Happy Lunar New Year-The year of the Metal Ox

Happy Lunar New Year! The Lunar New Year began yesterday, and in Chinese Astrology, it is the official welcome of the year of the Metal Ox. The Ox is the second sign of the Chinese zodiac, making this a year for consolidating and building a steady foundation. It begins a time of peace, patience and rebuilding. And, the year of the Ox favors taking methodical small steps rather than giant leaps. With slow and steady progress, you can win the race. The Ox zodiac also shines a spotlight on the creation of wealth. It can bring opportunities for us to generate new streams of income, but just the same, it can also increase our spending, allowing us to learn about balance in our spending and in our giving and receiving. While we are being supported to innovate and find new ways to increase our wealth, we also need to ensure we are using the grounded, stable, and methodical energy of the Ox when it comes to achieving our goals. With that focus on finances in 2021, it is also a good time to connect with the abundance that is all around you. Abundance does not have to just be about money; it is an energy current that is there for us to tune in to and to work with. It reminds us that the Universe is an open door, filled with opportunities and infinite potential. Connecting with abundance is our reminder that life is working in harmony with us, rather than against us. It is our reminder that when we seek, we will always find. Today, as we start this new Lunar Year, begin to consciously align yourself with the field of abundance by releasing any beliefs aligned with scarcity, competition, and lack, and begin to connect with the riches that are always around you, regardless of what your bank balance may be. Today be grateful for the incredible abundance that you have been gifted with! Gratitude is a powerful way to connect with abundance. So today, begin again with gratitude and recognize that each and everyone of us is blessed beyond our comprehension. May the year of the Ox bring love and abundance to you and to your loved ones.

Just for today, I am open and receptive to all the abundance and good in the Universe. Abundance flows freely though me. I am worthy of the very best in Life and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it. I now see opportunities for abundance everywhere. I am blessed and prospered. I begin and end each day in gratitude and joy. All is truly well in my world. And so it is

Do not look back!

Many of us keep waiting for our lives to return to normal-to go back to how they were before the pandemic. And, although it is human to want to go back to how it was before our lives were changed completely and to want to cling onto the belief that things will go back to how they once were, when the pandemic is over, it is time that you and I acknowledge that we can never go back to the way we were. Today it is time to acknowledge that you nor I can ever return to the old normal. For you see, through our challenges and our struggles, in truth we have all changed. Changed our values and beliefs about certain people, places and things. In general we have changed, despite fighting that change every day, hoping we can return to what seemed like better times. For you see life-altering experiences have a way of altering your viewpoint on life. And that can result in changes to your core personal values. Your values are your inner compass in life, so it’s important to take the time to determine how they might have changed and what is important to you NOW. Today, acknowledge and begin to accept that when life gets disrupted, you can’t go back. But , what you can do instead is to take back your control and to create a new normal. Today, don’t waste your time looking back on what you’ve lost. Move on, for life is not meant to be traveled backwards.

Just for today, I create a wonderful new day and a wonderful new future. The past is over and has no power over me. I can become free in this moment. I recognize that today's thoughts create my future. I am in charge. I now take back my power to create the life I desire. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

New Moon in Aquarius-NOW is the time to change

We have a New Moon in Aquarius, the sign of the water-bearer that pours its healing waters onto the earth and washes away illusions so we can see our life clearly. And, by clearing our vision, we will be set free to move forward, we will see progress in our lives. Intensifying those life changing energies are six additional planets in Aquarius including Venus and Jupiter. Venus is the planet of love and Jupiter brings abundance to all it touches. This New Moon is literally designed to expand your heart. Today, allow the abundance of Aquarius energy to help you break free from patterns that are keeping you stuck. Any relationships or circumstances that are stifling your growth and in may ways are stifling your life need to be transformed. And, NOW is the time. Today, set your intentions to take small steps to liberate yourself from self-imposed restrictions, to break out of relationships that feel oppressive or restrictive and to break out of boring routines so you can experience more freedom and fun. Today, allow the liberating energies of this New Moon to give you the courage to begin to take small step towards revolutionary change.

Just for today, I am confident and courageous. I possess the strength and ability to achieve my goals and dreams. Life mirrors my every thought. As I keep my thoughts positive, life brings me only good experiences. I am willing to let go of all people, places, things and beliefs that no long serve any purpose in my life. I am safe. It is only change and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

The Dark of the Moon

We are in the Dark of the Moon, which is the time when the Sun and Moon meet up in their sign before they are exact for the New Moon. It is a time of stillness, introspection and wonder. And since we have six planets in Aquarius right now, you will definitely be feeling the energies of Aquarius. Aquarian energy is revolutionary, innovative, awakening, and expansive. It brings with it new ideas, new ambitions, and the gift of seeing ourselves in one another. And, it is important for you to pay attention to how the Aquarian archetypes of the Rebel, Revolutionary, Humanitarian and Freedom-seeker are playing out in your life, for they will be revealing themselves to you! You may begin to become more aware of the injustices that are playing out in your world that seem to have become more pronounced and less tolerable under the Aquarian energy. And, you may also become aware of how you impose restrictions and limitations on yourself and your life. After all, Aquarius is freedom loving and its energies will show you where you need more freedom in your life. Today, make time to reflect on the areas of your life where you have self-imposed restrictions and limitations, and how you can liberate yourself from them. If you have been pondering how you can have more freedom in the relationships in your life and how you have been giving away your power to people, remember nobody can make you do or feel anything. You always have free will and you always have the freedom to choose. Today, choose wisely. Choose freedom, choose love.

Just for today, I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now. I now free myself from destructive fears and doubts. I say no when I mean no and yes when I mean yes. I know what I want and I don't need to apologize for it. I am an unlimited being, receiving from unlimited source in an unlimited way. I now move through past limitations into freedom. I am becoming all that I was created to be. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Energy

We experience and create all kinds of different energies that affect how we feel and what we accomplish throughout our day. Some energies are powerful and easily recognizable, while others are more subtle and often only intuitively felt. In fact, it is fair to say that everything is, in a sense, energy. The things you say, the things you think, the things you do—even the things you don’t do—all produce energy that impacts you and the people around you. And, if you work on creating more positive energy, you’ll see improvements in your life more than you thought possible. Today, it is time to consciously create more positive energy in your life. Begin by playing and listening to your favorite music. Music is the easiest way to shift your energy. And there are many other easy ways to shift your energy. Today, make a list of all the things that make you feel good and use it as a guide as you learn to become energized from a wider variety of things. If being in nature is something that energizes you, try spending a little more time outdoors. If writing, dancing or yoga bring your joy, then do more of them. A lot of people think of energy as a spiritual term. However, energy isn’t necessarily an otherworldly concept. It’s something we create in our day-to-day activities.

And, if you learn to fully appreciate this moment, you will see you have profound power to manifest positive feelings within—to create divinely inspired energy, which can impact everything and everyone around you. In this way, you play a much larger part in the bigger picture than you ever realized. Today, remember the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

Just for today, I feel glorious, dynamic energy. I am active and alive. I direct my creative talents towards music, art, dance and anything that brings me pleasure. I know that the key to creativity is that my thinking creates my experiences. I use this key in every area of my life. I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of my every changing life. I am safe and I am in the process of making positive changes in every area of my life. And so it is.

Self love

The most important decision of your life, the one that will affect every other decision you make, is the commitment to love and accept yourself. It directly affects the quality of your relationships, your work, your free time, your faith, and your future. And yet, none of us are taught how to do just that. Perhaps it is because our parents were never taught how to love themselves. Therefore they could neither teach us nor show us by example how to really love ourselves. Or perhaps, it is today's society that teaches us that our worth is found in the idols of our culture—technology, status, youth, sex, power, money, attractiveness, and romantic relationships. And, of course there is the illusion of our daily social media that keeps telling us through pictures and words that we are not "enough", when we continually compare ourselves with others. However, when you base your self worth on the external world, you’ll never be capable of self-love. Today, no matter what the reason that self love hasn't become your default emotion/feeling, it is time for you to consciously begin to make it so. Begin by seeing the world with fresh eyes. Feeling worthy requires you to see yourself with fresh eyes of self-awareness and love. Acceptance and love must come from within. You don’t have to be different or change who you are to be worthy. Your worth is in your true nature, a core of love and inner goodness. In fact, you are love. You can attempt to bury your magnificence, but it’s impossible to destroy. Today, recognize that loving yourself isn’t a one time event. It’s an endless, ongoing process. And, that process begins with you right now; begins with you surrounding yourself in your own affection and appreciation. Today, recognize that you must learn to love yourself and your own company. Because we are all interconnected, and when you learn to love yourself you will truly be able to love others. Together through our love, we can heal ourselves, each other, and the world. Love is our purpose, our true calling. It begins with you and it begins today.

Just for today, I love and approve of myself unconditionally. I choose to be happy no matter what they say, do or think. I recognize that love is the great miracle cure and that loving myself will create miracles in my life. I have the power, the self esteem and the confidence to move forward with grace and ease. As I change my thoughts the world around me changes. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Choose your words with care

Your words are powerful.

They have the potential to hurt and destroy or to enhance and create. And you always have a choice on how you use your words. So, today set your intentions to become more mindful of the words you speak and the words you think. For instance, most of us use the word "trying", a lot, when we aren't sure of the outcome or the quality of our actions. Today, recognize that in reality you are either doing or not doing, not trying, trying is not an action! So today become aware of how much you use the word trying and change your words to "I am in the process" or whatever words that say that you are actually doing something. Next, become aware of how often you say you "have to do" something. In reality, you never have to do anything unless you are incarcerated or being held hostage. In reality, you are choosing to do whatever you do. Finally, perhaps the biggest change we can make is shifting our internal voice from a punisher to a cheerleader. Today, monitor the words that you speak to yourself, yourself, talk and cheer yourself on, instead of criticizing, judging, yelling and sometimes even swearing at yourself. As Louise said, you have been criticizing yourself for years. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. Today, recognize that no matter what age you are or where you are on your journey, that it is never too late to change your words—and to change your world-to change your Life.

Just for today, I recognize that every word I speak is an affirmation. My subconscious is always listening. I monitor my self talk making certain it is uplifting of myself and others. I recognize that every thought I think and speak are creating my future. I choose to think and speak positively. I am in the process of making positive changes in every area of my life. All is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Venus in Aquarius

During the month of February, there will be five planets in Aquarius, including Venus. Venus is the planet that governs the heart which is the "feeling" nature. Aquarius is an air sign, which is associated with thinking and fosters uniqueness and individuality. So, during Mercury Retrograde, which always helps us slow down and look inward, you and I will be re-thinking and re-feeling our relationships. We will be re-evaluating our self worth, so we can more freely be ourselves. Today, allow yourself to think back on your past relationships that have ended. You most likely gave too much of yourself or tried to be someone you are not in an effort to please other people. Then, allow Venus is Aquarius to offer you the objectivity to look at how you interact with others so you can attract more supportive relationships. The more honest and direct you are in your relationships, the healthier they will be. Today, remember that every relationship is a mirror of your self worth. And, since you have changed, it is time for you to let go of the relationships that no longer mirror who you are right now. Today, let the energies of the Universe help you to do just that so that you can make room for new relationships that reflect who you are right now.

Just for today, I recognize that I am worthy of love and respect. As I begin to love and value myself more, I attract new loving, balanced, reciprocal relationships into my life. I attract only loving relationships into my life for they are a mirror of who I am. I am willing to let go of all the relationships that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I am safe in all my relationships. I give and receive lots of love. I am willing to change and all my changes are easy to make. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Speak up for yourself

For many of us speaking up for ourselves or asking for what we need or want is not easy nor comfortable. We long to ask for what we want, to be heard and to be respected. However, as a result of suppressing our emotions, needs, and desires, we end up feeling resentful, helpless and angry! And, that anger and resentment make it almost impossible to ask for what we want or need in a way that other people can hear us. Today, it is time to consciously set your intentions to speak up for yourself and ask for what you want or need before you get angry and feel resentful. It is time to stop being the "good, agreeable person”, who puts everyone else's needs before your own or definitely doesn’t rock the boat. Today, acknowledge that just because you suppress your true feelings and needs, they don’t disappear or go away; they transform into something else. For some people, they transform into explosive anger. Other people’s suppressed emotions manifest into depression, anxiety, or some other physical illness. But, you can change that today. Today recognize that you are worth asking for what you need and want and that you deserve things to be right for you. Speaking up for your needs does not make you a difficult person. It means you respect yourself and know that you deserve better than what you are receiving. Today, ask for what you want when you become aware of your need. Do not wait for you to become resentment and angry to act or to ask for what you need or want. Today, know that speaking up for your needs does not make you a difficult person. It means you respect yourself and know that you deserve better than what you are receiving.

Just for today, I am free to speak up for myself. I appreciate all that I do. I am good enough just as I am. I speak up for myself. I ask for what I want. I reclaim my power now and create the life I desire. Life supports me in every possible way. And so it is.

Re-view, re-think, re-visit, and re-vise

Mercury Retrograde is something everyone likes to blame things on. But in reality, it is a time where we are forced to deal with the things that we have overlooked, ignored, rationalized away and thought we were done with. And, of course, Mercury Retrograde can show you otherwise by giving you opportunities to review, re-assess and rethink elements in your life. Today, instead of dreading what the next three weeks will bring you or fearing the snafus which you assume will ensue, recognize that Mercury Retrograde is your opportunity to play catch up and to re-visit things so you can be certain they are what you want before moving forward. Mercury Retrograde wants you to pause before making a change. And, since this Mercury Retrograde is Aquarius, we are intended to re-visit our higher purpose and to re-think all your relationships, to re-assess your values and your self worth. Today, instead of fighting to make thing happen, welcome the pause and know that in reality it is helping you to step forward into a more authentic future, rather than the one that is old, overdone, and not for your highest good any longer. Today, do not push anything for you could be thwarted. Pause and give yourself a chance to look, listen and learn.

Just for today, I trust in the perfection of Divine timing and allow my life to unfold as it should. I trust that I am always in the right place, at the right time for the unfolding of my plans, dreams and desires. Everything is occurring in the perfect timing. I surrender to and trust in the divine timing of my life. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Groundhog's Day

Happy Groundhog's day! Sometimes life can feel like Groundhog's Day. Same routine, same issues, same sense of hopelessness. It seems that no matter how hard you try, you end up in the same spot, in the same position having to start all over again. And, then your inability to change your messed up emotional patterns starts taking an excruciating toll on your well-being. But just because you feel stuck that doesn’t mean you are. Today, accept that at any time you can change your mindset, your choices, and therefore change your life. Changing your mindset won’t guarantee that everything will be okay. But it will give you the insight and strength to believe that you will be okay and that you can handle what life dishes up. And it will also help you create a life that feels more fulfilling and less empty. The first step in any change is recognition. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. Today, start to notice when you have a negative pattern of thinking that keeps you stuck. Then, choose to start practicing mindfulness, which basically means you are aware of what you’re thinking, but you don’t get caught up in your thoughts. Today, recognize that you are not your thoughts and feelings. You experience thoughts and feelings, but they don’t need to own you. On this day you can choose to change your life. You can choose a new path and things can change. Remember, when you change the way you look at the things in your life, the things you look at will change.

Just for today, I am willing to change. I am willing to see my life in a whole new way. I choose to believe that I have the power to change my life and that all my changes will be easy. I am willing to let go of everything that keeps me stuck. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Flexibility is your true strength

Real power and strength come from flexibility. And, flexibility in thinking and action is what will bring you true happiness. After all, the only constant in life is change. Today it is time to recognize that your true strength and ability to weather what life brings you is your flexibility, not in reality your "strength" or your ability to force things or your rigidity to stick with your old beliefs and actions, even if they are not working for you. It is your ability to be able to bend with the wind rather that staying rigid and stuck in the ways that you have convinced yourself that they should be. Goals are good, but trying to constantly force your will is not only exhausting, but excruciatingly futile. Today, instead surrender to the fact that you do not in reality control everything nor can you make things happen because you have convinced yourself that it is what your life "should" look like. Today remain flexible and open, and let the experiences in. Today, go with flow, stop fighting, suffering, wondering and worrying. Today remember, if you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.

Just for today, I am flexible and flowing. I flow easily with new experiences, new challenges and new people that enter my life. I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of my ever changing life. I flow easily and lovingly with life and I know only good awaits me at every turn. I am safe. It is only change. Out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Letting go

One of the most challenging things in life is knowing when to let go—when to let go of a job, a relationship, a belief, a repeating thought, a situation or whatever you have chosen to remain attached to. And, most of us remain attached because it provides us with a sense of security and safety. However, although remaining attached helps us feel safe, we generally end up feeling stuck. While there’s nothing wrong with safety—it is, after all, one of our basic needs—we must learn to discern what is truly safe and what is safe for the sake of comfort and conformity. So, today it is time to really look within yourself, to be honest with yourself and to begin to discern what you need to let go of so that you can move on. Do not wait for life to force you and to make the decision for you!! That perhaps is the most painful thing to do-knowing that you must let go and change but choosing not to out of fear or perhaps out of your best thinking. Today, recognize that everything has a season—sometimes the season lasts a minute, sometimes it lasts years, but eventually there is a new season on the horizon. Today, allow yourself to be still and quiet and to listen to the nudges that your intuition is giving you and letting you know that it is time to let go. If you don’t listen to the voice that is asking you to let go, then you will never know what beautiful blessings await you on the other side—in the unknown. Your mind cannot possibly conceive what lies ahead. Today, no matter what excuses or rationalizations that your ego may be telling you why you need to stay attached, remember holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I give myself permission to let go. I lovingly forgive and release all of the past. I am safe. It is only change and I know that letting go will allow me to move forward. Life supports me in every possible way and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.