Choose: The decision-making moment is often scary

I am an Indiana Jones fan. Indy was always being chased by bad guys and usually came to a ledge. His choice was to jump and die or be caught and die. At one point, I remember clearly that he stopped and brought to his awareness that there was the possibility that he would be supported and so he stepped out. Miraculously a bridge appeared below his feet. Such an incredible metaphor for taking chances. He took a leap of faith and he was scared. He did not allow his mind to talk him out of what could be a “saving grace” moment.

Risk: Pain often pushes us to the precipice

I once read a story about a woman, 32 years of age, who reached a crossroads in her life. She was sitting at her desk, in a high-powered job, and had a vision of herself being old and unfulfilled. That image jumped to a time when she was a child and wanted to dance more than anything. Her parents “invited” her to do something else because she was not great at dancing. She gave it up, but with it gave up a piece of her soul. That vision was a defining moment. She decided then and there to go out and dance for the love of it. That painful moment and the new decision changed her life.

Faith: You will fly or develop wings

Many years ago, I was in an acting class and a very good-looking man came into the class. His name was Greg and he was not a seasoned actor but worked really hard to become proficient. He told the class that he had studied acting in college but was not ready to get serious. We became friends and over coffee I discovered that he was Greg Louganis, the Olympic champion diver. Yes, he was the man who had won many diving championships and in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, hit his head on the springboard in the preliminary round. He came back to win a gold medal and be named ABC’s Wide World of Sports “Athlete of the Year.” He took that challenge and turned it into a defining moment of Activated Faith.

Please affirm with me: I am ready and willing to LEAP into my greatness. I trust that the net will appear and I will soar!

Emotional cleansing is an art form: It takes practice as well as a deep commitment to shifting your thinking. But you can clear out unproductive thinking, negative self-talk and the clutter of past experiences. Just like cleaning out a closet, this kind of cleaning requires a sorting process (what to keep, what to release, what to give away).
Try these 5 steps to start your emotional cleanse!

1. Sit down and center yourself, with your journal or a piece of paper. In the quietude of the moment, ask yourself, “What emotional responses do not serve me?” Don’t edit the thoughts. Don’t judge the answers. Just witness what comes in. Once you feel clear and calm, write down what came through.

2. Once the list is complete, take some time over the next few days to write how these emotions show up and what triggers them. It is important that you are clear about what buttons get pushed and how.

3. Write a list of the ways you could lead a more empowered life if you could shift these negative patterns.

4. Create a set of goals (no more than three per emotional issue) that you will begin to implement in the next six months. Include only those goals that you will commit to doing. You do not want to set yourself up for failure. Make sure, with these goals, that you create how you are going to release the unwanted behavior.

Example: I will count to 10 before I speak when I am angry; I will call my prayer partner before I act out of an emotional place; I will take time to write down how a negative emotional response will not support me, and I will choose another response.

5. Make a “win” list: Every time you respond more positively, document it. The more wins you experience and celebrate, the more wins there will be in your life!

Take a moment to say or think about this affirmation:

I will totally and fully take charge of my emotional reactions. I will clear out my negative dramatic tendencies and open myself to a life of magnificent joy!

I have been counseling a number of people who feel challenged with honoring their agreements. The truth is that the behaviors are stronger in the mind than the need to change. So, my question to my clients and to you is, how committed are you to setting the intentions of being healthy, vibrant and expansive?

Recently, I had two people come to me with health challenges. One was about lung problems and the other was about a weight issue. We talked about the patterns; the ups and downs of their relationships with their bodies and the overpowering “need” to do things they knew were not healthy or supportive. Here are the questions around intention that I asked them. I invite you to take these questions into meditation as well, no matter what issues you may be dealing with.

• Are you aware that healing is a choice?
• What are you getting out of not loving and honoring your body?
• Do you want to live more than you want to continue to foster habits that are non-supportive?
• Are you willing to be uncomfortable as you shift your awareness and behaviors?
• What is the gift that can come with your healing?
• What would you be doing if you were strong, clear and vital?

The answers to these questions will bring into your awareness what you are choosing and why you are deciding to continue on a path that is challenging. I am not saying that illness is because you are doing something wrong. I am saying that what you do from today forward will determine your state of health and well-being.

I have spent a lot of time in meditation and prayer gaining clarity on my own non-supportive patterns. Some come from a familial background of abuse and trauma. However, when I let go of blaming my family and my past, I was left with the knowledge that I am “captain” of my life ship. I get to choose how I move forward.

Take some time to get clear about what you want and how you want to live. There is nothing in the way of you being powerful, creative, abundant and joyous. Take hold of the reins of your life and dare to soar into a powerful and healthy life.

Affirmation: Today, I re-commit to activate radical self-care and call in the high vibration of health, harmony and healing.

How do I transform my own life and enhance the lives of those around me? What can I do to contribute to the solution? How do I make a difference today as well as to future generations?

I am honored to be a featured expert in this transformational, new film that was just released on DVD. Joining me are Mary Morrissey, Colin Tipping, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Gregg Braden, Sarah McLean, Sunny Dawn Johnston, Dr. Rocco Errico, and native Americans  Larry Running Turtle Salazar and Uqualla. Also featured in the film are HeartMath’s experts Dr. Rollin McCraty and Dr. Deborah Rozman.

In Sacred Journey of the Heart, you will discover how modern science is proving what we’ve known all along; we are all connected.

Click here to purchase your copy today. 

In a way, I understand the feeling.

A lot of us have had our hearts broken. Many of us more than once. So, now here we are in February and reminders of Valentine’s Day are everywhere. It forces us to think about our relationship status. Are we someone’s valentine? Will we be someone’s valentine? Will our relationship Karma ever change? Will love finally come to us or continue to elude us?

But here’s the thing: You are not broken. You are lovable because you exist. I don’t believe that someone has to deliver you flowers, candy or a card to validate your amazing beauty and life. You have within you gifts that cannot be measured. You are unique, creative, powerful, talented and loving. Just because there is no one in your life at the present doesn’t mean that these things are not true. The past does not define your future. Someone else’s unconscious behavior cannot lessen your incredible presence on this planet.

I say, “begin by loving yourself.” The process of emotional healing starts with making yourself the number one priority — whether you are in a relationship or not. Nurture yourself. Be kind to yourself. Honor yourself. Respect yourself. To repeat: the past does not define your future. Use meditation as a tool to reconnect to your spirit. A consistent spiritual practice will bring you to a remembrance that you have always been loved and important. Healing is easy once you understand that the universe is here to support you always. This level of individual attention is important whether you are in a relationship or not.

I believe that love is all around us. I believe that love is the essence of the Spirit. I believe that every act of loving kindness is a reflection of the infinite love that is available. I believe that love flows from within and is not something that you get.

Open to love of self and witness the extraordinary ways that you are shown how much you mean to this world.

So, what’s love got to do with it? Everything! Love is available. Don’t wait. Be the love you want!

Please affirm with me: Today, I bring my incredible Self to the world. I shine my light and share my love. What returns to me is love beyond my wildest imaginings.

For many days after that conversation, I was really moved into a place of contemplative thought and meditation. I began to wonder, “What stops us from being this clear all year round?”

Finally, the realization came to me that it’s human nature to talk about success without the follow-through. We converse, complain, chat, dream and postulate about our amazing futures — without taking action. If we are really going to heal and grow this year, we must take initiative.

There is something about beginning a task that really can frighten people or bring them into a state of doubt. Sometimes it is about fear of failing, but I really believe that oftentimes the fulfillment of a dream or vision is daunting because it is large and powerful. It is very easy to become overwhelmed when you ‘catch’ the vision that you actually are a beneficial presence and here to do great things. The wonderful Marianne Williamson quote from A Return To Love seems appropriate here:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.”

I have discovered that the easiest way to move beyond that kind of fear is to just start! If you are a writer, write something every day. If you are a teacher, teach. If you are a painter, start painting. Stop worrying about finding the perfect time and place, or about the potential reaction to what you will bring into form. You will only fail if you don’t take the time to create and share. It is not about making money or being perfect or famous. You are here to shine your beautiful light for the world to see.

Please affirm with me: Today, I will start! I will spend some time doing what I love and sharing it with others. By beginning, I will seed the universe with my commitment to manifesting a powerful life.

I consider myself to be a healthy person. I eat well, work out and have a strong daily spiritual practice. However, on the second cleanse day, I began to have powerful, vivid and informative dreams. The absence of my normal food habits obviously created a space for me to see and explore more deeply into unconscious beliefs. The insights that followed invited me to expand my spiritual practice and create more alone time.

One of the things that came forward was my attachment to things, patterns and people. I saw that in certain areas of my life I was holding on to objects and relationships that no longer served me. The moment that realization came in, “stuff” began to rise to the surface. I was faced with looking at new “choice points.” I took into my meditations the question “does this person or thing still serve the high vision of my life?” The answer quite often was “no.” That meant I had to speak my truth, ask for things to be different, discard unneeded items and dare to stand for myself.

The results have been extraordinary. Clearing from the inside-out manifested a deeper inner strength and expanded love of self, and it imparted incredible inner peace.

I do not know where you are in your life, but I invite you to consider doing a year-end “cleanse and clearing.” Even if it is for only three to five days, stop eating comfort food, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, work out more and allot more time for your spiritual practice. Then, ask the universe to support your understanding of what you need to live a more expressive life. You do not have to make any decisions; just do this for you and see what comes forward. I believe you will discover that there is a more powerful life waiting to be revealed.

I encourage you to walk into 2013 with me and many others as the extraordinary person you came here to be. If you need support, my new book Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence offers tools to guide you through the entire year.

Please affirm with me: Today, I commit to clearing from the inside-out. I call forth a life that is focused, dynamic and magnificent.

I have long dreamed of making a difference in this world by offering my gifts and talents. I am sharing this with you because I want you to know that this has not been an “overnight” manifestation. The desire arose within me many years ago and I was astounded at the vision. In my meditations, I saw myself speaking in front of thousands of people. I saw myself writing books and facilitating workshops in foreign countries. It made no sense at the time because I was living a completely different life.

My mind went to work: “How can I do that?” “What is the right path?” “Do I have the tools?” “Am I making this up?” “It seems impossible to attain.” Then, I had the great fortune of hearing a speaker say, “If you just surrender to the vision and trust that you will be guided … the path will be made clear easily and effortlessly.”

Something in me resonated with that statement and I decided to take it into my meditations and journaling for the next few months. What came forward was that I did not have to know how. I kept hearing that my destiny was assured and that I was to give thanks for the life I had now and express my desire to be available and to serve. Once I began to trust my inner guidance, miracles began to unfold. Invitations from amazing sources began to come forward and the vision began to be a reality.

I do not know where you are today, but I want to encourage you to trust the calling in your heart. There is something within you that wants to express and I believe there is a delivery system for every calling. Activate your willingness to be of service and share your gifts. Declare that struggle is no longer an aspect of your life and then give thanks for every part of your current reality. Give thanks for the gifts, the challenges, the insights, the revelations and every opportunity. Then, step back and EXPECT your life to change and manifest greatness. You do not have to know how things will shift, but stand in that place of expectancy and gratitude. The universe will respond.

Please affirm with me: Today, I give thanks and claim my most amazing life. I am ready to live fully and joyously.

There are a few definitions of ego: the self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves; in psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality; an exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit, appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem. I believe that we all experience the good news and the interesting news of our ego and how it affects our lives. However, more often than not, the ego quietly affirms separation, lack and limitation.

As I have dialogued this subject in a group that I spoke with, there were some amazing revelations that poured forth. I was struck by the honesty and clarity of each participant who spoke. Here are some of the ideas and feelings that came out in the conversation:

• Many of us have been taught to be liked and not to stand out.
• People who are successful are perceived as arrogant; our job is to make people comfortable.
• I have to let others win to be liked or pretend that I am less than I know that I am.
• I have been living small my whole life and don’t know how to do it differently.
• I am afraid of being squashed if I show people who I really am.
• I am terrified of saying the wrong thing and being misunderstood.

Do any of these thoughts resonate with you? I know that I, personally, have wrestled with these doubts on many occasions in my life and it has taken work to become more conscious about what voice I listen to. Whenever the “monkey mind” voice is talking about separation, fear or doubt, the negative aspects of ego are running. If I listen to these thoughts, it will affect my decisions.

Eckhart Tolle says, “Most people are in love with their particular life drama. Their story is their destiny. The ego runs their life. They have their whole sense of self invested in it.”

I would like to invite you to join me and my community in consciously awakening to the truth of our lives. Contemplate these thoughts:

• We are here to be powerful and share our gifts.
• There is nothing that can stop our greatness.
• We were not put on this earth to play small or hide.
• Negative self-talk will not support us in being extraordinary.

Affirmation: Today, I listen only to the inner voice that reminds me of my powerful and abundant life.

I have come to realize that WE ARE THE GIFT in the shift. Each one of us is here for a unique purpose, and each of us has been given all of the tools that we need to be fulfilled and make a difference on this planet. If that is true, then the question becomes “What is in the way of us soaring?” I believe it is because we are stuck in the muck of consistent mind chatter that tries to convince us that we are victims of inevitable doom. This is fed by the intense news reports, old familial belief systems and inaccurate information passed down from various arenas.

I believe it is good to be informed. However, the most important thing, for me, is that we move away from blame and finger pointing. I believe it is essential that each of us does our own personal work. The quote “physician, heal thyself” comes to mind. If we were completely committed to clearing out the cobwebs of doubt, fear, anxiety and despair, we would embrace our true destiny. We would understand that we are here to be in high service to ourselves, each other and the planet. We would cease worrying about the “small stuff” and dedicate each day to living from the heart and practicing love at a whole other level. We would stop making excuses for our own inappropriate behavior and activate conscious awareness as much as possible. We would not look outside ourselves for a leader, teacher or healer to bring us the answers. We would look within the quietude of our own hearts. There, we would remember that all human beings want the same things. We all want to be loved, held, supported, fed and nurtured. We all want to express and live a rich life.

I am not naïve enough to think that there are simple solutions to the shift we are all experiencing. I am, however, clear that every one of us has personal power and if we activate it, we affect the whole. We are all interconnected, and every time one of us heals, expands, or awakens … we all heal on some level.

Please affirm with me: Today, I consistently remind myself and consciously honor the fact that I am a gift in this world. I am here to make a difference and I know it!