Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Weekly Challenge 1/30/11 through 2/5/11 Become Childlike
This week, the angels ask us to see and interact with the world through the eyes of a child, to become childlike. To trust, speak, imagine and use our hearts in the way that children do. This may seem silly but to the angels, this week's challenge is nothing more than serious in relation to where we are and where our hearts long to be. Children are said to be closer to the truth, closer to knowing their hearts and what lives within. It is with their experiences and training that this truth gets buried. Along with this truth all of the wonderful attributes tend to fade as well. Our playful, creative, imaginative, curious, less logical minds exist. The angels ask for us to reach within and allow for our inner child to come out and play! Challenge yourself to become Childlike this week. Remember who you once were, who you still are!
Children are naturally imaginative, curious, able to play without a worry in their minds. Some qualities of children that happen naturally are:
- Living in the present
- No worries of money or expectations
- Tons of imagination, without limits with the exception of what they’ve been exposed to
- Loose themselves in play
- Create with full force
- Endlessly curious and full of wonder and delight
- Display innocence to what the world could offer
- Identify qualities of children you’d like to emulate: curiosity, play, living in the moment, abandoning worries, imagination, creativity, pure joy.
- Watch how children play, how they live, create, and ask questions.
- Allow yourself to get lost in the play. Be a dinosaur, or a gorilla, or a villain, build a Lego castle or play a board game. Have FUN!
- Play! Go outside and run around, jump, slide, kick a ball around, pretend. Forget about who might be watching.
- Create! Allow yourself the freedom to let go of worry about what others expect. Be wild and have fun. Imagine that things can be different, that there are no limitations, and see what happens.
- Be curious like a child. Look at things with a child’s eye, and ask questions you’ve never asked before, explore with a beginner’s mind. Don’t be afraid to ask why, and what if, and why not?
- Live in the moment. Allow yourself time to forget about all you have to do, about what happened yesterday, or that conversation you just had. Just allow yourself to be.
- See the world with new eyes. It is a wondrous place, a miracle happening every second, a source of fascination and wonder that can take you back if you allow it. Every moment you have is a gift. Allow yourself to see the world through these eyes, the eyes of a child.
- Play! Dance, sing, wrestle, ride a bike, ski, roller skate, invite friends for a party just because...have cupcakes and dance! Whatever you decide to do, play, play, play! Allow yourself to play like a child without worry, fear or consequence (but be safe! don't hurt yourself! :-0).
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Direction means listening
Trying to figure out direction means listening. That seemed to be a message that came through today. Listening to what was said and what was not. It's all around us, all the time. At certain points, I felt myself in the midst of thinking about direction and what that means for me and how much listening and communication come into play.
An example of this was a session I had today where listening to the angels messages was quite simple and pure. Hearing the noises around me and being able to listen to two conversations at once seemed easy in comparison to other times of the day when it became difficult to focus on anything more than one conversation at a time. Sometimes, our messages can come about in many ways and provide us with clear, concrete direction. Other times, it leaves us open to ponder what messages we have received before proceeding. Have you had this experience?
For today and this week, I am left pondering direction. Focusing on listening has been an interesting assignment and I have a feeling this challenge may present itself in another iteration later on in 2011. We shall see, we shall see...
At least one thing is clear, the art of listening is truly one to continue to master. In our world filled with technology and in a time where everything done quicker is better, listening is something to pay close attention to in order to find true direction. Direction that lives within us, deep in our hearts.
For today and this week, I am left pondering direction. Focusing on listening has been an interesting assignment and I have a feeling this challenge may present itself in another iteration later on in 2011. We shall see, we shall see...
At least one thing is clear, the art of listening is truly one to continue to master. In our world filled with technology and in a time where everything done quicker is better, listening is something to pay close attention to in order to find true direction. Direction that lives within us, deep in our hearts.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Listen to your heart, it is calling for you! A message from your angel!
Listen to your heart, it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there's nothing more you can do. Within your heart lives truth and love. Are you listening to your truth or do you push it away out of confusion and loss? What of this nature you lead? Do you confine your truth within your heart? Have you tried to hear these lovely words that live within, only to push them aside?
It can be one of many untruths to say that your heart is unpure. Even those who hurt or have hurt others display love within. Listen to your heart, it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there's nothing more you can do. With each breath you take, with each movement you make, your love and truth live within and are waiting for you.
In your heart is truth and love. Listen to your heart. Unearth this love. With this beauty you see. Your wings are hers, hers are yours. Your heart says this to be true but it can be difficult to see beyond your present circumstance.
Unearth your heart, it is calling to you. Listen. What does it say to you? Are there questions to be answered? Are there pleasures yet unseen? Do you share your intimacy with those closest to your heart? Do you keep yourself reserved in fear of rejection?
Listen to your heart, it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there is nothing more you can do. Your blossoming truth lives within. Discover your hearts desires, they are surfacing. Can you feel them? Can you hear them? Listen, they are with you all the while.
Listen to your heart, as it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there is nothing more you can do....
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| Universal Wisdom deck by Toni Carmine Salerno |
It can be one of many untruths to say that your heart is unpure. Even those who hurt or have hurt others display love within. Listen to your heart, it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there's nothing more you can do. With each breath you take, with each movement you make, your love and truth live within and are waiting for you.
In your heart is truth and love. Listen to your heart. Unearth this love. With this beauty you see. Your wings are hers, hers are yours. Your heart says this to be true but it can be difficult to see beyond your present circumstance.
Unearth your heart, it is calling to you. Listen. What does it say to you? Are there questions to be answered? Are there pleasures yet unseen? Do you share your intimacy with those closest to your heart? Do you keep yourself reserved in fear of rejection?
Listen to your heart, it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there is nothing more you can do. Your blossoming truth lives within. Discover your hearts desires, they are surfacing. Can you feel them? Can you hear them? Listen, they are with you all the while.
Listen to your heart, as it is calling for you. Listen to your heart, there is nothing more you can do....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Information Age
As this week carries on, I see how difficult it can be to really listen ALL the time. There is so much being communicated to us, it's hard to keep up! They aren't kidding when they talk about us being in the "information age". Wait! There's too much information, I'm on information overload! Can we re-group? From computers, cell phones, texting, TV, DVD's, radio (sattelite these days), facebooking, tweeting, you name it, we've got it at our disposal.
If we have all of these means of communicating, you think we would be on the same page, right? Why aren't we? What has happened to us? It seems to be easier to send an email to someone verses picking up the phone or GOD forbid, stopping by for a visit. (SMILE) I'm right there with everyone else but just pointing out this "information age" we are living in. What are we missing in this process? I think it comes down to real human connection. In our attempt to connect with more people in the most efficient way possible, we have lost our ability to develop relationships in the most natural way GOD has intended.
In our challenge for the week on listening, I am finding two things and I don't think I am alone in these outcomes. First, it has been difficult for me to fully be present all the time and actively listen. I guess I never realized how distracted I can be with my own thoughts and other distractions that naturally come into play during times when I have been attempting to listen. Second, we spend so much time with technology that we have moved away from some forms of human connection...which makes the art of listening that much more difficult. We can listen, don't get me wrong but when we email and text for example verses talking in person or even over the phone, things get missed, or misinterpreted...possibly misunderstood. If you think about the fact that 75% of our communication is non-verbal, it is easy to see how miscommunication in today's age can occur. I wonder what the heck would happen to us if we woke up tomorrow and all of our technology was gone. After the initial shock, I think there would be some re-thinking of how we interact with each other. What do you think?
It has been an interesting week for sure in my challenge to actively and reflectively listen. As well, messages from the angels (repeat messages) have been very clear for me to hear with much of it referring back to listen, listen, LISTEN! At the very least, the messages tell me there is more to pay attention to, more to fully hear. I suppose that is the challenge in listening!
If we have all of these means of communicating, you think we would be on the same page, right? Why aren't we? What has happened to us? It seems to be easier to send an email to someone verses picking up the phone or GOD forbid, stopping by for a visit. (SMILE) I'm right there with everyone else but just pointing out this "information age" we are living in. What are we missing in this process? I think it comes down to real human connection. In our attempt to connect with more people in the most efficient way possible, we have lost our ability to develop relationships in the most natural way GOD has intended.
In our challenge for the week on listening, I am finding two things and I don't think I am alone in these outcomes. First, it has been difficult for me to fully be present all the time and actively listen. I guess I never realized how distracted I can be with my own thoughts and other distractions that naturally come into play during times when I have been attempting to listen. Second, we spend so much time with technology that we have moved away from some forms of human connection...which makes the art of listening that much more difficult. We can listen, don't get me wrong but when we email and text for example verses talking in person or even over the phone, things get missed, or misinterpreted...possibly misunderstood. If you think about the fact that 75% of our communication is non-verbal, it is easy to see how miscommunication in today's age can occur. I wonder what the heck would happen to us if we woke up tomorrow and all of our technology was gone. After the initial shock, I think there would be some re-thinking of how we interact with each other. What do you think?
It has been an interesting week for sure in my challenge to actively and reflectively listen. As well, messages from the angels (repeat messages) have been very clear for me to hear with much of it referring back to listen, listen, LISTEN! At the very least, the messages tell me there is more to pay attention to, more to fully hear. I suppose that is the challenge in listening!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A message of love from Archangel Michael
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| Card by Toni Carmine Salerno |
Give yourself the time and comfort of knowing the journey takes twists and turns. Many do not allow for the process to happen fully and completely. When discomfort is felt, often times people move away or step back from the goodness within. It can feel uncomfortable because it is foreign in it's raw form.
Why is this so difficult? You are love, peace, goodness and hope. You are love at the purest sense of GOD. You are love, you are love. Within you is all that you seek. Full of questions and misunderstanding of the intention of being. We ask for you to be gentle with your heart. You are the goodness you see in others. You are hope for those around you weather you see this within your spirit or not. It exists none the less for others to bask in it's glory. What would life be for others without your existence and love? Do you consider this question? If you cannot answer this and see yourself as a being of love and light, we must implore you to take a closer look at what makes you so special, so unique and full of life. For some, it may be difficult to feel and know what lives within. Stuck on the possibilities of their mind and allowing for it to reign high on top of what their soul has within. Try to temper your thoughts with that of your heart. Balance between the mind and spirit will help you to hear what we know you are within. Love, goodness, beauty and light. You are in fact GOD and GOD is you. Consider these words as we see your beauty and goodness no matter what your circumstances present at the surface of your life. There is more to you, there is more to what you see as life.
So much time and energy is spent with your world on identifying areas of negativity and destruction you forget to incorporate all of the good and love that surrounds all things. We ask for you to see this love in all of your experiences as it truly exists for you to discover. When circumstances take place, try to see the love within them. Where is it? Can you find it? When you ask "why me" we ask for you to consider why it would be you. You are love, you are goodness and beauty. Your strength comforts you and has transcended the love within. See the love within your circumstance and know there are areas beyond your understanding which lead for you to be exactly where you are in this place and time. Your love, the love within each of your circumstances is there to discover and utilize as a point of reference and understanding.
We see you may not understand our meaning or intention of this message and ask for you to relate it to your term of courage. Courage can take the ability to not understand all of the details but to move forward in an aspect of your life or circumstance even if it can feel uncomfortable. Just as it is described, we ask for you to see the love within yourself, within each circumstance that surrounds you at this same level of understanding. Yes, you are love and every corner of your being resonates at the level of love. With all of the pushing of energetic exchanges that have been occurring over time within your life, it becomes more and more difficult to see and understand what we refer to. As much as we understand this is part of who you have become, we see you as you truly exist and ask for you to go beyond your thinking and move towards feeling this love that on many levels you know what we refer to as truth.
You are love dearest child. We are here to help you understand and develop your insights to see and understand truth more as a natural sense verses an external resource which is what is left to your understanding and thought process at the place in time in which your world now functions within. All of the messages you read and hear related to love are truth. Believe you are love and know you are this truth. Even if your circumstances do not feel as though love exists because you are filled with sadness, hurt, anger and discomfort, love is still there. Seek it out, confide in it and ask how it can help to overcome the feelings that experience has provided. Love is there for you as you are love dearest one. You are love. You are truth. Find this love within and around you.
With love, Angel Michael
Friday, January 21, 2011
Don't give up...though the pace seems slow...you may succeed with another blow!
Well, today is "one of those days". You know, we all use this expression to describe days it would seem easier to keep your head buried under the blankets in bed...
I woke up feeling tired and school was cancelled for my kids due to local weather conditions. It was good to have the kids with me today but I think they were a bit restless being inside! My daughter made a book...cute as all heck! She is 6 and her first baby tooth is loose. Her book is about how happy she is that she has a loose tooth! I love it!!
When she went to show me the book, I was in the middle of filling our pellet stove and she grabbed the mantle right where I was standing. The problem you wonder? The mantle is not secured and it came crashing down on my head...along with keepsake pieces that were gifts from friends and family (expensive keepsakes too!!). Needless to say, most all of them broke into pieces. She was upset and so was I. Although I did not blame her and was not upset with her (accidents DO happen), I was upset because those pieces had meaning to me and meaning to those who gave them to me.
OK I thought...let it go, they are only things (and they are)...and so I cleaned up the mess and moved on....
About an hour later, the children were arguing over toys and what belonged to who...As I got up to see what all the arguing was about, I spilled my protein drink that I made for lunch all over everything! It was purple and everywhere! I thought...let it go and just clean it up, it's just a mess...and so I did.
After some quiet time in their bedrooms, the children both seemed in a better space with each other (thank goodness for small wonders I thought...)! My husband arrived home from work and we all sat down for dinner. As I opened the 3/4 full container of juice to pour into a glass, it dropped to the floor! All over the walls, the floor, curtains...everywhere. I just stopped and looked at everyone and thought to myself...just let it go and clean it up, it's only a mess!
Then it struck me...OK messes and letting it go, I get it angels! The message for the day...I got it, can we stop making messes now? As this came to me, I sat on one of the dining room chairs and was stuck with a piece of plastic in my butt! OK, OK, I got it! Messes & Letting go, got it!
As I sit here and wonder about how courage relates to letting go and messes, it dawns on me that it can take practice and patience; both of which take courage! Honestly, at this point in the day my patience runs a bit thin. No more messes!! But, it is only 7:30PM...the night is young! I needed some motivation to change not only my perspective of the day but also to relate my messy day in a positive light. My day was not all messes!! I had a great story from my daughter, my son was very helpful and both of their rooms are clean from the time they spent taking space. I am lucky to have them in my life, messes and all! With the family all home now, I am looking forward to spending time with them and let go of the messes that are already taken care of.
I came across this inspirational poem called "don't quit". Although what happened in my day may not seem like much in comparison to what you may have experienced or what others go through in the course of their days, the message for today is the same none the less. Don't give up...though the pace seems slow...you may succeed with another blow!
Have the courage to stick with it, no matter what it is...no matter what mess exists, keep with it with courage and hope!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Judgement, Acceptance and Love
I was looking for a video or inspirational saying of some sort to post because I feel kind of down today. Part of it has to do with the theme of courage and in searching for the "right" message to post, I received the message to "just write it out"...so here I am!
When I have thought about the challenge of courage and how my week has gone including today, I realize there are aspects about me that I now know are still prevalent within me that are yet to change. YES, change creates change but it is a process. Part of our personality and way of being is ingrained, learned. Even if we do not like these aspects within us and want to change them, it may take time...even a lifetime to change. Today, I am frustrated and saddened at the same time with some of the people in my life...
I feel as though sometimes people are judged for their "flaws" or characteristics without knowing all about them. And even then, there seems to be a lack of sensitivity to others differences. I saw this surround me today. The mood was light around me and the jokes flew but as I listened, I thought...did they give that person the benefit of the doubt? Do they see how their words can be hurtful? Or, how the jokes could be insulting to others, even if they are not the center of the joke?
Having asked these questions, I thought quite a bit about the fact we are all human and make mistakes. At times, I believe we have all talked about other people for a variety of reasons...sometimes to make ourselves feel better or look better; other times to talk out our frustrations about others. While all this holds true, it hurts just the same hearing it from an outside perspective. I always think...what would it be like to walk in that person's shoes? What if I was the one being made fun of or joked about? What if I frustrated the hell out of someone and did not even realize it...to the point the other person needed to rant and rave about me? All the while in my own head wondering how I can judge others doing this when I do it myself...you know, I am only human too!
In the confusion and sadness these circumstances have provided for me to ponder over, it has also led me back to the challenge of courage for the week. Being courageous takes on many forms. In the lesson for today, I walk away relating courage to that of the concept of imperfection within perfection. We are perfect in the eyes of GOD, we are made in GOD's image. Within our perfection is an imperfect mind or ego that will lead to judgement, frustration, confusion and sadness as I relate it to the discussion today. I am not perfect. I am confused and judge those judging others...In my own attempt to place myself in others shoes, I have allowed myself to be exactly what those judging, joking, misunderstanding others have done. In this, I have the courage today to say I am not perfect...my soul is perfect and awaits my alignment within it's perfection but for now, I struggle as we all do with my imperfections. I hope to gain more clarity and peace over time to understand how to become closer to love, understanding and most of all unity with those around me.
We all talk about wanting and needing to be united and not judging others but there are so many of us who struggle with this concept. How do we align closer with this concept? I believe the first step is understanding and accepting ourselves for who we are...completely and honestly with great courage and compassion.
The angels puts it in different terms for us to think about. Accepting ourselves and accepting others including the judgements we hold is an important aspect for us to continue to work through. They ask for us to look at balance...weigh out what we see as imperfections, along with perfection. Allow understanding and compassion for our human aspects to come through when looking at judgement and see that there is always a reason for these feelings. They are rooted in fear. Try to see the love that lives underneath the fear that exists. Love is at the foundation of all things...ALL things. Since these words from the angels just came through, it has given me more to think about tonight. With that, I say goodnight and love to you.
When I have thought about the challenge of courage and how my week has gone including today, I realize there are aspects about me that I now know are still prevalent within me that are yet to change. YES, change creates change but it is a process. Part of our personality and way of being is ingrained, learned. Even if we do not like these aspects within us and want to change them, it may take time...even a lifetime to change. Today, I am frustrated and saddened at the same time with some of the people in my life...
Having asked these questions, I thought quite a bit about the fact we are all human and make mistakes. At times, I believe we have all talked about other people for a variety of reasons...sometimes to make ourselves feel better or look better; other times to talk out our frustrations about others. While all this holds true, it hurts just the same hearing it from an outside perspective. I always think...what would it be like to walk in that person's shoes? What if I was the one being made fun of or joked about? What if I frustrated the hell out of someone and did not even realize it...to the point the other person needed to rant and rave about me? All the while in my own head wondering how I can judge others doing this when I do it myself...you know, I am only human too!
In the confusion and sadness these circumstances have provided for me to ponder over, it has also led me back to the challenge of courage for the week. Being courageous takes on many forms. In the lesson for today, I walk away relating courage to that of the concept of imperfection within perfection. We are perfect in the eyes of GOD, we are made in GOD's image. Within our perfection is an imperfect mind or ego that will lead to judgement, frustration, confusion and sadness as I relate it to the discussion today. I am not perfect. I am confused and judge those judging others...In my own attempt to place myself in others shoes, I have allowed myself to be exactly what those judging, joking, misunderstanding others have done. In this, I have the courage today to say I am not perfect...my soul is perfect and awaits my alignment within it's perfection but for now, I struggle as we all do with my imperfections. I hope to gain more clarity and peace over time to understand how to become closer to love, understanding and most of all unity with those around me.
We all talk about wanting and needing to be united and not judging others but there are so many of us who struggle with this concept. How do we align closer with this concept? I believe the first step is understanding and accepting ourselves for who we are...completely and honestly with great courage and compassion.
The angels puts it in different terms for us to think about. Accepting ourselves and accepting others including the judgements we hold is an important aspect for us to continue to work through. They ask for us to look at balance...weigh out what we see as imperfections, along with perfection. Allow understanding and compassion for our human aspects to come through when looking at judgement and see that there is always a reason for these feelings. They are rooted in fear. Try to see the love that lives underneath the fear that exists. Love is at the foundation of all things...ALL things. Since these words from the angels just came through, it has given me more to think about tonight. With that, I say goodnight and love to you.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Just do it anyway!
My husband sent the writing on the wall from Mother Theresa to me about a week ago. Today, it hit me how much the words relate to courage. These words have benefited me a great deal today...more of a stressful, anxiety driven day, as I have been dealing with challenges that have come up. As I read through the writing on the wall, I realize only I can allow myself to feel any particular way. I believe that my goal of courage was chosen for me this week; one that involves trusting and having faith that everything is going to be alright, with the courage to overcome feelings of stress and anxiety and remaining positive throughout my situation.
When you read the writing on the wall, what feelings come up for you related to courage? Is it helpful to hear from such an inspiring woman who just did it anyway, no matter what others said or did? As these words have helped to put things into perspective for me today, I hope they will do the same for you. I encourage you to do it anyway! Put aside feelings that could get in your way of being courageous this week and just do it anyway! As for me, having faith that everything will be alright is my opportunity to do it anyway and not get stuck from moving forward in my goals. What about you?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The courage to take a stand, the courage to speak his mind, the courage to ask his fellow man to think about his words and to respond with soulful force verses physical force. On our day of rememberance, look at courage through the eyes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Washington D. C. speech "I have a dream" |
delivered 28 August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.
But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.
Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.
With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January 16th - January 22nd Weekly Challenge COURAGE
January 16th - January 22nd:COURAGE-The definition of courage is "the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery".
This week, the angels have asked us to look at ourselves in terms of our courage. Courage can take many forms. Confidence, taking a stand to something you know is right, going beyond what you tell yourself is possible...having faith and trust and much much more! We are asked to identify an area or aspect of ourself or our lives that we will commit to being courageous...beyond what we have allowed ourselves to be.
Steps for the week:
-Identify ONE area or aspect of your life you would like to have more courage.
-Commit to facing this aspect with courage during the course of the week.
-Be reasonable with your expectations. Go beyond your comfort zone but be safe and most of all, rely on the support of friends, family and others you trust to help you through the process of the week!
Courage. What makes a King out of a slave? Courage. What makes the flag on a mast to wave? Courage. What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the Seventh Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage. What makes the Hottentot so hot?
What puts the “ape” in ape-ricot? What have they got that I haven’t got?
This week, the angels have asked us to look at ourselves in terms of our courage. Courage can take many forms. Confidence, taking a stand to something you know is right, going beyond what you tell yourself is possible...having faith and trust and much much more! We are asked to identify an area or aspect of ourself or our lives that we will commit to being courageous...beyond what we have allowed ourselves to be.
Steps for the week:
-Identify ONE area or aspect of your life you would like to have more courage.
-Commit to facing this aspect with courage during the course of the week.
-Be reasonable with your expectations. Go beyond your comfort zone but be safe and most of all, rely on the support of friends, family and others you trust to help you through the process of the week!
Some examples of moving outside of your comfort zone and displaying courage in your life could consist of:
-Talking to someone you would like to know better or asking them to get together over a meal or coffee
-Discuss a concern with a loved one that you have not been forthcoming with
-Speaking in front of a group of people about a special interest or event
-Share a dream or special idea you have with others who you know will listen and be supportive
-Try something new that you have always wanted to try but have been afraid to do
-Speak your mind on an issue or topic that is close to your heart
Taking courage means risking exposure to others and yourself. You may in fact not get the response you hope for but in being courageous, you allow yourself to think beyond what you tell yourself is possible. I believe you may be surprised, as I believe I will be as well this week in taking some risk in being courageous! It goes back to the old saying...what would you do if you were not afraid? Well, what is the ONE thing you will commit to being courageous with this week and put your fears aside? I have been hearing the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of OZ speak on courage in my head for days! The angels have provided me this theme as a way to help me understand this week's Challenge. Below, I have provided the Lion's words on courage...I hope you enjoy them!
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| Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of OZ |
What puts the “ape” in ape-ricot? What have they got that I haven’t got?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Art of Letting Go...and, don't forget your STRENGTHS!
The letting go inventory list was a bit of a challenging process in terms of having to take an honest look at areas that hold a piece of my heart. I can imagine this was the case for you as well. The good thing about this type of process is that whatever you experienced, whatever items you noted on your letting go inventory list, you have brought awareness to these aspects of yourself.
Awareness brings new strength and more strength towards accomplishment. One of the things I have learned through time and experience is that letting go is an evolutionary process. The experiences we have had will not be forgotten and some of what we hold onto is the memories of these experiences. Our memories and experiences make us who we are, they are components of our own evolution and growth.
The tricky part of our experiences is allowing for the emotional attachments that can bind us to be looked at further, explored and eventually put to rest. The art of letting go is tied directly to our emotions. For example, as a child, I remember hearing my parents argue when I would lay in bed at night. This memory or experience is a part of who I am. My feelings of fear and lack of control are the emotions tied to these memories, these experiences. Letting go of these feelings but holding onto the memory has allowed me to grow as a person. Letting go has also allowed me the opportunity to understand why it has taken years to work towards not backing away from every situation that dealt with conflict or confronting things in my life that were no longer in my highest interest.
I encourage you to be gentle in your process of letting go. Remember, it is a process...an evolutionary journey. Your awareness of what you noted on your inventory list may be just the beginning, could be the middle of the letting go process OR could be the final process you needed of letting go to the emotional ties of that experience. It does not matter where you are in the process, what does matter is that you have committed to working towards letting go of things that no longer serve your highest good.
As this week comes to an end, be reminded of your strengths inventory list. Our strengths never leave us, no matter what challenges or obstacles stand in the way. It can be difficult to see these strengths when in the middle of a situation or too close to circumstances. Our strengths are there to support and keep us going through anything life has to offer. The list you created can serve as your reminder. Is there a place in your house where you can hang it up? Could you carry your list with you, in your wallet or purse? How about tucked away in your favorite book? Wherever you choose to keep your strengths list, commit to referring back to it periodically. Particularly during times when life throws you a curve ball. You are strong and have many positive attributes that live within you. Remind yourself of your goodness and love! Try to keep these strengths close to your heart. One of the things that the angels would like to remind us about at this time is that more likely than not, our noted strengths are only a small portion of the true reality of the goodness and love that lives within us. They ask for us to keep adding to this list as time goes by and we become more aware of additional strengths that are a natural part of our being.
Wishing you love on your journey,
Margaret
Awareness brings new strength and more strength towards accomplishment. One of the things I have learned through time and experience is that letting go is an evolutionary process. The experiences we have had will not be forgotten and some of what we hold onto is the memories of these experiences. Our memories and experiences make us who we are, they are components of our own evolution and growth.
The tricky part of our experiences is allowing for the emotional attachments that can bind us to be looked at further, explored and eventually put to rest. The art of letting go is tied directly to our emotions. For example, as a child, I remember hearing my parents argue when I would lay in bed at night. This memory or experience is a part of who I am. My feelings of fear and lack of control are the emotions tied to these memories, these experiences. Letting go of these feelings but holding onto the memory has allowed me to grow as a person. Letting go has also allowed me the opportunity to understand why it has taken years to work towards not backing away from every situation that dealt with conflict or confronting things in my life that were no longer in my highest interest.
I encourage you to be gentle in your process of letting go. Remember, it is a process...an evolutionary journey. Your awareness of what you noted on your inventory list may be just the beginning, could be the middle of the letting go process OR could be the final process you needed of letting go to the emotional ties of that experience. It does not matter where you are in the process, what does matter is that you have committed to working towards letting go of things that no longer serve your highest good.
As this week comes to an end, be reminded of your strengths inventory list. Our strengths never leave us, no matter what challenges or obstacles stand in the way. It can be difficult to see these strengths when in the middle of a situation or too close to circumstances. Our strengths are there to support and keep us going through anything life has to offer. The list you created can serve as your reminder. Is there a place in your house where you can hang it up? Could you carry your list with you, in your wallet or purse? How about tucked away in your favorite book? Wherever you choose to keep your strengths list, commit to referring back to it periodically. Particularly during times when life throws you a curve ball. You are strong and have many positive attributes that live within you. Remind yourself of your goodness and love! Try to keep these strengths close to your heart. One of the things that the angels would like to remind us about at this time is that more likely than not, our noted strengths are only a small portion of the true reality of the goodness and love that lives within us. They ask for us to keep adding to this list as time goes by and we become more aware of additional strengths that are a natural part of our being.
Wishing you love on your journey,
Margaret
Friday, January 14, 2011
She Let Go by Dr. Ernest Holmes
“She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go. She let go of the fear. She let go of the judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons. Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.
She didn’t ask anyone for advice. She didn’t read a book on how to let go… She didn’t search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all of the memories that held her back. She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.
She didn’t promise to let go. She didn’t journal about it. She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go.
There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad. It was what it was, and it is just that.
In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore.”
- Ernest Holmes
She didn’t ask anyone for advice. She didn’t read a book on how to let go… She didn’t search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all of the memories that held her back. She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.
She didn’t promise to let go. She didn’t journal about it. She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go.
She didn’t analyze whether she should let go. She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter. She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment. She didn’t call the prayer line. She didn’t utter one word. She just let go.
No one was around when it happened. There was no applause or congratulations. No one thanked her or praised her. No one noticed a thing. Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go. There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad. It was what it was, and it is just that.
In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore.”
- Ernest Holmes
Thursday, January 13, 2011
People come into your life for a reason
When assessing what I am ready to let go of, these words truly helped me. For me, there have been people who have served to challenge me to think differently, to act differently. Sometimes I have not understood my actions. When I think about the fact that we all serve a purpose and can come in and out of others lives with purpose, it has helped me to put perspective on some of the past. It has also helped me to understand challenges and that it is OK to let them go, as they no longer serve me or anyone around me. I hope these precious words will help you to put those in your life into perspective. Can you see where they live? Are they there for a SEASON, REASON or a LIFETIME? As you work to complete your inventory, try to consider these words as you assess your strengths and your letting go inventory. I know these words truly helped me to put things into perspective in a new and loving way!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
1/12/11 Wednesday
I just realized that my blog posted yesterday was dated today! AND, I forgot to post it to facebook yesterday so I did this earlier today. FUNNY!! The angels always have an interesting way of making sure everything happens in the right time and space....there must have been a reason that things happened this way! In any case, THIS is my Wednesday posting!
This beautiful angel picture can be seen in my dining room. Her lovely yet piercing look reminds me constantly to be authentic. She somehow reminds me of a mother looking at a child who is telling a tale...as if she knows the truth but still listens to the story with the look that says it all. I am reminded of this as we are working our way though this week of taking inventory. This is a personal inventory based on self-discovery and truth. Our flower angel reminds us to be authentic and honest with our strengths and items that no longer serve us that we should consider letting go of. She is wise and loving, ever present in our lives. If you have developed your inventory, take a look at the list. Are there things that you should consider revising? I will be working on my list today and with the flower angel with me, I commit to be authentic and honest in this inventory process.
Today in New England we are receiving quite a bit of snow! My children have a snow day and my husband is working from home. It is wonderful to have them all here...we are all home bound! This beautiful flower angel also reminds me that the flowers will soon be back full of life and beauty around us but for now, the snow and cold is needed in this place and time. It serves as a reminder of reflection and hope towards renewal and life. If you are snowed in today, enjoy what this day has to offer! And if you are not snowed in, allow this message to resonate in your being...hope and renewal is in store for you!
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This beautiful angel picture can be seen in my dining room. Her lovely yet piercing look reminds me constantly to be authentic. She somehow reminds me of a mother looking at a child who is telling a tale...as if she knows the truth but still listens to the story with the look that says it all. I am reminded of this as we are working our way though this week of taking inventory. This is a personal inventory based on self-discovery and truth. Our flower angel reminds us to be authentic and honest with our strengths and items that no longer serve us that we should consider letting go of. She is wise and loving, ever present in our lives. If you have developed your inventory, take a look at the list. Are there things that you should consider revising? I will be working on my list today and with the flower angel with me, I commit to be authentic and honest in this inventory process.
Today in New England we are receiving quite a bit of snow! My children have a snow day and my husband is working from home. It is wonderful to have them all here...we are all home bound! This beautiful flower angel also reminds me that the flowers will soon be back full of life and beauty around us but for now, the snow and cold is needed in this place and time. It serves as a reminder of reflection and hope towards renewal and life. If you are snowed in today, enjoy what this day has to offer! And if you are not snowed in, allow this message to resonate in your being...hope and renewal is in store for you!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1/12/11 Letting Go and Expectations
How true this statement is...Over the years, I have experienced my own challenges and have supported others through theirs. Sometimes, we can get caught up in feeling stuck as through nothing around us can change. Part of this can be based on our expectations. We can get our mind set on the type of person we want to be or what we want others to see us as, the type of jobs we have, the amount of money we would like to have, the type of characteristics we would like for others in our lives to have, etc. Our expectations are everywhere and can inhibit our ability to let go of what we want in life verses what life has in store for us. There is love and beauty in our lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to see this. With this weeks challenge of letting go and personal inventory, have you considered expectations?
Today is another busy day...I will not have time to complete my inventory but I am still thinking a lot about it....in some senses, it is good that I have more time to think. My perspective continues to grow in terms of what I need to consider letting go of.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday 1/10/11
I keep hearing "I can see clearly now the rain is gone". If you are not familiar with this song, check out the video I posted...It's beautiful...."I can see all obstacles in my way"! With the beginning of this week's challenge, these lovely, positive words of encouragement allow me to know we are on the right track! My work day is rather busy with catching up and will most likely not get to my worksheets but I have begun to think about what I am ready to let go of...what no longer serves me and the strengths I see in myself and others see in me. Although we are all in different places in life, one thing is clear: Something better will come along when we are finally able to let go! From my own experiences, I can validate getting in my own way of moving forward. Out of fear mostly but reasons of being stuck can surface as excuses or ideas which allow us the ability to feel stuck and not move forward.
Be committed with me to make this the year of change and work through fears, work through excuses or ideas and let go of what no longer serves you! I have made this commitment in many ways...coming out with my business in a new and profound way and putting myself out there has meant facing fears on many levels. What are your dreams and what holds you back? Is it time to let it go?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 9th - January 15th: Letting Go/Personal Inventory
January 9th - January 15th:Letting Go/Personal Inventory:
This week, the angels have asked us to take inventory by journaling about our strengths...what do you love about yourself? What do your loved ones love about you? As well, what are the things you are ready to let go of? What are things that no longer serve you that you are ready to face head on as part of your 2011 challenge? Inventory worksheets are located on the web-site. You can obtain them by clicking here.
There are inventory worksheets attached for you to use. Try to not limit yourself and take as much time as you need to complete each of the worksheets. You have the week to contemplate and complete the assignment. I would recommend you start with your strengths. They are your foundation and the positive within that will help you to acknowledge what you are ready to let go of and what no longer serves your highest good. Some of you may feel stuck on identifying strengths or items to let go of and that is alright! The point of this exercise is to get us thinking about these items and how to challenge our strength, courage and hope to let go of the old and bring in the new!
Once you have completed your inventory letting go worksheet, you will want to part with the worksheet by putting it into water. One fun way is to make your inventory worksheet into the shape of a boat and let it go down a river, pond or lake near your home. Even if it is in your bathtub, that works! If the boat is too complicated for you, don't worry...the shape is not important but I would recommend placing your letting go inventory list in water. The symbolism and significance of the water is to wash away the things you are letting go of....As a point of clarification, this challenge will not take away the things you are ready to let go of but can create focus for you to create change!
This is a pretty large assignment...if you have questions about this week's work, please send me an email at angelicessential@gmail.com. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
1/8/11
It's the end of week one and I feel inspired by those around me. People making changes that are difficult but in doing so, are not only taking care of themselves but also those around them. Without breaching confidentiality...just know I am proud of you and the challenge you have chosen to face head on!
Taking care of ourselves can be more difficult than it sounds. We say we do but then we sometimes have self destructive behaviors. I know I do...like negative self talk, eating when not hungry...I could go on but I don't want to bore you with the details :-) Needless to say, we all could do more to take care of ourselves....take time to get to know the details of who we are and learn why we do the things we do.
This self-reflection comes on the cusp of the upcoming week's challenge. It's a big one...and may be more of a challenge than the previous week. More details to come tomorrow. Just know there will be some real homework to complete but all with good intentions and for the highest good!
Until then, I encourage you to put your feet up and take a little time for you this evening!
Taking care of ourselves can be more difficult than it sounds. We say we do but then we sometimes have self destructive behaviors. I know I do...like negative self talk, eating when not hungry...I could go on but I don't want to bore you with the details :-) Needless to say, we all could do more to take care of ourselves....take time to get to know the details of who we are and learn why we do the things we do.
This self-reflection comes on the cusp of the upcoming week's challenge. It's a big one...and may be more of a challenge than the previous week. More details to come tomorrow. Just know there will be some real homework to complete but all with good intentions and for the highest good!
Until then, I encourage you to put your feet up and take a little time for you this evening!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Woke up this morning and feel good! FINALLY!! It will be hard for me to take my time today and not overdo it...still hearing the message of baby steps this week! This is definitely an important theme to pay attention to!
When seeking guidance for the day, I pulled a card and asked the angels to channel a message...here is what they had to say:
A clearing is beyond the path ahead...stay the course. With trust and faith, your fog will lift and clarity will come. Be sure to be easy on yourself and those closest to you. When you feel the need to focus on the negativity surrounding your situation, please be sure to remember all of the good that exists. Love is with you always. Like a mist, love exists in the same way. It is easy to miss it if you are not paying attention. Love can be taken for granted as it is always present in every situation in all ways. When it is evident, love can feel so natural to be missed. Pay attention to the warmth and comfort love offers. Your heart yearns for you to notice this love and be in it more and more. By living in the balance and seeing the love all around you, your energy flows more naturally and life as you know it seems easier.
There are drops of sadness within you dear one. This is ok to acknowledge as part of your existence as well. Do not pretend or push aside these feelings as they are part of you. Having said that, do not live in this sadness as it can feel overwhelming and will not benefit your well being. By allowing this sadness to be recognized along with the love that is part of your being, a balance can naturally occur.
Have faith and trust in this process. The mist is rising and just beyond the horizon is a new hope, a new leg of your journey about to unfold before you.
Love yourself, love this life you are living,
Angel Michael
From the Universal Wisdom Card Deck by Toni Carmine Salerno
When seeking guidance for the day, I pulled a card and asked the angels to channel a message...here is what they had to say:
A clearing is beyond the path ahead...stay the course. With trust and faith, your fog will lift and clarity will come. Be sure to be easy on yourself and those closest to you. When you feel the need to focus on the negativity surrounding your situation, please be sure to remember all of the good that exists. Love is with you always. Like a mist, love exists in the same way. It is easy to miss it if you are not paying attention. Love can be taken for granted as it is always present in every situation in all ways. When it is evident, love can feel so natural to be missed. Pay attention to the warmth and comfort love offers. Your heart yearns for you to notice this love and be in it more and more. By living in the balance and seeing the love all around you, your energy flows more naturally and life as you know it seems easier.
There are drops of sadness within you dear one. This is ok to acknowledge as part of your existence as well. Do not pretend or push aside these feelings as they are part of you. Having said that, do not live in this sadness as it can feel overwhelming and will not benefit your well being. By allowing this sadness to be recognized along with the love that is part of your being, a balance can naturally occur.
Have faith and trust in this process. The mist is rising and just beyond the horizon is a new hope, a new leg of your journey about to unfold before you.
Love yourself, love this life you are living,
Angel Michael
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
1/5/11
Nothing on my schedule today. I thought I would get some things done around the house. It's now 1:00PM and still in bed, just eating my first meal of the day. I have NO choice this week but to rest.
I wonder if others of you are SO busy, being pulled so many different directions that you are not taking the time for you. Even if it's a 15 minute shower with the door locked (those of you with families will understand the locked door :-) ) or taking 5 minutes of quiet time to close your eyes and just be. Whatever the case, try and find time to take care of you and rest.
Like this beautiful butterfly void of colors, my energy feels just like that...where are the colors? where is my energy? I have to say, I'm getting tired of resting...if that is possible! Ready to have more energy and engage in the world like a regular person again. I know this rest is needed and I am trying to be patient with the process but sitting in bed feeling like I am waisting my day away does not feel like a good use of time today!! Baby steps, baby steps...
I wonder if others of you are SO busy, being pulled so many different directions that you are not taking the time for you. Even if it's a 15 minute shower with the door locked (those of you with families will understand the locked door :-) ) or taking 5 minutes of quiet time to close your eyes and just be. Whatever the case, try and find time to take care of you and rest.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
1/4/11
January 2nd- January 8th:
Be good to yourself. Take time to rest and take care of you.
Often, with the ringing in of the New Year, we make many resolutions to be better, do more. With this, most often we can burn ourselves out quickly and feel as though we have accomplished little to no change. The angels remind you to take care of yourself. If you have made resolutions, are they realistic? Have you placed too many demands on yourself? Should you re-evaluate your goals? This upcoming year is also one of great change...rest is needed for the weeks and months ahead!! Rest up!!!
So far this week, I have had no choice but to rest! My family and I have been struck with the bug and pretty much home bound. Having to gather the energy for a few meetings has been about all the motivation I can muster up. I have learned that when we get run down, it is a blessing in disguise. We need rest, we need to slow down. When looking at the challenge for the week, I thought it didn't make much sense at first. Why would the first week of the New Year require rest? When the message came, goals and resolutions were at the focus and then it all came together for me. We all do it...I will eat better, exercise, be more patient, less angry, more understanding of this one or that...you know what I mean. All good intentions for sure. What we can do in this process is overextend ourselves or be unrealistic in our goals.
This IS the year of change, there is no doubt about it but the angels say baby steps, baby steps.
They use this phrase with me quite often to help keep me encouraged when I feel discouraged. This week is one of those times. It is the New Year and I have been waiting for change to come. Somehow, I had hoped that the magical ringing in of the new year would alter circumstances. Wishful thinking, I know. I saw my animal guide the hawk purched on a local furniture store as I drove to a meeting today and heard "it's all within your control".
With this, I know I have to keep moving forward in baby steps. For this week so far, it is really just taking it easy and allowing the energy of comfort reign until I regain full strength to move forward. When you think about your goals or resulutions, try and be gentle with yourself. Remember, baby steps!
Be good to yourself. Take time to rest and take care of you.
Often, with the ringing in of the New Year, we make many resolutions to be better, do more. With this, most often we can burn ourselves out quickly and feel as though we have accomplished little to no change. The angels remind you to take care of yourself. If you have made resolutions, are they realistic? Have you placed too many demands on yourself? Should you re-evaluate your goals? This upcoming year is also one of great change...rest is needed for the weeks and months ahead!! Rest up!!!
So far this week, I have had no choice but to rest! My family and I have been struck with the bug and pretty much home bound. Having to gather the energy for a few meetings has been about all the motivation I can muster up. I have learned that when we get run down, it is a blessing in disguise. We need rest, we need to slow down. When looking at the challenge for the week, I thought it didn't make much sense at first. Why would the first week of the New Year require rest? When the message came, goals and resolutions were at the focus and then it all came together for me. We all do it...I will eat better, exercise, be more patient, less angry, more understanding of this one or that...you know what I mean. All good intentions for sure. What we can do in this process is overextend ourselves or be unrealistic in our goals.
This IS the year of change, there is no doubt about it but the angels say baby steps, baby steps.
They use this phrase with me quite often to help keep me encouraged when I feel discouraged. This week is one of those times. It is the New Year and I have been waiting for change to come. Somehow, I had hoped that the magical ringing in of the new year would alter circumstances. Wishful thinking, I know. I saw my animal guide the hawk purched on a local furniture store as I drove to a meeting today and heard "it's all within your control".
With this, I know I have to keep moving forward in baby steps. For this week so far, it is really just taking it easy and allowing the energy of comfort reign until I regain full strength to move forward. When you think about your goals or resulutions, try and be gentle with yourself. Remember, baby steps!
More about me and 2011 Challenge
I thought it would help to know a little more about me, since I am asking you to undertake the 2011 challenge with me :-)
There has been much I have learned over the past few years, which have led me to exactly where I am today. With the help of mentors, guides and angels, I have learned to accept who I am. For most of us, there seems to be a missing component...something we search for, something we crave. From this, we often try to fill this void with a false sense of who we are or who we think we should be based on what other people want. For me, this journey has unfolded this discovery. I have come to accept that my dificiencies are what makes me unique and are my strengths. More and more, I have struggled with anxiety which surrounds groups. It is also known as social anxiety. It's funny, my anxiety differs depending on the size of the group and the type of people within the group. For a period of time, I was so embarrassed of who I was, I could not even bring myself to talk about my stressors with my husband or anyone. I felt alone and isolated, like everyone could just tell I was different, almost like I stuck out like a sore thumb.
After much processing, reading and discussion, I have come to realize that some of this comes from my upbringing. I was raised in an alcoholic, abusive home. I truly believe like many children raised in alcoholic homes I found myself surviving by adapting to my surroundings. By this, it is easy for me to have surface conversations, surface relationships. More difficult to have deep, meaningful relationships rooted in trust and open communication. All of this completely coorilates with my social anxiety, you see?
I hope that in sharing this, you will see what you believe are your deficiencies are really strengths. They are a part of me...they are a part of you. It may make us different, yes this is true but without differences, this world would be a very boring place...don't you agree? I have come to realize that it is our imperfections that make us perfect in the eyes of GOD. For within this is love and compassion, goodness, strength and hope.
Another aspect of accepting who I am was looking at family relationships and patterns. It is difficult, as I love all of my family but there are patterns within how we function. Some is a level of pretending so to speak...as if issues do not exist or are kept secrets. (A pattern of an alcoholic, abusive home life that still lingers) As difficult as facing some of MY realities have been, it has also been freeing in some senses to work on breaking patterns that no longer serve me or my family in the way they may have needed to in the past.
Inspired on being challenged to do more, to be more, I will be undertaking a weekly challenge during the 2011 year. My plan is to blog about my journey and if you feel so inspired, send along notes and I will blog about them as well! If you need more inspiration, check out my web-site http://www.angelicessential.com/ under 2011 Challenge...check out the video and try to say "YES"!!
There has been much I have learned over the past few years, which have led me to exactly where I am today. With the help of mentors, guides and angels, I have learned to accept who I am. For most of us, there seems to be a missing component...something we search for, something we crave. From this, we often try to fill this void with a false sense of who we are or who we think we should be based on what other people want. For me, this journey has unfolded this discovery. I have come to accept that my dificiencies are what makes me unique and are my strengths. More and more, I have struggled with anxiety which surrounds groups. It is also known as social anxiety. It's funny, my anxiety differs depending on the size of the group and the type of people within the group. For a period of time, I was so embarrassed of who I was, I could not even bring myself to talk about my stressors with my husband or anyone. I felt alone and isolated, like everyone could just tell I was different, almost like I stuck out like a sore thumb.
After much processing, reading and discussion, I have come to realize that some of this comes from my upbringing. I was raised in an alcoholic, abusive home. I truly believe like many children raised in alcoholic homes I found myself surviving by adapting to my surroundings. By this, it is easy for me to have surface conversations, surface relationships. More difficult to have deep, meaningful relationships rooted in trust and open communication. All of this completely coorilates with my social anxiety, you see?
I hope that in sharing this, you will see what you believe are your deficiencies are really strengths. They are a part of me...they are a part of you. It may make us different, yes this is true but without differences, this world would be a very boring place...don't you agree? I have come to realize that it is our imperfections that make us perfect in the eyes of GOD. For within this is love and compassion, goodness, strength and hope.
Another aspect of accepting who I am was looking at family relationships and patterns. It is difficult, as I love all of my family but there are patterns within how we function. Some is a level of pretending so to speak...as if issues do not exist or are kept secrets. (A pattern of an alcoholic, abusive home life that still lingers) As difficult as facing some of MY realities have been, it has also been freeing in some senses to work on breaking patterns that no longer serve me or my family in the way they may have needed to in the past.
Inspired on being challenged to do more, to be more, I will be undertaking a weekly challenge during the 2011 year. My plan is to blog about my journey and if you feel so inspired, send along notes and I will blog about them as well! If you need more inspiration, check out my web-site http://www.angelicessential.com/ under 2011 Challenge...check out the video and try to say "YES"!!
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