On Oprah Winfrey’s last show she spoke about the many lessons that she has learned over the past 25 years. One thing she said really stuck in my mind. She said, “You are responsible for your life.” Now, I know that we all know that on some level, but do we really understand what that means?

I have practiced what I call “The Responsibility Factor” for many years, and I want to share with you my process. The moment anything happens in my life that is significant, good or challenging, I pause and ask, “What did I do to create this opportunity to grow”? Usually, when I ask that question, the answer comes quickly and easily. When it doesn’t, I sit down and “stream of consciousness” journal. I put down my fears, doubts, concerns, excitement and enthusiasm. What comes out always makes my heart smile, even if I see that I am on the “pity pot.” [Read more...]

We often find ourselves “asking” for expansion. We ask for expansion into a more powerful way of living and being; expansion in our thinking; expansion in our abundance and affluence; expansion in our relationships. The interesting thing to me is that when we are in a space of desiring expansion, we don’t often consider the totality of what that means.

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During the month of May we celebrate Mother’s Day. It is a time when we honor our biological, adopted and surrogate mothers. It is a time when we remember the incredible and awesome nature of the “mother spirit.” Whether it is in the animal kingdom or the family of human beings, most mothers are fierce protectors of their young. They intuitively know when something is happening with their child. I was always amazed when my mother tuned right into me. This wasn’t always good news for me, but it most certainly reminded me that we were connected in an extraordinary way.

During one of my recent talks I shared that there are three things that “mother love” teaches us:

Out of pain comes creation. There are countless stories of mothers who have lost their children and turned that loss into a noble and powerful mission. MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – is a perfect example. The Irving, Texas–based organization was founded in 1980 by Candice Lightner after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. [Read more...]

Oftentimes people come to me and state that their intention is to heal. The definition of healing is to restore to health and soundness; to set right; restoration of that which is damaged to its normal function; regeneration (spiritual, revival, rebirth); and renewal of any lost part.

“The renewal of any lost part” caught my attention. During challenging times people are often seeking parts of themselves that they think have been lost, stolen or damaged. I believe that we are, inherently, whole, and that at the core of our being, beauty and peace exist. When my clients speak about wanting to heal, we explore the deep desire to remember that they are not broken or damaged goods. We talk about the fact that in every situation there is good and it is leading us back to a state of wholeness. When the Japanese mend broken objects, they fill the cracks with gold. They believe that when something is damaged and has a history, it is more beautiful. What if that were true of us? What if each and every aspect of our life stories was an essential ingredient that made us stronger and more beautiful? [Read more...]

There is a lot of conversation on the planet about the fact that we are living in a field of infinite possibilities. Some of the successful authors and teachers tell us that we are called to remember that we have access to the creative power of the universe that is unlimited. The question then becomes, do we really believe that is true and can we operate from this place in all circumstances?

I am just returning from a conference that exemplified stepping out and activating trust for a more expanded life experience. Fifty-seven years ago, the organization of Religious Science experienced a conflict that resulted in an organizational split. Since then there have been numerous conversations and questions about why there have been two groups teaching the same thing: oneness. There have been advocates and pushes for re-connection over the years, but to no avail. However, there was a group of dedicated souls that continued to hold the vision for the possibility of union. This week the two groups met in San Diego, California and I witnessed something miraculous. As they debated by-laws and organizational interactions, there was also a sense of looking for the “limitless possibilities” that were available if they stepped into the unknown. Moments of tension, calls for prayer and passionate presentations filled the space. The result was that 98 percent of the delegates voted for integration. The sense of joy and anticipation was tangible. It made me think that we are all called, at times, to step into a field that feels uncomfortable and yet holds the possibilities of fulfillment. It is in those moments that we are called to review our choices. Will it be fear or faith? Will it be constriction or expansion? [Read more...]

I was recently around a parent who was teaching their child discipline. When the child would become disruptive and disobedient, the parent would say, “Do you want a time out?” If the child continued, the parent would say, “All right, if you keep this up, you will take a time out.” The child continued and the parent said, “Okay, that’s it! Time out!” They then made the child sit in a place that they were not allowed to get out of until the parent gave permission. Of course, the child was upset even though they were clearly testing the boundaries.

This interaction brought me to thinking about how often I test the boundaries of my life and my body. I am blessed to have a wonderful, full and rich life. Sometimes that means not getting enough rest or taking care of myself in the way that I should. During these times, the universe gives me little warnings in the form of quiet thoughts. “You should take some time to rest.” “Don’t let go of your workouts.” “Stop! You are pushing the envelope.” If I don’t listen, I get to have universal “time outs.” It comes in different forms but often looks like complete fatigue, inability to think clearly or even becoming sick.

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Recently, I committed to a deeper spiritual practice. It included contemplating and releasing anything that did not support my highest good. Every morning, 45 minutes was dedicated to only this aspect of my practice. What came forward was a very old belief that no longer served me. I decided to acknowledge and consciously surrender it.

The amazing thing is that shifts began to take place immediately. As I listened and opened to embracing the old paradigm, something else moved in. It was a question: “Are you living in the YES?”

The answer was not a simple one. In most of areas of my life, I am definitely living in the yes of purpose and essence. However, there were these little places that began to come forward that were quiet little fears and doubts that would not allow me to live and express fully. [Read more...]

Well, Thanksgiving is here and people are busy preparing for and celebrating the holiday. Wherever you are today, I ask that you join me in giving thanks. I want this time with you to be about practicing gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to write and share with you things that are important to me. I am grateful to offer this blog as a place that might be of support and gift you with a remembrance of who you are. I am grateful to be in a position to use my path as a tool for guidance of others. [Read more...]