Stop and smell the roses

As we finish the first month of 2020, a year that has not and will not be easy, we are reminded that everything we need is always inside of us and always available to you in each present moment. And even though this year will be filled with challenges, it will also be filled with amazing opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. Slowly, through your challenges and perhaps struggles, you will find that day by day you are strengthening your body and soul. Today, the Universe wants to remind you to stop, smell the roses and shake off some of the intensity that January has brought to all of us. No matter what your challenges, struggles or fears, there is real beauty and peace right where you are, right now, in this present moment. Today, remember that the beauty of Life, in truth, is in each precious moment. Today, stop and smell the roses and see the beauty that is always right in front of you if you take the time to notice it!

Just for today, I stop and smell the flowers, I take a beauty break and enjoy nature in all her glory. I will not be distracted by noise, chatter or setbacks. I will allow patience, commitment, purpose and grace to guide me. For every problem that I may create. I am confident that I can find a solution. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Baby steps

It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward. It is time for you to move forward and take some practical steps to build your dreams. However, it might feel overwhelming and you may feel like you have no idea of how to begin. Today, recognize that you climb a mountain one step at a time and you achieve your goals in just the same way. Begin by breaking down what feels like an enormous, unattainable goal into smaller, doable tasks. Then, take one baby step and make sure you take pride in each one of those steps. Then, repeat. Know that each small win is an accomplishment in itself. Today, baby steps, slow and steady. Now, start with one foot and go for it.

Just for today, I recognize that every obstacle is but a stepping stone. My good cannot be stopped. I know that today is a stepping stone in the discovery of who I am and what brings me joy. Limitations are but opportunities to grow. I use them as stepping stone towards my success. As I change my thoughts, the world around me changes. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. And, everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Step out of your comfort zone

It is a new day and it is time to step out of your comfort zone and move forward. And, it is only by taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone will you be able to grow and to move forward. However, we are often too afraid to take that first step. In truth, comfort zones are not really about comfort, they are about fear and fear is one of the biggest barriers to living a joyful and fulfilling life. If you are living life from a place of fear, you are not free to take risks or pursue your dreams. If your energy is expended in avoiding failure or rejection, then that energy is used to stay safe, instead of being available to create the life you envision. Today, it is time for you to move forward, to let go of your fear and to take small steps to move out of your comfort zone. Staying within your comfort zone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happy there. It just means you feel safe and familiar where you are at. Your willingness to expand your comfort zone allows you greater experiences and freedom. Today, set your intentions to be willing to move out of your comfort zone and to take one small step towards achieving your goal. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. Today, be willing!

Just for today, I do something different. I am willing to step out of my comfort zone and experience life in a new way. I release the need to struggle and suffer. I trust Life to always take care of me. I am safe. It is only change and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Easy does it

Today our moon moves into the water sign of Pisces and it brings with it a easy, flowing energy, which we all could really use right now. If you have been feeling stagnant or stuck in any way it is because you are holding on to old ways of doing things. Today, allow the celestial waters of the Pisces Moon to wash over you so that you can let go of all of the ways you have used to try to control your life. Today, allow yourself to try some new ways of receiving with ease. Today allow yourself to let go, stop struggling, wondering and worrying and just allow things to be easy!

Just for today, I let go of all fear and doubt and Life becomes simple and easy for me. I choose to believe it is easy to change a thought or behavior pattern. I let go of my need to struggle and suffer. I now flow easily and effortlessly with new experiences, new challenges and new people who enter my life. I am worthy of all that is good in Life and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it and receive it. All is truly well in my world and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

What's your story?

We are constantly telling ourselves stories about who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Some of those stories are about past pain from our childhood, some are about the future and some are not even true. All of the narratives that we repeat to ourselves—both of the fiction and nonfiction varieties—are what we internalize and use to create self-identity.The stories we tell ourselves about our shortcomings and failures fuel the negative self-talk that leads us to accept the myth of a single narrative—a belief in only one version of what our life can look like. And, it is our interpretation of the past and how we project the future that determines the roads we take to all of our tomorrows. Today, set your intentions to begin to listen to your stories and instead of believing the narratives that tell you what you can’t do, choose to focus on what is in your control. Instead of repeating over and over about how much you have suffered or how you were victimized, tell yourself the stories about those times when you were courageous. Tell stories about your strength, perseverance, and resilience. Tell stories about how strong you are. Tell the stories of your survival. The ones where you got through the hardest of times and experienced joy again. The stories where you knew in your bones that life was worth living.You have those stories. Those are the ones to repeat today and going forward. Tell them over and over again so you never forget who you really are. Change your story and you will change your world.

Just for today, I do a mental housekeeping, making room for new positive thoughts and a new life story. I am willing to release old negative thoughts. They are only thoughts that stand in my way. My new thoughts are positive and fulfilling. I know that the thoughts that I choose to think and believe now are creating my future. These thoughts my experiences tomorrow, next week and next year. I do not fix my problems. I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. Life supports me in every possible way and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Change is afoot

We are all going through big unavoidable paradigm shifts and change is afoot. However, you might have a sense of what you do not want anymore without a crystal clear sense of where you are heading. And, although it might feel frightening and perhaps, frustrating, it is, in truth, a good thing! It is a good thing because before you make change you need to let go of who you were and experience a period of "void", so that you can replace the old with new people, places, things and beliefs. Today, even if you want to do anything but experience this confusion/void, do not make "rash" decisions! Take time to make sure you are making choices that feel good - not just for the sake of doing something different. This is a stabilizing time. There's change ahead and change behind you. It's okay to be in this period in between. Use this in between period to experiment, be more creative and explore. Again, it is perfectly okay if not everything sticks. It may take a couple of tries until you find what is truly right for you. Today, allow yourself time to shake off your old identities that keep you limited and trying to win the approval of others. Today, just be; be true to yourself and your whole life will fall into place.

Just for today, I am not my parents or their patterns. I am my own true self and I am free. I know that when I create harmony in my mind and my heart, I will find it in my life. The inner creates the outer, always. I am perfect exactly as I am. I am good enough and I trust that everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Stop shaming yourself and others

Most of us have had experiences where we have kept our truth quiet or hidden because we were taught to do so as children or we've created beliefs about how we "should" be and are not living up to those standards. However by doing so, we unintentionally create shame around our truths. And, when we become shameful of our truths, we end up cutting off, discrediting, and devaluing a hugely important chunk of who we are and how we show up in the world. Today, it is time to stop shaming yourself when you feel as if you aren't perfect. And, just as important- stop allowing superficial people from shaming you when you aren't being the perfect person or friend. Today, it is time to reclaim your truth and value its power. It is time that you feel all your feelings and accept that you are not perfect and that is perfectly okay. And, when you begin to accept your imperfections, you will release energy, old shame, and subconscious blocks that may now be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. Today, reclaim your truth and value its power. When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.

Just for today, I am a beautiful, blessed child of the Universe-inside and out. I am important. I am valuable. I am loved. I am safe. I am enough. And so it is.

New Moon Intentions

Today, we have our first New Moon of the year, in Aquarius and it brings with it healing and hope. It has been a bit of an intense start of the year and you might feel as if you haven't had that "fresh start" feeling of renewal that most New Years typically bring. But, this New Moon will bring us all some surprising realizations, insights and awakenings-always in the name of freedom and making certain that change will happen. Change can manifest in a variety of ways, but it seems that this New Moon will be working on our emotions and triggering us to change the way we have been feeling about an event or our lives, in general. We all need to get better at feeling our emotions. We need to stop burying, hiding or stuffing our emotions and allow ourselves to move through the world with a little more emotional freedom. Today, by the light of this New Moon ask yourself what it is that no longer feeds your soul; who and what you can let go of that no longer nourishes your soul and what aspects of your work are no longer meaningful. Today, allow yourself to get real with yourself and let go of the people, places and things that serve no purpose in your life. And, in some cases they are using you and your energy, holding you back and keeping you stuck. It is time to let your true self shine. Begin today!

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I give myself permission to let go. I am willing to let go of everything that no longer serves any purpose in my life-people, places, beliefs and habits. I let go of all expectations and flow easily and lovingly with Life. I know only good awaits me at every turn. I let go of all childhood fears. I am now a secure, empowered human being. I am safe and I feel free when I let go of things. All is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Stillness

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself. And today would be a good day for you to make time to be quiet and still so that you can hear the guidance and the answers to all the questions you have been seeking. Today, allow yourself to be still and quiet and ask what you can let go of and what intentions are no longer in alignment with your heart. Make a conscious effort to stop seeking what you need outside of yourself and know that you will always find your answers in stillness.

Just for today, I allow myself to be quiet and still and I amazed at what I discover. Life is just waiting to share its secrets with me. As I quiet down and focus on the beautiful things in my life, I open myself to up to my own healing powers.I am willing to let go of everything that no longer serves my highest good. I am safe and secure in my own world. And, everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Slow down, calm down, don't worry, don't hurry -trust the process of Life!

This year is all about building new foundations and to do so takes patience, perseverance and daily attention and intention. This is not a race and you are in the process of learning lots of new things about yourself and the world around you. Today, do not push yourself to make things happen especially if you are not clear on the direction you want to go. Rather, focus on taking care of your body and spirit and your life will get better every day. Remember, progress has little to do with speed but much to do about direction. Today slow down, calm down, do not hurry, do not worry and trust the process of life.

Just for today, I will not allow noise, chatter or setbacks to distract me. I will allow purpose, patience, commitment and grace to guide me.I choose to feel good about myself no matter what others say, think or do. I choose to love and approve of myself no matter what. I am safe in the Universe and all Life loves me. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Freedom

For the past month, our Sun and five other planets have been in the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is a slow and steady sign but with all those planets in that sign, you could have ended up feelings stagnant and restricted. Today, our Sun moves into the freedom loving Aquarius. Aquarius promotes uniqueness and forward thinking-which we all could use some of that for sure. For the next four weeks, we get to enjoy that freedom inspiring energy. Today begin this next cycle by setting your intentions to recognize how free you truly are in every minute to create the life you desire. You have the freedom to choose in every minute how you respond and what you believe to be true about yourself. You have the freedom to not compare yourself to other people and, you have the freedom to let go of your past and live freely in this moment, when in truth, anything is possible. Today, celebrate your freedom and make choices that move you forward and that are aligned with you highest good. Today celebrate the freedom to be you.

Just for today, I free myself of destructive fears and doubts. I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now. I am willing to forgive everyone in my life, I release them with love. They are now free and I am now free to move forward with love in my heart. I know that Life is really simple. What I give out comes back to me. I choose to give out love. I am safe. It is only change. All is truly well in my world and so it is.

You deserve to have healthy boundaries!

Boundaries are an essential part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary. And, they are something that most of us struggle with creating and maintaining in our relationships. In fact boundaries aren't about another person, but about ourselves because they help us to recognize our own needs. They show us it is perfectly acceptable to have needs and to take care of them. Always! On the other hand, not having healthy boundaries allows you to deny your needs through focusing on everyone's needs, through numbing behavior, such as: people pleasing, addiction, overworking, overspending, over drinking, procrastination, and unhealthy relationships. Whatever your personal preference, all of those behaviors allow you to disconnect from who you really are and how you really feel. The more you deny your needs, the louder they shout to try and get your attention through your resentments, so you have to keep numbing or rationalizing them away to quiet them down, and that’s no way to live. Today, is the day that you begin to become conscious of how and where you have the responsibility to set better boundaries in your life. You must establish boundaries to promote and protect your self-care, self-worth, and self-love. It is only from that place that you can truly take care of yourself, which in turn allows you to truly be there for others. Creating healthy boundaries means that you take responsibility for yourself, your time, your feelings, and your energy instead of allowing yourself to be battered around by everyone else’s needs. Boundaries allow you to take control of you rather than allowing others to control you. Today, recognize that boundaries are tools that enable you to feel safe, strong, and empowered in your relationships. As you get better at setting them, you’ll begin to feel more empowered by the truth that it’s not only your right, but your duty, to make the choices that are best for you. Today, dare to set boundaries and to have the courage to love yourself, even when if you risk disappointing others.

Just for today, I set healthy boundaries. I deserve healthy boundaries and my boundaries are respected. I am a master at setting boundaries that save my time, energy, creativity and emotional well being. I maintain healthy boundaries but remain open to the goodness of others. I am safe, divinely guided, protected and loved. All is truly well in my world. And so it is

Flexibility

"Whatever is flexible and living will tend to grow. whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die." Real power comes from flexibility, not rigidity or your dogged determination of reaching a goal even if you know that it just doesn't work for you any longer. Goals are good, but trying to constantly force your will is not only exhausting, but excruciatingly futile. Today, recognize that flexibility in thinking and action is what brings true happiness and use this day to allow yourself to let go of any intentions that might have felt good previously, even if it was last week. Today ask yourself if you can aim even higher than you have previously done before. Then, allow yourself to let go of those intentions that you know are not going to happen for your highest good. Today, be willing to change because Life never stays the same or never quite works out exactly as you planned. Today, be willing to be flexible and flowing; be willing to aim higher and be willing to change.

Just for today, I am flexible and flowing. My personality is flexible and flowing. It is easy for me to change. I am willing to let go of all that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of my every changing life. Life supports me in every possible way and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.