Stairway to Heaven

This week, I spoke at a local high school's
'Career day.'  I talked about my work in Holistic Pyschology and Writing.  During the question/answer time, a young girl, who was in a wheelchair, with some obvious physical disabilities, raised her hand and inquired if she could use a stamp to sign her name? I was a little confused about her question, so, she rephrased it.  She said, "You know, when I am at a 'Meet and Greet,' is it ok for me to use a stamp to sign my signature?
Then, I realized what she was asking me.  This beautiful, young lady with more challenges to face than the average person, much less teenager, was a writer and she wanted to know if she could sign her name with a stamp because it was very difficult for her to write with her disabilities.  After I collected myself from the impact of her statement, I told her that WHEN she has a book-signing, she can do whatever she wants!
You are responsible for everything that happens in your life. What you think creates the actions that you will carry out. This young lady ought to be an inspiration to all of us.  Despite her obvious handicaps, she doesn't allow them to hold her back.  She has a dream of writing and I bet one day, she will need that stamp!  There is no reason, excuse or obligation that is more important than living your dreams.  So, it is time to put aside your fear and take the first step towards the rest of your life. I recommend climbing the stairs and seeing what's up there, instead of standing on the threshhold and only peering through the branches of stagnation. 

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Believe and the impossible becomes possible." tc

Who are you?

Has anyone ever asked you the question, "Who are You?"  Have you ever really thought about who you are?  Many of us associate our identity by the roles that we play in life. I am a mother, a friend, the second child of four, a healer, an explorer, a teacher, a fisherman, a skier, a partner and the list goes on. 
But, what happens to my identity when things change in my life?  Who am I when: the kids leave home, I change jobs, enter or exit relationships, cancel memebership to a group or organization, stop fishing or are no longer in a position to share my knowledge? Am I only the role I play in life or am I more than that?  The truth is, I am so much more than that and so are you! We are born full of potential. We have many guides along our journey but what we do with our life, nurtures our own unique self-discovery. Each role that we participate in teaches us lessons, helps us grow and enables us to explore the dynamic being that we are. Who you are is not limited by the boundaries of your present situation. You are a light of the creator, illuminated in this space, in order to break-free and forge a new frontier in the sphere of endless time.   

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"You are a Divine Light of God, a Spirit on the wind, able to perform in many roles yet, bound by none of them." tc

Over exposed?

The natural elements of our planet carved deep ruts, narrow canyons and jagged peaks up and down the mountainous regions of the earth. Ice, wind, rocks, water and debris flowed through this draw to expose the raw beauty that you see today. By cutting away the topsoil and sculpturing the land, Mother Nature has produced an awe-inspiring panorama of beauty for all to enjoy.
When we do the Work that it takes to forgive ourselves and others, when we heal from the damage caused by open wounds and when we open to the beauty of who we really are, the light emitting from within us is God's masterpiece sculptured from the rough-draft of creation.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"The information that yields the most important Truths, cuts the deepest." tc

Layers of Expression

Remember those carefree days of child-hood, when many of us ran and played outside with friends? We didn't have a care in the world.  What about those middle years, where we worked and labored to build a career, family and establish a name for ourselves to be remembered by?  Isn't it funny how we strive intently to go, do and be, until we actually get 'there.' 
Then, when we achieve the pinnacle of desire, instead of revelling in the moment, our thoughts either return to those memories of the seemingly 'good ol days' or move ahead twice as fast. The amazing thing about our recollection of the past is that we rarely remember it as it really was.
Those jubilant days of youth were also litered with a lot of rough, uncharted territory. As we grew up, the hills became larger and the demands often outweighed the rewards. By the time we reached the snowy peak of our lives, no one really wanted to hear about the wisdom, experiences or funny stories that we could share with them. Regardless of where you are in the cycle of your life, feel it, taste it, breathe it and enjoy the ecstasy of the moment, instead of laboring for an undeveloped future.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Open to the peak experiences of your life and let the radiating warmth of those moments lift you higher." tc

Strong Support

Our world is changing rapidly.  Less than 100 years ago, people labored for their food, clothing and shelter. If they didn't produce it themselves, oftentimes, they went without.  Although, I don't physically grow my own food or sew my own clothing, I do have to work for the things that I need.
 If I rush through my job and make a number of errors, the rule of Cause and Effect glares back at me through the eyes of an unhappy supervisor. If I am self-employed, the effect of my efforts returns to me as less business options. However, if I take my time and do a thoughtful job, the rule of Cause and Effect rewards me with praise, success, accomplishment and satisfaction. The fruits of my labor stand for themselves.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Like the integrity invested in laying a strong foundation, your future success is determined by your efforts extended today." tc

An Abundance

Having children teaches "parents" a number of lessons.  One of the most important is the gift of Selfless Love. When that beautiful, innocent, precious child is born and placed in Your Hands for safe-keeping, there is a part of you that expands and generously gives to another without thought of self. It is the love of your heart. No matter what that child does in his/her life, there is a deep sense of love that resides within you forever!
Selfless love is an act of giving that holds no strings!  You don't need someone to 'thank you' because you know your gift is appreciated.  You don't write it off as a tax deduction because gifts are not about greed.  You don't control what the other person does with your gift because the selfless act comes in your offering, not their response. Remember, the sweetness of life is in the giving, not receiving of self.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"May your path be warmed by the light of the Lord and not the arrogant sting of self." tc

Prayers of Hope

Some of the behaviors that I see people of all ages exhibiting are very disturbing. An example of these behaviors include: teenages filming themselves conducting unspeakable acts, adults rigging stunts to become famous, conservative groups attacking alternative lifestyles in the name of God and the inhumane treatment of animals for a variety of profit-making ends.

In every one of these examples, education might have been the one action that would have prevented the original exploit from taking place. What kind of society are we to allow such behaviors to become the norm? By putting aside your judgments and educating yourself on a variety of topics, you can be the one who makes a difference for an entire population of people.  

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Lack of understanding does not excuse poor behavior." tc

Ripple Effect

A spider's web is one of my 'Seven Wonders of the World."  The spider uses delicate, silken thread to weave together a spectacular masterpiece of impact. The spider can sit for days waiting for a fly or bug to encounter his domain. When another insect lands in the web, the harmonic frequency or vibration of the thread, signals the spider that he has a guest. How the spider treats his guest will determine his health for that day.
How we treat the people who enter our domain, also creates a vibration or harmonic sound.  If we are kind and loving, most people will respond similarly.  However, if we are rude or abrasive, the ripple effect of our tone will carry forward impacting more than just the target of our projection.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Our lifestyles may be different but our lives are interwoven to enrich our experiences and help us grow." tc

Aim High

My father always told me to set goals.  He suggested writing down short-term, medium-term and long-term goals.  He explained to me that the goals that I set had to be obtainable in the given time-frame.  Example: I couldn't set a goal to finish college in 2 years, if it was a 4 year program.  
The object of this excercise was not to pre-plan my every move for the future but to guide my thoughts and actions into an organized focus of accomplishment, to strive towards finishing something and celebrate the reward of that achievement. My goals were not just work oriented. I included such things as: help my children grow, take a vacation and be in a healthy relationship.
There were times when I finished a goal early. I also changed some of my goals along the way as my life changed.  However, to this day, I still set goals for myself in 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, 3 year and 10 year intervals. It is also a refreshing experience that helps to keep me grounded in times of turmoil.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Aim for the summit of your life, instead of sitting at the bottom of the mountain afraid.  Look up for guidance as you climb."  tc 

A Warped Perspective

I used to be an extremely untrusting and fearful person. Because of my fear, I placed very high walls around myself.  I was suspicious of everyone and worked very hard to always be a step-ahead. This not only took a lot of energy but I created a very lonely environment for myself.  Looking back, I'm really not even sure what I was afraid of.  Nonetheless, this fear dominated my life.
When I learned that we create fear based upon an idea of unrealized loss, I began to look at the concept of fear very differently. People have come and gone in my life. I have moved from place to place.  The material possessions that I have owned have changed over the years.  However, no matter how I look at my past, I have to admit that I have never really lost anything!
As a matter of fact, I have gained more by opening to the vulnerabilities that come with this life, than I ever could have imagined losing by building all those protective barriers. If your Golden Rule is to 'Trust No One,' you're not even coming close to living the beautiful life you have been given. Love is the only universal Golden Rule that should be at the top of your list.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Fear will only guide you into a world of isolation." tc

A Medicinal Brew

It concerns me to see the massive amounts of prescription medicines that people are ingesting these days. There is a pill to wake you up, make you sleep, lose weight, gain weight, stimulate digestion, relax the bowels, help you feel good and create hysteria. There are pills that aid sexual pleasure and pills that reduce heart attacks. You can pop a pill for indigestion or take a pill for back pain, toothaches, headaches and as a preventative for something else that might ache.  I haven't even mentioned the long list of side-effects of all these medications.
With so many drugs to help people live their lives today, I am wondering how past cultures survived at all?  Maybe, instead of feeding the profits of pharmaceutical companies and continuing to add foriegn substances to our bodies, we should begin exploring the numerous ancient methods of healing from other cultures, that do not cause long-term damage.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Nature's medicine is far more effective in healing the ills of the mind, body and soul, with fewer side effects, than any chemical that man can create." tc

Smooth sailing

There are a number of different cultures around the globe.  Spanish, Italian and Greek cultures focus on the family unit and helping each other.  Hindus have a spiritually based culture that does not distinguish between religion and everyday life. Indigenous-type cultures are survival focused and only consume what they actually need for the day.
The American culture, even with all of it's subcultures, is very money-oriented.  The prevailing attitude is about me, myself and I, not to mention what I have or what I can buy. This mentality has helped drive the over-consumption of resources, the lack of respect towards others and the breakdown in hope that is seen throughout our country. We all have the option to change how we feel, what we think and how we act. Our real freedom lies in what we choose.   

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Once you shed the veil of self, your world opens up with such clarity that it is blinding." tc

Kaleidoscope of color

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut, like you are simply going through the motions without really feeling anything?  Do you ever feel a need to express the passion that is locked inside the emptiness of routine living but are unable to find the words to release it?  If so, you are not alone.
People were not made to work in artificial lighting, cubicles and confining environments for long periods of time. Our jobs may dictate that atmosphere but it is not healthy for the human body, mind or spirit.  When opportunity calls: lay in the grass, walk in the park, jog along a shoreline, splash in a pool of water, climb a hill and breathe in the rejuvenating essence of nature. Your spirit will expand with joy and clarity-of-being will be yours.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Let your spirit flow freely like the enchanting patterns of a colorful kaleidoscope, ever mixing, changing and creating new blossoms of brilliance with each twist of fate." tc

A Rocky Road

A very wise lady once told me that "No one owes you anything in life." Based upon my cultural upbringing, I didn't like that statement at first.  However, when I thought about it, I realized just how accurate her statement really was.
I expect great service when I sit down to dine but I don't think about the waiter/waitress having a bad day.
I expect my hard work to produce some sort of return or reward but I don't think about doing things simply for the satisfaction of just doing them.
I expect my family and friends to love and support me but I don't think about the fact that they may not always agree with me.

We all need a gentle reminder from time to time that life is a gift that we have been given. It is up to us to create the experiences that we have in life not pass the responsibility on to someone or something else to provide for us.  Expectations will only lead us down a rough road and there is no proof of a smooth return.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Our biggest disappointments arise from our greatest expectations." tc

Defenses

I was walking through crowds of people the other day in a known vacation area and decided to be extra friendly.  Periodically, I said hello or greeted individuals and couples. I was careful not to be offensive to lovebirds or those in a hurry, especially, since this is the valentine weekend.
Some people ignored me completely.  Many people gave me an unfriendly look. A handful of people acknowledged my greeting but quickly looked away. A few people actually responded with a smile and we engaged in a brief conversation.
I think that it is incredible how our nation bands together in moments of crisis but what about the everyday moments of basic human kindness towards each other? Challenge yourself today.  Whether you are on the sidewalk, in the elevator, standing in line or sitting on a park bench, try smiling more and greeting those who pass you by.  You may be surprised who you meet when you let your guard down.   
So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Let the warmth of your soul emit outward and melt the cold exterior of others." tc

Your entitlement

There is a prevailing attitude of 'entitlement without cause' in our country today.  We hear about crooked politicians on the news getting caught performing illegal deals.  We read about money managers stealing millions from their clients.  We even watch reality programs on TV that encourage and support poor behavior.
Interestingly enough, all of this daily 'entertainment' impacts how we relate in the world.  Oftentimes, while we are busy focusing on everyone else's lives, we do not look in the mirror at the situations that we are creating in our own. 
If we do not spend quality time with our families, we create the breakdown in the family unit.  If we work excessively to acquire money, power and prestige, we create the stressful environment that comes without rest.  If we eat foods that are unhealthy and sit around all day, we create the diseases that weaken our bodies. 
I believe that it is time for all of us to refocus our attention on our own lives and see the measure of entitlement that we have established as the norm.  We are not helpless bystanders of circumstance.  We are responsible for what we produce: good or bad.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"We create our thunderstorms in life.  God only offers the rainbows." tc

Wolf moon

I used to be one of those people who liked everything planned, organized, prepared and predictable.  It gave me comfort to know exactly what was going to happen next. However, that comfort was an illusion that I created to try and control all situations.  In all reality, the comfort that I derived from thinking that I knew what was going to happen next, actually increased the anxiety that I felt when things didn't go according to my plan.
I have since learned that flexibility is one of the keys to enjoying my life.  Now, I am surprised all the time with events that happen.  By giving up the control that I used to maintain, at all costs, I now enjoy where life takes me and how those events enrich my life in more ways than I ever could have predicted.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"The Oracle of light may illuminate down a path that you have never traveled before but that should not diminish the brightness of it's glow." tc

Footsteps

With approxi-mately 6 billion people on the planet, we are bound to leave a mark.  Regardless of how vast this world may seem, it cannot continue to support our excessive consumption desires. 
While I cannot tell others how to live or make a company change its production processes, I am able to review my life and change the impact that I have on the Earth.  I believe that it is important to take inventory of the things that I really need verses the things that I have been conditioned to want. 

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Tread lightly on Mother Earth, so as not to damage her delicate skin."  (Yes, I am talking to you!)

Landscapes of Life

Our lives are made up of a variety of landscapes.  There are mountains to challenge us, rivers to keep us moving, deserts to provide quiet, reflective moments and lush meadows to relax in and enjoy the fruits of our experiences.
Too frequently, I watch people so busy plowing the fields of their pasture, that when the mountain pops up to slow them down, they simply bulldoze through it, instead of understanding the purpose of the challenge and climbing to the top.
If we don't slow down and learn from the environment around us, we may be too busy to see the approaching edge.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Don't forsake the Light for a canyon of Darkness."

My Morning Elixir

I love a hot cup of coffee in the morning.  It begins with the strong, rich scent of freshly ground beans, followed by steaming hot water that draws the dark-roasted aroma out of the grounds. Next, the tantalizing brew is gently poured in to my thick ceramic coffee cup with a pine tree on the side.  Adding a splash of cream and a teaspoon of sticky, sweet honey my caffeinated morning bev-erage is complete.

As I sip the bold morning elixir, savoring the warmth as it washes down my throat, I think to myself.......This is so good, why does it have to end at the bottom of the cup?

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"The magic of the morning is often lost on the expectations of the day."

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." 

Celebrate your achievements. You deserve it!

I have been afraid of heights my entire life.  There is no known event in my history that would support this fear.  Yet, my fear has drawn a lot of attention to myself, prohibited certain activities that I wanted to do and increased in symptomatic behaviors as I got older.
One day, I decided to start overcoming this fear.  The only way for me to face it was head-on!  Systematically, I started going to high places, standing closer to the edge of a canyon and driving over those mountain passes, instead of sitting on the floor of the vehicle that I was in waiting to get across. 
After four years of exposure to heights, I felt that I was ready to truly celebrate overcoming this lifelong fear.  I booked a Hot Air Balloon Ride in New Mexico.  As God as my witness (and the other people in the basket), I was calm, relaxed and joyful to be experiencing the sublime feeling of floating in air like a cloud.  I would recommend this experience to everyone.

On that note, the quote of today is:

"Only take what you need, give all that you have and live fearlessly."

Softer views

I was thinking about my family this morning.  I have three sisters.  What is so remark-able to me is that we are all very unique people.  We had the same parents, basic influences and were raised under the umbrella of the same culture but we couldn't be more different in attitudes, personalities and interests.
The beauty of such diversity, even within my own family, is that it gave each of us the opportunity to explore something new, learn another way and accept one another for who we are.
I beleive that my family environment made me understand that I could enjoy and flourish in the diversity of life, instead of ridicule and condemn those people and things that are different from me.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Labeling is a valuable tool to aid understanding but ought never be used to define."

A question of ethics

I was born with a curious mind.  From the time I could talk, I was always asking a lot of questions. In my given profession, asking questions is a great way to open the door to growth without offending anyone. 

Think about it.  There is no ego or judgment in asking a question.  The answer, on the other hand, may cause discomfort but only if the question hits a nerve that requires exploration.  Questions are a useful way to stimulate healing and growth without passing judgment or imposing your will upon others.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Do you look through the softened lenses of love or the cold, hard lenses of judgment?"

77 years just isn't long enough.

The average human lifespan is approximately 77 years.  Regardless of health factors, physical location and spiritual belief, in my opinion, that just isn't very long.  Nevertheless, I watch people all the time 'rushing here' and 'hurying to go there.' I often wonder what the big rush is?  Afterall, the self-imposed stress of all that 'rushing' is only going to limit their already short lifespan. And....by the way, where are they really going?

Slow down.  Be still.  Enjoy.  What is important in this life is not the fancy house, big promotion or holiday sale.  Living fully in each moment, revelling in the miracle of your own life and experiencing all that this amazing world has to offer is where you need to focus your energy. 
So, do what you love, have lunch with the girls, leave work early and play with your son, restyle your hair, open the dusty bottle of wine, change jobs, move to the ocean, take a stroll in nature or whatever you have been avoiding or making excuses not to do.  LIVE.  Life is a beautiful thing and we are supposed to be involved in it not running through it or away from it.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Take a Leap of Faith and let your path unfold before you."

Sometimes we need a different point-of-view

The first time I took my two sons on an airplane ride, I pointed out houses, roads and even huge cities from this aerial view.  They marveled at how tiny everything looked from the sky.

I used this experience to teach them a lesson about problems.  I reminded both of them that when they have a problem in life and it seems overwhelming to solve or manage, that if they remember how small things are from the viewpoint of looking out the window of an airplane, that they may see that their problems aren't quite as big as they appear. Whatever life presents, it is never too large for you to handle. 

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Your perspective is everything."

Opinion vs. Truth

A few days ago, I had a friend present two different scenarios to me about her job.  She was being promoted but wasn't happy with the work she was doing and was even considering quitting her job. She asked me what she should do.

While we all seek guidance from family and friends pertaining to a variety of areas of our life, ultimately, we have to live with the decisions that we make.  No one else is going to walk the exact same path that we do.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Searching outside of yourself for the answers will only provide you with everyone else's opinion.  Look inside for your Truth."