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Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Joy Factor


Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full kind of person?  The truth is the glass is always full!  (This image appeared on my facebook wall recently)

 


Ever have those days where all your best laid plans seem to get way-laid at every turn?  Do you find yourself saying, “The Universe is conspiring against me!”?

Many of us are unhappy because we haven’t cultivated our “joy stamina”.  No matter what life is throwing in our direction: death, divorce, failure, loss of status or income - everyone just wants to be happy and you CAN be by learning to make joy a habit.

Do you let minor things annoy you?  Traffic, disrupted schedules, someone not listening to you?  How do you react?  Are you in control of your emotions or do you tend to be overly dramatic about every little thing?  Have you stopped to consider why? 

The reality of it is that if we believe we are created in divinely we can’t say, “Well I’m just naturally a moody person.”  Find the joy and gratitude in each situation.  Make it a habit.  Cultivate your joy.

Life is not what happens to us.  It’s how we choose to experience it.  It IS a choice.  Practice transcending external conditions.  Tell yourself “All things are working together for good.”   Or “I am a joy filled being centered and calm in the face of adversity.”
 
Life is yours to enjoy.  You CAN make joy a habit!

Back to that glass - It’s half full of water and half full of air.  Are you seeing it as half empty or full of potential - full of life’s learning opportunities to become more of who you are meant to be in this life – Joy in expression?



Need help with that?  Contact Jude for a complimentary consultation.



Sunday, January 15, 2012

What is Your Dream?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his I Have a Dream Speech at the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. 08/28/1963



When thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, what part of his message do you take to heart? His speech was originally titled, "Normalcy, Never Again". (The first draft did not include the words, I have a dream.)


Are you happy with your Normal? If not, what do you dream about changing?


Dr. King went off script at the end of his speech when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted out "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" That's when Dr. King went into preaching mode with the words "I have a dream" being used to make his points.


What would have to happen or be said to you - to shake you out of automatic pilot and take you into a place of greatness?


It doesn't have to take a catastrophic event, but often the act of being tossed into a world of turmoil - where the ground's been ripped out from under your feet is a very powerful motivator to build yourself a more authentic life. One where you can operate from your true internal compass and be aligned with your own Divine Connection or Source and be at Peace.


Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and exhale slowly...remember you are truly never alone.


Seeing yourself at one with all that is good in the Universe can relieve and calm inner stress. Align and surround yourself with people who support you for who you are and who support the dreams that you hold for your life.


Appreciate the gifts in this Life experience. Recognize and embrace your own unique Spirit. Practice extreme self-care in order to not only help yourself, but to help others.


Acknowledge your own strengths and every one else's special gifts. Encourage peace in your world through the way you live your life and bless others.


Change may be inevitable, but your reaction to change is controlled only by you. With each shift or change in your life, it is an opportunity to move forward and expand.


I Have A Dream...Do You?


Tell me about your dreams in a comment below.


As always, if you'd like help attaining your dreams, contact me for an complimentary session to explore how coaching with me can help!



Sunday, January 1, 2012

What Are You Willing to Be, Do & Have in 2012?


Release & Let Go of What No Longer Serves You. 
Claim What You Are Willing to Be, Do & Have in 2012.


If you don't participate in a group that has a burning bowl ritual or missed it this year, create your own.

Take a piece of paper and write what you are willing to let go of this year. 
What no longer serves you? 

  • sloth
  • a body less than fit
  • complaining
  • lack
  • disorganization
  • loneliness
  • negative outlook
Now take this paper and put it in the fireplace or go outside and safely set the paper on fire in a stone pit, clay pot, or grill.  Consciously vow that you ARE ready to release these things from your life and to accept what is yours for your HIGHEST & BEST LIFE IN 2012.

Wait, you aren't done yet!

On a second piece of paper, write on one side what you are ready to BE, Do & HAVE this year.  Are you ready to accept these in your life NOW?

  • a prosperous life
  • companionship
  • a fit, strong, or flexible body
  • happiness
  • peace of mind
  • a new car
  • service to others
  • a light unto the world
  • an author
  • the perfect job for your skills and needs
Turn this paper over and on the backside write what actions you are willing to commit to in order to BE, DO & HAVE this life.  Yes, the Universe needs a bit of commitment and some elbow grease on your part!

Are you willing to:
  • make time for exercise
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • work at not complaining
  • being grateful for what you have
  • be of service to others
  • give monetarily to causes of your choice
  • put aside time to write
  • putting in the time and effort for right employment
Put this paper in an envelope and put it somewhere safe (Your tax file, address book or ...), or give it to a trusted (organized) friend and ask that it be given back or mailed to you around Thanksgiving for the year's review.


There are many versions of how to do this.  You could start with a Gratitude List for 2011, but whatever works for you, the premise is the same.  A willingness to release what no longer serves you and setting your intentions for your highest and best life.

YOU may want to keep this in a journal where you check in on the letter monthly to stay focused on your desires and building motivation and momentum.  there's no right or wrong way.

When I received my 2011 letter back in November I realized I had achieved 2 out of 3 of my desires for the year:


good decisions on my transportation needs (bye-bye Rendezvous-hello Juke)


 better health habits - Eating Plant Strong, loosing 30 lbs, and lower cholesterol



Wait no longer!  The Universe is ready, willing, and able to give you what is in your best interest.  Are you ready to commit, work towards, and accept it?

May 2012 be the year you step further into the best version of you and let your light shine! 

Namaste ~ Jude