Our greatest challenges are our greatest teachers

ou and I have experienced so many challenging situations this year. And, as enticing as it may be to want to rush into the future and forget about what's behind, it is important to actively release the pain that you have experienced, as well as forgive those people who have disappointed you. And, as you let go of the people, places and things that do not serve any purpose in your life, be certain to thank them for the lessons that you learned from them. All those people and experiences may have hurt you but they did not break you. Today, thank them all for being some of your greatest teachers; for helping you to learn the lessons that you were put here on this planet to learn. The soul never sees mistakes, it only sees experiences for growth. Today, as you become clearer about why you experienced some of your challenges, you can now use what you learned to propel you forward towards your purpose. What you're here to do is often what you experience as a challenge. In getting through it, you can help countless others. Today, honor your gifts and your strength, which have come from your struggles and challenges. You are truly someone special-remember that today and allow yourself to let go with love and gratitude.

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I am grateful for experience that I have every had as they have shaped me into the person I am today and that is exactly who I am supposed to be right now in this very moment. The more gratitude I feel the more I am aware that the supply is endless. I recognize that I can create all the I wish for with my mind and my thoughts. I am truly someone special. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Just let it be

It is not uncommon to want ourselves or our lives to be different. It is the desire to be a better person that pushes us to grow, change, and actually become better people. However, personal growth is often a slow and painful process, even if we think it should be easier or quicker. The expectation to be something we are not, whether temporarily or permanently, is a form of aggression toward our selves and often leads to frustration and overwhelming feelings. Today, consciously stop beating yourself up and acknowledge that you are a work in progress, which means you get there a little at a time, not all at once. The best thing you can do is to nurture yourself and to accept your circumstances just as they are-to just let things be what they are. Today, create some time to really listen to yourself and do not try to force yourself or your situation to be something it is not or something you think it "should" be. When you give yourself a break, you create space. Allowing things to be, just as they are, without judgment or expectation, allows you room to breathe. And that is good for clarity. Today, allow yourself to be weak when you feel week and fearful when you feel fear. Allowing yourself to be weak will in reality give you strength. Letting yourself be confused will give you clarity. Letting your life be complicated will actually simplify it. Today, just let things be and you may find things start to get better, if you let them.

Just for today, I accept all parts of myself. I recognize that healing means to make whole and to accept all parts of myself, not just the ones I like. I accept myself unconditionally and let go of the need to struggle and suffer. Life brings me only good experiences. I am enough and everything is working out for my highest good And so it is.

Forgiveness=Freedom

Living a life where you hold on to resentment, anger, and frustration toward someone is painful. Anger, bitterness, and resentment doesn’t change the past; it keeps you stuck in it. Today, liberate yourself by choosing to forgive, instead of wrestling with the reasons why you need to hold onto to your anger, resentment and pain. Today recognize that you deserve better! You deserve to free yourself from grudges and painful feelings. And you do so by stop thinking your way to forgiveness and begin to feel instead. Today, muster up the courage to go deeper, to feel the hidden emotions underneath it all. Remind yourself that this is something you’re doing for yourself, not for anyone else. Today, recognize that your traumas and difficulties in life can leave you feeling hopeless, resentful, and like a victim. They can be your excuse to stay stuck and not create the life we desire. Or the painful experiences in life can be your greatest gift. By learning to forgive someone once and for all, you tap into the blessings in disguise that come with any problem. In short, make sure that your greatest problem becomes your greatest gift.

Just for today, I am willing to forgive. I forgive everyone for all past perceived wrongs. I release them with love. They are now free and I am now free to move forward with love in my heart. I forgive myself for not being perfect. I am living the best way I know how. I forgive and set myself free. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. Out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

The dawning of the age of Aquarius

We are ending an epic year with some epic energy and cosmic events, including a Total Solar Eclipse, two major planets changing signs and The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in zero degrees Aquarius on the Winter Solstice, dramatically ushering in a new era- the Age of Aquarius! Oh yes, cue up the music, burn some incense and do your hippy dance because ⁠⁠hope, healing, and humanitarianism will be at the forefront of next year. However before we end this epic year, it is time for us to make time to ascertain what lessons we were intended to learn from all of our challenges. And, to get clear on your non negotiables, things you will not tolerate from the people places and things in your life. This year has taught all of us what we will no longer tolerate so that we can let go of them for good. Let go of the old stories that no longer serve you any purpose except to keep you stuck. Let go of the stories in which you are a victim because you no longer are one. Even if your identity is all about your sad luck stories, they are no longer true so let them go and create a new story one in which all your victimization does not exist. Today, begin the path to a whole new way of being one in which you are true to you.

Just for today, I am the star in my own movie. I am also the author and the director. I now create wonderful new roles for myself. I am willing to change. I am willing to let go of all the people, places and things that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I respect my boundaries and I insist others do too. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. All is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Hope

The more I live, the more I am convinced that living fully is a just a matter of perspective. It’s not about taking certain actions or reaching specific results; it’s about experiencing life through an open and positive perspective. So, today no matter what is happening in your life, no matter what negative patterns you have incorporated into you life or have become attached to, begin this day by consciously filling your heart with hope and the excitement that so much positive change is on the horizon. Know in your heart that whatever the day brings you that you can handle it and remind yourself that whatever you are experiencing that it is temporary and then look for things to get excited about. You always have a choice. Today, choose to be hopeful, choose to be kind to yourself and others. Choose to be at peace just where you are right now in this present moment and to fill your heart with hope for your future and the future of the world.

Just for today, I look towards my future with hope and happiness. I know that at any given moment I always have a choice between love and fear. I choose love. I choose to be at peace. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. I know only good awaits at every turn. All is truly well in my world. And so it is.

The present moment holds your peace

What you resist persists and by resisting reality, you become disempowered, hopeless, and stuck. During this time of enormous change it is easy to want to fall back into the "good old days" or stay stuck to your beliefs in what should happen next, causing unnecessary suffering. Today, set your intentions to remain as present as you can. For you see, by resisting and fighting what is happening, you are actually creating more of what you don’t want because you’re constantly focused on what you don’t want. The only way to create what you do want is full acceptance of what is. This is the place where you see possibility instead of limitation. Where you get creative. Where you can see solutions. Where you feel hope and maybe even some peace. Today, stay focused on what is in front of you, stay focused on this present moment. Celebrate it. Appreciate it. Even when you don’t feel like it. Especially when you don’t feel like it. Today recognize that small acts of appreciation and gratitude for the present moment can cause giant shifts in your life. Today, whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Accept what is right in front of you so that you can move on into a new now and a new normal.

Just for today, I know that if I focus on what I do not want, that is exactly what I will get more of. I recognize that my point of power is always in the present moment. I know that the past is over and done and has no power over me. I can begin to be free in this moment. Today's thoughts create my future. I am in charge. I take back my power. I create the life I desire. I am safe. I am free to move forward and no matter what happens, everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

December 1st-Be proud of YOU

It's December, the last month of this incredibly challenging year. And, although you might feel as if you are in between what you are leaving and where you are heading or you might not even know where you are going, today accept where you are right now and know that this in "between" time of not knowing is all part of the divine plan. Accept that letting go of the identities and intentions that didn't represent your true nature is what this year has been about. So, today set your intentions to accept where you are and appreciate all you have accomplished this year. You might not realize it because you've been so busy getting THROUGH it, but you have a lot to be proud of! Today, reflect on your strength, fortitude, beauty and your resilience to find new ways of being during unprecedented times of change and challenge.

Just for today, I am proud of myself. I recognize that the greatest gift I can give myself is unconditional love. I love and approve of myself no matter what they think, do or say. I deserve the very best in Life and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it. As I love and approve of myself, my life gets better and better. I look forward to what the future has to offer me. I trust the process of Life to always be there for me. I am safe. It is only change and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini-let go!

Tomorrow morning at 430 am, we will be grace with a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini. Full Moon eclipses culminate the end of a karmic cycle. And, Lunar Eclipses are like extra potent Full Moons. They illuminate areas of our lives that need to be cleared and swept away. They shine a light on all that no longer needs to be present with us. They reveal to us where we are holding on too tightly, and where we have to surrender and let go. Lunar Eclipses are potent for they require us to shed. This shedding can leave us feeling vulnerable, afraid, or uncertain of what comes next.

But this Lunar Eclipse holds the promise of a brighter season coming. It reminds us that whatever space you created through the letting go process will soon be filled with people, places and things that are more in alignment with your present purpose. Today, take some time to do some soul searching to discern the people, places, things, beliefs and stories that you need to let go of. Set your intentions to let go of relationships that no longer excite you or have become burdensome; let go of obligations that are draining you; let go of anything from your home or closet that does not represent who you are right now; let go of distractions and energy drains and finally let go of other people's expectations. Today, as we approach the Lunar eclipse, if something exits your life, trust that it was meant to be. Trust that there is a Divine purpose to what is now no longer. And trust that all your challenges have readied you for a new chapter in your life. Trust and let go.

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I easily let go and release all the people, place and things that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I let go of all expectations. I now flow easily and effortlessly with new experiences, no challenges and new people who enter my life. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. Everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Guilt and shame

Shame. Everybody has it. Nobody wants to talk about it. The less we talk about it, the more power it has over us. In fact, shame goes to the core of your person and makes you feel there is something inherently wrong with you. And, in our society, shame and guilt are often intertwined. However, these two emotions are quite different. Guilt's focus is on behavior. It’s about what you did or didn't do. When you experience guilt, you have gone against your own code of ethics. Guilt usually serves as being an internal conscience. It helps you to not act on harmful impulses. Shame’s focus, on the other hand, is on the self. It’s not that you did something bad, but that you are intrinsically bad. It gives you the sense that you do not measure up to others; that you are defective; that you are damaged goods. This concept is like saying “you are worthless and incapable of change. And, when you are in shame, you can't see the bigger picture. You feel alone, exposed, and deeply flawed. Today, it is time to shine a light on your shame and then let go of it. It is time to truly rid yourself of old baggage and shame. Today, begin to become aware of where and when you feel shame. Recognize that shame is an emotion and does not need to be your state of being. And the true antidote to your shame is to be brave enough to share it with another trusted person or to write it out so that you can see your shame as separate from yourself. Just by removing the shadow and secrets around your shame, it will begin to dissipate. Shame cannot exist in conditions of light, sunshine, and humor. Today, give yourself some time to lighten your load and let go of your shame. You are always enough just because you exist.

Just for today, I affirm that I am enough. I do not have to earn love. I am loveable because I exist. Others reflect the love I have for myself. I release the need to blame anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge understanding and awareness we have right now. I forgive myself for not being perfect. I forgive and set myself free. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving-a day for giving thanks and for being grateful for the greatest gift each one of us has-Life itself. Today set your intentions to be grateful for all the people and experiences that have enable you to learn, grow, and to continually evolve into the person you want to be. Be grateful that although you may not have everything you want, you have everything you need. You have most, if not all, of your basic needs met and in truth you have more than you need, if you stop to think about it. Finally, be grateful for this moment and the moments throughout this day. This moment will never come again, and there’s no guarantee that you nor I have many moments or Thanksgivings that are promised to us. Knowing that somehow makes the present more precious—even if things aren’t perfect.

Today, stop and consciously appreciate that life itself is a gift. It isn’t always easy, or happy, but it’s one hell of a ride—and it wouldn’t be without the bumps and turns and the idea that in reality anything is possible. Wishing you a healthy, happy, gratitude filled Thanksgiving. I am grateful for you!

Patience

Every bad experience, every painful relationship, and every compromise you have ever made all contain valuable and necessary spiritual gifts and blessings.

And, today the Universe wants you to take notice of three things when you’re going through a difficult time that may seem eternal:

First, trust life. There’s a higher purpose behind every seemingly impossible and difficult phase that you may be experiencing. You’ve just got to hang in there and know that it’s for the best. Next, be really willing to change. If you find yourself feeling bad a lot more often than not, take time out to reflect on whether or not you’re happy deep down with what you’re doing. If the answer is no, know that change is always possible but it entails patience and your willingness to release all resistance. Lastly, believe. believe in yourself, even if the world around you doesn’t. If you don’t, who will? Today, trust, believe and then have patience that everything is always working out for your highest good, because it always is.

Just for today, I recognize that patience means being at peace with the process of Life. I am patient, tolerant and diplomatic. I am gentle, kind and comforting to my inner, as I uncover and release old negative messages within me. I do not fix my problems. I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. I trust Life. I know it brings me everything I need at the perfect time in the perfect way. I am safe. It is only change and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Passive Aggression

Many of us struggle with speaking our truth and finding ways to express our needs and to get them met. We somewhere along the line were taught that we needed to be positive all the time. And, our need to show the world a positive front at all times, can lead us into acting passive aggressively. For you see that our inability to ask for what we really want is a heavy burden to bear. And, if we can’t be assertive, and ask for what we want, then we have to beat around the bush to achieve the same result, and that’s why so many of us suffer from people pleasing and passive aggressive behavior. Behind passive-aggression lies a valley filled to the brim with anger and hostility. When this valley can no longer support all the pent-up negativity, it will come out in a furious outburst that will leave the people around you dazed and confused. You see this all the time with people who suppress their feelings. Today, the Universe is giving you permission to feel your feelings and know that you deserve to express them in healthy assertive ways. Today choose to be direct rather than indirect with people-pleasing behavior. Choose to express your needs, wants, and feelings. You may lose some friends by finally being direct and speaking your truth because people have gotten used to the people-pleasing you. However, it will be worth it. If you’re engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, it’s time to have the courage to confront yourself, because what lies on the other side is infinite possibility. Today, don’t let the fear of what people might think stop you from speaking your mind. Speak up today, you deserve to be heard!

Just for today, I recognize that Life is really simple and easy. What I give out comes back to me and what I choose to believe about myself becomes my truth. I am willing to release the need to feel unworthy. I am worthy of speaking my truth. I am worthy of the very best in life and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it. I have the courage to speak my truth. I am safe when I speak my truth and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Resistance

Resistance is any thought, belief, or behavior, either conscious or unconscious, that stands contrary to your desire. On the surface, you can be doing positive affirmations, creative visualizations, and imagining your success. But in the end, you get what you expect. Every single time. Sometimes it can be as simple as not believing that you can have what you want. That way of thinking places limitations on what is possible for you. You are restricting what could be with what you think will be. And you end up getting what you expect. Today, begin to acknowledge and recognize that your consciousness is a powerful tool. If you don’t believe you can have the thing you desire, it shows up as resistance, frustration and feeling stuck despite all the things you are doing to achieve your goals. Today, recognize that the reason anything is not happening in your life is because in one way or another, you are not yet lined up with it (you don’t think it’s possible, don’t think you’re worthy of it, or don’t think you can have it). Today, listen to the stories that you tell yourself and then rise above your own limiting thoughts. Become aware of the ways you might hold yourself back from your desires and then let them go. Today, be willing to let go of the resistance. The rest of the work is to surrender to your now, to this present moment and to bask in the glory that is your moment. Savor the experiences that continue to add to your life. And to seek joy! In other words, the key to letting go of resistance is letting go of the expectation that you’re supposed to be anywhere other than where you already are, right now. Today, trust that things will change soon enough and that they will find you along your path, as you are ready. But until then, enjoy here, now, today and prepare yourself to receive.

Just for today, I release all resistance to expressing my creativity fully. I choose to believe it is easy to change a thought or behavior pattern. I trust in the perfection of divine timing and allow my life to unfold as it should. I know that old negative thoughts only limit me. I now release them with love. My new thoughts are positive and uplifting. I deserve only good in my life. Wherever I am in this Universe I am always safe. And so it is