Christmas and Childlike Faith

As a child faith was so easy, especially if you had loving and supportive parents to lay down the foundation. Christmas was always such a magical time for me. In other cultures it may be another holiday or event that renews the faith of a child. Whatever holiday or event it may be let us hold onto that sparkle that ignites our heart and spirit. May we all be grounded in our belief of love and kindness. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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It is Christmas Every Time…

Every time you allow God’s love to shine through your smile, your kind words, your helping hand, and your heart, Christmas is celebrated. Share Christmas everyday with your loving spirit and your warm heart! The gift of God’s love will fuel your own soul and the spirits of others. Have a very Merry Christmas!!

 

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True Nobility

Dr. Wayne Dyer has often said that TRUE NOBILITY is really NOT about being better than everyone else. It is about being better than you used to be. It is shedding the mantra of the ego, “what’s in it for me?” and practicing the mantra of one’s highest self, “how may I serve?” Dr. Dyer feels that there is no greater model of that than the man who lived in Assisi (Saint Francis).

I believe each of us are gradually awakening to this higher spirit within ourselves, where we can shed the self-serving habits. We are developing our loving and compassionate hearts and spirits by practicing love and kindness, no matter the circumstances. We are beginning to show our capacity and ability to be pure love to one another, to all living creatures, to our environment and to our world.

Everything in our world are our sisters and brothers. We get to share our pure and unconditional love to our sister butterflies, brother birds, sister flowers, brother sun and sister moon. We get to live from the place within us where there is no condemnation, no judgment, no criticism towards any of God’s children, anywhere! The moment we can love that of which we most fear or hate, then we will know pure, unconditional love that of which is Jesus Christ and God (and all the higher spirits of the Universe). We DO have the ability! We can be love for each other and the world. I believe this to be awesome and wonderful.

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Happy, Thank you, More please

Some of the best life lessons can be learned from the most unlikely of places. That happened to me last night, as I watched a really great, but unremarkable (not popular) movie, “happythankyoumoreplease”. The movie stirred my spirit and reminded me of the very important life lesson of gratitude. I had a profound realization of the power of those 5 simple words: happy, thank, you, more, please. Halfway into the movie, one of the characters, Annie talked about it during a dinner conversation with Sam #2. It was a a-ha moment for me.

When anyone asks you, “how are you today? (or some related question) and you are fine; take a pregnant pause and really experience it. You can do this by: 1) completely embracing the moment and say aloud, “I am happy.” 2) Be grateful and reply “Thank you.” 3) then, ask for more, “More please?” Let God and the Universe know how you truly appreciate the moment and how you wish to have more of it in your life.

Everyone deserves to be happy. And, when we are happy/content; we need to acknowledge it and appreciate it by expressing gratefulness; furthermore, it is more than okay to ask for more. That is part of the secret to the law of abundance….gratitude and appreciation. It is important to acknowledge absolutely everything in your heart…ALL that you have that comforts you, sustains you and makes you happy and who you are.

Starting at this very moment, observe and become truly aware of who you are, what you have going for you and what you deserve. You deserve love and happiness. As you experience and receive the things that make you happy, acknowledge the happiness. Mark it in real-time and proclaim, “I am happy!” Appreciate it, “thank you!” and invite more into your life, “more please?” Be open to receive the happiness. Then start this cycle over and over again in your life. Visualize the process: the happiness, the gratitude, and the openness to receive more, because you deserve it. We all do. And you know what?

I am truly very HAPPY! THANK YOU so very much! MORE PLEASE?

(For an opportunity to work with a fabulous creative Life Coach, seek Dr. Angi at www.HeartsThatCare.net)

 

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Not My Issue!

Yesterday I was informed that “truly loving other people means understanding who they are and treating them the way THEY want to be treated, not the way you think they should be treated.” Then, I was given no opportunity to respond, which initially stung my heart, but I now choose not to take no ownership of that person’s feelings. Those thoughts, feelings and actions belong only to those who generated them in the first place. They do not belong to me; furthermore, I hold no ill-will against this person, who needs more compassion than he or she will ever understand at this point from anyone willing to give it.

I am going to chew on this statement and digest it a bit, “Truly loving other people means understanding who they are and treating them the way THEY want to be treated, not the way you think they should be treated.” I do not agree with this statement, as I believe that people should be treated as you wish to be treated (not THEY).

I cannot presume how another wants to be treated. I do not read minds, especially with online communications. At least face-to-face, you can read another’s expression; and, over the phone you can hear inflections in their voices. How am I suppose to know how anyone wants to be treated unless one directly tells me? Which brings up a very good point, tell people how you wish to be treated. Never assume they know.

Unfailingly, I follow the Golden Rule. I treat others how I wish to be treated. In fact, I try to take it a step further and follow in the footsteps of my Lord, Jesus Christ, and be love and compassion for others. I take responsibility for my own thoughts and actions. Those are the only things that belong to me. How others wish to feel, act or react is their own business. I can only be loving, kind and compassionate for others. That is how I would wish to be treated… with love, kindness and compassion.

When someone shares or vents online about an issue in their life, it is usually a call for attention and help. If they did not want compassion, then why air your laundry. When I was feeling grievous this weekend, I wrote about it and reached out to friends both offline and online.

In return, I got love and compassion, which I openly received from many people including some people I have never met. My heart was filled with everyone’s love; and, I am deeply grateful. My wish is to be there for others. To be love and express kindness and compassion to everyone, whether they want it or not. That is their business and their issue. I can only do my part to be a source of comfort and what I believe a friend is.

I make no apologies for being a loving, kind and compassionate person. I wish only to understand and be respectful. I do not have to agree with you. I only need to love and respect you. Comments and feedback are appreciated.

 

 

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How Do You Say Goodbye?

How do you say good-bye to loved ones, those who have left their earthbound bodies? How do you let go of your companions and family (four-legged or two)? The answer is… you don’t, nor do you need to let go or say good-bye.

Memories of our loved ones are in our minds; and, their spirits are in our hearts. They are always with us. We only need to think of them and feel them. Yes, their physical bodies are no longer with us; but, they are indeed with us… without pain, without disease, without any earthbound limitations. They are with us as pure love and positive energy. Yes, it is hard to embrace that concept.

We miss seeing their physical presence! They are no longer where we expect them. We are grieving the change. The tears are good. Do not be ashamed to cry. Release the sadness, so you can make room for the serenity that will follow.

Your loved ones are just a thought and a prayers away. In fact, your loved ones are always with you, watching you, supporting you and loving you the best way they know how. Invite their spirits into your heart. Talk to them aloud, in a whisper or in your head; they will hear you. Feel their love envelop you. Feel their warmth pour into your heart. Hold onto those moments and savor them. You will feel the peace, as you feel tears stream down your face. Does it get easier? I cannot answer that question because each of us grieve differently and on our own timelines.

I do wish to send out my love, my prayers and my positive energy to all those who are missing loved ones. I miss my aunt who passed this past January. Christmas was her favorite holiday, as it is also my cousin’s (her daughter’s) birthday. This is going to a very difficult time for my cousin. My love and heart goes out to her and her family.

More recently, my sister had to put down her fur-baby kitty-cat, Gracie.

Gracie was just 5 years young, still a kitten in many respects; but, Gracie has suffered this past month from an unknown condition. Gracie could not eat, unassisted. She was having difficulty breathing, too. It was discovered Thursday night that Gracie had a rare disease, which was causing Gracie to basically starve to death. It was very painful. My sister had no choice. She had to let Gracie’s physical body die, so Gracie would no longer suffer. This transpired late Friday afternoon. This weekend has been difficult for all of us.

Gracie was a very special kitty cat. My sister rescued Gracie when she was a tiny kitten from a hot engine of a hospital van. My sister immediately took her to a veterinarian who saved her by the grace of God…thus her name, Gracie. Gracie became the hospital mascot and my sister’s fur companion. Gracie’s life touched many. Gracie was a sign of hope and lived a wonderful life filled with love. Gracie will be missed, but we all know she is in a better place where pain and suffering will no longer touch her. Rest in peace, Gracie. We love you.

 

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November: A Month of Appreciation

November is a month of thankfulness and appreciation as we celebrate Thanksgiving later this month. A great idea that was started by two dear people in my life, my friend Donna and my cousin Amber, is to note what you are most thankful each day this month. They are posting their thoughts of gratitude in their status each day this month on Facebook. I am collecting my thoughts in a journal and on Thanksgiving Day, I am going to share these messages of gratitude with my family and friends during our Thanksgiving Dinner. I may post messages of gratitude on Facebook, as well. I try to do that now and then throughout the year, anyway.

Upon reflecting on gratitude, attitude comes to mind; gratitude is an attitude of appreciation, knowing the worth of another. Gratitude is a positive feeling of indebtedness to another. It is a form of love, loyalty, and giving back; like an I.O.U. Your heart feels a warmth and longing to be of service to whomever or whatever you feel gratitude.

Gratitude is related to being thankful, grateful and appreciative. It is an uplifting emotion where you feel worthy and valued; and, you usually have a feeling of joy where you want to pay a favor in return directly or indirectly for the person you feel gratitude. An attitude of gratitude brings positiveness and higher energy. It is a glow in the heart, a warmth from within that makes one grin.

A great quote to ponder stated by Denis Waitley, truly makes me realize how much I have to be thankful: “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man with no feet.”

I am deeply grateful for: my overall good  health, my wonderful husband and family (including Sasha, my fur-baby), my amazing friends both off and on-line, God and the Universe. The gratitude in my heart I extend to all those who have touched my life and molded me into who I am today, including the bullies and heart-breakers; and most importantly for having Jesus Christ in my life…the example He has led as God in Body…God the Experience…God the Flesh…God the Human Example. He showed us the path and the way to be.

I have the gratitude attitude for music, creativity, life, transformations, lessons, love, friendship, fellowship, family, education, color, sight, all my senses, my gender, my femininity, my masculinity, my whole being, my outlook and perspective, my vision, my attitude and openness…for everything. Everything is a blessing that deserves to appreciated! Have “Gratitude Attitude”and a thankful heart. Consider keeping a log of everything you appreciate this month (and perhaps beyond). You will see the positive ways it will change your life. (Parts of this article were used in previous articles in A Kiss of Bliss this year.)

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Gift Of Love Update

In the hands of over thirty individuals, a Gift Of Love has been delivered. These gifts are most likely touching hearts  more profoundly than I will ever know. Back on April 1, 2012 I was inspired by God to create 100 hand-painted paper lunch bags to illustrate the gift of love; and, then share them with others. Some went to friends, a few to family members, but most of them are going to acquaintances and people I have just met just because our paths crossed at that moment in time, which has been my favorite experience.

This week I plan to give out twenty more Gifts of Love, which will bring the total just past fifty bags. Each lunch bag is a work of art and love created with a blend of crafters (liquid) and artist (heavy-bodied) quality acrylic paint. Each Gift of Love is different, but theme of love and hearts are on each one. And, each image tells a story.

Gift of Love #34 has footprints and hearts on it. It tells the story of how love is a journey of the heart that needs to be made authentically without covering up who you are. When we present ourselves as someone we are not, we set up our relationships for failure. It is only when we can bear our heart and soul to others that we are able to attract those who love us for who we truly are creating a strong and profound bond. How are you presenting yourself to others?

Are you trying to impress others as someone you are not or have you permitted yourself to be genuine and true, letting go of all expectations? Are you able to let go of any concern of how others might think of you? It is not easy, but once you can, you will feel uplifted and joy will fill your heart. The only person  you need to please and delight is yourself.

You are what you say you are…

You have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth… Proverbs 6:2 (NIV)

Words are powerful! As we say them and hear them, our mind, body and spirit believe them; therefore, it is imperative that we speak words that are positive. As Joel Osteen states in his book, I Declare, “Don’t use your words to describe your situation. Use your words to change your situation.”

Instead of saying that your life is hard and that you will never get a break; rephrase it to change it. Declare that your life is worth living and that you are blessed with good  health and strength. Wake up each day stating that it is going to be your best ever, that you are enthusiastic about your future and that something wonderful is about to happen to you.

In retrospect, I have found that what I have said about myself, became reality, positive or negative alike. It is important for me to think and declare positive things… I am blessed, I am important, I am talented, I have a brilliant future ahead of me. My efforts count more than I will ever know. I am creating happiness in my life and the lives of others.

You get to fill in the blanks for yourself. Go back and reflect upon all the events in your life. What did you say before each of the challenges, trials and positive events  in your life? Do you see self-fulfilling prophecy at work? You are what you say you are.

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Life, Vision…ACTION: Are you the writer, director and producer of your life?

My friend, Susan Guild posed this question to me over the weekend, “Are you the writer, director and producer of your life?” This is a very provocative question. As I apply this question to my own life, I see that yes, that I have had a hand in my own life. I am writing my life story; I am directing my life and I am producing my life. I also see, that I cannot live my life without love and support of God, my family, friends, colleagues and community.

That being said, I am empowered to choose how I want to live my life, how I want to feel and what I want to do. I get to choose how I will react and not react. I get to choose how I will act and behave; furthermore, God gave me this gift of choice.

With each day I am given, I get to decide how I will live my day. I choose to live it with love and gratitude in my heart. Some days are easier than others; and, I rejoice that each day is different. As the writer of my life, I get to outline my time and direct it to how I wish to spend my day. I do better when I have a visual tool; so, I keep a calendar handy and I create a concept map. Tomorrow I will share my concept map with you. So, are you the writer, director and producer of your life?

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