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!

I Have the Power to Be Happy or Not

Wisdom is often found in humor...this isn't funny, but is wise...from one of the great comedians of the 20th century...

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

- Groucho Marx, was an American comedian and film star famed as a master of wit.

This is a great example of a positive attitude, affirmation and attracting what we want in life!

Let's choose to be happy...more fun than the alternative!

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!

Remember to Love Yourself

Loving oneself is not about feeling superior to others (that's not love)...love for yourself is a healthy respect for the being that is you. When we love ourselves we take care of ourselves and we also attract more good into our lives.

If you want a little help to remember to love yourself, you can actually get a shirt that will help! The clothing is available at retail stores...to find out more about the company and where you can get the clothes, check out their site a www.loveyourself.com

They have lots of links to some of our faves like Hay House, Abraham-Hicks and many, many more great teachers...you can also sign up for a Daily Love motivation

I really like their page with quotes about what some of our wonderful teachers say about what loving yourself means...

Enjoy--and remember, you deserve love!

And if you struggle with weight loss, read about loving yourself and losing weight at Refuse To Diet

Weight Loss Naturally with Abraham-Hicks

This is an awesome video with Abraham discussing losing weight and the benefits of having strong desire. It features a discussion with a woman who has tried every diet which I can relate to.

I love the teachings of Abraham and applied many of them to my body and used it to develop my own philosophy to lose 120 pounds.



Would sure be great to hear how this woman has made out.

I know that it is possible. If you want to know more about my philosophy and journey check out Refuse To Diet

Weight Loss and Law of Attraction

I know the Law of Attraction works...and it can be used to have success in any area of your life.

I have lost 120 pounds--and it all started with the Law of Attraction.

After being exposed again and again to LoA, I finally made a conscious decision to change my life by changing my thinking. I'd tried changing what I ate and how I exercised and those traditional methods hadn't worked, so why not try changing my thinking.

After all, what did I have to lose? (HA!)

So I accepted responsibility for my weight and became open to the possibility that I could reach a healthy weight. I worked on myself--loving and accepting myself as I was then and the potential that was within.

That is how it all began. I then attracted teachers and tools that helped facilitate the weight loss even further. I use affirmations, I study great spiritual teachers, and I practice loving myself...that is what makes it all work.

I am so grateful for all the teachers who helped me along the way...and if I can help anyone out there who is struggling--please let me know.

Something Bigger Out There?

Is there something bigger out there? I believe there is. Some people call it Source or God or the Universe...

No matter what you call it, there is definitely something that is bigger than each individual. And we all can feel it if we are open to it.

Listen to 2 or more people exchange ideas--and if they are open to it--the ideas build one upon another and get better and better. Bigger and better than anything they would have come up with on their own.

That is why teams are so wonderful. The group energy is greater than the sum of the parts! Call it synergy, call it collaboration, whatever. The label really isn't important.

This group energy exists even when we are not part of a team. Doctors have studied the powerful effect had upon patients who are being prayed for--by people hundreds and thousands of miles away. People who don't even know the patient.

Joseph Campbell talked about the Collective Unconscious. This unseem bond that we have with one another.

Whether it is "the matrix", Source Energy, the Universe, Angels or God...there is SOMETHING that is linking humanity. And if we choose to be open to that link, to tap into that energy, then all things are possible--because we will think of them, believe they are possible and attract the right events and people into our lives and act upon our inspirational ideas.

That, my friends, is the Law of Attraction Put Into Action

Discounting Attraction (the Law of, that is)

I was at a fantastic conference recently.

Heard a lot of wonderful, bright speakers.

Several of whom dismissed the Law of Attraction.

Time and time again I heard something along the lines of--it isn't ATTRACTION, it is TAKING ACTION.

Then, the same speakers would talk about the importance of MINDSET.

Hmmm...last I checked all of that is part of "the secret" aka the Law of Attraction (LoA).

One speaker even said she didn't believe in LoA--if you sit at the bottom of the stairs with your eyes closed thinking about being at the top of the stairs, you aren't going to suddenly find yourself at the top--no, you have to get up and walk up the stairs.

While it was great for a visual and a giggle, that's not Law of Attraction, that is TELEPORTATION! And I agree, I don't think we are there (yet).

The Law of Attraction--truly one of the great laws of the universe (but surely not the only one!)--does NOT state that you don't have to take action. It talks about getting your mind in the right place (mindset) and thinking about what you desire in your life and then being open to the people and ideas that come to you--and ACTING UPON THEM!!!

So really, the Law of Attraction IS the Law of Action.

What is My Purpose in Life

I read this today and wanted to share it with you. It is from Dr. Doreen Virtue

Our purpose and responsibility is to locate a peaceful path and then live in peace...When we focus on living in peace we do more good for the world than a thousand peace marches, a million lectures, or a zillion self-help books.

Affirmation:
Today I consciously chose the peaceful path in which I live.

Relax and Receive

Relaxation is a key component to being able to receive.

When we are tense then we do not allow the blessings that are coming our way to actually enter into our lives. Being tense indicates an element of doubt.

So if you feel you are not manifesting what you desire in your life, take a look at yourself and see if you are tense or relaxed about it.

Take a deep breath. Relax. See what you want to achieve. Believe it is possible.

Oh--and remember to keep breathing!

Fate, Destiny or Free Will?

Do you believe in "Fate" or "Destiny" or do you believe we have Free Will?

It is tempting to blame events in our lives on Fate or Destiny or Karma...

While there is truth to the adage what goes around comes around...we are in control of our choices and how we choose to react to the events that surround us.

Exercise your free will and choose the path that is right for you. Know that sometimes the path is not fully visible, but it will be revealed every step of the way.

By choosing your path you actively create your life--you bring people, events and things towards you that will help you to achieve the life of YOUR dreams.

Affirmation:

Through conscious choice, I attract the people and events that will assist me in living my best life. Thank you for these blessings.

In What Direction Are You Moving?

The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes

Sometimes we tend to get caught up in where we are right this minute. But of course we know that where we are is merely a result of our past thoughts and actions.

We may like where we are. We may not like where we are. It doesn't really matter. It is still a result of our past thoughts and actions.

Let me remember to be aware of, and thankful for, the direction in which I am moving. That is what being in the "now" is about. I can only control NOW what I am thinking about NOW, not what I did 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 weeks, 5 months, 5 years ago.

We Choose Our World

The way in which we think of ourselves has everything to do with how our world sees us and how we can see ourselves successfully acknowledged by that world.
--Arlene Raven

It all starts with loving ourselves and seeing the possibilities, so that we may receive the many blessings available to us. Or we can choose to not love ourselves, to not see the possibilities and therefore to not receive.

Every day, every minute we have the power to choose our world.

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.

Start the Year with Love

Loving self is the key to all the world's problems. I am convinced that it is the single most important thing that we can do.

Not narcissitic or egotistical love, but a healthy respect and appreciation for oneself, for the unique qualities that make each of us special.

By recognizing and valuing our unique qualities we are less in need of approval from others and at the same time more able to recognize and value the uniqueness of others!

When we love ourselves we take care of ourselves. When we love others we want to cause them no harm. Between those two thoughts lies the answer to peace and prosperity.

That's a great way to start the year!

Happy New Year!

My wish for 2009 is Peace, Prosperity and Abundance for All!

We can make a difference. We do create our circumstances. Let us choose to create what we want in our lives!

Be the Change You Want to See in the World

My friend, and a beautiful soul, Carol Oxenrider has set up a not-for-profit foundation, Serendipity West, and is working to make an impact on the lives of kids--and their families.

I am so impressed by Carol...she had a vision of what she wanted to achieve in the world and she set out to get it! She didn't know how it was going to happen, but with her faith in her dream she has been attracting people to support and promote her vision along the way!

Carol works with schools to set up "Challenge Days" and also "Be the Change" workshops. The latest workshop was called, "Next Step to Being the Change" and was held in Bend, Oregon December 5-7.

It’s such a treasure to experience events that allow people, young and old alike, to understand that we each are unique and special and have important things to contribute to the world.

Carol tells me they have 4 Challenge Days coming up in January in her area!

Wow!!!

To learn more about Carol, her foundation and the wonderful work they are doing, check out her blog: http://yourpieceofthepuzzle.blogspot.com/. It's all about how we can make a difference in the world by bringing programs like Challenge Day to our communities.

Visit Carol's website--it you are in her vicinity perhaps you can collaborate on projects. If you are in a different area and her work sounds like something you'd be interested in, let her know! I know for a fact her vision is to make an impact around the world!

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!

Attitude Is Key

No matter what you want to change about your life, your attitude is the key component.

A woman here in Loveland, Colorado, is an excellent example of this. Like me, she has struggled with weight her entire life. And like me, she made a determination to change.

Unlike me, her success made national television when Jay Leno dissed her as part of the Tonight Show, Headlines segment in November. Apparently her losing 80 pounds was not visible enough in the advertisement and so the comedian poked fun at her.

For a lot of people, that would have been enough to send them to the frig or back to bed. For this local woman, she is using it fuel her desire to achieve her goals of fitness.

What an awesome example for all of us! Whether we want to bring more health into our lives or if we want to attract the perfect mate, more money, the perfect job or our dream home...it is up to us to set the intention and keep our attitude positive and not let other people "take us out!"

Create Your Life

Every day (and every moment of every day) we have the opportunity to CHOOSE to create our life.

The very thing that we complain about over and over is the thing we are creating in our lives.

~Gay Hendricks

Get clear on what you want, rather than what you do not want, in your life. Focus on that and we can manifest anything.

Gay Hendricks, author and co-founder of Spiritual Cinema Circle, realized in his twenties that he was not living consciously...that he was not choosing his own life. Rather he seemed to be living a life of someone else's design...and he was miserable!

That is when he had an AH HA moment!!!

I can invent my own life

~Gay Hendricks

Now he is healthier, happier and certainly better off financially, too!

Let us all work on creating our ideal lives!