Blending

Today is New Years Eve.  It's New Calendar Day!  I get my new wall calendar out and go through the months and days and transfer bits of information; birthdays, events to remember, a little bit of this, that, and the other. Bringing forth some of the old year into the new, sort of like Blending.  Taking the best of 2015 into 2016. I begin to project myself into the New Year and the promises of what yet is to become. Simply put, HOPE. Temperance is my Angel of  Hope.

Shapeshifting.  Who I was, Who I am, Who I want to be.  All things move from one presence to another. Moving from one year to the next.  Time ticks on and a lot of the time I forget to notice the changes happening all around; lately though I have been paying more attention.  Right now I cast my gaze back to January 1, 2015 and see a different me.  I have done some changing this year and I can truly say I like the newer version of me. I am a ever unfolding story and chapter 2016 looks to be really really great.  Happy New Year to Me!

Artwork/Card :  Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Recongnition

Yesterday I drew the Explorer of Fire and today the Guardian of Fire,  the two cards follow each other in the the deck.  After becoming a expert of the 'Fire Dance' and learning to work with the fire, here I see a tending to the fire.  Once I/we achieve a certain level we must continue to tend the fire. One more log on the fire to keep it burning.  That is kind of like Life, it always needs tending.  Something more to do.  Another task at hand.  Something else to learn, to do, to say ....Life goes on.

What really impresses me here is that he is bending over the fire and not getting burned.  He has become 'ONE' with the fire, content in the moment of 'Being' and his instinctual self (the cat) his true inner nature has always been there as a guide.  As I think about it I think it is really simple.  Live in the moment. Let go of all the have to do's the must do's the gotta do's.  Yesterday is gone - tomorrow not yet here, Right Now is what I got, I already put the log on the fire(past) enjoy the warmth of the moment, and tomorrow when it comes, another log can be put on the fire(lots of trees out there).
Artwork:
Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Spark!

A lot of time had to be committed to becoming the expert of this fire dance. I don't think about the long hours of practice when I see someone doing something so flawlessly. Sometimes I wonder what I am really good at?  I spent years in my career so I must be really good at it, but I know it doesn't bring me the excitement of tossing fire sticks.  I know there is no Spark of enthusiasm when I do my daily dance.  Maybe with the New Year I will sign up for lessons on something new and exciting.  No not maybe, I will commit to bringing some kind of sizzle to my life.

I can rise above the daily commonness of my life and bring new energy to my days. Each day gives me a new opportunity to seek out a new challenge. Find what really stirs my Soul. That is really a true path to Healing and Wellness.

"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it.  Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality.  It can be no other way.  This not philosophy. This is physics." -Albert Einstein

Artwork
Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Reflect

The year is winding down.  Four days till the end of 2015.   I have taken a few days off  during the Holidays and find myself reflecting over the year.  Things accomplished, things not yet finished, and somethings that never got off the ground.  I find that in my accumulated years that my need to accomplish this, that, and the other is not as long.  Self Acceptance and Self Love are really the most important.

If I could go back and tell myself at 10 or 20 or 30 or even 40 that is okay to be Me, I wonder about the Me I would be now? Can't change the path I walked so I guess that is where that Self Acceptance comes in. Sooo, I will get up from the wishing well and get on with the day.  Life is for Living.


"Contemplation often makes life miserable.  We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live."  -Nicholas de Chamfort


Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Just for today

Just for today what is the best vision of myself.  What will bring balance and peace to my heart, me, my life?  Justice can sometimes be seen as the 'Scales of Justice'  but here I see balance.  What are the best practices I can implement for myself and to be in harmony with the Natural World around me?

What can I do to bring peace to my heart and make it as light as a feather?  First I think I need to work on removing so much processed food and eat lighter and healthier. Less boxed goods also is good for the environment around me. Also pay attention to the all Life around me and not leave such a heavy footprint. Today I will be more aware of everything.

"The Planet does not need more successful people.  The Planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kind. -Dalai Lama

Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Girl Power

We are all bound together.  Year after year, generation after generation.  We share love, give love, we are love.  The Divine Feminine.  We are bound together no matter our age.  Stories of love, sorrow, blessings, survival; strength shared between Mothers and Daughters, Sisters and Aunts, Grandmothers and Granddaughters. Live for Love.

Yesterday I saw the new movie THE FORCE AWAKENS.  What I noticed in the movie, is the lead characters of men all ran away.  Hans Solo left Princess Leia when their son turned to the dark side.  The Son confused and lost ran away and embraced the Dark Side.  Not sure what made Luke Skywalker run away and hide in some distant galaxy.  The only one who stayed true was Princess Leia, staying strong and true to her course, bringing freedom to a galaxy far far away.  And the new heroine , Rey, abandoned in youth, who blossoms and becomes the unexpected strength and a light of hope in a time of darkness.

EARTHEART WISDOM affirmation cards  -Sue Lion

Peace

Merry Christmas.   Today is full of miracles!

May there be Peace On Earth.  May it begin with me.

Believe

Christmas Eve.  A Magical time.  I think back to childhood days when everything was possible.  The Christmas tree was up and the lights on the tree mesmerized me. My sisters and brothers and me made garland of Sunday comic strips to hang on the tree. Sometimes we strung popcorn until we discovered the mice came and ate the kernels. Times were pretty lean most of the time in our house but Christmas was Magic.

I believe the Magic is still here, all around me/us.  If we just Believe.

Merry Christmas to Me.  Merry Christmas to Me.  Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to Me.

And I heard Him exclaim as he drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night."

Just Be

This card is the best of expression of the me I am going to be.  Comfortable with who I am.  Freedom and Joy in Being.  On top of the World.  It is okay to be Me.  Self-love and Self-acceptance is the journey for me.  Christmas is two days from now and there is going to be a Full Moon. A Full Moon on Christmas is a rarity and hopefully the sky will clear long enough for me to get a glance.

"Play is calling you.  Set aside your worries and your work to breathe in the essence of Life.  Let your mind drift with the lightness of the moon and let yourself be showered with stardust, hovering in the sweet winds of nothingness, even for just a moment.  Be immersed in your unique creativity today." -quoted from the back of card.

"Stop trying to change yourself and be yourself."


MAGIC & MYTH affirmation cards -Sue Lion

Validation

The last few days I have struggled with a cold.  A cold is usually, for me symptomatic of stress.  This cold started as frustration when someone would not listen to what I had to say.  My throat got itchy and scratchy from the words stuck there. I have figured that all out and thought I had come to terms with the frustration, yet the Cold continued to build in intensity.  I have wanted and thought I needed validation from outside sources most of my life.  NOPE. When I need approval of others I make myself sick.  I just need to listen to my Inner Self. 

Nothing and no one outside of me can give me or make me more than I already am.  The treasure I seek I already have.  Dance to my own music and know it is not just okay to be me, it is fabulous to be me.  Validation comes from my own heart.

"Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions." -Will Smith


EARTHEART WISDOM affirmation cards -Sue Lion

Solstice

The Winter Solstice.  Last day of Fall and so Winter lays her claim to the land.  This Winter Woman revels in her winter splendor.  The candles are lit to stave off the darkness of the longest night of the year and she gathers her friends close; Owl, Bear, Fox have joined her in the celebration.  May we all find such Peace & Joy & Comfort.

"THROW OFF THE LINGERING DARKNESS & REJOICE IN THE SONG OF THE LIGHT." - from the card.  The Winter Solstice is a wonderful event.  I enjoy celebrating and marking the day; acknowledging Winter and knowing that Spring always follows the Winter.  So instead of  shutting myself indoors on such a glorious day, maybe a walk in the park, embracing the light and celebrating  Winter in all her glory.


EARTHEART WISDOM  affirmation cards- Sue Lion

Light in darkness

Just a couple of days before the Winter Solstice, longest night of the year.  I have drawn a card of  summer time, long days of  Light.  During these days of winter when daylight is in short supply I can illuminate all the dark corners by living in joy.  Sometimes I really have to work at it.  Working on my journey of Gratitude helps; counting my blessings always lifts me up.  I also have a mood light that simulates daylight and it helps.

"Far away, there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty; believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." -Louisa May Alcott





EARTHHEART WISDOM affirmation cards -Sue Lion

do re mi fa so la ti do

Yesterday I woke up with a slightly sore throat and thought 'oh my' and this morning it lingers.  I am lucky that I don't go sickly much with the general ailments; so I asked myself' 'why am I manifesting a sore throat?'  I realized I have something stuck there, some unspoken words.  I was with family Thursday evening and when I tried to tell them something they ignored me, twice.  So there it lingers.

So today when ever I get the chance I am going to sing.  Open up my throat chakra and release the stuck vibration and find my voice.
do -do a deer a female deer
re -re a drop of golden sun
mi -mi a name I call myself
fa -fa a long long way to run
so -so a needle pulling thread
la -la a note to follow so
ti -ti a drink of jam and bread
-that will bring us back us back to do
do re mi fa so la ti do

Pause

I was out and about all day yesterday and noticed off and on the low setting of the Sun throughout the day.  We are moving closer to the Winter Solstice.  Shortest day and longest night of the year.  This time of year the Sun does not rise as high in the sky, at least not here in the Northern Hemisphere. As I settle in for the colder winter months some place else in the Southern Hemisphere some other gal is enjoying the long warm days of approaching summer.  The Wheel turns.

Time to pause and really appreciate all the wonder of this World.  As I move through my day I will take more time to stop and notice all the wonder that surrounds me.  The Winter Solstice this year is December 21 at 11:48pm.  Light your candles and bring forth the light to longest night. 


"Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all things you can't hear."  -Winnie the Pooh

EARTHHEART WISDOM affirmation cards -Sue Lion

Heartful Giving

I drew the dragons again today so I am guessing that have more to say to me.  The first thing I see are the hearts that each dragon is offering to the other. There is so much joy in sharing the love.  Giving of ourselves to ourselves and others.  Pause just long enough to show your true heart, and your life will be changed forever.

New beginnings are happening all the time, everyday, usually with me not even noticing them.  If I stop and reflect and look at where I started I would realize how different things are, how I have changed.  I am different from who I was when I started this year.  Sure, I may have a little farther to go, but the journey is going to be great.

"Never laugh at live dragons." - J.R.R. Tolkien


MAGIC & MYTH   affirmation cards - Sue Lion

Inner Child

I have been doing some inner child work.  One of my teachers, Louise L Hay promotes this work.  Self love is the answer.  The wounded  child carries a lot of our issues from childhood, and we all have issues from our childhood and I have faced most of mine.  It can be challenging to turn within and face some of our dragons.

I love this card.  The dragons big and small, mother and child, adult me and younger me.  Each offering their heart to the other.  What a joy to give our hearts to another.  From the card..." Give freely. Give with happiness. Give gentleness. And you will give the best thing you have - yourself."

Everyday I will pause and take a flight of fancy. 



MAGIC & MYTH  affirmation cards - Sue Lion

Wing and a Prayer

Some days I do feel like I live on a wing and a prayer.  When I am not feeling so well and everything I do feels like a challenge, I just wing it.  Go through the motions and hope to get through it all and pray that I do.  I guess we all have days like that, meeting our challenges the best that we can.

Really I have two choices give in or get up and get going.  Power up and face my fears.  When I was critically injured I faced that choice, to live and get through it and I did. I had lots of help and Lots and Lots of prayers from so many that those prayers lifted me up.  To keep moving beyond the lightning strike and give it all I got and fly.

"Never give in, Never give in, Never, Never, Never give in. "
-Winston Churchill

MAGIC & MYTH  affirmation cards  -Sue Lion

Roar

A lion in winter.  I think there was a movie with that title about one of the kings in England.  This lioness has come to me and gives me the strength to move throughout my day.  We all have inner courage and strength, I just need to tap into mine.  Fear of failure keeps me from getting out and about and doing the things that I want to do, kind of like hiding from Life.  Roar

Today I ask myself, "What is the greatest idea of self that I can be?"  Courage, strength, and determination will help me find my way; and even more than that LOVE.  Love for myself is the true answer to my question,  What is the greatest idea of myself?

from the card.  LION ROARS - Life sometimes hides from itself until the lion roars into the heart and shakes the long winter into spring.

MAGIC & MYTH - affirmation cards - Sue Lion

Strength

Greek Goddess, Artemis is featured here.  To know yourself and be true to your own nature.  Who you are.  Believing in yourself.  That is surely a path to Health and Wellness.  To know what give gives you joy and fulfillment in your own life, and to follow that joy. 

It really is time to look deeply within myself and figure out what my passion is.  What fills my heart and soul with joy.  To appreciate all the wonder around me and truly be at peace with who I am.  Into the Garden.  





MAGIC & MYTH  - affirmation cards - Sue Lion
There is a 2nd deck EARTHEART WISDOM Cards also by Sue Lion and I mixed the 2 decks together

Tired

Some days it can be just exhausting to think about getting up and getting on with the day.  It would be so much easier to just lie around bemoaning my situation and my discomforts.  That won't get me anywhere.  And on those/this day, the best thing to do is get up and get out and about.  Move, do something, and do anything but wallow.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life.  It goes on." -Robert Frost

Toss it

I see this a lot lately; getting rid of the old and making way for the new.  It is getting closer to the end of year, in fact 3 weeks from today will be January 1, 2016 and I, like others, make  resolutions to do or change something in the New Year.  Change is constant.  My Dad used to say that all the time, "The only thing constant in life is change."

On my continual journey of Healing, what can I toss out and make way for radiant vitality.  Limiting thoughts and self doubts tops the list; maybe something easier to get started, those two are life long challenges.  Today I will box up some items and cart them down to the Thrift store, clearing space in my home for new things in the New Year, and get rid of some Christmas cookies and go get some fresh veggies.  Change is constant, and I can change for my Health and Wellness.


GATEWAY Oracle Cards -Denise Linn

Say It

I found myself wanting to tell someone about a few things yesterday and I had no one that I thought I could confide in.  I realized I have really isolated myself from others and the only one that I have conversations with is myself.  I have been a sales person for years and have adapted myself to mirror and match others for their comfort.  I have held myself back from being a more authentic me to get the sale.  That just can't be good for my overall Health and Wellness.  Time for a change.

Today I am starting on my path to a more authentic me.  If I don't acknowledge myself, who else will?  I will let myself know that it is okay to be me!

"I am willing to let go.  I release.  I let go.  I release all tension.  I release all fear.  I release all anger.  I release all guilt.  I release all sadness.  I let go of all old limitations.  I let go, I am at peace.  I am at peace with myself.  I am at peace with the process of Life.  I am safe."  -Louis L Hay

GATEWAY Oracle Cards -Denise Linn

Listening

Today I have several social gatherings  in my work-a day-field.  I used to do pretty well and enjoyed myself out and about; now it can be exhausting.  I have some physical challenges to sitting long periods or standing too long in a place, but more than that it is the idle chit chat and gossip that comes along with these year end and Holiday get togethers.  Whew.  Yesterday I mentioned getting out and enjoying these events and so I shall.  Just rise above the noise.

Keeping my Balance and just enjoying myself is the order of the day.  We are all doing the best we can with the understanding, knowledge, and awareness we have.  Go ahead, get out there and have a good time.  If it gets to be to much I can sit to the side and Listen.

"Don't audit Life.  Show up and make the most of it." -Unknown



GATEWAY Oracle Cards -Denise Linn

Simple Really

With the Holiday Season in full swing and all the happenings in the World, I need to make sure there is time for me.  Not get so caught up in it all to enjoy myself and appreciate all the blessings in my life. It is okay to indulge me.  Relax and enjoy the festive lights.  Hug my family and friends during all the Holiday gatherings. I like the mirror in the picture, reminds me to do my mirror work that Louise L Hay promotes.

I keep hearing the song from the SOUND OF MUSIC,  "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.  Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens...These are a few of my favorite things."   There is Magic in all things.  The Magical Season of Christmas is here and I am going to slow down and enjoy myself and not rush through the days.
Bright Blessings.




GATEWAY Oracle Cards -Denise Linn

Stop, Look, Listen

I have been watching too much television lately and reading  posts on Facebook about World events, and listening to everyday conversations that have been turning into rants of hate and fear mongering.  It is starting to soak into my pores.  I have been feeling icky lately and it has to be all the negative crap floating around. So enough.  I am going to Stop inviting that into my energy field and tune out the fear,  Look to all the Blessings that abound, and Listen to My Higher Self.

Think about what you think about.  If I watch and listen to all the negativity that is floating around out there it will become part of me and it is not part of My Journey of Healing and Wellness.  I surround myself with happy healing thoughts and stand in the Light of Love.  That's is my Truth.

"If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear.  If you let your upset mind settle your course will also become clear."  -The Budda


GATEWAY Oracle Cards - Denise Linn

Moving On

Several months back I had an astrological reading and within the reading there was a portent of a Death forth coming, possibly a close family member.  Not that I have been obsessive over this indication but I have been constantly aware that Death is nearby.  Maybe, it is also getting older that I reflect on endings, not just mine or others, but on my daily lifestyle. Death is but a change from one thing to another. 

I can allow myself to be bogged down by worry and fear or just to move on.  And maybe not just stumble through the change that is coming, in whatever fashion; embrace the change with Courage.  Something is changing in my life, me, my lifestyle, the way I choose to live. Maybe that is all it is, a transition to the way I have been living to something new.  The Wheel turns and I can choose to step into the future with Courage.


GATEWAY Oracle Cards by Denise Linn

Be Me

The more things change the more they stay the same.  An odd little tidbit.  Trees are always changing but a tree is still a tree.  Some days, as the days of my youth are farther in the distance, I wish I could climb a tree.  Did it all the time when I was a young gal. I love to watch the trees come to life in the Spring and their splendid glory in the Autumn.  A tree is a tree, ever changing and still  a tree.  I am Carolyn, ever changing, yet still Carolyn.

"One does not walk into the forest and accuse the trees of being off center, Nor do they visit the shore and call the waves imperfect.  So why do we look at ourselves this way?"  - Tao Te Ching

I am going to the park today and hug a tree.



EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards by Steven D Farmer

Distress

Sometimes I wish I could take something back.  I had a conversation yesterday while out at dinner and one thing led to another and gossiping came in the mix.  I was really unhappy with myself.  It can be distressing to oneself when you think you that you are moving forward just to fall back into the muck. Yuck.  There is enough negativity floating around with out throwing my vileness into the mix. 

From the card, "You are in an intense process of emergence into the next cycle of your life...This period of emergence is one of broadened consciousness..."  I have to forgive myself for the bashing and trashing, releasing all that negativity.  As I heal and grow I have to slough off the old ways and move into the Love & Light.



EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards by Steven D Farmer

Inner Truth

Have you ever believed a lie because you didn't believe in yourself?   Instead of listening to others I am beginning to listen more and more to myself, my truths, what works for me.  It has taken me many years to get to this place that I can trust myself more and it is a path that I will continue until it is my time to leave the planet.  Trust myself.

My card for today is WOLF.  Instinct.  She does just what she does, based mostly on instinct.  Trust that the Earth will bring her what she needs.  Instead of listening to others and waiting for validation, I will trust myself that what I need will be provided.  And did I mention Intuition?  I know what is right and the path to take, I just need to listen to myself.
Quit trying to change myself and be myself.


EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards by Steven D. Farmer

Sssh It's Quiet Time

I have read lots and lots of books and passages on Meditation.  To reach that place of inner stillness.  That monkey mind as they call it usually wins out.  Jumping from one thing to the next and then I start again...  'breathe in breathe out' slowly, count your breaths, some say 4, 6, 8, 9.   Nine breaths in and nine breaths out, whew.   I think I will skip all that and visualize this Lake and sit in Stillness and in my minds eye watch a butterfly flit by.

I do understand that sitting in silence and clearing my mind will help me along my path of Healing and Wellness.  I get to worrying about this, that, and the other and it can add to the stress.  So I will continue my practice of Meditation. Sit at the side of the lake and relax and know, All is Well.


EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards by Steven D. Farmer

Promise

There is a cold rain this morning, for me it is better than wet snow.  Just a few weeks before the Winter Solstice. Long nights.  Time to rest and and reflect.  I had that thought yesterday driving along and noticing all the trees bare of leaves...resting through the cold winter days.  The promise of Spring is what will get me through.

This is my card for the day.  Hope Springs Eternal.  When the cold and deepening darkness start to get to me, I will remember that in just a few weeks the days will begin to lengthen and Spring will return.  Promises of renewal are healing and contribute to my general well being.  The butterfly notates my Transformation on my Healing Journey.

EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards by Steven D Farmer

Gratitude-Day 30

These 30 days of gratitude have been an excellent adventure.  I have so much to be grateful for.  I have really paid more attention to the gifts of my life.  The more I have been grateful for what I have and the life I am enjoying, the more I realize how much I do have. 

These days of counting my blessings and seeing all the gifts of life; it has really helped me feel better about me, about everything and everybody.  I am living more from a place of well being and that is what Healing is all about. When I look back and see where I was at the start of the year, I see how far I have come.  All is Well.
Let my journey of Healing and Wellness continue.  

Gratitude-Day 29

I am grateful for me.  I have enjoyed this journey called Life.  I hope and pray for more days.  I am thankful each morning when I get up, that I can get up and start a new day.  I didn't always pay attention to this fabulous journey.  Since the accident on March 2, 2012 I appreciate more.  These days of focused attention on Gratitude on all that there is to be grateful has helped me be more appreciative.

I am Grateful for Me.  I Love and Approve of Myself.  This is my path to Healing, Health, and Wellness.

"There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude." -Ralph Blum

Gratitude-Day 28

I shared a great Thanksgiving dinner with my family.  I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my family.  The fabulous dinner we shared and the time we got to spent together.  I realize how Blessed I truly am.  Home, family, comfort and joy.  

Always a Blessing.

Gratitude-Day 27

Some of the most wonderful things in this world are available, free of charge, if we just take a moment.  Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we enjoyed pretty mild weather, which I really enjoyed.   Wednesday we had a full moon.  Beautiful to behold, and still beautiful last night.  With the mild weather I sat outside and enjoyed the wonder and magic of fabulous evening and night sky.

I am oh so grateful for my eyesight.  To behold such a sight.  So many things we view and cast our gaze upon and take it for granted.  I am really grateful for this Gratitude Journey, it has helped open my eyes to the fabulous life I get to live.  I will take more time throughout my days and pause and look around and notice, everything.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank You.

Gratitude-Day 26

THANKSGIVING DAY.   A day of giving thanks.  My family.  It was one of the those days as a child that we really looked forward to.  Lots of food and fun.  Watched parade in morning, played outside, out of school for a few days, Life was good.  Life is still good. 

Today I continue to count my blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving!
To all my family and dear friends that I am honored and blessed to have in my life. 

Gratitude-Day 25

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Excitement is in the air.  You can feel the up welling in the positive vibes everywhere. Extra days off from work.  Family and friends getting ready to gather to enjoy the Holiday and the traditional feast.  Blessing abound.

There are so many ways to say THANK YOU.  I will spend my next couple of days with family and friends and some time on my own, and I will keep my blessings in mind.  So much to be grateful and thankful for.

"When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears."
-Anthony Robbins

Gratitude-Day 24

Some days are just a little more challenging than others.  I am grateful to be alive. 

Since today I am feeling a bit challenged.  I am going to bluff it. 

LOOK HAPPY
LOOK GRATUITOUS
Don't take myself so seriously, cause others don't.

Gratitude-Day 23

It is a very chilly morning and I am so very thankful for my home and central heat.  Brrr.  Life would be so different if I would have to get up and chop wood and stoke the fireplace.  I am lucky to have all the amenities of urban living.  Thank you.  I have so many more choices than so many others and I take them for granted most days; this Gratitude Journey has made me aware of how fortunate I am.

Opportunities.  When one door closes, another opens.  Choices.  I look forward to the new day, grateful that I am alive and get to continue on this fabulous journey of Life.  Some days are a challenge and I want to return back through the door that just closed, where the known is safe or feels that way. That was yesterday, I already did that.  I am grateful for the new day.

Affirmation from my Hay House Daily Affirmations Calendar.

Gratitude-Day22

There are so many people, places, and things to be grateful for.  This gratitude journey through the month of November, honoring myself and the traditional Thanksgiving Holiday as been so very rewarding.  My attitude has definitely lifted and I am more appreciative.   I am very grateful for family. I love my family.  They are the basis of who I am.  Family has been with me throughout my journey. 

When a family member is hurting it is natural for us to hurt along with them.  My words of encouragement will go unheard.  I know a journey through pain is something most of us make.  Today I will say lots of prayers for a beloved family member.  To be alive and have the opportunity of all human experiences is a gift.  The good with the not so good.  Thank you for my family.  I very blessed to have their love.
And I realize now that when in the midst of darkness and despair to count my Blessings is the way back towards light.

Gratitude-Day 21

This just about sums it all up.  I did this yesterday.  I just started saying I was grateful for this, and that, and then some more.  Start with just one thing and let it build momentum from there.  I am grateful that I can walk and then I  start thinking of all the places I have walked and different things my legs allow me to do. Going places, standing on tippy toes, getting up and getting dressed, take my shower by myself....the list can and does go on and on.

Today I will keep myself aware of all the blessings this life offers me.  I am grateful for everything.

Just looked outside and Oh my, what a beautiful sunrise.  Thank you.  It is going to be a great day!

Gratitude-Day 20

It's Friday thank goodness. I am self employed so I don't work a standard work week, but most people do and so they seem happier on Fridays, since they get a few days away from the grind.  I am grateful that I have work to do.  Self employment in sales comes with down days with nothing much to do and string too many of those together and it gets a bit scary sometimes.  I really appreciate my clients and customers and that I have work to do. 

As I was waking up this morning, and very grateful that I did wake up this morning; my mind flitted between ants and bees.  The only correlation is the constant work that they do.  I just love how the mind comes up with these images or thoughts and I think 'where did that come from?' Anyway, worker bees and ants...work, work, work.  So Hi Ho Hi Ho its off to work I go.  Thankfully.

Gratitude-Day 19

"The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see." - Dr. Robert Holden

Saw this posted on Facebook the other day.  Simple.  Something I will remind myself of everyday.

I woke up.
I have clothes to wear.
I have running water.
I have food to eat.
Life is good.
I am thankful.

Gratitude-Day 18

Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life may lack to all the abundance that is present.  I have noticed in these last couple of weeks that giving thanks makes me happier.  I have expressed gratitude and thankfulness throughout my life, but this daily focus has sharpened my awareness of all the goodness that surrounds me. 

"Note to self...BOOMERANG EFFECT"  Allan Rufus


What we send out does return to us.  Gratitude sends out waves of appreciation.  When I am thankful for what is present in my life, more shows up.  I am aware of the world around me. 
Yesterday during a conversation chatting about this and that I also said "I am so blessed."  These 30 days of Gratitude is really a exploration into my awareness of Life.  Thanks LIFE.

Gratitude-Day 17

I am Grateful for this day.  In light of recent events in the World, I will live from this day.  Today, right now is all we have, tomorrow is not yet promised and yesterday is behind me.  Simple yet profound.  Lots of spiritual teachings tell us this all the time.  Right now in this moment is all there is. To live from this moment. Not to worry about yesterday or have concerns for tomorrow.  Today.

This is my favorite card from the decks that I have.  The artwork speaks to me.  As the saying goes, a picture is worth a 1000 words.  Everything's Okay. 
"For each new morning with its Light. For rest and shelter of the night. For health and food, for love and friends. For everything thy goodness sends."
 -Ralph Waldo Emerson


This card is from Doreen Virtue's MAGICAL MESSAGES from the fairies, Oracle Cards.

Gratitude-Day 16

I am grateful to be alive.  Recent events with the bombings in Paris has given me pause to be grateful be alive. I pray for those that have been hurt and I pray for those doing the hurting.  The absence of  love creates fear.  I know that prayer contributed to my healing.  I am grateful to be alive and I pray for peace.

Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me. 

Gratitude-Day15

What a wonderful day.  Sunday, a day to relax, rest, and do some reading.  The Sun is bright and shiny this morning and promising a glorious day.

I am grateful to be alive.  There are so many things around me to be grateful for.   Today for the Sun that is shining.  Blessed Be.

Gratitude-Day14

What a lovely day.  So grateful to be alive.  The Sun is shining on this cold November Day.  I am up and moving.  Have some work to do today and then stop out and see my sister and her family; that is a good thing.  Holidays are approaching so have been enjoying the changing scenery outdoors and in the stores. Life is good.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store. As I was walking in a Mother with 5 children were also just getting in the store.  She had placed the 2 youngest in the cart and the other 3 tagging along.  It was a big outing.  The children were all abuzz with things desired in the store and this that and the other.  I thought of my sisters and brothers, 7 of us, and I was thinking this might have been a picture of my Mother with some of us going to the store many years ago.  It was a really good thought.  Grateful for my Parents and my Sisters and Brothers.  Time has passed and I still love you all. 

Gratitude-Day 13

3 years ago today on a Tuesday morning I returned back to the University of Louisville Hospital and had the recommended spinal fusion surgery that would stabilize my shifting neck vertebrae that had been broken and damaged during my tornado incident in March 2012. My healing work continues and I am continually grateful for those that helped me and supported me during my recovery.

I am posting this picture again because it always reminds me of all the healing work that has surrounded me, then and now.  Thank you to my sister Lydia and her husband Jeff, that took me in and protected me and gave me the encouragement to get back on my feet.  They are both Healers in their Love and Support.  The list of names and supporters is endless and I am so Thankful for all the prayers, love, and help that I received. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This card is from Doreen Virtue's Magical Messages from the Fairies Oracle Cards.

Gratitude-Day 12

Choices.  Thank goodness for choices.  The choices I make are sometimes not the best thing for me, but they are my decision.  I take for granted that I do get to decide yes or no, left or right, this way or that; there are many in the world that do not.  I am oh so grateful that my choices are my own. I have never been one that could tolerate being told what to do; it always went against the grain. There are times though that I should have listen to a voice of reason. Oh Well, that's my Life.

I had a consultation with a Astrologer the other day.  Instead of a forecast I asked to look at My Birth Chart.  A birth chart is a picture of the placement of the planets in the heavens at the exact time of our birth.  It is a road map, a blueprint, the yellow brick road for the life ahead of us.  The birth chart gives us hints, suggestions and a map of sorts.  Of course at 58 it is a little late to be asking for some advice about the life I am living, but the old saying goes, "better late than never."I am grateful that I choose.
These cards are from Sonia Choquette's Oracle Cards, THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE.