REMIX Your Life!

In the world of music the term “remix” is an alternative version of a recorded song.  An artist makes a version of a track by changing the context of sections, reharmonizing melodies and adding elements.  There is no restraint to how this “new sound” takes place and the results are electrifying.

Remixing is also a description for alterations made to other forms of media (film and literature) and is showing up everywhere creative artists take something original and add one or two different angles and create something completely new and unique.  A recent magazine article offered ideas for recipes where an old favorite has a single ingredient added or changed and the result is an entirely new taste experience.

Our world continues to evolve as old ideas are released and new and innovative solutions arise.  We are taking a synergistic approach to business solutions, art, music, fashion and so much more resulting in results and products unlike anything that has come before. The world around us is being remixed.

It’s pretty exciting when you think about.  Something from your past is familiar and treasured.  Today you can take this thought, belief, idea or object and add something new or something abstract and create a totally new look.  Within this new creation you still have the familiarity of the original or the reminder of a time that is special and treasured. In addition you have a new energy around it; color, design or shift in personal views offering a remixed version.

Let’s take this to a deeper level.  Perhaps something in your life needs to be remixed.  You have a way of doing things that in the past served you well.  But for some reason, today, it isn’t working the same way.  Maybe it’s just an outdated behavior.  All you have to do is look at the things that really work for you.  Focus on the positive energy and let the rest go.

An example would be to recognize that you are co-creating your life exactly the way you want it.  You can select your relationships, your partner, your living space and your career – all of it.  Decide what you want in life and what you don’t want.  Choose the trusting, loving relationships and let go of the demanding, uncomfortable ones.  Decide exactly what you want in a partnership and start by being the person that mirrors your desires.

Begin your day with a fresh outlook and seek out new ideas.  Consider how you like to spend your time.  What type of people do you prefer to be around?  What activities do you enjoy?  If money were not object, what would you be doing today, career-wise?

Now, focus on the positive and simply start making selections.   The tone and tempo of your life can definitely be more upbeat.  Maybe there is an area where you need to turn up the volume, or tone it down.  Perhaps there is a constant beat that feeds your inner creativity - - you may want to keep playing that!  You can add a different outlook or just mix in a few new ideas into the process.  It is never something that happens overnight, but the changes you choose to make will incorporate more excitement, more happiness, love and abundance in your life.

Just use the musician’s idea of “sampling”.  Find the example for the life you want to build.  Observe or research someone who already is living the life you want.  Who is your role model or your most positive influence?  Take a sample by duplicating or mimicking the behaviors that best fit you.  Now add your own unique personality, character, creativity and key values.  You have just remixed yourself!

And the most exciting part of this idea - - there are no limits to what you can create and what you can do!  You have opened up to embracing your unlimited potential!  And you can do it over and over again with amazing results each time.  Just continue to import new ideas and strategies for your life.  Release what no longer serves you and embrace the new by making it your own.

This week will open many doors and opportunities for you to add to the mix of life as you continue on your journey by creating your own unique greatness!  And when you feel complete, just hit ‘PLAY’.

                                                This week’s message inspired by DJ Abundance

The Truth About Trust

We all want relationships that are open and honest.  We want this so much that we immediately recognize when we have something else.  We know almost instantaneously when someone is less than honest with us.  We have the ability to sense when information is being withheld.  And, all too often, when the later happens, we complain, cry out and declare that this is unfair and we deserve more.

Or do we?  Do we really deserve more?  The way of the universe is simple we receive what we give and what we focus on expands.  These simple truths let us know that we must always look within when situations and relationships show up that are not what we seek.

If you want a job, a partnership, a friendship that is trusting, then you must be willing to be trustworthy.  That means you must tell the truth.  Oh, I know, we all have that immediate argument about telling the truth when it will hurt someone and we have a great story as to why we need to be just a little dishonest.  Then, why are we surprised when dishonesty shows up in those around us?

It is always the right time to do the right thing.  You can always tell the truth and if you really fear that someone may be hurt by your words, check in with your heart.  The truth frees us, it opens the door to growth and greater understanding.  When we come from that place of love, there are no wrong words.  When we speak from a place centered in love, our words do not destroy, and there is no reason to lie.  We absolutely can open our mouths and let the truth be known.

If you find that you have too many relationships that feel untrustworthy, then I encourage you to look at your ability to tell the truth.  It is something that is more than a simple statement about a situation.  Telling the truth means we can be trusted.  It also lets others know we are not about harming them.  And telling the truth is so much more than a one-time thing.

Living in truth is all encompassing.  First, you must be a person of your word.  If you say you are going to do something, then you do it.  If you plan to meet a friend at noon, then when noon rolls around you will have arrived at the designated location.

You don’t believe in hidden agendas.  When participating in conversations and meetings you are always open.  You are always willing to explain your thoughts, perceptions and purpose.  No one is being challenged or manipulated by false actions or statements as everything is open, clear and understood.

You admit when you have made a mistake and you take accountability for your actions.  No one trusts the individual who plays the blame game.  When we externalize our lives and make our challenges about something or someone “out there” we may think we are explaining facts, but we are loosing the trust of everyone around us.  It’s pretty simple, just ask yourself, what did I do to get into this situation?  Then, accept your actions and own them.

Never take anything that doesn’t belong to you.  Anything; not ever!  This is a dishonest behavior and it feeds distrust.   You - your conscience, your spirit, your inner being -  know exactly who you are, how you think and how you behave.  Trust comes from learning to trust self.  When we know we are a person of truth and integrity it is evident to everyone around us!

Honor confidentiality.  That’s right; don’t share it with anyone, ever.  It is too easy to bend this rule and then bend it again, just a little.  Holding the confidence of anyone or any group or situation is about keeping your mouth shut.  It is not about talking about it or them in the slightest way.  It is not about telling a story that is almost a breech of this confidence.  It is about holding sacred the conversations and the promises of everyone and every circumstance in your life. Make a commitment right now to refuse to talk about anyone who is not present.  And if you do make a statement about someone who is not in the room, then ensure you speak as though they were right here, listening to your every word.  Always honor the absent.

And finally, a good practice to living in truth is to carry your share of the burden.  Never leave the mess for someone else to clean up.  Always be willing to step in and help out.  When we find ourselves observing and not participating in any task it is a good time to take personal inventory. This also includes complaining to someone and expecting them to fix your issue.  Take on your share and seek out the source and clear up any hurt feelings or confusion. 

This week we can make a huge difference in our world by caring enough about others to be truthful.  And as we practice these simple steps we can transform ourselves and create loving, trusting relationships in every corner of our lives.

Wake up – It’s spring!

I find it curious how all the wonderful, fun ideas and feelings of youth have been transcribed into “adult speak”.  With spring in the air, warmer temperatures, buds appearing on the trees and blooming flowers magically showing up all over town, it seems the logical thing to do here is get excited!!

When we were kids this time of year brought thoughts and dreams of long summer days.  Longer daylight hours compute to more time to play!  School will be out soon and the anticipation of this fact is adding stress to teachers who struggle to hold the attention of hundreds of children who’s primary focus in on summer vacation and as far from the classroom as one could imagine.

You can already see children running all over parks and open areas with joy and laughter and enthusiasm.  While adults everywhere are considering spring cleaning, digging up the yard and preparing to plant gardens.  We are trying to decide what needs painted or replaced as we look at the outside of our houses as if it’s the first time in months.  Perhaps it is.  And where will you find time (and money) for all this in addition to the daily job and tasks that already inundate your time and attention?

We have taken a lot of the fun out of life.  We can’t even get on a bicycle anymore without thinking of how many miles we need to go in order to burn the number of calories necessary to maintain our weight or drop a few pounds.  Running and any thing that resembles gymnastics and exercise are now all about health, weight loss, getting fit and no longer about having fun and enjoying the now of life.

What happened?  Well, truly you cannot answer that question by saying, “I grew up” or “I am more responsible now”, because those statements are just a part of the story you are telling yourself.

I don’t believe for one second we were ever supposed to stop playing.  Life isn’t about work, struggles, being serious, day in and day out - - it is about living.  And when, exactly do you feel most alive?  When you laugh, when you play, you forget about time and worry and work and live in the now moment.

Remember when you played and the time flew by?  You even forgot about chores, eating and getting to bed on time.  Ah, the world was free and so were you!

Well, this same world is still here and today it is waking up.  Soon it will be decorated in playful, delightful colors.  The trees, grass and flowers are all coming to life as the birds are singing you a song about waking from your winter slumber.  Instead of getting up and shutting the window to shut out the noise, why not listen and be thankful?  Another spring is here.  And with it comes all the color and splendor of springs past.  The very smell in the air awakens in you the many springs of your youth.  These memories are calling to you to consider the days of long, lazy summers.  Reminding you of what it was like to run across a field for the sheer fun of it!  You are being reminded what it feels like to be alive and anticipate today and tomorrow and the next day. 

There was time for each of us when we had nothing to worry about because all our needs were met.  Well, dear friends, all your needs are still being met - - the same Being that watches over the birds, the flowers and the trees is watching over you.  Let’s let go of the worry and work and stress and focus on the light, the laughter and joy of spring.

No, you don’t have to quit your job or toss your responsibilities out the window.  All you have to do is take ten minutes a day to laugh, to play and wake up to the joy of life you were created to live.

There is a fun gene in each of us waiting to be unleashed.  This can happen by laughing out loud at the silliest thing.  It comes with letting go and trusting that this moment is the most important one of our lives.

This week you will have many opportunities to laugh and play.  I encourage you to embrace each one, relish it; immerse yourself in the very joy of living.  Laugh until your face hurts. Run until you are out of breath, even if that is just a few feet.  Play a game, any game!  Dance across the kitchen floor and smile and wave at people in traffic, like you did when you were four!  Consider all the ways you can play and wake up to this day, this amazing world and this incredible life you have been blessed with, right now.

And for those adults reading this who are having a difficult time with the message - - let me provide it in a more mature manner.  This week, your assignment is to incorporate play in your schedule, plan some time to have fun and add laughter to your daily agenda.