Gratitude

As we head into the frenetic end of the year whirlwind, it is important for you to stop and remind yourself to appreciate everything that you have, everything that you've let go of, how much you've achieved and accomplished. And, be grateful for the fact that you are still alive. And although your ego may be telling you that the changes in your life aren't happening "fast enough" or in the exact way that you thought it "should", you have changed, and you are far wiser, more resilient and are ready for a new year. Today, remember just as trees grow toward the light in barely perceptible spurts and then suddenly they stand tall reaching towards the sky, you too have been growing and changing in small ways, every day. Today, allow yourself to slow down and appreciate the beautiful life and world that you live in and how far you in reality have come. You are exactly where you need to be right now, accept it and be grateful for it all.

Just for today, I look at all the positive things in my life and I am grateful. I am grateful to be alive and it is my joy and pleasure to live another day. I recognize that every experience that I have is perfect for my self growth and that I am always in the right place, doing the right thing at the right time. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. All is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Trust amidst uncertainty

Every time you use the present to stress about the future, you are choosing to sacrifice joy today to mourn joy you might not have tomorrow. It may seem like you are creating solutions or somehow protecting yourself from pain, but in all reality, you and I are just causing ourselves more of it. Although we know that worrying about the future is a waste of time and that it robs us from joy in the present moment, it is only human to worry and unrealistic to think that we can always stay present. So, today instead of forcing yourself to stop worrying by staying in the present moment, use the combination of being in the moment and trusting in the one to follow. You and I can’t always control what our future will look like, but we can know that more often than not, it will lead to something good if we’re open to it. When it doesn’t, trust that you will get through it—and faster if you haven’t already overwhelmed yourself with what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. Today, acknowledge that on the other side of worry, there’s trust. You can’t always trust in specifics, but you can trust in yourself.

Just for today I release all negative thoughts of the past and all worries of the future. I am a capable person and I can handle anything that comes my way. I trust the power that created me to protect me, guide me and love me at all times. I trust that everything is always working out for my highest good. I am safe and Life always supports me in every possibly way. And so it is.

Give yourself a gift today

Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, or how you honor it, there’s no denying this is an emotionally charged time of year! We either celebrate all our blessings, or we look toward the year to come, wondering what it will bring us. You may even be comparing this holiday season to how it used to be, focusing on how different this year is. Today, whatever your unique situation this year—whether you’re in a growth cycle or working through feelings of loss—you have many gifts to give and receive, if you allow yourself to recognize them. Today celebrate the gifts that you RECEIVE every day-your breath, your freedom to change and to live the life you truly desire; the lessons that you have learned this year and your ability to connect with those people who love you. And, you also have so much to GIVE like your attention, your kindness, your acceptance, your forgiveness and your light. Today, set your intentions to celebrate, to give and receive and know that you are worthy, beautiful, and valuable to the world around you and to me. I thank you for the gifts you give me every day by being a part of my journey. Thank you and merry Christmas.

Just for today, I celebrate my life and I am grateful. I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now. I give myself the gift of forgiveness and set myself free. I give myself the gift of unconditional love. I am blessed and I believe that everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Stop trying to change other people

Many of us spend a lot of time complaining and focusing on the behaviors of others. We complain about how other people don't do what we want and we try to change those people in our lives that we have deemed "wrong or defective." Today it is time to stop trying to fix other people or their behavior and accept that if you want change, you are the one that needs to change.

This isn’t necessarily pleasant to hear. Because, of course, as long as you and I complain about what other people need to do, we avoid the discomfort and effort of looking at ourselves and making changes in our own lives. Expecting others to care for you or take responsibility for your life and your happiness can only end in disappointment and disempowerment. Today, it is time to acknowledge that you can restore your own sense of personal power and commit yourself to change the things that you can change-and let go of the things and the people that you cannot change. Today recognize that you can try to communicate and share with others, but you can’t change them. On the other hand, you always have the option to look inward, claim your power, and take steps to begin to change yourself. You can make yourself into the type of person you keep wishing others would be and do the things you keep wishing others would do. And while it may be scary to just stop trying to change other people and let go, it should also be an encouraging thought. Because the truth is that the power for change, either for ourselves or the world, is not anywhere “out there”—it is always and has always been inside of you.

Just for today, I recognize that I cannot change other people. I let them be who they are and I simply love who I am. I cannot learn other people's lessons for them. They must do their own work and they will do it when they are ready. I do not fix my problems. I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. I am safe. It is only change and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Everyone is a mirror

"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." And, your relationships can offer you challenges and great rewards. Each and every person around you is a mirror, shining back at you what it is that you need to focus on for your highest growth and evolution. So, today as you begin to make your way through the upcoming holidays, be mindful of who or what situations trigger you for they offer you insights about what you don't like about yourself and thus, offer your the opportunity to forgive yourself and to learn and grow. Ultimately, everything and everyone is here to reflect where you are in or out of balance and where you need to change your thinking and your actions. Today, set your intentions to be grateful to those people, places and things that just get underneath your skin, irritate you or just downright annoy you for they are reflecting back to you what and where you need to change, to learn, to grow and in some cases to finally let go.

Just for today, I attract only loving people into my life for they are a mirror of who and what I am. I am willing to forgive. I know that the person who is hardest to forgive is the one I need to forgive and let go of the most. I love myself therefore I attract loving people into my life. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Silver Linings

One of the biggest sources of our unhappiness and discontent, as human beings, is not being able to adapt to change. Instead, we cling to things we’ve lost or get upset because things don’t unfold as we want them to. However, what we overlook is that this is a fundamental law of life, the ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Things come and go, nothing stays the same, and we can’t control most of the things we’d like to. Accepting this and learning to adapt and go with the flow can bring you one step closer to happiness. Today, begin anew by consciously accepting that Life changes as the seasons do. What you needed then may not be what you need now, and either way, you might not have control of what exactly is unfolding. Today set your intentions to adapt to the inevitable changes that will happen in your life, not fight against them. Life is not about what happens to you but how you react to it, and some of your biggest disappointments can lead to better things in life, bringing you new beginnings, if you learn to adapt and embrace change.

Just for today, I am willing to change. I have the strength to remain calm in the face of change. It does not matter what other people say or do. What does matter is how I choose to react and what I choose to believe about myself. I choose to believe that I have the power to change my life. I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of my every changing Life. Life supports me in every possible way and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

The Great Conjunction

Today is the shortest day of the year, when we celebrate the Winter Solstice, marking the first day of winter and the return of the light. And, we all can definitely use more light in this year that has been challenging, relentlessly trying and heartbreaking. The solstice reminds us that just as the sun rises every morning, so shall the light return after a long winter. Adding to this hopeful return of light is the "Great Conjunction", making this shortest day of the year, perhaps the most important and impacting. The Great Conjunction is a rare astrological event that happens every 20 years or so. It involves the meeting of both Jupiter and Saturn at the same degree of the zodiac. Today, those two planets are closest in proximity than they've been since 1623. And what makes today's Great Conjunction even more special is that those two planets are meeting in an air sign, Aquarius, which has not happened in 800 years. Today, Jupiter and Saturn are connecting at zero degrees in Aquarius, ushering in what some people believe is the Age of Aquarius. And because Aquarius is a sign of hope, dreams and humanitarian ideals, this event will usher in a new era of hope and limitless possibilities and potential-individually and collectively. Today, set your intentions to fill your heart with love and hope. Visualize with your whole being what you wish to create for yourself and the world. Do not look back, do not continue to look to others to fulfill your dreams, but rather trust that what lies ahead of you is far more in alignment with who you are now. Trust that you are a lot stronger and wiser for the lessons that this year has given you. Today, let go of what was and let in new opportunities and new potential for growth, peace and ultimately alignment with your highest purpose and the highest purpose of the world.

Just for today, I recognize that this is a new day. I begin anew and claim and create all that is good. I know that the power that created me has given me the power to create a new life. I know that I can create all that I wish for with my mind and my thoughts. I am truly someone special. I begin anew, right here and right now. I am safe. It is only change and in truth, all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

The Age of Aquarius

Life will feel a lot lighter beginning today when Jupiter moves into Aquarius. For the past year 2020, Jupiter the largest planet in our solar system and the planet of expansion has felt constricted in the sign of Capricorn. Finally at the end of this oppressive year, our social planets Jupiter and Saturn are shifting into Aquarius. And that shift will feel like a weight has been lifted of your shoulders. Jupiter guides us to look at the bigger picture and expand our mindset to gain new insights and information. Aquarius brings innovation, collaboration, unity and most of all freedom. Both Jupiter and Aquarius are known to push passed limits and break through glass ceilings. The old ways of doing things, the tried and true traditions of the past, may just not be enough anymore. The world is changing, we are changing, and this strong Aquarius energy is only going to advance that. Today, celebrate the joy and optimism that Jupiter brings. It is time to spread your wings and fly!

Just for today, I handle my life with joy and ease. Wherever I am there is joy and laughter. I am perfectly happy to be me. I am enough. I am an unlimited being, receiving from an unlimited source, in an unlimited way. My future looks bright and beautiful. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Become a master of your mind

I know many people who are adamant that Life just happens to them. In fact, they unconsciously move through life on autopilot, awakening, doing the same routine, thinking the same thoughts and never considering the reason why they keep experiencing the same negative and challenging experiences. And, it is very easy to dismiss the notion of being on autopilot for a large portion of your life. But if you don’t consciously create your desired outcome for a prosperous, successful, and happy life, then you are not living up to your true potential. Today, it is time to awaken to the fact that you and I are the masters of our own destiny, and if we put the work in we will undoubtedly see positive results. Changing your life for the better is not about completely changing everything at once. The first step in creating a better life for yourself is to be consciously aware of the direction you are heading and what your thoughts are about that direction. The choices you make have consequences, and the thoughts you think affect the choices you make. So the best place to start if you want to change your life is to change your thinking. Today, begin to allow change to happen in your life by taking full responsibility for your thoughts and actions. Today stop blaming anyone or anything for the way your life is today. Today, recognize that it is not what happens outside that affects your life. If you believe that life is hard, then guess what—it will be. If you want to change your life for the better, you need to start with yourself, and the first step is by controlling your thoughts. Today, acknowledge that you are not your mind, you are the person who can control what the mind thinks. Today begin to take responsibility for your thoughts and then take responsibility for the life you create. One thought, one decision, one action at a time. Today, consciously accept that if you change your thoughts your life will change.

Just for today, I acknowledge that I am not a helpless victim to my thoughts, but rather a master of my mind. I say out to every negative thought that enters my mind. No person, place or thing has any power over me for I am the only thinker in my mind. I create my own reality and everyone in it. As I change my thoughts, I watch my life change. I am safe. I am in the process of making positive changes in every area of my life. And so it is.

Resentments

Life is short. Time spent feeling angry or resentful about things that happened or didn’t happen is time squandered. And, resentment is like a cancer that eats away at you a little bit at a time—time which could have been filled with love and joy. Today, consciously let go of all the resentments that you have been holding onto and in reality have been holding YOU back. Today instead of ruminating about how someone has done you wrong, send that person love. By sending only love toward someone, praying that they receive all the wonderful things you want for yourself in life, you’re slowly chiseling away at negative emotions that do you more harm than good-that only hurt you and never do anything to the person that you are holding resentments towards. Today, be grateful for all the lessons that that person has given you. A heart that is full of gratitude has little room for resentment Today, consciously let go of your resentments. Transform your bitterness into sweetness. Dig deep, not to find fault in others, but to find the gifts within your soul; therein lies the gift of your pain and the beauty in all that you have suffered. As it has been said, resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Just for today, I choose to release all hurt and resentment. I forgive everyone for all perceived wrongs. I recognize that every experience I have is perfect for my self growth and every experience has shaped me into who I am now, the person who I am supposed to be in this moment. I am willing to see how and where I need to change. I am safe, divinely guided and protected. Everything is working out for my highest good and so it is.

Revolutionary changes are ahead

Everything is about to change in a big way. In fact, some astrologers are calling this a "revolution". And, this week we began to experience that revolutionary change with the New Moon Solar eclipse. The finale will come on December 21st, the solstice, when Jupiter and Saturn will connect in an event known as the Great Conjunction. Those two major planets have not joined together in the freedom loving sign of Aquarius since the year of 1623 and that connection will initiate radical change in our society and in ourselves. What is initiated this week will propel our culture forward into the future. Today, Saturn begins its two year journey into Aquarius. Saturn is the planet that requires discipline and hard lessons. Today, set your intentions to be open, really open, to change. We as humans inherently resist change. However, Saturn will insist that we make the necessary changes to heal ourselves and our society. So, today set your intentions to really be open and willing to change in ways that you can't even imagine; in ways that will move you into new ways of being for your highest good and for the highest good of the world. Be willing!

Just for today, I am willing to grow and change. When I am ready to make positive changes in my life, I attract whatever I need to help me. I am willing to see where and how I need to change. I am willing to release old negative beliefs. They are only thoughts that get in my way. My new thoughts are positive and fulfilling. I am willing to let go of the people, places and things that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I am willing and Life supports me in every possible way. I am safe. It is only change and so it is.

Everyone is doing the best they can.....

One of my favorite principle is the simple truth that everyone is doing the best that they can with the knowledge, understanding and awareness that they have at any given moment-including ourselves. That simple principle of believing that we are all doing the best that we can has the power to open our hearts to kindness and compassion. It allows us to see one another as human, flaws and all. It allows ourselves to stop pushing, berating and becoming frustrated with others or ourselves. Today, if you feel frustrated with yourself, or someone else, stop to consider that maybe, just maybe, that you both are doing the best that you can. As Louise said "most people are doing the best they can, given what they know and understand, including you. If they knew more and were aware of more, they would do things differently."

Just for today, I release the need to blame anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge, understanding and awareness that we have. I love myself for all my mistakes and missteps. They have been very valuable to me. They have taught me many things. It is the way I learn. I am willing to stop punishing myself for my mistakes. I love and accept myself just as I am. I am safe and in truth, everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Stop chasing and start choosing

Somewhere along the line you may have developed the philosophy that your happiness is dependent on the approval of others and that being "liked" is imperative for your own happiness. And that need to be liked or approved of has shaped the way you and I present ourselves to the world. However, in doing so we lose who we are, we lose our authentic selves and any kind of authentic happiness. Today, it is time to become your own best friend and the only person whose opinions matters. Today, recognize that being authentically happy starts with the realization that you are both the source and the cause of your own well-being. We never get to experience the world as it really is; we only get to experience our thoughts about the world. It isn't actually other people’s disapproval that makes us unhappy; it was our mistaken belief that happiness is something that comes from outside of ourselves in the form of approval. Even when it looks as though our emotional state is being dictated by our circumstances, that is never true. Our thoughts are the root of our emotions. Today, begin to recognize that all the happiness you have been looking for outside of you can finally be yours when you stop chasing and start choosing. The more you are willing to love yourself, in all your messy glory, the less you will go searching for happiness in the wrong places. When you are comforted by our own self-love, we no longer need to find comfort through external fixes. Today, recognize that nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

Just for today, I am my own best friend. Other friends will come and go. But I am always here with and for myself. I support myself in feeling good. I am far more than other people's opinions. My opinion of myself is the only one that matters. I love and approve of myself unconditionally. I love and approve of myself no matter what they say, do or think. I am safe. I am loved and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.