Monthly Archives: January 2014

Resistance Reminds Us

Posted in Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of moggara12, published on 15 January 2014 Stock Photo - image ID: 100227273, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of moggara12, published on 15 January 2014
Stock Photo – image ID: 100227273, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

See the rocky path in the picture? You see a tree in your path you’ll have to overcome. The path is ascending, getting steeper and the stones are tricky to walk on. You can see the tree’s roots jut through the stone, and the tree itself is large and all consuming this section of the path. You may choose to step over the roots, or even go around the tree. Your journey may be a little longer because of the reroute, but it is never something to regret. What matters most, is you mentally and physically on the other side of that tree, steadily moving upward and onward.

Resistance is a reminder that we are not in alignment within and outside of ourselves (more on what “alignment” feels and looks like in a future blog). Resistance can either be an ever present sense of anxiety and worry, or it can be those things and much more. Resistance is also a natural part of life – a gift to remind us if we want relief from a given situation, all we have to do is readjust and move towards a different path to alignment.

What areas in your life has a lot of resistance? Is it in relationships, family ties, career, health, or money? If you have any sort of angst when you think of an area in your life, chances are there is a growing knot of resistance there, trying to steer you to an easier path.

An example of resistance: someone trying to purchase a home and they keep running into roadblocks, such as financing falling through, the inspection finding a significant issue with the house’s foundation, a storm sweeps in rain that floods the first floor. Every obstacle is there, yet the ego mind keeps telling you to push through. What will your family and friends think if the deal falls through?

What is on the other side of resistance for the person who can’t will themselves into that home they fixated on? Perhaps a bigger, more beautiful house? How about a house with a small mortgage? Or one in a better neighborhood than the one you’ve set your sights on?

God Spirit knows your heart, what you can handle and what’s best for you – and knows the intention you sent out to the Universe to be fulfilled. God has the ability to see a better, higher way for you than what your tunnel vision has focused on. God gives you the gift of resistance, so you can have intuition whispering when it’s time to move on.

It’s important to recognize whether your ego is speaking to you, or your inner God advising you. Your inner voice will guide you to take pause, look and feel where you’re at and redirect your energy and focus. Ego will tell you to continue pushing no matter what, while the inner guide in you will say, “hey, let’s take a look at this – why so much resistance in this area?”

Resistance is the Universe’s way of expressing to stop bumping your toes on the same rocky step. We all can be hell bent on going in that one and only direction. Resistance is a push to awaken you to other options, to bigger and better alignment with that which you want.  

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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Eliminating Limiting Beliefs in 4 steps

Posted in Affirmations, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought by
Image courtesy of By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 - image ID: 100221813, from By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 Stock Image - image ID: 100221813, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 – image ID: 100221813, from By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013
Stock Image – image ID: 100221813, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Last week, I discussed positive affirmations and reasons why they may or may not work. One of the obstacles to successful manifestation is a person holding a “limiting belief.” Limiting beliefs are thoughts we hold, whether on the conscious or sub-conscious level that limits or diminishes our experiences.

Affirmations are an awesome way to focus your mind on what it is you want to manifest, but a limiting belief will block your blessing.

Our thoughts and beliefs have power. Thoughts shape our feelings, which then colors our responses with shades of our inner beliefs, moment to moment. If we are proclaiming in one breath, “I am wealthy,” but thinking the limiting belief “I never make enough money” or “others are luckier in money matters than myself,” then we will never manifest a state of wealth, all because of the limiting belief. You have to eradicate the limiting belief in order for the positive thought to take hold and manifest.

  1. The first step to eradicating the limiting belief is quickly assessing your thoughts. Are you feeling a certain pang of guilt for whatever reason from a thought? Do you find yourself justifying why you’re in a negative situation? Do you blame others or situations as to why you’re in a less desirable experience? On the other hand, do you find yourself beating yourself up (“I should be further along in xyz by now”)? Do you find yourself agreeing with the status quo (“Only xyz people get high paying jobs.”)? Chances are, you are holding limiting beliefs in your thoughts. It will keep you in a stuck position – between what you don’t want and what you do want. Unless you have your thoughts in check, your negative beliefs will rule instead of your positive ones.
  2. When looking at an area of your life, write down all aspects of it – the good and the not so good. Give it the 360 degree view treatment, by looking at all its angles. A 360 degree view of your situation will reveal more than just the negative, lopsided lenses we seem to love to view our lives through.  
  3. Relax and forgive yourself by realizing you are creating these moments, and they are here to teach and guide you towards what it is you do want. Just as you created a moment of frustration, you can create a moment of reflection and positive re-direction to a new, better thought.
  4. Don’t dwell too much on the limiting belief because it’s not necessary. All that is important is realizing one has popped up and begin replacing it with a new thought. Dwell in the solutions, rather than the limiting beliefs or the problems.

Take Aways:

  • It is always about getting your mind and spirit into alignment with what you want.
  • A limiting belief can be counted on to guide you to what it is you really do want.
  • A limiting belief will cancel out a positive, new belief you’ve introduced to your mind.
  • With practice, eradicating limiting beliefs will become easier, as well as calling on new, better thoughts to replace the old ones.
  • Get comfortable with your inner thoughts, but don’t dwell in  diminishing and negative beliefs. Instead, look at everything in your life from a 360 degree view.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Carving out time for Love

Posted in Dating, Love, Relationships by
Image courtesy of CNaene, published on 23 December 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100224326, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of CNaene, published on 23 December 2013
Stock Photo – image ID: 100224326, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I was on writer’s hiatus this weekend, for a lover’s rendezvous with my husband. We drove forty minutes outside of town, to the California foothills, checked into a hotel, and hung out in the onsite restaurant. We ate, joked, laughed, flirted, and channeled our youth. We had every intention of exploring Gold Country, but never left the hotel – there was no need. We had each other and that was more than enough. We elected to skip the fancy dinner for a late night (1 AM!) run to In and Out Burger.

We discussed what we wanted from each other. He wanted me to be more “housewife” without the “house.” I later understood he wanted me to show more praise and appreciation for what he does for the family. I wanted more affection and more time to write. He offered to take the kids so I can write uninterrupted and he ran his fingers through my wild, natural hair (versus the very straight strands I normally wear). I surprised us both by embracing the untamed mane, standing a little taller.

I had a school assignment due for my California Literature college course where I had to post thoughts on a brief history of the Golden State. I wrote and he edited and picked the classmates I’d write a response to. We remembered we still carry super liberal ideals and we are still in love with each other. I’m sure we knew this before the trip, but our level of appreciation for each other and the union we’ve created deepened.

We had a moment to remember why and how we fell in love. We’ve known each other for twenty-two years, been together for seven, and married for almost two. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life, putting our love affair on the back burner.

Our families rallied around us by being understanding of missing my niece’s birthday party, taking care of the kids and giving us a worry-free night away. I suppose love and all the messiness that comes with it, is a worthy life investment.

Now, we’re rejuvenated, deeper in love, and our ties are more connected than before we left for the trip.

Take Aways:

  • Make time for love
  • Cherish the small and large moments of life by celebrating with a loved one
  • Partnership in love can be achieved and sustained by carving out time and energy to support it

~Your Curator of all things Love, Kimberly Jo Cooley

The Inspiration: Elle Decor’s Animal Print Rug

Posted in Home, Uncategorized by

The dream rug inspiration:

Image courtesy of “A Manhattan Living Room” by Olivia Rassow, from the website http://www.elledecor.com/most-popular-elle-decor-rooms-pinterest/manhattan-living-room?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1452_40223365. 2014 Hearst Communications, Incorporated.

The Realistic Budget:

Check out www.o.co, www.zulily.com, and www.domesticmodern.com  for beautiful, expansive and inexpensive animal print rugs. I’ve purchased two rugs from o.co two years ago for under $300.00, and they still feel and look good.

Image Courtesy of http://www.zulily.com/p/green-taupe-animal-print-rug-68310-6785221.html?tid=social_pin_iphone_shareviaicon_na_modal_92ae858480368af04948080e0633351d&pid=6785221&alt=alt&title=Green+&+Taupe+Animal+Print+Rug&is_video=false&ns=ns_201538234|1390096329299. Available in various sizes ranging from $119 – $399

Image courtesy of http://www.domesticmodern.com/lightblueanimalprintrug.aspx. Various sizes and prices from $109 – $429

Image courtesy of o.co nuLOOM Hand-tufted Animal Shape Zebra Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) $208

Image courtesy of o.co, Rawhide Beige Rug (6’2 x 8′), $180

Image courtesy of o.co Rawhide Brown Animal-print Rug (6’2 x 8′), $176

Image courtesy of o.co, Hand-hooked Bliss Indoor/Outdoor Animal Print Rug (8′ Round), $191

Image courtesy of o.co, Skin Animal Printed UV Stabilized Outdoor Rug (5′ x 7’6), $187

Image courtesy of o.co, Hand-tufted Pale Blue Leopard Whimsy Animal Print Wool Rug (8′ x 11′), $387

~Your Curator of all things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

6 Reasons why Affirmations don’t Work

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Affirmations are a great spiritual and mental modality that help center your intentions and speak to Higher Source on what you have and what you are bringing into your physical reality. It is a bridge from the sub-conscious to the conscious. When your affirmations are in alignment with what you want – which is to feel great in all areas of your life – they help to shape your thoughts  and shift the “now you” into the “new you.” Here’s a list of ways to sabotage the effectiveness of affirmations and three quick tips to overcome these roadblocks.

6 Reasons why affirmations don’t work:

  1. Setting unrealistic or highly ambitious affirmations.
  2. Limiting beliefs that need to be rooted out so new belief systems can planted. An example of a limiting belief is “you have to work hard in order to deserve more money.”
  3. Listening to others on why affirmations don’t work. Many people will say they do not work, but it could be the naysayers were too ambitious, or perhaps they rarely said or believed them, resulting in failed results.
  4. Failure to say them on a regular basis.
  5. Failure to adjust your affirmations as your life changes (for the better!).
  6. Failing to believe what it is you are affirming.

2 Tips to Ensure Success with your Affirmations:

  1. Have your affirmations represent being in that which you are affirming. Use words, such as “I AM” “I HAVE” and if necessary, “I WILL.” This is not a hard and fast rule, as there are some that do not start with those beginnings, such as my favorite affirmation, “I BEGIN and END my jobs on my own terms.”
  2. Give yourself room to grow in your affirmations.” For example, saying “I am a millionaire” will likely not resonate with you as much as “I am EVOLVING into a millionaire” or “I am evolving into a CEO of a successful company”. The subtle difference is the word “evolving.” It denotes you are moving toward millionaire status, but acknowledges you’re not there yet. The other example is “I work out everyday.” That sets a person who is just starting a workout regimen up for failure. Instead, say “I am healthy, fit and find ways to incorporate health and wellbeing in my day.” No matter what, believe your affirmation as fact, even if you may not be experiencing it yet.
  3. Be patient. It is important to  be patient with yourself as you play with the affirmations modality. If you don’t see results right away, that’s okay. Oftentimes, we are unable to see what has already started manifesting in our life, hidden amongst all the things we do and don’t desire. Allow the blessings to come in their own time and trust they will.  

~Your Curator of All things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

5 Reasons Why Positive Affirmations WORK!

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of Janaka Dharmasena, published on 04 January 2012, fromhttp://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Janaka Dharmasena, published on 04 January 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

We know negative affirmations work, because we can look around at all the pain and suffering amongst us and see them at work. What about positive affirmations? Here are five reasons positive affirmations work:

  1. When affirmations are created by the person saying them, they have more power and resonate more within that person. Come up with personal “I AM” affirmations you can use everyday.
  2. When believed and said on a regular basis, positive affirmations can change your whole outlook on a situation, therefore raising your vibration to a place of receiving that which you are positively affirming.
  3. Positive affirmations over time will curb and replace negative limiting beliefs.
  4. Positive affirmations are a quick way to center your thoughts during non-stressful times, such as during guided meditation, and stressful times, like when your boss sends you an email with a subject line, “we need to talk, meet me in my office.”
  5. Positive affirmations said in the morning will help steer your day towards what you’re affirming.

The Universe is ready and waiting to answer your affirmations with a resounding YES. What positive affirmation do you use to get you in a high vibrational frequency?

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Get Your Bootie On! Luxe Booties For Less

Posted in Style, Uncategorized by

Image Courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/kita-black.html, and, it is one of the pairs I scored today for $45.00!

Okay, now that I have the perfect light blue denim jeans, naturally I need some new kicks to wear with them! I have been in the market for the perfect booties for YEARS, all because I am too picky to settle on just the right one. Some are too tall, too dressy, not dressy enough, too expensive, too cheap looking (I can’t stand a faux stacked heel!) – you get the picture, I’m persnickety when it comes to my footwear. I was determined to find the perfect bootie and lo’ and behold, I hit the mother lode for short boots! Now is the perfect time to get booties, as most are on clearance as retailers transition from winter to spring wear. I patiently waited until now to score some fantastic deals on some timeless booties.

  • Nordstrom has some great boots under $100.00 on their website.
  • DSW.com has a great selection of booties, many under $100.00.
  • Amazon.com is another place I checked out, but my picky ways couldn’t nail down the right pair for under $100.00.
  • Sole Society (http://www.solesociety.com/invite/link/index/id/11705993/type/2/) – Divas, I saved the absolute best for last. I scored THREE pairs of cute, timeless booties for under $125.00! Just last night, they put all their boots and booties on clearance (I’ve been stalking them for weeks now!) and this website will not disappoint. A big plus is their free shipping. If you click on the invite link above within the next three days, you’ll get 20% off your purchase of $60.00 or more.

Courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/jillianne-black.html. I bought this pair in both black and tan.

Image courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/lylee-smoke-taupe.html

Image courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/idelle-umber.html

Image courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/joey-fireside.html

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

I Begin and End a Job On My Own Terms

Posted in Affirmations, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Uncategorized, Work Life by
Image courtesy of xedos4, published on 29 May 2011, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of xedos4, published on 29 May 2011, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Affirmation: I always begin and end my jobs on my own terms.

You may read the above affirmation, and think that it doesn’t apply to you. Perhaps you were fired or downsized, or you’re stuck in a dead-end job. This affirmation is exactly for you. It will transform your experience, the essence of who you are as an employee and it will bring about a change so deep, every employer will want to hire you.

Many of us will be working the majority of our lives, so it’s no wonder it consumes a good portion of our mental and physical space each day. Some of us have jobs that leave us feeling drained, unappreciated, unfulfilled, and under compensated. The easy answer is to leave a job, but many times, that’s not an easy option to do.

I was in a dark place four years ago in my own work life. I was working long hours as a claims adjuster, and feeling like I never could get caught up at work, and even if I did, I always felt like someone was dissatisfied with my job performance. The job market was shaky, and I felt stuck and depressed that I could not find a better job. During this time, I was on a “performance counseling” write-up and there were times I wished the boss would put me out of my misery and fire me. Yet, I was conflicted. I was a single mother at the time and had kids to feed, a mortgage to pay and health insurance to keep.

I began a spiritual journey and realized I had a choice in the matter. I could wallow in my misery, turn my destiny over to the managers to fire me, or I could take charge of my work life and turn it around. I recalled how I always used to say, “I always begin and end my jobs on my own terms – no matter what.” I said it once again, believed and  things drastically changed for me.

I began to feel a positive shift in how people approached me. My workload became manageable and organized, even when the volume increased. I was the experienced go-to person both managers and fellow employees reached out to. I got off performance write-up and instead, was given great annual reviews. I began to share ideas, instead of feeling reluctant to share my opinions with others. I searched other job postings within the company and found a job much more suitable for me. I applied for the new job twice, but the second time was offered a position. In a matter of a couple of years,  I turned my work life around, all because I realized that I really could begin and end a job on my own terms.

I was not settling. Instead, I was embracing where I was in my experience and realizing that I do have a say. I wrote short and long-term goals, both professional and personal. I realized I loved writing and wanted more of that in my life. I found what I was looking for, a job that allowed me to write a lot more and it still utilized my fourteen years of claims experience, which was more than I thought I could ever have. The new job was a lateral move, but in time, I got a much better raise and a quick promotion.  I would not be in the place I am now, had it not been for the affirmation above.

I’ve seen friends and co-workers fired or laid off from jobs. At first, it may seem like they did not leave a job on their own terms. But in closer review, and as time revealed, the termination was the best thing that could have happened to them and they ultimately found better jobs that were more suited for them.

The beauty of affirmations is if you believe in what you are affirming, the Universe will make it happen. Always believe there is a greater, higher plan unfolding for you. Chances are, if you said that affirmation above, it would be you choosing to leave the company rather than the company choosing to let you go.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Leaving Life on the Table

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, New Year's Resolutions by
Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane, published on 10 February 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100139008, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane, published on 10 February 2013
Stock Photo – image ID: 100139008, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Here’s the familiar expression – “leaving money on the table” and its definition: leave (something) on the table v. phr. to refrain from taking the utmost advantage of something; to not address every aspect of a situation; in the form leave money on the table, to negotiate a deal that is less financially beneficial than is expected or possible. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary).

You’ve probably seen this phenomenon occur when negotiating a settlement, a new car deal, buying or renting a new home, or a new job offer.

Well, how about leaving life on the table? That’s what we do when we play small, don’t take chances, allow fear to take over, try to keep up with the Jones and live our lives the way others feel is best…we leave life on the table, when there’s so much more we can juice from our life experience.

Here’s a short list of how to juice all you can from life, leaving nothing on the table:

  1. Spend some time each day pondering what it is you want for the following day, week, year and even the rest of your life. This is not a long endeavor – a couple of minutes can truly change your life experience from blah to amazing. Some people journal what they want, while others just daydream away. Envision the life you want and take steps towards moving towards it. It is your imagination that you draw your goals and dreams from…imagine, daydream, manifest.
  2. Life’s full of choices – how do we choose? Especially in “real time” with all the advents of technology? Take a moment to feel how a particular choice resonates with you. Do you feel peace with one over the other choice? Are you doing something out “keeping up with the Jones” syndrome or out of obligation? Is there a choice that allows you to embrace it wholeheartedly? If not, why? Take a moment to think about the choices you’re making to make sure it is in alignment with your dreams and goals. Do not compromise on taking a moment – that is definitely one way to leave life on the table by making hasty decisions. Successful attorneys know how to do this step well – they will walk out of negotiations and come back to the table when they’ve had a chance to consider an offer. Begin to exercise this in your life. You’re worth it!
  3. What’s life without a little risk? Take a chance! Yes, we all have responsibilities, but what is a life without a bigger-than-ourselves dream to run towards? Please take a moment to think about what makes you happy and see how you can bring even five minutes of that joy into your life. For me, it’s writing and I’ve found ways to slide it into my hectic schedule. Take the time for your dreams, otherwise, you are definitely leaving life on the table.
  4. Plan a vacation. Get away and enjoy yourself. Just the act of planning a vacation is a joyous occasion. Each paycheck, I set aside $25.00 towards my vacation fund and I’ve already funded a science camp trip for my son. Next trip? A girls’ road trip from Northern California to Oregon, to attend the annual tulip festival – there will be laughs and lots of memories created, and I manifested it by taking a moment to focus in on what I truly want out of life.

This list is not exhaustive, but it is a start to taking steps on owning your earthly experience and leaving nothing in this life on the table.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Ladies, Buy Your Own Flowers

Posted in Dating, Love, Relationships by

Flower courtesy of my husband 🙂

I am the source and receiver of all that I want in this life…

I was a flower thief as a toddler. There wasn’t a flower that was safe. Amusement parks with signs saying “Don’t Touch The Flowers” meant nothing to me. I’d throw tantrums if I was denied the chance to pluck a bloom. As a child, I was chased out of yards by barking dogs, all in my quest to get a rose or a tulip. Despite all of my flower passion, the only men who gave me flowers were male co-workers who pitched in for obligatory birthday bouquets or my father, who once moon lighted as a florist.

I know some women who wait and wait for men to give them flowers, gifts or love. What are you waiting for? All the Universe will do is give you more of what you’re doing and thinking – wait, wait, and more waiting. Instead of waiting, get your own flowers and love yourself. Be the source and the receiver of all that you want in this life.

I set the intention as a little girl flowers were going to come into my life and guess what? They did and abundantly! Girlfriends, family members and yours truly got me flowers. I didn’t wait for a man to provide what I could manifest in my own life. Sure, it’s nice to now get flowers from my lover, but it was even more rewarding and satisfying to pick out my own and proudly display them at work. When people asked, “who bought you the pretty flowers?” I’d say with robust pride, “me!”

-Your Curator of all things abundant and beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley