Thursday, January 30, 2014

Let Go of the Life You Planned . . .


Today, I am beginning a new series of blog posts, which are based on the work of Joseph Campbell. The quote I have chosen for today has great meaning for me:

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

This one was a real puzzle for me, the first time I read it. What do you mean "the life I planned?"

Well, how many of us make plans, and sometimes those plans are made FOR us, by well-meaning parents or teachers or guidance counselors. Sometimes, those plans don't connect with our hearts and souls. Sometimes, those plans take us down paths that we don't want to take!

So, when I get in contact with my Soul,I can communicate and learn about my heart's desire. I can get in touch with what gets me up in the morning, what drives me! (And rarely is that more money! Although money is good in today's world!)

Daily communication in meditation, journaling and just listening to those Soul messages that usually come from the heart is so important.

Then, we can begin to see the life that is waiting for us, as it unfolds around us!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Letting Go of Self-Hate!

In today's suggestion, which is the last one from Shannon Kaiser's list, she discusses the topic of "self-hate."

"Let go of self-hate. You are not the shape of your body of the number on the scale. Who you are matters, and the world needs you, as you are. Celebrate!

WOW! What a special challenge she offers! We tend to get so caught up in our physical bodies! As I was typing this, I became so aware of my current struggle with the "number on the scale."

What if I just accepted that number? Isn't the irony or practical matter of the situation such that when I accept my body AS IT IS, then I have the ability to change it?

What we resist, persists . . . how many times have we heard that, seen it on Facebook and seen it modeled in our lives?

So, by accepting my body, in its present state, I have the power to change it, to become healthier, slimmer, more toned, etc.

Also, when we spend so much energy on resisting or rebelling or figuring out the next diet or exercise plan, we have less energy to expend on LIVING!

So, instead of "self-hate," I'm focusing on SELF-LOVE! One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Matt Kahn, invites you to say "I love you" three times, several times a day, by placing your hand over your heart and uttering the words (out loud if possible).

I know that I do this now, as a matter of course, during my day and it is so affirming! I even say it to my new puppy and feel that doing so is building that bond of love and trust that is so important.

This brings us to the end of Shannon's list of 20 Things to Let Go of Before the New Year (see below for the link if you want to see the entire list.) First of all, my thanks to Shannon. I LOVED this list and all that it brought into my life. Second, I'm not finished with my "lists."

Tomorrow, I will start with a quote from Joseph Campbell and then share 9 more, during my Ten Days With Joseph Campbell series.

So, "see" you then!

Here's a link to Shannon's wonderful article:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11973/20-things-to-let-go-of-before-the-new-year.html

Monday, January 27, 2014

Letting Go of Trying to Fit In

Today's suggestion is another really good one:

"Let go of trying to fit in and be accepted by everyone. Your uniqueness is what makes you outstanding."

How many of us were bullied or bossed around in childhood, in an effort to "make" us fit in? Church, school and family often needs us to fit in their box, to make life simple and easy! And, then we join the work world and it's the same old thing!

Face it: you may NEVER fit in and the chance that you will be accepted by everyone is quite remote. I wish I had realized this when I first graduated from college! The pain of trying so hard to get everyone to like me in the business world was crippling and draining and no fun!

About 13 years ago, I met the man who became my husband and he has taught me so much about knowing that not everyone will accept you. He teaches me everyday to be true to myself and let the chips fall where they may!

It's not that he doesn't care. He does! He just doesn't care what you think about him or his actions! I so admire that!

Panache Desai also talked about this on a recent broadcast. He said that he has learned not to care so much. That doesn't mean that he is not loving or compassionate, because he is. It just means that he doesn't care if he ruffles feathers or says or does something that some person may not like. He has learned that it really doesn't matter what others think of him, so he has chosen not to care.

The last part of today's suggestion is also quite wonderful and bears repeating:

"Your uniqueness is what makes you outstanding."

Yes, it does! You know, there is no one quite like you in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! Isn't that truly amazing?

So, today, I choose to celebrate MY unique qualities and honor myself, realizing that I will NEVER fit in!

And that is OK!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Let Go of Trying to Save or Change People

Shannon Kaiser has a real doozy for us today:

"Let go of trying to save or change people. Everyone has her own path, and the best thing you can do is work on yourself an stop focusing on others."

This is REALLY HARD for me! I don't know how I got started with this one, but I love to save or change or "fix" people, or at least I used to.

With Access Consciousness, I learned that my path is really MY PATH! When I focus on myself and quit focusing on the foibles of others, a lot of the drama and chaos in my life dissipates and my life becomes easy and flows with grace.

Byron Katie also share some insights on this, when she asks us to consider: What if the other person is doing something "for" you instead of "to" you? Hmmmmm. Puts everything in a new light, right? It puts the spotlight back on YOU!

And, as I tell my daughters and clients: At the end of the day, who is the only person you can change? Yes, you! Only you!

As I focus on healing and growing myself, the dynamics of my inner circle change and sometimes people rotate out of my life!

Now, as a Spiritual Life Coach and Spiritual Teacher, I have to resist trying to save folks. But, in the end, it's not my job to save anyone. Oh, I can give you tools, I can hand you a life preserver, IF YOU ASK ME!

And,that's an important distinction: the person has to ask for help.

Because when someone asks for help with healing, releasing old emotional baggage or growing toward the life of their dreams, helping them is my greatest joy!

Yes, helping them is NOT saving them or changing them or fixing them. Helping them is giving them tools, so they can save themselves!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Letting Go of Money Woes

Today's suggestion for the new year is:

"Let go of your money woes. Make a plan to pay off debt and focus on your abundance."

WOW! Does it get any clearer than that? Letting go of our "money woes" can be a hard battle. (Why did I get the word "battle"?) Our money issues run deep and are multi-generational. Perhaps, these beliefs are based on multiple past lives where we struggled with money, abused our power or wasted money. Even as I write these words, I see that I am judging myself and my money issues.

So, it's time to let go! Using Access Processes or EFT or any number of energy clearing tools, I choose NOW to let go of these limiting beliefs and begin part two:

Make a plan to pay off debt. This part of pretty easy for me. I show gratitude each month, when I pay my bills. I lovingly thank the bank, the car loan company, etc., for trusting me with credit. I learned this from Louise Hay. Paying bills becomes easy when you focus on the gratitude around the transactions.

So, that just leaves us with "focus on your abundance." ABUNDANCE. What does that mean?

The dictionary defines it as:

An extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: an abundance of grain. OR
overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart. OR
affluence; wealth: the enjoyment of abundance.


Isn't that interesting that even the dictionary explains ABUNDANCE in different ways! So many times, we think of abundance as money in the bank or the ability to "buy stuff." Abundance comes in different ways and when we realize this, we are even more abundant!

I count relationships, such as those with family, good friends, clients and members of our Meetup. Then, I count the energy of money flowing in and out of my bank account, in a never-ending cycle. This is key. See the flowing in and then flowing out. Giving is just as important as receiving and vice versa!

So, today, I'm letting go of old money beliefs and riding the wave of abundance in my life!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Letting Go of Thinking You Have to Know How to Make It Happen

Today's suggestion is a great one for anyone who is building a business, a career or a life! How many of us want to know HOW everything is going to transpire. It's almost as if we say, "OK, God, show me how you are going to do this in my life and THEN I'll take the leap."

It doesn't work that way. Just as Shannon Kaiser said in her blog post, you gotta:

"Let go of thinking you have to know how to make it happen; we learn the way on the way.

It reminds me of that Joseph Campbell quote that I presented a few days ago:

“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path.”

We have to trust that God (or the Universe, or Divine Source or whatever you call the Creator) will be faithful to us and take good care of us along the way.

So many times, I think that I know best and I try to bend something or "make it happen" and those situations never turn out good! And, even in that case, who wants "good" when you can have GREAT?

When we can "let go" and really join in on the flow of life, all kinds of synchronicities begin to happen and we enter a kind of magical space that invites beautiful outcomes.

We can also follow our hearts, trust our feelings and go where we feel led. When I focus on what I love to do, what makes my heart sing, what makes time fly, THAT'S when I know that I am following my life purpose. That's when I know that I am BEING who I came here to be.

And that reminds me of another quote that I have leaned into over the past 11 years:

“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.”
― Joseph Campbell

Friday, January 17, 2014

Let Go of Anger Toward Ex-Lovers and Family

"Let go of anger toward ex-lovers and family. We all deserve happiness and love; just because it is over doesn't mean the love was wrong."

Today's suggestion is a weighty one that really involves three distinct subjects:

Anger

Family

Exes

Anger is one of those emotions that can smolder and then erupt when you least expect it. One of my favorite quotes is from Buddha:

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

The best way to deal with anger is to journal. Just write and write and write and get it all out. You can say ANYTHING on paper. Then, burn it. Some people recommend that you write a letter to the offending party and then burn it. Something about putting pen to paper is very cathartic and cleansing.

Yes, we often have grudges against family members. Grudges that aren't dealt with often turn to anger. Sometimes, the issues are years and years in the past and it really wouldn't be helpful to bring it up in the present. That's when writing a letter, discussing the situation with a trusted friend to gain closure or doing some forgiveness work around the situation. Doing any one of these processes is like letting a pressure valve open and seeing the issue dissipate!

Another exercise that I find helpful is journaling all of the good memories around a person. I did this regarding my childhood and made a list of the gifts I received from my parents and was amazed when I filled up 4 pages of a yellow tablet. Often, we have to clear the anger and the bad memories, to allow the good ones to surface! (By gifts, I am referring to things like: taught me to read at a young age, taught me a strong work ethic, taught me how to sew, etc.

This is also good to do with Exes. I remember that my Ex-husband once asked me, "Weren't there any GOOD memories?" Of course, I had to answer that there were! I was just too angry and hurt to see them in that moment. Especially if you share children with an Ex, it's a good idea to make a list of the gifts from that relationship, the happy memories and the wonderful things you shared with your Ex. It just puts things in proper perspective! It also becomes part of the grief work that you do, before entering a new love relationship.

So, let go of anger and claim your JOY!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Letting Go of Thinking You are NOT Where You Should Be

Today’s reminder is:

“Let go of thinking you are not where you should be. You are right where you need to be to get to where you want to go, so start asking yourself where you want to go.”

I love this one! I can’t tell you how many times people ask me “Am I on my path? I feel like I’m not where I’m supposed to be. I feel stuck.”

When we can relax and KNOW that we are in EXACTLY the right place, that’s when we begin to get somewhere! Right?

In other words, relax and enjoy the journey. Just consider, “I’m right where I need to be. Now, where do I want to go?”

Asking questions is one of the best ways to move forward. That’s why I love Access Consciousness tools and processes so much. Access invites you to live in the question.

Now, it may seem silly or weird to ask a question and not answer it, but that’s the beauty of this philosophy. You ARE the question. You ask questions, just as you would do a Google search and your Guides, Your Higher Self and the Universe conspire to bring the answers to you!

The most perfect question in the whole world is “What else is possible?”

I had a situation with a rebate I was due from AT&T. I got an email that invited me to register the rebate and when I went through the steps, it said my rebate was $25. The representative who signed up our account told me that the rebate was $150, so I was initially upset.

However, I kept asking “What else is possible?” (to myself, not to the rep) and after a series of representatives, I learned that the $25 rebate was ANOTHER rebate, in addition to the rebate that I got for signing up!

Now, there are times when “What else is possible?” is a valid question for the representative, hotel clerk, etc. I know a lady who used the question once, when she was told that the hotel had no rooms. She kept asking “What else is possible?” and ended up with the honeymoon suite for the price of her original reservation!

I think it’s about not taking “NO” for an answer and being open to the Universe to gift you with a “YES” that may be even better than what you envision.

And this brings me full circle to our suggestion for today: When you can let go of thinking you are not where you should be and ask questions about where you want to go, the whole Universe opens up to gift you with amazing opportunities, miracles and synchronicities.

So, choose: Where do you want to go? Who do you want to be? What else is possible?

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Letting Go of Cheating on Your Future with Your Past

Today's suggestion really rings true to me, because it is so easy to get "lost" in your past and miss the present. But I hadn't considered that you are also robbing yourself of your future!

The full concept:

"Let go of cheating on your future with your past. It's time to move on and tell a new story."

I can't even begin to tell you how much this resonates for me. I came to terms with the abuse I suffered in childhood in my 40's and began telling anyone who would listen. Oh, it was easy, because I was in counseling for quite a few years. Then, I began taking classes in healing, training in different energy clearing modalities and it just came with the territory.

Today, I realize what I am doing: cheating on my present AND my future. So, it stops today! No more old story.

Thank you, Guides and Angels for this 2 by 4 to the brain! I get it!

Today, I tell a new story: one of courage, healing, new intentions and positive choices. Today, I begin to live!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Letting Go of Thinking There's a Right and a Wrong Way to Do Things . . .

Today's guidance for letting go is:

"Let go of thinking there's a right and wrong way to do things or to see the world. Enjoy the contrast and celebrate the diversity and richness of life."

You know, I grew up thinking that the world was pretty black and white. There was a right way to do something and a wrong way. There was a right side of the law and a wrong side. There was a right way to navigate life and a wrong way.

I'm learning that life is not really right or wrong. That, often when I've been told I am "wrong" it means that in the eyes of that person, I am simply different.

How many times do we see this play out in wars that are really about religious, political or philosophical differences? What about the rights for gay people to marry? There are so many arguments on this topic, because some people consider the gay lifestyle "right" and others think that the lifestyle is "wrong."

However, life is never that cut and dried, is it? Life is all about shades of gray, forever transforming and never ending up exactly white or black.

I remember once when teaching one of my daughters how to cook, I was teaching her in the same way I had been taught. When she said that she wanted to do things a different way, I stopped for a moment and then said, "Well, let's try that!" Guess what? The recipe turned out even better! Because I refused to press on her MY way, which I momentarily considered the RIGHT way, I learned a valuable lesson. I went on to use this technique with employees, friends, and other people. Each time, I learned something new!

The second part of the suggestion is also compelling. Because if we force our views or ways of doing things on others, then we end up with a very stilted view of life, don't we? When we "enjoy the contrast" or the different way of looking at things, we can look forward to a rich experience.

I also love the word DIVERSITY, although I feel it's been overused and misused in the last 20 years or so. Diversity to me means being open to new experiences with new cultures, new foods and new celebrations and rituals. For example, I eat very differently than my parents do. I enjoy oriental foods, vegan options and seafood. I had never had Eggs Benedict until I graduated college and moved to the Dallas area. I LOVE IT! Yet, I had to take a risk and try it, to learn that I like eggs with Holandaise sauce.

Eating is certainly one of the easier areas to experiment. What about your personal philosophies? Your spiritual or religious beliefs? Well, if I hadn't suspended judgment to go with my husband to our first mediumship gallery, I wouldn't be on the journey I am on today.

There are some people who consider that spirit communication is "wrong." Yet, I see how much messages from friends and loved ones in spirit help people who are grieving. I think that the Christian Church and Catholicism has made the subject taboo to keep mankind under their control. The more I study the subjects of spiritualism, the more I feel this is true.

Yet, I am not making my beliefs "right." These are just my beliefs. So, I intend to "enjoy the contrast and celebrate the diversity and richness of life!"

Monday, January 13, 2014

Letting Go of Thinking Everyone Else is Happier . . .

Today's suggestion from our list of things to "let go" is a biggie:

"Let go of thinking everyone else is happier, more successful or better off than you. You are right where you need to be. Your journey is unfolding perfectly for you."

Don't you sometimes get sucked into that? Looking at Facebook, and you see the new car, smart kids and new wardrobe of some of your friends? What about those who are going on fun trips or celebrating birthdays in exotic places? Does it make you green with envy? Lead you to question: What about me? How am I doing?

Well, the message in today's suggestion is a powerful one:

"You are right where you need to be. Your journey is unfolding perfectly for you."

I began following Esther and Jerry Hicks and their Guides, also known as Abraham in 1995. I have memorized one of their affirmations:

"Right now there are many people who are enjoying the dream that is coming for me. There is nothing amiss. I am right on track and gravitating to something that will satisfy me even more."

Whenever I get caught up in someone else's posts or emails or personal sharing sessions over lunch, I just remind myself of this affirmation and the truth in those words. I then turn to gratitude for my beautiful family, my clients, my home, my pets, etc.

Because, my path is MY PATH. I am learning patience and tolerance and balance and grace on this earthly journey. I planned before I came down for this life to have these lessons, to enjoy the challenges of this life. And then I get lost in gratitude for the beautiful life I am creating, in this moment.

And I am content.

Today's thought also reminds me of an old saying that I once saw on a sign in an antique shop:

Our successes and failures are like clothes on a line.

At the end of the day,

You take what's yours and I take mine.

So, the next time the "grass is greener on the other side" pops up in your mind, just remember: You are right where you need to be!

And, as you express gratitude for everything in your life, feel the expansion of the beauty, grace and abundance in all areas of your life.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Letting Go of Being the "Go-To-Person" for Everyone, All the Time!

(Yes, two blogs today, to make up for missing yesterday!)

Oh, my, is this one a BIGGIE for me:

"Let go of being the 'go-to-person' for everyone, all the time; stop blowing yourself off and take care of yourself first . . . because you matter."

Yes, this is for me. There is a part of me that believes that I have to have all of the answers and share information and tips and healing for everyone else. (I have some friends who nicknamed me "Wikipedia" for Heaven's sake!)

And, yet, this can be simply EXHAUSTING!!! Having to always be "ON" and having to always dispense guidance or information or send healing energy ALL OF THE TIME is just too much!

Over the past year, I have toned it down. Over the past year, I have learned when I need to take better care of myself and when I need to rest or take a day to relax. I have some new energy tools that help me better manage my personal energy, cut cords with people and recharge myself. I also take more time to meditate and journal. I'm also getting better at saying "NO".

A wise counselor once told me that sometimes you have to say "no" to someone else, so you can say "yes" to yourself. So true!

Like today. Initially, my hubby was scheduled to be working all day, so I scheduled a class to teach. As the time drew closer, I felt less and less like teaching. I felt that I needed a day to relax and chill. So, I rescheduled the class.

I'm going to a movie with my daughter and then I'm stopping at my favorite grocery store for some special treats and cooking a great dinner for my hubby.

I'm beginning to LOVE taking better care of myself . . . because I'm beginning to believe that I DO matter.

Letting Go of Thinking Your Dreams are Not Important

Well, I missed yesterday, for the most amazing and totally justified reason: I spend the day with my hubby and my granddaughter! Talk about following your dreams! Avery is the most wonderful child and you get the sense that she follows her dreams ALWAYS!

The full suggestion is: "Let go of thinking your dreams are not important; always follow your heart."

How many of us just give in at a certain point, feeling that our dreams don't matter and just towing the mark? Just fitting in, doing whatever it takes to get along, be successful, etc. Well, I did that for about 45 years and in 2000, when I was fired from a corporate job for the fifth time, I said, "ENOUGH!"

I dropped out, worked in retail and began to meditate, journal and read about my spiritual journey. In 2005, I read a wonderful book called "Journey of Souls," by Dr. Michael Newton and it changed my life. Truly!

My husband is a psychic medium and he began to study, to learn how to manage his psychic skills and I went along for support. Well, initially that was the case. Then, I began to "get" messages, also and so I began studying, too, and learned that I have a bit of talent in this field, as well.

We began our studies in 2002 and in 2005, when I read the Newton book, I knew immediately that I wanted to learn more about past life regression, past lives and reincarnation and facilitate sessions for people who wanted to heal karmic wounds. As soon as I made the decision, doors began to open and I soon met a woman who trained in the work and then I was on my way to take training myself! A few months later, I opened my practice.

I wouldn't be a practicing past life regressionist today if I hadn't followed my heart!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Let Go of Thinking You are Damaged

Well, here we are on Day 7 of our count down of 20 Things to Let Go Of. This is based on a blog I read by Shannon Kaiser a few weeks ago. Today's suggestion is:

"Let go of thinking you are damaged; you matter and the world needs you just as you are."

For years, I struggled with feeling I was different. After a few years in therapy, I decided that I was just damaged goods and that's why I was attracting all the chaos and drama. Then, in 2002, I began my spiritual journey, seeking healing and information about my path and my life's mission.

Along the way, I've healed a lot of my childhood traumas, dropped a lot of my emotional baggage and learned that I am beautiful and and wonderful, just as I am.

There's a Japanese custom where they filled the cracks in broken pots with a gold-infused resin. This makes the pots even more beautiful! Something that was "damaged" is transformed into a thing of beauty.

Spiritual teachers also talk about how "God loves cracked pots," because that's how the light shines through! I believe that our perceived imperfections allow our light to shine in beautiful and perhaps unusual ways.

My experiences and my healing path have enabled me to help others heal and grow. In this way, what was once my weakness has become my strength. So, I've become a healing guide for the world and that's exactly what the world needs at this point in man's evolution!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Let Go of Blaming Anyone for Anything

Today’s guidance for our “letting go journey” is:

“Let go of blaming anyone for anything; be accountable for your own life. If you don’t like something, you have two choices: accept it or change it.”

Wow, don’t you love how Shannon Kaiser cuts right through it, with no bullsh*#?

In my own life, I see how I can really benefit from this surrender technique. I am 59 years old. I have been on my own since I graduated college at age 21. That’s 38 years of being on my own, living my own life and making my own choices.

Yet, there was a time when I blamed my parents, my siblings, my ex-husband and lots of other folks for the pain in my life. It’s really easy to blame our addictive behavior or reactions to life’s challenges on our parents. Isn’t that what psychotherapy tells us?

Yet, enough is enough! With our tools, such as EFT and Reiki and Access Consciousness Tools, we can release those old hurts, childhood trauma and pain and live with new choices and vitality.

There is also a great deal of freedom in letting go of these old blaming habits. When I take responsibility for my life, I soar! I open to new ways of being and living. I open to new ways of being a more authentic version of ME!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Let Go of Worry

Our surrender suggestion for today is: "Let go of worrying; worry is like praying for what you don't want.

Think about it: if what your thoughts create your reality, then worry all of the time will only bring what you are worried about. So, how do you get out of that trap?

By focusing, moment by moment on what is wonderful in your world. For example, where I am sitting, I am warm and cozy, with a hot beverage nearby, soft, soothing music in the background and my puppy sleeping soundly in the next room. I am content and simply enjoying this present moment, with a big smile on my face!

On the other hand, it is cold and nasty outside, with a temperature near 40 degrees and a light rain. If I strain, I can hear my neighbor's dog barking and, oh, yeah, what about that meeting with my accountant on Friday? That can't be good, right?

Do you see how I went from content and cozy to complaining and anxious in about 10 seconds?

Yet, am I in the cold? No Rain? No When I focus on my lovely laptop and the soothing music, can I hear the dog? No Is my appointment with the accountant right now? No

So, in this moment, I can truly let go of worrying, by focusing on what is here, now, right in front of me! I can also use some of my energy clearing tools, such as Access Questions or EFT to clear my anxiety around the meeting on Friday. Then, I begin to focus on how I can contribute to a positive meeting and receive a positive outcome!

Hey, today is Wednesday. By continuing to ask questions like:

What do I know that I've been pretending not to know about my financial records and financial plans?

What else is possible?

How does it get any better than this?

I open up to receiving more of what the Universe wants to gift me, in terms of help with my financial planning, taxes, etc.

So, rather than panicking and losing sleep over an appointment, I simply ask, "What else is possible?" and focus on what ideas float in over the next few days. As I ask questions, and allow the Universe to answer, my whole world brightens with possibilities!




Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Let Go of Regrets

Today's idea for surrender is "let go of regrets; at one point in your life, that 'whatever' was exactly what you wanted." On the surface, this one was a mystery for me. Yes, I have regrets, but I wasn't connecting with the idea that the thing I regretted doing or being or having was something that I had wanted.

I get it now. Let's say I have a regret about saying something to someone. At that point in time, saying those words was important to me. Perhaps I expressed something with less compassion or perhaps I told a white lie and got caught! At the time, it seemed like the thing I wanted to say. Now, in hindsight, I wish I hadn't said it.

Simple forgiveness of self puts me back on my path of authenticity! So, I have one less thing to regret!

Let's say it's a bigger issue, like a marriage! How many of us regret going into a relationship, and maybe even marrying a person that our hearts warned us about? Yes, I've done that. However, I now see that those relationships were a part of a master plan for my life. I can see it from a higher perspective and express gratitude for the lesson, release the hurt and self-criticism and move on!

So, now I understand what Shannon is saying: Be more accepting of decisions you made in the past and let go of regrets. Maybe I just had to turn it around to truly understand the power of this suggestion!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Let Go of the Fear of the Unknown . . .

In today's item to let go, Shannon Kaiser urges us to "let go of the fear of the unknown; take one small step and watch the path reveal itself."

Let's take this one in two parts, OK? First, to let go of the fear of the unknown is one of the greatest accomplishments some of us will ever make. Face it, the "unknown" sits "out there" as a big, hairy monster, in some cases. Sometimes, I've stayed with an abusive partner because of my fear of the unknown. Someone wrote about the "devil you know" and how we stay in jobs, relationships and even places, rather than venturing out to parts unknown.

So what is it about the "unknown" that is so daunting? Isn't it a little about our childhood fear of the dark? Fearing what we can't see or feel or know in the world is something that our ego creates in its attempt to keep us safe.

Yet, as we heal and grow and learn to trust the Universe (or God or Divine Source-whatever you call the Creator) we begin to know that there is no "out there." We learn that fears are an inside issue. Once I heal my childhood hurts and trauma, I open to trusting in the Universe to bring in my heart's desires.

Have you ever had a day where you had no plans and just decided to "go with the flow" and it blossomed into the most beautiful day of fun activities, great encounters and fantastic blessings? Well, I'm here to tell you that EVERY DAY can be like this when we let go of our fear of the unknown!

Now, to the second part of today's surrender phrase: "take one small step and watch the path reveal itself." This is also something that is hard for some of us to understand. We want to SEE the path, telling ourselves that we NEED to see it, to know that we are on our path. But, here's what Master Teacher Joseph Campbell says:

“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path.”

Isn't that beautiful? I remember when I made the decision to divorce in 1996, I took a step and it was blessed. I took another step and that one was blessed. In April of 1997, I put my house on the market. It sold in 4 days! I consider that a blessing, also.

On my path, I also encounter closed doors and times of waiting. However, it is all part of "my path." That's why I love the phrasing in Shannon's item for today.

So, just like a baby who is learning to walk, I take one step here and one step there. I let go of my fear of the unknown, and trust that I am held in the arms of the Universe. I celebrate with gratitude as my path is revealed to me. How does it get any better than that?

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Letting Go of Feeling Guilty for Doing What You Truly Want to Do

Today, I want to talk a little about feeling guilty. And I'm not talking about feeling guilty for things I've done. That's what most people want you to focus on.

But, in her article, Shannon Kaiser specifically talks about "letting go of feeling guilty for doing what you truly want to do."

You know, those situations where you went ahead and did something that another person didn't want you to do. Maybe a parent or maybe a spouse or sibling. For example, I really wanted to work on the yearbook in high school. My mother wanted me to take all of the secretarial and business courses I could take, so I could get a job right out of high school. I would take one journalism course and then take the business or typing courses she wanted me to take as my other electives.

My senior year, I was named co-editor of the yearbook and that meant that I had to take 2 classes in journalism, one for creating the yearbook and one for managing the team of students that worked with us. I had a long talk with my mother. In the end, I talked her into it. But, for a long, long time, I felt guilty. Even after the yearbook came out and we won several awards and I was extremely proud of it, a part of me felt guilty for doing "what I truly wanted to do."

I can think of many examples of this in my life. Yet, isn't it a waste of precious energy?

So, today, I am going to focus on letting go of feeling guilty for doing what I want to do and being who I want to be.

And, that is an idea for another blog! More to come!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Personal Power

I found a great article by a woman named Shannon Kaiser entitled "20 Things to Let Go of Before the New Year." It is an amazing combination of ideas around "letting go" and empowerment. I'm going to take one item from the list each day for the next 20 days and write about it, expanding it a bit, sharing my own ideas.

Today's item is:

"Let go of all thoughts that don't make you feel empowered strong."

We really can choose our own thoughts. With wonderful tools such as hypnosis, EFT and Access Consciousness, we can release the limiting beliefs that shape our thoughts. As we peel the onion of our limiting beliefs, we can bring in new beliefs, intentions and a new way of approaching life.

Louise Hay is one of my favorite authors and she has created Hay House Publishing to showcase new thought leaders and their ideas for a better life. She has a book called "You Can Heal Your Life," which lists common symptoms and then the probable causes of that illness, pain, etc.

For example, I had some pain in my shoulder. When I look up "shoulder," I see a reference to "ability to carry out experiences in life joyously. We make life a burden by our attitude." WOW! I've heard the term "shoulder responsibility" all of my life.

To change this, I can use a new thought pattern, such as: "I choose to allow all of my experiences to be joyous and loving."

Louise goes on to say in her book: "Every thought we think is creating our future. Each one of us creates our experiences by our thoughts and our feelings. The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences."

Her key message is: "If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed." Isn't that empowering? We can change our thoughts and change our bodies and our lives!

The book is also available as an app called "Heal Your Body A-Z" and it has amazing affirmations to help us shift our thought patterns to those that better serve our highest good.

If you want to check out Shannon's article, go to: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11973/20-things-to-let-go-of-before-the-new-year.html