JOYful News

Welcome! JOYful News is a newsletter intended to bring you information that is fun, inspiring, and uplifting. Each issue will contain different stories, tips, exercises, and suggestions focused on the JOYful - how to create more of it, sustain it, and connect to it more fully.

I have found it extremely valuable to make a daily practice of connecting to things that help to keep my vibration up, my focus on the positive and my energy level high, intentionally surrounding myself with that which uplifts me and feeds my soul!

You create your own kind of *magic* when you find reasons everyday to connect to that which brings you JOY!

To read previous newsletters, click here to view the JOYful News Archive.

If you would like to be notified when a new issue of JOYful News is posted,
then what are you waiting for? Become a subscriber today!

What Do We Really Want?
August 25, 2010

Over the many years I've traveled the path of self discovery, and while working with clients, it has become quite evident that there are certain qualities or values which everyone in their heart of hearts desires. Three in particular have come to my attention recently, which are: to be valued, accepted and heard (or understood).

A client of mine and members of her family have been going through a rather rough patch the last few months. This client was feeling that after almost 27 years of marriage, she had not been experiencing much fulfillment or joy for many of those years. Her realization was rather intense and begging for her immediate attention. She is now more than determined to change that for herself.

After several discussions with me, she agreed that the values or qualities mentioned above were missing from her life. She relayed to me that she really didn't feel respected or valued by her immediate family. "I certainly don't feel that my needs and desires are even a consideration for them. I thought I'd been communicating what I wanted over the years, but it's now very clear I did not know how to make my wishes understood. No one was really listening, including me!" And conversely, after some soul searching and intense discussion with her family members, they were all feeling much the same way. It was agreed by all that they were severely lacking in their communication skills.

The good news for them is that they have all decided it is something very important which they wish to work on as a family. Awareness and a desire to make a change is a great first step! And the first step always begins within. It always boils down to loving, accepting and honoring yourself.

I shared with my client that to create lasting change of this kind, she would need to begin by cultivating and integrating the values she desired in herself. Then her outer world would bring her experiences to affirm that she had indeed established the precise vibration needed to connect her to being valued, accepted and heard. It's all part of what will show up for you when you truly accept and love yourself.

I suggested to this client that she consider how she might answer the following questions:

• Do you recognize and esteem your own value?
• Do you accept compliments or praise graciously or do you downplay any kudos or commendations which come your way?
• Do you honor your worth on a regular basis?
• Do you acknowledge the unique contribution you came here to make?
• Do you set healthy boundaries?
• Do you respect all life and expect respect for yourself as well?

Next on the list is acceptance. Who hasn't felt the need to fit in with a particular group or even their own family at some point in their lifetime? Life experience, however, has shown me the true importance of self acceptance. The act of truly believing in yourself and trusting that you are completely capable of whatever you want to accomplish is the kind of acceptance which is truly beneficial in moving forward in life. What anyone else thinks or suggests may be politely considered, but also ignored altogether if it does not fit in with your own plan or beliefs. Be the biggest supporter of your own dreams and know that you are your own best resource.

Everyone yearns to be heard and understood. Start by tuning in and listening intently to what you really need and want in your life. Proceed by following through and honoring what that might be - however you can carry that out, whatever way is possible.

Clear and concise communication is paramount in being heard, whether you're communing with the universe or another in letting your desires be known. We are all different in the ways in which we perceive what is being expressed, so it's always a good idea to make sure that what you are wanting to convey is truly comprehended. And make no mistake here, as making your point clear does not mean that anyone else need agree with your perspective.

Remember the game you might have played as a kid called, Around the World? Someone whispers a sentence in the person's ear next to them, and it moves down the line until the last person says it out loud. It is never the same as the original message. If you're not truly present and paying close attention, the result will never be what is expected.

If you would like to encounter more of the same in your own life, begin by honoring your own value, accepting your worth, and offering your full attention as you really listen to the desires of your heart.

And lastly, know that the universe is also on your side and here to help. It will always support you and show up for you in every moment, but unless you are participating on equal terms in the process and doing your part, you will not be able to notice the ways in which you are valued, accepted and heard!

   

A Perfect Day

On August 2, just a few weeks ago, my husband and I joined about 25 others on a chartered yacht at Newport Beach Harbor set for Catalina Island. We were celebrating what would have been the 83rd birthday of my father-in-law, Chuck Bishop, who passed away last April. His last wishes were to have his ashes scattered over the ocean near Catalina Island, one of his very favorite places on the planet. Catalina was a destination which he thoroughly enjoyed traveling to during the many years he owned a sailboat.

The day started out very foggy, cool and damp. But all of us on board were determined to celebrate Chuck's life and honor his last wishes in high spirits. About an hour or so into the trip, the sun broke through the clouds and brought with it hundreds of dolphins leaping and dancing out of the water as we sailed on! Three or four dolphins swam quickly with great elegance and grace on each side of the bow, leading the way and joining our party, it seemed. I swear they were all grinning from ear to ear!

When we dropped anchor just a couple miles from Catalina, we held a ceremony where family and friends took turns scattering the ashes into the water. We all tossed flowers in as well to complete our tribute. And the highlight of the day occurred just as Chuck's wife began the scattering of the ashes. At the exact same moment, two para-sailers flew by our boat, just about as close as was possibly safe, whooping and laughing with delight. When we looked up we all noticed their para-sail was a big, bright, yellow smiley face - and we just knew that it was Chuck's spirit joining the celebration and acknowledging his approval!

We couldn't have wished for a more perfect day to pay tribute to Chuck's life!

Soul Card of the Month

Each month a card will be highlighted from my EnerJOYzer™ Soul Card deck and offered for your consideration. I ask for guidance in choosing a card to spotlight with a message that may give you something to contemplate. Here's what I received:

Just as my client discovered that she wants to cultivate being valued, she is also keenly aware that her entire life has led her to this point in time to direct her attention to the importance it holds for her. And with this awareness, she has an intense desire to do what needs to be done to see that goal fulfilled. So the contrast she experienced all these years has been a powerful fuel in lighting the fire of inspiration on her way to making definitive and positive changes. Never underestimate the value of whatever life brings forth for you. Know that on some level you have called it to you for your own growth, expansion and benefit!

Messages from MIC

Here is a message I was given during my daily ritual of connecting with them when I asked for a quick exercise to clear my mind as I prepared to do some writing. I was experiencing a bit of difficulty focusing and being present.

To Clear the Mind

"See a wall at the ocean's edge which represents your energetic block. Watch as a powerful wave comes in and washes over the wall. See it crumble into fine sand as it is swept out to sea. Now envision gentle waves of wisdom rolling in on a continuous, never ending cycle. As you sit on the beach where the sea meets the sand, allow the waves to wash over you as you soak in all the knowledge and information they have to offer - exactly what you need to know at this time!"

This simple but powerful exercise quickly brought me to a place of peace and connection and I've already used it several times with great success. Try it out for yourself when you feel the need to clear your mind.

Thanks again, MIC, for sharing your simple wisdom with me. You always know what I need to hear!

Energy Clearing Teleseminar

Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 5:30 PM (PDT)

FREE one hour teleseminar

This month I will be discussing 2 very universal limiting beliefs and checking in with teleseminar participants who would like me to test them to see if these are possible blocks for them. I will lead the group through a clearing process to help release these limiting beliefs. We will have time for discussion and questions as well.

Details for this FREE teleseminar will be sent to all JOYful News subscribers a few days before the event. If you would like to participate in this FREE teleseminar and are currently not a JOYful News subscriber, please email me, sherri@incrediblejoy.com, with the subject line "FREE Teleseminar" and I will be happy to send you all the details. Or if you'd like to become a subscriber, please click the Subscribe button below:

Click the Subscribe button to become a JOYful News subscriber.

Quotes to Ponder

When you please others in hopes of being accepted, you lose your self-worth in the process.
Dave Pelzer

If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.
Author Unknown

You'll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.
George Michael

Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy.
Wayne Dyer

So Remember...

If you are wanting to be valued, accepted and heard, it always begins with loving, accepting and honoring yourself first. Always pay attention to what your life brings forth for your consideration. Consider taking advantage of the many simple and helpful ways in which you can clear your mind.

I'd love to connect with you at my teleseminar next week if you can make it! I'll have a special offer for those who attend . . .

May each day bring you more JOY, unexpected and happy surprises and...
...the next step in living the life of your dreams!

In JOY,