Decide 2 Matter

Say Your Prayers

Most of the world believes in some kind of higher power, be it the higher self, the divine, the creator, the holy spirit, or the God/Goddess. If that's the case, how many of us actually ask assistance from that source? I am a very spiritual person and yet I've never really prayed on a daily basis. As a child, I was raised to say my prayers every evening. However, they held little meaning other than something Mom insisted I do.

Now that I'm older, I'm recognizing the power of prayer. Prayer can be thought of as simply telling the universe (or your choice of higher power) your wishes and dreams. There is a big sense of relief and release when you pray in this fashion. You give up a little bit of control. There's a saying that in order to grasp something new, we must release what we are holding onto. By praying, we are inviting help from the universe. More importantly we admit we don't have all the answers. How tiring is it to go around trying to figure everything out all the time? If you believe in a loving God/dess, an intelligent universe, or a supportive divine spirit, then let that higher power do what it loves to do best: help you!

To further my point, imagine if your friend was in desperate need of something you had in abundance. Wouldn't you gladly and wholeheartedly give to that friend? Too many of us sit silently by wishing for things that are within our reach if only we simply ask. When we pray, we are tapping into the abundance of the universe. Also, by releasing our desires and frustrations and fears, we are then open to receive.

Today, think on your higher power. Before you go to bed, just say a simple prayer. If the word prayer itself hold too many connotations you cannot get over, just wish on a star instead. Speaking your dreams and desires out loud if only to yourself is just as powerful. Why not give it a try? Say your prayers. You may find yourself waking up feeling lighter, happier, and more free. And slowly watch your life transform into something magical if not divine.

Well Being Cards

Well, I  haven't finished "Ask and It Is Given" but I picked up the Well Being Cards that have quotes from the book. Also, the pictures are beautiful. What's funny is that I have the cards with me at work. I often shuffle them at my desk and then randomly look at one. On one side is a short saying such as "seeking acceptance hinders my joy". On the reverse side has a mini paragraph speaking about whatever was on the front side.

I really love the idea of searching for and living in pure joy. That can really mean anything: being joyful. Also, I do believe in sending out your vibration and getting back a similar vibration. I recently interviewed for a new job. The vibration from this possible new position was fantastic. Everyone had this nice vibe. Where I work now, a lot of my co-workers are unhappy and you can tell!

The only thing that stinks about the job I interviewed for is this:
1. I'm really not interested in being someone's admin.
2. The commute is 4 miles farther away than my current job in the city.
3. I'd have to learn something new that I'm not interested in.

My conclusion? I'm going to seek my joy. What are my joys?
1. reading fantasy books
2. playing piano
3. helping people on the computer
4. drawing and doodling and other artsy things
5. writing music - though I haven't done it in ages
6. taking martial arts
7. learning computer stuff
8. working on my self

Really the top three have always been music, art, and writing (oh yeah, I forgot to add writing).  I cycle between the three off and on. Then when I want to get in shape, martial arts comes back. And there's also yoga, too. My body LOVES yoga. Oh, and there's spirituality and stuff (I say stuff a lot). But that almost falls into the working on my self category.

Okay, I'm just rambling. I'll write more later.

Practie Practice Practice

Have you painted today? Played your instrument today? Danced today? Wrote today? While it may seem that doing just a little is enough, we need to practice practice practice!!!

During my creativity coaching training, Eric Maisel mentions how artists (and by that I mean all creative types) don't get enough practice. I find this to be so true. Once we have the courage to own up to being an artist, we need to get into the habit of practice. We need to think of being an artist as a practice.

Do you have a dedicated time for your craft? Think of the things you do such as watch TV or read for fun that you could put aside. I've been making time to play piano for about 30 minutes a day. Even in that short bit of time, I'm noticing how much easier the songs get and how much I'm improving.

You don't have to dedicate too much time in the beginning. You'd never set out to jog 20 miles your first day. Just work a small amount every day on your art. With a little practice, you'll build your confidence as you see yourself improve.

Practice practice practice.

Do you qualify?

Do you want to be an artist? a writer? a musician? a dancer? Do you consider yourself an artist, writer, musician, or dancer?

Perhaps you are active in your desired field - or perhaps you aren't. Either way do you hold yourself back from realizing the full potential of your dreams because what you are doing know doesn't qualify for what a true artist should be doing?

Ever since I started reading for enjoyment, I longed to be a writer. So, as you might imagine, I own a ton of writing books. While each book has had its good points, one of them almost destroyed my dream completely. In this book particular writing book, the author stated that unless you were willing to write 7 or 8 hours a day, then you weren't serious and you weren't a writer. No in-betweens, no few hours here or there. You were only a writer if you wrote that long every day. No skipping holidays. No cookie for you.

Can you imagine my dismay when I read this? For a long time I held onto that belief, but thankfully over the years I've found it to be entirely out of whack. While it may hold true for the author, it doesn't hold true for me. There's no set definition of a writer. You don't need to be published to be a writer. You don't need to write 500 words a day. All you need to do is write and write whenever you can.

Many people think they should have special credentials, or that they should have their work in galleries or in print to qualify as an artist. What is it you think you should be doing before you can call yourself a writer, musician, artist, etc?

Try This Exercise

1. Identify what and who you want to be.
2. List at least 10 things you think you should do in order to qualify as (fill in the blank)
3. Ask yourself if these are realistic expectations.
4. Redefine the role of the "artist" to include you!

Your dream is as unique as you are. Don't hamper it by what you think you should be. Claim the title of artist, musician, dancer, or dreamer. Nurture your unique gifts, talents, and dreams. You qualify just the way you are!

Coaching Rates

If you are interested in coaching, I currently offer monthly coaching at $50 a month for 1 weekly email. Rates increase along with email frequency. Three months of coaching paid upfront via Paypal is $125 where you get one month half price.

We will explore where you want to go with your creativity, what stands in your way, and what concrete steps we can take to help you fulfill your creative dreams.

Why not make a commitment to your creativity and email me today about coaching? I look forward to working with you.

Everyday

What kind of life do you want? Do you want to make a change? If so, whatever you wish to do, you must do every day.

Do you want health?
Do you want fitness?
Do you want love?
Do you want more friends?
Do you want abundance?

Often times, when we want to lose weight, make new friends, eliminate road rage, or save money, we do our best for a week. Or perhaps we are so good we keep up with our new change for an entire month. Is it time for a celebration? Of course! But don't forget, you must keep it up every day.

For the changes in your life to manifest and take root, you need to make small consistent steps daily. These steps don't have to be overwhelming, but you can't be healthy after working out for just a month. Health is achieved over a lifetime in small every day actions. If you want to be a good Christian, or good Wiccan, or good Taoist, you don't just go to church once, do one ritual to the Goddess, or meditate one moment . You must practice your spiritual philosophy - you must live it - each and every day.

Do you feel overwhelmed thinking that you have to do something every day? You only live one day at a time, so it's not as hard as you think. Just be prepared to make positive forward steps each and every day. Before you know it, you'll get caught up in the positive momentum you've created for yourself.

What small steps can you make each and every day to move your life in the direction you want?

Morning Mantra

What is your morning mantra? Do you wake up knowing the day will go well? Or do you picture yourself stuck in traffic and in meetings? How do you start your day?

When you imagine a crappy day, you are sending out a mental map to the universe on how you want your day to begin. So why not change that mental projection to something positive. Try it and see what happens.

After getting up in the morning, try the following.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself "I love you".
Know that no matter what the weather is doing, you will have a good day.
If you are religious or spiritual, say out loud
"God/Universe/Spirit/Divine please help me have a great day today."
Train yourself to think the following: The universe (or your chosen
higher power) is bringing to me my greatest good. From me flows my
greatest good.

Pay attention to your morning routine, your morning mantra. Try these few things each morning and see how it changes your life. I'll be adding them to my life and will let you know what happens.

Sweets & Treats

Did you know that the best selling type of book is the cookbook? Guess what the second best selling book is? The diet book! Magazine covers are bombarding us with images of youth and fitness while enticing us with mouth watering images of triple chocolate mouse cake and fudge brownies supreme. It's no wonder we are caught between a rock and some tight pants (har har)!

We live in the day and age where self-care and pampering is getting more and more attention. But pampering ourselves with food causes more harm than good. When we use food to sooth, reward, punish (no cookie for you!), and motivate ourselves, we miss out on the great celebrations in our lives. Are you using sweets and treats to get you through the day?

Some thoughts...

What happened to birthday cake? We now have easy access Hostess cupcakes, twinkies, or some low-fat variety.
What about major holiday feasts? We have chicken roasts in the deli section or Boston Market down the street.
What about trick-or-treating? Halloween goodies assault up from every checkout line at the grocery store.
What about Thanksgiving? The grocery aisles have tastes and flavors to appease every craving. Gas stations have mini-marts with all our necessities.

When does it stop?

America is becoming (or already is really) the fattest nation in the world. So, I want you to ask yourself this.

Can you cut out some sweets and treats?
Do you really look at the food you put into your body?
Do you know why you eat?
Do you know what you are eating?
Is there a better way to handle your stress than eating?

Find a new way to appreciate, motivate, and reward yourself (and your children!!!). Save the sweets and treats for the holidays. Your body and mind will thank you!

Go the Distance

Starting any project brings energy and excitement. We get ourselves worked up. We tell our loved ones what we are planning on doing. We imagine ourselves being who we wish to be. But when it comes time to get started on that dream, that journey, the reality of it all comes crashing down.

Going the distance takes work! Imagine that?

What is it you are after? Are you prepared to go the distance it takes to get where you going? Often times we focus so much on where/who we want to be in life that we forget about the distance it takes (emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental) to get there.

Do you want to lose weight? Are you prepared to exercise 5 times a week or more? Are you prepared to change your diet? Give up sweets? Walk the dog more?
Do you want romance in your life? Are you prepared to learn more about yourself? Release old baggage and old beliefs? Make attempts to meet new people?
Do you want a better career? Are you prepared to work for it? Get that advanced degree? Study on your spare time? Turn off the TV?

Each thing you want to do has many small steps. Moreover, each dream takes many hours to turn into a reality. Sometimes it's fun to daydream of where or who we'd like to be. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact we should all daydream more often! But in order to get from here to there, you must go the distance.

Right now I'm taking piano lessons. When I was a child, I took lessons from age 8 to age 15.  It's been years since I had professional lessons, and it's quite daunting. Could I imagine myself playing complicated pieces? Could I visualize an audience enjoying the songs I've composed myself? Sure! Was I thrilled with the idea of being a pianist?

When the reality came crashing down that to realize my vision I had to practice at least an hour a day, maybe four or five hours if I wanted to be really good, the huge dream of being a pianist started  fading in the wind.

Am I still going to practice every day and do my best? Yes. But now I realize that being a pianist means daily practicing. Am I willing to dedicate four to five hours a night practicing? No. I love so many things that it's important for me to make time for them all. I am aware of the distance and of how much I can travel and better yet where I want to end up.

Are you prepared to go the distance for yourself, for your dreams?