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