What's On My Mind...
Saturday, March 21, 2010
The last few weeks have been intriguing. I've realized, in myself, patterns I thought were long broken. I see things now that have been fear-based that, for a time, I thought were logic grounded... and I'm ready and willing to change. I opened up Marianne Williamson's "Enchanted Love" to a random page and a prayer popped up. I'm going to hold onto this prayer for the next week or so. It fits in perfectly with the next CHOOSE YOU course I'll be teaching:
"Dear God, I don't wish to be a child anymore. I don't wish to be held back anymore. I don't wish to waste my life. Deliver me to new realms, repair me where I am broken, and ready my heart for everything. Thank you, God. Amen."
- Marianne Williamson, Enchanted Love
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Just as there’s a time for seriousness, there’s also a time to have fun.
Laughter is the best medicine. When you look at life, remember that the only moment that counts is the present one and nothing is so serious in the present moment that you can’t smile, laugh or find solace in it.
Don’t sweat the small stuff; it’s all small stuff and that’s where being a kid becomes important. Kids don’t fret about tomorrow. They’re too busy in the present moment.
Children are fascinated by their ability to make right now as exciting and fun as possible. Try being 5 today. You’ll get a kick out of life, you, everything and everyone.
Remember:
“Infinite patience produces immediate results.”
Everyone likes approval. It’s natural to feel good when people see you making important life decisions and they affirm you.
There’s nothing wrong with liking approval or seeking it but if you REQUIRE approval in order to feel good about yourself, or if someone’s disapproval puts you in a stagnant or immobilized place, there's a problem.
You’ve now stepped into the realm of people pleasing and the truth about people pleasing is this: it’s a no-win situation. You can’t please all of the people all of the time.
Signs that you’re a people pleaser:
1) If you don’t get approval, it immobilizes you
2) You drop everything to say yes to people, even when you want to say no
3) When you go out, your first thought is “What do they think of me? Are they talking about me?”
4) You don’t show people all of who you are for fear of rejection or ridicule
5) You change your plans, decisions, and perspectives as soon as someone disagrees with you
If you are a people pleaser (and we've all been there at one time or another), here’s the one thing you need to remember:
When you people please, what you’re really saying to those people and the world is this:
“YOUR OPINION OF ME IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY OPINION OF MYSELF.”
Awareness is key. So is action.
Your new thought:
“What you think of me is NONE OF MY BUSINESS!”
I love, trust, cherish, respect, and honor who I am.
When you love who you are, you accept yourself. You encourage yourself by focusing on all the good that is in you.
When you trust yourself, you follow your inner knowing and do what’s right for you. You are not easily swayed by the “good” opinions of others nor do you feel pressure to do what other people suggest in order to get their approval.
When you cherish yourself, you take good care of yourself: body, mind and spirit. You feed your body good things and make time for exercise. You take quiet time to meditate, think and/or pray. You focus on the positives in your life and you express gratitude on a daily basis.
When you respect yourself, you do what’s best for you in all situations without allowing guilt, shame or blame to set in. You know you deserve the best and you accept it now.
When you honor yourself, you see how divine you are. You become aware that you are a vital part of everyone and everything.
You look for ways to serve your community. You follow your dreams because you know that the greatness that has been put in you is meant to be shared with the world.
I love, trust, cherish, respect and honor who I am.
Say this affirmation on a daily basis and watch your life unfold in magnificent ways.
Every person comes to life with a story they are comfortable telling. Without even knowing it, we use it as a calling card to anyone and everyone we encounter. It's the "this is who I am because of where I've come from story." What is your story? Think back to the last two or three people you met for the first time. How did you describe yourself to them? What did you tell them about your life? Now think of your best friends. What recurring theme or idea do you find yourself discussing with them when it comes to the topic of your life? Here are a few examples:
"My father left before I was born."
"I'm a single mom."
"I've had a slew of bad relationships."
"People are always so jealous of me."
"I was raised by perfectionist parents. Nothing was ever good enough."
"I can't live without my coffee."
"Always the bridesmaid, never the bride."
"I'm a loner."
"People just don't get me."
And the list of "stories" could go on forever. Although we are raised with these experiences and create stories to help make sense of our lives, there is something so disempowering about summarizing who you are based on what you've been through. You are not your experiences. You are not your parents. You are not your failed relationships. You are not your FICO score. You are whatever you choose to be RIGHT NOW. The key to being free of your story is to stop telling it. As a great author once said, "If you don't have a story, you don't have to live up to it." Stop telling your story and see what blossoms in your life.
I'm such a big fan of Julia Cameron. All of her work amazes me, from "The Artist's Way" to "Answered Prayers." I keep her book of prayers, "Answered Prayers", with me at all times and the reason I love it so much is because it speaks to the whole notion of CHOOSING YOU. When you start to understand that you're a part of the divine, that you matter, that loving yourself is at the center of having everything you ever wanted in your life, every prayer you send out into the universe comes back to you because you know there's no lack or scarcity in life. We're all a part of this and we all have access to it.
Here's a Julia Cameron prayer and feel how beautiful your life truly is!
"Your heart is busy with too many concerns. You worry. You are agitated. You have no time for me. Get quiet. In all the world, only one thing matters, and that is our contact. When we are together, all else comes into harmony. I am the maker of all life. I bring to all relations sweetness and right action. Put me first. Come to me with all of your turbulence. I will bring you peace. I am intended to companion you. Let me fill your hours with my presence. I take delight in you. You are my cherished child. In all of time, there is only one of you, unique and original. I never tire of your presence. Allow me to be your friend. Let me become the place where you are most intimate, where you speak your truth most freely. Mine is a patient heart. Bring me your concerns. Tell me your worries and agitations. I can focus with pure love. I can listen with pure attention. No matter the hubbub of the world, I always have time for you. In all of creation, there is nothing that I place before you. You are my focus. You are whom I long to hear from. Allow me to come close to you. Let me into your life. Allow me to enter your heart. I come with respect. I bring the gifts of gentleness and wisdom. I am for you wise counsel. Share with me your hurried heart. Slow down and speak with me. I bring you joy."
Are you ready to live life to the fullest?
Tired of wasting time thinking about the woulda/shoulda/couldas of the past?
Ready to let the past go and redesign your future based on what you want and need?
Are you ready to spend four weeks completely and totally on you?
Then it's time to CHOOSE YOU!
Space is limited! Register today by clicking on the Pay Pal link.
Stop waiting! Start becoming! CHOOSE YOU!
DATES: April 6 - May 4, 2009
LOCATION: Online
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