conceptualmuse

I am challenging myself to be vulnerable and reveal my inner writings. Exposing my inner journey with others allows not only me to feel vulnerable yet it set's a tone and an environment I want to live in. If we all could hold space for growth without judgement I feel we can create a more loving trusting world. I am not afraid to bare naked thoughts and experiences with you. Also would love any feedback on your thoughts we can share. Thank You away we go on our magical mystery tour.

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There’s nothing like just sitting with your old friend.  It’s like that comfortable feeling of coming home, free to just be you, knowing that you are safe with no fear of being open and honest.  Yet, sitting with an old friend that you have outgrown or has been dishonest with you can feel down right toxic.  This kind of person is constantly in a state of fear or victimhood.  They inevitably end up judging you or pressuring you but most of all creating unnecessary drama.  

I honestly came to a standstill; I was over it.  Could this be the last straw?  All I wanted was to leave or go to sleep so I didn’t have to discuss or feel this pain any longer.  Constant chatter and endless emotions sent me into a tailspin. The sense of inevitable doom charged the moment… and I felt myself reacting. I would do anything to shut them up. During these times I would reach for anything to distract them:  party, escape into a mindless movie, Facebook surf, seek others attention, mind numbing actions, but never facing the situation heart on.  

Stewing in my exhaustion, I recognized the need to take a moment to calmly sit with them in silence.  Eventually I created a space which allowed me to not react but become grounded in my personal power.  I was able to take this time to question and feel what was awaiting me. What are the triggers or stories that stir me up?  It’s said that when a particular trigger is set off it is a reflection of something that we do not like within ourselves.  I attempted to remain calm during this uncomfortable space, and eventually these awkward waves of energy dissipated.  I was able to see that their intentions were coming from the right place. They may have sensed I was not being 100% honest with my own needs or not coming from that special place in my heart thus leading them to feel unsafe with me and constantly testing my intentions.  

I needed to contribute more of my authentic self to our relationship to bring safety within our bond.  It was remarkable how this silence gave me the space to learn how to manage our relationship. I had to remind myself to remain in my heart and not my head space.  This allowed for empathy and compassion to surface which eases anger and frustration. As much as they can be so annoying and constantly challenge me, I love them so much and I know how much they love me.  We have been through a lot together and I can see how it could be easy to judge and become over protective.  I appreciate that they care enough to not want me hurt or harmed in anyway.   

When I finally took the time to slow the situation down and not react, I saw how I ultimately was the one who allowed the other to control my state of mind.  Constantly testing me, by dragging me from one place to the next, sabotaging opportunities, not trusting, becoming jealous, mindless, needy.  I started to allow this golden moment of silence to blanket us with reassurance that we can trust in each other.  Allowing us to get to the heart of the matter.  Once I became more of a witness rather then the victim, I was able to breath, and embrace the ultimate Love that they so innocently have for me.  My heart became more open and I felt so much more calm and hopeful and optimistic for our future. I guess I just had to acknowledge them and let them know I love them, I hear them and they can trust that we got this.  Sometimes we have to be the bigger person in the relationship, and lead with awareness of their needs, and respect loving boundaries. I allowed that space to be there for both of us to be safe, to be vulnerable and more open with greater opportunities to grow. 

I’m sharing this with you all cause we all share a relationship like this.  Ours is not unique, but unique to me.   This kind of relationship is with yourself.  As we spend more time creating that space and silence, we allow our relationships with ourselves to blossom.  Let’s face it, He or She are in it with you for the long haul, so you best get to know them.  Gives a whole new meaning to BFF.

Editor: Anita Antonio 

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default616_0Hidden Words have Hidden Meanings.  Revealing your words in order to find the meaning is so much easier said, than done.  Our challenge is to learn how to find the correct word to describe our true meaning.  The first step is to give yourself permission to search the corners of your self that you have avoided in the past.
Searching brings out a fear in all of us but entering those dark places can allow us to emote, to share a bright burst of light through which a once scary topic brings out our courageous approach.  Trust is key, this is the only method in which you can allow yourself to have enough vulnerability to enter places once thought to be barren.  If we can trust that we possess the abilities to keep ourselves safe  we can  achieve almost anything.
Does this come with experience?  Could we just go right in with blind faith?  I guess that is all up to the individual.  Lately, I’ve been experiencing that I have the choice to be happy or unhappy — it’s as simple as that.  The simplicity of it all can also be pretty annoying.  It can be so tempting to play the victim, or throwing out the “yeah buts”.  Giving  ourselves the seal of approval to not take those chances due to our circumstance or facts that fit is too easy.
I’m not afraid anymore to dig deep for the words to emote the true meanings of my desires or fears for that matter.  Once I acknowledge them it’s like they don’t have any control over me anymore.  I’ve recently read the book “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer.  I highly recommend dipping into this book.  A good friend recommended it and it has truly blown my mind a few times over.  Without reciting the whole book, it just gave me the insight to just be in the moment of the triggers that occur and let them pass through like clouds on a sunny day.
Instead of putting up all this armor to protect yourself from the rain that will fall, you slowly start not to go out at all to prevent the potential of a drizzle from ever happening, we stop and forget to feel what that rain brings to us. Basically, we can run but we can never hide.  Like the cloudy day, is it really that bad to get a little wet?
Tears, like rain can nurture the soil of our souls and blossom beautiful flowers of Love and Opportunities our way.  They don’t say stop and smell the Roses for no reason.  With each passing cloud that comes our way, run out into it and know this is your opportunity to turn the soil of the bed you made for yourself.  It’s going to be ok, weeds will always sprout up, but as we know if you don’t pull it out by the root of the problem it will always find its way out again.  So those hidden words can be found out in the ominous clouds.  Discover the blossoming new meanings life can bring you.
Don’t allow yourself to stay dormant and be alone out in your Mohave Desert.  This will only have you thirsty for nurturing and being delusional by the mirages you see before yourself, that trick you into quick fixes.  I get scared, and I get frustrated, impatient like any of us can.  The thing that has changed for me, is the freedom and empowerment I gave myself.  This reassures me that I have the abilities to assess what makes me scared, frustrated etc., and have the insight to express them in a loving way.  This kind of freedom allows you to run free into the darkness knowing it will enrich you, challenge you, and help you grow.  Our words are like fertilizers, sometimes it stinks and it’s shitty.  Yet all the past experiences that organically have broken down in our spirit, can be used like enriched compost to tend to our gardens.  I’m excited for all of us to trust we have a green thumb, allow yourself to open up and get out there.  The sun will shine through the clouds and reveal the true abundance you seek at the end of your rainbow. 🌈
Editor – Anita Antonio 

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I have come to the realization that Winter Solstice is the universe tucking us to sleep.   It’s during this period that Father Time and Mother Nature prepare us for bedtime.  Allowing us the occasion to slow down,  put our comfy clothes on and giving us the stamp of approval that is not only okay but necessary to unwind from our daily restless compulsions and preoccupations.  Extended nights are upon us offering a wonderful chance to take rest, to forgive, to dream, to smile and to get ready for all the adventures and challenges that await us in the days of our coming New Year.  Rest into your slumber, allow your dreams and desires to reveal themselves.  Take pride in your resolutions for the new day ahead.  Do not judge, but recognize what really is and take comfort that our desires are leading us to our truth. 

 The Winter Solstice the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  This happens in both the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere this is apart of our global experience.  We may experience it at opposite times of the year, but the natural course of nature still holds true. With this Rise and Fall of the Sun’s evolution, comes cleansing and reflection.  As Day is dawning and birth and beginnings occur so falls the night.  A time to be grateful as we tuck ourselves in reflection of the day.  “Good Night” is a phrase to sooth us and keep us reassured that a new day will come.  Yet it’s that time to recharge and reflect.  It’s time to say your prayers and appreciate your loved ones as you tuck into slumber.  Allow your body rest and relaxation, I know it’s hard during this mad rush to the holiday.  But, as you observe, you will see the dust settles and the rituals begin.   Lazy days ahead and long nights to rest and relax.  

When you circle the sun like a planet you realize why at times, you, yourself, feel a personal eclipse.  Your spirit experiences a total blocking of sunlight then you are blasted with the full shining power of your personal solar energy.  It’s a powerful and wonderful vision to hold on to.  Yet millions of light years away the Sun is what keeps our energy charging.  Even though it will burn us if we try to look directly to it for answers we will continue to trust in the warmth and allow our senses to get charged.  Sun Rise … Sun Set.  We will forever follow this cycle, it will be consistent for our entire lifetime. Don’t try to fight nature whether it be the birds and the bees or any Human.  We are spiritual beings participating in one eternal journey via a shared traveling energy. Remember dreams have no sense, they seem sometimes unobtainable and unclear.  Trust that dreams do come true.  Have a Happy New Year Ride around the sun everyone, enjoy it.

I leave us all with a Good Night Prayer… 

A Child’s Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep.
 I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
 If I should die before I wake,
 I pray to God my soul to take.
 If I should live for other days,
 I pray the Lord to guide my ways.

Father, unto thee I pray,
 Thou hast guarded me all day;
 Safe I am while in thy sight,
 Safely let me sleep tonight.
 Bless my friends, the whole world bless;
 Help me to learn helpfulness;
 Keep me every in thy sight;
 So to all I say good night.

Magical Editor – Anita Antonio 😉 

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What captivates us?  Have you ever noticed what stops us cold in our tracks in wonder?   Wonderment can take one to the heights of an incredible sunset or the  feelings of vulnerability expressed by a street performer.  As I reflect on the question of what takes us to these captivating places I realize that the common thread is Wonder.

Do you ever wonder if you are brave enough to allow yourself to be vulnerable?  Would you allow yourself to tap into the “Zone” that we all seek but secretly fear?  Do you wonder as you reflect on that beautiful sunset that you are in a moment of inspiration and it is a special point in time where your pause is what brings out the spirit of wonderment.

Jason Silva refers to these times as “awe moments” where we get to witness mankind open up to a inner wisdom almost beyond our control.  The “Zone” is that place of pure expression, a place where judgement, fear & control do not exist.  Musicians, dancers, singers, painters almost any form of artistic expression gives us an opportunity to go deeper into our true authentic self.  A self that is beyond our human conditioning, an inner power that bursts through your being, freeing you from the chains of prejudice and fear.  

That’s probably why nature is so breathtaking, it owns its power and shows up regardless of the conditions.  Lets face it the sun is going to keep rising and setting regardless if there is an earthquake today.  So if we follow natures examples we too will rise and descend with such grace and beauty.  Let go of expectations we have of ourselves and of others.  Life will organically unfold, it’s a power that is beyond us.  Life is always in the Zone; we just have to surrender to its ebb and flow and enjoy the reflection it sends us. 

In that same regard, being human is an artistic expression.  You don’t have to be a performer to be artistic.  It could be your grace, your smile, the style you have or the way you touch, or in the way you present yourself.  These are all examples and sometimes even more relevant. The feeling of being significant or worthy of attention, is all apart of our human nature.  

When you bear witness to others allowing themselves to align with nature to be their true authentic selves it is magical.  Scientific studies show that if you witness someones magical nature you will receive ten fold more of that magical energy than was bestowed upon the individual expressing their gift.  WOW, isn’t that sensational?  Maybe that’s why the entertainment industry strives regardless of the economic conditions.  

It’s amazing when you stop and look around at all the people watching that sunset – craving and awaiting for that magic to penetrate their spirit.  This ceremonial ritual is not planned nor is it even in our control, it just naturally happens.  Be aware the next time there is a sunset… oh yeah, tonight or tomorrow or most nights … take a quick inventory of the people watching and even the ones that don’t have time to stop due to their busy day but fight themselves not to pause and quickly take a picture.  Great excuse to take a picture, so you have to stop.  Well maybe it’s because you really are drawn to stop and watch another magical moment of appreciation and gratitude.  Which in itself gives me a hope that deep down in everyones human experience is just that human Nature.  A natural draw to want magical wonder… awe ;~)

I want to honor you to allow your unique expression to shine through regardless of the conditions because I appreciate the inspiration and am grateful for our examples we reflect with each encounter.  

Shine on my Crazy Diamond.

Editor Anita Antonio

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tumblr_nng7f8khFi1qdzpwbo1_1280What is Love?  Can we really define it?  Is it a feeling that is beyond description? Lately I’ve been opening my heart to Love.  Love for friends & family, but mostly towards a romantic relationship.  Falling in Love – WOW – even when you think about that statement:  “Falling” it seems so reckless and uncontrollable.  This means we must let go of our control and really have trust and vulnerability. I guess it’s like free falling – you and an unstoppable force that draws you to a destination.

Allowing ourselves to fall into Love with someone is trusting that they will always be there.  Could the reason we are hesitant be the fact that we do not want to fall flat on our faces?  Yikes! I will leave you to come up with your own conclusion on those facts.

In my discoveries of late, I’ve recognized that childlike feeling that comes over you when you reveal you want to fall, yet are almost asking permission if you can allow yourself.  A good friend of mine, and fellow rabbit hole dweller, shared a great point with me.  Whenever we are learning something new, it’s like being a student.  This brings out a childlike energy in all of us. We strive to get it right as we risk the feeling of embarrassment if we feel we are being judged. 

To allow learning to happen, we must all be each other’s teachers and students.  We must also be patient and hold space for the inner student in all of us to grow.  What I am trying to say is be gentle with yourself and in time you will learn to open your heart and soon you will be the teacher.  Then you will get the chance to share that learning curve with another eager student. 

Deep down inside we are all Love Warriors.  It starts with learning what is important to us and how we feel loved. Soon you will trust in yourself to be kind and patient with your most vulnerable desires.  Once we understand our needs and desires we know how to satisfy them. 

Whether you know it, or not, the feeling of someone expressing their appreciation for you in their life is priceless.  We all have different ways of expressing our Love.  I highly recommend you discovering your method of expression. 

Gary Chapman breaks it down in his 5 Languages of Love as follows: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.  Once we understand what fills our Love tanks then we can teach others without fear of being hurt.  We just need to understand each other more. 

Here are my scores: Straight out of the website: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/

9 — Quality Time

7 — Physical Touch

6 — Acts of Service

6 — Words of Affirmation

2 — Receiving Gifts

Quality Time

In Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether it’s spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.

Physical Touch

A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—these can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.

Acts of Service

Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important— hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.

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Love sometimes get’s lost in translation …make it worth your while and be multilingual.

Anita Antonio Editor

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A friend recently told me there is some truth to the phrase “All You Need Is Love”.  I’ve been blessed to experience the shine of Love; not only from a lover, but from friends and family as well.  Brightness appeared when I stopped searching the darkness for a light bringing me to the realization that the light was shining within me.  Do you want to know why?  Well, I am that light I have been seeking all along.

Throughout my lifetime I never knew that I have been dimming my own inner light so as not to blind others.  Conditioned by societal fears and insecurities I pondered on what is safe or what is the “Right thing to Do”  which caused me to get caught up in second guessing myself and questioning my own authentic heart.  My insecurities brought me to a place of awkwardness for the Love I wanted to share with another plus even the act of accepting the Love of another made me feel exposed.  I associated my compassion and curiosity for people as neediness and weakness.  Once I recognized these feelings within myself, I was able to observe all the dimmed lights around me. We all have a tendency not to shine as bright as we are. Love is the dial that turns that light up. We must work from within to be able to access that switch. First, observe and admire who you are deep down.  Accept and appreciate that unique individuality that we all possess, and offer that special kind of Love to one another.  Holding that Love space for each other is like being a recharging station for one another.  We have the power to recharge our Love light within ourselves.  The key is to allow yourself to be silly yet deep, and vulnerable yet have boundaries.  With every encounter we can practice this kind of exchange with one another.  The mere thought of this has my heart bursting inside with joy and gratitude.

Take the time to bear witness to others stories and experiments with life.  Be open to possibilities that stem from the heart rather than the head.  Express feelings with one another, yet do not make another responsible for yours.  Open communication can be challenging at first and even a bit hurtful during the learning process. The more we refrain from passing judgement and allow each other to practice with each other, we can empower ourselves to respect the fact that we all working out our own stuff.  Having clear intentions while communicating is important and gives certainty that you are coming from a place of love and not attacking.  Maybe this way we can give each other a bit of a break and know it’s just a learning curve.  Each one of these steps just brings our authentic self forward without fear and brightens your internal light.

So, for instance, if you truly are doing your best to communicate your needs to someone and it comes across hurtful or blaming to them.  It is their responsibility to express how that felt, without finding fault in you.  Open communication is a learning experience where all parties have to participate with full trust and no fear. Basically we are holding up a mirror for one another to recognize how our words make each other feel; as well as reflecting their own light back to them.  It takes a lot of LOVE and courage to be honest with another person, and the greatest amount of courage to be honest with yourself.  You share a great gift with a person when you are able to have healthy boundaries and still can agree to disagree.  Being heard and respected with sincerity lends force to the light we shine. Think of your internal light as a spotlight …remember your mom always told you to be careful where you direct your flashlight as a kid?  Well it’s the same concept your not going to just beam that light into someones face without warning, be prepared that not everyone is ready for that kind of exposure.  This will take time as we mature into holding our light and others with respect. Judgement and expectations of others to receive our love are unrealistic, if anything it just blankets the truth and dims both of our lights. If we can take responsibility for ourselves as our own internal parent we can allow that shine not to feel so scary or mistrusting.  All we have is each other to express this burning desire to be seen and admired for that beautiful Love we all carry.

Do you know who you are?  Have you witnessed yourself lately?  Do you recognize the impact your presence has on your friends and family?  Do the homework cause you will be surprised how each one of us has a role in this crazy world.  It’s time to find yours.  I encourage and challenge you all.  Share your experiences, when you do you could be a guiding light for that Love to shine.  There are many people that feel the same way you do.  We are all little Love Fireflies.  When we unite, and share, we create a beautiful chain of Love that shines and helps light the way.

Editor – A Antonio

Photo Credit – http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/92/d6/9792d6164a4b92a8cddc26a5a6dc791b.jpg

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Recently I have discovered I have no right butting into the details of how my life unfolds.  Sounds kinda crazy RIGHT?  Let me explain.  Here goes, let’s set up some scenarios shall we…

Waiter and Tray Dinner Clip Art
Scenario 1:

You go into a restaurant you peruse the menu and choose your dining experience, a lite meal or a savory dish, either way you reach deep into your desires and feelings of what will nurture you at this moment.  You sit back and let the experts serve you, right?  You enjoy the full experience, the atmosphere, the sounds, maybe even feel yourself become more present with people around you.  You tune in to the subtle nuances surrounding you.  You open up to opportunities or even foresee giving help to a person reluctantly reaching out for assistance. Then when your dish arrives you are gracious and appreciative of the server as well as the cook and the time and efforts all the elements it took to have this experience.

Scenario 2: 

You go to a restaurant you check out the menu and choose what you want to eat, a lite meal or a savory dish.  Now, instead of trusting that experts will take care of your order, you nervously start thinking of all the things you may not have asked for in order to get the dish done right.  Mind chatter starts to take over, paranoia or that lacking feeling.  Hastily you run back into the kitchen where the magic happens, and you start wondering why the cook isn’t flipping this, or adding that. “Wait, What?, You’re not doing it right, I “think” it needs more of …” the list goes on.  Does this have the feel of a nice dining experience?   Are you setting yourself up for, not only some awkward moments, but your in the kitchen trying to control your experience while your missing out on your real truth, life’s lessons and opportunities as they present themselves at your table.  Even if your host is gracious and doesn’t kick you out of the restaurant; you will be so wound up that even trying to digest this meal won’t be pleasant or nurturing.  Mostly because it was not made with love and trust.

Love and trust, are two of the elements that can launch the creation of your desired dish of life.  Let’s take this a step further, shall we?  So now take these scenarios and apply them to our own life’s desires like placing our orders to the “universe”, then we maybe able to tangibly understand  the ludicrous behaviors we all, from time to time, have enacted to create our dreams.  I say the word tangible because this theory is not new, manifesting your desire or sending your order up to the “universe” through the law of attraction or as some of you know it from the movie “The Secret”.  Well, I agree with Abraham Hicks who has been talking about the “Law of Attraction” for decades.  The movie, yet effective in the way of getting out the initial message, did not really explain your part in the manifestation of it.  For me, and maybe many others, the thought of just letting go and letting the “Universe” take care of it seemed kinda to airy fairy.  Being known as a so called “hippie” from Topanga, you’d think I’d be all over that.  Well I’m a realist that embraces the fact that magic does happen when you resist control and let go of “your” idea of what you “think” you want or how it is “supposed” to go down.  Yet, I still find myself trying to control or set up the events and elements “I” feel are needed for my desire to to make the menu.  Having this vision now of a staff of people who have my best interests at heart, who are here to organize my “ALL INCLUSIVE” vacation of life;  I can sit back and just say to the “Universal Travel Agent”:  so what’s up for today?   Oh, we aren’t going there or that person isn’t joining the group?  OK cool, a change in the menu and a new experience.  So what is it I’m going to experience?   What will you dish out as my overall “big Picture” experience from the order I placed from the ever changing universal menu?

It is freeing knowing that you are here to enjoy your experience of life. You always have the opportunity at every moment to make a choice.  Because your travel agent is just ordering up what you asked for.  Saying no, or even not even realizing you passed up an opportunity to experience what you desire, may just be a sign that you are not ready to receive.  Being conscious and clear on what you want with no need to be realistic, dream big, trust that you are enough of a “RockStar” to deserve that experience.  Allow yourself to receive and pay attention to the details of enjoyment and possibly signs that are presenting themselves for you to change your order to better serve you as you evolve and grow.  Our palate  changes over the years, so don’t be stuck in a humdrum existence.  Be daring and try new things, you could be surprised, the magical experts that can pull a lot more strings then us can serve you up more then you could have ever dreamt up.   Now, Order up and enjoy your living vacation we call “LIFE”.  YUM

“I’ll take an order of Integrity with a dash of sexy, and a side of adventure to go Please 🙂 ”

 

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When your past stories reemerge, the toxins are soon to follow.  It’s tough to stomach the old ways of your defense mechanisms.  You start to suffer from “food for thought” poisoning.

So many knots in the stomach cause you limitations: preventing you from following through, keeping you from taking chances, or inhibiting you from showing up.

You build countless excuses for why you aren’t available for success.  I mean, hell, you just don’t feel well; you have too many jangled nerves creating a myriad of toxic thoughts echoing throughout your system.  Oh, we poor victimized humans, casualties of our own circumstances.  Well, now is the time to take a dose of good old “Pep Talk Dismiss All”.

Consider these cramps of discomfort as signs that you are growing beyond what served your past.  These old ways may have nurtured and comforted you previously but now that you have developed a more mature palate it’s just like consuming fast food.  As you out grow the FAST “Solution” method of handling yourself you’ll develop a more serene self.

For me, I see now that the crumbs of my past, for which I am expected to survive on, no longer serve me well.  I prefer to sit down and trust that my needs will be met. It is more like setting a lovely table to process the events of my life.

Imagine a 4 to 7 course meal.  What’s cooking?  It’s time to figure out the menu.  Put a real plan in place.  If you want a new job or an event you desire to attend, you look to the past where you took short cuts or acted out of fear. Perhaps you got the job or you attended the event but how much did you sacrifice along the way? It’s time to stop settling and slowly lose your soul in the process. That’s why SOUL FOOD is so good, because it’s filled with LOVE.  What I am saying is take the steps along the way to make sure you have healthy boundaries.

Time to plan the menu for a 4-course meal:

  1. Express what you want or what is right for you, “How You Roll”
  2. Be vulnerable & trust you’re worth it.  Risk letting go of what may not have served you in the past. Qualify your desires.
  3. Compromise, realize it may not be all about you and there’s a give and take.  Don’t take things personally.
  4. Be open and receiving. We are all human with degrees of insecurities.  This teaches compassion for others and us.  Sometimes the greatest joy in humanity is to be able to give to another human being. So maybe you allowing someone to give to you — is actually YOU GIVING TO THEM.

Intimate relationships are on the menu too.  Repeat steps 1 through 4 and plan for a 7-course meal:

  1. Check in with each other – Communicate.  People grow and fears emerge.  Hold a special tender space for each other.
  2. Bare witness:  keep each other accountable.  Never fear to hold a mirror up to what they may not want to see.
  3. The most DELICIOUS item on the menu: appreciate and express your love.  There are a lot of us that don’t want to be the one that loves the other person more than they love us.  So without looking weak we tend to play it safe.  Yet in the long run we miss out on that precious feeling of admiration and joy that can fill our hearts.

It’s all about respecting and trusting you. Once you can do that, you have the ability to respect and trust all others.  Once your souls are filled with your own well-being, you can have enough to share with others.  Feed your soul first then you can be of service and a positive example for all humanity.

I know for me I occasionally backslide into my fast food solutions and quickly feel the difference in my body.  I become insecure and/or angry.  Once I purge out my fears and acknowledge that I may still need a healthier solution.  I remember I have no need to go “there” any longer.

Stop and listen before swallowing the ideas you are presented.  Consciously take in what is nurturing your soul.  Is it from the ravishing depths of fear or from the grateful gardens of love?

Recognize if you tend to go to the side of fear, you may need to fill yourself up with more joys that feed your soul.  Start making a list of events, people, crafts, and hobbies that just takes you to that yummy place. So when you see the food truck of “fear” coming your way, you can take a breath and refocus on your diet of blissful foods.’’

I hope that helps. Think of this a “recipe for success”

from My Soul Kitchen to Yours.16098-jessica-biel-1920x1200-celebrity-wallpaper

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Every Blog Needs a little Comedy Break. So Here’s mine 😁

What A Long Strange Editing it’s Been

I entered Adobe #PremiereClip’s mobile App’s Contest for editing on your iPhone . The contest is called #GoingPostalShow & this is a short of me eager to win the contest …with special cast appearance and co-creator Janice Kennedy #jrager2009 (whom I couldn’t have done it without her support & input) also the patience of my family that had to endure me editing all weekend. Love you Wish  Me Luck #mobilemoviechallenge


http://premiereclip.adobe.com/videos/75jbcAxZdyr