Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings. - jlhEndings - sometimes a season of sorrow and grief. Endings - what must precede new beginnings. Life is an endless cycle of endings and beginnings. Renewal and rebirth cannot occur without endings - as the new year's crop can only be planted and flourish in the decay of last year.
May the world be kind to you, and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings. - jlh
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Joy is a Choice - but Not an Easy Choice
Some choices are easy, because clearly defined alternatives are available. Choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream is such a choice. Other choices sometimes don't even appear to be choices. If I live in Detroit, but I would prefer to live in Florida, I may not feel that I can choose to relocate. In reality, I always have a choice about where I live. I have my story about how my job, my house, my family, and my friends prevent me from moving, but it is truly only a story.
The greatest obstacle to a Joyful Life is your "story" about your life. Your story is filled with needs and obligations. You are sure that you "need" at least a certain income to live - and you likely feel that you "need" more money than you have. You "need" a "good" job. You "need" a big house. You feel obligated to do whatever your boss and your spouse ask of you. Perhaps you also feel obligated to serve your parents, children, friends, church, and more. STOP!
There is nothing I ever need to have.
There is nothing I ever need to do.
I say NO to the demands of the world.
I say YES to the longings of my own heart. - jlh
The secret to a joyful life is Simplicity - saying NO to the advertisements for the latest this and the most glamorous that - saying NO to chasing that next job promotion - saying NO to all the stressful demands upon your time and energy.
It's YOUR time - it's YOUR life - YOU get to choose how you use it. There is no way that your life is "supposed" to be. Your parents had their vision for your life. Your boss, your spouse, your church, your friends, and even the family next door have their ideas of how you should live your life. What about YOUR vision for your life? What do YOU want? YES, it matters what you want. YES you can have what you want.
CHOOSE the life you want, and CHOOSE to live Joyfully.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: AS I PREPARE FOR THE NEW YEAR
AS I PREPARE FOR THE NEW YEAR
I recognize that it is a cultural event that celebrates the transition from one night at midnight to the dawn of the following day with such fanfare. In truth, New Year's Eve is just another transition from one day to another. That it has become a marking point for clarifying values and identifying ways of betterment is something of a unique opportunity.
As I prepare for 2009 I want to fully articulate the roads and ways, which will travel me to my best self.
I want to be authentic and live openly, directed with my passions and priorities but without rigid agenda; I want to love with a strong sense of my own internally, fully calibrated compass;
I want to embrace the opportunities of 2009 with unfurled love and vanquished fear. I welcome discipline and ease to the front of the classroom of my days and invite visiting instructors to draw out the finest parts of my soul.
In 2009 I offer continuous gentle invitations to myself...to become the most inspired version of my self possible.
In all my ways of seeing - may I use new glasses, a telescope and a microscope. And my I always allow myself to see a circumstance through the tender hearts of my friends.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Say NO to Stress: 8 Easy and Powerful Ways - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
As you need food to live, you also need a certain amount of emotional stimulation, but unless you choose to live alone far from the reaches of civilization, you are bombarded daily with innumerable stressors (agents, conditions, or other stimuli that cause stress). You hear the daily woes of friends and family. Your job and your daily commute are filled with agitation. Just a few minutes of the 11 o'clock news provides far more than your daily requirement of emotional stimulation.
What to do?
1. Simplify your needs: Much of our stress is due to what we believe we need to have. Actually, we need very little - food, a roof over our head, companionship. The rest is all perceived need that causes stress. As a crazy, but everyday example, we get stressed that we don't have the money to finance a relaxing vacation trip. Suppose we just relaxed every day knowing that we don't need luxuries.
2. Simplify your obligations: Practice saying "NO." No, I won't babysit your parakeet. No, I won't work a double shift Sunday. No, I won't chair the fundraising drive. There is actually almost nothing that you must do. Everything in life is a choice. Break the habit of assuming that you need to do everything you are asked to do.
3. Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen: Usually the worst isn't really so bad. For example, the worst your boss can ever do is to fire you, and if you hate your job, that would be a blessing in disguise.
4. Don't be demanding: You ask someone to do something, they don't do it, and you get upset - raising your stress level. Suppose you asked less of other people? Your stress level would go way down. For example, you want your teenagers to keep their rooms tidy. For them, a structured living space is not a priority. Ask yourself whether exerting your control is worth the high stress level that it causes you.
5. Mentally, prepare for failures: Your boss WILL be critical of your work. Your cell phone and computer WILL fail. The stock market WILL drop. There WILL be another terrorist attack or war. It is just life. If you are mentally prepared, you won't be surprised or get stressed when the inevitable happens.
6. Mind your own business: Many of us get upset - and stressed - over the actions of others that are really none of our business. The lifestyle of others is NOT our business. Whether your adult son or daughter has a job, whether they married the "wrong" partner, whether your neighbor recycles, whether the man down the street watches adult movies or his wife is having an affair - these are NOT our business. Know that there is no single way that life is "supposed" to be. Demanding that life meet our expectations is a sure fire recipe for a miserable existence. Life is a game with no rules. Have NO Expectations of life. Stay in your own business and lower your stress.
7. Be grateful for what you have: Each of us has been infinitely blessed - beginning with the gift of life. Whatever may appear to be missing or broken on any particular day, our glass is not half full, it is 99.9% full. More practically, when we feel ungrateful, we become unhappy and stressed. When we choose to feel and express our gratitude, the act of feeling and speaking our thanks creates a happiness within us. The more we express our gratitude, the more we have for which to be grateful.
8. Make YOU your top priority: Your ONLY responsibility in life is to your own happiness. Lower your stress and raise your joy by focusing on yourself. Today and every day, take time to celebrate your life - whether an hour's meditation in a quiet natural space, or a brief moment's conscious pause to breathe deeply and celebrate gratitude for your life.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A flower is a weed seen through joyful eyes. - jonathan lockwood huie
A flower is a weed seen through joyful eyes.
- jonathan lockwood huie
The virtue of anyone or anything is solely in our perspective. See gold, and there is gold; see lead and there is lead. If you see this thistle as a thorny nuisance, then it is a weed. If you appreciate its bright pink bloom, then it is a flower. It becomes what you name it. The power is in your choice, your perspective, your speaking.
Rabindranath Tagore: Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.
Rabindranath Tagore: Those who own much have much to fear.
- Rabindranath Tagore
The danger in wealth is not the wealth itself, but the attachment to that wealth.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: MAY I TELL YOU HOW IT IS FOR ME?
MAY I TELL YOU HOW IT IS FOR ME?
Relating my personal experiences is my way of shepherding my life lessons to my readers. My way of saying, "Look at how it is or was for me and see if you can draw any value from it for yourself."
Girlfriends ask each other for advice all the time. "What do think?" follows the most intimate disclosure from one BGF to another. Life coach and radio host (A Better Tomorrow), Steve Maraboli said to me, "Advice is what we seek when we already know the answer but really want it or like it."
Steve's provocative comment, which I still ponder upon, led to a couple of measurable shifts. I work to no longer say things like, "This is what I think you should do," or even, "Why don't you try doing this....?"
I am trying to own my own opinions and offer what I know as an option, just as I would present a tray of appetizers for my guests. Here are several choices that I have created - if one looks good you are welcome to take it. In other words, I am training myself to say, "May I tell you how it is for me?" When I ask the question, it means waiting for the invitation to share. It also means being prepared for my friend to say, "No." They don't want to know.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Erica Jong: Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
We become the face of God
When the vast cathedral of our being becomes a sanctuary for all creation, we become the face of God.
- jlh
December 25 is a challenging day to compose an inspiration that feels appropriate to the entire Simply An Inspired Life community. For some of you, this is one of the Holiest days of the Christian year. For others, today is a day to celebrate family and friends, and exchange gifts. And, for a third group, today is just another day.
My wish, today, for each of you is Joy, Honor, acceptance of diversity, and Unity with Spirit and All Creation.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: THE GIFT OF SEEING
THE GIFT OF SEEING
Remember the difference between looking and seeing.
Remember that holiday weekend when you said yes to several different invitations and you accepted them all? Showed up at all of them, all the while, glancing at your watch to time your exit to reach the next party? Okay. Maybe you have never done that, but I have. The net result was that I showed up but wasn't really present. Oops.
I think one of the finest gifts I can give my friends in the holiday season is to pause with a long enough quality to actually SEE them. My calm, unhurried presence communicates this gift of a message, "I see you. I recognize you. I remember our times of together and am contributing right now to another quality memory. I value you and honor and take the time, right this moment to pause long enough to truly notice you."
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
May this Holiday Season smile gently upon you and yours, and may the New Year bring you Joy and Health.
Neale Donald Walsch: A life lived of choice is a life of conscious action. A life lived of chance is a life of unconscious creation.
A life lived of choice is a life of conscious action. A life lived of chance is a life of unconscious creation. - Neale Donald Walsch
Wayne Dyer: Don't die with your music still inside you. Listen to your intuitive inner voice and find what passion stirs your soul.
Life is a journey - enjoy the journey - jlh
Life is a journey - enjoy the journey
- jlh
There is nowhere you have to reach. There is no destination, there is only the path (Life). Wherever you step, the path is under your feet. Whether you walk quickly or slowly, turn left or right, worry or relax, there is still no destination, and you are still walking the path.
You can always choose joy. Enjoy your journey.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: CALM IN CHAOS
Sunday, December 21, 2008
UNITY - I Am One With Spirit and All Creation
This week we continue with our overview of the concepts of Simply An Inspired Life (SAIL) by looking at UNITY - the eighth and final of the Eight Points of an Inspired Life. You can find the previous issues of our daily and weekly inspirations in our Archive.
UNITY - the eighth Point of SAIL
I Am One With Spirit and All Creation - I give thanks for the unity of all creation and for everything that has brought me to this moment. I release my entire being to the gentle nurture of Spirit. Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there. - Rumi As we light a path for others, we naturally light our own way. - mary anne radmacher When the vast cathedral of our being becomes a sanctuary for all creation, we become the face of God. -
The cleansing fire of Spirit consumes the troubles of this world. - jlh
The cleansing fire of Spirit consumes the troubles of this world.
Feed your concerns to the fire. Breathe deeply and rejoice.
- jlh
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Discovery and adventure, rather than fear
Choose what lies in the shadows to be a matter for discovery and adventure, rather than fear.
- jlh
We all have an instinctive fear of the unseen. Make a conscious effort to discover and embrace the unfamiliar - to view the unknown not as a lurking monster, but as a glorious adventure.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Holiday Party Spoilers - Do You Know Any Of These People? - jlh
Are you dreading that family get-together or office party? You just know that uncle Harry is going to give you his opinion of politics for three hours, and that Joyce is going to put down every dress in the room. You can stay home, you can just suffer through it, or you can have a good laugh labeling the behaviors.
Stereotyping people may not be considered nice, but there really are personality types, and nothing brings that out like a holiday gathering. Do you know these people:
The Opinion: the man or woman who knows exactly how the world should behave. "If I were President, I'd fix this economy right away by ..." "They shouldn't let dogs bark. I've called the sheriff six times on the guy across the street."
The Know-It-All: The Know-it-all is very different from the Opinion - he or she really does know something useful about everything. It's unsettling - it's embarrassing - it feels a little like watching one of those quiz shows where "people picked from our audience" know the answers to amazing trivia questions. We wonder if the quiz show is faked, but this person is standing right in front us.
The Bully: "The next time my neighbor's dog barks, I'm going to go over there and pound him." "I've got three guns, so nobody better mess with me." "If there's a scratch on my Harley, somebody's history."
The Sob Story: You just know that something terrible has happened to them since the last time you talked to them - even if that were yesterday. The Sob Story can't keep a job or a romantic interest. Their car is always in the shop or about to be repossessed. How can that much bad luck attend any one person?
The Storm Cloud: Joe Btfsplk was a character in Al Capp's Li'l Abner cartoon strip. Joe walked around with a dark cloud over his head. Although Joe was a happy person and loving friend, trouble always followed Joe. If Joe was there, an earthquake, tornado, or swarm of locusts was sure to follow.
The Perfect Life: The perfect job, the perfect spouse, the perfect kids. Never a wrinkle, never a hair out of place. Gag me with a spoon I'm so jealous.
The Egomaniac: No one else exists in the life of the Egomaniac. I did this, and I want that, and pooh on the rest of you.
The Gossip: everything you didn't want to know about Mary's arthritis and Joe's love life.
The Undresser: No, not the stripper, or the streaker, or the lecher - the Undresser is the person who takes apart everyone's wardrobe piece by piece. "She should never have worn those shoes with that dress." "How could she let him leave the house in that shirt."
After you have finished laughing at them, have compassion on all these people. Some - like The Sob Story and The Bully are constantly suffering. The others are generally unaware of how much their behaviors push everyone away. Wish them all well, and have a Happy Holiday.
Mary Anne Radmacher: WHAT DO I WANT?
WHAT DO I WANT?
It's a pervasive and often illusive question. I ask myself regularly just as a check in device. A way to make sure that the activities I choose for myself in my day match up to what I am aware that I want. What I want is rooted in who I am. What are your answers to this question and what are they rooted in?
Here's my current overview.
INSPIRATION/SIMPLY AN INSPIRED LIFE
- Unrelenting and profound creativity and creation
- Vitality in spirit and body
- Consciously incorporate my ten illuminating things into my day.
- Self knowledge and self awareness which forms the basis for guiding others
SUCCESS
- Enjoy positive outcomes from appropriate investments
- Redeem all actions and activities by observing and learning
- Create an environment that supports my ontology and is consistent
With what I want.
INTIMACY
- Invest in and develop my marriage
- Demonstrate fearlessness and dedication in my friendships
- Speak the truth with compassion
- Act from love - face and dispel fears.
RESPONSIBILITY
- Fulfill the obligations that the past posts to me
- Embrace the opportunity for service based in love.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Life's burdens are lighter when I laugh at myself. - jlh
Life's burdens are lighter when I laugh at myself.
- jlh
Lighten up! Slow down the shopping. Your greatest gift to your family and friends is yourself - your relaxed, happy, and fully-present self. Consider gifting hand-made cards with messages of true appreciation in place of store-bought presents.
We attract abundance when we ask from a compassionate heart - jlh
The "Law of Attraction" is a Half-Truth
We attract abundance when we ask from a compassionate heart.
- jonathan lockwood huie
Everything regarding the so called "Law of Attraction" is an opinion. There is no scientific basis whatsoever for the "law," as there is no scientific basis for anything else in metaphysics or in religion. Does that mean all of metaphysics is wrong? No, just unprovable.
Is intent - or intention - real? While not scientifically provable, intent is certainly very real in my personal experience, and the experience of many I know well.
My Intent is my transmission to the entire Universe. It is the way I speak my vision for the future. While I can "speak" anything to the Universe, many transmissions are not received or are diverted.
My compassionate intents are generally received clearly and acted upon - perhaps not immediately, or in exactly the way I hope- but acted upon favorably, nonetheless.
However desires that are neutral - such as my desire to win the lottery - are just ignored. Further, my harmful or "evil" desires are not only rejected by the Universe, but are mirrored back to me as intense personal suffering - essentially Hell-on-earth.
The usual expression of the "Law of Attraction" states that the Universe will give you ANYTHING you want. That is half-true in that you can have anything that you request with compassion. The untruth is the expectation that the Universe will respond favorably when you ask selfishly or ask to harm others.
Consider the distinction between affluence and riches. Affluence is a state of mind. I can perceive affluence regardless of my external circumstances. The Universe responds favorably when I request affluence. I always receive the feeling of having everything I need. Sometimes I actually receive riches, and sometimes I receive that satisfied feeling with what the Universe deems is best for me. Either way, I truly receive affluence.
If you prefer to use the phrase "Law of Attraction," just remember that it will provide what you request with compassion, but not satisfy your hurtful or greedy requests.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: A HOLIDAY BLESSING FOR THE CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY HOME
A HOLIDAY BLESSING FOR THE CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY HOME
Within you
The skills to discover what you need to know;
Beneath you
Knowledge of land to root you and guide you;
Behind you
History that upholds your dreams
Before you
Hope that inspires your vision
Above you
Angels who know your name
Around you
Always
The love of your family.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Judy Garland: Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
Most of the Dating Advice You Have Read is Dead Wrong - jlh
Why are you dating? If you are dating because you like to go on first dates, then fine - just play the actor or actress - and enjoy an evening of make believe. However, if you are dating because you want someone in your life longer term, stop the play-acting and be yourself.
The role-playing is completely counterproductive for two reasons. First, suppose that you are successful in impressing and attracting your date with your antics. What happens later when you let your guard down and revert to being yourself? You will be unmasked as not being the person your date was attracted to, and revealed as a phony beside.
The even more unfortunate situation occurs when your date is not attracted to your contrived persona, but would have loved the real you. What a huge loss to be on a date with the man or woman of your dreams and never even recognize them or have them recognize you because each of you were so busy play-acting.
What to do:
1. Clear the air. Before your first date, or on your first date at the latest, announce that you are going to relax and be yourself, and invite your date to be himself or herself as well. Some dates won't know what to make of that invitation, but the person you really want in your life will respond with gratitude, and will also relax.
If you are using an on-line dating service, be sure that your profile reflects the real you - without any puffery or distortion of your true qualities. Be proud of who you are, and share your true self. Have the "clear the air" conversation before you meet in person.
2. Choose relaxed places for your first few dates. There are environments that foster play-acting, and there are those that support each of you in being yourself. Choose the latter.
3. Ask for feedback. Dating is often a time for playing the guessing game as well as the play-acting game. Don't guess, ask how your date is feeling, what they want to do or not do. Give your date the same consideration as you would give a good friend.
4. Just remember to relax and be yourself. You will enjoy your date more - and you will create an opening for a wonderful long-term relationship with someone who likes the real you.
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Dalai Lama: If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
Buddha: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason.
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
- the Buddha
Rabindranath Tagore: Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.
Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.
- Rabindranath Tagore
In this month of celebrating the birth of Jesus and the rebirth of the Seasons, let us honor all children and put ourselves into service preparing a magnificent earthly home for future generations. - jlh
Lao Tzu: The words of truth are always paradoxical.
The words of truth are always paradoxical.
- Lao Tzu
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
- Lao Tzu
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
- Lao Tzu
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Lao Tzu
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
- Lao Tzu
He who is contented is rich.
- Lao Tzu
I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.
- Lao Tzu
Silence is a source of great strength.
- Lao Tzu
To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
- Lao Tzu
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
- Lao Tzu
When the best leader's work is done the people say, "We did it ourselves."
- Lao Tzu
To lead people, walk behind them.
- Lao Tzu
Confucius : Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
- Confucius
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
- Confucius
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
- Confucius
Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.
- Confucius
Study the past, if you would divine the future.
- Confucius
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
- Confucius
Marianne Williamson: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: RECOGNIZING DISORDER ON THE INSIDE BY FIXING IT ON THE OUTSIDE
I just reached inside to find one item in the freezer in the home of my friend. I'd taken a break from trying to determine which of the top five projects due about the same time I would start on next. A little reach and before I knew it every single frozen item in the entire freezer box was strewn over all the kitchen counters and the dining table. One child walked through with a puzzled, "What the???" I flippantly laughed saying, "I had nothing to do so I thought I'd organized the freezer." Ah. The truth was precisely opposite. I had so much to do so I opted to organize the freezer.
Cleaning and prioritizing what was visible created a model, a path for me to follow to go back and prioritize the less visible. Fortunately I was able to stop at the freezer! Inspired with a small, unexpected successful task I returned to the larger, more daunting task(s) and began to create order on their "shelves."
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Sunday, December 14, 2008
CELEBRATION - I Dance with a Light Heart
This week we continue with our overview of the concepts of Simply An Inspired Life (SAIL) by looking at CELEBRATION - the seventh of the Eight Points of an Inspired Life. You can find the previous issues of our daily and weekly inspirations in our Archive. The latest article in the Library is A Man's Guide to Online Dating After Divorce.
CELEBRATION - the seventh Point of SAIL
I Dance with a Light Heart - I play with life, laugh with life, dance lightly with life, and smile at the riddles of life, knowing that life's only true lessons are writ small in the margin. There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein Celebration has many different outfits but she always wears the same beautiful dancing shoes. - mar The beauty does not live out there; the beauty's in my eyes. - jlh
Rabindranath Tagore: Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf
Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.
- Rabindranath Tagore
There is always enough time to celebrate life. Nothing is more important than celebrating your accomplishments, your lessons, your family, your friends, and especially yourself. Raise a glass, thank Spirit, celebrate today, and anticipate tomorrow joyfully.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mary Anne Radmacher: PREPARING MY HEART FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Honor your being
Honor your being,
Release each and every struggle,
Gather strength from life's storms,
Relax into the arms of spirit.
- jlh
Today is a day to accept that life is often a struggle, and we sometimes end up bruised, battered and beaten. Accept the defeat and gather strength from it. Tomorrow, you will be stronger and better trained. Tonight, relax into the arms of Spirit, and sleep the childlike sleep of the noble warrior.