Monthly Archives: April 2014

Wherever I Go, God is With Me

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of Evgeni Dinev, published on 01 October 2012 Stock Photo - image ID: 100104677, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Evgeni Dinev, published on 01 October 2012 Stock Photo – image ID: 100104677, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Sunday, April 27, 2014 – Value: My Spiritual Evolution

“Wherever I go, God is with me. In the scary places, God is there. In the gorgeous places, God is there. In the places I swore I’d never go again, God is there. In the mirror, God is there with love and appreciation for who I am.” – Brende Lambert, church affirmation, this past Sunday at Center for Spiritual Awareness.

To help jump start my abundant life initiative, I went to church. My husband was out of town, so instead of leaving my three year old at home like I usually do, I brought her and my eleven year old son with me. She was quiet, thanks to slipping a few Cherrios to her from time to time.

I decided to do something different today and take notes of the church service so I can refer back to them later. Thank goodness I did because it felt like today’s sermon was directed towards me.

Here are my notes from today’s service and how it was so applicable to my life:

  • Form follows thought.
  • We can turn what happened to us into victory.
  • We do not need other’s tragedy to feel good about ourselves.
  • Watch the movie, The Secret by Rhonda Byrnes, every five years for reminders on visualization.
  • Always have at least one active dream going in our lives. The pursuit of the dream spirals us upward and moves us into the direction we want to go.
  • We can either be pulled by a vision or pushed by a circumstance, says Dr. Michaels. Love this! I’d rather be pulled by a vision.
  • Gratitude is super important – we are open to receiving what we’ve received and more. We cannot hold gratitude at the same time we hold lack. Makes sense to me.
  • Reverend Georgia also says to Act as if…you already have what you want. She also warned for metaphysical folks to not take this to mean “just spend it now, the money will come later.” It is better to manifest the money first, then spend it later. – It felt like she was ministering just to me.

Great timely lessons from church. God is giving me signs that I’m on the right track.

~Your Curator of all Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

Advertisement

The New Dealing with The Old

Posted in Goals, Home, Inspiration, Relationships by
Image courtesy of dexchao, published on 22 August 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100196169, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of dexchao, published on 22 August 2013 Stock Photo – image ID: 100196169, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Saturday, April 26, 2014, Value: Keeping It Simple

I cried today. A blubbering, slobbering, and insides raw cry. My husband’s college friend died of a heroin overdose – we thought he was only into pills and had no idea how depressed he really was. April 26th was my husband’s birthday and he was flying out for a funeral. My sixteen year old wants to move four hundred miles away with his vagabond father (can you tell he’s my ex?) and I was dealing with some old feelings in my new self.

I cried because my New Me was dealing with some Old Me stuff. I wanted to veg out to reality TV or go on a shopping spree.

On the way home from dropping off my husband at the airport for his friend’s funeral, I went north on Interstate 5, when I should have gone south. I had to travel miles before I could exit the freeway to turn around. I got lost, and wound up on my way to Redding, when all I wanted was to go home to Sacramento. The New Me didn’t panic, but the Old Me wanted to hurry up and get back on the right track. It felt like forever before I got to an exit to turn around. Much like my careless spending and my excessive television watching – lost, but now I am found, and now I am turning around.

The family (myself included, kicking and screaming) made a decision to cancel the cable subscription. We’d been toying with the idea for a while, as we wanted to have more time for family and my writing. Now, it was a matter of necessity. I am a self-proclaimed television addict. My particular drug of choice is reality shows and investigative murder mysteries. Now, the new life, with the pain of change – was in full effect.

I wrote a list of bills and realized that cutting cable made sense. Some other benefits to eliminating cable was extra time for meditating, reflection, family bonding, getting physically fit, writing and homemaking. Eliminating cable is supporting all of my values. So, when I look at it like that, it’s not so bad after all. I also can pay off my other bills faster by eliminating the huge, monthly three digit cable bill.

I looked at why I kept going through the cycles of paying things completely off and then racking up debt. I also looked at why the Old and New Me liked to watch so much television. I realized these vices were my Old Me’s security blankets. When things went awry in my life, I resorted to shopping and television. There was a void that these two old friends temporarily filled. Now, I found the old vices ill-fitting and not mine to have anymore.

I know from all my spiritual studies that in order to lay down new tracks in life, I have to build over the old ones. I have to be brave and face what I’ve created. Much of what has manifested today is from my yesteryear’s lack mentality and lack of understanding the spiritual being that I am. Now, the New Me knows how to handle  the Old Me. This time with compassion, forgiveness and a new way of being.

I haven’t called the cable company – yet. When I do, my focus will be on all that I will gain from letting go of the lessor as I make room for the greater.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Your Values Are Always Your Guide

Posted in Inspiration, Manifestation, Relationships, Spirituality by

Wonder what your values are? The answer lies in your desires and what you enjoy doing most.

I used to think values had more to do with morals than they did with desires. Values are what guide us towards what we truly want for our lives.

Each of us have values that are exclusively unique to our selves. If we are constantly doing things to sabotage or dim our values, we find ourselves in constant resistance to alignment with our Spirit.

When we dissect an area of our life, we should know what we value and always ask if what we are about to say or do is in alignment with our unique values. Our values are the key to our life’s purpose and the foundation to our eternal peace and knowing. Our values are divinely contracted by God to each of us, so we can live the best life we can and be the vessels of God’s purpose.

My ten top values are:

  • My spiritual evolution
  • Living a healthy and fit lifestyle
  • Spending time with my kids
  • Spending time with my husband
  • Creativity
  • Things of beauty
  • Friendships/Kinship
  • Freedom
  • Life’s work that feeds my soul and the souls of others
  • Keeping it simple (includes finances, choices, home life – a way of life)

If my values are shining bright, I’m a happy and aligned woman. When my life is cluttered with things I don’t want to do or circumstances that collide with my values, then I am out of alignment with Spirit and probably not in the best of moods.

Now that I’ve identified my values,  it’s time to look at how much of my life is filled with experiences that support what really matters most to me. From here on out, everything I think and do must be aligned with these values.

Whenever you’re confronted with a choice, from small to big, ask yourself which is the better option that is more in alignment with your values. Always pick the option that supports your individual and unique values. Not the values of your mother, or your spouse. Too often we are looking at other people’s values and trying them on, only to find they are ill-fitting. We can’t wear other’s values, and the more we try, the more we suffer.

People with similar values typically flock to each other. If you find yourself in a situation where your values are not in alignment with family or friends, don’t worry about that. Focus in on your values and how to flesh them out more. Those who resonate with your vibrational frequency will get closer to you, others who are not a match will go away, gradually or quickly. Fortunately, like attracts like.

What are your top ten values? What can you do today, for five minutes, to squeeze out more juice in your life by supporting your values? Are there pockets in your life that causes you to be pushed further away from your values, like constantly working, living above your means, spending time with people who drain you? Knowing and tending to your values will set you free.

~Your Curator of all Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

My Abundant Life Initiative

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Love, Manifestation, Relationships, Spirituality by

An https://abundantlifeinitiative.com/ photo.

What does initiating an abundant life mean for me? I will show you. I am starting with myself – focusing on areas of my life and seeing where I am six months from now. I will share my values and dreams and the highs and lows, frustrations and ecstatic moments of attaining and maintain them.

I am initiating abundance of love, friendship, freedom, and spirituality in my life, and will take each of you on the journey with me. It is my hope that you will read about my experiences and then see areas in your life that could use a soul stirring transformation.

I will name the areas I am focusing on and will devote at least five minutes to them each day. It is my hope the minutes will increase and over time, that area will have transformed. I will devote a blog post a week to where I am in my areas of focus.

When I first started this blog, I envisioned a website where people could come for information on how to live the life they truly want. Many people have lost touch with the life they truly want to live. I wanted this initiative to be a collective effort and encourage people to take initiative in creating an abundant life for ourselves and others.

What better way to illustrate how to initiate an abundant life, than to document and share my own experience. Thank you for going on this journey with me.

~Your Curator of all Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

A Vintage Coral & Turquoise Journey

Posted in Fashion, Style by

The coral blouse is a recent thrift store find and the sandals are from Target. My gold and turquoise earrings are from Forever 21, circa 2011.

Saturated coral and turquoise pops against all skin tones.

I included a gifted cross friendship bracelet to my collection of bracelets. Thanks to my friend Mardella for the cross friendship bracelet.

Rejoice!

Happy trails!

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

Boho Toss Pillows

Posted in Home by

Want a quick and easy way to bohemify your home? Toss pillows! Here’s a round up of curated bohemian toss pillows from our seller peeps at etsy.com:

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/182960074. 2pc Blue Indian Bohemian Pillow, $25.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/185534500. Purple and Pink Pillows, $29.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/165479345. Appliqued Pillow, $14.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/151093216. Purple throw pillow – metallic gold print on purple denim, bohemian pillow, organic cotton pillow cover, $42.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/183255824. Waverly Paisley Pillow, $38.

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Applied Happiness 101

Posted in Affirmations, Manifestation, New Thought, Work Life by
Image courtesy of gubgib, published on 29 December 2012 Stock Photo - image ID: 100129566, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net.

Image courtesy of gubgib, published on 29 December 2012 Stock Photo – image ID: 100129566, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, published on 17 August 2012 Stock Photo - image ID: 10097414, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, published on 17 August 2012 Stock Photo – image ID: 10097414, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net.

I recently applied some techniques on how to be and stay happy, even through stressful times. I overheard my boss having a lengthy argument with an auditor on one of my arbitration files. After she got off the line, she came to my cubicle to tell me a newly hired auditor didn’t understand my arbitration arguments and gave me a poor audit.

In the past, this is something that would have instantly sent me into a tailspin. I’d have to first complain to coworkers over how wrong and unfair it was. I would then internalize it and question all my decisions after hearing that kind of news. Then, I’d slip into a funk for a few days. Meanwhile, the negative funk I’d find myself in would color my present and future experiences with negativity and doubt.

Yesterday, I chose not to go down the path of negativity and refrained from telling a woeful story to friends and co-workers. I remembered that one audit doesn’t define me as a person or an employee. I found solace in how my manager really went to bat for me, and I realized she knew the truth of who I am, so of course I needed to remember the truth of who I am. I prayed for God to reveal to me the jewels in the rough of this experience. I began to say affirmations, affirming the truth of who I am and why I’m here. I did allow myself a few moments to feel upset at the news. But, here’s where it got magical – I began to envision me being on the other side of the situation, smiling and at peace. I went home for the day and focused on other things.

Today, I went to my manager’s desk to thank her again for her support. She told me she met up with management and the head of auditing department yesterday. The head of the auditing department reviewed my manager’s concerns and they all agreed that my handling in the case was solid, but there were issues with the overall handling of the claim that didn’t involve me that had to be noted in the audit. As it turns out, it was a holistic review and not specific to just my handling. My manager said she knows how I take pride in my work product and that she had to fight for what’s right. She was able to get the auditors to see I creatively argued the case, considering what little evidence I had to work with. The auditors eventually raised the scoring up on the review. The auditors and management even have a bet on the outcome of the arbitration – loser buys the other lunch!

In those moments, I could instantly see the jewels.

Here are the jewels:

  • I learned my manager thought highly of me and my work and was ready to defend me – other managers may not do the same.
  • I learned I could choose how to feel in moments of disappointment. I prevented a tailspin that would take me days to recover from.
  • I didn’t overreact, which was critical, because in the past, I would blow up over audit results and it felt wonderful to keep my cool.
  • Had I overreacted, I may not have been in a place to appreciate what unfolded after yesterday’s news.
  • I could have started down the tract of my company doesn’t appreciate me, or that new auditor is a real pill, but today, it feels better to stay in the positive.
  • I remembered I AM a divine creature, and my peace is something to protect.
  • I deliberately created my future by envisioning how I wanted to feel the next day. The Universe obliged.
  • I remembered the truth. I remembered that audits are to show how we’re doing as a company and this reminded me to not take it personal and it really is for the good of our company.
  • Gratitude and appreciation goes a long way. I found what I could be grateful for in the moments following the news, and that helped me to remain in a place of allowing, instead of going into a place of resistance.

We have the power to always reclaim our happiness and peace. I have grown. Yesterday showed me that through prayer, affirmations and shaking the lies and negativity out of the situation, I was able to ride this wave, with ease and grace. I look forward to practicing more of the spiritual principles, because they really work!

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Bohemian Decor From Etsy

Posted in Home, Uncategorized by

Here’s a list of curated Bohemian accessories for the home, from the folks at Etsy.com.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/128342407/. Abalone bowl – 4 to 5 inches, $7

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/29627969/rose-mandala-record-bowl-bohemian. Made to order, $58

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/176573580/modern-antler-art-print-teal-gold-yellow. Various sizes, 8 x 10 $38. For those who love antlers, but hate the cruelty towards animals.

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/164866735/. Throw pillow, 20×20, $43

Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/124619228/gypsy-girl-stretched-canvas-print-large. Reminiscent of the prints my parents had in their own home during the 1970s.

~Your Curator of all Things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley