We suffer, regret, fear and betray ourselves...

Within ourselves is an absolutely amazing power that we neglect to realize exists. It is with us always and available to us at all times.

We were born with it, and we will die and go beyond with it. It elevates us and gives us courage. It will lead us successfully through all challenges and difficulties in life, all the while bringing us comfort, insight, peace, wisdom and love.

This power is beyond no one and a child easily engages it. It is beyond our mind's beliefs and common knowledge, our fears and perceptions.

This power is charged with love and my words can surly do it no justice. My mind does not conceive of its brilliance. But thankfully, my experience reveals its sweet and magnificent presence.

The power lies beyond our suffering, regret, fear and self-betrayal. These states will block you from knowing it fully. Say a special prayer today or an affirmation to remove the blocks that keep you from experiencing this power. Give yourself permission to know love.

This will open the space required and allow you to know it personally.

The Nasty Voice

Action for the week:

It takes on many forms... 

 

An inner dialog that can sink all your hopes and dreams in a mere moment.  

Our self-judgment that persuades us to doubt our goodness and our abilities to create the positive that we would prefer to experience within our lives.  

The negative thoughts that manage to creep in while we are sleeping soundly and wake us instilling fear.

(This list could go on forever, so I am stopping here.) 

You know the nasty voice...    

The nasty voice tells us who we need to be...more perfect, better at pretty much everything, and what we are not...good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, likeable enough, etc. 

Essentially, the nasty voice never tells us who we truly are and what we are capable of being and doing in any shape or form. Just one dig after another. An ultra-negative nag that will go out of his/her way to make us feel bad. Right?  

 

Remember this to help quiet him/her down...the nasty voice is not who you are and will never suggest what you can do to help yourself. It cannot because it is pure judgment and NOTHING else. It is not truth. It is not accurate. It is not really you. It is judgment that has run amok. It has likely been unchecked many times so it may run wild some, if not much of the time. 

This week you are going to tame that intrusive beast, the nasty voice. You are going to lessen its grip on your mind. If you have been working on it, tame it even further. 

 

Every time the beast makes a statement remember the following:

 

This is judgment and nothing else.

This is not truth.

This is not accurate. 

This is not me.

Then interject some humor and love to get the nasty voice out of your mind.
Keep reconditioning your mind. Eventually the nasty voice will become a whisper and perhaps even undetectable at times. Maybe someday it will be totally powerless over your mind.     

Thoughts for the week:  

  

I am much more than a body and mind.
I am pure love.

Sweet Revenge

Action for the week:  

Most all of us have been betrayed, hurt, disrespected, taken advantage of and treated unfairly at one time or another. It is normal to get angry, sad, frustrated and/or upset when we are treated badly. It is a healthy response.

The desire for revenge can be an indicator that we have taken an unhealthy turn. We may feel on some level that it helps us to heal, however, focusing on revenge does just the opposite. It keeps us from healing.

Revenge is a desire for retaliation. It is a way to get back at someone who has hurt us. Revenge is a form of punishment. When we get hung up on taking revenge and see it as sweet, we are heading in the wrong direction. We are in fact punishing ourselves.

How do you feel physically and emotionally when you want to punish someone? Do you feel tension, stress, negativity and/or unrest? Do you feel anger, hostility and/or frustration?

Self-empowerment is about feeling good, peaceful and in control. It is a process by which you elevate yourself and make choices that help you. When we hold on to revenge, we hold on to all the negative feelings that come with it. We keep them with us and allow them to adversely affect us. Continuing to hold a grudge and harbor anger is not beneficial to our well-being.

Revenge does not solve problems. Revenge does not right a wrong. Revenge gives life to the problem and keeps you from solving it. Revenge is poison.

 

Sure, people have hurt us. Some have betrayed us and disrespected us. Some have done worse to us. Staying in the space of hurt and disrespect, feeling bad about what has happened, will keep you from healing.

Somehow you need to move past the event, situation, and/or the person's behavior that makes you feel bad. Sometimes it is matter of forgiving the past and letting it go. Sometimes it is about finding a solution and/or removing yourself from an unhealthy person or situation. Sometimes it is about not giving other people power over what you think and feel. And always, it is about favoring a loving perspective and empowering yourself.

When you feel revenge remember...

- You determine the direction of your life.

- You decide what you think and feel.

- You can think positive thoughts and feel better about life.

- You can solve the problem at hand.

- Your baggage is nothing more than useless weight, get rid of it--heal.

- Revenge is not sweet, it is poison.

You know all this, now put it into practice at all times so that your life can be sweet in the way that it is meant to be.

Thoughts for the week:   

  

I will no longer punish myself because of unwanted events or
the actions of others. I will reward myself with peace and joy.

The Blame Game

Action for the week:  

Empowered people don't blame. Empowered people take full responsibility
for all that they think, feel, say and do. It is that simple.

Empowered people decide what they think and constructively deal with their feelings and emotions. They take actions to improve their lives. They think positively and let go of fear. They do not allow other people and difficult situations to control their internal environment. They work from an internal place of power.

It isn't always easy, but they do it anyways. They do it because it enables them to experience peace, joy and love. They do it because it makes life so much better on many levels.

Our society reinforces blame. People love to blame. It is a destructive habit. I bet you cannot get through the day without hearing some type of blame hype from someone you know. If you tune into the news by radio or TV, in print or online, you will surly be a witness to the blame game and blame hype.

Blame hype is a story that reinforces blame. When we personally blame, we are creating or believing a storyline in our mind that keeps us from peace. It can be a simple and short story, or long and complicated one. Regardless of the story's depth and length, know that...

Blame never solves a problem.

Blame doesn't make us better people. 

Blame doesn't keep us from making mistakes.

Blame diminishes the power we have within.

Blame is an excuse, a false truth that keeps us from love.

This week don't play the blame game. When your blame hype comes to mind, recognize it for what it is: a self-created storyline that needs to end once and for all. Take back your personal power. Look for solutions, understanding and wisdom. Look for the truth and work with the love you have within.

Thoughts for the week:   

  

I am grateful that I am 100%
responsible for all that I think,
feel, say and do.

Internally Grateful Newsletter - Cry Uncle

In my journal today I wrote the word uncle while some of my current frustrations surfaced. Instantly, I connected with what it meant and let go of the need to control. 

I felt much better as a result. This week "cry uncle." It will give you some relief and help you feel more peaceful. Empowered too...read more

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Cry-Uncle.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=i0lhq6TsZyk

 

 

Art Exhibit July 28 - 29

Elgin, IL

 

This is where I will be this weekend with my artwork. Stop on by and see me at booth 8 if you attend.

They have lots of great stuff going on at the fest.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Soul-on-the-FoxPasseggiata/372359159491053#

Internally Grateful Newsletter - Nothing is Required

Action for the week:

 

What would change for you if you fully knew that nothing is required to experience love?

  

It doesn't matter if self-empowerment is a new venture for you or if you have been doing it for years. Please carefully consider and quietly think about the question that I have asked you above.

 

Some of these wonderful changes would surely happen for many of you:

 

Guilt would melt away...

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--NOTHING-IS-REQUIRED-.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=aZfcwDgRfmQ

Internally Grateful Newsletter - A New View

Action for the week:

 

Opinions, everyone has them. People often embrace their opinions with vigor and pride. However, as you well know, people often embrace what is harmful and not helpful out of habit and conditioning. Frequently, people do not realize how their opinions can actually be a negative, weighty proposition on many levels.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--A-New-View.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=2jFg6uq2Y6E

Internally Grateful Newsletter - The Illusion

Action for the week:

 

Say the following statement aloud several times to yourself with authority each time fear rises in your mind: FEAR has NO place in my life.

 

Allow yourself to understand that fear has no place in your life and it would be best for you to go all out, full force, and make fearlessness a bigger part of your reality to benefit your well-being and lifestyle. The fear that I am referring to is fear that is harmful to you, fear that limits you and the love in your life. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--The-Illusion.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=ZvPoGqr0lW4

Internally Grateful Newsletter - Feelings Matter

The bottom line is that your feelings matter. They drive you whether you realize it or not. Last week, you exercised your ability to feel good. This week, l challenge you to learn about all your feelings and the messages that they contain.


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Feelings-Ma.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=FPt1pJgrocQ

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Peace Equals Patience

Patience is a virtue. We have all heard that before. As you know, patience can be difficult to cultivate. We often allow fear to push us toward impatience; stress and an overwhelmed mind will certainly limit our tolerance.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Patience-Equals-Peace.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=idCyrLfXB74

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Your Self-portrait

Your Self-portrait

Action for the week:

It is a rather unique and strange experience to paint or create a portrait of yourself. I did one this past week. I am hoping it will be selected for a show comprised of self-portraits. Since I like a challenge, and the last time that I did one was many years ago in high school, I thought that this would be a good growth opportunity for me as an artist and spiritually.   

The first thoughts that came to mind were that I wanted the painting to look like me (be realistic in part) and that it must appear joyful; be colorful and give off a feel-good vibe. I added golden mica chips (they are very sparkly for the little girl in me) and some bits of gold dotted paper. I added swirls of color and texture, and some wings. I also took an old key and put it on a ribbon, and hung it on the painting as a necklace.

All of these elements represent me in some way or form. The wings represent that we all have a spiritual side, that we can expand our reality and rise above the fray. The key represents that we have everything that we need, that we have the key to our own growth and spirituality. I am extremely grateful that I know this to be true, firsthand.

The content of my portrait wasn't a big surprise to me, however, it made a statement about me. One that I needed to see a bit more clearly. I see what is influencing me and where I am heading. I am happy to say that I like what I created. And, you know what, perhaps that is the most satisfying statement of all. I am happy with what I have created...I am happy with myself. 

Take some time to create your own portrait. You can do it in your mind's eye, on paper, canvas, or in whatever way you like. The medium and style is your choice. Be imaginative and non-judgmental. Let your creative side take over.

• What elements would be in your portrait?

• Why did you pick those elements?

• Why are they important to you?

• How would your present yourself to the world?

• What colors would you use?

• What feelings would your portrait convey and illustrate?

• How do you see yourself and where are you heading?

• What style and medium would you use and why?

I hope that you take some time to at least think this over. Seriously consider creating a picture. You don't have to show it to anyone, you can keep it to yourself. It will provide you with some insight and build awareness. Allow yourself to explore another avenue of self-empowerment. Develop your self-awareness and insight through creativity.

  

  

Thoughts for the week:

Be open to seeing yourself as

an expansive being,
not the small version that
you think yourself to be.

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, See Your Problem as an Outsider

As you well know, we limit who we are and define ourselves in ways that keep us from expanding our reality. This week you are going to see one of your problems as an outsider. You are going to make it powerless.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--See-Your-Problem-as-an-Outsider.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=6HxIsAXoFhA

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Authenticity

Allow authenticity to lead you. Let truth and genuineness be your guiding force.

Much of our distress is the result of our own self-betrayal and self-denial.

Very often, people do what others expect of them. They choose and take actions based on other people. Frequently it is done out of obligation or to avoid a confrontation. Sometimes it is done to make other people happy, to please them.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Authenticity.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=LS0xvOv2RkY

Clarity Verses Confusion

Clarity fuels our movement. When we feel confident, know which way to go, life feels much more peaceful. Our emotional state is greatly influenced by our ability to discern what actions and choices we should take.  

 

We all have moments of confusion. We also have experienced moments of clarity. Of course, clarity is preferred. Often we know which way to go and move effortlessly when this is the case.

 

Sometimes we are stuck and can't see the preferred route....  

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Clarity-Verses-Confusion.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=4zTyR_u-ACo

Personal Responsibility

Self-empowerment is a process by which you take full responsibility for your emotional state and well-being. The beauty of all this is that this is actually possible...

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Personal-Responsibility.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=7QO18X86xso

Honor Your Negative Emotions

Allowing negative emotions to rule you is destructive to your wellbeing. More than most people realize. Love yourself and take good care of yourself when you are frustrated and miserable.

http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/honor-your-negative-emotions-part-2-of-awareness-is-the-magic-bullet

Filled with Gratitude

Gratitude expands love!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Filled-with-Gratitude.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=8W6VNJr4OzI

Awareness is the Magic Bullet.

Life can be so much better than we ever imagined. Unknowingly, we carry negativity and limit the presence of peace and love in our lives. Healing is a process by which we renew ourselves and experience the magnificence of life. Healing creates the space necessary for love and peace to be magnified. Healing enables people to grow and enriches their lives. Awareness is the magic bullet that makes healing possible.


http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/awareness-is-the-magic-bullet

Acceptance as a Way of Life

More on acceptance this week. Try out the simple suggestions. You will get good results if you do.  

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Acceptance-as-a-Way-of-Life.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=_-j4BrWbgxM

Spring is Here! Are You Ready for Renewal?

Sometimes we forget to take good care of ourselves. We replenish everything around us, but nothing within us. We disregard our state of mind...
http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/spring-is-here-are-you-ready-for-renewal?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001

Joy event in Elgin this month - free, registration required, click on the link below

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-Blunk-Events.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=y9de16dzJDs

Acceptance vs. the Unfightable

I have a special challenge for you this week. Select one day of the week to be Your Day of Total Acceptance. Pick a day that will be less challenging than others. In other words, make it easier on yourself so that you will be successful. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Acceptance-vs-the-Unfightable.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=YXyLgPsuHA0

A Change Will do You Good!

When was the last time that you were excited about life? Don’t sit back and let life pass you by. Live it fully. Enact change one day at a time, one small step at a time.
http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/a-change-will-do-you-good

The Gift of Hardship

Life has taught me to see hardship as a doorway to opportunity. The opportunity to grow and heal--some of life's greatest gifts.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--The-Gift-of-Hardship.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=M5YNqIiLFSA

Weathering the Storm

A hard fact of life is that sometimes it can be very difficult and challenging. Sometimes we go through some pretty rough stuff and all we can do is weather the storm.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Weathering-the-Storm.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=W8GlP1r5XLg

No Forcing, No Fixing, No Judging

Action for the week:

Most people believe that forcing, fixing and judging will ensure success. These habits are taught to us early on in life and are reinforced on a regular basis. We honestly think that we are doing what is best. We are setting ourselves up for the future and avoiding potential problems. We see it as a way to defend ourselves from failure and misfortune.

Living life from this type of perspective can be counterproductive. It can actually create additional stress and fear. 

Please let me explain. When we force, fix and judge, we are typically in a defensive posture. We are reacting out of fear. Self-empowerment comes from a loving perspective. A perspective that embraces proactive measures and solutions. Moving from a place of wisdom and peacefulness. Essentially, we choose based on what is best for us.   

Think about it:  Take some time to think about some of the challenges you are currently facing. Allow yourself to see where you may be forcing, fixing and judging. Then carefully contemplate the questions below with the intention of creating a better reality for yourself. A reality based in love.

What would change for you if you embraced understanding and acceptance rather than forcing, fixing and/or judging? What would that feel like and how could it help?

How could you demonstrate tolerance and patience, and what benefit would it produce?   

What role is self-judgment playing in your perceived stressors and challenges?  

Are you trying to control what is happening? How can a loving approach improve the situation at hand?

If fear were to be removed from your perspective, how would you feel?

What would you think? 

 

Thought for the week:

Dismiss thoughts that do not move you from a place of wisdom and peacefulness. 

Cut Yourself Some Slack

Are you hard on yourself? Create a new habit...

http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/cut-yourself-some-slack

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Volume 26: Just Be Happy

Are the words easier said than done going through your head? Depending on the day, it certainly could be true. Right?

Wrong. Happiness is a state that comes from within. It is something that you keep yourself from experiencing. Your thinking keeps it at bay. The day does not determine if you are happy, you do. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=GIc116OK6zY

To be happy or not to be happy? That is the question.

It is a question that you answer each and every moment of the day. What is your answer to this fundamental question? I will share my answer:..
http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/to-be-happy-or-not-to-be-happy-that-is-the-question

Limitations of a Conditioned Mind

Make Your Life Great! Live Beyond Your Conditioned Mind!


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Limitations-of-a-Conditioned-Mind.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=AB8c75GFZfg

Love is a Big Subject This Week. You Need to Give Yourself Some Loving Too.

You may have bought some Valentine’s Day cards and candy for those that you love, however, what have you done to demonstrate love for yourself?

http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/love-is-a-big-subject-this-week-you-need-to-give-yourself-some-loving-too

Maintain a No Complaining Rule

Remember when you were a child and it was strongly suggested that you stop complaining when your whining was annoying to those around you? Well, this simple concept also applies to self-empowerment.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Maintain-a-No-Complaining-Rule.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=Phl_Wb4dM5o

End Your Confusion

So this morning I had another ah-ha moment. YES!
I have seen this particular aspect of myself many times before, however, it hit me on another level. There are times that I don't fully trust my judgment/assessment of a situation. Acknowledging this about myself created peace for me. I was looking for understanding and I got it!

You see, I felt a bit confused about what actions I should take regarding a particular situation but didn't know why. It was not about what I was choosing or not choosing, it was about not trusting my judgment/assessment of the situation.

When you get confused about which way to go or what to do, ask yourself what are you failing to understand about yourself. Get out a piece of paper and pen and write what comes to your mind. Be open and honest. Allow another aspect of yourself to be uncovered and revealed. You will have an ah-ha moment and create peace for yourself.

Don't Give Up on Yourself!

Empower yourself in the new year and beyond. Here are some simple tips that will ensure your success...
http://crystallake.patch.com/blog_posts/are-you-having-difficulties-keeping-your-new-years-resolutions-dont-give-up-on-yourself

Life Without Guilt

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Internally-Grateful-Newsletter---Inspiration-for-the-Self-empowered--Life-Without-Guilt.html?soid=1107361600166&aid=GhKI6qTPFEI

Anger

He attacks and he does so with great righteousness.
He claims that it is based on knowing what is best, what is good for all, and what should be.
He unfortunately suffers and behaves foolishly.

He pushes his ignorance on to others and expects full agreement.
He is easily angered when met with opposition.

He wears anger like a badge of honor that creates disaster in its wake.
He is a fool among fools for he cannot see what he actually creates.

He is proud of his anger; his own self-destruction.
His ignorance is great.

Do not be misled by his words for they are his ignorance verbalized.
He denies the healing power of his heart and turns the other way.
You know your heart. Look inward and heal.

Of course he could be she...

Blow Yourself Away!

Today I saw much of what I have been seeing but on a much deeper level on the pages of my journal. Again, I am blown away! My head is spinning for all the right reasons. Those of you that are on the path of empowerment understand what I mean. Self-empowerment involves a reorganizing of our brains, our minds. This is done by no longer thinking as we previously have been thinking. A new paradigm must be introduced, one that will elevate us.

We are capable of great actions, accomplishments, and a greater way of being. Fear, limited perceptions, historical baggage, and a small-world view must no longer create our realities. Our destructive automated responses and reactions need to be ended. Also, because we are unaware of ourselves, we often constrain and abuse ourselves.

Ultimately, we fail to fully value ourselves. This creates our misery. We fail to make constructive choices and live to our highest potential. Often, we fear failure and do not even attempt to live the life that we are meant to live.

Today, I am asking that you step back and take a look at your life. Nothing matters more than you taking the time to do this. Everything stems from your thoughts and becoming aware of their impact on your reality will help you transform your life. We all know this to some degree. However, we frequently fail to use this knowledge to our advantage and to the level that it can be used.

Make a difference in your life. Make that your priority. Ask yourself what do I need to understand to help myself feel better and accomplish what I want to accomplish. Ask yourself what matters most and is important to you. Spend 15 minutes reflecting on what matters to you and ask yourself how you can bring it to your life.

You will get answers if you take the time to ask. You will be blown away by your own inner wisdom if you give yourself the chance. You will begin to understand how you can make your life better. For those of you that are doing well, step it up and make it even better than you imagine possible.

Tomorrow ask yourself again. And each day after that. Making a beautiful life for yourself is a daily process. Clearing your mind and helping yourself is a daily affair. You style your hair, shower your body and take care of your material goods and possessions...your mind and thoughts need your daily attention too. 

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Volume 22: Don't Be Misled

Action for the week:

This week take a closer look at how you allow yourself to be misled by anger. You may be misled by your own anger and/or you may be allowing other people's anger to influence you and lead you astray. Either way, start breaking the pattern and no longer be misled by anger.

Read the statements below and reflect on what they mean in your life. Let the statements stir the pot so you can see what you need to see to help yourself. Write what comes to your mind in your journal as you read the statements below. Don't think or judge what comes to mind, just write.

- When anger attacks, it does so with great righteousness.

- Anger falsely claims to know what is best, what is good for all, and what should be.

- Anger creates suffering and foolish behavior.

- Anger pushes its ignorance on to others and expects full agreement.

- Anger easily multiplies when met with opposition.

- Anger is worn by some like a badge of honor that creates disaster in its wake.

- The one adorned in anger is foolish and cannot see what he/she actually creates.

- Anger is proud of its presence giving rise to self-destruction.

- The bearer of anger is ignorant of their own fate.

  

Do not be misled by angry words either in thought or spoken by others.

Anger denies the healing power of the heart and turns the other way. 

If you are the one who is angry, let down your guard, learn to forgive and accept what life has given you. Look for ways to know love and feel your heart. Look inward and heal. Ask yourself what you should do to move past your anger. Then do what you truly need to do to help yourself based in love.

If you are being misled by another person's anger and feel bad about yourself, see this person's anger as their own and do not take it personally. Look to your heart for healing. Ask yourself how you should deal with this person's anger. Don't feel responsible or accountable for their ignorance. See the truth about yourself and how you are hurting yourself needlessly and move toward love.

Anger's enemy is love. No matter if it is your anger or another's, move toward love, self-love. Self-love cannot ever be misled. 

 

Thought for the week:

Anger is the absence of love.

Love creates harmony.   

You can help yourself! Thank you, Toni!

You can learn to see life differently and help yourself. I can help you see what you need to see to be where you want to be. Toni, thank you for your glowing testimonial!

http://empoweredu.net/testimonials.aspx

Upcoming Workshops in February

Expand your reality! Check out my upcoming workshops.
http://empoweredu.net/workshopinformation.aspx

Internally Grateful Newsletter - Vol. 21: Simple Yet Powerful

As you know, self-empowerment is an inside job, meaning it begins with you. Self-empowerment begins with helping yourself. This is what enables you to shift to a better perspective and see life differently. We unknowingly hurt ourselves and need to change directions....
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The Fearful Child in Us

Today I saw another side of my fear. A new perspective and it was rather interesting. While I was in bed some fearful thoughts rose in my mind. They were of course irrational and of no value. Since my day begins with writing in my journal, the subject of my writing was my fear. My morning journaling routine allows me to make space for healing and gives me the opportunity to feel my connection with God.  Now, I first would like to say that I have been acknowledging fear for over a decade, and I have become an expert at letting it go. This morning I perceived something a bit different and it helped me get a handle on something that has been lingering and annoying me from time to time.

My fear seemed childlike. I looked at it in that manner...as the fear of an innocent child. Children fear some pretty harmless things as you know. Then when a loved one such as mommy, daddy, an aunt or someone wiser than the child sits the frightened child down and explains why they shouldn't be afraid, the child then begins to feel safe. Rather than feeling fear, the child develops an understanding that they previous did not have and their fear quite naturally becomes powerless.

Sometimes our fears are just that...a portion of a memory, a fearful feeling that just needs to be seen as the residue of times long gone and forgotten. Next time you are having difficulty with a fear, ask yourself if this is the case. If so, acknowledge it as such and let it forever fade.

Great Opportunites!

On Saturday, I had the absolute pleasure to be a keynote speaker for a group of about 60 amazing women. My presentation was about intentions. The event was very empowering. It was great! Toni Van Schoyck led and organized the event. She is a very inspiring and passionate woman. She is an Advanced Independent Director for Gigi Hill. They specialize in handbags...gorgeous handbags! Gigi Hill is an absolutely wonderful direct sales company and the positive energy that they generate is extraordinary. If you or someone you know is interested in direct sales, check out Gigi Hill.

 

Learn more at http://www.gigihillbags.com/index.aspx

 

They have a meeting in February.

Register online at http://sizzlegigihill.eventbrite.com/

 

Lessen your struggle.

I wear a leather bracelet that has the word truth embossed on it. My husband gave it to me as a gift. It is a wonderful reminder of what matters to me. It helps me maintain my daily focus of self-empowerment, and I feel good when I look at it. When times were a bit more difficult, it helped me let go of my stress and re-prioritize. I put it on first thing in the morning so it serves as a powerful reminder of my heartfelt priorities.

Physical reminders are very powerful. Consider using them to help keep you on track. A photograph, note, or poem posted in a prominent place can be very uplifting. A piece of jewelry or artwork can be a great reminder of what you are trying to achieve. Find something that will bring you comfort and lessen your struggle.  

Take a few moments to think about what you are struggling with and look for a physical reminder to put in view to serve as a reminder of what really matters to you.

What are you going to use to lessen your struggle?

Internally Grateful Weekly Newsletter, Volume 18: Renewal

Action for the week:

 

As the new year begins, we naturally think of new beginnings and renewal.  Let's take advantage of this feeling and renew an area of life that needs some loving attention.

 

Pick an area of your life that you feel is lacking and would benefit from renewal. It could be a relationship, a health issue, your career, finances or even a walk-in closet.

 

Grab a pen and paper and write down the area that you are going to renew.

 

Next, make a short list of 3-5 activities/projects/actions that you will take over the next week to start renewing this area of your life. Make yourself accountable by writing it down. Make the list doable so you will be sure to do what needs to be done.

 

This is a very simple activity, however, we often neglect what needs to be done. We have it in mind yet it may not come into play physically. This week put it into play. You will heal and feel empowered and that is a great way to live your life!

 

One a side note, I frequently suggest that you write information down such as make lists and answer questions, or make written commitments to ensure that you take action to get something done. Please consider having a journal set aside for this purpose. It will help keep you on track and keep your priorities in order.

 

Journaling helped me heal tremendously and still does. I never really wrote much of anything until I started healing. I became hooked! And I am thrilled to say that it transformed me into a writer. I am excited to let you know that I am working with a publisher to publish a book that I wrote. It should be available this spring. I will let you know more later.

Thought for the week:

Renewal brings vitality to what has lost its splendor.