Are We Having Fun Yet?

 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, published on 12 March 2014 Stock Image - image ID: 100246972, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, published on 12 March 2014 Stock Image – image ID: 100246972, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Do you enjoy the puzzles in your life, moving the pieces as you are intuitively guided to do?

Or, are you railing against every moment?

On the other hand, are you passively living life, not making any decisions or letting life pass you by as you tune in to electronics/drugs/food/gambling and tune out life?

Or, are you floating with ease?

As each new situation bobs into your stream, do you splash and push it away, or do you allow it to come close to you?

Are you afraid of what comes into your stream, forgetting that you called upon the very things that have come to you?

Or, are you amused by what you see and tickled by the opportunity to bring it into your existence?

When we are creating life, not only are we creating the puzzle pieces, but the puzzles themselves. It is not outside forces creating your experiences – it is your thoughts and beliefs shaping your experiences, all before it manifests on the physical plane.

The great illusion is everything external or outside of our bodies is shifting and shaping us, but it is always the other way around – your moment to moment thoughts and states of being is what’s creating your reality.

Even when adversity is playing out in your present moment, have fun with it. Say, “This situation has come into my life. I see it and recognize the gift that it is. What building blocks rise from this gift?”

Your present situation is really a building block to the life you want. You may as well have a good time as you are building! Be glad for the experience of having puzzles to solve in your life and if you’re tired of trying to figure things 0ut – relax! Ask questions, and allow the answers to come to you. Stop focusing on why things are hard – you believing this situation is difficult is a major part of why it is! Instead, focus on other things in your life that came with ease and if necessary, list them, so you can be reminded of how quickly and easily you manifest things and situations that you do love and want around you.

Being happy and grateful for all your experiences is laying down the foundation of joy that will sustain all that you build on top of it.

All things are moving me towards my greater and higher good, including this present situation. I move through this present situation with ease and grace, oftentimes with a genuine smile on my face.

~Your Curator of all Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Recommendations and Shout Outs

Image courtesy of digitalart, published on 06 September 2011 Stock Image - image ID: 10056440, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of digitalart, published on 06 September 2011
Stock Image – image ID: 10056440, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

This week’s recommendations touch upon themes and topics I’ve been focusing on in my blogs.

Think, Believe and Manifest Show, hosted by Constance Arnold

Every week I look forward to Constance Arnold’s podcasts and she never disappoints. First up, an interview with quantum physicist, Greg Kuhn, indexed into iTunes February 27, 2014. Greg Kuhn’s own website is definitely worthy of checking out – http://whyquantumphysicists.com/. The website welcomes you to a revolutionary way of thinking about life: “Quantum physics, the most accurate and reliable science ever created, has provided us with a virtual blueprint to realize our incredibly powerful influence over material reality. Through quantum physics, we can expand ourselves into a new role; we can become the architects of our own life experiences.”

On Constance Arnold’s March 15, 2014 show, she discusses the power of the spoken word, and she really delves into what we speak and think on is what manifests for us. Speaking on not having something, will produce more of not having it. Changing your thoughts and words will begin to effect change.

Check out Constance Arnold on her website at http://fulfillingyourpurpose.com/ or her podcast on iTunes under The Think, Believe and Manifest Show.

Everyday Attraction, hosted by Rae Zander

If you’re a fan of Esther and Jerry Hicks and of Law of Attraction, then you must keep Rae Zander’s podcast “Everyday Attraction” on your mp3 rotation. Her March 14, 2014 show, “Your Infinite Pie” explores the notion that you and I are the “pie makers”, or the creators, so when we claim we need more things to happen in our life, we must understand we are the makers of life, and hold the power. Rae reminds us there is an abundant, infinite “pie” out there for us all to have. “We are living in a place where there is always more and more to have, and to imagine, and to create.” She also touches upon how we deliberately create our perimeters on what kind of playing field we want to play in, and that it is just a little beyond our present comfort zone – divineness! Her tagline for this week’s show was “We pierce the illusions of scarcity and find the infinite flow,” and that is exactly what she does in this podcast!

Check out “Everyday Attraction” on iTunes or at http://www.unity.fm/program/everydayattraction.

Shout Outs:

University of California Irvine’s public radio station features Writers On Writing Podcast, hosted by Barbara DeMarco Barrett and other guest hosts. This is a great show featuring authors and their writing life and process. If you are a writer, whether new or seasoned, a blogger or a novelist, a journalist or a screen writer, a poet or an essayist, this is a must hear. I’ve listened to some of the shows multiple times for all the wise and colorful things the authors share.

~Your Curator of things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Stop Fearing What You Truly Want

Image courtesy of thepathtraveler, published on 23 May 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of thepathtraveler, published on 23 May 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

A lady I know repeatedly told herself (and everyone around her) she doesn’t want kids, yet, that’s what she focuses on in many conversations. She has been telling the story of how she’s scared to become a mom and she’s received just that – no child or family to call her own. Her closest friends could see the pangs of jealousy cross her face when yet another one of her friends got married or had a new baby. Yet, she was so comfortable telling her story and too prideful to change it, that she’d rather hang on to that old fear rather than explore the possibilities of what her dreams could mean for her.

I used  to fear to dream because I was scared of let down. I wanted to inoculate myself from the pain of not receiving what I really wanted in my life. I was limited in my understanding that what I want has already been created and I just needed to be awakened and to allow it to manifest through me. I failed to realize that when I focused on my fears, rather than my dreams, all I was getting was more of what I truly feared and less of what I wanted.

In the case of the lady, she feared being let down and alone, more than she feared becoming a mother, but she is not honest about where her fear is stemming from, and until she is, she will remain in a holding pattern, not able to reach the life she truly wants.

When it comes to your dreams, are you being honest with yourself on a) having a dream? b) are you wearing other people’s desires for your life, instead of wearing and embodying your own? c) are you moving through your fears, taking faithful, measured and even small steps towards your dream?

The answers will tell you whether or not you’re allowing fear to run your life and whether that fear is an accurate out picturing of what you really are afraid of. It’s okay to have and recognize when you’re afraid, but do not confuse that with trying to head off disappointment if your dreams don’t come true. Hedging your dreams all the time, fearing they will never come true will manifest exactly what you fear – not having your dream. Instead, shift your focus, envision and feel what it would be like to already have your dream fulfilled. Then, let go of the worry over the outcome.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Doorway to your Soul: What are You Called To Do?

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti, published on 20 October 2009 Stock Image - image ID: 1008922, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti, published on 20 October 2009 Stock Image – image ID: 1008922, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Have you thought about what it is that moves and inspires you to be all you can and want to be? What feels like a natural extension of yourself? What is the one thing you could do that no one would have to pay to motivate you?

When you answer these questions, you become clearer on what is your divine purpose. For some, we are divinely called to do many things, and for others, maybe just one or two things.

As you start to think about your Divine Calling, you will intuitively be guided to the next step, and the next step, and the next…to what you are here to do. Your Inner Guide or intuition is always there, and you will never be separated from it. You are One with God. You have the free will and choice to listen to the inner voice inside you. You don’t have to listen to it, but you will bumble around in the dark. It’s really your choice!

Exercising your intuition muscles, especially when bringing forth the gifts you have to offer the world, is all about asking questions, and having an expectant, trusting and faithful heart that you will receive the answers. When I say questioning, I am not talking about questioning with cynical questions, although you can do that, too.  You are not questioning God’s authority with questions, you are clarifying what you want. Sifting through the unwanted to get closer to the wanted. The wanted is the everlasting joy, gratitude and love that flows in and through this world. It is about embodying love that abundance bears fruit as an effect to the cause of being Love.

Ask the questions you want answered and let go of worry on how and when the answers will come. If the answers aren’t easy to see in that moment, don’t get discouraged. Trust the answers will be revealed in the most beautiful and timely way, specific to you and where you are in your journey.

I am now at a point in my journey where I can ask the Universe in a moment’s time to guide me to the path of least resistance, and the route I take is generally the easiest. I am divinely led and I stop and listen for the answers. I am also at a point where the answers move more quickly and with ease. There are areas in my life that is moving big mountains, so it takes times for difficult, more dense things to shift and change. But, I have already received Divine Guidance and  know that I am on the road of least resistance.

Over time, your intuitive voice will be louder than the outside voices that tell you should do this or do that. It will become easier to strip away other people’s desires for your life, allowing your own divine desire to shine through.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

22 Ways to Manifest More Money in Your Life

All of the outlined tips in this post will bring you closer to experiencing an abundant life today. Cheers to raising our wealth consciousness higher and higher!

What is Alignment?

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti, published on 26 December 2009 Stock Photo - image ID: 10010934

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti, published on 26 December 2009 Stock Photo – image ID: 10010934, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

We all have a connection to God or Source Energy. That connection can be fraught with knots, bumps and muddiness. Or, that connection can be pure, untangled, and free-flowing. Alignment is your mental, spiritual, physical self being congruent to the connection to your Source.

When your connection is muddied with limiting beliefs, a need to always be the fixer or saver, doubt, worry, jealousy, and lack of direction, the flowing Grace of God takes longer to get to you what it is you want. Alignment is the easier path. You can always have a treacherous journey, but why, when you can have ease and flow in your life?

In order to be in alignment, you have to know why you’re here or your purpose, who you are, and your true, basic desires.  This means you have to do some inner work, know your purpose and your true desires, for once you know them, you will then know when you are not in alignment. You also have to be confident in the inner voice inside you or your intuition. That inner voice is your Inner Guide speaking to you, guiding you step by step. Listen when you’ve asked for something and have faith the answers are already within you from your Source. When you believe, you realize there is no lack in your life, and alignment will occur from that belief.

Creating a vision board and allowing your Inner Guide to lead you to the photos and images to your board is one step to gaining clarity on who you are and what you want. You can also journal what makes your soul sing, your dreams and aspirations for yourself and the world around you. This can be a very fun process.

The pain comes when you are being and doing things that are out of “alignment” with who you are and what you want. Be a creator in your life, not always a reactor.

Here are some everyday examples of being in and out of alignment:

  • As an adjuster, I volunteered each month as an arbitrator to hear liability cases, when other adjusters claimed they were too busy to do it. It was a part of my job that I enjoyed the most and wanted more of it. I put on my vision board images that represented doing arbitration full-time. When my claims adjuster bosses told me I needed to  give up volunteering because we were getting too many claims to spare me once a month to volunteer, I politely, but firmly said, “no.” They backed off and allowed me to continue to volunteer. An arbitration specialist position opened up in a different department. I applied for it and was denied the position. A few weeks later, another arbitration position opened up. My intuition told me to apply for that position, despite my bruised ego from the first rejection. I ignored the ego and listened to my inner voice. I was hired and now work as an arbitration specialist, doing the very thing I enjoyed most from my previous job.
  • The department I work in has a lot of people who work early shifts, like starting at six or seven A.M. Despite my own inclination to being a late morning person, I listened to my ego’s “should” voice. “You should start earlier so you can leave with the rest of the group.” I was coming to work on time for a while, but over time, my true, inner desire poked through when I was ten minutes late for work everyday. Today, I made the decision to email my boss to ask her to start at 9 AM. She agreed to it, and now I feel in alignment again. I could feel myself being out of alignment when I was rushing to work every morning, cursing out any unfortunate soul who dared changed lanes in front of me.

Get to know your desires and BECOME them, because they hold your power to staying in alignment. When you are in alignment, your true desires manifest. When you stop always listening to your ego voice, and instead listen to your intuition, you will find it easier to stay in your alignment with peace and happiness.

 For more, please watch a sermon from Reverend Georgia Prescott of West Sacramento’s Spiritual Awareness Center, on being in the flow of life:

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

6 Reasons why Affirmations don’t Work

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!

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

Leaving Life on the Table

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

Top 10 Podcasts for Law of Attraction, New Thought and Life Enrichment

Image courtesy of Iamnee, published on 19 May 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Iamnee, published on 19 May 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Podcasts are just as plentiful and fun to indulge in as blogs, only you can listen to them in your car, at work, or just about anywhere for a quick dose of inspiration. The following Podcasts can be located on iTunes and I strongly recommend them for improving all areas of your life. My life has been truly transformed by the following hosts:

  1. Constance Arnold’s Think Believe and Manifest Show. This is the hardest working life coach in the Podcastophere. While others were vacationing during the holiday break, Constance hosted a show during the week leading into New Year’s. She has a deep, southern drawl that draws you in and the guests she has are the leaders in New Thought and the Law of Attraction movement. This week’s show titled, “New Year Mindset for 2014,” provides life changing principles that are easy to implement. Check her out on iTunes or at her website at http://fulfillingyourpurpose.com/blog/tag/constance-arnold/.
  2. Rae Zander of Everyday Attraction. I love Rae. She has an amazing grasp on all things Law of Attraction, New Thought, and the Unity Principles and an ability to break down the high flying concepts to bite sizeable portions for “everyday” folks. Join her as she sits on her “metaphysical porch” and discuss a variety of topics with her co-host. You can find Rae’s blog, as well as other providers of her Podcast, such as Stitcher and Unity Radio at http://everydayattraction.com/.
  3. Janice Campbell of Receive Your Life. Janice used to be a co-host on Everyday Attraction, which is how I found her wonderful show. She invites guests on her show and they discuss an issue in their life, and she gives them loads of food for thought with a New Thought spin. She has recently changed the format of her show, inviting guests on to discuss all topics pertaining to Law of Attraction, New Thought, and Unity principles or she provides an entire hour on teaching on a topic. All in all, she’s a great resource for gaining a better understanding of how to remove the layers of ill-fitting beliefs and replacing them with powerful thoughts. Check out her website at http://www.receiveyourlife.com/.
  4. Summer McStravick of Flowdreaming. In my Recommendations and Shout Out page, I discussed Summer’s Flowdreaming MP3s on weight loss and self love, but she also hosts a weekly Podcast, on a variety of subjects and guides us into an on air Flowdream on the day’s topic each show. She takes calls from callers who have a plethora of questions on life, love, work and money. Summer has the ability to empathetically feel what another person is experiencing, and for that alone, her show is gold. Summer has built a comprehensive website that is a must see, please check her out at https://flowdreaming.com/.
  5. Reverend Kevin Ross of Design Your Life. A local legend of Sacramento, Rev Kev, as he’s affectionately known, is a minister of a Sacramento Unity Church and he has great guests on his show, from spiritual leaders, to life coaches, to experts who discusses everyday issues with a Spiritual and New Thought foundation. He is funny and his show is one of the best quality Podcasts I’ve listened to. Check out his show times at http://www.unity.fm/program/DesignYourLife.
  6. Matt and Phil Show (LOA Radio). A refreshingly funny show hosted by two great guys who knows a thing or two about the Law of Attraction and Metaphysics. They tackle subjects honestly and I find their discussions and guests they host life affirming and enjoyable to listen to. They have a long roster of past shows that you can tap into to hear anything Law of Attraction and say, sex, or relationships, money, career, and so forth. A must listen to Podcast for those who want to learn how to apply it practically and meaningfully in their lives. Their website is http://mattandphilshow.com/.
  7. Lynn Crocker of Create Your Reality. A Northern Californian native and life coach, Lynn Crocker has recently captured my attention for having thirty minute Podcasts with some of the most enlightening guests on her show. One of my favorite shows was on the topic of using powerful thoughts to create your reality. Lynn’s website is http://lynncrockercoaching.com/.
  8. JJ, Terry and Belki of Live Out Loud Monday’s. This is a great show with a lot of energy and perfect for Monday mornings. I recently stumbled onto this Podcast, and very glad I did. Check out JJ’s blog, which also discusses the Podcast show at http://jjthelifecoach.com/live-out-loud-mondays.
  9. Reverend Heidi Alfrey of Let’s Get Naked. I love her tagline on her website, “Transparent Living Ministries,” and her show really delves into living an authentic life. To get to know Rev. Heidi better (aside from listening to her Podcast) check her out at http://heidialfrey.com/.
  10. Carla McClellan of Vibrant Living: Life Coaching With Carla. I enjoyed Coach Carla’s most recent Podcast, “Beginning the New Year!” Anything to get me amped up over the new year is a wonderful kick in the butt. I am always a fan of experts being guests on shows, and Carla has us covered. For a schedule of times to tune in, go to http://www.unity.fm/program/vibrantliving.

Podcasts have really helped me in my spiritual journey. I am sure you will find a go-to Podcast that will inspire you to live and be your absolute best. I’d love to hear from you on which Podcasts are the best.

-Curator of all things inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley