One moment at a time

We are all living in a time of great uncertainty, filled with the fear of the unknown, of what our future will look like after we all emerge from our forced isolation. And, the natural tendency is to want to either look back and want to live in days gone by or to want to start to plan your future. However, you are missing the present moment which in reality is the only thing that is real. Today, recognize this is not a time to push, plan or reminisce about your past. But rather, to consciously live in the present and to take things one moment at a time. Living in the moment means doing or feeling or seeing or recognizing what’s right in front of you. The important thing is to let yourself experience everything-the good and the bad and once you experience it, then to allow it to pass. Many of us get caught up in our pasts because we did not allow ourselves to live those pasts when they were our present or we believe that they were our best times-of course they are now in this moment, just illusions. Today, live in the present and do not get so caught up in avoiding the danger or real fear in front of you, that you forget to just live. Today live each moment, let them pass, and enjoy the next-one moment at a time.

Just for today, yesterday is in the past. I now turn my total attention to this present moment. I practice forgiveness daily so I can move out of the past and live in this present moment. I love and accept myself exactly as I am and each moment that I am alive is perfect. I am grateful. I am safe and in this moment, all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

What are you dwelling on?

Whatever you dwell on, you are sure to get more of it. Today, consciously claim your power to focus on positive thoughts. You always have a choice, today, choice wisely! Just for today, I recognize that if I dwell on what I do not want, that is exactly what I will get more of. I now choose to dwell on positive thoughts. I choose to dwell in a world of love and acceptance. Divine wisdom, harmony and peace surround me and dwell within me. I feel compassion, tolerance and love for all people including myself. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

444 Day!!

It is a 444 day and 444 is what is known as an angel number. When you see 444 or on a day where we have the vibration of 444, it it signifies that your angels and guides are by your side and that you are not alone as you prepare to take the next steps on your journey. It represents divine support and divine alignment. And, whether you believe in "angels" or not, right now it can bring us all some peace to know that we are always being guided and protected. Today on this 444 day, you and I are being called to align with our higher selves and to remember that there is always a greater plan unfolding. 444 is a calling to our souls to remember that the journey we are currently walking is part of our destiny. It reminds us that our souls knew they were going to face what we are currently going through and that within each and every one of us we have all what we need to navigate through this time. Today, surrender and let go of your need to control everything. In truth, your soul knows the way and your guides and angels are with you, that is the message of angel number 444. Today, stay open to the signs and messages you are receiving, trust your intuition, and know that you are not alone.

Just for today, I trust the power that created me to protect me and guide me at all times and under all circumstances. Peace surrounds me. I am always divinely protected. I have a special guardian angel. I am divinely protected and guided at all times. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

You have the power to heal yourself!

"You have the power to heal yourself and you need to know it. We think so often that we are helpless, but we are not. We always have the power of our minds. Today, claim and consciously use that power." Just for today, I see with love and hear with compassion. I am compassionate and understanding. I forgive and forget. Divine peace and harmony dwell within and all around me. I feel tolerance, compassion and love for all people, including myself. I am at peace and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Strength through adversity

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." There is a strength that comes from overcoming adversity. A strength that comes from deep within you that can bring value to your life and to those around you. For you see, when you struggle through adversity and see it through to the other side, you find a new sense of renewal within yourself. It's more than "finding purpose in your pain." It's showing that the result of something hard can become beautiful. It's showing the result of pain, and how it can turn to something so good that you could never imagine it. Today, look for the lesson in everything because there is great growth hidden within the adversity that we are all facing, together. Today, recognize that hardship tests you so that you can become stronger and can face things head on; to not live on the surface and to dig that much deeper. Nothing worth having comes easy. Nothing worth reaching for will come without setbacks. Today, know that you will come out of this current challenge stronger, wiser and ready for the new chapter that awaits you and me.

Just for today, I will not allow noise, chatter or setbacks to distract me. I will allow patience, purpose, commitment to guide me. I see obstacles as opportunities to grow. I release the need to struggle and suffer. I now flow easily and effortlessly with new experiences, new challenges and new people that enter my life. I am now totally centered in the love and joy of being alive. Peace of mind is mine and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

People pleasing is an illusion and it helps no one, ever!

“No” is a word that many of us could stand to use a little more often. How many times have you said no only to go back on your decision? And how many times have you said no and then made excuses to justify your decision-excuses that were white lies to make saying no more palatable. Today, it is time to change all your old behaviors around people pleasing and to putting other people's needs and wants before our own. In fact during this time of social isolation, it will be those people, who routinely use your people pleaser tendencies on purpose, who will ask you for even more, and to risk your safety and well being for their own needs. They will be the ones who deliberately try to push your buttons, no matter how many times you say no-they have no boundaries, insatiable needs and will never stop using you. They will continue to overstep the boundaries that you set, until YOU stop them. Today, it is time to let go those people from your life and accept the lessons that they’ve taught you about who you are and what you want for your life. If it’s not possible to let someone go completely, if they are a family member for example, simply create some healthy distance and some healthy boundaries with them. Remember, this is a process and if you slip back into old behaviors don’t be too hard on yourself. But do keep going and making progress, your life and self-esteem will be much better as a result! Today, remember that if you are risking your physical or mental well being for another person, you are not helping but rather hurting yourself and the other person. Today learn your lessons, love yourself and finally give yourself permission to let go.

Just for today, I say no when I mean no and yes when I mean yes. I know what I want and I do not need to apologize for it. I respect my boundaries and I insist others respect them too. I am a master at setting healthy boundaries that save my time, energy, and well being. I am safe. I love myself enough to let go of all the people, places and things that no longer serve me. I am at peace in the midst of chaos and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Grief and the New Normal

We individually and collectively are now experiencing a "new normal". Adjusting to this new normal has many phases of consciousness, similar to those of the grieving process, beginning with shock/denial and moving onto to fear/anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. And, just as in the grieving process, those steps are not linear and you may find yourself moving forward and backward from each step. In a sense we all are grieving and mourning a loss-a loss of our old life, whether it was what we really wanted or not. Moreover, this new normal which involves isolating ourselves can bring up buried trauma from your past. Today, allow yourself to experience whatever comes to you and to feel all your feelings. You and I are collectively awakening and it is important that we stay awake, process our feelings and know that we will emerge from this challenging time healed and ready to begin anew, in our new normal.

Just for today, I will feel my grief but will not wallow in it. I will feel all my feelings, not just the ones I like. When I allow myself to grieve, I am allowing myself to heal. All things are unfolding as they are supposed to. I allow love to guide my Life. I am divinely guided, protected and loved. I love life and Life loves me. I am healed and so it is.

Let go...

"Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.” Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is changing all of the time. And the more you resist, the more you cling, the more you struggle against reality, the more you are going to suffer. Today, it is time for us to let go of our old beliefs that we are in control of everything in our lives. The reality is, most of what happens in life is out of your control. And in attempting to change, force, or manipulate your circumstances to meet your ideals, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment, aggravation and finally despair. Today, since you have the time set your intentions to learn how to relax with the uncertainty of life, how to surrender to the natural flow of life, and how to release what no longer serves you, so you can make way for what will serve you. Today, consciously let go of the old blueprint you had for your life, the expectations that you set for yourself, and the idea that the past could or should have been different. Today, be willing and be open to change. Allow things to fall away and trust that things will unfold as they are supposed to, even if you did not control how and when they happened. Today, let go of what was so you can allow was is to happen.

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I release all negative thoughts about the past and all worries of the future. I practice forgiveness daily so I can move out of the past and into this present moment. I let go of all expectations, knowing that Life will always take care of me. I let go of everything that is not love. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."

“Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” Most of us have heard that quote and wonder what it really means since the two emotions seem inextricably linked together-that one was the inevitable consequence of the other. Today, begin to recognize that while pain can’t be avoided, there are ways you can reduce your self-generated suffering. Today, you can begin to suffer less by embracing the changes you and I are being forced to make. What might seem horrible today may in the long run turn out to be just what you and I need to take us to the next step of our lives. If you can learn to lean into change rather than resist it, you just might find the possibilities inherent in your challenging situation. Today, recognize that suffering is something that you and I create to hold onto the pain, to remain attached to the ways we thought our lives should be and to fight the truth of impermanence of this Life. Today, you can stop suffering even if nothing in your life looks like it did before; even in the face of profound loss. Today remember that while suffering is always self-generated, happiness is also self-generated. Today, allow yourself to feel all your feelings, including sadness and pain but also allow yourself to generate some happiness too. You always have the choice, today choose some happiness.

Just for today, I willingly release the need to suffer or struggle. I deserve all that is good in life. I know if I dwell on what I do not want. That is exactly what I will get more of. I let go with ease of all the people, places, things and beliefs that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Stay present

Knowing the importance of living in the moment is one thing, actually doing it is another story, especially during these challenging times. Today, consciously stay in the present moment. Begin by recognizing that your thoughts aren't always reality. Consciously stop yourself from creating what-ifs and imagined scenarios. Although all your imagined scenarios may seem real, you must consciously recognize that they are not in the present moment and may never become real. Consciously staying in the present will help you to recognize the difference between what-ifs and what is. Next, breath! Instead of instantly reacting, today consciously stop and take three deep breaths. No matter what the situation, there is always time for a deep breath, for a pause that will bring you back to the moment.Finally, stop comparing then with now. To make the most of the moment, you must accept what is and stop comparing it to what was. Today focus on the happy moments that certainly still exist in our new normal. Today, know that if you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is and that is in truth the only thing that is real. Today, stay present it is where you will find peace and your truth.

Just for today, I recognize that my point of power is always in the present moment. I am a powerful person because I live in the present moment. I release the past and turn my total attention to this present moment. I surrender to what is, I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. I am safe. It is only profound change and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Stop complaining!!

We all complain! Sometimes we complain without even realizing it, but rarely is it helpful. And, sometimes, it is much easier to complain about a situation than it is to fix the problem, like quitting a job, having a talk with someone or moving out of a bad situation. Today, set your intentions to stop complaining about everything since most of us are encountering more challenges than usual. Today try to see things from a different perspective and challenge yourself to stop complaining, it is possible! Today, consciously listen to yourself and then consciously stop yourself. Then re-focus your mind on all the things that you have to be grateful for. Second, stop being so judgemental of everything and everyone, including yourself. We often complain about others because we think they are not living up to our standards. Once you stop judging people without knowing their stories, you will most likely complain less about the things people do. And, lastly start accepting responsibility for your own happiness. If something is bothering you, either fix it or accept it. If nothing can be done about the situation right now, why complain? Complaining is a passive activity. Today, recognize that complaining does nothing but add more negativity to what is probably a negative situation to begin with. Complaining changes nothing so you would be best served to simply accept it and give your mind something else to focus on. Today, instead of complaining choose happiness; choose to focus on the positive, and choose to be kind always! It is always your choice and no one else’s-today choose to not complain.

Just for today, I let go of the need to complain about anyone or anything. I no longer choose to judge or criticize anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge, understanding and awareness that we have right now. As I release all judgement, judgmental people leave my life. I accept everyone as they are including myself. I have the strength to remain calm in the face of change. I am safe and in truth, all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Patience

It has been said that patience is a virtue. However, it is something that many of us struggle to cultivate and maintain. In fact, patience is hard and it takes practice. And, having patience is really about having the inner strength to stick to your guns, face your fears, repeatedly let go of your expectations, and to trust that it will all work out in the end. And, patience is exactly what we all need right now. Today recognize that it is only with patience will you and I will emerge from our struggles and challenges wiser, stronger and more aligned with our true purpose. Today, consciously stop yourself from putting a time frame to your healing and everything else that is happening in your life. Allow yourself to be still, and remember that if you’re aligned with who you really are, all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place at the right time. Today, spend some time in silence, and listen to the voice of your intuition, which is the voice of your true self. Sometimes you won’t be able to hear that voice, so be patient. Trust that you will receive the answers you seek in time. Trust and have patience that everything is always working out for your highest good, at the right time, in the right way-no matter what your mind had mind!

Just for today, I recognize that patience is being at peace with the process of life. I am patient, tolerant and diplomatic. I will not allow noise, chatter or setbacks to distract me. I will allow patience, commitment, purpose and grace to guide me. I am safe and I am certain that everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

New Moon in Aries

Today we have a New Moon in Aries, marking the true beginning of the new zodiac year. Aries is a sign that brings new life, courage and physical vitality-all things that we are in need of right now. It is also the sign most associated with self-and we all have aspects of ourselves that truly need to be healed, right now. And, on this New Aries moon, you can also begin to deepen your connection with Spirit and use it as a tool to connect with who you are and what you can do to feel more at home within yourself. Sometimes one of the most powerful intentions you can set is to surrender to the Divine, Source, the Universe, or whatever you choose to call it, and just allow it to show you the way to the perfect new beginnings for your soul. Today, know that you cannot do this alone and that help is always available to you, when you are willing. Today, tune into your intentions for healing for yourself and for the world. Then send those intentions far and wide. The world's healing truly begins with you, being healed. Begin today.

Just for today, I recognize that healing means to make whole and to accept all parts of myself, not just the ones I like, but all of me. Healing happens when I get out of my mind and allow the intelligence of my body and the Universe to do its healing work naturally. I trust the power that created me to protect me, guide me and to love me at all times and under all circumstances. I am safe and I love myself enough to take excellent care of myself. Everything is working out for my highest good and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.