Welcome 2012

As 2011 moves swiftly to a close, it might be tempting to think of all the things you have not yet completed this year. Perhaps you started off with a list of goals or intentions that would have taken years to accomplish. Maybe you didn’t get past the first week of January 2011 before you went back to some of your old habits. I invite you to take the next few days and reflect on your accomplishments, your spiritual growth and acknowledge yourself for the good that you have you have done throughout the year.

As you enter into 2012 use the law of attraction to make sure the intentions you set are fully realized. Instead of saying “this is too difficult” or “I can’t do this” or just “forgetting about it” start saying “I am doing this”.  Focus on your successes.  Feel the way fulfilling your intention makes you feel.  Start feeling this way even before accomplishing the goal.  Believe it’s already done. Send the message to the universe that you are a nonsmoker, that you’re healthy, or that you are being paid appropriately for the work you do.  Believe this, feel this, focus on this and the law of attraction will make it so.

Miracles Are Happening

The Christmas story is told year after year, we can depend on it. But listen closely this year; it is a story is filled with twists and turns. There are friends and enemies, a family in turmoil and an unbelievable journey. There is a strong and resourceful woman facing hardships beyond belief, there is an evil king, unsuspecting shepherds, wise men bringing gifts, farm animals, a bright shining star and there are many miracles.

This could be your story. The characters, hardships, irrational stories and signs of mystifying grace touch us all in some way or another. However,  during this season, we focus on the elements of the Christmas story that make us feel warm and cozy inside, a manger, a loving accepting husband, a virgin birth, a sweet little baby, a light coming into the world, a promise of peace on earth.

The message of Christmas is not in an angel’s proclamations; it is a message that is to be embodied, lived and not broadcasted only once a year.  Think about your difficult neighbor, an annoying co-worker, a self-absorbed friend or the craziness of war and the message gets lost.  It gets hurled back to the bright and shining star the Magi followed to bring the gifts of the spirit.

There are presents and promises within each of us, it is the divine spark; we only need look inside to see the miracle of the season.

Have a wonderful season of light and love and let's keep it going year round.

It's Time For Some Laughs!

I received this in my email today and thought it’s time to share a good belly laugh.  So here you go, the perfect stress reducer.

There's a story in China, about three famous monks. They would travel from place to place, every time they found a town, they would walk to the center of it, and simply begin laughing. They would laugh so uproariously, other people would also start laughing. Once the entire town had begun laughing with them, they would pack up, and move to the next. That was their sermon, they didn't use words and they didn't have to.

It's nice to see it still happens but not with monks, on mass transport! Check out the Berlin Laughter Project, no language barrier here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EeauvE1M7qc#

Some Holiday Guidance

Friday I went to a small town on the Chesapeake Bay and had lunch with a dear friend. The main street is lined with small shops so of course we had to do a little shopping. What a great experience, no hordes of people aimlessly wondering from store to store, no hustle and bustle, everyone was super friendly and we were able to get some very unique gifts.

Today I feel a sense that all is well and things are in order for the holidays. However, if you are not feeling so at ease, here are some suggestions to help prevent holiday stress.  We know that when stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup.  Here are some strategies to support you in creating a week without the pressure that the holidays can seem to bring on.

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings

Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.

Stick to a budget. Last minute shopping can be lethal to your budget so before going on that last minute shopping spree, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to it.

Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Remember it's all a matter of choice, so take some time to be grateful and make a wonderful day!

The Get it Done Quotient

Wednesday I talked about the Stuff Quotient. Now how to we get through the day and the stuff without it seeming like our lives are out of control and there is more to do then time to do it?

We all work differently but not all of us work efficiently. I’ve noticed that for myself lately. I could blame it on the holidays or the noise from the workers in my building, but the truth is I let myself get distracted.

So here is a game plan to get on track.

     1.    At the start of the day I do my spiritual practices. Nothing is more important than to be available to Spirit.

2. Organize: Have my day organized by highlighting three or four of the most important things (MITs) I have to do and do them first.

3. Big Rocks: I have several big projects so it’s important to set aside time every day or week to move things forward.

4. Inbox: This can really get out of hand and suck up time. I’ve made a folder categorizing newsletters and other nonessentials and emails go directly into those folders. My inbox is now set up for essential emails. I decide what to do with the email the moment I read it. Is my in box empty? Not yet but I’m getting there.

5. Over and Out: If there is a big task to be done, do it first! That way it’s done.

     There are several more tips which I’ll continue on Monday. Send me some of yours and I’ll post them.

Make a great day!

Your Stuff Quotient!

There’s a lot of stuff bouncing around in my head lately, some of it causing undue stress and a bit of anxiety. There are the intangibles and the to-do list stuff(s). I realized many years ago that stuff has no place to go, it just keeps rattling around. However, I do have tools and techniques to share that will help alleviate the mind chatter and give it a place to go.

David Allen defines “stuff” as:” Anything you have allowed into your psychological or physical world that doesn’t belong where it is, but for which you haven’t yet determined the desired outcome and the next action step.”

As I see it there are several levels of stuff, we’ll call it the Stuff Quotient or the SQ. Then there is the Get it Done Quotient or the GID. As we head into the New Year it’s time to clear the slate of the SQ and move into your GID.

First, let’s differentiate what is good stuff from the stuff that weighs you down and saps your energy.

Make a stuff list – not in your head that creates more stuff. Fold an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper in thirds. Make the following headings.

1.      Psychological stuff.

2.      Stuff I Don’t Need.

3.      Stuff I Need Add the psychological stuff to column 2 and 3.

Then circle the items in column 1 that keep rattling around in your brain and create an action plan to eradicate those thoughts. If you are visual you can visualize a giant shredder and imagine shredding those thought that weigh you down.  Or you can make a “Stuff Box”. Take an old tissue box and write down those pesky thoughts and stuff them in the box. Once a week clean out the box and burn the contents. After a while you’ll find that your stress and anxiety level diminishes as the item in the box get fewer and far between. Try it for a few weeks and see what happens.  



Chocolate is Everywhere

Chocolate seems to be everywhere and one thing is for sure, I am a  lover of good chocolate, not the kind you find in the checkout line of the grocery store, really good chocolate. To me it's  soul food. However, I made an agreement with myself many years ago that if I wanted to indulge I would go out of my way to find that perfect little bite. The other day I was at a specialty shop and there were little tiny bits of chocolate at the counter for just 25 cents and of course I bought one. This tiny little bite was packed with flavor, I was almost delirious as it melted in my mouth. It was as if I were drinking a 25 dollar class of fine wine. I do love my chocolate!

Today I was at one of those large warehouse stores, the kind were you can sample tasty treats as you go along. The woman at the first stand I came to was giving out samples of chocolate! Of course I took one.  At another stand the woman was giving out "chocolate muffin tops" not the entire muffin just the top. As I sampled she proceeded to tell me how healthy this product was, how many Weight Watcher points, grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates. It all sounded really good but not good enough to take home.

As I maneuvered down the fruit isle I spotted a tall thin, rather good looking man, filling his basket with what else, but chocolate. His cart was over flowing with nothing but boxes of chocolate. I said, “I wish I were on your Christmas list”. He replied that he was diabetic and couldn’t have any of the candies, but liked to give them to other people.

I thought about that cart full of chocolates and how we go about giving gifts. I don’t know if he owned a business or was giving the gifts to friends and family. Then he could have been taking them to the homeless shelter, but it doesn’t matter. Gift giving is personal, whether we buy in bulk or find something that suits each recipient in a special way, it most surly comes from the heart.

Think about how you go about your gift giving this holiday season.  Then if you feel that chocolate is your soul food, indulge and give yourself a little gift.

Getting to the Finish Line

Are there projects in your life that are calling for your attention?  I have a closet that has accumulated way too much stuff over the past few years, and stacks of papers that I really need to go through. Oh yes I quilt and have several pieces that I’ve taken almost to the finish line and a few  books I still want to finish!  I’m not going to make any promises today to finish the quilts, clean my closet, complete the novels or sort out papers. However, I am seriously looking at the excuses I make for not completing some of the projects I’ve started.

What brought this on is the daily Dream Builder message from Mary Morrissey. The TED talk is right on and I would like to share it with you. Take a few minutes to watch and then think about what excuses you make not to finish what you start. I sure did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjSgn92BiyE

A Little Help From Your Friends

I was at a party this past Sunday, great food, wonderful people and a little Karaoke. With fervor and passion our resident chef and caterer sang “With A Little Help from My Friends”. People chimed in on the chorus with great enthusiasm, clapping and cheering as if they were at a rock concert. It was great fun, yet the words "with a little help from my friends" gave me pause to think about a deeper meaning.

Monday I wrote about the people in our lives who are our teachers, mentors and coaches. But what about the people in our lives that are there every day for us, the ones who support us when we really need it?  Is there a friend in your life who you can share your wins with and  lean on when the going gets tough?

There is a difference  between creating a co-dependent relationship and finding someone who really has faith in your abilities and supports your dreams. There may be times when you just need to sit in the silence and simply be with someone, or times when you’re in a jam and a friend’s support is really needed. Sometimes your friend might get in your face and say,” get a grip!” Your belief partner could be a mother, a sister, a father, a son. You’re belief partner could be your spouse significant other or life partner. How does it feel to have a loving supportive relationship with someone who believes in you? A relationship where you are totally supported verses a relationship that sucks the life out of both of you? It would be a lonely world indeed without a little help from your friends.

In your daily life, there are many voices and influences, think about whose voice you choose to listen to. Now begin to create a relationship with a partner that truly believes in you.

If you’re up for some good old rock and roll click the Youtube link below to hear a young Bon Jovi rock it out “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zpjt4vjrjY

Who’s Your Teacher?

This month I'm giving a series of talks on "The Guru Guided Path". The word guru can conjure up all kinds of images of false prophets luring you into a cult that reshapes your mind until you don't know which way is up and which way is down. But the truth is that the term guru is simply a teacher, one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, one who uses this knowledge to guide you from the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge.  In the west we use the term mentor, minister, counselor, coach or teacher.

Think about Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Helen Keller did not have sight, she was not able to vocalize and she could not hear, she was a soul in the dark. Her parents did not give up on her and they found a teacher of the deaf.  Helen Keller's encounter with her teacher was beyond remarkable. Anne Sullivan was able to teach Helen Keller that not only did every object have a word associated with it, but was able to demonstrate abstract concepts, such as warmth and heat and light. This is an example of an authentic student teacher relationship. Helen Keller was devoted to her teacher and became a woman of incredible accomplishment and to this day is still an inspiration to the world.

There is a lot of knowledge at our finger tips in these modern times However, books and CD's, along with the vast resources on the Internet cannot replace a good teacher, mentor or coach. They see beyond how you see yourself and push you when you need to be pushed.  It doesn't matter your age or social status,  if your life is not moving in the direction of your dreams, consider finding someone that can support you and get ready for change. Like the old saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Make a great day!

Some Time for Reflection

What would your day look like if you took some time to be quiet?

I have what looks to be a cold, sore throat, runny nose, it's not enough to hold me down, but I'm just not my perky self. Yesterday after meeting with a client, I sat on the coach; the winter sun was streaming through the window, its healing rays warming the back of my neck and shoulders.  I felt at peace. I sat for a time doing absolutely nothing. I wasn't really thinking or meditating, there was no background music, I was just being and feeling really good. After a short time I went back to my routine refreshed and renewed.

When we go from one thing to another thinking that this has to be done or that has to be done we miss out on something that is much more important than our doing. In all the doing the being gets lost, we're not open to tapping into our inner guidance and we miss out on the benefits life has to offer. When we're quiet we see life through different eyes, our body is at rest and we are filled with a special kind of energy.

Taking time to be still will give you an opportunity to recharge your batteries and to come alive. Giving yourself a break in the middle of the day brings new life into your being, a transformation begins to take place and you are renewed and refreshed.

I invite you to take a break today and tomorrow and the next day. Just like you have to park the car to fill up the tank, stop your engine and be fully engaged in what your life is really about.

Make a great day.

Opening the Doorway to Compassion



 

“Imagine walking along a sidewalk with your arms full of groceries, and someone roughly bumps into you so that you fall and your groceries are strewn over the ground. As you rise up from the puddle of broken eggs and tomato juice, you are ready to shout out, “You idiot! What’s wrong with you? Are you blind?” But just before you can catch your breath to speak, you see that the person who bumped you is actually blind. He, too, is sprawled in the spilled groceries and your anger vanishes in an instant, to be replaced by sympathetic concern: “Are you hurt? Can I help you up?” From Alan Wallace

Are there times when you just want to blast someone for their thoughtlessness? Too often we go through our day without being conscious of what might be going on in another person’s life. It’s only when we take a breath and open our eyes do we clearly realize that the source of disharmony and misery in the world is our own unawareness to the circumstances around us. It's only when we stop looking at what’s wrong with people will we begin to get a glimpse of the truth that opens the doorway to compassion, wisdom and grace.

True we don’t have to tolerate the ignorance of others, but we don’t have to get sucked into it either. Begin to practice a new way of understanding and see how it impacts your sphere of influence.

Make a great day.

Gratitude and Grace

I took an enjoyable walk yesterday with a dear friend. As we walked in a certain section of the park it felt as if we were in a perfectly framed picture of a flawless autumn afternoon.  I could feel the grace of nature all about, I could feel it pouring through me. In this state of grace I felt a deep gratitude for the friendship and the incredible beauty of my surroundings.

Grace is a mystical substance, we don’t have to do anything to get it, it is there in the mystery of life and what makes life  so awesome is that we are all channels for grace.  We don’t have to do anything to earn it. That is why it’s important to stop the internal noise, the mind chatter, pull the plug of our everyday life drop down into the heart and allow grace to flow through us. We don’t have to get grace – it’s already a part of who we are.

Here’s an example of how grace works. How many times have you judged someone harshly and you hear a voice saying, “Don’t go there?” Or you get really angry and you just want to lash out at a family member, a co-worker or the store clerk and that same voice says, “Do you really want to say that?” That’s grace in action – that’s how it operates in your life. It keeps you from doing something harsh and gives you the option of doing something beneficial.

Grace opens the door to gratitude in its purist most beautiful form. The grace of gratitude is love. Brother David Steindl-Rast says; “We grow in love when we grow in gratitude.”  It’s the same with grace; we grow in love when we allow grace to pour through us.

In the past few days I’ve been immersed in gratitude for my family and friends.  I’ve been immersed in gratitude for all the good in my life, even the good that is not yet seen.

Grace gives us the courage to go out and boldly live life and not be frightened of it. Gratitude opens our hearts to that life we are so boldly living.  

Live boldly and make it a great day!

The Joy Factor!

A joyful Spirit is

evidence of a grateful heart.

On my weekly trip to the grocery store I decided to take the scenic route. Rather than travel down a busy three lane highway with traffic signals and one strip mall after another, I took a tree lined country road. The mindless drive I usually take turned into a mini-adventure that was thoroughly enjoyable. I stayed in the moment admiring the scenery; I felt that my life was indeed special and I found joy in the journey. It probably cost me an extra gallon of gas to go to and from the grocery store on that beautiful tree lined country road. Cost $3.25.  Joy factor, extremely high.

How many times in your life have you thought if you had more money, more freedom, more love, more friendships, that you would have more joy and happiness in your life? The truth is that we can choose to experience joy in the present moment. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. Think about something you can do today to increase your joy factor and invite your friends and family to join in.

Abraham Hicks said, “Reduce your workload by 30% and increase your fun load by 30%. More fun, less struggle—more results on all fronts.”

Put on your dancing shoes and make  a joyful day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NHjUEdiebE

Make a Great Holiday

The Thanksgiving holiday is right upon us. The Food Network is counting down the days until the turkey and all the fixings are on the table and friends and family are experiencing a gastronomical feast. Then Uncle Harry arrives and has had a little too much to drink with Aunt Gladys who has something to say about how inept you are in the kitchen. Your mood can change from I’m glad you’re here to I wish you were somewhere else!

Now, you could let the events that are happening around you dictate how you respond or how you react. You can make it a good day or make it a bad day. Whether it's a major holiday or everyday life you are free to create your own experiences and allow others to create theirs. However, I know in your heart that you want to make it a great day for everyone.

In order to create a comfortable space for everyone you could try the following.

1. Have Harry and Gladys genetically tested to make sure they are your relatives.

2. Set some ground rules. If there are hot topics asked beforehand that these topics not be discussed at the dinner table. Come up with some neutral topics and turn it into a game. If things get a little testy – ask, “What would Mother Theresa say about that?

3. Choose how you will respond. Instead of getting emotional take a breath and say something like, “I  hear you,” or don’t say anything at all.

4. If you need to, give yourself a break and go to another room or go and get some fresh air.

5. No matter how weird things get, see if there’s a way you can find some humor in the day. Turn your guests into cartoon characters. Goofy, Grumpy, etc. (be kind). You can be Lisa Simpson, with your sharp wit and sly observations of the situation.

6. Look for the positive in everything, it’s there believe me.

7. Keep saying out loud, “It’s a good day to be grateful.”

Stand firm in your conviction that you are creating a great day. See it; feel it and you will experience it, no matter what Uncle Harry and Aunt Gladys are up to.

Make a great day.

The Web of Life

I spent most of yesterday in Superior Court listening to convicted felons asking for a pardon or to have their sentences commuted. In most of the cases both the perpetrators and the victims stood before the board and pled their cases. I saw how each person was locked up in the agony of the circumstances, whether they were behind bars or not. The whole courtroom involved in a dance of wanting to be free and everyone and everything was interconnected.

I have long been interested in how we are all interconnected. Chief Seattle said; “Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” This idea is also communicated in the image of the universe described in the net of the Vedic god Indra. Indra's net is made up of multifaceted jewels and at the tip of each jewel is reflected all of the other jewels. In the Buddhist tradition the myth suggests that we are intimately connected by a net hung by a skilled craftsman. This web stretches infinitely in all directions, with pearls, glittering like stars at each point where the web is connected, reflecting one into another. When Newtonian physics gave way to quantum physics, science gave legitimacy to the interconnectedness of life. 

Philosophically, interconnectedness stands in opposition to separateness which suggests that we are isolated, sovereign, and self-contained. Since western civilization is based on rational thought, materialism, science, economics and a legal system, there is an assumption that the world is composed of discrete units. The idea of interconnectedness rattles the foundations of our whole society. But each one of us are the jewels reflecting into and off of each other, our full selves extending beyond the boundaries of our skin.

Think about a society based on a deep understanding of such interconnectedness, where individuals would be as loathe to hurting their neighbor or the ecosystem as they would be to burning down their houses. Individual behaviors and institutions for the common good that now are maintained through the questionable means of moral persuasion, guilt, and at times force would become outdated. A full understanding of our interconnectedness is just the sort of thing that this suffering planet needs for us to wake up and respect each other.

Giving and Receiving

"The "desire of your heart" is a call to serve humanity. Trust the call and trust the process." Cynthia James

I believe it's inherent within us to have hopes, dreams and desires of a more fulfilling life. As we become more self-actualized, we then want go out into the world and serve humanity.

First we have to be willing to receive the infinite gifts of the universe. What we're willing to receive we must also be willing to give. Think of giving and receiving as one uninterrupted flow, think of it as the circulation of the goodness of the universe. It’s impossible to give without receiving, it's imperative that we do both.

If you're going through life with your fist tightly clenched, it's impossible to receive the gifts of the universe? On the other hand, if you're always giving, giving, giving, you set yourself up to being so busy you’re not able to receive, you may even become bitter or angry, or worse yet, burned out because you're overworked and overextended. It's important to create balance. Think of giving and receiving as one complete uninterrupted flow and open yourself to being a circuit for good. As you give so shall you receive.

Make a great day!

But Wait, There's More!

Most of us have probably seen an infomercial or two when channel surfing late at night. What they have in common as they are enticing us to buy their product is the phrase, "But wait………..there's more!"

Hidden deep within each and every one of us are life-enhancing "products" that we can tap into to help others. Often we don't even know what gifts and talents we have to share and if we do we are sometimes shy about sharing them. The truth is that the more we tap onto our gifts and talents, the more we discover we have, it's as if there's a voice inside exclaiming, "But wait……. there's more!"

It’s important to understand that our gifts and talents are a blessing not only to ourselves but to other's. Think about what you have to offer. If this is a stretch find one thing that you’re good at and listen for the voice deep within you saying, "But wait, there's more."

The Kitchen Table Summit

Today is Veterans Day in the United States,  a day we honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. My father served in Germany in World War II. I have his dog tags and my mother has a plaque from the Battle of the Bulge. There are a few letters and other memorabilia, but dad forever kept the unspeakable memories locked within his soul.  

Tens of thousands of men and women have served in the military since then. The world has become smaller; we are now allies with former enemies and enemies with former allies. Today I'm thinking not only of those who served in the United States but of the men and women from other parts of the world who have answered the call to serve.

Twelve years after World War II ended, a German family moved into our comfy little neighborhood in Southern New Jersey. They had a daughter my age and we fast became friends. We didn't know our fathers were once fierce enemies; we were too young to know about a war that devastated millions of people's lives and we had no reference point.  The day came when our fathers sat down at our kitchen table. I don't know what they talked about, but my father realized and shared with me that they had the same concerns, the same fears. That day at the “Kitchen Table Summit,” they understood that there wasn't much difference between them, they both had shown courage and perseverance in the face of a great challenge and they both wanted to put it all behind them and live in peace.

In silent tribute, let’s pause and remember those, who in service to humankind, have sacrificed their lives and pray for goodwill and peace on earth as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.

Bad Potato!

Somewhere in my travels I heard a story about a woman who ordered a baked potato while out with her friends in one of those fancy New Jersey diners. When she got her order something didn't seem right. She called the waitress and said, "This potato is bad." The waitress picked up a knife and smacked the potato! Setting the knife down she said, "Let me know if that potato gives you any more trouble!"

Humans tend to categorize people, places and things as good or bad, but the truth is, that what is good for one person may not be good for another. When we say that such and such is bad, it becomes our reality, just try and get a five year old to eat cauliflower. The child's reality is that cauliflower is really, really bad and there isn't anything that will change his or her mind.

When we watch the news or read the newspaper you'd think the world was falling apart. Sure there are horrific stories that can be backed by facts. But more often than not, most of what we hear or read is someone's spin on a story. It's an opinion! How we perceive it is up to us.

Wayne Dyer said, "You feel good not because the world is right, but your world is right because you feel good." There are many ways you can feel good in the midst of something you perceive as bad. Your day can go a little better because a stranger said a kind word to you, or because you found a kind word to say to a grocery store clerk who  is having a tough day. Your world can be right because you found a deep lesson in your pain or you let go of a situation that was holding you back. Your world is right because hidden in everything is the seed of perfection.

Whatever your mood today, whatever the circumstances, whether you are trying to balance your checkbook or shadowing despair,  find within yourself that seed of perfection. Now allow that seed to take hold in your consciousness and see how your life begins to turn around.

Zero Visibility

I woke up very early this morning; the world was dark and deliciously quiet, a calmness a came over me and everything just felt right. As the light slowly began to appear I noticed that it was very foggy outside my window and I could hardly see across the street. I turned on the news to see what the weather would be today and for the moment we were experiencing zero visibility.

As I drank my morning cup of tea, I thought about the areas of my life where I have had, or currently experience zero visibility. The reason may be that I either shut down my brain, my emotions, or because I am not paying attention to my environment.

When trying to navigate in zero visibility we shut down to the possibilities in our lives because we just can't see beyond the confines of living in a “zero visibility” world. There is no freedom of movement and we face a monochromatic existence where the vibrant colors of our lives are impossible to see.

What happens when the sun breaks through? The fog is lifted and the landscapes of our lives are no longer covered in a mist of bewilderment. We can then navigate through the clarity of our thoughts and emotions and begin to open up to the many possibilities that lay ahead.

Consider the areas in your life that are hidden in the fog of your perceptions and just for this moment, see where there is an opening, step into it and cherish the clarity your new found vision brings.