Changes

Is it really possible to end up in a “rut”?  Everyday we are faced with change of some sort.  We may be forced to take an alternate route to work due to construction or some mishap in traffic; or possibly a simple decision putting into action a new course that will result in a new direction for some area of your life.

The idea of a “being in a rut” is related to our perceptions and not necessarily the truth.  Change is everywhere - - the weather, nature, our body, our relationships.  And because change is all around the only “rut’ we need to get out of is our own way of thinking. There really is no rut, only our own tunnel vision from time to time.

And just as life around us is changing, our thoughts and patterns continue to change.  Think about something that you really held on to, let’s say, five years ago.  Now consider all of the factors in your life that have changed in the past five years.  Nothing is stagnant, nothing remains the same.  Change is a part of life and we must alter our thinking and awareness daily to continue to grow and mature.

I once thought that some of the greatest musicians on the planet were Donnie and Marie Osmond and Barry Manilow.  I’m sure I never spoke this  out loud and I’m pretty sure my belief only lasted a few months - - but for a short time; ahhh, I found their music inspiring and beautiful.

Today it really is so easy to “shift” - - you hear some message on the radio or TV; or you see an inspirational quote posted on facebook or someone’s blog and “pow” - - you are thinking new ideas..  You are expanding your consciousness and soon you are seeking new insights.

We have the ability to change our outlook on where we are today and even our memories of the past.  We realize the past cannot be changed, but we can certainly look at it differently and choose the way we want to remember it.  We can focus on the lessons learned ---the miracles that came from the struggles and the strength and peace resulting from difficult choices.  We can choose to focus on the fact we are today who we are as a result of our past and experiences. 

Change can be a wonderful thing---it keeps life fresh and new and keeps us growing.  This week you may want to take time to focus on the many changes happening in your life each day - - and let go of an idea that you were ever in a rut.

Get Real

How do you like your eggs?  Sunny side up?  Scrambled?  Poached?

Think about it; isn’t there a special way you prefer your eggs?  Maybe you don’t even like eggs.  There is story about a woman who allowed the man she was dating to decide how she preferred her eggs.  When questioned about their relationship with her, each man (and there were a few) had a different description of her and stated her egg preference matched theirs perfectly. This false idea led each man to believe he had met the woman of his dreams.

When we follow the crowd because we want to be liked, we fail our true self.  When we continue to make choices based on the ideas and habits of those around us, we lose sight of who we are.  And one day, we discover we have dysfunctional or harmful relationships that are far from fulfilling or joyful.

It is a good idea to know how you like your eggs.  It is an even better idea to know what you love, what you are passionate about and what you really want in life.  The time for settling for leftovers or resigning yourself to what shows up has past.  Today, we are wiser, more aware and more in tune to our dreams and desires.

There is something you want to have or do or be.  Anything less will not bring you happiness.  Happiness results from self love and self respect.  And as you learn to love self, first, everything else falls into place in every situation as you move forward in life.  But in the same vein, if you have compromised yourself over and over again - - a piece of your authentic self is lost and you simply cannot be happy.  And you find there is no one “out there” who can “make” you happy.

No, the truth is, happiness is a responsibility that is ours and ours alone.  We must identify what makes us happy and then carry your happiness, contentment and confidence into every situation and relationship.

Consider a time in your life when you were living authentically.  You absolutely knew what you liked and what you disliked.  It may have been a time before many of the influential people in your life tried to tell you what you needed to like or what you should do in any situation.  It was quite likely a time prior to adolescence.

This week offers many opportunities to get real.  Getting to know and understand the person you are is important to your health and well-being.  It is fear holding you back from speaking your mind and demonstrating your unique individuality.  You are making a huge mistake when you follow along with an idea or an individual that doesn’t honor your standards.  What results is loss of self respect.

Mistakes are great learning tools.  But, really, how many lessons do you need?  You can begin today by loving the beautiful being you are.  Take a stand for your ideas, values, and views about life.  Set boundaries for your relationships and maintain them with respect, honor and kindness.

Live in the moment without regret.  Show up as the amazing, unique expression of God you are.  And begin now, today, by simply identifying and honoring your true self.

Live, Love, Prosper

There is an Abundant Universe at your finger tips.  It is rich, prosperous and free flowing.  You can be assured this is true by simply looking around you and observing all of nature’s bounty.

The flowers never forget how to open up to the beauty of the sun.  The sun and moon don’t become confused and shine at the wrong time, or lose sight of their purpose.  The grasses grow and the trees are rich with leaves and blossoms.  This is abundance in action.

Each of us has the opportunity to live an abundant life, as well.  We are here to be free, to live, love and prosper.  As we live our lives and love one another and ourselves we grow and we thrive.  It is that simple. We find the more love we give the more love is returned to us.

Opportunities arise in our lives every day helping us understand the Law of Abundance.  It is a straightforward law, really, stating only that whatever it is you focus on, shall manifest in your life.  The law doesn’t decide for any of us, it just continues to give.  And if we are not receiving what we think we want or need, we can give attention to our daily focus and discover where the challenge lies.

We live in an eternal flow of love, wealth, health and happiness.  This flow will always continue and will never run out.  You will never reach the end of the river of abundance or find the well of Prosperity has gone dry.  It just will not happen.  The very nature of Spirit is to give.  It is complete and perfect and ever-lasting.

The only thing missing may be your individual mindset that you deserve to receive.  Ahhh, there it is - - your thoughts, your beliefs, your habits are leading you to your good.  Or not.  Perhaps they are leading you in a direction that seems to be lacking somehow.  If this is the case, you can adjust your thinking and focus on the positive aspects of life and watch how everything changes.

Dream of all that you want and can be.  Dream of a life that is rich and worth living.  Dream big and prepare to receive.  Then open your heart, your mind and your life and allow your good to come forth.