Every day, we’re tasked with making decisions that can change our lives. It could be something as simple as deciding to go for a run versus lounging on the couch; or something more difficult, such as walking away from a “sure thing” because whatever it is…

just
doesn’t
fit.

This week’s affirmation is to remind us to trust the person who knows you best: you. Say it out loud, rinse, and repeat when you’re doubting yourself or unsure of your future.

I am going in the right direction.

Hawaii Hiatus
Late last month, I got the opportunity to spend four glorious days in Maui, Hawaii. Knowing how April can be, I wasn’t sure what the weather would be like. What I was sure of, however, was that I’d have to sport some kind of Summer clothing at some point—whether it was Summer or not.

Was I ready? No. Did I care? Suprisingly,

No. 

Seasons Greetings
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that no matter what size I am, I will NEVER be ready for bathing suit weather. What I will be, however, is willing to put my self-consciousness aside and experience each season to its fullest.

Consciousness
This week’s affirmation reminds us that our conscious-self is not self-conscious. Say it out loud, rinse, and repeat when you’re feeling a little pudgy, a little less than, and/or a little prideful.

I am beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday to ME
It’s Birthday week, here, at the OK corral and you know what that means: It’s time for some serious self-indulgence and self-reflection.

Every year, I ask myself a series of questions that tend to go something like this:

1. Am I happy?
2. Did I accomplish everything I set out to do last year?
3. What do I want to do this year?
4. What will I do to make it happen?

This year, I’m adding another question to the question pile: Who will it serve?

Self Service
As I get older, service to myself tends to take on less importance; it’s service to my fellow (wo)man that seems to be the answer to all of the above. This week’s affirmation reminds us to step outside of ourselves and think of others. Say it out loud, rinse and repeat when you find yourself tooting your own horn or throwing a pity party for one. It’s a Buddhist quote; one that I think we can all act on and benefit from together.

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Having just come back from an emotional 4-day trip to paradise, I’m veklempt to say the least and, quite honestly, wasn’t sure how I would approach this Monday’s mojo.

Right before the trip, I started to watch Fierce Grace: a documentary about Ram Das and his life post-stroke. (If you’ve never heard of Ram Das, I suggest you Google him—his life in the 60s was fascinating and his enlightened adventure continues to this day.)

So, coming off of my Hawaiian punch this afternoon, I took my dog for a walk on West Cliff. We walked in the sun, ran (and dug) on the dog beach, and watched the pelicans paraglide overhead. Needless to say, it was a glorious day and something I refuse to take for granted ever again.

After returning to the house, I made myself a quick veggie quesadilla and resumed watching Fierce Grace. I took a lot away from the story but what really *stuck* was the importance of living in the moment.

Essentially, whether good things, bad things, or no-things happen to you, in each conscious moment is where our (fierce) grace resides.

This weeks’ affirmation reminds us the importance of BEing here now. Say it out loud, rinse, and repeat when you find yourself jumping ahead or feeling like you’re falling behind. Living in the moment, you’re actually right where you should be.

In this moment, I am completely happy and satisfied.

Fearless Painting
I participated in an awesome art class this past weekend aptly named: Fearless Painting. For two full days, nine courageous women came together for a little soul-searching and a lot of brush stroking. It was something that I’ve wanted to do for quite some time now and, until now, have always managed to find an excuse not to go.

Fear of Starting
“If you love being creative so much, why the hesitation?” a friend asked. Well, it’s because I’ve been afraid…afraid of putting myself out there for all to see, afraid of picking up a brush and wrecking a perfectly good canvas, and afraid to be found out that, ya know, I’m essentially starting over from square one.

Deep Fear Freeze
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a little absent around here. As soon as I changed my blog style from a random, spiritual bent to more of a lifestyle one, I’ve been practically frozen. The decorating projects, the art projects, the dreams have all come to a halt. And the halt is based on that ugly four-letter word: FEAR.

Why must it all come back to this? Well, according to just about every self-help guru out there, we’re all addicted to fear; and, the only way to break out of fear addiction and/or overcome your fear is to consciously throw yourself into fearful situations.

Fear Less
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you to go jump out of a perfectly good plane at 14,000 feet; although, putting your creative self out there can have the same affect. Rather, jump out of your comfort zone over, say, a weekend. You just might find, as I did, that you fear far less when you’re busy being fearless.

It’s mid-April and, if you live in the US, you know what that means (everybody say it with me): It’s TAX TIME!

It doesn’t seem to matter whether I get a refund or not. Putting my financial house in order is stress-full. This week’s affirmation reminds us that, as is the case with any stressful situation, if we face it head on, we can minimize the stress and power it has over us. Say it out loud, rinse, and repeat when you find yourself screaming “Uncle” and/or looking for deductions in all the wrong places. (image credit: Wired.)

I am building a financially stable future for myself and my family.