Time to Explore and Do Something Different

Greetings to You ~

How did you choose the career you're in right now?  Was it based on:

• how much you enjoy doing the work; or
• how much money you'd be paid

If you're earning a good living but not feeling happy and fulfilled you're not alone.  So many of us have been responsible and hardworking at the expense of our own peace and joy.

Some people don't mind working at a job that is "just ok" because they do something meaningful outside of their working hours.  If you're missing something in your life that lights you up try exploring.  If you don't, it's likely you'll become discontent and miserable.

Are you living for the weekend?  A wise mentor once told me that I needed to get a mid-week life.

It didn't seem possible with the hours of work, the commute, family commitments and maybe getting some exercise.  They were all "gotta do's."  But that was an excuse for not taking action and getting out of my comfort zone.

Consider what you would do if you were given a six month paid leave of absence.

• Would you be happy to travel and return back to your existing job?  
• Would you want to go back to school and learn something new?
• Would you want to complete a creative project you've dreamed about?
• Would you spend the time developing a business idea?
• Would you just love to spend time at home with your family?

Make an Exploration List of 10 things you would do.  This week take one action to help put the wheels in motion toward one of those dreams.

It may be to read a book, look for a course, research on-line, talk to someone who's doing what you'd love to do.  This action will activate possibilities.

Just like dating, we can go out, have fun and not get married to an idea.  Make a commitment to go somewhere where the person you dream of being would hang out.

Happy dreaming and exploring.

Peace and Joy ~
Sheila
xo

Gratitude and Appreciation in 2010

Happy New Year Greetings to You ~

Are you wanting a deeper connection with yourself and others in 2010?

One of the steps to creating or maintaining a deep connection is to stay in the high energy of gratitude and appreciation.  We want to keep this energy activated everyday and create momentum.

Why do we want to do this?  It avoids the roller coaster of feelings between good days and bad days. When we perceive things went well it's easier to be grateful and appreciative.  You'll be running your cup way more than half full by creating this daily ritual.

You'll be writing every day in a gratitude journal.  Choose whether you're going to take five minutes first thing in the morning or five minutes in the evening before you go to sleep.  It opens up your day or brings closure to your day with the high energy of appreciation.

Some people like to choose a specific number of things they are grateful for each day.  I use an engagement calendar with every day of the week on one page.

You may wonder if you really need to write it down.  Can't you just think about what you're grateful for?  It's important to write it down because the outer action brings clarity and focus.  A key step with manifestation.

Start with, "I appreciate that..." or "I'm grateful for..."  Also include at least one thing that you appreciate about yourself.

• I appreciate that I'm finding the big and small things that are good in my life
• I appreciate that I'm becoming stronger, wiser and more grateful
• I appreciate that I took time for yoga
• I appreciate my beautiful hair, eyes, smile...
• I appreciate my unique gifts as a...

I'll share with you a quote from this week's Inner Reflections Engagement Calendar that I use as my own Gratitude Journal.

"Think of the beautiful happenings of the last year... Sow the good you did in the past on the fresh soil of the New Year, that those vital seeds may grow in an even better way."                            ~ Paramabansa Yogananda

Your feelings of gratitude and appreciation are the seeds of good things to grow in 2010.

Peace and Joy ~
Sheila
xo

Gratitude and Appreciation for You in 2009

Greetings to You ~

When was the last time you appreciated yourself and everything you do?

Gratitude and appreciation for yourself and your achievements is an important step to connect with your Higher Self.  It's a very high energy and can shift us away from lower energies of worry, fear, overwhelm and the like.

It's often easier for us to focus on gratitude and appreciation for others.  That's really great but we also need to learn how to be grateful and be appreciative for ourselves.

A good way to start is by making a list of 10-25 things you did in 2009 that you're proud of.  This may be difficult for you but it's SO important.

Why celebrate yourself?  Because you may forget how wonderful you are in the days, weeks, months or years ahead.  During those times you may hold yourself back from doing something really huge.  This list is for you to keep forever and refer back on.

It's more meaningful when you're specific and really powerful to include how you felt. Here's some ideas.

• I learned how to...I felt really confident after expanding my comfort zone
• I planted a garden...I felt so peaceful and connected to nature
• I overcame a challenge...I felt stronger knowing I can handle things better than I thought
• I helped my family...I felt so much love for...
• I reached out to friends...I felt happy
• I made a decision to...I felt enthusiastic 
• I became more responsible about...I felt empowered
• I had fun doing...I felt joy and freedom

Create a file in your desk or computer or keep a special journal where you'll save this Celebration List. Take one hour and list all of the wonderful things you did, journeys you took, leaps of faith and changes you made, challenges you overcame.  Add the good feelings that came from each of those.

You do things and have gifts that are special because there's only one of you.  You're unique and see things and people in your own way.

What if you held yourself back or felt some doubt with a decision to move forward with something? That's the time you'd take out your Celebration List of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful things you've done and remember how awesome you really are.  You'll also remember those feelings and realize you are fully capable.

Cheers to you and all you did in 2009!

Peace and Joy ~
Sheila
xo

Giving and Receiving to Yourself

Greetings to You ~

How are you feeling after the holidays?  Feeling a bit tired?  Feeling disconnected with work and a regular routine?

That's natural after all of the outer actions and "doing" that has taken place up until now.  Sometimes it creates a habit of busyness. Saying yes to invitations or a feeling that we "should" get together over the holidays because you have some time off.

I'd encourage you to take time to connect with your own inner guidance. Ask yourself these questions:

What do you need for yourself right now?

What would replenish you and fill you back up?

Many of us need a bit of solitude and recovery from the giving to others.  A perfect time to give back to yourself is before the New Year as the urgency of getting things done goes on pause for a few days.

What if you received one of the following?  How do you think you'd feel?

• Quiet time with a book
• A break from cooking and going out to eat
• Time spent in nature
• Going for a walk or a run
• Watching movies at home or going out to the theatre
• Stay in your PJs all morning watching TV

So, before automatically saying yes to the requests of others and filling up your calendar, make yourself a promise.  Decide to do something really special and loving for yourself this week.

Pick the day and the activity.  Receive and enjoy the time for you.

Peace and Joy ~

Sheila

xo

Lights of Hope

Greetings to You ~

Visited the inspiring Lights of Hope display at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Our family spent two Christmases there so compassion goes out to those who aren’t able to be home for Christmas.   Appreciation is also sent to those who work during the holidays in service to others.

For those of you who are missing a loved one who has passed on, hold a happy thought in your mind and close to your heart.  Their physical presence is missed but their essence and how they made you feel is just a memory away.

The challenging times often bring us closer to our loved ones and helps us appreciate what's most important.  It also makes us appreciate the happy, fun-loving times even more.  Let the people you love know how you feel even if you may feel a bit uncomfortable sharing that.

Extending a bright light of connection, healing and hope to you this holiday season. 

Peace and Joy ~

Sheila 

xo

Holiday Connection

Greetings to You ~

Have you taken a moment to connect with the part of the holidays that fills you up?  The tradition that puts you in the feeling of joy, gratitude and appreciation. 

If you didn’t get your greeting cards out on time, forgive yourself.  What’s the intention behind your greetings?  It wasn’t to check something off your to do list.  You really wanted to connect with someone right?

How can you best do that?  Sending an email, an ecard, a letter or a card?  How about calling someone just to say I’m thinking of you.

Remember it’s about connection.  People crave this.  They really don’t care how you connect, they just want to know that they are remembered.

When you’re acting from spirit you have an invisible force on your side where more time and energy magically shows up.

Stop for a moment and ask if you need to give to yourself or someone else right now.  Take three deep breaths and a few minutes of silence.  What inspired idea comes to you?

Whether it’s connecting with others, yourself, a pet or Spirit.  Fill yourself up with that connection.

Peace and Joy ~

Sheila 

xo

Winter Solstice Tradition

Greetings to You ~

Many cultures celebrate the darkest night of the year as a birth of a new season.  Had to share a most incredible Winter Solstice tradition. 

In Vancouver there are two locations where a Labyrinth of Light is created with over 700 candles. A community centre is transformed into a sacred space.  When you walk through the doors it smells rich with beeswax and immediately you feel a shift of energy. 

By donation people are able to walk through the Labyrinth in a self-guided ceremony.  The intention when you walk toward the centre is to help release old attachments. Letting go of what no longer serves you.

As you make your way back out of the maze you envision new possibilities for yourself. 

This is a perfect time to consider your intentions for 2010.  Guaranteed, if you write it down and don’t even look at it again, manifestation will occur.  It gives yourself and the Universe clarity with what you want in your life.

Make a list of what you want to let go of or heal.  Not being good enough, smart enough, rich enough, thin enough….letting go of fear and worry.

Make a second list of what you want to bring into your life.   Consider what you want to expand in these seven areas:

1. Spiritual
2. Mental Learning
3. Career or Volunteer
4. Financial Wealth
5. Family/Home
6. Social Network
7. Physical Health & Wellness

Create your own end of year tradition.  Light a candle and put your pen to paper with your desires and intentions for 2010…the year of illumination.

Peace and Joy ~

Sheila 

xo