Archive for Self Empowerment
Positive Attitude – Being Supportive of Others Experiencing Life Challenges
Posted by: | CommentsI am sure you can vividly recollect those dramatically turbulent times in your life when you experienced a myriad of challenges and obstacles. Times when you felt your life was just falling apart. Discordant, unbalanced, stressful periods. Those memories stay with us quite clearly but DO help shape who we are.
But have you ever experienced the opposite — a time when you have finally arrived at a point of harmony and balance — and now suddenly everyone around you is going through challenges. With no warning notice, the lives of others in your “circle” are simply unraveling with health issues, money problems, etc.
When we are in the graceful flow of life, we somehow expect and assume that everyone else is riding the same wave. And as we go merrily on our way, attempting to be in the joyful moment — WHAM — people are falling like dominoes (remember that old game?) around you.
Of course, that is all figurative language — not that people are dropping at your feet. I’ve been experiencing this myself recently. After getting caught up in the swirl of challenge after challenge with family and friends, I am truly wondering — is this part of the great energetic shift of 2012? Or is it just the normal stream of life showing up in difficult and tumultuous ways?
I first met these tough happenings with extreme resistance — which we all know is never an appropriate way to deal with anything. Those feelings of resistance bring to us more of the same, and more hardship too, if we do not move ourselves into a better mindset. And I do know better, but I reacted at a gut, emotional level as most anyone would do.
I have since been learning to navigate these choppy waters in a calmer way. But I constantly re-learn the lesson that life is always an adventure.
Here are six suggestions for coping during tough times:
1) Don’t bury your head in the sand and pretend nothing is happening. Do acknowledge what you are observing. But don’t let your whole heart get caught up in the negativity.
2) Be supportive to those going through the challenges. Extremely supportive. But don’t let their fear-based emotions become yours. Be compassionate, but not empathetic. Walking with others too closely along their rocky path is not healthy for you either.
3) Keep your own powerful inner light strong and radiant. Be a brilliant beacon of understanding and peacefulness to others — a port in their personal stormy sea. They will come to depend on you. But realize that they will regain their poise and harmony at some point. So you will not have to shoulder their burden indefinitely.
4) Understand that everyone has their own personal life path — some of it joyful and some of it difficult. Respect the unique soul journey of others. There are always powerful lessons to learn through overcoming hardship.
5) Continue to keep a keen focus on those aspects of your own life that are optimistic and positive — and take care of yourself. As much as you need to be there for others, make sure that your own needs are met. Or you will begin to feel stressed and worn-out.
6) Do keep in mind that this is all temporary. The ebb and flow of life is constantly changing. Hold tight to the knowing that the stream of joy and well-being is always there, that others can slip comfortably back into it at some point after they have bypassed the swirling turbulent eddies of challenge and turmoil.
And take to heart the simple, yet profound steadfast guidance of Abraham-Hicks as they say: “All is well.” Accept that concept and allow it to permeate your emotions and your senses. All IS well.
Affirmations:
- I let my powerful inner light shine as a guiding beacon for others who are experiencing challenges.
- I tap into my heartfelt sense of stability as I assist others in navigating through turbulent times.
- I consciously and gratefully focus on the uplifting aspects of my life — all the blessings, the joy, and the people who love me.
Positive Attitude – Do Others Influence Your Sense of Self Esteem?
Posted by: | CommentsDo you feel authentically good about who you are at your heart and soul level? Is your self-esteem strong and joyful? Does your sense of self worth emanate from deep within your core essence — or do you allow the opinion and subjective views of others to determine how you perceive yourself?
Everyone has a very unique way of perceiving themselves and most of us are influenced by the thoughts, deeds and opinions of all those who surround us — family, friends, coworkers, etc. Those that surround you should absolutely be supportive, caring, kind and encouraging — nothing less than that is acceptable. However, in reality, that is rarely the case.
But being confident about who you are and your life path are essential to feel fulfilled, successful, balanced and compassionate — a state of being that most of us aspire to. Honestly, how many times have you made a statement such as: “She made me feel inadequate” or “He made me feel unworthy and bad about myself.” We have all been there.
To move forward, you need to accept total responsibility for your life, your actions and your emotions. Nobody can or should MAKE you feel anything. Your response and reactions to others determines what you feel. Decide that you will respond to challenging people and their opinions with strength and a powerful sense of self that will let their negativity roll off.
Many people feel the need to control others (I was raised in such a family environment) and do not understand the importance of letting go, being supportive and permitting others to grow, flourish and follow their own radiant inner light and unique life path. All of us are entitled to expand and grow as individuals, and as soulful beings as well.
It is critically important to hold on to the knowing that your inner light, which is your own unique and complex personality, should always shine through in a genuine, caring way. Remain as peaceful and non-reactive to challenging personalities as possible. And really do put your best foot forward to work on this. However, if it gets to the point that a person tries to consistently suppress your light, sometimes it is necessary to step back or away for your own overall sense of well being. So always assess the situation with gentle and careful observation, striving to be as nonjudgmental as possible.
Those most enlightened people in your life will do their very best to enhance your light, your spirit and will vibrate in a very highly joyful and loving way. They will buoyantly support your self-confidence. You will always feel “good enough” in their presence without having to work at it or pretend you are someone you are not.
So find your inner confidence, connect with the inner YOU and let your brilliant light be a beacon for others as well, inspiring them to also feel confident and “good enough” as you interact with them on a daily basis. And remember to express sincere appreciation to those who are loving, compassionate and supportive to you…
Affirmations:
- I approach each day with confidence and the self assurance to make decisions and choices that are healthy, wise and joyful for me.
- I know in my heart that I am worthy of love, prosperity and success.
- I strive to remain calm and non-reactive in situations that involve challenging personalities.
The Ego in Everyday Life – Blessing or Curse?
Posted by: | CommentsMention the word “ego” to people and you certainly get a variety of reactions, spanning the gamut of responses. To some, the ego represents the blessing of being part of humanity and to others it may seem like a “curse.”
The concept of ego has a multitude of definitions. The dictionary defines it as the “I” or self of any person; distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thoughts.
The Freudian understanding is quite different. It is believed that the ego is part of the personality that mediates the demands of the id, the superego and reality.
The Freudian ego supposedly prevents us from acting impulsively on our very basic urges, helping us behave with some form of normalcy and tact. For example, without the ego, if someone takes a parking spot that you were waiting for, you would simply get out of your car, go over and confront the other person. You might even exert physical force on the other driver in retaliation. Since we have an ego, we know (at least most of us) that this course of action is not the way to go.
I believe we do need our egos to survive here in the physical plane. They make us who we are as unique individuals. They help us persevere in the midst of all the challenges, choices and confusion that we face on a regular basis.
We need to consider our egos in a a gentle, caring and diplomatic way. It is when ones ego takes over in a non-compassionate, unkind way, expanding to give one a controlling, belligerent worldview of intolerance that this facet of our personality becomes a negative one. Thus, the expression such as: “He’s so egotistical. He thinks he is better than everyone else.”
Are you familiar with the idea that the word EGO is just an acronym for “Edge God Out?” When one’s ego dominates in such a way as to cause a person to believe in separation and duality, then he has truly edged out any connection with the Divine.
As a holistic healing practitioner, I embrace the concept of letting my ego step aside while I am facilitating a healing session. I do believe that the most effective sessions are when I relax my own preconceived notions of what needs to be healed, and let a Higher Power determine exactly what healing is appropriate for my client.
However, in every day life, our egos serve an essential role, as long as we keep them in check.
To bring balance and harmony into our ego-driven lives, the inspirational masters and teachers advise us to “drop down into our heart space.” This way we can gain a more open, Divinely-connected and compassionate perspective.
So if we strive for balance between our egos and our soul-selves, with a healthy, confident sense of who we are as well as compassion for others, perhaps that is the place of greatest joy for us here in the physical plane.
What do you think? What is your take on the human ego? Is it a virtue or a vice, a blessing or a curse? Please take a moment to leave a comment here — thank you in advance!
Affirmations:
- I am happy and confident with who I am, and I feel secure in my joyful connections with others.
- I let my ego guide me in a positive, gentle and compassionate way.
- I strive to achieve the balance between taking nurturing care of my self and loving care of others.
Positive Attitude – Appreciating Each Moment of Your Life
Posted by: | CommentsAnother day, another routine, maybe almost exactly the same as yesterday? Are you stuck in the rut of taking your life for granted? Do feelings of appreciation come to you often — or come to you rarely?
An early morning email from a wonderful, compassionate woman who has been quite inspirational to me has been a wake-up call, reminding me how precious a “normal” existence is. This woman has been suffering from an unusual condition involving her spinal fluid and has been bedridden for a half year now. Still she continues to do her inspirational tele-calls from her bed, reaching out her kindness and compassion to others in her internet community despite her own extreme physical challenges. Though it appeared she was healing, she has experienced a major setback and will be going in to the hospital for another surgical procedure. (Some of her symptoms are excruciating headaches and vision loss .) She is only in her early forties.
Another acquaintance of mine was recently hit by a van while she was walking in the street and was quite injured. Fortunately, after much medical care and rehabilitation, she is recovering.
I don’t share these stories for a “gloom and doom” effect. I share them for a “wake up and smell the beautiful fragrance of your life” effect.
Life truly does bring us along a road of many twists and turns, and sometimes we are never sure what we will find when we round the next curve. But that doesn’t mean we have to be filled with fear-based thoughts along our journey. We shouldn’t hide from living, and cower away, afraid of what could happen.
On the contrary, I am encouraging you to go out and live your life — and live it with grand appreciation! Life is a magnificent gift, and we should choose to treat and acknowledge it as such.
Embracing appreciation with a deep reverence for the beauty of our individual lives is probably the most joyful and productive thing one can do. Learn to bask in the clarity and exhilaration of each moment. Oh yes, some moments are definitely better than others. But as we make a conscientious effort to bring in more optimistic thought patterns, it becomes easier to find the precious good in our everyday experiences. Particularly the very simple ones — such as times spent with family, friends and even our cherished pets. Or times we spend connecting with nature.
Make an effort to greet each day with some form of appreciation. Bringing in the feelings of gratitude early in the morning can jump-start your day to be more positive, more productive, more inspired! And closing the day in the evening by just mentally revisiting those best moments of your day with authentic gratitude can be quite powerful.
It is said that those who are able to live their lives in a state of appreciation are generally happier and more fulfilled.
So what can you do, personally, to bring more thoughts and sensations of appreciation into your own reality? Give it some thought, and start now to begin to tap into that wellspring of appreciation that I do believe resides within each of our hearts. Let it flow forth… and enrich your life!
Affirmations:
- I am grateful for all the lessons I have learned along this journey called Life.
- I strive to let appreciation fill my heart and my senses… and know that my life is better for it.
- Embracing the concept and practice of appreciation brings joy, abundance, inspiration and fulfillment.
Self Empowerment – Confidence Along Your Own Particular Life Path
Posted by: | CommentsAre you joyful and enthusiastic about where you are heading? Or perhaps you are just accepting, and sort of moving blindly along, not sure if the direction aligns with your true “calling”? Or, are you possibly just plodding through each day, filled with uncertainty?
There is a wide range of potential attitudes toward’s one’s life. Of course, the optimum is feeling genuinely happy, vital and self-assured about your own path, invigorated and knowing that you are living your soul’s calling. Knowing that you are doing exactly what you are meant to do, and are where you are meant to be.
A young woman recently shared with me that although she was basically joyful with her work, she had a nagging feeling that she should have been or done more. And where did this feeling come from? Of all things, a recent visit to a psychic — a woman who she must have paid for a reading, but who spouted only negativity. This so-called psychic had shaken her confidence, informing her that she should be in a different career entirely, and should have done many things quite differently.
I was appalled at this destructive reading as it was detrimental to this young lady who placed sincere emphasis on what the psychic had to say. So I encouraged this woman to forget about the reading and suggested she focus on moving ahead with her life. “Do you like what you’re doing?” I questioned her. She assured me that she does, and she had put quite a bit of studying and practice into her vocation to get to the point where she is today.
I know that many people place too much credence on the negative remarks of others — and these others aren’t necessarily psychics; they can be one’s friend or family member who might need some lessons in tact and supportiveness.
Personally, I believe that we are pretty much where we need to be on our live path. Not everyone is completely content — that is the usual human condition. But I feel it is important to trust that as we move along our road of both self-discovery and life experience, we retain a clear understanding about the direction we need to follow. And often, we come to the figurative fork in the road and must make some personal decisions about which way to turn. And if you are truly not content with where you are, then you can always make a shift in another direction.
Embracing your path with confidence is essential for peace of mind. As I always say, tune into your own innate sense of self-guidance that lies within for assistance with what steps you need to take. If you are feeling strong and positive about your goals and plans, then you can easily let the remarks of “naysayers” roll off and not effect your self-assurance.
Not everyone is going to be your champion, and it’s key to understand that. That is why you need to be your own best and focused champion. Have confidence and insight into your own desires and wishes. And you may need to work on striving to ignore or be non-reactive toward those who cast obstacles in your path.
Yes, everyone wants to be passionate about their particular life path, but it is not always possible to maintain a high level of this as we move along our day-to-day schedules. If you can hold on to an overall sense of optimism in your heart, greet each day with even a little enthusiasm, then your life path will surely unfold in a gentle, welcoming, uplifting way. Be confident of this. Be sure of this. And don’t listen to psychics who tell you otherwise.
Affirmations:
- I feel genuinely confident that I am aligned with my life path as I move forward each day.
- Tapping in to my innate sense of self-assurance helps me overcome obstacles that I may encounter.
- I gravitate toward those who are supportive and encouraging about my life choices, plans and goals.
Law of Attraction – Keeping Focused on What You Wish to Manifest
Posted by: | CommentsHow is the good old Law of Attraction (LOA to those who are well-versed in this principle) working for you personally? Are you manifesting at least some of those magnificent desires that bloom in the wellspring of your inner thoughts and dreams?
When I get a bit off-track myself, my daughter (who is in her late twenties) admonishes me, “The Secret, Mom — use The Secret thinking.” Which of course refers to the movie that ignited the general public’s interest in this amazing universal law. Though I happily engage in LOA thinking often, it is certainly not 100% or anywhere near that much. My daughter can be very wise beyond her years at times and she professes that LOA thinking has enriched her own life dramatically.
It can enrich anyone’s life if you are ready to release limiting beliefs and embrace this powerful form of positive thinking.
Those times when you can sit in a meditation — or a peaceful state of anticipation — and realistically conjure up those visions of what you genuinely want to appear in your life need to happen frequently in order to bring the required attention to what you wish to create.
However, the first big step is to DECIDE what you do wish to create, and you must get profoundly clear on this. Being indecisive or wishy-washy (that is an old term, but fits here) is not going to move you in the right direction. You have to be specific in what you want.
Some of the well-known motivational teachers state that you must be extremely specific. For instance, if you want financial abundance, you should not just request “Show me the money” or “Bring me great riches.” Instead, say “I intend to manifest $10,000.00 by next month” or “next week,” whatever time frame you relate to.
But personally, I find that when I sit with an open heart and mind, and embrace the richness and abundance of the Universe, that abundance does seem to magnetically flow in. For me personally, this involves working with very powerful affirmations. And I find that though I am not always specific, I am quite clear on the emotions that I am feeling as I embrace the joyful sensations of what it would be like to already have what I am wishing for.
But the key is to really believe — and be in that state of receptiveness. You may need to experiment and find what feels right for you. Maybe that classic “vision board” resonates, where you paste up photos of what you are intending to attract. Or watching short inspirational videos that make you feel a rush of exhilaration and eagerness for what you are intending to manifest. Or just going within, and taking ten minutes to meditate on your wishes and goals. Try to capture very realistic mind pictures of what your manifested dreams will look like.
Part of this LOA equation is being able to focus. This means brushing aside distractions and really concentrating. Placing all your energy into the envisioning. And it means taking time every day to call forth that which you yearn to bring into your life experience.
And I do firmly believe it works.
For I find that when I have been lax with LOA thinking, my days become more stressful, less optimistic and I feel somehow diverted from my life path. So consistent thinking and making time to envision are essential.
However if you merely sit around and imagine all day, there is no guarantee that anything much will happen. You DO need to back it up with some real ACTION steps. But begin with the clear vision of your goal, and define exactly what you want and where you wish to go with it. Know you must take inspired action, but also know that if your heart is in it, you don’t have to do ALL the calculating about how to make it happen. Trust that if it aligns with your overall highest good, then the wise Universe will figure out exactly how to bring forth your desire in a way that is uniquely amazing and fulfilling for you.
Affirmations:
- I use my senses and inner guidance to clearly envision that which I wish to manifest.
- I am receptive to all the good, joy, and abundance that flows from a loving, supportive Universe.
- Each day, I awake with clear, optimistic intentions and take inspired action steps toward these goals.
The Vibration of Love – Your Core Essence
Posted by: | Comments“Love is the answer and love is the way
Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say
Love is the reason, love is the why
And love is in heaven right here on earth and peace inside.” ~John Denver
Do you find yourself more often in the powerful vibration of love, as in “heaven right here on Earth and peace inside” as the song says? Or are you constantly challenged by fear-based beliefs?
Some people live their life in a state of worry, chaos and disconnection. They may not enjoy living in that place (“worry” is not an exit on the highway that anyone would willfully choose) but perhaps they lack the awareness of their power and capability of making other choices. They don’t realize that there is an alternative to negative thought patterns. They remain stuck.
I do believe that some individuals are comfortable being the eternal victim. (“Nobody loves me” or “everything bad always happens to me.”) Joyful moments are rare, and their lives are in a perpetual downturn.
It’s certainly easy to be a victim, to walk in the shadows and cling to the known discomfort of limiting beliefs.
Sometimes it takes a personal crisis — even a small one — to shift one’s perspective. Sometimes it is a quick and amazing epiphany. And often it just happens over time, or in response to the influence of someone or something else, or from pursuing new spiritual paths and studies.
Awakening of consciousness goes hand in hand with letting in the very light of love. Learning to turn away from the shadows and step into the light of our core essence allows those very shadows to dissolve behind us and fade into our past.
And it’s never too late to wake up to the realization that one can go from victim mentality to that of joyful, loving creator. Love is merely letting go of fear.
So today, in this moment, acknowledge that you are a being of love, one that comes from love. Tune in to the love that is strong in your heart. If you are already on the lively, exhilarating path of illumination, then re-affirm your steps along this road. We all have moments of weakness, as our human-ness sometimes causes us to have episodes of disconnection. Our lights feel dimmed. That’s perfectly normal. It’s okay to experience your human range of emotions, even while reaching for your soulful range of goodness, compassion, and understanding.
I do firmly believe that part of our life here in this physical plane is to learn how to truly experience and express love in human form — love in all kinds of relationships and on all levels including love of our planet and its creatures.
Extend the reach of your love. This extends the reach of your light. And it will brighten not only your life, but the lives of many others in a magnificent ripple effect.
Affirmations:
- I tune in to the love that exists deep within my heart, for love is my core essence.
- Compassion, tolerance, patience and understanding are qualities that I cultivate within myself.
- I allow the brilliant light of love to emanate from within and flow out to those around me.
Positive Thinking – Setting Goals that Align with Your Life Path
Posted by: | CommentsNew Year… New Moment… New Energy…
We are finally here in glorious 2012!
Though many of us feel instinctively that this is a special year, a happening year, a year of consciousness awakening and a year of dramatic SHIFT, most of us have no idea exactly how the energy of this much-anticipated annum will play out.
So we need to just sit tight, be open to exciting change and infinite opportunities and possibilities. Of course, by that I don’t mean to just sit there and only think about the upcoming year. You need to visualize, prioritize, “goal-ize” (I don’t think that’s a real word, but you get my meaning) and take some inspired ACTION! And if you put it together in that way, taking step-by-step forward movements, results will actualize in a quantum way!
But you have to believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. Set goals that are feel-good ones for yourself. Any doubtful or not-sure kind of plans are not going to manifest. We all seem to know that “Law of Attraction” principle, yet we still find it a challenge to set goals that feel joyfully right for us, ones that truly align with our life path and soul calling. Ones that magnetize our desires and draw them directly to us.
Though you have likely heard some of these suggestions before, I share them again here:
- First, celebrate your accomplishments and highlights of the previous year. When we spend some upbeat, feel-good time celebrating what we’ve done right or positive, it gets us in the high vibration of inspired joy. It is from that place that we can move ahead to create what we want in the new year.
- Commit your goals to paper. It is an established fact that those who write their plans down are more likely to manifest their goals and dreams. And do it with enthusiasm!
- Use your imagination to really feel what it will be like to attain and enjoy your success. This is where strong visualization comes in. Really immerse yourself in what it is you wish to create or bring into your life. Some people swear by “vision boards.” Do what feels right for you.
- Write some powerful positive affirmations that are meaningful for you. Say them regularly and get into the energy of what they actually represent.
- Take each larger goal and “chunk it down,” into smaller sections, to quote the highly successful Jack Canfield. Nothing is too daunting if we divide it into smaller, easier steps. So even if you tentatively place one foot in front of the other, you WILL get where you want to go if you keep moving forward, even slowly.
- Cultivate an attitude of perseverance! Know that some things will materialize fast and furiously — in a good way! But other things will take longer, so be sure to be in the mindset to stay the course. Tap in to your inner guidance system to bring up your personal strength and ability to persevere.
- Call a lifeline! Absolutely get some help if you feel guided to. This can be in the form of a friend, family member, counselor, life coach, etc. Just make sure it is someone who can be truly supportive and encouraging to you, someone who can help keep you motivated and focused.
So as we move into 2012, leave behind what hasn’t worked for you, what doesn’t feel right or uplifting to you, and get in the energy of the powerful shift that is in the air! Embrace the newness of the year. Inhale the breath of beginning brand new from the blank, waiting canvas of your life. And know — just know — that you are going to create the reality you desire!
Affirmations:
- I set intentions and goals that resonate with my heart, mind and spirit.
- I cultivate an attitude of perseverance to help me through trying times.
- I enjoy the support and motivation I receive from loving family members and close friends.
Self-Empowerment – Moving Away from a Victim Mentality
Posted by: | CommentsDo you often (or even occasionally) find yourself making statements such as “Everything always happens to me,” “I never have any luck” or similar comments that undeniably cast you into the role of victim? I see this as the “poor me” syndrome and unfortunately it is something that appears to be all too common. Let’s face it, there are times we all fall into that trap of playing the hapless victim in our ever-shifting life story.
Mostly, we know this is not a healthy place in which to wallow. But sometimes we don’t know. Sometimes we are so caught up in the drama of the “woe is me” outlook that we can’t see or think clearly, and certainly have no clue about how to find a much-improved and joyful path upon which to move forward.
I’ve written much about this topic, but was inspired to revisit this after someone wrote to me the following — and I am paraphrasing: “What about those personalities who thrive on and exploit the compassion of others? How do you limit the damage they can inflict on you?”
Take a good, hard look at that question. What is it about the way it is worded that indicates that the writer of this might be stuck in a victim mentality? (Of course, my question is rhetorical.)
The lesson I have learned — and I am constantly continuing to learn – is that each of us has the power of choice. It is essential to begin to not just grasp this concept, but to profoundly embrace it with all your might and heart.
Well, you might think, we certainly don’t have the power to choose everything in life — and yes, that is a keen and true observation. But we have the power to choose a huge percentage of what happens in our lives. As for the rest, we have the power to choose our own REACTION. If something troubling happens, if a challenge arises, you can either meet it with fuming, raving and negative drama — or you can meet it with strength, understanding and perseverance. You can crumble under the weight of it, or you can take it in stride as a meaningful life lesson. Which outcome would YOU choose? (another rhetorical question that is a no-brainer.)
Another can only “inflict damage” on you if you allow it to happen. I’m not saying it will be easy to keep your cool and and stay in a mode of neutrality, but it is doable.
This is not to say you should enable a troubled or difficult personality or let someone walk all over you or abuse you.
As a powerful adult individual with free will and choice, you are capable of staying tapped in to your inner strength while holding the light of compassion in your heart.
You are capable of holding that peaceful, good-feeling sense of caring and surety within your being. You are capable of retaining a relatively harmonious outlook. You are capable of being peaceful and as neutral as possible when dealing with others who try to “inflict damage” on you. And did I remember to say “you are capable”!!!
It always comes down to doing the inner work to get to the place where you can cast off any vestige of a victim mentality and confidently take on the strength which all of us possess deep within. Sometimes it requires guidance or assistance from others (even a counselor or therapist) but it is certainly a positive path that we can all aspire to trod. Look within yourself — trust that your own personal strength vibrates powerfully in your heart. Genuinely make that commitment to tune in to the powerful, enlightened you that waits to come forth, especially in these spectacular, consciousness-awakening times.
Affirmations:
- I knowingly tune in to my inner strength and guidance to help me make decisions that are beneficial for me.
- Perseverance and patience are qualities that I consciously work on cultivating.
- I am a powerful creator and use my ability of choice and free will to design a life experience that is healthy and joyful for me.
Appreciation – Finding Gratitude in the Now Moment
Posted by: | CommentsDo you ever consider how good it can feel to truly embrace appreciation on a consistent basis? Personally, I have been in “appreciation mode” recently. Not that I am ungrateful normally, but I am feeling motivated about getting more deeply into the mindset of profound appreciation.
For those in the USA, we are soon approaching the traditional holiday of Thanksgiving so maybe that has influenced me a little. But it’s beneficial to remain in the joyful “attitude of gratitude” all year round. Feeling that brilliant optimism of appreciation absolutely raises your vibration. And then, more magical things happen — you feel better overall — your emotional health improves and even your physical health will improve!
So what do I mean by the “appreciation mode?” This is feeling the glow of appreciation in the very now moment. Of course, it is not possible to hold this vibration all the time. But if you do this several times a day, it will impact your reality for the better.
Take the time to either look around or to look within and simply ask yourself “What am I thankful for right here in this moment?” And rather spontaneously bring to mind something that is particularly pleasing to you, something that inspires gratitude within YOU.
One personal example happened the other day. I took my senior canine to the dog park, enjoying his company and watching his happiness at being off-leash and able to wander freely. I just appreciated that animal/human bonding moment. And as we left the park in my car, I was just filled with appreciation for the beautiful tree-lined road with all the spectacular fall foliage colors. My heart was radiant with appreciation in that particular moment — and I felt so blissful. And it was such a simple time.
Today, my husband went out of the way to run a particular errand for me that will save me so much time and I am happily grateful for this thoughtfulness. Even though the rest of my day brought some of the normal frustrations of life — a minor plumbing problem, as well as a broken car windshield that had to be replaced — trying to hold myself in the light of appreciation helped not just salvage, but improve my overall feelings for the day.
Wrap your heart and mind around feeling gratitude. Be grateful for your unique life path and your own particular skills and talents. Be grateful for those close to you with whom you share a loving bond. Express your appreciation verbally.
Here is a quick gratitude exercise for you. Just bring to mind one thing that makes you light up with appreciation. Do it — just focus on it for a moment. How does it make you feel? Can it make your heart smile — even just for a moment or two? Being in this energy is empowering.
Have the courage to look into the mirror — be bold and confident and say to your own reflection “I appreciate you!”
Affirmations:
- Being in the mindset of appreciation brings more joyful aspects into my everyday life experience.
- Abundantly feeling and expressing gratitude helps move me up the emotional scale.
- I truly appreciate my own particular radiant and unique life journey.