are creating it. The ego, on the other hand, may certainly have a completely different answer. "I'm not worthy of his love." "She'll take care of all my needs." "Can't wait to see So-and-so's reaction when I bring him to the party."

Your choice in music, movies and television shows can also alter your manifestations. Listen to the influential words when you sing along with the radio. Are you singing about love gone bad or of the power of love? Is the television show jam backed with violence and deception or about a supportive friends? Our emotions guide our perceptions, in turn establishing our desires. How do you feel when listening to a favorite song? Seriously. Does it help you to heal from a heartbreak or stir up emotions of lack, doubt, failure? Compassion or rage... Our words, verbal and internal, hold more power then our awakening minds can comprehend.

Ask youSelf, "What would happen if I changed my perception?" Look at any situation in your life. We get so wrapped up in our emotions that sometimes we miss the miracles of the moment. Yes, the Miracles of the Moment. There are reasons (lessons) we experience what we currently consider less than desirable events. They serve as a compass to direct our course and, in some cases, force a necessary change in our awareness. Be open and available to new possibilites, new understandings and allow the wall of self-righteousness to crumble to the wayside. Be curious as a young child and know there is no right or wrong decisions - only awareness.

"Sometimes, by taking a moment to return to where you are right now, you will be able to see the moment with greater clarity and insight and the next step on your ongoing journey will be clearer as well." - Brian & Wendy Froud from "The Heart of Faerie Oracle"

Loving the Naysayer

Forging past fear appears easy on the big screen as we encourage the hero from the safety of a cushioned theater chair. It can be another thing to stand up in the face of our own fears to move past self-imposed challenges. Fight or flight. Stand up sit down. Do it yourSelf or pray that someone else will come along to handle the situation. An old way of thinking is to have everyone else decide how to find the looming solution or seek out someone willing to stroke the ego enough to boost the internal courage hidden behind the spinal cord to come forth.

It takes practice and determination to let old beliefs fall to the wayside. As mentioned over and over, there is no right or wrong decisions - only awareness. Each choice causes a ripple effect. The problem lies in the lack of decision making while waiting for an exterior source to help. Fear can be crippling as it creates more fear until there is no movement. Yikes! In order to grow, find peace, experience joy, laugh, love, some kind of motion has to take place. Take in a deep breath and allow your shoulders to relax as you exhale. Feel better? Yeah me, too.

Inside all of us is a wise one that knows only Truth. Find time each day to pause and listen to the internal voice through meditation, reflection, daydreaming, staring off into the distant sunset and even during a long hot shower. Learn a variety of techniques to quiet the chattering monkey mind. Excuses can be found as to the why not's. What do you desired? How can you expand your experience? How can it get any better than this?

Recently I've made a significant decision. And it was easy. I trust my inner voice. Yes, it will involve spending money. Yes, it involves going more public with my services. And yes, I am feeling fear. I also know from the depths of my being this is the path in which I desire to journey. Listening to Self during quiet moments, I gracefully understand how many different experiences have lead to this moment - a manifestation. There is a stubborn, nay-saying three year-old girl sitting on my right shoulder that I've asked to be my friend. I'm listening to her fears and embracing them. I am nurturing fear with love. What better way can you think of to develop a healthy relationship? The more I love and get to understand the three year-old naysayer, the softer her tantrums and the complaints lessen. Somehow she will get my attention. I rather it come through love.

Power of Empowering

Feelin' a bit feisty, I let thoughts swirl around fears and employment as I washed the dishes this morning. In view is the floral garden I haven't tended to in two weeks. There's also a hiking trail two miles down the road I haven't stepped foot on in over three weeks. I've allowed working to consume my energy and time. As I stood at the kitchen sink looking at the wheelbarrow full of rotting vegetation in the middle of a pathway, a gentle voice quietly asked, “Where's your focus?”

I smiled. I knew. “Yep,” I said aloud, “I'm not setting my energy on the things that matter the most to me. Huh....” Excuses could have spewed from my mouth, if I allowed, but talk about counterproductive. We as a society worry too much about money, jobs, lack of 'something.' When, or why, did we move away from the rhythm of life – nature – being? What happened to the idea of living peacefully in the moment? Listen to friends, family and Self on a Sunday evening and most likely you'll hear the discord of “I hate Mondays, I don't want to go to work tomorrow, I can't wait for next weekend.” Anxiety builds and more fear is set forth along with annoyance, dissatisfaction and plenty of other unpleasant emotions. Why do we insist on suffering? Ha! Here's a thought, how about I go to work to recoup (rest) from life instead of resting because work is exhausting.

For as long as I can remember I have said, “Tell me I do good and I will do better. I want to hear the phrase again and again.” Honestly, I've only encountered a couple of managers/employers that functions in this manner. Instead most stood on their shaky pedestal tossing their self-fabricated power around like they were the keepers of the kingdom, holder of the keys, instilling fear in hopes to maintain the illusion of control. There's this false premise that in order to feel good about Self, a person needs to knock everyone else off the I-feel-confident-in-myself soapbox. Why? How does belittling a person make anyone believe they are more important and stand on a higher rung of the so-called ladder?

There's a joyful life just waiting to be embraced. Life is meant to feel good. It is our own personal interpretation of _______ (work, relationships, money, and etc.) that holds us in the position of powerlessness. Ouch. We mirror, attract, situations based on what we believe while following our intuition – perception. Motivate Self and Others with love, compassion, and empowering words. There is so much satisfaction in feeling the energy vibration rise when intent is focused on encouraging versus dismantling.

We create our own heaven and hell. The challenge to leaving behind fear is to go within and find the Hidden One – the Shadow – and learn from this aspect of Self. The Shadow has so much to teach. Do not resist this awareness. Seek the part of “I” pushed out of the way in hopes of never revealing. Ah, for only a fool would believe it possible. As a wise one shared with me using visuals tools I could then comprehend, he explained energy needs three three things in order for the current to flow – a positive, a negative and a ground. “It is YOU that has defined positive as good, negative as bad and grounding as the wire that keeps it functioning properly. There is no good. There is no bad. There is only awareness.”