Become Secure in Living Joyfully In our quest for stability and security we create habit patterns, which over time are well established, seductive, and comforting. Just wishing for them to be expanded isn’t enough. Growth does not come to those stuck in habits without the willingness to push out their boundaries. In other words, change is our friend. In fact, being uncomfortable is our friend as well. When we graduate from school, we do not continue to return to that same school. We know that our next experience await us. Growth begins with mindfulness and awareness. Are there stories we keep telling ourselves? We can’t do this; we are not skilled enough, good enough? Do we limit ourselves? Is it time to question the validity of these stories? Are we still talking about the time in our youth when we were rejected or we lost our best friend? Do we use this as justification for staying stuck? When we are distracted by strong emotion, remember, it is part of the path. Can we learn to feel the emotion and breath it into our hearts and let it go? As we become the observer and observe the process, we are reminded that emotion is part of life and part of our path. It is energy that flows and we allow it to do that. If we can remember to experiment with our awareness like this, even occasionally, we are training as a spiritual warrior. And even if we are unable to practice when distracted, but we are aware that we cannot, we are still training. Never underestimate the power of compassionate awareness. Play and Laughter are vital to feeling good. In a society driven by a strong work ethic, people often aren’t getting enough endorphins surging through their body-mind. It is important to laugh and play during some part of each day. Fun creates balance and health It is suggested to cut loose every day – in fact, schedule it into your calendar. Here are some ideas: • Rent a stupid, funny movie and laugh out loud. • Turn on the rock music and dance for ten minutes. • Play with small children and let them tickle you. • Call someone up and tell a joke. Have them tell you one too. • Most of all don’t wait until you’re in a low mood to be playful. Spontaneity means being natural and playing is the most natural thing you can do. • Laugh for no good reason. • Finally let go of any fear of looking foolish. The only people that would criticize you are unhappy ones and you are releasing them from your life as you cultivate a lighter demeanor. ENJOY!!!!

The New Age – What is it? We are living in a time of rapid change and we better know how to handle it because right now, what seems to be real and stable is often gone the next day. The Universe is trying to help us move in the direction of our Highest Good. Our choices are to fight it or flow with it. As we flow with the Universe, there is conservation of energy and peace. When we struggle against it, we lose energy, experience confusion, and feel defeated. The truth is: the Universe always wins or I should say, perseveres. It sounds a bit like a battle but it really isn’t. The only reason it may seem that way is that we are being asked to change – change what? Possibly change everything - our modus-operand us, our beliefs, our relationships, our professions or possibly all the above. Wow! You say. Yes, we live in a time of immense change. We are moving into a kinder, gentler world and to do that we must release our aggressive, combative, competitive tendencies and that means the inclination to make ourselves do something, or be something that is not appropriate for who we are, plus we must let go of the idea of beating out the other guy. In our new world we will get along better and support each other. That means if you have been in a job that you have hated or that works against your values, you will be moving on. Or, if you are in relationship that doesn’t support or empower you – yep! You will be moving on. It really mans that we will be creating a more loving world. That is the great part! What to do about all this? It might be good to relax and learn to flow. Enjoy the ride. As stated earlier – the Universe does not give up, so you might as well go with it. Another idea is to sit in silence every day – or if you prefer – write a letter to God and let God respond – yes – through your own hand. “Dear God – there is some confusion in my life. This or that is not working; I’m in conflict. Please help me out.” Yep! Sit quietly and let your hand write. You will be pleased, perhaps surprised. Yes, we are all changing and it is good. Flow with it and see where you are to go and what you are to do and to be. It might be fun!

Let’s give Thanks! (First rule of prosperity) One of the great laws of prosperity is “gratitude.” Gratitude sounds simple yet often it is not practiced. When most people gaze around and perceive all they have achieved and accomplished (tangible and intangible), instead of feeling awed and appreciative, they often think, “Is that all,” or “But I don’t have that thing, event, or relationship,” or “What’s next?” In other words, stopping to smell the roses is not part of the repertoire. Stop and think, do you consciously appreciate your friends, family, home, job, your freedom, your health, the money you’ve earned? It is easy to take these things for granted and think that what you have isn’t good enough or there isn’t enough -- the car isn’t a Rolls Royce, it’s an old Chevrolet; “I’m not President of the company, I’m only ______“ (fill in the blank). “I don’t make enough money, have enough prestige, live in the ‘best’ part of town, know the ‘right’ people. Attention is not on what you have, but on what you do not have, on what’s missing, on what is bad rather than what is good in life. This is called “fear-based” thinking. You never win or feel good about yourself, when you focus on lack and live in fear. Realize instead that the old car transports you wherever you want to go. Your current job is a stepping-stone to wherever you go from here. The house you own represents the down- payment on the next one. All your past learning experiences graduate you to the next level and prepare you for greater expression and service. You will more easily move to a new car, job, home, elevated opportunities, by appreciating the ones you’ve already experienced. Value your present job position and the customers you now have and the new customers will more readily present themselves to you. It is a law of nature. When we accept and are at peace with our current status, things begin to change naturally, easily. A deep, sincere gratitude sows the seeds that blossom in abundance. This is a principle of nature and it is magnetic. When people feel acknowledged and appreciated, they more readily acknowledge and appreciate you. When you are grateful for all you have and all you have experienced (event he seemingly bad stuff), your life expands. Start your day with appreciation of all the opportunities at hand and end your day with gratitude for all you have experienced and all the ways you have given and received. Your energy will soar! Oprah Winfrey keeps a gratitude journal where she daily acknowledges everyone and everything for which she is grateful. It works for her! Her life is abundant! Hey, what a great world we live in! We have endless opportunities to express, experience, live freely, laugh, love, share and enjoy all sorts of abundance. I’m grateful; are you?