What Is My Hearts Desire?

You can do this practice anytime and anywhere, sitting up or laying down. Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes and relax your body.

Bring your attention to your heart center; focus your breath on your heart. Let your breathing be soft and normal.

With your focus on your heart, ask yourself, "What is my heart's desire?"

Wait a few moments and listen. Don't try to answer the question by thinking of what you want or by making something up because you think it's the right thing to want.

Be authentic. Wait,  listening in the silence. You may or may not hear the answer right away. The desires will arise in their owe time now that you have given yourself permission to want something.

If you already know what you want, then you can gently bring your attention to those desires in your mind and heart. If you don't know what you want  yet, however, simply sit quietly with the question.

Do not get into a story of how, when, who, or where it will manifest. Let go of any aversion, too - those thoughts of what you don't want. Simply pay attention to what you desire.detach from the outcome of this process. Do this for a few minutes before opening your eyes slowly. - Sarah McLean

THE SOUL IS ALREADY CLEAR ABOUT WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE WANT: IT'S THE MIND THAT GETS IN THE WAY, THE INTELLECT.

The Code - Ten Intentions for a Better World

My Intentions for My Life

I intend to experience greater and greater levels of magic, fun, creativity, connectedness with the divine, peace, prosperity, abundance, safety, elegance, ease, health, healing, divine grace, divine guidance, joy, freedom, beauty, trust, wisdom and love.

I intend to live every waking minute of every day conscious, awake and aware in the present moment while feeling as much joy as possible.

I intend to discover what I truly desire.

 I intend to discover which path will bring me the highest joy.

I intend to create a life of ease, safety, security and abundance.

I intend to be clear, conscious and awake regarding my life direction.

I intend to live the life I was born to live and as fully as possible, discovering my genius, live the life I love and consciously create my reality with fun, joy and laughter. 

I intend to change all subconscious and unconscious beliefs, drives, patterns and projections that keep me from living the life I was born to live.

I intend to be a courageous adventurer and risk taker - secure and confident about who I am.

I intend to see beauty in everyone and everything I see.

I intend to feel totally safe and secure and feel that I am always in the right place at the right time for all my intentions to come true.

I intend to live in the now and feel a greater and greater depth of love, fun, joy, happiness, ecstasy, compassion and caring for myself and others.

I intend to have fun continuously and to open more every day my creativity, psychic abilities and passions.

I intend to explore this beautiful world allowing my reality to guide me to experiences, adventures, information,and knowing and people who will delight me I every way.

I intend that all my relationships be filled with as much fun, joy, love, light, kindness and compassion as possible.

I intend to lift those I connect with however insignificant to greater levels of healing and loving. I intend to help all those I come in connect with recognize who they really are.

My Intentions with Steve

I intend to create a deeply loving relationship with Steve. I intend that this relationship will bring more love, fun, safety, security, ease, laughter, freedom, trust, respect, tenderness, intimacy, joy, and love for both of us.

I intend to open my heart as fully as possible to feel Steve's magnificent love.

I intend that Steve and I lovingly support each other in our individual dreams and goals. 

I intend that Steve and I both feel deeply and richly loved and supported by the other.

I intend that Steve and I enjoy each others lives, interest and passion while allowing freedom for each of us to enjoy our independent lives as well, enriching ourselves and each other through these experiences. 

I intend that the communication between Steve and I be crystal clear, both with words and beyond words.

I intend to enjoy my relationship with Steve, allowing it to unfold and deepen with love and ease.

I intend that Steve and I find easy compromises and meet each others needs while honoring our own. I intend that this will result in ideas and realities far better than either of us could originally conceive or create.

I intend to create the most loving relationship possible with Steve.

I intend to create a committed relationship with Steve in which I feel valued, respected and loved.

I intend no matter what challenges or opportunities Steve and I face to always  remember the love we share.

My Intentions for My Family and Home

I intend to support my children in separate but loving ways without enabling and see them as the strong, loving, capable, creative and successful people they are.

I intend to create a home that fill my family and me with peace, joy, happiness, safety and ease.

I intend to easily  fill our surroundings with comfort, beauty, and love energetically and physically.

I intend that my home is loving and transformative place for us and the people in our lives to grow love and heal.

My Intentions for Abundance

I intend for unlimited cash and resources to flow into my life easily, abundantly, and endlessly.

I intend my financial abundance  to provide greater and greater levels of security, freedom and ease.

I intend to create more than enough money for all my needs and desires.  I intend that this money will make me feel abundant, secure, safe, and financially free.

I intend that this money will come to me in easy ways.

I intend for this money to manifest in perfect timing.

My Intentions for My Health

I intend that my physical body is 100% vital, healthy and filled with energy.

I intend to keep my body weight at its healthy range with ease.

I intend to reverse the aging process and fully rejuvenate my physical body. I intend to look and feel ageless.

I intend to be drawn to and crave movement, food and supplements that my body needs to stay in perfect shape.

I intend that my great health will have the greatest positive impact on my physical, spiritual and mental self.

I intend to crave only those things that are good for me.

I intend to always have the energy to do those things to keep me healthy.

My Intentions For Work

I  intend every minute I work to be filled with fun, creativity, excitement, abundance, prosperity, joy, service, and positive surprises.

I intend to work with  like minded people that create a supportive, healthy, nurturing surrounding at work.

I intend to find meaning in my work, be it the broadest dreams or the tiniest detail.

I intend to gracefully and gratefully perform my work in perfect timing with joy, fun and the highest level  of positive impact as possible.

I intend to create a job I love that makes me feel  excited, creative, prosperous, abundant, joyful and appreciated. 

I intend that this job will be filled with fun, positive challenges and co-workers I love to work with.

I intend to be fully compensated for this job, with a salary that is more than I expected.

I intend that this job will have ample opportunities for growth and development. 

I intend that this job will make me feel prosperous, respected, creative, appreciated, excited and eternally thankful.

The Ten Breaths Practice

When a beautiful moment presents itself and you encounter something you would like to savor, such as sunlight on a dewdrop:

1. Stop what you are doing.
2. Close your eyes, put your dominant hand on your belly, and begin to pay attention to your breathing. Notice the rise and fall of your hand on your belly as you breathe. Take three deep breaths to settle and clear your mind.
3. When you feel more present, open your eyes and look at the object of your concentration. Take a deep, slow breath in and out. That is "one".
4. Continue counting each breath: "two" "three" "four". Let your encounter unfold naturally. Just behold the object of  your concentration and observe it without mental commentary or judgement as you count. Notice it's color, shape, sound or smell.
5. While counting, become  aware of your body and any sensation or emotion that might arise. Allow every cell if your body to open up to the encounter. Allow the experience to be as full as possible. Don't holdback.
6. When you have reached "10" rest in the feeling of this moment. Then if you like, take 10 more breaths in the same way. - Glen Schneider

Am I Delusional?

This was a question and answer posted in one of my favorite magazines and it resonated with me.

Sometimes during meditation I feel my body is the entire universe. Am I delusional?

Think of it this way: your lungs are part of your body, and without them you would die, but lungs alone are useless. Among other things, your lungs need oxygen, something your body does not produce. Trees and planets produce oxygen, it's only logical to recognize trees and plants as part of your body as well. Trees and plants depend upon earth, sea, sky, and sun, so these too are part of your body. Since earth, sea, sky and sun need the rest of the solar system to function, the solar system, too is your body; and since the solar system needs the galaxy, and the galaxy needs...You see where this is going. The entire universe is your body. Nothing delusional about this at all. - Rabbi Ram Shapiro

I'm Giving Notice

Take this pledge with me…

I am unique. My journey has been filled with experiences that have built my resiliency, defines my character and made me a better woman.

I am ready to cash in on my greatness, my brilliance, my GOD-given possibilities and my prosperity.

I will turn my valleys into my mountaintops, my obstacles into my opportunities, my tests into my testimony. 

I am a masterpiece of humility, gratitude, godliness, and divinity. 

My beauty is real. My heart is good, and my strength has been confirmed through the test of time. 

I will show the world how to treat me- and it’s my job to give the world the best example possible.

I have turned my crawl into a walk, my walk into a run, and I’m now turning my run into a soar.

I am unapologetic about my brilliance, untamed in my quest to discover me.

I am no longer asking for permission to be me. I’m giving notice!

~ compliments of Lisa Nichols

Dandelion Wishes

 I love dandelions, they may be a weed. But they are a beautiful weed from the bright sunny flower to the beauty when it goes to seed. How many weeds from start to finish are still beautiful.

Next time you see a dandelion that has gone to seed, do what you did when you were a kid and make a wish and blow those beautiful seeds into the wind. I guarantee it will make you smile!

Make a wish!

I Am...

"I Am A Loveatarian I Don't Consume Negitive Stuff!"
~ Gabrielle Berstein

I love this...LOVEATARIAN!

Full Flower Moon

I find the moon phases intriguing, so when I came across this information I knew I had to post it on my blog.

What's  unique about the full Moon time:

 Many people feel the energetic buzz of the Full Moon. What's cool to note, is that it always means the Sun and Moon are in opposite Zodiac signs. It's a super charged time, but also one of balance. The solar yang and the lunar yin are in harmony.

 What to do: The Moon has been waxing (increasing), and if you set new Moon intentions, you're ready to act! In the hum of the jolty energies, there can be epiphanies about things that were vague desires at the new Moon. Make it real, with tangible actions, perhaps a ritual that signifies you're ready to integrate your intent.

 What's the point: Every month, you have a chance to experience a fresh start. The Moon's waxing and waning is like the shortest hand on the cosmic clock. The intentions we set with the Moon can get specific, and match the traits of the sign that month. This is a way to stay attuned to Cosmic currents, and go with the flow. It's a constant in a chaotic time, that the Moon waxes and wanes. Each lunation is a chance to set new goals, and feel closer to a bigger Mystery.

 What's an intention: This word is used a lot, and is interchangeable with the word goals. Perhaps, though, it suggests an active engagement in what you're co-creating with the Universe. Your intent is what you intend to create in your life.

 Preparing for the full Moon: Each full Moon has a different intuitive feel, and any Ritual you do could draw on the essence of the Sign. As it approaches, you might gather photos, found objects, meaningful totems and place them with your intentions in a prominent place.

 Time to Celebrate: The full Moon often casts an exuberant vibe, making it a great time to have a party. This also opens the door for meaningful people to step into your life. But keep in mind that it can be intense, too. There's a reason why more patrolmen are sent out on full Moons! Take time to honor yourself in some way for any steps you took since the new Moon.

 The Climax and the "Reveal": Sometimes full Moons feel like the end of an Act in your ongoing life story. This is true both on the personal and the global scale. It's like in a movie where all the plot points are pulled together, and for a brief moment, you can see the interwoven whole. If you set intentions, the full Moon is a time when you begin to make out the path, and can take an exhilarating step forward. It is both a culmination and a time to act on something you've imagined. In the act of doing, you have brought an idea into reality, and made Magic.

 Author: Molly Hall (Astrology Guide)

Advice From A Tree

Advice from a tree

Stand up tall and proud

Sink your roots into the earth

Be content with your natural beauty

Go out on a limb

Drink plenty of water 

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view

~Ilan Shamir

Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot

I love being barefoot, so I thought I would share some the great benefits from walking barefoot.

• Get more Chi
• Clear your mind
• Fight varicose veins
• Free reflexology session
• Going barefoot is grounding
• More ability to spread the toes
• Decrease anxiety and depression
• Strengthens and stretches the muscle tendons and ligaments in your feet, ankles and calves
  
  

Benefits of Laughing

Decreases stress
Gives good sleep
Natural pain killer
Improves breathing
Helps you lose weight
Reduces heart disease
It makes you feel happy

There is no reason not to laugh and laugh often!

Love is a Verb

It's an action requiring your involvement and your active participation. You cannot sit back and expect the world will serve it to you. You cannot expect that your relationship will continue to provide love while you're not putting in any effort. Love has to be earned and must be continually fought for.

~ Stephen Covey

Twelve Things Happy People Do Differently

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

• When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value.
• If we aren't thankful for what we already have, we will have a hard time ever being happy.

CULTIVATE OPTIMISM

• People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times.

AVOID OVER THINKING AND SOCIAL COMPARISON

• Comparing yourself to some else can be poisonous.
• The only person you should compare to is yourself before now.

PRACTICE ACTS OF KINDNESS

• Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside.

 NURTURE SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

• The happiest people on the planet are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships.

 DEVELOP STRATEGIES FOR COPING

• It helps to have healthy strategies for coping per-hearsed, on-call, and in your arsenal at your disposal.

LEARN TO FORGIVE

• Harboring feelings of hatred is horrible for your well-being.

INCREASE FLOW EXPERIENCES

• Flow is a state in which if feels like time stands still.
• It's when you're so focused on what you're doing that you become one with the task.
• Nothing is distracting you or competing for your focus.

SAVOR LIFE'S JOYS

• Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy.

COMMIT TO YOUR GOALS

• Magical things start happening when we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to get somewhere.

PRACTICE SPIRITUALITY

• When we practice spirituality or religion, we recognize that life is bigger than us.
• We surrender the silly idea that we are the mightiest thing ever.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

• Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be.

 Thank you Stephen Covey for these teachings.

Mark Twain's Nine Tips for Living an Awesome Life

1. APPROVE OF YOURSELF 
"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval."

2. YOUR LIMITATIONS MAY JUST BE IN YOUR MIND
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind it doesn't matter."

3. LIGHTEN UP AN HAVE SOME FUN
"Humor is mankind's greatest blessing."
"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."

4. LET OF ANGER
"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."

5. RELEASE YOURSELF FROM ENTITLEMENT
"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first."

6. IF YOU'RE TAKING A DIFFERENT PATH, PREPARE FOR REACTIONS
"A person with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds."

7.  KEEP YOUR FOCUS STEADILY ON WHAT YOU WANT
"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles."

8. DON'T FOCUS SO MUCH ON MAKING YOURSELF FEEL GOOD
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."

9. DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointd by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover."

Ten Healthly Living Commandments

Everyone knows that working out and eating right is essential for your health, but sometimes we get so caught up in diet and exercise that we forget there are other things just as important. These are ten commandants that I am trying to live by to help me in my quest for over all health of the body, mind and spirit.

• Only make life changes you can commit to
• Exercise every day and make it fun, switch it up, grab a friend
• Embrace cooking and prepare your own meals
• Eat as naturally and colorfully as possible, bring on the fruits and veggies
• Never underestimate the importance of a good sound sleep every night
• Moisturize your skin daily, drying brushing is also great for your skin and health
• Confidence is nature's biggest beauty secret
• Rid your life of negative thoughts and people
• Forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes
• Happiness is the key to health ~ smile, laugh and love your life!

Yourself

Straight forward honest advice to living authentically.

KNOW yourself

BE yourself

TRUST yourself

LOVE yourself

Ten Steps to Self-Care

If it feels wrong, don't do it.

Say "exactly" what you mean.

Don't be a people pleaser.

Trust your instincts.

Never speak bad of yourself.

Never give up your dream.

Don't be afraid to say "no".

Don't be afraid to say "yes".

Be kind to yourself.

Let go of what you can't control.

Say away from drama and negativity as much as possible.

Am I getting enough water

How do I know I am getting enough water daily.

The basic break down is:

Take your body weight and divide it by 2, that is the amount of ounces you need daily.

Example: 130lb person would need 65oz of water or 8 glasses.

Water Does A Body Good

I understand  that water is great for you but I still struggle with drinking enough even though I love water. My thought is to write down everything water does for me as a reminder of the importance of making ever effort to drink lots of water each day. Okay, here goes...

• Helps you to lose weight
• Relieves headaches and back pain
• Moisturizers your skin
• Increases skin elasticity 
• Helps to keep you focused
• Helps in digestion
• Relieves constipation
• Suppresses your hunger
• Relieves and decreases fatigue 
• Leaves you in a good mood
• Reduces cholesterol
• Tones your muscles
• Flushes toxins out of your system
• Helps your liver to function properly
• Lowers your risk of heart attack by 41%
• Reduces colon cancer risk by45%
• Deduces bladder cancer by 50%
• Helps you to burn fat
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells
• Purifies the colon making it absorb nutrients better
• Increases the production of new blood cells. Water makes up 83% of your blood 
• Cushions joints
• Increases performance during exercise
• Balances the lymph system which fight infection
• Balances bodily fluids
• Moistens oxygen making it easier to breathe
• Increase the production of new muscle cells. Water makes up 75% of your muscles
• Reduces overall cancer risk
• Boost metabolism
• Helps convert food into energy
• Keeps your brain healthy. Water makes up 75% of your brain
• Helps prevent bone breaks. Water makes up 22% of your bones
• Cuts down on general aches and pains
• Makes you look younger and healthier
• The right amount of water stops the body from retaining water
• Water stops the infusing of hunger for thrist

Okay there is 36 reason why water is so important and I am sure there are many more. I am convinced it is time to go have a nice large glass of water.

Sunshine...Natural Vitamin D

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful here in the PNW with temps hitting the low seventies. I have this unintential habit of falling asleep in the sun on the first beautiful day of spring, and this year is no different. So now I have a nice very rosie glow to my skin, but better than that, I have new outlook on life, I feel better, less pain, I feel happy, I feel energized, I feel more of my sparkle back. I find it amazing just what the sun does for me and my outlook on life. I think I need to move to somewhere where the sun shines year round. I love the sun so much my nickname should be sunshine.

Deepak Chopra

I love the teaching of Deepak Chopra, he is truly and inspirational man.

Here are my favorite quotes from him

"Be happy for no reason, like a child. If you are happy for a reason, you're in trouble because that reason can be taken from you."

"I am here to serve, I am here to inspire, I am here to love, I am here to live my truth."

"You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible."

"The inward journey is about finding your own fullness, something that no one can take away"

"The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself."

Ten Words of Wisdom By Gandi

 

• Be the change
• What you think you become
• Where there is love there is life
• Learn as if you'll live forever
• Your health is your real wealth
• Have a sense of humor
• Your life is your message
• Actions express priorities
• Our greatness is being able to remake ourselves
• Find yourself in the service of others

Words to Live by ~ Gandhi

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words.

Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior.

Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits.

Keep your habits positve because your habits become your values.

Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.

Dear God

Dear God,

Please untie the nots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots,
the can nots, and the do nots
that I have in my mind,

Erase the will nots,
may nots, and
might nots that may find
a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots,
would nots, and
should nots that obstruct my life. 

And most of all,
dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind,
my heart and my life all of the"am nots"
that I have allowed to hold me back.

Please, I ask that You
replace the "am nots" with:
I am strong.
I am valuable.
I am loveable,
I am good enough

Because "I am".

Amen

Six Habits of Happiness Worth Cultivating

Pay Attention...studies show that mindful people have stronger immune systems and are less likely to be hostile or anxious.

Keep Friends Close...Social connections are key to happiness. Research indicates it's quality more than quantity. Make time for those closest to you.

Give Thanks...Research reveals the enormous power of simply counting our blessings. Regular  expressions of gratitude promote optimism, better health, and greater satisfaction with life.

Drop Grudges...When we forgive those who have wrongs us, we feel better about ourselves, experience more positive emotions, and feel closer to others.

Get Moving...Regular exercise increases self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and may well be the most effective instant happiness booster of all.

Practice Kindness...Being kind to others makes us feel good. Altruistic acts light up the same pleasure centers in the brain as food and sex.

Seven Cardinal Rules In LIFE - Stephan Covey

• Make PEACE with your past so it doesn't spoil your present. Your past does not define your future - your actions and beliefs do.
• What others THINK of you is none of your business. It's how much you value yourself.
• Time HEALS almost everything, give time, time. Pain will be less hurting. Scars make us who we are; they explain our life and why we are the way we are. They challenge us and force us to be stronger.
• No one is the reason for your own HAPPINESS except yourself. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.
• Don't COMPARE your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back as fast as we could.
• Stop THINKING too much, it's alright not to know all the answers. Sometimes there is no answer, not going to be an answer, never has been an answer. That's the answer. Just except it, move on, next!
• SMILE you don't own all the problems in the world. A smile can brighten the darkest day and make life more beautiful. It is a potential curve to tun a life around and set everything straight.

Be True to Yourself

Open your eyes to the beauty around you

Open your mind to the wonders of life

Open your heart to those who love you

And always be true to yourself.

Ten Things You Must Give Up To Move Forward ~ Stephan Covey

#1 Letting the opinions of others control your life.

• It's not what others think, it's what you think about yourself that counts.
• You have to do exactly what's best for you and your life, not what is best for everyone else. 

#2 The shame of past failures. 

• Your past does not equal your future.
• All that matters is what you do right now.

#3 Being indecisive about what you want.

• You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be.
• Make a decision to figure out what you want, and then pursue it passionately.

#4 Procrastinating on the goals that matter to you.

• There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
• The best time to planet a tree is twenty years ago . The second best time is now.

#5 Choosing to do nothing.

• You don't get to choose how you are going to die, or when.
• You can only decide how you are going to live, right now.
• Every day is a new chance to choose. 

#6 You need to be right.

• Aim for success, but never give up your right to be wrong.
• Because when you do, you will also lose your ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.

#7 Running from problems that should be fixed.

• Stop running!
• Face these issues, fix the problem, communicate, appreciate, forgive and LOVE the people in your life who deserve it.

#8 Making excuses rather than decisions.

• Most long-term failures are the outcome of people who make excuses instead of decisions.

#9 Overlooking the positive points in your life.

• What you see often depends entirely on what you're looking for.
• You will have a hard time every being happy if you aren't thankful for the good things in your life right now.

#10 Not appreciating the present moment.

• Too often we try to accomplish something big without realizing that the greatest part of life is made up of the little things. 

I am so glad that I found this list again, it was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you Stephan Covey.

Be A Weed!

"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows." ~ Doug Larson

I found this yesterday on the web and it totally resonated with me.

Authenticity

Thirty Reasons to Love Green Tea

I have known for years some of the benefits of green tea (EGCG) but until I started researching it I didn't realize all that this amazing tea can do for our health. Here is a list of some of the health benefits from drinking green tea.

1. Excellent source of anti oxidants.
2. Burns fat, aids in weight loss.
3. Enables you to exercise longer.
4. Prolongs your life.
5. Reduces high blood pressure.
6. Protects your liver from alcohol.
7. Prevents tooth decay.
8. Cures bad breath.
9. Helps preserve and build bones.
10. Boost immunity against illness.
11. Rehydrates better than water.
12. Boost energy.
13. Lowers bad cholesterol.
14. Improves memory.
15. Fights cancer.
16. Protects against heart disease.
17. Speeds metabolism.
18. Maintains a healthy circulatory system.
19. Prevents food poisoning.
20. Detoxifies the body.
21. Regulates glucose levels, prevents diabetes.
22. Delays deterioration caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
23. Relaxing and tranquilizing effects help to relive depression.
24. Antiviral, antibacterial.
25. Reduces inflammation.
26. Eases diarrhea.
27. Zero calories
28. Full of vitamins.
29. Soothes stress.
30. Taste like heaven.

18 Rules Of Happiness

Rule #1 - Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself! Self-pity is the very worst kind of emotion. It destroys everything around itself, and leaves you feeling powerless. Stop being the victim, stop feeling sorry for yourself – and be happy.

Rule #2 – Be Grateful The world is so fast-paced that we’re rarely grateful of it's gifts. Think of all the things you’re grateful for right now: family, health, home, everything. Spend time being grateful each day – and be happy.

Rule #3 – Say Yes More We each say “No!” way too often. Try saying “Yes!” more to all of life’s experiences. Don’t fight the river’s current. Say “Yes!” more to emotions, situations, social invitations – and be happy.

Rule #4 – Follow Your Bliss In life, we often find ourselves half-way up a ladder we don’t want to climb, rather than at the bottom of one we do. Whatdo you really want to be? Follow your own bliss – and be happy.

Rule #5 – Learn to Let Go Emotions often hold us back from true happiness and freedom. Remember, you are not your emotions. Let go of unwanted emotions by asking yourself “Can I let this go?” Do it – and be happy.

 Rule #6 – Do Random Acts of Kindness Being kind is double-edged. It makes you feel happier, and spreads that joy to someone else too. Do more Random Acts of Kindness every day – smile, hold open a door, pay for a coffee – and be happy.

Rule #7 – Happiness Is Only Ever Now Most of us spend our time anywhere but in the present. We obsess about the past, or plan for the future. Now is the only time that really exists. Make the decision to be happy now.

 Rule #8 – Experience, Don’t Hoard! Research shows that material purchases only boost your happiness levels temporarily. Experiences bring more overall joy. Enjoy safari holidays, learn a language, join a dancing group – and be happy.

Rule #9 – Appreciate Both Sides of the Coin How many times do we try to embrace happiness – and reject sadness? They’re both sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. Sadness is critical. Don’t fight it – and be happy.

Rule #10 – Be More Social Extensive research shows that the happiest and most successful people are those with large social networks. How many friends do you have? Be proactive, start making more and become happier.

Rule #11 – Love More! The more you love, the happier you are. Try giving everyone and everything around you a little more love. Friends, family, nature, even enemies – open your heart, give them love – and be happy.

 Rule #12 – Have a Dream Dreams are the spark plugs of the spirit. They give each day excitement and enable you to move forward. What are your dreams? Think about it, write them down. Then do them – and be happy.

 Rule #13 – Intention Sets Direction The outcome you expect is usually the one you receive. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. So, set a great intention in everything you do – and be happy.

Rule #14 – Enjoy Simple Pleasures Real happiness can be found in simple pleasures and rituals. From a daily walk in nearby countryside to a glass of wine after work. Indulge in these, setup your own little rituals – and be happy.

Rule #15 – Accept What Is Many of us spend time resisting what is. We fight against our own emotions, building up anger and resentment. Accept what is right now. Change it if you can. But accept it first – and be happy.

 Rule #16 – Exercise and Eat Well You are as happy as your lifestyle! For optimum happiness, try walking for 40 minutes a day. Take Omega 3 supplements, and eat more fish, nuts, turkey, cottage cheese. Enjoy – and be happy.

Rule #17 – Zoom Out and Don’t Sweat We often get a fresh perspective on life, after we lose a family member, or survive an illness. Don’t wait for life to remind you. Zoom out and remember your real priorities now – and be happy.

Rule #18 – Laugh, Dance, Smile! Take time to laugh at the craziness of life! Splash out and enjoy to the max. Surround yourself with happiness – wonderful music, dance classes, evenings with friends. Smile and be happy.

Life Is About Choices

One evening a Cherokee elder told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between the two 'wolves' that live inside us all. One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self pity, resentment and inferiority. The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

I choose to feed JOY, LOVE, HOPE, SERENITY, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, TRUTH AND COMPASSION!

Amazing Flower Essences

Not long ago I discovered Bach Flower Essences and feel in love. I felt amazing when I was using them daily in my life, but like many other things in my life I slipped up and stop using them. Why? I wish I knew, but what I do know is it is time to pull out my reference books and add these back into my life, because I know first hand that they work beautifully for me.

Are you wondering what exactly I am talking about? There are 38 amazing flower essences that help to balance emotions and enhance well being. Dr. Bach's Philosophy: Disease is entirely the result of a conflict between our spiritual and mortal selves. Health and happiness result from being in harmony with our own nature.

Dr. Bach divided 38 essences into seven group, representing fundamental conflicts, which prevent us from being true to ourselves: Fear, Uncertainty, Insufficient interest in present circumstances, Loneliness, Over-sensitivity to influences and ideas, Despondency or despair, Over-care for the welfare of others. Within each group, the essences each covers a specific nature of the difficulty concerned. Just as Dr.Bach identified the seven areas of conflict which interfere with our health, so he defined the stages in the healing of disease...Peace, Hope, Joy, Faith, Certainty, Wisdom, Love.

At different times I need different remedies so I take the below quiz often to assess my needs. But the one that is always with me is Impatiens, this one helps when driving and navigating the crazy drivers in Seattle. A few drops under my tough relax me and help me to go with the flow.

This questionnaire is taken directly from the offiical Bach Flower website:

Taking the quiz can help pinpoint those remedies that can help you gently address any emotional issues which you may be experiencing. Remedies can be taken individually, or you may blend up to six remedies together for a multi-pronged approach to more complex issues.

Agrimony
__I hide my feelings behind a façade of cheerfulness
__I dislike arguments and often give in to avoid conflict
__I turn to food, work, alcohol, drugs, etc. when down
Aspen
__I feel anxious without knowing why
__I have a secret fear that something bad will happen
__I wake up feeling anxious
Beech
__I get annoyed by the habits of others
__I focus on others' mistakes
__I am critical and intolerant
Centaury
__I often neglect my own needs to please
__I find it difficult to say "no"
__I tend to be easily influenced
Cerato
__I constantly second-guess myself
__I seek advice, mistrusting my own intuition
__I often change my mind out of confusion
Cherry Plum
__I'm afraid I might lose control of myself
__I have sudden fits of rage
__I feel like I'm going crazy
Chestnut Bud
__I make the same mistakes over and over
__I don't learn from my experience
__I keep repeating the same patterns
Chicory
__I need to be needed and want my loved ones close
__I feel unloved and unappreciated by my family
__I easily feel slighted and hurt
Clematis
__I often feel spacey and absent minded
__I find myself unable to concentrate for long
__I get drowsy and sleep more than necessary
Crab Apple
__I am overly concerned with cleanliness
__I feel unclean or physically unattractive
__I tend to obsess over little things
Elm
__I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities
__I don't cope well under pressure
__I have temporarily lost my self-confidence
Gentian
__I become discouraged with small setbacks
__I am easily disheartened when faced with difficulties
__I am often skeptical and pessimistic
Gorse
__I feel hopeless, and can't see a way out
__I lack faith that things could get better in my life
__I feel sullen and depressed
Heather
__I am obsessed with my own troubles
__I dislike being alone and I like to talk
__I usually bring conversations back to myself
Holly
__I am suspicious of others
__I feel discontented and unhappy
__I am full of jealousy, mistrust, or hate
Honeysuckle
__I'm often homesick for the "way it was"
__I think more about the past than the present
__I often think about what might have been
Hornbeam
__I often feel too tired to face the day ahead
__I feel mentally exhausted
__I tend to put things off
Impatiens
__I find it hard to wait for things
__I am impatient and irritable
__I prefer to work alone
Larch
__I lack self-confidence
__I feel inferior and often become discouraged
__I never expect anything but failure
Mimulus
__I am afraid of things such as spiders, illness, etc.
__I am shy, overly sensitive, and modest
__I get nervous and embarrassed
Mustard
__I get depressed without any reason
__I feel my moods swinging back and forth
__I get gloomy feelings that come and go
Oak
__I tend to overwork and keep on in spite of exhaustion
__I have a strong sense of duty and never give up
__I neglect my own needs in order to complete a task
Olive
__I feel completely exhausted, physically and/ or mentally
__I am totally drained of all energy with no reserves left
__I have just been through a long period of illness or stress
Pine
__I feel unworthy and inferior
__I often feel guilty
__I blame myself for everything that goes wrong
Red Chestnut
__I am overly concerned and worried about my loved ones
__I am distressed and disturbed by other people's problems
__I worry that harm may come to those I love
Rock Rose
__I sometimes feel terror and panic
__I become helpless and frozen when afraid
__I suffer from nightmares
Rock Water
__I set high standards for myself
__I am strict with my health, work &/or spiritual discipline
__I am very self-disciplined, always striving for perfection
Scleranthus
__I find it difficult to make decisions
__I often change my opinions
__I have intense mood swings
Star of Bethlehem
__I feel devastated due to a recent shock
__I am withdrawn due to traumatic events in my life
__I have never recovered from loss or fright
Sweet Chestnut
__I feel extreme mental or emotional heartache
__I have reached the limits of my endurance
__I am in complete despair, all hope gone
Vervain
__I get high-strung and very intense
__I try to convince others of my way of thinking
__I am sensitive to injustice, almost fanatical
Vine
__I tend to take charge of projects, situations, etc.
__I consider myself a natural leader
__I am strong-willed, ambitious and often bossy
Walnut
__I am experiencing change in my life--a move, new job, etc.
__I get drained by people or situations
__I want to be free to follow my own ambitions
Water Violet
__I give the impression that I'm aloof
__I prefer to be alone when overwhelmed
__I often don't connect with people
White Chestnut
__I am constantly thinking unwanted thoughts
__I relive unhappy events or arguments over and over again
__I am unable to sleep at times because I can't stop thinking
Wild Oat
__I can't find my path in life
__I am drifting in life and lack direction
__I am ambitious but don't know what to do
Wild Rose
__I am apathetic and resigned to whatever happens
__I have the attitude, "It doesn't matter anyhow"
__I feel no joy in life
Willow
__I feel resentful and bitter
__I have difficulty forgiving and forgetting
__I think life is unfair and have a "Poor me attitude"

Love For No Reason

I  just re-read the book 'Love For No Reason' this is a beautiful book with lots of ideas to try and great examples to follow. I liked the book the first time I read it, but this time around I am coming from a different place in my live and I loved the book and feel like I got so much more out of it.

The last time I read this book I tried many of the suggestions but I don't think I truly gave it my all. This time I am putting everything I have into it. I am so curious too see how this goes.

The things I will be implementing into my daily life are:

1. Five acts of kindness every day...giving to others will improve your health and open you heart.

2. Beam love or give mental hugs to people you come in contact with over the course of your day. Notice the boost of love, energy and joy it brings to your life

3. Practice the Kahuna technique of Ho'oponopona to release and forgive any resentments of grudges that I may have.
     I'm sorry
     Please forgive me
     Thank you
     I love you

4. Practice "I Am" technique. Anything that comes after these words is magnified many times. So it is important to use words of love and peace.

5. Smile at everyone you come in contact with, even if you are just passing them on the street. Everyone smiles the same language and smiles can add to others joy too, they're contagious. Smiles open up the heart and communicate love better than anything on the planet.

These seem easy enough, right! And they definitely can't hurt!

Happiness Tips and Techniques

Smile ~ Smiling can trick your body into helping you change your mood.

Take a scenic drive ~ Any change is scenery can help to boost your mood.

Laugh ~ It's one of the fastest paths to happiness.

Take a cue from children ~ Set yourself free, be silly.

Let go of the need to be right ~ Would I rather be right or happy.

Breathe deeply ~ A few deep breathes and you will start to relax.

Enjoy the present moment ~ Today is a gift. That is why they call it the present.

Look for the good in the "Bad" ~ Happy people look for the good - or the gift - in a painful experience. 

Exercise ~ Exercise release endorphins, which promotes an increased sense of well-being.

Study the happy people you know ~ This is what I do.

Happy Pills

There are so many natural supplements that just simply make you feel better, whether they are regulating my mood, helping with stress or just helping to relax and calm my hyper personality they are fun to try and I defiantly notice a difference in the way I response to everyday stresses in my life.

 Here are some of my favorites so far: (Definitions are taken from Traditional Medicines of the Earth)

 Ashwaghanda ~ Ashwaghanda, often referred to as "Indian Ginseng" is a common herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to support mental and physical vitality and stamina. It contains steroidal compounds and additional chemical constituents that advance the body's natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences. Ashwaghanda also supports mental endurance, promotes total metabolic efficiency and encourages an overall sense of well-being.

 Holy Basil ~ Holy Basil has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support a healthy response to stress, nourish the mind and elevate the spirit. Revered by Ayurvedic practitioners as "the incomparable one," this herb's documented actions on the body date back thousands of years. Today, we know that holy basil contains a variety of constituents, including eugenal, camphor, caryphyllene, Utsolic acid, luteolin and apigenin that function collectively to normalize stress hormones and enhance adrenal function. The properties inherent in this herb make it ideally suited to helping to support a healthy adrenal system and stress response.

 Kava Kava ~ Kava Kava is well known for its relaxing effect. Used traditionally to elevate the mind and relax the body, it is said that consuming Kava, you "feel friendly" and "cannot hate." It has traditionally been used as a social beverage for chiefs and noblemen for its calming, relaxing effect.

 Schizanrda Berry ~ Schizandra berries provide powerful antioxidant protection, particularly from free radicals and other toxins in the environment that cause cellular damage. Regarded as a popular adaptogenic agent, schizandra berries are unique in that they hold a remarkable blend of five distinct flavor properties collectivily serving to promote oval health and vitality. Namely bitter, sweet, sour, salty and hot. Schizandra berries function to enhance the body's natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences, supports mental endurance and promote overall metabolic efficiency.