Magnificent You - Live It with Love

I was traveling on Bayview Ave. in the midst of morning traffic and remembered that I needed gas. I thought for a moment about the time that it would likely take to get back onto the busy street when I was done. Then I reminded myself that it was a minor matter - patience is the lesson. I pulled up to the pump and turned off the engine. As I reached for the door handle I glanced at a sign hanging on the pump saying “Pay at the pump not working. Please pay inside”. Now the former me would have turned that engine right back on and drove to the next convenient pump that allowed me to pump-and-run. I was stopped by a voice that said “take the time to go inside”. Again the lesson was patience (and others that I didn’t immediately recognize).

I pumped the gas, put up my hood to protect my hair from the rain and went in to pay. the clerk at the counter said “twenty dollars please”.

“Can I also get ten dollars of lotto max?” I asked.

“Ten dollars for the winning tickets” he sang in a very off tone but with joy. “She wants ten dollars” his song continued.

By this time I was laughing at this entertaining attention to my gas and lottery purchases. He continued to sing every response until I had my receipt and tickets and his final notes accompanied his words “have a good day”.

I smiled all the way to my destination and thought about how, no matter what you do, you can choose to do it with a sincere love for the opportunity to contribute your gifts to the world.  It really is magical how each person gives of themselves in so many unique ways. You give to yourself by bringing out your passion and you extend that passion to those you come into contact with. So my questions for you are: Do you love what you do? Can you shift your mindset to love what you do? How can the love of what you do be shared with others?

Affirmation for Loving What You Do: Today I recognize the moments that I have been given to appreciate the potential for my bliss and for others.

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Magnificent You - Softening the Heart

On the way to school, my daughter and I sang our favorite Princess and the Frog songs from the soundtrack CD. Quite often we talk about the scenes of the movie as each song plays. On this particular journey, she reminded me about the practice of acceptance, forgiveness and love for others.

“Do you like Dr. Facilier mommy?” she asked.

“Not really. He does things that aren’t nice” I replied (as I said many times before).

“I do” she said.

I turned back in surprise. Normally she says that she doesn’t like him either because he tricks Prince Naveen. I paused…

“Remember you said that even when I’m not listening you love me?” she continued.

“Yes” I replied.

“And you said if one of my friends doesn’t play with me today, we are still friends and like each other?” she said.

“That’s right” I agreed.

“Well, I like Dr. Facilier even though he’s not nice to everyone. I like all of them” she concluded.

“You’re right. Just because someone does something that we may not be happy with, we can still like them”. I thanked her for reminding mommy about that.

That conversation made me think about the difficulty that many of us have in releasing the harsh feelings resulting from conflicts and disagreements with others. Our hearts become hardened for extended periods of time and the anger is actually similar to a toxin that quietly invades our health, our mental and emotional capacities and other relationships.  In Singles Guide to Greatness, I mention that “repression or explosive episodes of anger will not help you in the long run and they are enormous energy drainers.” The chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Leo Maddow also says: “Someone who stays angry long after the particular incident that caused the anger may be committing slow suicide.”

At times, we can be quick to judge but slow to forgive. In the end, your judgment and resentment of others will only keep your heart hardened. The person may not appear to be affected in any way, while you carry a weight that blocks the freedom of a fully open heart. As I’ve said (and reminded myself) forgiveness is not for them.  You don’t have to be in their company or engage in a meaningful relationship but do yourself the favor of letting go and accepting them as an individual who has made certain choices in their lives. Allow your heart to soften enough to beat freely, uninhibitedly and joyously - you deserve it!

Affirmation for Softening the Heart: Today I release all judgments and bitterness towards others as a divine gift to myself. My heart is soft and flows freely.

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Magnificent You Series - Let Loose and Get Silly

One of the best ways to reduce stress, enhance your immune system, and deepen your connection with others is to have fun. Most adults forget how to experience life with light and laughter. Wouldn’t it be nice to really let loose and have the kind of fun that seems to exhilarate every ounce of your being? Well, why can’t you? Here are a few things to consider when you make your mission one of flat-out silly fun:

1. Don’t worry about what others might think of you.

2. Try something new.

3. Plan a play date with children.

4. Go to a comedy show.

5. Create a wacky song and sing at times when you need to relax.

6. Put on a wig and grab a microphone. Be the lead singer in your all-time favorite band.

We get so busy that good, energizing fun seems to sneak up on us as opposed to being consciously incorporated into the primary elements of our day. Mark your calendars, establish a let loose ritual and inspire others to do the same.

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Magnificent You Series - In Touch with YOURself

In the chapter devoted to the greatness of single women, I share a story about one of the many women who I’ve worked with that came to the discovery that she knew very little about her unique essence. She was completely detached from the spirit of her life.  In a world that thrives on getting more and doing more, her realization is shared by many women. We often conform to this influence while still assuming the primary caregiver role.  I talk about some of the other common barriers preventing far too many women from living fully.

“Being a treatment centre, these women were addicted to mood-altering chemicals and/or unhealthy relationships, paralyzed by fears, guilt, shame, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress resulting from abuse histories, anxiety, depression, over-extension of themselves, and so on.  Many of these women had yet to discover their own separate sense of self.” ~ Singles Guide to Greatness

Magnificent women reach out to touch new possibilities. Step forward into a light that illuminates all that you are most passionate about. You just need to believe that you are deserving and that awakening the story guided by your heart will reveal the joy you were meant to experience.

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