Tag: growth

The Blessing of Adversity

Wednesday's Words: The flower that blooms — Moriah with an O

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Adversity creates a frequency of transformation.  Have you ever encountered a period in life, in which obstacles  happened simultaneously?  That your inner world was spiraling?  To which, caused you to question every aspect of your existence?  These conditions bring upon a new direction for you.  During a crisis, breakthroughs materialize.  In retrospect, you are being asked to go within.  To assess your life, see what is really working for you.  To be brutally honest.  

What is Adversity?  This term can be defined as conflict, hardship or even oppression.  Adversity happens to raise your being.  Have you ever noticed during times of difficulties, you learn a life lesson?  This is not a random coincidence.  Those incredibly harsh moments that have crippled you, are actually a blessing.  Your soul has chosen particular situations, on purpose to elevate your spirit.  There is a silver lining under the cloud with adversity.  Intuitively, you know this will pass.  Adversity creates drive, which in turn amplifies motivation.

Adversity  + Drive = Motivation

This above model was a realization that came to me clearly.  Without adversity in life we do not grow.  We have a choice.  To sit in sorrow, shutting the world out – or to RISE

There are countless stories in history how individuals triumphed over adversity.  One that comes to the forefront is Victor Frankl.  He was a Psychotherapist who survived the Holocaust.  His parents along with wife perished during World War II.   Frankl survived oppression and suffering.  He experienced one of the most traumatic events in history.  Following the Holocaust Frankl wrote the highly influential novel called, “Man’s Search For Meaning”.  His life story in turn was meant to guide others.  His light became dim, however he chose to live in faith. 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you 

– Matthew 7:7 KJV

The humanitarian Princess Diana endured hardships while being in the British Monarchy.  She turned her misfortunes into something positive.  This was done by the Power of love.  Princess Diana was charismatic and touched the lives of millions.  She placed her energy into charity, helping humanity and making a contribution in the world.  She was light and wanted to encourage others to do the same.     

Victor Frankl and Diana endured suffering.  However, they kept focused on faith.  Will power, determination and love kept them resilient.  Perhaps they were being guided by a force of energy beyond their comprehension.  This could be seen as God, Source, Universe or whatever you believe.  Their struggle did not define them.  The story was changed.  You can do this as well.  You make a conscious decision for a different narrative. 

Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own  – Princess Diana

When you are faced with contention, this is when your psyche will expand.  There are many of us who avoid problems.  Thinking that if you avoid conflict it will resolve on its own.  Is this really healthy for your well-being and soul?  You become an individual who avoids controversy.  

Are you a conflict avoider?  Do problems make you freeze up and momentarily feel stuck?

 I have done this in the past and on occasion still do.  I ruminate that if I avoid a problem long enough it will disappear  on its own.  This is not the best approach when dealing with conflict.  One should be open to difficulties, absorb the situation and see how you can find a solution.  Freezing up only allows the situation to perpetuate.  Expressing your viewpoints calmly and wholeheartedly will allow that stuck feeling to leave you.   

Throughout your life there will be periods when all aspects of life are aligning perfectly.  Time may even stand still.  Appreciate this in every way.  Alternatively, moments of strife will also arise.  Be willing to see each downfall as an opportunity.  Choices are what defines your life.  I ask you to remain in faith.  Pray daily, connect with whatever you believe or follow.  Place the creator in the centre of your life.  Help others, really listen to what people have to say.  You are so much bigger than you know.  Stop limiting yourself.  You are capable, follow the whispers of ancient wisdom of the wind.  Anything is possible and attainable.  Be love.


For the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth – that Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love ― Viktor E. Frankl

The Beauty of Aging

35 Best Birthday Quotes - Happy Birthday Wishes, Quotes, and Messages

Life isn’t about your age. Life is about living. So when your birthday comes be thankful for the year that has just past and anticipate with a happy heart what the coming year will bring -Catherine Pulsifer

Life is about living, seeing everything as a gift.  When a Birthday arrives, it’s a celebration of YOUR divinity.  Your Birthday is that special moment in time, when you were created.  Each breathe an extension to your soul.  Grateful for your memories, experiences that have contributed to you who you are.  To be alive here and now.  

What does the process of aging signify to you?  Do you define yourself by a number or can get beyond this paradigm?  You are daily evolving into the best version of yourself.  Seeing the development of your spirit at any given age.  Appreciating all you have, the daily blessings.  Over the summer of 2021, I turned 40 – a milestone.  That big BIRTHDAY!  I could feel something stirring inside me.  Knowing that things are about to shake up this decade.  An end to playing it safe, and time to embark on a new horizon.  Inner growth and an anticipation for a new phase of life.  

Prior to turning 40, a few of my girlfriends offered their sentiments.  It was articulated that 40 would  bring some unrest.  There will be soul-searching, questioning my life path and who I AM.  I thought to myself, “I do this daily”.  Truth be told, turning 40 was not a simple process.  Even to write this blog-post I hesitated, as to whether I wanted to share my experience.  After a peaceful meditation, the decision was clear.  I needed to share my story.  It is being honest with ourselves that helps one heal and assist others.  Maybe this is what was meant all along?    

The years ahead are ours to win and cherish. We cannot let anything, least of all our age, stand in our way! -Tina Sloan

My 40th was spent with my family.  This filled my heart with such compassion and love.  I could not have asked for a better celebration.  Being in the company of family is all one needs to feel cherished.  I had every type of Italian dessert you could imagine and was surrounded by love.  Phone calls from family and friends lifted the spirit.  

On the opposite side of the pendulum, I kept thinking where have the last 40  years of my life gone?  I wanted to avoid my emotions and was in denial.  I felt inadequate unworthiness crept in.  My choices, decisions and past were all flooding forward.  I thought by 40, I would have my life together.  What does having together really mean anyway?  I had to allow this to surface.  Release all preconceived notions and judgments.  There was a long list and I was tormenting myself.  I needed to embrace all contrasting emotions to find clarity.  This was a turning point.  There were plenty of tears, ice-cream and journaling.

Spiritually speaking, I was being governed by my ego.  Sitting in regret and unkind to my heart.  It took an enlightening conversation with my brother to break the funk.  I was thankful for his insight.  He offered words of guidance that allowed me to soften.  Age is meaningless, and can not let this rule your life.  Try not to allow a number to define your existence.  What we need to give more attention to is our consciousness and passions.  No matter what age you are, follow your passions.  This will always keep you young at heart. 

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. –Sophia Loren 

With every age you will shift.  Your insights will change continuously.  It is your perception on how you grasp experiences.  This defines your character.  I often question whether women or men feel societal expectations with becoming older?  We may all feel this at any stage of our lives.  One can not allow to be influenced by media or societal pressures.  Count your blessings, instead of the candles on your cake.  See the beauty of all the daily positive influences around you.  You are golden. 

Your life is a gift.  What holds significance is how much you value yourself.  Life is a paradox.  We are here for a brief period, learning lessons and evolving our mind.  I finish with this, adhere to what sparks the light within.  Advocate for yourself, be subversive, create the life you are destined for.  The blessing of 40 has shown me, it’s time to live my dreams.  To take the reign of my life.  I hope at any age you do this as well.  Live each day as if it’s – YOUR BIRTHDAY.  

I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it -Frances Lear

Mark Nepo – Feeding Your Heart

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No matter how dark,

the hand always knows

the way to the mouth.

-Idoma Proverb (Nigeria)

Even when we can’t see, we know how to feed ourselves. Even when the way isn’t clear, the heart still pumps. Even when afraid, the air of everything enters and leaves the lungs. Even when clouds grow thick, the sun still pours its light earthward.

This African proverb reminds us that things are never as bad as they seem inside the problem. We have inner reflexes that keep us alive, deep impulses of being and aliveness that work beneath the hardships we are struggling with.

We must remember: the hand cannot eliminate the darkness, only find its way to the mouth. Likewise, our belief in life cannot eliminate our suffering, only find its way to feed our heart.

The above excerpt was taken from “The Book of Awakening”, by Mark Nepo. A reminder to look within. Trust your inner self, keep faith and love at the forefront of all life decisions. May you always tune into your heart. Stay blessed xo

Innsaei – The Sea Within

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Intuition is seeing with the soul. –Dean Koontz

It was a few years ago, when I watched a documentary called Innsaei on Netflix.  It is no coincidence that I recently found this article on an old laptop.  It was a frigid winter’s day in 2018, and I was feeling under the weather.  A cold was brewing and my soul needed tending on every level.  During times when a cold emerges – it’s time to go inwards and be still.  On this particular day, I stumbled upon a Netflix documentary that spoke to the soul.  Innsaei, written by Hrund Gunnstiensdottir and Kristin Olafsdottir from Iceland.  At that precise moment, everything made sense – intuition is always working on your behalf.

Innsaei is an Icelandic term – translates to seeing from the inside out.  The sea within –  to perceive  yourself.  The documentary was about soul-searching and tuning into your intuition.  The narrator was sharing her own personal legend.  The questions I pose to you – how would life unfold if you let go of distractions, inner dialogue and most importantly stress?  This is exactly what inspired her to write this documentary.  

The film begins with Hrund, leaving a career indefinitely with the  United Nations.  She felt the UN was keeping her back from the life path she was intended for.  Hrund wanted to connect with people.  Share their stories, visions and perception on living a holistic life.  This brave soul was choosing to go against the grain, leaving the conventional.  The documentary intertwines the arts, spirituality, psychology, and education.   

The filmmaker’s compelling narrative was a masterpiece.  Something that I needed to hear on that particular day.  Her burnout, disconnect from her workplace created space for opportunities.  One could sense, she lost purpose with serving a system of bureaucracy and financial rewards.  Her heart was interested in serving humanity – Mother Earth.  

The Narrator left her lucrative job and dove into the unfamiliar.  I know for many of us, the unknown can be daunting or even terrifying.  You are in the uncomfortable and the only thing to do is surrender to divine grace.  The void of the unknown is where transformation begins.  There was a vision the filmmaker had which propelled her life forward.  At the age of 60, she would travel the entire globe.  Her desire was to meet people and inspire humanity.  She was going to be the writer she dreamt of being, collecting stories and uniting hearts.  The realization was the United Nations career no longer kept her motivated.  It was time to move onto something new.  

Practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear; and then act upon what you know to be true. These intuitive powers were given to your soul at birth. —Clarissa Pinkola Estés

What is Intuition:

Intuition is your inner source of guidance.  When you are in a state of equanimity and flow your intuition begins to whisper.  It is that gut feeling you have about a particular situation, person or circumstance.  The quiet voice within, that you may disregard is spirit talking to you.  There are times when I have not listened to my intuition, however experiences became blessings in disguise.  

The narrator traveled around the world to find the true meaning of intuition, and why we should use this inner intelligence to govern our lives. Here are three enlightening stories you may connect to with regards to intuition.  

  1. Interview with Malidoma Patrice, West African Leader/Elder

Malidoma Patrice, believed that Mother Earth is a symbol of the wound that all which live in it.  Nature is a silent witness of intuition.  Nature speaks in all kinds of languages.  Our eyes, and ears are to hear and see, something that we often disregard.  The sense of the internal.  What is blocking us is the world noise of distractions.  Nature is how we ignite our intuition.  “Intuition binds us together” every human being. 

  1. Marina Abramovic – Grandmother of Performing Arts

Marina Abramovic, known as a Visual Arts Medium.  She is a performance artist, writer and filmmaker.  She uses her body to connect to emotions and the audience.  Her message is to confront pain by observation and focus.  Abramovic, teaches that ‘in order to create something new, human beings need to go into the unknown”.  Intuition is something not to be afraid of.  We all have inner gifts inside waiting to be expressed.  Whether you are an artist, chef, poet or composer, your talents impact the world.  Release your fears, honour your talents, you give others the courage to pursue their calling.    

  1.  British School – Mindfulness

The narrator went to a school in the United Kingdom.  Here she was shown how moments of mindfulness impact the behaviour and attitude of students.  It was a new way of learning, as facilitators incorporated breathing practices, meditation and yoga into education.  Children, even adults need time to breathe, connect with their hearts and have moments of stillness.  The element of mindfulness allows one to be fully present in a state of peace.       

What this documentary gave me was clarity.  That everyone has their own unique timeline.  Life unfolds the way it is supposed to.  Focus on your daily objectives, wins and things which touch your spirit.  It is never about anyone else but you.  Suffering brings you closer to the higher-power for a reason.  You need to create space for faith and your vision.  Intuition is connecting to your higher self, it will never lead you astray.  If you are at a crossroads in your life, may the next step elevate you towards your dream  Allow the forces of nature to guide you, remember to seek within.      

Come from the heart, the true heart, not the head. When in doubt, choose the heart. This does not mean to deny your own experiences and that which you have empirically learned through the years. It means to trust yourself to integrate intuition and experience. There is a balance, a harmony to be nurtured, between the head and the heart. When the intuition rings clear and true, loving impulses are favored. –Brian Weiss

The Divine Essence of Nature

13 Beautiful Nature Quotes - LAUGHTARD

Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things – Lao Tzu

The year 2020 was a period of inner awakening and reflection.  Not a single person anticipated Covid-19 or a global lock-down.   Life was placed on pause for all of humanity.  Visiting your family, going to work, dramatically shifted.  Communicating via online resources, is how everyone stays connected.  Social distancing and masks have become somewhat the norm for the mass.

We are living in a new timeline on Earth and unaware of what lies ahead.  We may be fearful of what is to transpire,  however life can only get better from this moment forward.  There are also many blessings from Covid.  I often question,  how did this all happen?  Has Mother Earth been trying to get our attention all along?  What comes to mind is nature, how can we learn from the elements of the earth?    If we listen intently, they speak to our soul.  

Moon  

First and foremost I am a Moon child, born under the sign of Cancer.  The Cancer sign is governed by the moon.  The moon is Yin energy, associated with the Divine Feminine.  When a Full Moon occurs, it is a time of retreat.  The themes of forgiveness, self-compassion and surrender are apparent during the transition to the full-moon.  The luminous moon is an elixir of dark and light.  As the moon enters different phases, human beings feel the gravitational pull as well.  The moon is asking you to honor where you are, and nurture your being.  

Sun

“Here comes the sun, and I say its all right”  Beautiful lyrics sung by the infamous Beatles.  The sun is known to have masculine Yang energy.  It is that inner fire within your soul.  Correlated to the solar chakra, which represents confidence, will-power, strength and more.  Do you ever notice when the sun shines, it brightens your day?  The sun gives light to the earth, helps with growth and vegetation and showers us with vitamin D.  The sun can be seen as a force so powerful, one can not comprehend its magnitude.  

Water

Water fluid, ever changing and representing the veins of Gaia.  Water represents our emotions.  The veins of water are oceans, lakes, streams and rivers.  With Covid how have you been, emotionally and spiritually?  Are you able to flow with everything or have resistance.  The more you can flow with life and surrender, it creates space for change.  Remember, water represents 70% of your body.  The more water you drink, it aids with nourishing your inner temple.  

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Air 

Historically the element of air is associated with new beginnings, creativity and intelligence.   When the forces of wind are roaring in the air, Mother Nature is trying to get our attention.  Could it be the wisdom of our ancestors speaking to us through the wind?  Perhaps, whispering messages for us to decipher or understand.  Have you ever heard that expression, spring is in the air?  Air is what we breathe in each day, gives us vitality.  Spring air brings in expansion, similar to all seasons.  The question is, are you listening? 

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter — Rachel Carson

Fire

Fire is depicted as a masculine energy, providing light and transformation.  It starts out as a flame and has the capacity to burn anything which comes in its way.  Fire represents strength as there is a power in the flame.  It could be seen as a destroyer of the darkness.  This element takes out the old and brings in the new.  Fire is a force to be reckoned with. 

Earth

Earth energy is stillness, life and rebirth.  It is grounding, nurturing and wise.  By planting your feet outside on the earth you are healing.  There are many who noticed a shift during 2019 and the beginning of 2020.  On a personal level, my soul felt tired.  I was feeling lethargic, sensed I needed to rest.  I was not angry when Covid occurred.  I recognized it as a time of healing the spirit.  SELF-CARE became a priority for many.  There were many signs that Gaia was tired.  During 2019 Mama Earth, experienced wildfires in Australia and drought along with floods in the USA.  The fires may have been her anger, the floods her tears.  We needed to listen.  Earth, if you interchange the words – becomes Heart.  One could assume, the Divine Earth is the heart of everything.  

What have you Learned from Covid?  

The earth is the foundation to everything.  My firm belief is that we needed to go back to basics.  Be love, shine love, be an expression of love.  Nature is our source of healing, by being outdoors our senses are heightened and soul expanded.  Family time is something to never take for granted.  The value of making your meals and sitting with family is golden.  Memories that are irreplaceable.  Many realize that they require less to be happy.  Relationships have been tested and jobs as well.  However, there is balance.

In hindsight, could it be possible that collectively a break was given to us, to reflect?  To converse with your inner self and higher power?  I am a firm believer that everything happens for our highest good.  There is much to learn from 2020 on an individual and collective level.  Gaia is teaching valuable life lessons, we were finally listening to the frequencies.  The strongest energetic vibration is love.       

We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature  — Henry David Thoreau        

A Precious Human Life – The Dalai Lama

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be ...

A PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE 

“Every day

Think as you wake up,

Today I am fortunate

To have woken up,

I am alive,

I have a precious human life,

I am not going to waste it,

I am going to use

All my energies to develop myself,

To expand my heart out to others,

To achieve enlightenment for

The benefit of all beings,

I am going to have kind

Thoughts towards other,

I am not going to get angry,

Or think badly about others,

I am going to benefit others

As much as I can”

Words of wisdom from The Dalai Lama.  Remember to be kind, gracious and extend your heart whenever you can.  Wishing everyone a peaceful transition into July.  Stay well xo

The Golden Path – Seth Godin

Seth Godin Quote: Own your dreams. Empowering Quote Wall Art | Etsy

Don’t wait for the right answer and the golden path to present themselves.

This is precisely why you’re stuck. Starting without seeing the end is difficult, so we often wait until we see the end, scanning relentlessly for the right way, the best way and the perfect way.

The way to get unstuck is to start down the wrong path, right now.

Step by step, page by page, interaction by interaction. As you start moving, you can’t help but improve, can’t help but incrementally find yourself getting back toward your north star.

You might not end up with perfect, but it’s significantly more valuable than being stuck.

Don’t just start. Continue. Ship. Repeat.

An inspirational quote, from Author and Entrepreneur Seth Godin.  A reminder to pursue the Golden Path.  What is the Golden Path you may ask?  It is your individual journey, the quest to inner peace and fulfillment.  We may veer off our path at times, do know you will always be guided home.  Allow love and peace to be at the center of your being.  Be ambitious, take risks and seek your adventure!  Stay blessed xo

How To Let Your Little Inner Light Shine

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You have an inner light within you that is craving to be shared by those around you, by the world at large – but mostly by you. When you share your unique light, bit by bit, you light up the lives of those around you. And, one by one, you inspire them to light up too. It’s a chain reaction. And before long, the whole world lights up. Your light is contagious.” ~ Rebecca Campbell

This inspiring quote by Rebecca Campbell speaks volumes to my soul!  In her book, Light is the New Black the author helps you uncover your magic and potential aka your “LIGHT”.  It illustrates how important your gifts are and elevate your life.

The inner light is your home, something that each individual has.  I remember asking the universe for guidance at a young age unaware of what that truly meant.

There was something larger than myself and somehow knew I had to trust.  When family or friends are in situations and need comfort and prayers I often say “ I am sending healing love and light your way”.

Inner Light: What Does it Really Mean?

I am going to backtrack here, I remember in grade school singing a moving song in a choir called “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon.  Known as a gospel and children’s song in the 1950s, it later evolved into having a different connotation.  I was about 11 years old and not aware of the actual meaning of this song.

However, as an adult now recognize it was a gospel song that became the anthem of the civil rights movement in the United States.  

This song provided faith during a time of strife.  It was about giving hope during a turbulent period in history.  It is a reminder of the higher power and that grace is on your side.  I often reflect on those choir days and still hum and sing this inspirational song.  Below are a few lyrics from This Little Light of Mine:

For each day of the week, there is a deeper spiritual connotation to reflect upon. Wouldn’t it be a blessing if we could incorporate these lyrics into our week and days?  It would be a constant reminder of love, peace, faith, grace, and prayer. 

I feel that these five words are so powerful!

An excerpt taken from one of my articles that was Published on Purpose Fairy.  Remember your light is powerful, your aura glows every time you smile.  Full article can be viewed here :  https://www.purposefairy.com/89284/how-to-let-your-little-inner-light-shine/  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  

The Invitation – Oriah Mountain Dreamer

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It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, ‘Yes.’

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

A touching poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, one for the heart and soul.  Love, a spiritual exchange of two souls who are ready to share there lives with one another.  A journey to go beyond limitations, and fly into the abyss of their sacred union.