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!




Give Yourself Permission to be Powerful
September 15, 2008

During a recent session with a client the following message came through:

Let go of any inadequacies or limitations you're hanging on to. They do not serve you, but linger only with your permission. See yourself as worthy, capable and powerful. Claim your strengths and gifts!

We agreed that is was indeed a very powerful message that any of us could take to heart! How many of us are hanging on to a limiting belief or a perceived inadequacy that is keeping us from moving forward? And do we realize that they do only linger because we have done nothing to let go or release them through our thoughts, choices or intentions?

Do you see yourself as a truly worthy, capable and powerful being in all areas of your life? If not, now is the time to give yourself permission to be that powerful, to recognize that you are always worthy and to proclaim that you are completely capable of manifesting all that your heart desires!

I've often found when working with clients, that the only obstacle in front of them is their own belief in their limitations. And when they realize that they can drop that old programming, claim their power and then tap into their strengths - it's amazing how that thought process and the simple act of allowing changes their energy. It's like watching a deflated balloon get filled up again at lightning speed, ready to float off to parts unknown and new adventures!

It matters not how or when any of your limiting thoughts became part of your belief system. What is important is to know that when you really begin to see yourself as the powerful creator that you truly are, the old programming will fall away on its own. And sometimes what stops you from claiming and living in your power is fear. You may be concerned that you will not know how to use or manage your power wisely. We often fear the brilliance of shining our light more than remaining in the shadow of our true selves.

But if you make the decision to embrace your strengths and use your gifts you will be adding energy to the positive picture of the person you wish to be! Yet it's really just clearing away the cobwebs and dusting off the residue that was covering up the real you underneath. When you give yourself permission to be powerful, you allow your light to shine. You are able to then live your truth and become your authentic self in every way!

I now invite you to step into your Divine Greatness as you repeat after me with enthusiasm, "I give myself permission to be powerful!" How does that feel?

Willingness
Just how willing do you think you really are? How willing are you to do what it takes to align your thoughts, your energy in a positive direction - consistently? I am frequently asked, "How do I get there? What are the steps?" Where does one begin the journey of moving into the state of being in JOY, happiness, peace or contentment and staying there more often than not? To be aligned with those wonderful, good feeling, positive energies is something we all desire. The practice of redirecting negative thoughts again and again is one path to getting you there.

Although, many of you may know and agree with the premise that if you give more of your attention to things wanted, that is what you will create in your world - there is more to it than just focusing on your desire. A key ingredient in making things come alive for you is the willingness factor. This means that you are serious about your commitment to establishing and monitoring the habits that will bring you the changes you wish to see come about. You are eager and more than willing to do what it takes to get there! It is definitely a practice, one which you usually need to develop over time. A powerful desire and a strong dose of willingness will spur you on and help keep you vigilant in your quest to redirect any unwanted thoughts.

Many times I hear clients say that it's difficult or too hard to find a thought that feels good or even a little better when they have negativity thrown at them. That's why it's a practice! You need to consistently practice your new skill with every opportunity. This is where your willingness and commitment come in to play. You will more than likely be challenged often as you begin using your new tool. I promise you, the more you use this skill, the more you will observe positive experiences showing up in your life. If you have the willingness to achieve your desire, you will be relentless in your continued practice and will surely see results sooner than later.

I'm frequently asked to share my own experience regarding this subject. I had come to a point in my life some years ago where I realized I better get serious about taking some "new steps" or nothing was ever really going to change in my life. I was very aware that what I was doing was not bringing me the results I longed for - more consistent and lasting JOY.

It was a practice that took a while to get comfortable with, to become a natural way of being for me. Things began to change slowly. I experienced many ups and downs along the way, but I was determined and truly committed to reaching that "place" I'd heard others had gotten to and lived in most of the time. I really, really wanted that state of feeling good to be my norm, so I became relentless and ever vigilant about redirecting any negative thoughts that came in. Eventually, an awareness of change emerged. I was experiencing that feel good state much more than I ever had before. My commitment and practice had paid off!

Use your willingness to redirect any negative thought that pops up. Then redirect, and redirect again if you need to so that you change the course of your thinking to something that is more pleasing, an improved thought - even if it just feels a little better. Use that technique to build a bridge to a more positive state.

Throw out any thoughts that may arise to nag at you about it being too difficult! When you believe something is going to be hard to do - it will be! Start softening your self-talk with phrases of encouragement and support. For example, "I know that with time I will get better and better at this. It certainly is worth the effort to align my energy with positive thoughts because I know that my efforts will eventually pay off. I've seen evidence of it with others who practice this sort of thing. I want that, too! To feel good, to feel better and better with each day - yes - that is what I do want!"

If you're feeling right now that you could use a little upgrade in your usual state of being or you feel you may need to make some positive changes, so you can actually experience happiness or JOY consistently - then ask yourself, "Am I wanting this enough to commit to doing what it takes? How much willingness do I really possess?"

You'll know when you start seeing evidence of change and start feeling more JOY! If you are really ready to make a change, you will have the willingness, the commitment and the focus to practice and continue to practice until you see the results that you want!

Inner Peace
The following 'bit of wisdom' was recently sent to me by a friend and I wish to share it with all of you:

"I am passing this on to you because it definitely works and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr. Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.' So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, one of Zinfandel, the Bailey's Irish Cream, a half bottle of Kailua, an open package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now. Please pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace."

While the above piece of 'wisdom' is a sarcastic and humorous take on Dr. Phil's statement, it really does contain a bit of sage advice. When we take care of loose ends, clean up and clear away piles that may have accumulated around us and organize the things that will make our lives flow more smoothly, it really can make a huge difference and have a positive impact on our mindset. I remember hearing Louise Hay advise some years ago that whenever you want to make room for something new to come into your life, a good exercise to get the energy flowing for the arrival of your desired manifestation, is to clean out your refrigerator. Get in and clean out each shelf, plus all the bins and drawers really well, getting all the bits of old or moldy food that may be lurking behind the condiments.

There is also a psychological and energetic benefit that comes with the act of clearing out and organizing things in your life. It can help keep you clear headed and more focused. Your personal, outer environment is a mirror of your inner state. Clean up the clutter in your physical surroundings and clear up your mind as well. Plus, a major tenet of Feng Shui teaches us that keeping things organized and uncluttered allows a clear pathway for energy (chi) to flow smoothly and unimpeded.

I know that I always feel really good after I clean out my closet. I have had a habit for years of going through my clothes, shoes and accessories each season and giving to charity the things that I have not worn during the past year. Clearing away the old and unused is a statement to yourself and the universe that you trust the flow to bring you that which you'll need in the future. You don't have to hold on to something "just in case". "Just in case" is an indicator of lack consciousness.

Sometimes we find it harder to get started with the task of clearing out than the actual act itself. One tip is to begin with just one room at a time, breaking it down into manageable pieces to work on, one area at a time, and even just one task a day if the whole thing seems overwhelming. If you need to decide whether to keep an item or not, ask yourself if it's something you absolutely love, if it is really useful or if it's something that lifts your energy as you consider holding on to it. (Oooh, this process of deciding whether to let go or not can be used for anything from jobs to relationships!) If something is no longer a match to your vibration, you will feel a dip in your energy when you focus upon it.

Make the project of clearing out as much fun as possible. Perhaps playing upbeat music as you work, maybe giving yourself a time limit like playing beat the clock when you have to go through a pile of stuff deciding whether to pitch it, save or revive it (meaning you actually plan on using/wearing it now that you've found it again). Whatever makes the process easier, quicker and more enjoyable for you, I know that you will be happy you made the effort! Your energy is sure to feel lighter and freer after each task is complete and that is one sure way to bring yourself more inner peace!

Quotes to Ponder

What is the standard of joy that you are demanding of yourself? From your Nonphysical perspective, its' a high, high standard.
Excerpted from an Abraham-Hicks workshop in Seattle, WA - 7/2/2005

Sometimes the Universe doesn't give us exactly what we want when we want it, because there's something better down the road.
Sandra Anne Taylor, author of Quantum Success

What a wonderful JOYride life can be when you are in the driver's seat!
Sherri Bishop

So remember...
Give yourself permission to be powerful, claim your brilliance, step into your Divine Greatness, contemplate your willingness quotient, and know that inner peace is just a step away if you clean out your refrigerator!

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

In JOY,