Forgiveness

Perhaps one of the most difficult things we will ever do in life is forgive ourself. Sometimes we hurt ourselves, make bad decisions and virtually harm our own lives for the simple lack of our own ability to forgive ourself.

It's not an easy thing to get past. We have to first recognize it to begin with and the pain of it all can force you to keep it buried for years or even a lifetime. No matter how deeply you bury it though it will not prevent it from hurting you further. No it's pretty much guaranteed that if you bury and hold onto it it will in fact hurt you very much and over and over again until you dig it up and deal with it. It's that simple and just that complicated.

We often find it much easier to forgive other people then we do to forgive ourselves. Isn't it ironic that we find it much easier to live a life of self punishment rather than face our own demons and finally forgive ourselves.

If you want to fix your life. If there are holes; if there is pain; if you know you keep making the same mistakes over and over, perhaps in different ways but perhaps similar. Then it's time to dig up what's inside of you. It's time to forgive yourself for you are human. You are not perfect. You have made mistakes. We all have. It is time to let it all go and forgive yourself. Then and only then can you really move on in your life and grasp the life you secretly envision for yourself.

Walk with me today. Give me your hand and let us walk down this road together and ask ourselves for the forgiveness we desperately seek in the depths of our beings. Walk with me today and be free to live the life you desire.

Who Do You Think You Are?

The other day I experienced an “Ah Ha” moment that made me see my reality differently than I normally see it.

Someone asked me, “What are you afraid of?” I stopped in my tracks. Being homeless and living under a bridge ranked high up there. But as I thought deeper, and after writing my fears down in my journal, I realized that I was afraid of success.

All I could think about was the future. What if I became so successful that I didn’t have time to meditate, write music or play the guitar? Am I ready for the rigors of speaking engagements, workshops and travel?

With awareness, I began to see that this fear was blocking my progress, and I was looking at my life through the lens of this limiting belief.

What’s Holding You Back?

Beliefs are merely repeated thoughts about how you see yourself and the world around you. We protect our beliefs and hold them close to us until they become hardened and crystallized. But they can prevent us from living the life we see for ourselves.

I was surprised to find limiting beliefs lodged in my psyche. After all, I had been a meditator for many years and I thought I had cleaned out all that old rubbish.

What Do You Do Best?

As I thought deeper, I asked myself the question, “Why do I show up the world?” It became apparent that I am here to serve. This is who I think I am. And in order to efficiently serve, I must remain focused on what I do best.

I seek to help others uncover their Divinity aspect. When we are aligned with our truth, we live on purpose. And living on purpose propels our collective evolution.

Think Different

Research has shown that we think 80,000 thoughts a day! 79,000 of them are the same thoughts we had yesterday. How can we create new realities with the same old thinking?

I have created a new belief – the encouraging belief that I can easily overcome and release all limiting beliefs and move forward in the life I see for myself.

You can too.

The first step is awareness. If you catch yourself thinking thoughts that no longer serve you, all you need is to do is wake up to the reality that it’s time for some new thinking.

Are you worth it?

If you’re having trouble moving past old ways of thinking, hire a coach. A coach can offer objectivity and support you through your self-discovery. A coach can help you define who you think you are. A coach can help you discover your Divinity aspect.

I realize that if I focus on what I do best, I’ll have plenty of time to do all things I enjoy. And in that process, I’ll make a valuable contribution to the world.

I remind myself that I am in essence joy. After all, we were created in joy. Across all cultures of the world, we laugh, dance and sing.

So as long as every moment is spent in the awareness of joy, my future will take care of itself.

Thinking Green

Recycle In the Kitchen. One of the easiest, most convenient ways to cut back on your carbon footprint is to keep an extra waste bin next to your trash can. Simply rinse aluminum cans, plastic jugs, and glass jars and put them in your extra bin. If your city provides a free recycling service (mine does), this not only helps the environment, but could also cut back on your garbage bill. If you are currently paying for two garbage bins, you may be able to cut back to only one, and your recycling efforts will have an effect on the environment AND your wallet!

2

Recycle Plastic Bags. Pop a nail in a wall somewhere and hang your plastic shopping bags on it instead of throwing them in the trash. Better yet, invest in reusable bags once and you'll never have another plastic bag to recycle.

3

Recycle Newspapers and Magazines. Don't forget to recycle your newspapers! On second thought, cancel the delivery altogether and get your news online.

4

Educate. Teach your children not to litter. Set a positive example by stopping to pick up trash in a parking lot, for instance. If every able body picked up one piece of trash every day, imagine how much cleaner our environment would be, and this effort doesn't cost you a penny!

5

Full Loads Only. When you wash laundry, wash a full load. Top load machines use almost as much water to do a small load as they do a large one. Upgrading to an energy efficient model might be a sound investment too, but remember to be sure your old washer (and dryer if you replace it too) are properly recycled.

6

Take a Bath. If you're in the mood for a long shower, take a bath instead. Showers are notorious for wasting water. While we're on the subject, installing water saving shower heads is very simple and effective at reducing water waste.

7

Dishwashers are Not Water Hogs. When washing dishes, use your dishwasher. It probably uses much less water than you will if you do the dishes by hand. If you simply must hand wash, fill one sink with soapy water and one with clear water, and turn the water off as you wash.

8

Save In the Shower. Don't shave in the shower. This goes for men and women alike. Men, fill your sink with water, don't leave the spigot running as you shave. Women, use the bathtub. It's a much easier, safer process anyway.

9

New is Not Necessarily Better. Use a traditional broom and mop to clean floors instead of disposable alternatives, which add additional unnecessary waste to our already polluted landfills. If you have a bagged vacuum cleaner, use it only on carpets since the bags have to be replaced the more often you use them.

10

Compost. Consider using food scraps, coffee grounds, used paper towels, and banana peels in a compost pile rather than throwing these things in the garbage can. Much of the garbage can be recycled or composted with only a minimal amount of effort. If you simply don't have the space or inclination to compost, use your garbage disposal instead of throwing food away.

11

Ah Ha! The last step gave me another idea! I'm amazed at how much food is thrown away in some of my friend's homes after a nice dinner. I save just about everything. Vegetables can be used in soup the next day, lasagne, spaghetti, and pot roasts are better the next day anyway! Instead of tossing the item, at least try to come up with an idea for using it in a day or two. Try to think of something BEFORE you put it in the fridge though, or you're creating a potential science project!

12

Stop Throwing Money In the Garbage. Minimize your disposable purchases. Paper towels can be replaced with reusable napkins which don't take much space in the washer anyway. Paper plates can be composted but wouldn't it be better to use your lovely dishes in the cabinets anyway? Buy the kids a special cup that they really like so they'll want to use it instead of getting a new one (or grabbing a disposable one).

13

Just Say No... To Styrofoam! Support the "greener" establishments by frequenting restaurants that use real silverware and dinner plates, avoiding the fast food joints that use Styrofoam, paper sacks, and wax paper.

14

Waste Not, Want Not. Don't use a straw. Drink from a glass. Doesn't that sound like a much more enjoyable experience anyway?

15

Re-use More, Dispose Less. Buy reusable water bottles and use them. Install a water filter in your home instead of buying bottled water. If you can't afford a water filter (they can get pricey), get a water dispenser that uses 3 or 5 gallon jugs, then refill your jugs at the closest water filtering site. Where I live, I can get filtered water for 15c a gallon, and I'm not filling the recycling bin with gallon jugs and single serve water bottles.

16

Pedal or Walk. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving when you can. Why load the kid's bikes into the gas guzzling truck just to go to a park? Ride your bikes, get some exercise, and save the gas. You'll be saving the Earth AND your wallet!

17

Clean Green. Use simple household products for cleaning instead of harsh chemicals. You'll be amazed how much cleaning power is packed in vinegar, lemon juice, salt, baking soda and borax. Do a google and make your own green products. While you're at it, be sure to recycle old bottles instead of buying new ones. This process can save many families hundreds of dollars a year.

18

Use Less, Reduce Waste. Use what you need, but don't use too much! Most people use too much soap, laundry detergent, bleach, hair care products, toothpaste, mouth wash, cleaning products and dish washing detergent than they actually need.

Read more: How to Help Protect the Earth, 18 Simple Ways to Go Green AND Save Money Too | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5062264_protect-ways-green-save-money.html#ixzz1J3GndQrf

You are your success story

Life is tough, that’s a given. When you stand up, you’re gonna be shoved back down. When you’re down, you’re gonna be stepped on. My advice to you doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles. It’s no secret, you’ll fall down, you'll stumble, you'll get pushed, you'll land square on your face. And every time that happens, you get back on your feet. You get up just as fast as you can, no matter how many times you need to do it. Remember this, success has been and continues to be defined as getting up one more time than you’ve been knocked down. If experience has taught me anything, it’s that nothing is free and living ain’t easy. Life is hard, real hard, incredibly hard. You fail more often than you win, nobody is handing you anything. It’s up to you to puff up your chest, stretch your neck and overcome all the difficult, the nasty, the mean, the unfair. You want more than you’ve now, prove it! You wanna be the very best there is, get out there and earn it! Once you decide that, you’ll know where it is you want to be, and you won’t stop pushing forward until you get there! That’s how winners are made. At the end of the day, success is what we all want. We all wanna win, and the race will be won. There is no question about that. So c’mon, get out on top, run faster, dream bigger, live better than you ever have before. This is in you. You can do this. Do it for yourself. Prove it to yourself.

You are not your bra-size, nor are you the width of your waist, nor are you the slenderness of your calves. You are not your hair color, your skin color, nor are you a shade of lipstick. Your shoe-size is of no consequence. You are not defined by the amount of attention you get from males, females, or any combination thereof. You are not the number of sit-ups you can do, nor are you the number of calories in a day. You are not your mustache. You are not the hair on your legs. You are not a little red dress. You are no amalgam of these things.

You are the content of your character. You are the ambitions that drive you. You are the goals that you set. You are the things that you laugh at and the words that you say. You are the thoughts you think and the things you wonder. You are beautiful and desirable not for the clique you attend, but for the spark of life within you that compels you to make your life a full and meaningful one. You are beautiful not for the shape of the vessel, but for the volume of the soul it carries.

Finding Myself

It has been a bit since I posted an entry. I have been having some personal issues. Arguing with myself none the less.

I have been looking for something. Not sure what it is, not sure if I even need to look anywhere. I have meditated and sought inwardly. I am not sure where to look or if I need to look. I have read about it and seem to be struggling inside with many things. Including worry and stress. These two negative feelings are what gets me every time.

I think the thing I seek is simply how to completely let go. I want to feel that internal freedom from all negatives. I love that I love so freely and everything. I just want these serious negatives to go away. If these feelings could go away then my life would be so much better. More positive would come in and I would be overwhelmed with love and positivity. I pray daily for the help to let these go.

The biggest thing I struggle with is that I am having a hard time letting go. I have been told to just let go. But how? HOW do you let go of things like this? I can let go of material things even humans themselves, but feelings that are so ingrained in my mental scope isn't as easy as it sounds. I let go of hate, of grudges, of disappointment, but these two, worry and stress aren't so easy. I have faith and hope so why is it so hard?

Numbers from the Angels

I found this article and thought it may be a good read for you all. I am very much into angels and Higher Powers. I hope you like it. It is very interesting. Enjoy! Number Sequences From The Angels by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. The angels do their best to get our attention and to communicate with us. In this way, they help us heal our own lives. However, we often discount the signs they give us, writing them off as mere coincidences or our imagination. The angels say: “We can’t write our messages to you in the sky. You’ve got to pay attention and believe when you see any patterns forming in your life — especially in response to any questions or prayers you’ve posed. When you hear the same song repeatedly or see the same number sequence, who do you think is behind this? Your angels, of course!” Your angels often communicate messages to you by showing you sequences of numbers. They do this in two ways. First, they subtly whisper in your ear so you’ll look up in time to notice the clock’s time or a phone number on a billboard. The angels hope you’ll be aware that you’re seeing this same number sequence repeatedly. For instance, you may frequently see the number sequence 111, and it seems every time you look at a clock the time reads 1:11 or 11:11. The second way in which angels show you meaningful number sequences is by physically arranging for, say, a car to drive in front of you that has a specific license plate number they want you to see. Those who are aware of this phenomenon become adept at reading the meaning of various license plates. In this way, the angels will actually give you detailed messages. Here are the basic meanings of various number sequences. However, your own angels will tell you if your situation holds a different meaning for you. Ask your angels, “What are you trying to tell me?” and they’ll happily give you additional information to help decode their numeric meanings. 111 — Monitor your thoughts carefully, and be sure to only think about what you want, not what you don’t want. This sequence is a sign that there is a gate of opportunity opening up, and your thoughts are manifesting into form at record speeds. The 111 is like the bright light of a flash bulb. It means the universe has just taken a snapshot of your thoughts and is manifesting them into form. Are you pleased with what thoughts the universe has captured? If not, correct your thoughts (ask your angels to help you with this if you have difficulty controlling or monitoring your thoughts). 222 — Our newly planted ideas are beginning to grow into reality. Keep watering and nurturing them, and soon they will push through the soil so you can see evidence of your manifestation. In other words, don’t quit five minutes before the miracle. Your manifestation is soon going to be evident to you, so keep up the good work! Keep holding positive thoughts, keep affirming, and continue visualizing. 333 — The Ascended Masters are near you, desiring you to know that you have their help, love, and companionship. Call upon the Ascended Masters often, especially when you see the number 3 patterns around you. Some of the more famous Ascended Masters include: Jesus, Moses, Mary, Quan Yin, and Yogananda. 444 — The angels are surrounding you now, reassuring you of their love and help. Don’t worry because the angels’ help is nearby. 555 — Buckle your seatbelts. A major life change is upon you. This change should not be viewed as being "positive" or "negative," since all change is but a natural part of life’s flow. Perhaps this change is an answer to your prayers, so continue seeing and feeling yourself being at peace. 666 — Your thoughts are out of balance right now, focused too much on the material world. This number sequence asks you to balance your thoughts between heaven and earth. Like the famous "Sermon on the Mount," the angels ask you to focus on spirit and service, and know your material and emotional needs will automatically be met as a result. 777 — The angels applaud you…congratulations, you’re on a roll! Keep up the good work and know your wish is coming true. This is an extremely positive sign and means you should also expect more miracles to occur. 888 — A phase of your life is about to end, and this is a sign to give you forewarning to prepare. This number sequence may mean you are winding up an emotional career, or relationship phase. It also means there is light at the end of the tunnel. In addition, it means, “The crops are ripe. Don’t wait to pick and enjoy them.” In other words, don’t procrastinate making your move or enjoying fruits of your labor. 999 — Completion. This is the end of a big phase in your personal or global life. Also, it is a message to lightworkers involved in Earth healing and means, "Get to work because Mother Earth needs you right now." 000 — A reminder you are one with God, and to feel the presence of your Creator’s love within you. Also, it is a sign that a situation has gone full circle. In Light Times... A Metaphysical, Spiritual, Holistic Publication Copyright © 1998,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 - In Light Times - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED November, 1999 www.inlightimes.com http://www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/11/number.htm

letting go is not the same as giving up

A GUEST POST BY COURTNEY CARVER OFBE MORE WITH LESS

If you have ever had a hard time putting down a bad book after chapter 4, or stepping away from an ongoing obligation, even when you knew you were wasting time, you will find value in the following recommendations.

Many of us grew up with the message that winners never quit and quitters never win or that an unachieved goal equals failure. But if we really understand that letting go is not the same as giving up, or quitting, we can move forward and experience a more genuine life.

Instead of holding onto guilt, things you don’t care about, and projects that exhaust you, grab on to intuition, love and gratitude. Really think about how you want to invest your time and energy. Looking at the big picture, you only get one chance to have a great life. By choosing to live life on purpose, you can calm down, open yourself up to new opportunities and create more time and space to discover what you love.

top ten things to let go of today

1. Clutter – Instead of focusing on clearing the clutter from your entire house, focus on one drawer, one closet, one room, or one surface at time. Being free from clutter allows you to see what’s important in your drawers, and in your life.
2. Obsession with numbers – Letting numbers on a scale, in your bank account or even on your google analytics dictate your mood for the day, is no way to live life on purpose. Instead of checking your weight every morning, choose one afternoon a week, or every two weeks to check your numbers. Use the numbers as markers of progress, not indicators of who you are, or how you feel.
3. Fear of not being good enough Feeling like you don’t measure up, may have come from your childhood, or a bad relationship, but now, that feeling is just a voice in your head. It’s your voice and your life. Recognize all that you have accomplished, and all you have to give and quiet that voice, for good.
4. A toxic relationship Holding on to someone that always brings you down, may be good for them, but not for you. The time you spend with others should inspire you, not depress you. Remember there is a difference between a friend that is going through a tough time and a toxic friendship. Once a relationship becomes damaging to the way you act, feel or think, it is time to let go.
5. Facebook friends Today, people often assess their value by their number of “friends” or “followers”. Instead, place value on your actions and character. Go through your list of connections and decide which ones aren’t useful to you. Un-friending and un-following is not personal. Ask yourself if you are connecting with someone via social media for business or pleasure, and make sure your list is in-line with your goals and values.
6. Regret Learn from your mistakes but don’t live in them. The choices you make every day shape your life. Looking back with more knowledge, you may have made different choices, but without a few bumps in the road or downright bad decisions, you wouldn’t be the person you are today.
7. Bad providers In most cases, doctors, investment bankers, auto mechanics and other service providers work for you. You pay them to help you. If they aren’t helping you, or you don’t like working with them, let them go.
8. Doing it all – Instead of doing it all, do all you really care about. Do what you energizes you and speaks to your spirit. Don’t feel pressured because you think everyone you know is doing 100 different, amazing things at once. Do what is right for you. When you redirect your energy in this way, you immediately become more effective.
9. Resistance to change – Change brings opportunity and uncertainty. While uncertainty can cause fear, excitement and new challenges, standing still and resisting change will leave you uninspired, more fearful and closed minded and that is no way to live life on purpose!
10. Goals that don’t fit anymore Letting go of goals and dreams can be the most challenging of all. As our lives change, we change, and things that seemed so important years ago may slowly fade away. Instead of beating yourself up for not achieving your goal, focus on your new dreams and develop goals that reflect who you are right now.

Regardless of age or circumstance, understand that letting go is not the same as giving up, and give your self permission to hold on to things that are most important. Make decisions to let go knowing that it is your voice, and your life. Just as clearing the clutter from a windowsill will help you see the light, (literally and figuratively) letting go of counter productive obligations and emotions will leave you feeling lighter and inspired to contribute time and energy to your true passions.

What is one thing you can let go of today, to live better tomorrow?