Living in Gratitude

I have been working on this post for quite a while now. Gratitude is something I really believe in, and I know it can change lives. It has changed mine dramatically. My life is so amazing because I practice gratitude daily, whether it be for only 10 minutes a day or longer than that. I write out a gratitude list daily of both material and immaterial things I am so grateful to have in my life.

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There are so many things in this world that each of us can show gratitude for each and every day. Showing gratitude for what you have, even for what you don't have, raises your vibration to help you bring in more of what you do want in your life. The higher your vibration, the better you feel. The better you feel, the more gratitude you can show to the universe.

I've been practicing an attitude of gratitude for a quite a while now. And I try to share it with others every chance I get because it really does change your life. I would always get started with something, then it would fall to the wayside because the habit wasn't strong enough. Well, things in my life really started changing when I started practicing gratitude daily.

First, it started with my attitude. I was much happier and just in an overall better place. The first thing I do each morning when I wake up, is say "Thank YOU!" I thank the universe for giving me a new day. I thank the universe for keeping me healthy. I thank the universe for all that I have. Then later in the day, sometime in the morning usually, I will write in my journal, a list of at least 10 things I am grateful for. I don't base this off of the list I wrote the previous day. But the majority of the things on my list each day are the same or similar. And that is because those are things I am eternally grateful for and I need to keep thanking the universe for each of them every day. My list doesn't stop at 10. If I have more stuff to add, then I keep adding them, until I have nothing left to add for that day. Then, I just go about my day and am in a very good mood. There is very little that can change my good mood anymore.

Second, my life started changing for the better. Good things started to happen to me. It really seemed like I was a major streak of bad luck, and yet somehow, in some way, I had attracted all that bad stuff to me. I don't know how I did, but today, I don't want to know how I really attracted all that bad stuff to me. That stuff is in the past and today is a new day. I am not the same person I was last month, let alone 4 months ago when this streak of bad luck happened to me. But once I started practicing the gratitude, and my attitude changed, good things started happening to me. I received gifts I didn't ask for. I am completely healthy. I am manifesting an amazing future.

Lastly, my life is so amazing! I love my life right now. There are things I'm still working on, but we are all human. We all have something in ourselves that needs to be worked on. No one is perfect. But I live each day for the present and exactly what I have in this moment right now, right here. I can't change the past, nor do I really want to. It made me who I am today. I've learned so many lessons from the past and I am continuing to learn lessons on a regular basis. I've always said that I love learning new things, well what better way to really improve my life, than by learning new lessons that I need to apply to my life.

There really is so much that you can do to practice gratitude daily. But the first thing you really have to do is, have faith, trust and believe that the universe really does hear you. You may not see immediate results from this, or you may, it's all in divine timing! Then you also have to really feel the gratitude that you are showing to the universe. The universe knows if you are not for real with your feelings. Let this change your life for the best. And the last thing you have to do, is let go of the negativity. Stop thinking about the "what if's", the "but's", the lack of something that you don't have. Think about what you do have. Say thank you for what you do have and what is coming to you.

Here are some ideas that you can do to practice gratitude daily:

• Gratitude jar - use a jar, a box, something that is easy to store papers in that you can see daily. On little pieces of paper (I like to use colored paper), each day write down something that happened that you are grateful for that day and put it in the jar. Put the date on the paper as well. You don't have to limit to this to one item per day either. Anything that you feel extra gratitude towards, write it down and put it in the jar. 
• Gratitude journal - in a new journal or a notebook, write the date, then write a list of things you are grateful for in your life, both material and immaterial things. This list should include at least 10 things each day. Don't refer back to the previous day, just use your memory to show what you are grateful for. Do this EVERY DAY! This will really get you into the spirit of being grateful. I love doing this!
• Say "Thank You!" to the universe several times a day. You can also specific things you are thankful for when you say it. This practice is especially good first thing when you wake up each day before you even get out of bed. 

Living a life of gratitude is much better than going around blaming yourself or others about all the bad stuff that has happened in your life.  Blaming won't change your life. It will just continue to make the bad stuff happen to you, because you are blind to the fact that good things are happening to you at the moment. When you show gratitude, you can brush off the bad stuff, because so much more good stuff is happening to you and you are noticing all the good stuff.

Believe me, gratitude can and will change your life. Practice gratitude daily for the next 30 days, and if nothing in your life changes, then come back to me and let me know what you did every day. But when your life starts changing, I still want to hear from you!  Share your stories with me about how this is changing your life.

Venus Self Renewal, Day 9, 10, 11

Day 9, 10 and 11 of 40 Days of Venus Self Renewal: The magical doorway. Yes, this one is a three part process. Thank for you for your patience with the reactivation of this journey as I paused to sit with the last day that was 2013 and allowed space to be with the first few days of 2014.

Part 1: Imagine you are about to step through a divine portal, one that can transport you from where you are to where you truly desire to be. Before you step through it, write a love note (or thank you note) to 2013. Focus on the lessons, blessings, gifts, insights, aha moments, wisdoms and intuitive gems received during your past 365 days. This may or may not include some of the things on your gratitude list from day 8.

Part 2: It’s time to pick a word for the new cycle ahead. Use it as a focus, guide or intention. Life-enhancing feeling-based words can be the most powerful here. Write down your word. Or if several come to you, write them all down then circle the one that jumps out at you the most. Then write down (i) what this word means to you, (ii) why this word speaks to you right now and (iii) how are some of the ways you can invite this word into your life in the coming days ahead

Part 3: Your magical doorway. Imagine on one side 2013, a year that on many levels held up a reflection of who we are not, gifting us the opportunity to shed old and outgrown definitions of self. On the other side of the doorway is 2014, a year that will hold up a mirror (if we allow it) of all that we really are. Pure energy, light and love. Visually express out what your magical doorway looks like using the materials that call you.

I am taking these posts from a Facebook page I follow: www.facebook.com/jelenamrkich but I would really love for you to follow along with me on this journey and share your journey here. This journey is absolutely perfect for each of us for this new year and being a new YOU.  

Here is a list of all of the other posts in this journey:
Introduction

Day 1  

Day 2 

Day 3 

Day 4

Day 5 

Day 6 

Day 7 

Day 8 

Daily Affirmation Challenge, Day 7

Continue using the same affirmation you started with on day 1.  Remember, it can be your own or the one I'm using.

Affirmation: I love myself unconditionally. I love my body and all of its flaws. I am unique and perfect just the way I am. Love comes to me naturally and I know just how to share my love with those who I come into contact with.

Step 1: Stand or sit in front of the mirror. Chant OM 21 times to help clear your mind and raise your personal vibration. Then say the affirmation out loud 21 times to yourself in the mirror.

Step 2: In your notebook or journal, write Day 6 as the heading, then write your affirmation 21 times.

Step 3: Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. This can be anywhere from 2-30 minutes, just spend some quiet time alone and enjoy the peace and serenity that washes over you at this time.

Go about the rest of your day. If any negative thoughts come up about your affirmation, stop, acknowledge those feelings and then just let them go. If you need to, repeat your affirmation to yourself a few times to help release the negativity you may have.

Here are the other days in the challenge. You can start with Day 1 any day and just follow along with the rest of the days in order.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Daily Affirmation Challenge, Day 6

Continue using the same affirmation you started with on day 1.  Remember, it can be your own or the one I'm using.

Affirmation: I love myself unconditionally. I love my body and all of its flaws. I am unique and perfect just the way I am. Love comes to me naturally and I know just how to share my love with those who I come into contact with.

Step 1: Stand or sit in front of the mirror. Chant OM 21 times to help clear your mind and raise your personal vibration. Then say the affirmation out loud 21 times to yourself in the mirror.

Step 2: In your notebook or journal, write Day 6 as the heading, then write your affirmation 21 times.

Step 3: Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. This can be anywhere from 2-30 minutes, just spend some quiet time alone and enjoy the peace and serenity that washes over you at this time.

Go about the rest of your day. If any negative thoughts come up about your affirmation, stop, acknowledge those feelings and then just let them go. If you need to, repeat your affirmation to yourself a few times to help release the negativity you may have.

Here are the other days in the challenge. You can start with Day 1 any day and just follow along with the rest of the days in order.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Daily Affirmation Challenge, Day 5

Continue using the same affirmation you started with on day 1.  Remember, it can be your own or the one I'm using.

Affirmation: I love myself unconditionally. I love my body and all of its flaws. I am unique and perfect just the way I am. Love comes to me naturally and I know just how to share my love with those who I come into contact with.

Step 1: Stand or sit in front of the mirror. Chant OM 21 times to help clear your mind and raise your personal vibration. Then say the affirmation out loud 21 times to yourself in the mirror.

Step 2: In your notebook or journal, write Day 5 as the heading, then write your affirmation 21 times.

Step 3: Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. This can be anywhere from 2-30 minutes, just spend some quiet time alone and enjoy the peace and serenity that washes over you at this time.

Go about the rest of your day. If any negative thoughts come up about your affirmation, stop, acknowledge those feelings and then just let them go. If you need to, repeat your affirmation to yourself a few times to help release the negativity you may have.

Here are the other days in the challenge. You can start with Day 1 any day and just follow along with the rest of the days in order.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Venus Self Renewal, Day 5

Day 5 of 40 Days of Venus Self Renewal: I hear you. Bring to mind one aspect of your self that you are saying ’no’ to right now. It may be the same aspect that showed up for yesterday’s prompt or perhaps it is a new one. See this aspect in your mind’s eye, as if it was an energy unto its own. Allow it to show up in whatever form it needs to. Imagine entering a chat with this aspect. Ask them the following questions then write down each response; (i) what emotion (or fear) are you holding for me? (ii) what message do you have for me right now? (iii) what are you needing from me to feel safe right now? Then take a deep breathe in, and out. Bring your chat to a close by writing down “I hear you”. Breathe that in and allow a space for acceptance for the next 24 hours.

Use markers, pencils or other materials to circle or highlight words that jump out for you.

I am taking these posts from a Facebook page I follow: www.facebook.com/jelenamrkich but I would really love for you to follow along with me on this journey and share your journey here. This journey is absolutely perfect for each of us for this new year and being a new YOU.  

Here is a list of all of the other posts in this journey:
Introduction

Day 1  

Day 2 

Day 3 

Day 4

Daily Affirmation Challenge, Day 4

Continue using the same affirmation you started with on day 1.  Remember, it can be your own or the one I'm using.

Affirmation: I love myself unconditionally. I love my body and all of its flaws. I am unique and perfect just the way I am. Love comes to me naturally and I know just how to share my love with those who I come into contact with.

Step 1: Stand or sit in front of the mirror. Chant OM 21 times to help clear your mind and raise your personal vibration. Then say the affirmation out loud 21 times to yourself in the mirror.

Step 2: In your notebook or journal, write Day 4 as the heading, then write your affirmation 21 times.

Step 3: Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. This can be anywhere from 2-30 minutes, just spend some quiet time alone and enjoy the peace and serenity that washes over you at this time.

Go about the rest of your day. If any negative thoughts come up about your affirmation, stop, acknowledge those feelings and then just let them go. If you need to, repeat your affirmation to yourself a few times to help release the negativity you may have.

Here are the other days in the challenge. You can start with Day 1 any day and just follow along with the rest of the days in order.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Daily Affirmation Challenge, Day 3

Continue using the same affirmation you started with on day 1.  Remember, it can be your own or the one I'm using.

Affirmation: I love myself unconditionally. I love my body and all of its flaws. I am unique and perfect just the way I am. Love comes to me naturally and I know just how to share my love with those who I come into contact with.

Step 1: Stand or sit in front of the mirror. Chant OM 21 times to help clear your mind and raise your personal vibration. Then say the affirmation out loud 21 times to yourself in the mirror.

Step 2: In your notebook or journal, write Day 3 as the heading, then write your affirmation 21 times.

Step 3: Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. This can be anywhere from 2-30 minutes, just spend some quiet time alone and enjoy the peace and serenity that washes over you at this time.

Go about the rest of your day. If any negative thoughts come up about your affirmation, stop, acknowledge those feelings and then just let them go. If you need to, repeat your affirmation to yourself a few times to help release the negativity you may have.

Here are the other days in the challenge. You can start with Day 1 any day and just follow along with the rest of the days in order.
Day 1
Day 2

Venus Self Renewal, Day 3

Day 3 of 40 Days of Venus Self Renewal: An uncovering. Write down 10 or more things you wish to cultivate or strengthen within yourself and your life during this journey. Like yesterday, keep a self-empowered focus. Consider your core desires (what you truly want to embody and experience), what honors your authentic worth, what feels wholeheartedly good for your being, what is life-enhancing for you, what fuels your self-love and self-care tanks, what uplifts you and what moves you into positively powerful action.

Use markers, pencils or other materials to circle or highlight words that jump out for you. 

I am taking these posts from a Facebook page I follow: www.facebook.com/jelenamrkich but I would really love for you to follow along with me on this journey and share your journey here. This journey is absolutely perfect for each of us for this new year and being a new YOU.  

Here is a list of all of the other posts in this journey:
Introduction

Day 1  

Day 2 

What is Reiki?

The Mind-Body Healing Benefits of Reiki

According to the Japanese healing technique known as Reiki (pronounced "ray-kee"), when your “Ki” -- or life force energy -- is low or disrupted, you’re more likely to feel stressed or sick. High levels of Ki lead to health and happiness, and it is upon this principle that Reiki exerts its healing effects.

Composed of two Japanese words -- “Rei,” which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and “Ki,” which means “life force energy” -- Reiki can be translated as “spiritually guided life force energy.” This gentle, energy healing technique works by helping to clear the negative energies that are blocking the flow of your vital life force energy and is becoming increasingly practiced in U.S. hospitals, hospices and other health care settings.

How Does Reiki Work?

A Reiki treatment generally involves working with a Reiki practitioner who will access your life force energy and allow it to flow freely. This is done by placing their hands palms down on or just above your body in up to 15 different positions. Each position is held for two to five minutes, or until the practitioner feels heat and tingling sensations dissipate, which signals that the flow of energy has stopped.

Each Reiki session lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and patients generally receive multiple sessions. It is also possible to receive Reiki long-distance, in which Reiki is performed on clients who are not physically present. 

A Gentle Form of Mind-Body Medicine

According to the International Center for Reiki Training: “A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing … Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.”
 
The energy that is channeled from the hands of a Reiki practitioner is said to “break up and wash away” negative thoughts and feelings that are stopping the flow of your life force energy, leading to improved mental and physical health. 

As the International Center for Reiki Training reports: “Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.”
 
Because Ki is influenced by your thoughts and feelings, Dr. Mikao Usui, who rediscovered the ancient healing art of Reiki in Japan in the early 1900s, also developed five Reiki principles that complement the healing technique. To improve your mind and body, Dr. Usui recommended repeating the following, out loud and in your heart, each day, morning and night:
1. Just for today, I will let go of anger. (Letting go of anger brings peace into the mind.)
2. Just for today, I will let go of worry. (Letting go of worry brings healing into the body.)
3. Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings. (Being thankful brings joy into the spirit.)
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. (Working honestly brings abundance into the soul.)
5. Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing. (Being kind brings love into the will.)
 
What Health Problems is Reiki Used For?

Reiki is used for relaxation and stress relief as well as to relieve chronic pain, side effects from medications and medical treatments, and to improve overall health and well-being. The technique is increasingly being offered in U.S. medical settings, and it’s estimated that over 800 U.S. hospitals now offer Reiki as part of their services.

Are You Looking for a Reiki Practitioner?

Reiki practitioners must receive their training from an experienced Reiki teacher or Master, and can hold degrees in level 1 (which involves about two days of training), level 2 or Master Reiki, which can take years to achieve. When choosing a practitioner, be sure to find out about their background, experience and training, as expertise can vary greatly and there are currently no set licensing standards.

Although research into Reiki is still ongoing, it appears to be a very safe treatment with virtually no side effects reported. Using it in addition to your current therapies for a variety of physical and mental health complaints may therefore be a complementary treatment worth looking into.

Do you know the most natural therapy, free of medicine that can assist you baby to be calmer, or relieved from pain? Reiki is a hands-on, non-manipulative, energy renewal technique, to help babies to sleep well, to relieve pain from teething or to speed up recovery during a cold. Reiki can help by providing additional energy to be used for healing. The sooner an ailment is addressed the better. If you come as soon as your dear bub starts sneezing it will prevent them from coughing. It is so heartbreaking for us when they cough, don’t you agree? And it will deprive them from sleep and you too!

The baby’s body will attract the energy that is transferred through the hands of the practitioner, Catherine. The baby can sit on his mum’s lap or be hold in her Mum’s arms, or be held by Catherine if the baby agrees. The energy will flow and go wherever it is needed. For babies, who have so small bodies, one of Catherine’s hand can cover the whole lungs surface!

Reiki is very gentle for babies and adults alike.
 

Why do we need a Reiki Treatment? 

We all, from time to time, experience sudden changes in our lives; disturbances, long term depression, anger, unhealthy thought patterns and also fear, just to name a few. These are all negative emotions which cause our bodies to feel stress and tension which after a long period of time can deeply affect us and can cause harm by weakening our immune system resulting to health problems if not dealt with promptly. Reiki energy allows our body to relax so that it can accelerate its own ability to heal itself by supporting its healing process.

Reiki Benefits 

When the flow of the “Life Force Energy” is disrupted, weakened or blocked, emotional or health problems tend to occur. Imbalances can be caused from many situations occurring in our lives, such as emotional or physical trauma, injury, negative thoughts and feelings, including fear, worry, doubt, anger, anxiety, negative self-talk, toxicity, nutritional depletion, destructive lifestyle and relationships, neglect of self and lack of love for oneself or others, from emotions that are not expressed in a healthy way.

Reiki therapy is now recognized for its natural ability to heal peoples’ lives in many miraculous and powerful ways and at all levels such as spiritual, mental, physical and emotional.

Here are some practical ways Reiki can benefit you:
Helps relieve general aches and pains
Generates deep relaxation and feelings of peace
Restores balance and harmony
Restores energy flow throughout the body
Removes negative thoughts and attitudes
Removes energy blockages
Helps purify the body of poisons and toxins
Helps with insomnia. Aiding better sleep
Helps stabilise blood pressure
Enhances support for the immune system
Enhances spiritual growth
Enhances emotional clearing
Stimulates a sense of compassion
Delays one’s aging process
Reduces symptoms of Menopause
Reduces stress and anxiety

The Awakening by Sonny Carroll

I was introduced to this poem by a friend yesterday. This poem really struck a cord with me and I wanted to share it with all of YOU. It may open up some doors or just your eyes to something you have been doing or not doing. This poem is absolutely perfect for everything I have been going through. And I have had my own personal awakening over the past few months. Things are finally starting to fall into place and look good again. The only person I'm looking to change is myself. I don't want to even try to change anyone else in my world. It's not worth the pain and heartache to try to make someone else change, it's much easier to walk away from that person and change yourself. I love my life and it just keeps getting better and better every day.

The Awakening by Sonny Carroll(reposted from http://www.sapphyr.net/largegems/theawakening.htm)
There comes a time in your life when you finally get it ... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out "ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on." And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world from a new perspective.

..........This is your awakening.

You realize that it is time to stop hoping and waiting for something or someone to change, or for happiness safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you. Then a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

So you begin making your way through the "reality of today" rather than holding out for the "promise of tomorrow." You realize that much of who you are and the way you navigate through life is, in great part, a result of all the social conditioning you've received over the course of a lifetime. And you begin to sift through all the nonsense you were taught about :

- how you should look and how much you should weigh,
- what you should wear and where you should shop,
- where you should live or what type of car you should drive,
- who you should sleep with and how you should behave,
- who you should marry and why you should stay,
- the importance of bearing children or what you owe your family,

Slowly you begin to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin re-assessing and re-defining who you are and what you really believe in. And you begin to discard the doctrines you have outgrown, or should never have practiced to begin with.

You accept the fact that you are not perfect ,and that not everyone will love appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK... they are entitled to their own views and opinions. And, you come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a "perfect 10".... Or a perfect human being for that matter... and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head or agonizing over how you compare. And, you take a long look at yourself in the mirror and you make a promise to give yourself the same unconditional love and support you give so freely to others. Then a sense of confidence is born of self-approval.

And, you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" hungry for your next fix, a new dress, another pair of shoes or looks of approval and admiration from family, friends or even strangers who pass by. Then you discover that it is truly in "giving" that we receive, and that the joy and abundance you seek grows out of the giving. And you recognize the importance of "creating" and "contributing" rather than "obtaining" and "accumulating."

And you give thanks for the simple things you've been blessed with, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about - a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, the freedom of choice and the opportunity to pursue your own dreams.

And you begin to love and to care for yourself. You stop engaging in self-destructive behaviors, including participating in dysfunctional relationships. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and exercising. And because you've learned that fatigue drains the spirit and creates doubt and fear, you give yourself permission to rest. And just as food is fuel for the body, laughter is fuel for the spirit and so you make it a point to create time for play.

Then you learn about love and relationships - how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away. And you allow only the hands of a lover who truly loves and respects you to glorify you with his touch. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, intentionally or unintentionally, and that not everyone will always come through... and interestingly enough, it's not always about you. So, you stop lashing out and pointing fingers or looking to place blame for the things that were done to you or weren't done for you. And you learn to keep your Ego in check and to acknowledge and redirect the destructive emotions it spawns - anger, jealousy and resentment.

You learn how to say "I was wrong" and to forgive people for their own human frailties. You learn to build bridges instead of walls and about the healing power of love as it is expressed through a kind word, a warm smile or a friendly gesture. And, at the same time, you eliminate any relationships that are hurtful or fail to uplift and edify you. You stop working so hard at smoothing things over and setting your needs aside. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right to want or expect certain things. And you learn the importance of communicating your needs with confidence and grace. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that eventually martyrs are burned at the stake. Then you learn to distinguish between guilt, and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to Say NO. You learn that you don't know all the answers, it's not your job to save the world and that sometimes you just need to Let Go.

Moreover, you learn to look at people as they really are and not as you would want them to be, and you are careful not to project your neediness or insecurities onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love and relationships, and that that not everyone can always love you the way you would want them to. So you stop appraising your worth by the measure of love you are given. And suddenly you realize that it's wrong to demand that someone live their life or sacrifice their dreams just to serve your needs, ease your insecurities, or meet "your" standards and expectations. You learn that the only love worth giving and receiving is the love that is given freely without conditions or limitations. And you learn what it means to love. So you stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that "alone" does not mean "lonely" and you begin to discover the joy of spending time "with yourself" and "on yourself." Then you discover the greatest and most fulfilling love you will ever know - Self Love. And so it comes to pass that, through understanding, your heart heals; and now all new things are possible.

Moving along, you begin to avoid Toxic people and conversations. And you stop wasting time and energy rehashing your situation with family and friends. You learn that talk doesn't change things and that unrequited wishes can only serve to keep you trapped in the past. So you stop lamenting over what could or should have been and you make a decision to leave the past behind. Then you begin to invest your time and energy to affect positive change. You take a personal inventory of all your strengths and weaknesses and the areas you need to improve in order to move ahead, you set your goals and map out a plan of action to see things through.

You learn that life isn't always fair and you don't always get what you think you deserve, and you stop personalizing every loss or disappointment. You learn to accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that these things are not an act of God... but merely a random act of fate.

And you stop looking for guarantees, because you've learned that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected and that whatever happens, you'll learn to deal with it. And you learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time - FEAR itself.  So you learn to step right into and through your fears, because to give into fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophesy and you learn to go after what you want and not to squander your life living under a cloud of indecision or feelings of impending doom.

Then, YOU LEARN ABOUT MONEY... the personal power and independence it brings and the options it creates. And you recognize the necessity to create your own personal wealth. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. And a sense of power is born of self-reliance. And you live with honor and integrity because you know that these principles are not the outdated ideals of a by-gone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build your life. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful opportunity and exciting possibility. Then you hang a wind chime outside your window to remind yourself what beauty there is in Simplicity.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you TAKE a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

A word about the Power of Prayer: In some of my darkest, most painful and frightening hours, I have prayed, not for the answers to my prayers or for material things, but for my "God" to help me find the strength, confidence and courage to persevere; to face each day and to do what I must do.

Remember this:- You are an expression of the almighty. The spirit of God resides within you and moves through you. Open your heart, speak to that spirit and it will heal and empower you.
My "God" has never failed me.

I want to hear your thoughts on this poem. Leave a comment and I'll respond. You can also follow me on Pinterest and Twitter. I love having followers and comments.

Trust, believe and have faith!

Abundance is Everywhere!!

Plain and simple, abundance is everywhere, you have to faith and believe you are worthy. Each person is worthy, but it all depends on our daily thoughts. If you really think that you aren't worthy of receiving something, then the Universe will send that right back to you and you won't be able to receive that which you wished for.

Believe in yourself and believe that you are worthy. It all starts with YOU! It's really that simple. Change your thoughts and you can change you life. I'm living proof! I've seen other people do this too. Put the Law of Attraction to work for you. Think positive and manifest the future you really want for yourself.

Tonight is a new moon. The new moon is the perfect time for new beginnings. Create that vision board, go here if you need some more help on the vision board. I've got my vision board up, but I'm going to continue to add to it as more and more dreams come to me. The more you believe and take that leap of faith towards your future, your life will become much more rewarding!

Take a leap of faith!

Abundance is everywhere. And what you receive is not taking from someone else. It is unlimited! Trust, believe and have faith. It's actually very simple, but as humans we make it complicated. 

Leave me comments and I'll respond. I love reading your success stories. I'd also love to feature some of your stories in my blog, so contact me! Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest. Create those vision board, make those new moon wishes. 

New beginnings start tonight!