A gift for You.

The most important and enduring gift that you can give yourself is the gift of forgiveness.  So many people live their lives feeling guilty about something that they said 15 years ago, wishing that they could take back an act that they now regret and living up to someone else's standard because they are afraid to 'go against the wind.'
The reality is that each one of us is doing our very best at this particular moment in our lives with the information that we currently know.  We make mistakes. We learn new ways.  We grow in strength over time.  Forgive yourself for all the 'would'a,' 'could'a,' 'should'a' and 'didn't'...of your past and free yourself to move forward unhindered. You may even find yourself more forgiving of others along the way.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Like the silken sheath of a rose petal cradling the life essence that lies within the buds protection, the past layers of pain and confusion must be gently peeled away so that inner clarity can unfold and be allowed to grow." 

A taboo topic

I was raised in a Christian home in the Midwest. However, as I grew into adulthood, I realized that Christianity did not answer all the questions that I had about religion and spirituality.
Several years ago, I embarked upon a spiritual journey. I studied various cultures and their belief systems.  I learned about Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Shamanism and many other faith-based groups. 
What I discovered was that all of the religious and spiritual practices that I examined have the same underlying basis of belief. They teach love, kindness, ethical behavior and rituals to connect to those teachings. When I focused on the similarities between the major religions around the globe, I was astounded at the lack of spiritual cohesion that exists in our world today. 
I have since combined facets of several religious and spiritual faiths to create the true expression of my belief.  I encourage you to explore different faiths and combine the elements of each that best suit who you are.  Afterall, people don't just fit into one box, why should their faith?

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"May your faith branch out in any direction that you choose as long as it lifts you higher."