More Questions and Always….Appreciation

Here I am….posting another blog message – almost a surprise to myself. Right after telling people they could follow me on blogger and thus get notified about my messages, I find out that Feedburner – evidently the addon that enabled such – is discontinuing this service in July. And it turns out my emails, for the last few months, have been going to people’s spam folders – particularly gmail accounts. I have no progress to report on “that” Tropical Spa Retreat…or even hints. It really seems there is one reason after another to discontinue my messages. However, all I need is one good reason to make a new post. And Spirit has given the green flag yet again.

Art by Daniel Holeman

As you are aware, everything is energy. So many folks are pining for the way things were and desperately trying to go back to the “old ways”. What they fail to recognize is that all those old systems were, in some way, broken or dysfunctional. Oh, they were functional for something – for getting us collectively to the point we are right now. If everything is energy, how did we get here? You can come to your own conclusions by following the energy. Follow the strongest emotions of the majority of mankind. Follow the greatest flow of money. Then, things will become clear. Thankfully, more and more are awakening to this understanding. They are consciously becoming aware of their thoughts (energy) and redirecting them in more desirable directions. Increasing numbers are spending their money more consciously - choosing to let their money speak by not investing in companies trying to “keep” the old destructive ways, and instead, supporting people, businesses and causes that are making this world a brighter place.

Speaking of the old ways, there are many old adages that aren’t particularly healthy or helpful either. Recently, on fb, I re-shared a “memory” of my kids when they were little. It was accompanied by this musing of mine, “That concept, ‘Live each day as if it were your last’ never worked for me since it was first introduced to me by a coach decades ago. I'd spend the whole day saying good-bye to my kids. Pretty sure they don't want to do THAT every day!” Another frequent example is someone trying to encourage another saying there are lots of others going through the same thing as you. Or, you’re not the only one with this particular challenge. While misery loves company might work for some people, it doesn’t make me happy knowing others are sad or challenged too. If I am in a (temporary) low place, thinking someone else is feeling the same would only make things worse. My point is not to tell you which sayings or beliefs are good or bad. I am simply suggesting you reconsider doing or thinking things just because you always have done and thought that way in the past. Consciously, rethink what was previously your automatic thinking. Perhaps there are some of the “old ways” that you might benefit from letting go of or updating for who you are now. Perhaps there are even new ways you’d never considered before simply because you were too attached or stuck in old way habits.

I remember a story I heard a while back that’s a great example of

doing things a certain way just because that’s how they were always done – Grandmother’s Ham. While there are various versions, it goes something like this:
A husband and his wife were in their kitchen. The husband was sitting in the kitchen while his wife was preparing a ham for dinner. The husband watched the wife cut off about one inch from either end of the ham. He asked why she cut the end off, saying “that’s a waste of good ham!” She said “that’s the way my mom prepared the ham.” The husband asked “why did your mom cut the ends off?” The wife didn’t know. Later, the wife called her mom to find out why she cut the ends of the ham off. Her mom said “because that was the way my mom prepared ham.”

The wife’s grandma passed away several years earlier, but her Grandpa was still living. She called her Grandpa and asked “Grandpa, why did Grandma cut the ends off of the ham?” He was silent as he thought for a moment. Then he replied, “so the ham could fit in the baking pan.”

 

Here is a beautiful excerpt from visionsofheaven.com ~ “In order to birth a new world, you as a collective human race, are dying to the old one. There will be no 'going back' to normal. There will be only 'going forward', and it is a glorious reality you are moving towards, even in spite of all the birthing contractions you continue to witness.”

Art by Daniel Holeman

What am I going to do from this point? Almost every aspect of technology is working “different” for me than it is “supposed” to....or is it? Perhaps all those “break downs” are guiding me onto new paths. Perhaps even my previous goals/visions are being re-written into something grander that even I could have imagined. I am definitely open to new possibilities. Living in trust is really second nature to me now. And I am super grateful that I always know my very next best step. No doubt when you take care of yourself, trust God ~ the Universe, and act mindfully, you will know your very next best step too!

 

As you know, I love to assist my friends any way I peacefully can. I have introduced this amazing gal before who is definitely helping bring about a new, brighter world. Nora Dunn – the Professional Hobo as she likes to call herself – has traveling long term down to a science. I am aware of many people starting to change their priorities over the past couple years. A surprising number have even expressed interest in spending more time in nature for extended periods of time. Whether local or across the world, Nora can definitely provide extensive guidance for those considering the leap…or hop….or flight. She is now offering one on one coaching both for long distance, long term travel as well as alternatives to travel while enjoying many of the benefits.

Nora gives aspiring long-term travelers (remote workers, early retirees, and more) confidence to hit the road, knowing they have arranged absolutely everything in the best way possible for them. This includes finances, logistics, emotions, and more - she helps you look at the whole picture so you can manage your affairs and travel safely, effectively, and stress-free. Learn from her 15 years of long-term travel; she made all the "mistakes" so you don’t have to! 

She does all this through 800+ articles on her website, an inspirational YouTube interview series, and most recently personal consulting. You can book a free 15-minute consultation with Nora here - and make sure you let her know I referred you! 😄

 

For those of you who look forward to my featured Gifts From The Sea and Other Treasures, please enjoy the feeling and detail of Mermaid Rock Enchantment ~ This Handcrafted OOAK Little Amethyst Mermaid enjoys sleeping in the sun on Mermaid Rock. She is hand-painted with fine detail from silver head to tail. She basks on a beautiful rock with a natural coral "mountain" atop. Crowning the coral is a stunning, authentic amethyst crystal - acquired by yours truly on a beach in Ecuador. Surrounding this cute siren are shell trees and "moss". Glittery blue waves splash the base. Rhinestones and bling capture the light increasing the enchantment. Gorgeous Beach Décor for yourself or that Little Mermaid in your life! Please contact to acquire.

Whatever is going on in my life, there are always more blessings than I can count in and around me. No doubt this is true for you too if you really look. I believe an Attitude of Gratitude is one of the simplest but most profound practices that help make this world a better place. In that spirit, please feel my deep appreciation for your presence in my life. Whether up close and personal or perhaps simply reading my writing, we each help shape each other’s lives. Together we are creating a brighter future…..a wonderful new world!

Love or Fear?

In your day to day life, are you coming from love or fear?
Are you living fearfully in a pandemic or peacefully in a beautiful world?

Abraham, via Esther Hicks, reminds us, “Never face reality unless your reality is just the way you want it to be.”

I understand it can be tough when you are in the midst of a major challenge to see beyond it. But the more you focus on that “reality” and, in a sense, argue for it, the more that will be your experience. So how do you shift a reality when almost everything around you reinforces it? You use your free will to focus on the aspects you desire – aspects that bring you joy- and use your imagination to create more of those. Concentrate intently on the exquisite beauty

of flowers you enjoy or marvel over an ancient tree. Really savor a delectable favorite food – anticipating it, relishing it with your senses, and being grateful after. Let yourself to be hypnotized by ocean waves,

a flowing stream or even a recording of such. You get the picture. Allow yourself to notice something difficult only if there is an immediate action you need to take in the moment to mitigate it.
Otherwise, simply observe your monkey mind wandering off on its own and Let It Go. Intentionally redirect your attention to something desired or appreciated be it “real” or imagined.

Remember, your mind does not distinguish between what is “real” and that which is vividly imagined.

It also helps to state things in the positive such as, “I am vibrant and healthy!” instead of “I’m so grateful I’m not sick anymore!”  However, the latter sure beats a prophetic mental recording of, “I always get sick!” Being vigilant with regard to our thoughts and words really does make a powerful difference.

Knowing the Universe reflects what you put out into it, it’s best not to report “negative” facts to others - unless they can help you improve your situation or you help them better theirs. Perhaps they have a connection to solve your difficulty. An example of how you might assist someone by sharing your story - Example: “I had a similar computer issue like you are describing and the amazing techs at Axicom resolved it like magic!”

A vast number of people are “stuck” in a fearful or victim reality because they are addicted and/or don’t know any other way. You probably know people addicted to drama. As you are aware, most drama is not perceived as particularly positive. For much of humanity, a certain traumatic or fearful way of life is all they have known. These people, collectively, have a difficult time fathoming existence can be any other way. First, someone has to wish for a better situation. Next, they have to have a glimmer of hope that it might be possible. Often baby steps are necessary although overnight shifts are possible. Part of living in love involves expecting “miracles”.

Another helpful thing to remember is that things/events are not inherently good or bad but our perception makes them so. For instance:

The bad news is I didn’t have my computer for several weeks due to technological issues so couldn’t do my usual activities. The good news is I didn’t have my computer for several weeks so couldn’t do my usual activities. I could go on and on bemoaning my woes resulting from not having my computer. I could also expound on the numerous silver linings resulting from not having my computer. While I did have a few rough moments, most of the time I was able to put my attention on the bright side.

By your example, are you teaching your kids or others you influence that things are awful and frightening? Or do you emphasize the wonder and excitement of what is? As you go about your day, think about pausing before you take action as often as possible. (New habits can take a while to form.) In that pause, ask yourself, “How would this look, if I approached it from a place of love and peace? What action might you take, coming from love, that would brighten others’ lives?

As per the mirror and ripple effects, this exponentially enhances your life and the rest of the world! Pretty spectacular don’t you think? Perhaps, as you move through your day more mindfully, you will notice the situations you typically approach through fear and worry. Stop! How can you turn them around? What new order/request would you like to put out to God/ The Universe with your intentions?

One way I am helping spread the love is by raising awareness about a relatively new platform called Sharebay.org It’s kinda like ebay but everything is offered free! Products and services freely given from the goodness of peoples’ hearts. “Sharebay, is a completely free, community-powered library of anything. Right now you can get everything from free land to free graphic design services; free gardening help to free video games - even toilet paper! :)
I like to think of it as a 'safe space' where those of us who dream of better things can begin manifesting a free and open access economy by sharing goods and services among each other today. Our motto is 'Give what you can, take what you need.' ”  Colin Turner (founder)

I would also like to share with you one of my recent masterpieces…. Sirena ~ Mystical Mermaid Queen. She is a OOAK (one of a kind) mermaid doll. Adorned with shells and jewels of the sea, she sits atop her coral throne. Even the piece of seaweed draped over the coral is delicately hand crafted. From her crown to her necklace to the variety of shells in her hair, the detail is exquisite! She holds aloft her magical conch as she shimmers in hues of purple, lavender and pearly pink in the sun. Is she really sitting there or is she your imagination?! 

This is a "sneak preview" before she is offered at our Gifts From the Sea Shop. Please contact if you are interested in acquiring her for yourself, your Little Mermaid or another friend of the sea.

Many thanks to all who have purchased Gifts from the Sea and Other Treasures. Big appreciation also to all who have supported my unique journey in so many generous ways. Sending out Oceans of Love from Me to You…..