Courage is a Tool

This morning, working through some money-issue related limiting beliefs that came up yesterday (Listen....), I realized that most of the beliefs were centered around being seen and being heard.

I've been aware for several months now that one of the big things holding me back from achieving my business and financial goals is my tendency to shy away from networking events and other "being seen and heard" opportunities. I know I need to "get out more.

However, as I discovered this morning, there's a big difference between "knowing" intellectually (i.e. consciously) and "knowing" emotionally (i.e. subconsciously).

In my self-exploration, using tools and techniques to access the subconscious mind, I was able to get down to the core issues that were fueling these limiting beliefs. Then it was easy to see the domino effect in how these limiting beliefs fed my reluctance (... okay, "fear") to get out there and be seen and heard!

It was a huge "duh!" for me. (Yes, we all have our blocks!)

So, determined to face these fears and transform my limiting beliefs, I took a walk around the block - one of the things on my new "How can I been seen & heard today" list - I realized, as silly as it seems, getting myself ready, going outside, and "making" myself put one foot in front of the other in a continuous manner.... it took courage. It also took making a decision.

I had decided, spurred from yesterday's experience, to get to the bottom of whatever was holding me back.

Then I made a decision to take action on one simple thing - like taking a walk - to break through the fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment

that something else is more important than fear.

 - Ambrose Redmoon

Every time we choose courage over fear, we gain another dose of confidence, which brings us one step closer to success.

My success is much more important to me than maintaining my fear!

What about you?

Here's an exercise.... (I'm doing this too.)

Make a list of things you're avoiding because you (think you) lack confidence. Then start doing one of those things every day.

If you do only half of the things on your list, your confidence will have become enormous and your success will be immense.

Because, as Jamie Smart in his Financial Detox cards says, this list is your fast-track to success. And I'm willing to prove that he's right. What have I got to lose?

Here's to continuing the Journey... getting to the core issue.... making the Decision to move forward.... taking action.... using courage as a tool to overcome fear....

-Becky

Listen... anything in life can be our guide

I found this poem as a poster many years ago.... not sure who its author is, but it's been "screaming" at me all day.....

Listening to your heart, finding out who you are, is not simple.

It takes time for the chatter to quiet down.

In the silence of "not doing" we begin to know what we feel.

If we listen and hear what is being offered, then anything in life can be our guide.

Listen.

One of the reason's it's been "screaming" at me is that a visit with a friend yesterday brought up a very surprising reaction on my part, and just the thought of looking deeper into it has brought up a lot of fear.

And this poem has been running through my head all day...... Listen. Sit down and take time to listen to what the situation and those feelings are trying to teach you....

So I finally did....

And behind the fear and resistance I discovered feelings of unworthiness - coming from limiting belief thoughts that the situation had triggered.

As a journaled.... and got the thoughts out on paper so that I could face them.... I realized that just writing them down - admitting them! - was healing. I felt lighter. And now, the fear/resistance was no longer a looming monster. They were just words on the paper and information that I could now work with consciously to correct my erroneous thinking - i.e my limiting beliefs.

It's always interesting how God orchestrates things. Without the encounter yesterday, I probably wouldn't have known about these remnants of limiting beliefs still lurking in my subconscious mind.

Now, I can release them and work on turning them around to life affirming beliefs! That way, I can use them to move forward instead of being sabotaged and held back.

Isn't life grand! :)

Here's to continuing the Journey.... Listening... finding guidance in unexpected places.... having the courage to hear the message.

-Becky

Bee Unstopable

OK.... I don't like bees, wasps, or any of those little flying black insects who always seem to find me when I'm sitting outside.

Though I must say, the rapid heart palpitations and high-pitched screams when I see one flying close by have lessened over the past few years as I've worked on this fear.

However, when they fly directly at me, seeming to want to use me as their next landing pad.... a good-quality high-pitched scream (or two or three) will usually divert them. (If not, well, that's another story... :)

All that said...... I have had 2 bee visitors come into my kitchen this week - one yesterday and one today.

In our morning ritual - me and my cat, DC - I get coffee while DC nibbles his breakfast. Then I sit at the kitchen table to wake up, meditate, read, etc and he goes outside to do his kitty-cat thing. Also.... I usually leave the back door open a bit for him to come in and out while I'm sitting there. (Sitting at the table, I'm facing the glass door and window, looking outside.)

And so.... that's how the 2 buzzing visitors got into the kitchen in the first place.

Yesterday, (amazingly fairly calmly I might add), as the bee crawled along the side of the wooden chopping-block island thing in the middle of the kitchen, I firmly instructed it to turn around and go back outside as I visualized it (calmly) buzzing itself out the still-opened door.

Unfortunately, it seemed to be very happy staying where it was and totally ignored me.

This morning, same thing.... except this bee was fascinated by the potted plant sitting on the island and kept buzzing back and forth from the surface of the island to the plant non-stop.

So I had to get tough both times.

Since we were out of wasp spray, I had to resort to the ol' hair spray technique. (It has worked on wasps in the past..... stiffening their little wings and immobilizing them.)

Well, yesterday and today I learned that it doesn't have the same affect on bees.

It makes them fly around crazy and erratic like a .... well, like a pissed off bee!

However... through it all, I'm amazingly calm as I crouch bravely in the doorway from the living room into the kitchen (ready to run down the hall if needed) - with hair spray in hand, aimed and ready like a sword fighter ready for attack.....

All the while.... still visualizing the bee buzzing itself out the opened door, instructing it to "go to the light.... go to the light!"

After several minutes, it finally finds the door opening and goes on its merry way and I quickly close the door behind it.

So after the second day of this..... I'm wondering WHAT the heck!! What's the message here??

Searching the Internet for symbolic meanings.... I found that bees symbolize communication and community, celebration and personal power, as well as action and our ability to consciously choose the results we want in our lives.

All of which is interesting since I've been 'busy as a bee' working on a new class I'm teaching for the first time this Saturday. (Stop the Financial Struggle: Discover the Secret to Money Success)

AND for the past two nights, I've had to face my reluctance (... okay, "fear") of calling people on the phone as I've spent an hour or so making phone calls to past clients and prospects inviting them to the class.....

Still wondering what it all means for me specifically, I asked my Guides (and the Bees) for more information. Here is what I got....

Bee unstoppable and determined.
Bee motivated and focused.
Stay focused on the light within and the abundance that you are.
Communicate with vision and preciseness.
All is well... And will turn out even better than you planned.

Here's to continuing on the Journey.... surviving surprise visitors... and finding guidance and meaning in the unexpected.....

-Becky

Now's the time to Shift the Balance

Today each of us - you and me - are hanging in the balance.....

It's the Spring Equinox - the day of equal daylight and darkness.

This is an ideal time to take a look at your life and notice where you've been putting most of your attention....

• Have you been focusing mostly on lack, limitation, fear, worry, dread... and all the stuff that's weighing you down?
• Or have you been focusing mostly on abundance, gratitude, love, faith, possibilities.... all those things that keep your spirits high?

If you're not sure, check your results. Look at the experiences and situations in your life.

Life flows in the direction of your dominant thoughts.

How can you shift the balance toward MORE of what you want and LESS of what you don't want?

"You will never change your life until you change something you do daily."

 - Mike Murdock

What one thing can you change now - today?

• It could be something as simple as driving a different way to work, or shopping at a different store.
• It could be taking a few extra moments to appreciate your kids, or give them an unexpected compliment.
• It might be reflecting on an issue or situation in your life and choosing to see it from a different perspective.
• It might even be... "feeling the fear and doing it anyway"!

The biggest key to any kind of change is letting go of the fear.

Fear steals our innocence and hardens our heart. Faith - Love - on the other hand, is like a beautiful lily pad floating on the water. But if you tie a weight to it, it will sink. Fear is like that weight. It literally weighs us down.

But to get to the higher vibration place, you have to make room for it.... by Letting Go of the fear!

A good way to do that is to join me for the Clear the Fear, Embrace Faith telegathering. The gathering features a powerful guided meditation for letting go of fear, unease, worry, anxiety..... and all the other "flavors" it can show up as. The call will be recorded, so you can listen again.

It's time to shift the balance..... and create more of what you want in life!

Here's to continuing the Journey..... letting go of fear.... embracing faith and love... and having the courage to let go of fear.....

- Becky

P.S. Remember, "He who fears something gives it power over him." (Moorish Proverb) 
Isn't it time to shift the balance in your life and take back your power? Join me tomorrow to Clear Your Fears and shift your balance..... even if you can't make it, register for the call and you'll get the audio so you can listen when it's convenient. Get more info or register here.

Listen to the quiet voice inside

"As you grow and progress on your spiritual journey,
you want to be free to decide who you really are.
Tuning out the chatter of the ego voice
that keeps you enslaved to a limited sense of self
will help you go beyond your usual experience of yourself."

- New Moon in Aries email from The Kabbalah Center

You can choose to listen to your head - your ego - intellect. Or you can choose to listen to your heart - your intuition - the voice of God inside.

The ego voice always operates from a place of fear and limitation and will tell you all the reasons why you Can't.....

The "quiet voice inside" - the voice of Spirit/God/Intuition - will always come from a place of love, peace, and expansiveness and will gently nudge you toward growth....

But you have to decide "Who You Really Are"

Are you an embodiment of fear, limitation, and darkness?

Or are you an embodiment of Love, expansiveness, and light?

Like it says in the Bible, you can't serve two masters. Which will you choose today? Right now?

Fear and limitation? Or Love and unlimited possibilities?

Here's to continuing the Journey.... every day, in every moment...... choosing 'whom we will serve'....

-Becky

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 7

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message #7:  Communication is The Golden Key

Clear communication is critical in relationships - whether at work or at home.

At work... If you're the supervisor or manager, you must know what you want and be able to express it in a way that is understood by your employees....

If you're the employee, you have to have a clear understanding of what's expected, and be able to communicate any needs or limitions to fellow colleagues or management....

At home, communicating needs, desires, wants, feelings, and upsets is essential for harmonious co-habitation!

You also need to be able to communicate with your Self.

To communcate means to "be in touch" and... don't you really have to "be in touch" with yourself BEFORE you can communicate honestly with another person?

• How can you truthfully speak about your needs and desires if you haven't made time to reflect on what they are?
• How can you set healthy boundaries or limits when you haven't explored what really means for you?
• How can you verbelize an upset when you're unclear about what it is you're actually feeling?

Sometimes it may seem that not speaking up - not communicating - is good judgement. But how many times has it really been FEAR - not "discretion" - that kept you from reaching out?

Sharing what has been withheld can be a transformational, healing experience. It helps you clarify your ideas, feelings, and position. And it restores trust. This is true whether the "sharing" is with another person or with your Self - your Higher Self.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings on paper is the best way I know to honestly get "in touch" with your Self. You can sit and just "think" about it... but it's too easy to get off track, start day-dreaming, or allow distracting mind-chatter to get in the way.

Using a pen and paper to physically write things down slows your brain so that you CAN actually think! Plus the kinesthetic act of writing taps in to the subconscious mind where non-verbalized thoughts, feelings, and beliefs live.

Writing also helps you tap in to your intuition, which is the language of the Soul.

Journal Exercise

Start keeping track of your ideas, feelings, insights, questions, beliefs, goals, commitments, etc. No need to write in it everyday, but write in it at least 3-4 times a week.

Writing things down opens the door for what's deep inside and gives it permission to come out and be heard. And with that comes growth, change, and deeper understanding.

And the more deeply we understand ourselves, the clearer we can communcate to others.... Because communication IS the golden key.... to healthy, happy relationships with others... and with ourselves.

Here's to continuing the Journey... speaking up and speaking out.... communicating clearly from the heart...

-Becky

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 6

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message # 6:  Peace is a gift you give yourself

Peace comes from that still place of knowing that you are are loved and that you are not alone. And that everything is flowing as it is meant to be - in perfect harmony - in accordance with Divine planning. (Even if you can't "see" it with your human eyes.)

Peace is already within you. All you have to do is open to it and allow it to surface. You do this by simplifying your life, spending time in nature, and listening to the "still small voice" within.

Doing this intimately connects you to God, All-That-Is, and enables you to transcend fear, doubt, and worry. It gives you the ability to break through the illusion of separation that the ego purports.

"Peace, be still." .... BREATHE....

Take a deep breath and feel into your heart. This helps to puts your awareness internally instead of externally.

Try this breathing mantra exercise anytime when you are feeling out of harmony:

• As you take a deep breath in, say to yourself "I am..."
• As you exhale slowly, say "... Peace."
• You can substitute the word "peace" with "calm," "peaceful and calm," or any other positive feeling word you choose.
• Do this exercise for at least 2-3 minutes - which will be about 7 breaths. For maximum benefits, continue for 10-15 minutes.

The act of deep breathing signals an automatic response to the body to relax - which also slows the heart rate and brain-wave activity. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase gives the conscious mind something to focus on which lessens the mind-chatter.

Peace is a gift you can give yourself at any moment, at any time. It is a choice.

And for those times when the upset seems to be more than you can handle at the moment, ask for help.... Take a deep breath and say, "Holy Spirit, choose peace for me." Then continue with your day expecting your prayer to be answered.

Here's to continuing the Journey.... asking, expecting... and receiving the gift of peace.

-Becky

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 3

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)


Soul Message # 3:  Commit for the Long Haul

When you decide to take a trip, whether it's just a few days or a couple of months, you don't typically start out the first day saying, "Well, we'll try this for a little while and see if we like it...."

No, you commit to the whole trip!

But when it comes to making changes in our life, I hear so many of my clients say... "Yeah, I know I need to (insert desired change)... but (insert excuse)....."

Or they get started then peter out because of (insert your favorite excuse)......

To make any kind of life or personal change, you've got to commit for the long haul..... NO MATTER WHAT! You can't have one foot in the door and expect to go anywhere.

To "change" means to undergo a transformation or a transition to something different. And just like changing any habit, that takes dedication and persistence.

It takes being willing to let go of your fear, doubt, limiting beliefs.... whatever it is that's holding you back, and giving yourself permission to expand, grow, and achieve.

Even if it's scary...

Actually, if you're feeling a little uncomfortable... that's a good sign! Feeling "comfortable" means you've still got one foot in the door and you're not really moving forward.

So take a stand and declare to yourself and the Universe that you will accept nothing but excellence. Then get a move on!

Not moving forward because of fear of failure sends a message to your subconscious mind that you ARE a failure. And that's simply not true!

The only failure is not deciding.

Fear also keeps your joy and freedom at bay. So forge ahead! Make that decision you've been putting off.... and Commit to it 100%

Commit for the long haul. If you get side-tracked, that's okay. Just forgive yourself - without shame - and recommit.

The more committed.... the more joy and freedom you'll have.

Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, making that decision..... and going for it!

-Becky

11 - 11 - 11 - Watch your thoughts!

Today is a triple "11" day: 11/11/11 (2009=2+9=11). The last time this phenomenon appeared was in 1910.


In numerology, 11 is a Master number symbolizing spirituality, illumination, and deep insight. It opens the doors of awareness and opportunities for the energies of Creation on all levels.


In Tarot, the 11 card is "Strength" which encompasses not just physical strength but the ability to cope with extreme pressure and get through it all in one piece. It also signifies triumph over life challenges.


The symbolism of three 11's is important as well. Three is about unity, balance, wholeness - as in two parts united to create a unique whole. It represents the trinity: Mind, Body, Spirit.... Father, Son, Holy Ghost..... Mother, Father, Child... etc


I think it is really interesting that this day is also Veterans Day - the day we honor those who fought for our freedom.


So putting this all together, what does this mean for you and me? Doreen Virtue, in her Angel Numbers book says it best:


"An energetic gateway has opened for you, rapidly manifesting your thoughts into reality. Choose your thoughts wisely at this time, ensuring that they match your desires. Don't put any energy into thinking about fears at all, lest you manifest them. Watch your thoughts, focus on your desires rather than your fears."


As our veterans fought for our freedom. Today embrace that freedom and take it to heart....

Free yourself from duality. It doesn't have to be "either/or" - How can you make it "both/and"?

Free yourself from negative thinking. When a negative thought comes up, say "cancel, cancel" and turn it around to a positive.

Let go of fear. Fear holds us back from reaching our potential. If a fear thought comes up, look underneath the fear to see what's really there. Do you need more information? Or to learn a new skill? Just changing the statement from "I'm afraid..." to "I choose not to..." changes it to a more empowering energy.

The main thing is..... be careful what you think about. This is a powerful day for manifesting. As Ms Virtue says, "a gateway has opened." Use it for your highest good!

And... even if you don't believe all this..... what could it hurt to only entertain positive, life-affirming thoughts today?!

Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, negativity... embracing our freedom to choose and to create our lives.... one thought at a time.


-Becky

What technique do you use to quit worrying?

A client ask me this question recently, so I thought I'd answer it here....

First, let's define worry:

"to feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled"

" to cause to feel anxious, distressed, or troubled"

"persistent mental uneasiness"

(answers.com)

Basically, worry is a form a fear.... worry, concern, fear are all synonyms. And they all stem from a feeling of not being in control, or a lack of trust, or for some reason you do not feel safe.

The antidote to worry is trust.

But how do you get to a trusting place when you're mind is filled with worry thoughts?

Like reaching any goal, you begin one step at a time.

The first step is willingness. You have to be willing to release the worry thoughts and let them go. Ask yourself, on a scale of 1-10, how willing are you to let this worry go? If you're not 100% willing to let it go, look underneath to see what benefit you're getting for keeping this worry. There's always a pay off, even if it's just a perceived pay off.

The second step, you have to be willing to trust - trust that there is a Higher Power at work for your Highest Good... Trust that the Universe is FOR you. Trust that it is on your side, always giving you exactly what you need when you need it. Remind yourself, "this too shall pass." Be willing to trust that you are safe, loved, and cared for.

The third step is to spend time in self-reflection. Look underneath the worry thoughts. What's the real underlying concern? What's really troubling you?

You'll most likely find that it's some sort of fear, as I said earlier - fear of not being in control, lack of trust, not feeling safe, or perhaps a combination of these. You must uncover what it is for you.

Here is an exercise to help get to the root of your worry thoughts:

• Make a quick list of the things you are worried or concerned about.
  
• For each worry/concern on your list, write the sentence below and finish it with the first thing that comes to your mind. No judging or editing, just write quickly. Use the word "worried" or "concerned" as it seems best to you.

"I am worried/concerned about __________ because....." (you finish the sentence)

• If you need to write several sentences to "get it all out" that's fine. The main thing is to get all that worrying out of your head and on to the paper. Do this for each of the worry/concerns on your list.
  
• Now, go back and review what you have written. Note any repeated words or themes or Freudian slips. Can any of these be sorted into categories? i.e. family, work, health, etc? Do they seem to point to one major theme or are there several? Do the worries/concerns seem to be more of a control issue, a trust issue, or a safety issue?
  
• After you have analyzed your writings, write a short summary statement about it. For example, "My biggest concern is...." or "I am most worried about...." Note which category best fits: control, trust, or safety.
  
• Now, turn that statement into a positive affirmation. Your statement should be short, to the point, and easy to remember. Here are some examples to get you started:

" I love myself and take care of my body."

"I love and appreciate myself and allow others to be who they are."

" I trust in the flow of life."

"I am one with God and I am safe."

"I now choose to be happy. All is well."

"I do what I can to change _______ (fill in with your situation/worry) and let the rest go."

"The God-Power within me is greater than any obstacle before me." (or you could name your specific concern)

Once you have your positive affirmation, there are several ways to use it. (I would recommend working with only one statement at a time for now.

Here are a few of ways to work with those affirmations:

JOURNALING TECHNIQUE

Write the affirmation down 30 times each day for 30 days. Write quickly, saying the words to yourself or out loud as you write them. Write fast so that your conscious mind has no time to interject it's "yeah-but" opinion. The act of writing fast helps to access the subconscious mind, so in essence, you are "planting" this positive thought into your subconscious as you write.

Every other day as you write your statement, and those times when the "yeah-buts" are strong, add a "garbage column." Write your affirmation, then immediately write whatever comes to you. You may get things like: "yeah, right" "that will be the day" "you must be kidding" "you don't deserve that" "who do you think you are" "not in this life time".... you get the picture. The point is to get those garbage thoughts out of your consciousness! If you don't, they will manifest in some self-sabotaging way.

After you've written your 30 statements, each with the garbage statement, go back and read the garbage column and see if there are any patterns or themes. Think back to earlier times in your life... where did these limiting thoughts originate? Who's voice is saying these things? (A parent or some other authority figure, a relative, or someone else you know?) How has this thought been a pattern in your life?

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL

Say your positive affirmation while looking at yourself in a mirror. Look directly into your eyes and speak from your heart. Say your statement out loud at least 10 times. You are affirming to yourself this is true. Say it as you would to a little child, directly and with passion. Don't allow yourself to look away. Keep your eyes directed at your reflection as you speak these truths to yourself.

Do this every morning as you get ready for your day and every night before you go to bed.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

Every time you go by a window or even while driving in your car, shout out your affirmation of truth to the world. Preface it with "here ye, here ye." Pretend you are the town crier spreading the good news!

"Here ye, here ye! I, (state your name) am now...... (fill in with your affirmation)."

For even more power, try saying it in all three persons:

first person: "I, (state your name) am..."

second person: "You, (state your name) are..."

third person: "(your name)" is..."

Have fun with it! You never know, it may just make you laugh and forget all about your worries!! :)

Here's to continuing the journey... letting go of worry... embracing Trust... and spreading the "good news" about YOU!

-Becky

Clear the Fear, Embrace Faith

"He who fears something gives it power over him."
- Moorish Proverb

With all the fear talk about the recession and everything, I wanted to do something to help people get out of the fear! and refocus their energy on more life-enhancing avenues of thought.

What you focus on, you get more of...

If you are hooked to the media and their constant bombardments of how bad things are.... then that's what you'll see all around you - only the bad stuff.

And "THEY" will have won - you've bought in to their hysteria-making, which ups their ratings, which helps their business.

It's their business to bring you the doom-and-gloom because that is what sells.

Can you really afford to continue investing in fear?

"There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much
more in our faith to make us unafraid."
- Frederick W. Cropp

It's time to Clear the Fear and Embrace Faith... faith in yourself, faith in God, the Universe, ... whatever you call that Higher Power ....

But, to get back to Faith, you've got to make room for it by letting go of the fear.

That's what my teleclass on Saturday, March 21 will help you do. We'll go through a very powerful process of releasing fear, reconnecting with your heart, and refocusing on the love that is within and around you.

You'll also learn about the Power of Your Voice and why it's one of the oldest healing tools in the history of mankind.

Find out more or register here. I hope you'll join me.

Here's to continuing the Journey... being in service... doing what I can to help heal the planet....

-Becky

Are You Caught Up in the Fear?

With all this talk about recession, economic downfall, bail out... it's hard to stay positive.

But remember when gas prices were predicted to reach the
$4-$5 mark and everybody was focused on watching the price levels rise, talking about how bad things were getting?

Then, what happened when the "big news" changed to the candidates in the coming election? What happened to gas prices?

They went down!

This is the classic example of the law of attraction: "what you focus on grows." We have many phrases for it - like attracts like - birds of a feather flock together....

Now, the current "big news" Oh-no, doom and gloom story that the media loves to parlay is the recent bail out and impending recession.

But just think a minute.... our country has been through good economic times and bad economic times. And there have been rich people and poor people in both.

What is the common denominator here?

Each person's individual mindset - their attitude, outlook, their approach to life, their way of thinking, their state of mind....

How is your mindset right now?

Are you glued to the TV and the media's hype - investing your time and energy in their latest "the sky is falling" rantings?

Do your conversations with friends and co-workers, family center on how bad things are and how much worse they're predicted to get?

Are you invested in fear - afraid you'll lose everything?

Remember - What you focus on grows.

If you focus on fear, lack, impending doom... you'll start seeing it everywhere, in every situation of your life... the more you focus, the more you see.... it will eventually tail-spin you into a downward spiral of depression and you will suffer mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like a very fun way to live!

So what can you do?

First thing - turn off the TV! Stop watching and reading about the predicted doom and gloom. Sure, you need to be informed. But being informed and wallowing in despair are two different things. Another thing is.... the media's job is to sell advertising, sell newspapers, boost their ratings... in other words - to make money. (to make money from your fear) They don't really have your best interest at heart.

So, after you turn off the TV, start focusing on Gratitude for what you DO have. If you're reading this, that means you woke up this morning and you're still breathing! There's also a good chance you still have your family. There are still people who love you, and that you love. You still have a home, your work, your talents, your passion.

And if you're life situation is not what you want it to be, what can you do to change it? There's always something you can do differently - even if it's just to change your perspective about it.
Viktor Frankl, survived the Nazi Concentration camps because he refused to focus on the despairing situation he was in. When he saw a flower growing in the mud, he focused on the flower, not the mud.

Then, keep a Positive Money Mindset. Money is just energy. It's a convenient way to exchange energy between people. It's a lot easier to buy a pair of shoes with money than to try to find someone who will accept a handful of tomatoes from your garden in exchange for them.

In fearful economic times, it's tempting to horde your money and not spend it. But this clogs up the money flow - stopping the flow of energy. Sure, saving is good, and being frugal in our spending, making wise investments is good practice in all economic times.

It's the attitude that makes the difference - your mindset.

Are you focusing on the flower or are you focusing on the mud?

Here's to continuing the Journey.... and keeping a Positive Mindset in all areas of life!

-Becky

P.S. Affirmations are powerful tools for transforming our negative thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about anything really - but especially about money. And it's especially important in this economic time to keep focused on the "flower" instead of the "mud".

Awhile ago, I created a Positive Money Mindset CD to help you keep an open, positive mindset about money. It features a series of positive, uplifting affirmations about money, financial success, and prosperity.

You can listen to a sample, or get more information, here:

http://www.spiritualcoachingcenter.com/catalog/PMM.htm

If you'd like a copy, you can order one here:

http://tinyurl.com/6cr75k