Money can’t buy this July 15, 2008

I had a very interesting dream the other night that I won $100,000.00 in a lottery.  I don’t remember visuals or actions in the dream, but I remember a profound FEELING of happiness that having the extra cash would afford me.    It was so real that I woke up with that FEELING and it took me several moments before I realized it had been a dream.   Waking up wasn’t a disappointment at all because the FEELING stayed with me throughout the day.

Now why did I dream that?  Is it because I’m in the midst of a business shift?  Is it because a bit of extra cash would help with moving a few things off my checklist earlier than planned and buy me time freedom to enjoy summer and work less?   In the grand scheme of things, $100,000.00 wouldn’t greatly change my life as it might someone else.  But the lesson I learned from this dream is invaluable.  Are you ready for it? 

Money does not buy happiness.  It doesn’t matter whether I have the money or not.  I just need to remember the euphoric feeling of freedom, abundance and appreciation always because I can have that feeling whenever I choose.  I don’t need to win a lottery to feel that way.  Wasn’t that a wonderful revelation to know I have control of how I feel, every moment of every day.   And you have that same ability to choose how you feel.

Everything is energy.  Money is currency (current-see?), simply green energy.  Keep it circulating for abundance; be stingey with it and you have lack.  Whether we choose the {{{ vibration }}} of abundance or lack, that is what the Universe will bring to us as our life experience. 

FOR SCRAPBOOKERS:  Have some fun with money in your scrapbook… like many people create vision boards, I create a Vision Book for myself.  In my scrapbook I include all the things that I am grateful for that money brings to me, and I don’t mean just material things.  I use personal photos, magazine clippings, quotes and lots of journalling.   I also journal and include visuals of my goals around money and that includes how I will give it away to help others (keep the good flowing).  Money may not buy happiness but it is not “evil”… money allows us to do wonderful things in the world, for ourselves and others.  It is energy and just as spiritual as the stars or a forest.

QUOTE:  “When you become a harmonically wealthy individual, money comes as a by-product of who you are in the world.” ~ James Arthur Ray in Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life you Want

Dreams do come true June 8, 2008

I am soooooo excited!!!   I’ve been this way for months and it’s finally here, I can hardly contain myself… one of my dreams is coming true!  I am going to the City of Lights for adventure, discovery and romance and will be able to live my dream of living and speaking as the French do!  Since I was a teenager, I’ve wanted to visit Paris.  I love everything French.  

I enjoyed listening to my father speak his native tongue to his aunts on the phone (Alberta francophone slang which unfortunately did not transfer well to the French I was learning in school) .  I enjoy the beautiful, flowing language and find that I am good at it.   Yet I have not become fluent because I haven’t had the opportunity to speak it for any length of time.  

One of my dreams has always been to immerse myself in the language by living in Quebec or France for a period of time.   As a teenager I applied for an exchange program but did not secure one of the few available spots.   I had plans to travel there with a friend after highschool but she backed out and I never went.  As a flight attendant, I flew everywhere around it but never to France.  Then life happened and it did not materialize.

A couple years ago I learned about creating a Vision Board.   The information has been around for a long time but I first learned of it through the film The Secret.   In one of my favourite books Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests creating an Illustrated Discovery Journal.  Abraham-Hicks suggests a Creation Box.    Last year I purchased a beautiful fabric-covered box that says Paris all over it.  Inside I drop papers or objects that represent things I wish to accomplish.  Last November I was in Vegas and asked a friend to take a photo of me with the “fake” Eiffel Tower behind me so that I could put it in my Vision Book (yes, I have a Vision Scrapbook… that should be no surprise)!  Another friend created this collage of me that I could view on my computer.

Just 6 weeks after my return from Las Vegas, Mark and I were having dinner with friends who announced they were going to Paris and asked if we would like to come.  My husband, without even looking at me said, “that sounds like fun.”  I did a double take!  Okay, you’re saying, that’s not a big manifestation.  Well, yes, it is!!   First, I’ve had many opportunities to travel in my life and the circumstances to go to France didn’t seem to line up.  Second, my husband has never been to  Europe.   It’s not that he was opposed to going but it was never first on his priority list and I was beginning to think it would be in our retirement that we would finally get there.  Vacations are usually south or centered around golf (I am an active participant so I’m not complaining, just stating a fact). 

Which brings me to my most important point… Mark plays around 170 rounds a year.  So to get him doing anything BUT golf in the middle of Spring is highly unusual.  I’ve suggested other activities and usually he says, “in the winter, when it’s not golf season.”   

Dreams do come true if you dream it and believe it will come.   Do not place your attention on the not having of it.   Twenty-some years later I am getting to Paris in the Springtime… thanks to The Universe who kindly lined up everything to make it the right time to go.  Because if it wasn’t his golf buddy who invited us, I’m not sure that I could have gotten Mark there on my own in the middle of June.   AND, we’re not bringing the golf clubs.    For all of this, I am grateful. 

Voilà la vérité (that’s the truth of it). 

QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK: “Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” Henry David Thoreau

CHALLENGE TO YOU:  Have some fun in your scrapbook and create a page of your goals and dreams for your future.  The real fun begins when you have the opportunity to look back on this page and recognize all that has happened.  My example above is only one of many that have come true for me.

Busy, busy, bzzzz, zzzz…. June 2, 2008

It’s been 7 days since my last posting.  Interesting perspective:  that statement sounds like either a confessional or an accomplishment depending if you’re a Catholic or a recovering alcoholic.  I used to be the former, never was the latter;  I suppose I can combine the two and now say I’m a recovering Catholic.   Kidding aside, I have respect for both, just having some fun with words.

Which brings me to my topic… language and the words we choose.  I believe the 2 most powerful words we can say are ”I am…” and anything that follows those words are like a decree, a declaration and an invitation for more of the same. 

I had the pleasure of being at our local Street Festival yesterday.  A large portion of the main street through town is closed to traffic and I’ve heard numbers close to 50,000 pedestrians visit this annual event.  I had a vendor’s table there, as it’s a wonderful way to connect with the community and promote awareness of my business and services.   As I greeted visitors to my table with the usual “Good afternoon, how are you today?”, I cannot tell you how many times the response was “not bad.”   Hmmm, I suppose that’s better than not good.   I’ve used these same words many times; we do it so unconsciously without realizing the intention we are putting out there with our words.   Now, I certainly hope to receive honest answers when I ask the question so if one is truly struggling through their day then I suppose “not bad” is a polite way to say “I’m not doing well but don’t really want to get into it with you, thanks for asking.”   However, when one says “not bad” we are focusing on the negative.  Even if your day is a struggle, don’t you still have much to be GREAT-ful for?  You can walk, you can see, you can talk, you can hear, you can choose to be at a festival, you have freedom, you have a beautiful day, you can read this blog, you have… so much.  Perhaps we take too much for granted.

I’ve noticed my chiropractor doesn’t greet people with “how are you?”  He’s trained himself to greet people with “Good to see you!”  Very smart.

The next time someone asks you how you are, answer honestly… but if “not bad” is your routine response, try one of these:   Great!  Marvelous!  Fantastic!  Super-duper!  Wonderful!  Awesome! 

Another word that is overused is BUSY. ”I am so busy!”  Whenever I hear that response to my question “how are things with you?”, and it’s said in that rush, rush tone of voice like they’re doing me a favour to talk to me, well they’ve lost my attention.  We’re ALL busy.  I don’t think I’m any busier than you or you’re any busier than me.  For the past year I’ve been consciously avoiding the use of that adjective.  

In the world of blogging, apparently a blogger shouldn’t keep their readers waiting too long between posts or they won’t return.  My apologies for the past week… I have a very full life!  I enjoy my activities every day and keep myself occupied doing the things I choose to do or… I’m doing my best to approach with a fun spirit the things that simply need to get done.  I do have challenges; having a fun spirit and a grateful heart allow me to ease through challenges in life more elegantly.

Because when it’s all said and done… how would you like to look back on your life?  Do you want it to be “not bad” or GREAT!!!  It’s your choice.

QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK:  “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”  John Lennon

CHALLENGE TO YOU:  In your daily or weekly schedule, take the time to feed your soul with activities that give you joy and passion.  Sometimes you need to step back from the busy busy activities in order to be more productive.  Go for a walk around the block, meditate, write in your journal or scrapbook.

Lessons from 3 Sisters May 19, 2008

In my Gratitude Scrapbook Album, these are pages of life lessons learned from my 3 elder sisters  (Scrapbookers, see tips and notes at the end of this blog).

 The 2 eldest were teenagers in the ’60s and on their own around the time I was born.   Regardless of the age difference, it was often said how much Jo and I were alike in character traits.   Good humour is important in our family, although I admit acquaintances may not see this side of me until we become closer in friendship.

I appreciated learning stories of JoAnn’s independence and adventures and can identify parallels in our adult lives.  My 2nd sister Chris gave me a profound piece of advice.  When I was debating a trip to Australia to follow my heart, she wrote, “You never regret the things you do, only the things you don’t do.”   Ponder that one when you’re faced with a decision.     

My 3rd sister Donna is 6 years my senior, so we had the usual sisterly quarrels.  We shared a bedroom and I was the kid sister always getting into her “stuff.”   She slammed my head with a pillow one night to stop me from grinding my teeth (there are better cures these days, but her method worked).   Donna had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities for looking after me and 2 brothers.  However, it is in our adult lives that I’ve grown to really know and love her.  My favourite moments are during our recent 3-week tour of Italy with Mom.  (My spiritual teacher James Arthur Ray  quotes Ram Dass: “If you think you’re enlightened, go live with your parents.”  I’d like to revise that to say, “… travel with them as adults!)

“When mom and dad don’t understand, a sister always will.” – Author Unknown

Too sweet? How about: 

 ”If sisters were free to express how they really feel, parents would hear this:  Give me all the attention and all the toys and send (Brenda) to live with Grandma.” ~ Linda Sunshine

For Scrapbookers or wanna-be Scrapbookers:

CHALLENGE:  Adding to the challenge posted in my 2nd Post, take your time, this isn’t a rush project.  I encourage you to focus on a positive lesson from a family member that you consciously implemented in your life.    Highlight this on a page with a candid photo that really captures who they are.   Write their descriptive character traits as a border around the page.

OPEN YOUR HEART:  After writing a sincere letter of love and thanks to them, send them a copy of your page or offer it to them as a special birthday or holiday gift.  I was pleased to learn that some of my family framed their pages.   Telling them today will mean you can leave this life without regrets of not telling them what you carry in your heart.

Gratitude brought me to this place May 10, 2008

Gratitude shapes who I am and is my daily life practice.  My glass is always half full, most times it is overflowing.  This is my choice.  In the pages of my Gratitude scrapbook, the images and stories hold many lessons for which I am grateful (like these lessons from my mom pictured here).  

TIP: Make a list of your family members and highlight one or two lessons you’ve learned from them in life.  CHALLENGE: Focus on the positives from those lessons (hint: there is always a positive) and give thanks for them – the lessons and your family.  These lessons shape who you are.  OPEN YOUR HEART: share your thanks with your benefactor(s). 

As a kid, I remember having a healthy attitude towards life.  In this lifetime, I chose to be born into a home filled with Love – 9 kids, not as much money, but a wealth of Love.  I distinctly recall the excitement I felt waking up each day and wondering what and who Life would bring into my realm.  Imagine having that feeling every morning?  

 

The responsibilities brought with each passing year as an adult dulled that excitement at times.  Sometimes it was lost altogether.  I’ve had my trials and tribulations – loves lost and dreams faded – just as you, my dear reader.  Yet there always remained this thread of Hope (or was it Faith?) pulling me forward from times of despair because I know in my Soul that I (we all) have a Divine purpose.  Each day that passes is another day of discovering the treasure that is Me.  Each day brings new lessons for you and I. 

 

Let us allow ourselves a few minutes at the end of our busy day to close our eyes and reflect back on the many blessings bestowed upon us.   Yes, it can be difficult (or perhaps even futile to try) to find what can possibly be good in a day of grief or tragedy.  What if it is only to give thanks for the experience of that which is lost? 

May you awaken to the abundance of blessings bestowed upon you as you move through your day.  Namaste

(thank you for your kind comments, I am grateful to all who share in this wonderful adventure of Life)

What are Scrapbooks for the Soul? May 8, 2008

 

From the American Heritage Dictionary and www.Dictionary.com …

scrap·book  (skrāp’bŏŏk’) - noun  a book with blank pages used for the mounting and preserving of pictures, clippings, or other mementos.

soul  [sohl] –noun.   the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part; the emotional part of human nature; the seat of the feelings or sentiments; the inspirer or moving spirit of some action, movement, etc.; deeply felt emotion, as conveyed or expressed by a performer or artist.

 

My purpose for writing is simply to open hearts.  My heart, your heart, all hearts.  An open book of our lives, our deepest passions and dreams, when shared with others, will open hearts.   By sharing my stories and life lessons, I hope to inspire social and spiritual interaction to bring about positive change in the lives of others so they may live in joy, truth and empowerment.    My stories and articles will appeal primarily to women and the men who wish to better understand women. 

 

Drawing from the above definitions, my vision is that Scrapbooks for the Soul are tools (traditional or digital books, blogs or other media) filled with personal stories, lessons, journeys, images, and mementos… bits and pieces of the Self that we choose to save and reflect upon, allowing us to grow and move forward in Life. 

 

I’ve been creating scrapbooks most of my life and teaching others the importance of celebrating their lives and the lives of those they love in scrapbook format for almost 9 years.  As I’ve held workshops with women through these years, I’ve noticed patterns amongst many of the women that I meet and of course, speak from personal experience.  Many women give so much of themselves to the men, children and parents who need them, that they have nothing left for themselves.  When they do give to themselves, guilt and shame knocks at their door.  I’ve witnessed all too often how the need to be perfect paralyzes.

 

As I walk my own spiritual path, I’ve come to realize that scrapbooks can be a powerful tool for dynamic change and personal growth.  As a result of my own study and practice, I have developed fun interactive workshops where women can explore their creativity, their dreams and goals, using scrapbooks and journaling exercises with a focus on GRATITUDE.   Unlike traditional scrapbooks that celebrate the past, these scrapbooks become tools to enjoy living more fully now and into the future…

 

This blog is just another of the resources I wish to provide for women to reconnect with themselves, rekindle their passions and dreams, believe in all they can be and create the joy they deserve in their life.  I caution you to not wait for “some day” or “one day”.  Those days may never come, or when they do, they catch us so unprepared that we miss the opportunities to live authentically and joyously.

 

Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting.   This is a case of “leap and the net will appear”.  I don’t know all the technical aspects of blogging but am open to learn and quickly I will.  

I hope you will check back often.  I propose to write with humour, inspiration, creativity and honesty so that we can all learn, and open our hearts to MORE.  And yes, I will have images… as soon as I can figure out the technical aspect of that. ;o)