It's All A Part Of Life

Why is it that we question the universe when things are not going well. We wonder if we're on the right path or if we're not listening to our spirit. We automatically feel that when we are faced with challenges, things are going against us. When the world seems like it is spinning out of control, it's just a part of our evolving life. Whether our journey is a peaceful one or not, we are still on our path. Life definately gets difficult sometimes, but that's when the lessons are most memorable. Today, know that where ever you are, you are in the right place. Take a deep cleansing breath and be in the moment for the universe flows through you.

Okay, I may not be locked in, but it sure feels like I am...

Pushing The Limits

There are times in our life when we become stuck in a rut. It's not that our life is boring, but we've gotten used to our daily routines.  At the same time, we question the universe why aren't we being guided towards our true potential. We are never going to attain our heart's desire by sitting on the bench, watching life go by. Having the courage to push beyond the boundaries we've created, will begin opening doors to opportunities that we would have never envisioned. Every step taken outside of the world we know, will feel very uncomfortable. But as we journey further and further, we will see how our life has no limits. Today, sit for a moment and think how you can challenge yourself to do more. The universe is patient, but your spirit is ready to move on!

They say your first ride should be on a Harley!

Who Do We Answer To

Sometimes in life, we seem to lose our direction when we base our actions on what we think will please other people. We assume what others would want and make plans accordingly, whether we have included them in the planning or not. Although we try our best to make other people happy, we never seem to win. Someone is always disappointed with the outcome. Finding ourselves amongst the emotional chaos we have created is sometimes difficult. But it is important that we stop ourselves for a moment and reflect upon the role we have played.  We may not be happy with what we find, but life is about recognizing where we have gone wrong and being able to acknowledge that we can learn by our mistakes. Today, take a moment to ask yourself who directs your actions. If you are insinc with your true spirit, the answer will be "myself". If not, remember that living a life of compassion means taking care of yourself, so that you can truly be able to help others.

Sometimes I want to lose myself in the quiet beauty of the islands...

Doing Things Differently

How many of us would like to do something a little different but are not sure exactly what that would be? Hearing others talk about their exciting adventures or new pursuits, our life seems a little lacking. We’re not sure what is missing, but it’s a small nagging feeling that we could be accomplishing more. If anyone would ask us how we are doing, we’d respond that we were quite well and that would be a truthful response. So where are these feelings coming from? There comes a time when the life we have created stabilizes and we become very comfortable and safe. It’s times like these that the spirit within us gets restless because there is more that we can do to live a life of compassion. But in order to do this, we need to go beyond the safe world we have created. Today, by doing one thing different, you open yourself to new opportunities. Let your spirit guide you through your day. Be ready to have fun for there are no coincidences in life!

(Due to technical problems, there was delay in posting and I'm not able to add a picture)

Celebrating Our Successes

There are those of us who live life meeting one goal after another without stopping to acknowledge our successes. Only taking a few moment to pause before planning the next task. We seem to find more comfort in telling others what we are working on, rather than what we have already achieved. Taking time to celebrate our successes is as important as working towards our goals. This gives us the opportunity to acknowledge what we have accomplished. We are so quick to judge and be critical of our weaknesses that sometimes we need to stop and celebrate our strengths. Today, do something special in celebration of your successes. You are a dynamic person!

Celebrate how simple life can be...

 

  

Taking The Time To Listen

There are days when we feel that no one is paying attention to what we are saying. We wish that others would listen to us with such intent that every word we speak is of the upmost importance. But in the world that we live, everyone seems to move so quickly that listening has become a lost skill. It is as if the words we are saying lose their meaning as soon as we express them. How can we live a compassionate life, if no one has the time to hear the pain and suffering that others are going through? Today, take a moment to be silent and listen to the world as it moves slowly past you. By living a life of compassion, you will not only hear words being said but will also be able to feel the universal energy that continously flows between us all.

If I am really quiet, I can hear the sound of birds taking flight...

Living With Pain

For many of us, we have or know someone who lives with chronic pain. Whether it is emotional or physical, we are reminded of how our life has changed due to illness. Living a life of compassion takes on a whole new meaning, when pain is our constant companion. It is difficult to have compassion for others, when some days it takes all our energy just to do simple tasks. A painfree moment is a time for celebration and in that moment our heart is free to express the joy we feel. Living a life of compassion is not measured by the amount of good that we do for others, but by the goodness that lays within our heart. Today, define yourself by the compassionate spirit that is within you, not by the pain that you have identified so closely with. You deserve a day of comfort and peace.

Sometimes finding comfort is only a few steps away...

Taking A Break From Life Lessons

There are times in life when we don't feel like learning any life lessons. It seems that there are some days that are harder than others, for us to walk on the path of compassion. Living a life of selflessness is easier said than done. It's inspiring to read and hear words of reflection, but integrating these messages into our life is another story. Changing any habit is challenging, especially one that may not seem to benefit us. In order to change, there needs to be some level of commitment and consistency. Instead of reading or listening to messages of inspiration and forgetting them by the end of the day, give yourself the time to absorb what you have read or heard. Then think about how you can apply it in your life. Some messages are easier to understand than others, but don't give up. Today, take a rest from life lessons. Spend the day caring for yourself and giving yourself joy. Let your spirit play!

Today, it's just about me...

A Perfect Life

How many of us wonder how our life would be if...? It's our time to reflect upon the challenges in life and how if they miraculously faded away, how much better it would be. If we had a better job. If we had more money. We could go on and on with the "what ifs". And if we continued further down this path, we would eventually end up making excuses why the "what ifs" wouldn't work. If we had a better job it would lead to more responsibilities. If we had more money we would spend more and pay more taxes. It is important for us to dream about the "what ifs", because it opens our minds to the possibility that there are no limits in life. Our self doubt comes in as an automatic safety valve when we try to move beyond what we know and have already experienced. It is a natural response to want to protect ourselves from getting hurt. Today, manually turn off your safety valve and then reflect upon all the wonderful "what ifs". Let yourself visualize for a day what life would be like if dreams turned into reality...

Welcome to my world...

Clarifying Our Path

There are times when we question whether we are on the right path because it doesn't seem as if we are moving forward. It is at this time that we ask advice from others. We listen carefully as they tell us what they know to be best for us. Although it's not their intent to make us feel bad or guilty, their vision of what our potential is seems to be so different from the life we live now. Why then do we feel a need to justify to others what we are doing? Whether taking the time to care for our children or an loved one who is ill, supporting our partner in their pursuits, or taking a break from all the busyness. Whatever we have decided to do at this time, whether through our planning or not, is the right place for us. Doing what we feel is right in our heart is part of fulfilling our potential. Everything else will come soon enough, if we live a life of compassion and pure intention. Today, reflect upon your life. Although it may be challenging, is it one that brings you joy and comfort? Do not seek answers from outside of yourself, for the spirit within you is your best source. Celebrate the life you lead!

Sitting down to capture my thoughts seem to bring me peace...

24 Hours

No matter how unique we are, we are all blessed in the same way. Each of us have the same 24 hours in a day to correct the wrongs we have done, to appreciate the abundance that is given to us, and to live a life of pure intentions. We sometimes look at others and see only what they have or don't have. It may make us feel better because they are worse off than us or it may make us feel worse because they have what we want in our life. If we look beyond our ego, we will find that everyone begins each day the same way as we do and have the same opportunities to do better than yesterday. Today, be quiet for a moment and plan on how you will begin your day tomorrow morning. Will it be one of positive optimisim or one that brings criticism to yourself and others? Choose wisely because the 24 hours is yours whatever you decide.

Where does she find the time to lay on the beach?

Taking A Break From the Chatter

Often times our life is filled with chatter that by the end of the day, we are so exhausted. From the moment we wake, until the time we fall asleep, we are either watching television, talking to our family and friends, in meetings, or on the internet. Moments of true silence have become so rare that many of us feel uncomfortable when there are pauses in conversation. But what happens when our mind begins to tune out all chatter because it becomes just noise? We may miss those that are truly important to us.  Today, live a life of simplicity. Turn off the television, use the internet sparingly, and keep conversations to a minimal. Set aside quiet time so that your spirit can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Sometimes in the quiet we find the peace we are searching for...

Minding Our Business

How many of us spend more time minding someone else's business than our own? It's not that we know more than anyone else but we seem to feel that our way of thinking makes sense. Whether we truly know the person who we are talking about or not, we begin to think that we know what is best for them. It gets even worse when two or more people gather and a discussion begins. How can talking about another person's life help them? How can telling that person how to live their lives better the situation? It can't. In most cases, we end up hurting the person instead of doing any good. The act of truly helping others comes from a place of compassion. Today, spend the time that you would have concentrated on others to reflect upon yourself and your heart's desire. You will find that your life becomes more peaceful when you quiet your mind, body, and spirit.

Sometimes some of us need some reminding...

A Bowl Of Noodles

There once was a young man who lived a simple life. Like many of us, he didn't believe what he could not see. He questioned whether the universe actually had plans for everyone or was that wishful thinking. One day as life would have it, this young man was given a job of his dreams, but this meant that he would also have to move to an unfamiliar place. He wanted the job, but was afraid that he would be alone in a strange place. 

Early one morning, the young man walked outside his front door to get the newspaper and saw that a bowl full of noodles had been thrown in his yard. At the same moment, a couple, who were visiting the young man's neighbor, walked towards him. They explained that a boy, arguing with his parents, had thrown the bowl in anger not knowing it would land in the young man's yard. The couple introduced themselves and found that they lived in the community where he was going to be moving. They graciously invited him to stay with them until he could find a place to live and would introduce him to many of their friends who worked at the company where he would soon be. Before parting, the young man thanked them for their kindness and he also thanked the boy who had thrown the bowl of noodles. Even to this young man, the day's events turned out to be very unusual. Today, be aware of the bowl of noodles that may be thrown your way to get your attention. Whether we understand how the universe works or not, it continues to flow with compassion and a sense of humor.

A bowl of noodles never had so much meaning...

Through A Child's Eyes

When we were children, we couldn't wait to grow up. It seemed as if adults could do anything they wanted to, whenever they wanted to. No one told them what to do and they could play all day without being scolded. Growing up seemed to take forever. Now that we are adults, the world seems a little different from the way we saw it. We are guided not only by society's rules, but by the standards we have created for ourselves. Somehow when we left our childhood behind, we also left our spirit for adventure and thirst for the unknown behind as well.  Today, see the world through a child's eyes. Venture to do something fun that brings laughter and joy in your heart. Let the child within you come out to play again.

Paddling just seemed like the right thing to do today ...

Creating Balance From Chaos

Sometimes life gets a little overwhelming and we need to stop for awhile to reflect. It may not be clear the exact moment that it became so chaotic, but a good indication is looking at the way we live our life. How many of us live in clutter, where disorganization and hoarding have become part of our daily routine? Creating balance, begins with clearing unecessary items. Our home is a reflection of our mind, where we have created ongoing stress because we have difficulty of letting go. Today, sit quietly and envision a home that embodies comfort and balance. Then begin clearing your space. Select one thing once a week, that feels out of place and discard it. Creating harmony and beauty within your home will transcend to your everyday life. It is time to move forward towards a future of new opportunities.

There is beauty in the simplicity of nature...

Let Your Mind Wander

Sometimes in life, there are those moments when we have no thought. Our mind wanders and there is nothing that we are worrying about, reflecting upon, or planning to do. Just a few minutes of emptiness. If someone were to ask us where we were in those precious moments, it would be difficult for us to recall. Treasure those moments, where your mind rests from the busyness of life. Where collecting our thoughts are not important. A time when the mind, body, and spirit become one.  In those moments, our mind relaxes and we become in sinc.  Today, let your mind wander and enjoy a moment of nothingness.

Sometimes I find a path, where I feel at peace...

Defending Your Heart's Desire

How important is it to you to fulfill your heart's desire? We often ask the universe for guidance so that we have the courage to walk our unique path. But when asking, how many of us really understand how challenging our journey may become? It's easy to ponder about life from the comfort and safety of our homes, But what happens when the journey begins to get tough and we are challenged by those who question the decisions we are making in order to pursue our dreams. How much time are we spending trying to defend ourselves? As much as we want the approval of family and friends, pursuing our heart's desire is a personal quest that only we can journey on. Today, be gentle and compassionate to those who may not understand the vision that you see for yourself. Living life is a quiet journey that flows from your heart, so embrace the challenges that come your way instead of letting them defeat you. You are meant to live a fulfilled life!

I don't remember the path being so dark...

Seasons of Change

The seasons of life flow within us throughout our existence. There are no boundaries to clearly define the movements of time. Flowing gently with the seasons as they transition from one into the other. Opening our eyes to what is so clear to the inner soul. We are able to see only what is before us and gain the courage from what we have already been through to take a step towards the unknown. No holding hands but standing alone. Exposed to the elements of life with the courage of one and yet thousands. We can take this step knowing that seasons do change and it is that change that gives us the opportunity to live again. Today, enjoy the summer's day as the sun warms not only your body, but your mind and spirit. Every season brings joy to our hearts and the healing of our souls.

Sometimes everything seems right in the world...

How Do We Give Thanks

How do we thank people who have made such an impact in our lives? There are so many who have nurtured and supported us, that saying a simple thank you doesn't seem to be enough. Some of these people are in our lives for a moment, while others we share a lifetime. One way we can show our appreciation is by reflecting the qualities that made these people shine amongst all others. Today, think of someone who has made an impact in your life and remember one thing about them that made them so memorable to you. Thank these people by responding to others, who you meet throughout the day, with that same unique quality.

Maybe I should have started with someone easier to show my appreciation...

Capturing Our Dreams

Dreams seem to slip away the moment we awake. We can capture the colors and sounds of our visions only up until the time we wipe the sleep from our eyes. No matter how much we try, our dreams become less clear as we try to recall the details. Captured in our minds for just a moment, only to drift slowly away. As we try to retell our dreams, they no longer seem so vivid but strung together by disjointed emotions. It is not for us to make sense of our dreams but to experience and explore what our mind is trying to process. Tonight, sleep well and dream with abandonment. To let our unconscious speak is to open the door towards enlightenment.

My dreams are like ocean waves, flowing in and out of my consciousness...

Excusing Bad Behavior

What is your excuse for bad behavior? Some of us may not even be aware that we are taking out our feelings of anger, pain, and fears on others. Yet, there are those who know exactly what they are doing, but can't seem to stop. One way of knowing is to be present in the moment. Be conscious of what you are saying, the delivery of your words, and the reaction you receive from others. We all know at some level, when we have hurt another person. We can choose to stop our bad behaviors or take responsibility of the toxic emotions that are swirling within us. We control our behaviors at all times, no matter what we are experiencing.  Today, treat yourself as if you were a child, who needs your unconditional love. Let the healing begin.

Breathe in the beauty and quiet that surrounds us...

Celebrating Your Successes

How important is the journey, if we don't take the time to also celebrate our successes? We've been taught to appreciate each of our journeys for the many lessons they bring and to take the time to acknowledge the somewhat difficult path we lead. But after achieving what we set out to do, are we pausing to celebrate before we move on to another task. In celebrating, we not only acknowledge the completion of a job well done, but recognize that at this moment our spirit is perfectly aligned with the universal flow. Today, live a day of celebration. You are special and deserve to be acknowledged.

I don't think we can ever celebrate too much...

Finding Peace

Although my life is crazy sometimes,

There is a quiet place I have created,

Where I can relax my weary body,

Where I can calm my busy mind,

And leave the noises outside.

Within my special place,

I rejuvenate and find peace in my soul.

Today, create a quiet place where your spirit can go to find solace.

There are places like these that my spirit feels at peace...

Living In The Past

How many of us find comfort in living in the past because it seems a lot safer than venturing out to deal with the present. We are comforted knowing that there will be no unexpected surprises that will bring us pain or discomfort. If we do the same things, we achieve the same results. Although it is understandable that it's in our nature to avoid what we believe will hurt us, by living in the past we cease to grow. Know that we live in a compassionate universe which is very forgiving. If today is not a good day, tomorrow will always brings us another opportunity to try again. Today, let your wise spirit lead you to new experiences.

I don't know about you, but the path looks pretty scary from this view...

Being Aware Of Your Talents

How many of us question the talents that we have? If anyone should ask us what we are good at, we might not be really sure what the answer would be. It's interesting how subtle life is because when we ask a question there usually is a response somewhere reflected in the coming days. We just have to remember what we asked so that we are aware of the answer when it appears. In life, it may be the little things that we do that bring out the best in us. Today, be aware of what you are doing and what brings you joy. For in these moments, your true talents shine.

Cooking fills my heart with joy... 

Living With Stress

Every day each of us live with some type of stress. Whether it's good or not depends on how it affects us. For many of us, stress is not something we welcome but there are certain times that it may be a positive motivator. When stress begins to take a toll on our daily living, then it's time to reassess. Many of us may go through life not recognizing that we are stressed until we get physically ill. Before this happens, learn different ways to rebalance yourself. Find a method of relaxation that works for you. Today, be conscious of how you react to the stresses in your life. Listen carefully to your body as it tells you what it considers to be stressful. By taking care of yourself, you rejuvenate your spirit.

Sometimes the best places to stop and rest are difficult to find...

Celebrating Our Freedom

Being born to a life where we are free to pursue our dreams gives us reason to celebrate. This was not always true. In the past, many have had to fight to gain the freedoms that we celebrate today. It's important that we take the time to acknowledge the significance of the day. But at the same time, we should remember that there are those who are still fighting their war to live in a world that affords them the same freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. Help those whose voices are still being ignored: the elderly, disabled, and children. Today, take the time to celebrate and give thanks for the life you have been given. Show your appreciation by keeping your eyes and ears open for someone who may need your help.

"Hey Buddy, need some help getting out of there!"

Choosing The Words We Use

Unless we write down everything we say, it is difficult to keep track of the exact words we use because once said they disappear. But if we did, we would be able to see how often we make less of ourselves through our words we use. We take away a lot of the power of what we mean to say by unconsciously using certain words. Take the word "just". It's a word that many of us use without even knowing. Putting "just" in front of another word weakens our meaning. "I'm just resting" "This is just something I do" "I'm just reading"  Instead of "I'm resting" "This is something I do" "I'm reading" Hear the strength of what is being said by removing the word "just". We have stopped apologizing for taking time for ourselves.What would happen if we were more conscious of the words we use. Would it help to not only strengthen what we are trying to communicate to others, but strengthen who we are?Today, be conscious of the words you use. Be true to yourself by choosing only words that reflect the strong spirit within you.

No, it's okay. I'm just reflecting on the beauty of where I am... 

Being Grateful In Life

Sometimes being grateful is difficult when we are going through challenging times.The act of being grateful seems relatively simple. Things go well, so we acknowledge by being grateful. Many of us understand this concept and will be the first to say that we take the time to do this. But how many of us can say we feel grateful when things don't go our way or when we feel others are not treating us the way we'd like them to. If we truly believe that our spirit grows stronger through crisis and chaos, then shouldn't we feel grateful during these times as challenging as they may be. Today, live a life of appreciation. Knowing that everything you receive comes from a compassionate universe and is a part of your journey.



Sometimes we need to step back to appreciate true beauty...

A Year Of Changes

This year we are being faced with extreme fluctuations, not only with the environment but in our lives. Some of us have experienced changes in our health, finances, relationships, or jobs. And we may know of family and friends who are also experiencing some disruption in their lives. Although we understand that change is a natural part of life, when such extreme events occur it makes it more difficult to maintain balance. In times like these, it is more important than ever to be in the moment. We don't have to understand what is happening or why. Just breathe. Sometimes when we are thrown into a crisis, that's all we are capable of doing. The calmness of our breath amongst the chaos that surrounds us. Today, be aware of the changes that are occurring in your life. For just a moment, be still, and take a deep calming breath. Let the steadiness of your breathing lead you through the day. By balancing ourselves, we strengthen our mind, body, and spirit.

Even in the shadows, we can be calm...