Whom Do You Need to Forgive?

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds upon the heal that has crushed it" ~ Mark Twain

When I think back on the events of my life, my heart warms at the thought that I have been blessed to see how powerful forgiveness can be. Absolute forgiveness shifts your life's energy from feelings of victimization and helplessness to an energy of happiness and empowerment.  Being able to exercise forgiveness shows that you love and trust yourself and the universe to attract the life you deserve. I am eternally grateful for the difference "forgiveness" has made in my life.

"There is no statute of limitations on forgiveness. I cease to limit my life by forcing life to conform to my limited understanding. In the presence or absence of explanation, I forgive myself and I forgive others." ~ Keith Harrell

Whom do you need to forgive--a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker, business partner, yourself? Don't waste another precious second. Empower yourself by creating a positive, loving energy shift in your life--forgive someone (and really mean it) and you'll soon see that the feelings of anger, hurt and judgment will be released from your head and your heart.  You owe it to yourself to get past the emotional roadblocks and move on.

Tough Day

I'm having a really tough day today. I'm surrounded by people who challenge my "kill them with kindness" philosophy (in a very big way)! Trying to stay positive and shake this profound sadness. Trying to let it go.

In the face of madness and disappointment, I'm grateful for God's love and the unconditional love I have for myself. Everything will be okay.

Think BEFORE You Speak!

Many of us have a fair amount of stress and unresolved issues in our lives so it's not hard to overreact when people say or do something we don't like.  Although we may try hard to maintain peace and balance, sometimes we are caught off guard by the words or deeds of others.  When people "push your buttons" you have choices in how you can react.  If you respond from a place of defensiveness, you run the risk of saying something you may later regret.

I find it easier to take a step back and take a close look at the offending person or correspondence.  I may even go through a series of breathing exercises or meditation--to get clarity on my feelings and thoughts. Usually, if I allow myself an "emotional time-out" before I respond, I am able to stop that catastrophic slip of the tongue and save myself future pain and embarrassment.

If someone is truly being hurtful or obnoxious, don't give them the satisfaction of lowering yourself to their level.  Instead, respond with kindness, patience and love.  Remember that words make a powerful impact and once harsh words are spoken, they cannot be retracted.  Think before you speak (or write) as wounds inflicted by words of anger or hate can last a long time.

The Power of Grace

When I think of the word "Grace" I think of elegance, confidence, unselfishness, service and yes, I think of power. When we live with grace, we are conscious about the confidence and power that goes along with being in a state of grace. We are careful not view people and situations with judgment and we do not allow ourselves to be defined by the standards and judgment of others. We accept that we do not have to fight, bully or impose our will on others to be heard and we move through life with as much softness, love and light as possible. Knowing who we are, loving ourselves and others and being of service to those less fortunate can promote a lifetime of unwavering faith, power and grace.

Love & Fear

"There are only two real emotions: Love and Fear." ~ author (uncertain)

I've heard this quote a lot and often wondered about its accuracy. I started applying it to my life--decisions I've made, the road I've traveled. Do I agree that love and fear are the only two "real" emotions, I'm not sure but what I do know is that these two opposing emotions have been at the root of everything I've done in my life.

Think back to all of the feelings you've experienced and the decisions you've made. Maybe you've been silent about something that was bothering you because you wanted to keep the peace or perhaps you acted submissively because you didn't want to be judged or not liked. When we make fear-based decisions we usually end up regretting them and sometimes we end up blaming or hating ourselves for the outcome and for being unauthentic. When we make decisions based on love and trust, we may sometimes feel a little vulnerable but ultimately, we feel free, strong and empowered for having the courage to choose what our heart desires.

Since you are the co-creator of your life with God and the universe, you get to choose...going forward, will you live your life and make decisions based on love and trust or fear and doubt? Everything you need to live an authentic, fulfilled life is already inside you. Trust it, call upon it, use it to create a life you can be excited about.