Gratitude Project

I am super excited to finally be able to let the cat out of the bag...this project has been so much fun and so fulfilling...and for this next part I need YOUR help TODAY, Wednesday, Dec. 15

I have been honored to be asked to be a co-author of an incredible new book: "The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude" and we are going for an ambitious goal--to become an Amazon best-seller!

So if you are looking for an inspiring book, either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, please consider this book that will provide that inspiration day after day--all year long!
And, feel good about your purchase for another reason: 100% of the proceeds from the Amazon sales go to 4 worthwhile charities! That's right, 100%--we don't get a dime!

The goal is to get as many sales as possible on Wednesday, Dec. 15 in order to hit that best-seller mark. Why is that so important? Well, best-seller status will get us a lot of traction and help us earn more money for these worthy charities.

So who gets the money?
We have selected four non-profits to receive the proceeds from our sales on Amazon:

• ASPCA for the prevention of animal abuse
• FeedingAmerica
• Make-a-Wish
• Women for Women International

How do I order?
Ordering the book is easy,just go to Amazon and search for "The Gratitude Book Project" or you can click on this link that will take you directly there: http://amzn.to/fbXLpN


This book is special to me because it really helps remind us of all the things that we do have to be grateful for...things we often over look. Some simple things and some really big ones, too--like YOU!

Happy Earth Day Blessing

I was feeling such gratitude for our earth today...we had wonderful rain, the grass is green, trees are starting to bloom...and "coincidentally"* someone sent me this fantastic blessing from Doreen Virtue

Happy Earth Day everyone!

*Of course you know that I don't believe in coincidences! These "chance" blessings are the Universe and the Law of Attraction at work.

Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th...

This is the third Friday the 13th of the year...the maximum number possible in a single calendar year.

So if you are thinking it is an unlucky day, cheer up, it is the last one of the year. Even better, treat it as an opportunity to recognize that you can change your thinking and your experience!

I love Friday the 13th...it has always been a good day for me. When I was in school if we had tests on Friday the 13th I aced them...and I continue to expect that these will continue to be good days for me in the future.

Take extra time today to think about good things...the things you want to experience in your life. If you have the feeling that this day is unlucky then think about all the things that are already going right in your life. Remember the Law of Attraction states what you focus on expands...be grateful for the blessings you have and give only short attention to any annoyances you experience today.

As you fall asleep, think about what a great day you had...recite all the good stuff.

Then tomorrow when you wake up, remind yourself what a wonderful day Friday the 13th was...

Now you have started a new pattern! And expect the NEXT Friday the 13th to be an awesome day!

Musing on LOA and Social Media

Have you been participating in the Web 2.0 world of social media other than blogs?

I was introduced to Twitter almost a year ago and reluctantly got involved...there are things I really like about it, things that drive me nuts (if I choose to let them!) and things that I find down right amusing!

One of the things that strikes me as funny is the number of LOA "experts" there are on Twitter...some of them seem to be real--and offer wonderful advice and thoughtful comments. Others are well-known and you rarely hear from them, but you can follow just about all the teachers from the Secret, for example.

Then there are those people who claim to follow LOA and that they can teach you all sorts of things about it...and really all they are doing is sending out junk trying to get you to buy from them. One of my favorites is when they say they can teach you how to use LOA to attract "thousands of followers" (a follower on Twitter is someone who chooses to receive your messages aks Tweets.) It seems that whenever I get a message like this, the person who sent it out has very few followers. Hmmm...what is wrong with that picture?

Anyway...not an earth-shattering thought...but it is interesting that the people who seem to raise their hands as the "expert" rarely demonstrate it.

What does that say? About experts? About us? About people in general?

I think there are lots of great people to learn from--and you don't necessarily have to be an "expert", as in well-known, to be a great teacher...but if you are going to say you can teach me how to attract followers, shouldn't you have a lot of followers?

Or are they really demonstrating Law of Attraction principles? By stating they know how to attract thousands of followers maybe they will.

Interesting thoughts to ponder. ...What do you think?

Are they living the Law of Attraction? Are they in the process of attracting what they want? Are they sending out lots of positive vibrations and taking the actions necessary to create the life they desire?

Or are they just trying to capitalize on the New Thought / Affirmation rally that is happening around the world?

Seems to me WE can choose to experience them either way. We can be bothered by them or we can learn from them. Interesting that when I started writing this I was leaning towards the annoyed...mostly amused, but I admit to being slightly annoyed...and now that I've pondered it, I'm actually grateful to them.

By causing me to pause and think, I have been able to get more clear about what I want in my life--the type of people with whom I want to associate, to learn from...how I want to act and be perceived by others. It is really true that by (briefly) looking at what we DON'T want we get clear on what we DO want! (Thanks to Michael Losier for first teaching me this concept!)

With that, I'm going to end with joy and love in my heart. Thanks!

Become Yourself

So many of us feel unfulfilled or like we are missing out on something...I find that typically when we feel that way it is because we are not being authentic to ourselves.

In fact we are missing out on something--US!

To find the good life you must become yourself.

~Dr. Bill Jackson

I am my own best friend and I am true to myself. I love myself as I am. I get better and better every day. I do something every day to support my life, my vision, my interests.

Thank you for these gifts.

Thank You Letters

I know from my personal experience that I feel happier when I am aware of being grateful for what I already have in my life. And I feel good letting people know that I appreciate them and/or what they have done for me.

Well now a professor at Kent State has conducted a study that indicates writing letters that demonstrate our gratitude can improve our own happiness. And I thought writing thank you letters was just good manners--and for the "other guy". Now we have a selfish reason to write our thank yous!

Steven Toepfer, the prof, had students write letters thanking people for the positive influence they had provided. The students didn't write a lot of letters, just one every other week for six weeks. That's only 3 letters!

The ground rules were pretty simple, be positive, express appreciation and (no doubt the most challenging part) include some "insight and reflection, not venture into trivial waters"...in other words, they had to put some thought into it!

After writing the letters the students were surveyed to gauge their mood, feelings of happiness, gratitude and overall life satisfaction.

The study showed that happiness levels were higher after each letter. According to the professor, 75% of the students want to continue writing letters--even after the study ended.

Our "social network" is important--large or small is not the key. But having and maintaining a few significant relationships has great benefits. According to Toepfer these benefits are both psychological and physical!

This appears to agree with the information we learned earlier this month about happiness being "contagious" and the importance of social networks for our happiness!

Thank You for the Teachers Around Me

I am so grateful for the wonderful teachers that surround me.

Some of these teachers are "official"--you know speakers, authors, professors, ministers, experts in their fields, etc.

I'm also grateful for the "unofficial" teachers, who frequently do not even recognize themselves as teachers. This might include a neighbor, a child, the shop clerk, someone in line at the post office.

Some of the other teachers that we are surrounded by include all the elements of nature--the trees, clouds, our pets, wildlife...here I have been getting many lessons from some simple natural events--the doves who live in the trees outside my dining room, the horses in the pasture across the street, the glorious sunrises.

I am grateful for the wonderful sense of joy, peace and harmony that I get when I contemplate these wonderful teachers.

The Importance of Feeding the Soul

Listening to Cheryl Richardson yesterday I was reminded how important it is to do things that feed the soul...by doing what brings us joy we open ourselves up to even more gifts from the universe.

I had been neglecting my own source of joy--my art. Yesterday I made my way to the studio for the first time in a long time. What a wonderful experience and reminder!

I had been allowing myself to focus on "tasks" that seemed important...but not joyful. Instead, yesterday I did some "tasks" but I also spent half the day in the studio. During this time I could actually feel the energy shift and the openness to positive things from the Universe.

Thank you Cheryl for the reminder. Thank you to my supportive partner who encouraged me. And thanks to myself for following through on the inspiration!

I'm Filled with Gratitude

I'm sitting in the quiet and really feeling grateful for everything that I have in my life.

The end of the year is a great time to reflect back on what blessings we have...

Thank you Universe for the abundance all around me, the beauty, the horses, the people, the wonderful experiences. Thank you for bringing the right teachers into my life and for the prosperity that is mine. I am so blessed.

Affirmations are About Feeling Not Just Words

When we repeat our affirmations, it is good to remember that the Universe responds to our feelings, not really the words that we are saying. So if you are saying your affirmations regularly, and find that it is more of a rote habit, it may be time to change it up a bit!

Whether you say the same exact words or change the words, place the focus on the feeling. What is it that you are expecting? What is your desire? What are you looking to manifest in your life? Slow down, place your hands on your chest, take a deep breath and imagine that you have that in your life now. Feel in your heart how grateful you are for this wonderful state of health/abundance/whatever it is that is in your heart. Then, when you have that feeling--of gratitude, or having it now-- say your affirmations.

Grateful for a Gorgeous Start to My Day

This morning I woke to the most gorgeous sunrise.

It really made me STOP and LOOK and FEEL. And that is a wonderful thing!

I'm recommitting to noticing "gorgeous sunrises" throughout my day so that I reconnect with Source / the Universe more and more often.

Contemplate the Possibilities

Thomas Troward (1847-1916) greatly influenced the New Thought movement at the end of the 19th century. One of his points was that it is by contemplating the possibility of a thing that we can actually bring it about.

Contemplate the possibilities that you want to have manifest in your life.

Be grateful for the possibilities and their manifestation.

To read more about Thomas Troward's ideas check out his books:

• The Edinburgh and Dore Lectures on Mental Science
• The Creative Process in the Individual (New Edition)
• The Hidden Power

World Gratitude

In September I wrote about the World Gratitude Gathering...well, it was a fantastic success!

Think you missed out? Well, the series was so well received the folks at Go Gratitude are re-running !

For those wishing to receive the 42 day message series, please go to: www.WorldGratitude.com/join.html and enter your name and email address.

The series will re-start the, from Day 1, beginning on November 27th.

Gift of Beauty this Morning

No dreams from of my father last night, however I woke up a bit earlier than usual. I puttered around and then went to the kitchen to get my morning lemon drink.

In the kitchen I was greeted by the most gorgeous sunrise! I stood there drinking my lemon and drinking in the beauty.

What a wonderful gift. Thanks to the Universe! A great way to start my day!

(To learn more about my daily lemon drink, check out my blog on how I've lost 100 pounds!)

Getting Energy From the Universe

Today I got a wonderful shot of energy from the Universe.

Across the street from my house is a pasture that during the winter is home to about 30 head of horses. I love watching them play. I always get a big smile across my face when I see them. For me horses symbolize abundance--abundance in energy, in life, in joy, and in space.

This morning I walked over with some small apples I had leftover from visiting my brother. I had used the bigger ones and made myself a treat and decided the tiny ones were too small to make the effort worthwhile. So I brought my abundant supply of apples and some carrots over to the horses.

Of course they loved the treats! The horses got loving, great rubs and some nice eats. And I got to enjoy feeling their soft lips and warm, furry bodies. What a marvelous energy exchange.

If there aren't horses in your neighborhood, what in abundance in the universe can YOU get energy from--and give too?

Grateful for Past Experiences

Like most people, not every experience I have had was positive. Some were extremely challenging, painful, dangerous and even life-threatening.

While going through those sorts of events, it is difficult to feel grateful for the experience.

Time is indeed the great healer, and down the road the experience is put into perspective. Oh, it still might have been an awful experience, but it has somehow been a part of getting me to where I am today--the person I am today. And I like who I am, so I am grateful for all those experiences.

If life had been always easy, I wouldn't have developed some of the strengths I have. If I had not had challenges I would not have learned how to bounce back. If I'd always had all the money I wanted I might not have learned to appreciate it and be grateful for it.

There are definitely experiences I would not wish on anyone. And for those who are going through them now, I am sorry for the difficult time you are having. Please know that it will get better, if you let it.

From this place I can now see a pattern that has been woven from the events in my life, the paths I have taken and the choices I have made. It is a beautiful tapestry that I'm creating. Some of the "least attractive" parts when combined with the rest are truly what make this life a work of art.

How Can I Attract More Money Into My Life

It may not be all about the money, but as I've said before, money is a measurable thing and so it is a way to practice your attraction skills.

So how do you attract more?

One of the first things to do is to be grateful for what you have. Keep a gratitude log--fill it will all the things you are grateful for, not just money. By being grateful we open ourselves up for receiving more.

Notice what you have, find and attract. Value every penny. T Harv Eker teaches us to pick up that penny on the ground and say "I am a money magnet, thank you, thank you, thank you!" I agree with that philosophy. If we don't appreciate what we have and what comes our way, why should the universe send us any more?

Another step is to notice when you have the opportunity to expand what your money will acquire. Is there a sale going on for something that you need or want? Did you get a coupon in the mail for something that you'd like to have? Or did you find a coupon in the paper for a favorite food item? Have you gotten a gift certificate?

These are all examples of abundance and money flowing to you. Learn to recognize them and appreciate them. Along with your gratitude log, track these gifts.

Michael Losier refers to an evidence log--where you track the evidence of abundance. This is a great place to write down the penny you found, the coupon you used, the coffee someone bought for you. In addition, write down anything else that is abundant that you see--it doesn't have to be about money.

The idea is to reinforce in our minds that there is indeed abundance in the world. Think of all the grains of sand on the beach...and all the beaches in the world...the waves in the ocean...the leaves on the trees...the blades of grass...the clouds in the sky...you get the picture!!

Then remember to be grateful and say "There is abundance in the world. I am abundant!"

Feeling Gratitude

This mini meditation is from our friends at Go Gratitude and the World Gratitude Gathering. Keep in mind it is about the feeling, not any specific words. Focus on what YOU are grateful for now in your life.

Focus on Gratitude just before drifting to sleep, and immediately upon awakening. Beyond words, allow this source force energy-in-motion (emotion) to flood each cell in your body, feeling wave after wave of Gratitude immersing you in an energetic elixir of

timeless NOW.

Let go, release, and breathe deeply.

Ahhhhhhh .......

As you drift in and out ...

Giving and receiving ...

Pure Gratitude for NOW.

Forget wondering how long is long enough ~ for Gratitude IS.

Go Gratitude

Feeling grateful for what we have is one of the best ways to attract more things to be grateful for.

The folks at Go Gratitude are about to start their 2nd World Gratitude Gathering which evolved from the Go Gratitude experiment, becoming a full experience.

Their mission is to share joy, gathering family and assisting others to realize dreams through gratitude.

The gratitude experience begins on Oct. 1, 2008 (That's this Wednesday) and provides a new series of 42 messages. The original 42 Go Gratitude messages are now available in an eBook.

The benefits and results from the World Gratitude experience include gaining awareness to your life purpose, aligning with Universal Energy, mastering Letting Go (go with the flow), manifesting your desires, raising you level of health and sense of self-worth.

Each participant makes 9 agreements:

1. I agree that a world of Love and Gratitude begins with me. I choose to be a conscious mirror and model of the change I wish to see in the world.
   
   
2. I agree to consciously set an intention for manifesting something miraculous in my life throughout this process.
   
   
3. I agree to tap into Gratitude on a daily basis and as much as possible in every waking moment. I know that the rewards of doing so flow through and extend beyond me, strengthening the collective field of Gratitude from which we may all derive benefit.
   
   
4. I agree to be a consistently uplifting inspiration in all my interactions in World Gratitude. I commit to see and mirror back the greatness of each soul who crosses my path. I choose to discover and nurture the light within so that it may shine forth to others and magnify their life.
   
   
5. I agree to honor each individual's right to choose their own belief system and life path.
   
   
6. I agree to be open to both give and receive within this community. In all my dealings, I seek win-win, mutually edifying interactions and transactions.
   
   
7. I agree to be my word in my exchanges with others. I realize that my personal influence is magnified to the degree I am able to keep my word with myself and others. If something comes up and I decide to change what I had agreed upon, then I agree to make that communication as soon as possible to the affected party.
   
   
8. I agree to love and enjoy my life as much as possible!
   
   
9. And, last but certainly not least, I agree to be Grateful for ME!

Learn more about the World Gratitude experience and join this group today--they operate on a donation basis, so check it out for free and then contribute as you feel is appropriate.

It is About Joy

Joy is going mainstream!

I think that everyone who has been doing any work in personal development knows how important it is to feel joy in their lives. It doesn't matter what we do for a living, it really matters how we do it. I don't mean how well we do it, necessarily, although we all want to be good at what we do. Really it is more important the attitude with which we do. In other words, it is the "being" over the "doing."

I mentioned a column by Michael Roizen, M.D. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D. back on August 10. I kept that article because it had so many great points to it. They said that we can control our happiness (and isn't that good news to be happy about!) Another point they made was about getting together and treating yourself with friends and activities that feed your joy.

Even if you are not in the place where you want to be financially, it is important that you make "an investment in joy"--their words, not mine! They gave a couple examples, including going for a round of golf or spending time at the spa with a friend, and to not view that as a luxury. The friendship part is very important and the act of spending time doing something fun is also important.

True happiness is using your strengths to grow and meet your potential. And it's being grateful for what and who is around you.
--Dr. Roizen & Dr. Oz

One of the best exercises I ever learned was built on the second half of that definition. I write in a gratitude journal every night. I find it is a great way to reflect on my day and my life. I don't write a lot, but I note at least five things I am grateful for in my life.

I find it beneficial to write in complete sentences, I feel the emotion more that way. Feeling the gratitude is an important part of the process, rather than a rote exercise or another chore. I love the feeling I get as I think about the really great parts of my life and day. Sometimes I write about a bunch of really little things, like I saw a beautiful butterfly that brought a smile to my lips. Sometimes I will feel especially grateful for a physical task I was able to accomplish--being grateful for my strength and endurance. Other times I find myself grateful for the love I feel in my heart, or the love I feel coming to me from others. Some days I have been grateful that I have a comfortable bed and a roof over my head at night.

No matter what it is that I am grateful for, by writing it down at night I get to experience it for a second time that same day. And if I am feeling a bit down or like maybe I'm not in as good a place as I would like to be in my life, I can read in my gratitude journal and see the many, many things I have going for me in my life. Right now. As I am today.

Life is good!