You were born a child of pure potential and possibility.
So, what does that mean? . . . You can influence the outcome of this play you’re starring in called “Life”! You see, each of came in to this world to participate in each other’s dramas, and in doing so, to advance the growth of each other’s souls. We participate by learning life lessons together.
So if you came into this world to learn the value of forgiveness, for example, then surely you’ll have to have someone to forgive. And, if you came in to learn how not to give away your power, then surely someone will have to try to take it. And if you came in to learn how to be more independent, then you may find yourself in a situation where you are all alone, so that you can learn how to depend upon yourself.
So you see, all our life challenges are here for each of us to overcome, to learn, and to grow. And here’s the good news: your script involves a lifetime of days.
You know, sometimes I have had clients tell me that they feel like they’ve screwed up their lives and have no way to “course correct.” So I remind them that every day is but a sacred dot on the map of their lives. Each new scene affords them a new opportunity. Every day that you wake up and get back on life’s stage, you have a new chance to respond differently this time, to create a new outcome. –Because NOW it can be different.
It’s also very important to remember that all cast members (family, friends, even seeming enemies) are souls just like you seeking to learn and heal, and one of the most important ways you can learn and heal is by delving deeper into your own heart’s consciousness. You can begin to use your heart as your compass and to embrace the value and power of love, kindness, compassion.
NOTE: I created a YouTube video on this very topic to give you hope; it is at my YouTube Channel: HeartlivingVideo. The title? “Up Until Now” The link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFdo1zvqx_M
Did you know that the negative beliefs of fear, worry, doubt, and judgment are among the strongest thoughts that rob you of manifesting your desires? So whatever is going on in your life, it’s important to remain as positive about your circumstances as possible. Of course, the real benefit of being positive is that it will attract positive experiences to you.
Now, how can you become more positive and overcome limitations? Here are a few things you can do . . . .
1. Adopt the attitude that everything that happens to you in life happens for a good reason: just think “Everything happens for the best.” I grew up in a family where that was instilled in me, but I know many of us did not have that belief instilled. Yet you can certainly change your thinking right now to reflect this simply by deciding if it feels true for you now.
2. Decide that you can learn something from every experience. So whatever has happened has taught you lessons and now you are wiser and can choose differently next time.
3. Open up to new possibilities while not getting stuck in old ways. Things don’t have to remain fixed. Just because something has always been a certain way, it doesn’t mean it has to remain that way. Remember my YouTube video “Up Until Now” because you can do it differently now.
4. Check to see if you are thinking and living in terms of limitations or if you are living in terms of possibilities. When you live in terms of possibility, you allow yourself to dream and particularly to dream about your new life or new circumstances. How often do you do that? It is possible to daydream, create, and live a new possibility.
So if you want to make something new happen in your life, assume that it is possible, hold the most positive outlook about it, and allow yourself to dream. Then anchor those dreams into new words and new behaviors and create new circumstances. You do have the power to change yourself!
During the holidays especially, we often become nostalgic over traditions we may have held with our families and friends. One dear memory year round, but especially at Christmas, is one I hold of my grandmother. I keep her picture on a shelf in my office next to a little gold-etched crystal tree. I keep the tree next to her picture year-round!
Is there a relative or friend you hold dear to your heart, particularly for the inspiration you gained from them? That would be my grandmother for me.
My grandmother was very independent and strong-willed. She lived in her two-story home on the water until she passed at 97. She and my Grandfather built that home. She had 12 children, my mother being the youngest, and 3 passed under the age of three. I often thought of how tragic it must have been to have lost those three babies, yet when I asked my grandmother, she would say, in the way that people of her age back then did: “I was sad, but I could rejoice knowing that they were God’s angels after they left us. I knew God must have needed them or He wouldn’t have taken them.” In addition to her abiding faith and belief that everything happens for the best reason possible, Grandma taught me so much. She had a certain strength, acceptance of life, ability to comfort, and joy of living that will stay with me forever.
I spent many evenings during the summers with her growing up. We would listen to 78 rpm’s before 33’s became available. She loved all types of music. She gave me money to buy her a Beatles album when they were popular! We would sit together in that rocking chair in the picture I have of her here and rock as we sang together. Each evening she’d say, “Honey child, let’s have us a little party.” Just Grandma and me. That was my cue to get out the ginger snaps, pour myself a coke, and Grandma would have a shot of whiskey most evenings. This, she said, relaxed her body and made her sleep well. I don’t doubt it did!
Her kitchen had a linoleum floor and a gas stove that always smelled of a certain grease, usually because she’d made a cherry turnover or fried up some bacon. She loved to cook, and because I was thin, at the beginning of the summer, she’d say “Let’s try to fatten you up this summer. Just a little.” That was her way of saying, I’m going to cook everything I love for you and me!
So why the tree? Well, my grandmother LOVED Christmas more than just about anything. She always had a real tree in her parlor. Her parlor had large velvet furniture with U.S. Navy pillows (my Uncle had given them to her when he was in the Navy years before), and old heavy pictures hanging on the walls. It was a dark room before you turned on the lamp, and it had a fake fireplace and, at Christmas, her tree. One year, in her nineties, she had her picture in the paper because she decided to leave her trip up ALL year. A live tree that she kept watering that I’m sure was as dry as stone. But she LOVED to look at it, the ornaments, the lights, and so–she left it up all year. Someone must have notified the paper knowing it was a story. Grandma, herself, was a story.
So my picture of Grandma in her chair and this little eternal tree stay on my shelf in my office and in my heart all year! I am always in awe of the people who touch our hearts so deeply. Grandma, thanks so much for the inspiration you gave me as a child and continue to give me in my sweet memory of you.
This year at Christmas I will be in Chicago visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and my sweet grandson Zachary who was born on October 30 this year. It will be our first Christmas together. I am now Grandma! How did those years go so quickly?
Zachary, I look forward to traditions we may have together and can only hope to be an inspiration for you someday. You already are one for me!
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate and to connect with family and friends. Yet this is also a time when your balance of body, mind, and spirit can be greatly affected because of changes in routine, extra duties, and feelings triggered by old memories.
Here are a few suggestions toward keeping your life together this holiday season:
Make a list to stay organized. Write down things you’d like to accomplish and then create a prioritized approach. Would you like to give neighbors homemade baked gingerbread? Of course you would. Is there really time to do this in your schedule this year? Just be sure you have enough time or are simply realistic in regard to your energy as well.
Ask for assistance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by certain tasks that have to be performed, be sure to ask others to pitch in. For example, holiday meals can be pot luck. Young children can help by doing activities that are easier, like dusting, vacuuming, or helping with a pet. You can ask a neighborhood teen babysitter to take your kids to a matinee so that you can complete certain holiday preparations.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. De-emphasize the idea that everything has to be perfect! Set realistic expectations for yourself. We are bombarded by magazine images showing gorgeous decorations and incredible meals. Remind yourself that a staff of people both designed and prepared those glossy stories! Sometimes “more is less” and simple ideas can be very heart-felt, even more heart-felt than elaborate ideas.
Stay connected with others for support. Take a break from your holiday routine by meeting up with or calling a friend to chat briefly. Letting out your feelings to a supportive friend can greatly help you relieve holiday stress and anxiety. This can be great for both of you. Also, if you are feeling lonely or suspect that you will be, set up a way to stay connected and supported.
Do what you need to do to restore yourself. Don’t leave off your list a healthy walk or simple exercise or a nice healthy meal. Even a moment or two of quiet can be helpful–listen to a meditation tape or a favorite CD, practice yoga poses, or take a relaxing bath.
Hold a witness perspective if an issue arises. It helps if I remind myself that the things I was concerned about last year, the year before, or the years before that (!), I no longer remember. Most often we don’t. Do you? So take a deep breath, fast-forward to your 85th birthday, and ask yourself, “Will I even remember this issue then?” Probably not. So enjoy the good things and let go of the rest!
Have a wonderful holiday and a new year of blessings. With love and gratitude, Cynthia
You were born a child of pure potential and possibility.