Settling

There is no passion to be found in playing your life small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. But, far too often we convince ourselves that we must accept our current circumstances – that there’s nothing more we should expect out of life. We grow complacent and secure in our environments, but are rarely ever truly happy or satisfied with the quality of our existence. And, yet we all settle in some areas of our life out of fear -that staying small keeps us safe; or because our ego has convinced us that we are being a realistic, a mature adult or just because we have come to believe that we just don't deserve any more. Today the Universe wants you to stop limiting your life by settling for "less than". Whether you’re settling in your friendships, your relationships, your work, your family, or your self-care, settling feels terrible and it’s bad for you, for your work, for your relationships. Today, set your intentions to be honest with yourself about where you have been settling for boring or small in your life and why? Begin to really question your rationalizations and fears that stop you from living bigger and accepting more. Today, recognize that you deserve more and that confronting your fears will open up a whole new world for you-bigger and more abundant than you ever could imagine. Don't settle for less because you deserve so much more.

Just for today, I am willing to release the need to feel unworthy. I recognize that I deserve the best and I accept it now. I willingly release the need to struggle and suffer. I deserve all that is good in Life. I am willing to change in ways that broaden my life experiences. I am safe. It is only change and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Labels are limiting your life

We live in a society of labels. Everyone will try to label you, including yourself. Eventually, we begin to subconsciously believe those labels and we start to feel as though to be whole, to be someone in this world, we need to appease our egos and the voices around us by “fitting-in somewhere, usually within the labels we have chosen to accept as ourselves. But, even though those labels make us feel safe, they begin to limit our growth and our lives. Today, it is time to release those labels and begin to take your power back and choose to go beyond those limits-go beyond the labels. Today, acknowledge that you can become whoever you wish to become, or do whatever you previously and falsely thought you couldn’t. Today, consciously begin to erase the labels that are limiting your life. First, you must come to terms with what is real and what isn’t real—what is a self-imposed limitation and what is something you know, in your heart of hearts to be true. Then, you must consciously decide to step outside of the familiar box and into the unknown, which can be easier said than done. Releasing who you are to become who you want to be can be frightening because we all fear the unknown and change. We each fear not being good enough, we fear rejection, we fear failing, and we fear not knowing what is going to happen to us. Today you can overcome your fear and self limiting labels and recognize that life is short; don’t waste it living in fear of failure or judgment. You are not a victim of your past and in truth you are not your labels. You are a human being capable of anything you set your heart, mind, and soul to. Once you drop the labels, open yourself up to the endless possibilities of who you are and can be, you will be free. Most importantly, you will no longer be a victim of your past or your perceived faults or your self imposed labels. Know in your heart that you can overcome anything, simply by doing the work, facing your fears, and staying open to the endless possibilities that this life has to offer. Today, hold onto your character, integrity, and morals, but leave every other part of yourself open to the universe of possibilities. Today, recognize that wakening up to who you really are means letting go of who you imagined or labeled yourself to be.

Just for today, I go beyond barriers into possibilities. I relax and know that the Universe supports me at all times. I now live in the totality of possibilities. I am loved and supported by Life itself. I am safe. It is only change and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Communication

Many of us have trouble being truly honest and direct in our communication. Perhaps, we don't want to "hurt" another person's feelings or we fear being rejected by the other person. As a result, we sugar coat the truth and we tell people what they want to hear. However, with all our beating around the bush and making people feel better, our communication suffers and people are never sure what we think, what we want or need. In fact, you may even have forgotten what you truly believe or want. Today, begin to recognize how honestly and directly you communicate with others. If you are having trouble being direct, it's most likely because you fear the other person's response. And, even though you may be frightened, the more straight forward you are the easier it will be for you and everyone involved. Today, if you fear that what you have to say may bring you rejection, remember to accept yourself first. Then it doesn't matter what others think. Today, summon up the courage to be honest and direct even if it scares you! When we learn to speak our truth, we become courageous, we value ourselves, we become worthy, we become enough, we finally become ourselves.

Just for today, I have the courage to speak my truth. I have the courage to ask for what I want in healthy ways. I am courageous. I am whole. I stand in my power. And everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Letting go-your path towards peace

Today, it is time to acknowledge that there will never be a time when life is simple. But, there will always be time to practice accepting that fact and that every moment offers you a chance to let go and feel peaceful. Today, set your intentions to LET GO-let go of the frustration with yourself or your life and instead focus all your energy on something you can actually control instead of dwelling on things you can’t; let go of anger and bitterness by reminding yourself that you always have the choice to remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it. These acts create happiness; holding onto bitterness never does; Let go of the relationships in your life that you absolutely know serve no purpose in your life except to consistently end up hurting you. Today, let go of all your hurt, disappointment, fear, anxiety, anger, regret and frustration so that you can find peace. Today, remember if you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. Let go today!

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I let go of all fear and doubt and life becomes simple and easy for me. I surrender to what is, I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. I forgive and let go. And so it is.

Meditation

People around the world have practiced meditation for centuries It’s one of the most effective ways to find inner peace, relax, and cope with stress. And yet, mention the word meditation and instantly everyone has a "good" reason why they "can't" meditate or why hobbies, sports or even napping are their ways of meditating or you don't have enough time-all lies of your ego and fear. Today, begin to examine the reasons why you have chosen not to give your mind and heart a rest through meditation. Today, recognize that all your reasons are just excuses. Today, recognize that it is easier than ever to create a meditation habit-there are apps, classes and books that can help you create a regular meditation practice. And when you do, you will find more peace, more concentration, more tolerance and forgiveness for yourself and others. Today, stop fighting and start investing in your future and inner peace by creating a meditation practice. Small shifts in your thinking, and small changes in your energy, can lead to massive changes in your life.

Just for today, my mind and body are in perfect balance. I am a harmonious being. I allow myself to become quiet and still and I am amazed at what I find, the Universe is just waiting to share its secrets with me. I love myself enough to go beyond my childhood limiting beliefs and thoughts. I am now a secure, empowered adult. I am safe and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is

Just be yourself?!

Today the Universe wants you to just be yourself! And, that may not be as easy as it sounds! First, you need to recognize who your true self really is. Your true self is who you really are when you let go of all of the stories, labels, and judgments that you have placed upon yourself. It is who you naturally are without the masks and pretense. It is who you really are when you let go of other people’s stuff that you have taken on. Everything else that you claim to be when you say, “This is who I am!” is only a story. Today, begin to get to know YOU so you can begin to be" just be yourself". Begin to peel through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs about who you are and begin to see and understand who you really are underneath all those layers. When you let go of the old ways of thinking, follow your heart, and do what you love, you begin to align with happiness and peace. And, when you reach peace and joy, you will then know you are connected with your true self-you are just being yourself. Today, allow yourself to go beyond all of those conditioned beliefs and thought patterns that you have accumulated throughout your life and just be yourself.

Just for today, as I move through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs, I see within myself a magnificent being-wise and beautiful. I love what I see when I look inside me. I am willing to let go of every thought, belief and idea that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I am willing to change. I am safe and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is

Self pity

One of our worst enemies as we are faced with challenges is to succumb to self pity. And even if you have been facing what seem to be insurmountable challenges self pity will only keep you stuck right where you are. Today begin to acknowledge that self pity is a sign of insecurity. You want to be pitied because you crave attention, and without pity, you may worry that nobody will care about you. There is something inherently alluring about having a victim mentality. If you believe yourself to be a victim, you surrender your personal responsibility, which essentially gives you “permission” to blame someone or something else for your negative situation. And blaming others is such a waste of time. It also means that you somehow believe that you “deserve” pity. So if something bad happens, your ego seeks out pity in order to reinforce a victim mentality, which then allows you to abdicate your personal responsibility to do something to change your circumstance—while receiving attention that you might associate with feeling important or loved. Today, begin to listen to the victim stories that you may have been telling yourself like the unfairness of it all and how you have it more difficult than others. When you notice yourself engaging in pity-seeking behaviors, short-circuit your conditioning by practicing gratitude and recognizing how good it feels. Instead of focusing on how you have been wronged or hurt, immediately think about something positive in your life. Repeatedly practicing gratitude will reverse the conditioning that caused your behaviors in the first place and help you create positive feelings without needing negative reinforcement. Over the long term, you need to build a sense of self-worth by accepting personal responsibility for your life and consciously choosing to change the situations that aren’t working for you. When you feel like you control your own fate, you stop being a victim and you feel far more valuable as a person. Today, substitute your sad, victim stories with tales of victories that you have in reality accomplished. Know that gaining self pity is not the road to self actualization or for that matter happiness. Today, know that you always have a choice to perceive things differently. You can focus on what’s wrong in your life, or you can focus on what’s right. Today choose to see what's right in your life.

Just for today, I choose to feel good about myself. I remind myself each morning that I have the choice to feel good about myself. It is a new habit for me to cultivate. I release the need to blame anyone. I always have the power to change my life and my thoughts. I am safe. I am strong and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

A noble truth about suffering

One of the four noble truths of Buddhism is that life always involves suffering in obvious and subtle forms. Even when things seem good, we, as human beings, always feel an undercurrent of anxiety and uncertainty inside. And yet, most of us spend our entire life trying to avoid suffering; are completely shocked by our suffering or that there is something wrong with us because we suffer. Today, it is time to stop viewing yourself as broken, damaged or in need of being "fixed". Today, begin to see that in truth there is nothing to fix in your life. There is nothing to do and that there is nothing to become. Coping with human challenges does not mean that you are less-than or that you are damaged; it only means that you are experiencing things all human beings experience even if your ego has some other idea about being perfect. The trick is not to bend life’s will to your personal desires-to try to make like what you "think" it should be. It is the other way around. You must find the flexibility to bend to Life. Today, accept what life is offering you now and stop focusing on your suffering and how you think your life should be different. Today be willing to unconditionally accept whatever life is at this exact moment. Today, just accept and know that you are healing which means to make whole not perfect And, that healing begins when your acceptance of your life and its lessons begins.

Just for today, I willingly release any need for struggle or suffering. I am willing to accept my life as it is. I deserve all that is good in life. I recognize that peace begins within me. The more peaceful I am inside the more peace I have to share with others. The inner creates the outer always. I now go beyond barriers to possibilities and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Sensitive season

We are in the midst of Cancer season, which may be making your feel extra sensitive and unsure of yourself. Yet, universally you and I are all being asked to to make bigger, bolder and more expansive choices - to take risks. And, that means you need to let go of a lot of people, ideas, intentions, and circumstances, which are keeping you mired in struggle, suffering and basically stuck where you are at. And even if it is tempting to want to forge ahead, you need to process what you have been feeling and experiencing. You need time to grieve, to feel, to release, and ultimately plan for your fantastic future. Today, recognize that there is a lot going on inside of you that you need to process before moving forward even if you are tempted to ignore it all and force your way forward, no matter what. Today, recognize that you will get to where you want to be one step at a time, one day at a time.

Just for today, I listen to my feelings and I am gentle with myself. I know that all my feelings are my friends, not just the ones I like. I am safe when I express my feelings. I can remain serene under all circumstances. I am centered and focused. I feel more secure each day. I joyously let go of everything that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I am safe, divinely guided and loved. Life supports me in every possible way and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Your happiness is right here

Have you been waiting for the big moment when you can make that big change that will lead to happiness? Well, today it is time to wake up to the fact that you have been wasting your time waiting for whatever you think will make you happy. Today, it is time to recognize that your ability to feel happier comes from inside yourself, not from external circumstances. You don’t need to quit your job, move to an exotic location, lose weight, have more friends or more money to be happy. You can embody happiness right now. Today, no matter your situation, you can start right now to experience that happiness that you've been waiting for when something happens or when you get something that you have wanted for a very long time. Today, recognize that the key to happiness is appreciating what you have at this moment. Sure, we all want to make changes sometimes. But one change, no matter how big, is unlikely to transform your current misery into a state of elation. Today, begin to appreciate the small things in the world around you that do make you smile and laugh. Appreciating the small things in your life right now will add up to big changes in your mindset. Today, stop criticizing yourself for everything you aren’t, stop longing for that one thing that you think will make you happy, stop missing what is right in front of you and start appreciating your life for everything it is.

Just for today, I awaken appreciating everything in sight and I give thanks for it all. I recognize that the Universe totally supports every thought I think and choose to believe. I have unlimited choices about what I think. I choose balance, harmony and peace and I express it in my life. I am perfect exactly as I am right now and everything is always working out for my highest good, even if I don't know it right now. I am safe and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

New Moon in Cancer

We have a New Moon in Cancer, the compassionate and nurturing crab . New Moons are always a potent time for setting intentions, for as the moon's light grows so do your intentions. And, since Cancer, the crab carries its home on its back, representing its desire to always feel safe and secure, you too may be looking for new ways to feel more secure and “at home” with wherever you are right now. Feeling at home is really about acceptance, accepting where you are right now, even if you do not want to be there any longer. It is about embracing the reality that where you are is where you need to be, even though you may feel challenged, fearful, or at odds with what lies before you. You may feel like you don't fit any longer where you are nor do you really know how to get to your next place-a place where you feel at home and that you fit in. Today, set your intentions to practice radical and unwavering self-care by being gentle with yourself, standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and moving from a place of compassion. On this New Moon, set your intentions with the knowing that you are building a better life for yourself. You may feel uncertain on the journey. But, today have unwavering faith that you are always safe, divinely guided and protected. Just for today, I move through life, knowing that I am divinely guided and protected. I am safe. It is only change. I now cross all bridges with joy and ease. The old unfolds into wonderful new experiences. My life gets better all the time. And so it is.

Overwhelmed, then stop!

Juggling all the pieces of your ever evolving life, new and old, can be exhausting and overwhelming. And, you may feel like you can't stop to catch your breath or to evaluate whether what you are so busy doing is really serving any purpose in your current life. Today, if you are feeling overwhelmed by what is happening in your life, stop and try something else. It may seem counterintuitive to stop and do something else because you have so much to do and can't waste any time doing anything else, especially not stopping. However the amazing thing is that when you do stop doing what is causing you to feel overwhelmed and change your focus, you actually regain control over the shape of your life. You may not have control over all your life circumstances or even your emotions, but you do control how you react. When you choose to react in ways that nourish your sense of well-being, like stopping and giving yourself a break, you will be able to face challenges for what they are, not from the exaggerated place of overwhelm. While overwhelm is bound to happen in your life, you can choose to react in ways that enable you to feel confident and in control. It’s not the same as running away from your problems; it’s finding a new route to get around them which will have the immediate benefit of improving your sense of well-being and the long-term benefit of helping you take action and find solutions without so much suffering. Today, recognize that by taking charge of the content of your life and intentionally choosing to stop, you can find that even when overwhelm happens, you have the tools to work with it and the power to shape your life through your consciously choices and actions. Today, when you feel overwhelmed choose to stop and do something else. It will help you make it through this very messy period of reinvention of yourself with greater ease. Keeping going because you are making progress, just make it easier on yourself!

Just for today, my life is joyously balanced between work, place and rest. I nourish myself by saying no when I mean no and yes when I mean yes. I know what I want and I do not have to apologize for it. With the Universe as my partner, I move from success to success. I share my harvest of good with others and we are all blessed. I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of my ever changing life. And everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Gratitude for it all

We live in a world full of teachers—both people and experiences—that enable us to learn, grow, and continually evolve into the people we want to be.

We have many, if not all, of our basic needs met, allowing us, in truth, to comfortably enjoy life’s abundant simple pleasures and to stress about small inconveniences. We may not have it all, or the same things other people have, but we each have countless things, people, and opportunities to appreciate and enjoy. And, this moment will never come again, and there’s no guarantee the moments that follow will look anything like this. Knowing this somehow makes the present more precious—even if things aren’t perfect. Today, acknowledge and allow yourself to awaken to the fact that your Life is a gift. It isn’t always easy, or happy, but it’s one hell of a ride—and it wouldn’t be without the bumps, turns, twists, losses and gains. Today, know that it is okay to feel angry, despondent, and disappointed. It’s okay to wish things were different—that you were healthier, or happier, or generally less lost in the world. And, nothing is ever gained by ignoring reality or repressing your emotions. But there’s a difference between embracing your feelings and stewing in them. It might not be possible to be feel grateful all the time, but it is possible to be grateful more often than not. Today, set your intentions to find things to be grateful for. Today, remember, gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Be grateful today! Just for today, I express gratitude for all the good in my life. Each day brings me wonderful new surprises. The more gratitude I feel the more I am aware that the supply is endless. I am grateful for every experience that I have ever had for they have shaped me into the person I am today and that is exactly who I am supposed to be right now. I love, approve and accept myself exactly as I am. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.