Category Archives: Inspiration

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

A Blessing for You and Me

Posted in Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of SOMMAI, published on 28 December 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of SOMMAI, published on 28 December 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I am a blessing to all who come into contact with me and in turn, everyone who come’s into contact with me is a pure blessing in my life.

When you’re in traffic jams or standing in line, look at the people around you. Are they troubled? Happy? Crying? Laughing? Singing? Notice them and then say a quick prayer to bless them, such as, “May God bless that person, my sister/brother with peace and abundance today.” This is particularly helpful if a rogue driver cuts you off and your instinct is to road rage and curse them out. Instead, say a quiet prayer for them.

You truly are a blessing and probably touch many peoples’ lives, which is why it comes back to you in the form of a good, happy life. Find small ways to be a blessing in just one person’s life, and you will soon find there are many small acts of love you can show a stranger, a co-worker, a friend, a family member. Next thing you know, you’ve touched not just one person’s life, but several in one day!  

If each of us exercised this power of blessing one another, sharing just a small piece of ourselves freely, the world will become a generous, more loving place. Let the blessings begin with you. The Universe will bless you, because that is the Way.  When we stop sharing and giving, we stunt the Universe’s flow in returning those blessings to us. The circle of love begins and ends with you.

Your Curator of All things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

An Open Letter to Jahi McMath’s Family

Posted in Inspiration, Loss, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image Courtesy of Piyaphon, published on 18 May 2011, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image Courtesy of Piyaphon, published on 18 May 2011, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Jahi McMath underwent surgery at Children’s Hospital Oakland, and suffered catastrophic and fatal complications. This medical tragedy has spawned controversy because Jahi’s family refuses to take her off life support. I decided to write an open letter to her loved ones and to the public about finding the courage to let go, by sharing my own experience. My son was born eight weeks premature due to a placenta abruption and he suffered severe brain damage from lack of oxygen to the brain. He lived for six weeks and I, too, had to make a nightmarish decision to pull the plug.

Dear Loved Ones of Jahi McMath,

As a mother, my heart breaks for you. The national scrutiny you’re experiencing because of a choice to keep your child on life support and the horror of watching her waste away must be almost too much for a soul to bear. I will never understand the extent of your pain, but I can somewhat relate. I had to make a difficult choice to end life support for my newborn son, after I was told he was beyond healing and help. It was and is the most painful and scary thing I had to do – to make a choice to end my son’s life. As painful and as tragic as it was, it was the most loving thing I could do for him.

I know the pain you feel. The nagging envy you feel when other patients make miraculous recoveries in other hospital beds, leaving you and your child behind, prayers unanswered. The rhythmic swoosh of the breathing machines, the comforting beep of the cardiac machines, the panic that sets in when an alarm tolls, and the relief when you realize it is for another patient – I know it all. I know the anger and hatred towards the medical personnel and I know the compassion of other parents in my situation and the tireless nurses who comforts when the doctors leave with their dire prognosis. I know the helplessness of not being able to save my child. I know the guilt – oh, the guilt.

I am still haunted by the day when the case manager led me to a small conference room in the hospital near the neonatal intensive care unit. After six weeks, and days and nights practically living in the hospital, I was now going to the bowels of that old building, a corner, I’d never been to before. I’d pace the halls when the doctors had to fix his feeding tubes or asked me to leave while they performed a medical procedure and was too preoccupied to ever notice that small room.

The case manager told me it was okay to cry. Why did I need to cry? I thought that meeting was to discuss ways to keep my son alive, instead, it was a meeting with Kaiser Hospital’s top medical professionals arguing their case as to why my son would not be alive without ventilators and that his organs were starting to shut down. I looked in my ex’s face and could see the specialists had already convinced him. I knew I was the only one that did not know…what everyone else in the room knew – my son was going to die in less than a week from that fateful day. They needed my permission to sign the “Do Not Resuscitate” order. Through sobs, screaming, cursing and backing into the tightest corner of the room, I finally surrendered and signed the order.

My son, Devin Alexander Comer was born April 5, 2000, and was called home on May 18, 2000. He died in my arms at 2 AM, and my ex and I drove home before dawn, once I composed myself enough to drive. The sun’s rays cresting over the Sierras was the only piece of humanity I could hold onto, experiencing this most beautiful scene in the darkest moment of my life.

I never felt more disconnected, yet connected and dependent on the human race until I went through that life changing moment. I was vulnerable, alone, yet surrounded by family, friends and strangers that supported me through it all.

I write to you to say, your baby is here! She’s in the highest spirit form and she’s all among us now, just like my baby. She’s where no pain can grip her. She belongs to God, always have. You were chosen to be her mother while she was on this earth, and you did a fine job – I can tell by the beautiful smiles on all the pictures. By holding on to her physical body, you are not loving the part that is eternal and very real. None of us are in a position to judge you, but I am in a position to say that you will get through this, and one day you will meet your baby again in the spirit world.

I pray for peace and serenity for your family during this most difficult time. I ask all of us to raise your family up in prayer and to remember this physical life is fleeting, but our souls are eternal. 

My deepest condolences,  

Kimberly Jo Cooley

Where in California…? Orick, California!

Posted in Inspiration, Travel by

The above Youtube video captures my family’s trip to Orick, California in Humboldt County, filmed by my husband. The gentleman playing the guitar, is my father Billy Joe Cooley (that’s his original song on the “soundtrack” of our video).

Nothing can rival the beauty and tranquility that is found in the coast of Northern California. I am blessed to be a Northern Californian native and have access to some of the most amazing, most spiritual places on earth. I am a tree hugger in the sense that I love to be in the presence of big trees, the Redwoods. The wisdom of those old trees can be felt in the air. The air is crisp, oxygenized, unspoiled and sweet with the aroma of green and ocean (not that kind of green!). I have stayed in a lovely cabin twice near the Big Trees of Humboldt, County, or specifically, Orick, California. Orick is about a five to six hour drive from Sacramento. I’d much rather drive up the coast for six hours, than six hours down to grid locked Los Angeles.

Next up, you will find another Youtube video filmed on the quaint little town of Orick, California, which inspired me to detail my travels in photos I took of my trips there further down in this blog:

Check out some photos I snapped on my adventures in 2009 and 2010 in Orick, California:

Elk in pastor

Elk in the pastor near the ocean.

Elk right outside the window

Elk right outside the cabin’s window.

Elk in Orick 2

Elk in our back yard of the rented cabin, in Orick, California.

Elk in our back yard of the rented cabin, in Orick, California.

A controversial, but fun tourist spot.

A controversial, but fun tourist spot.

My son near the ocean.

My son near the ocean.

My dad and son getting in some fishing at some of the smaller water holes near the ocean.

My dad and son getting in some fishing at some of the smaller water holes near the ocean.

A must stay is at Redwood Adventures Cabins near Orick, California. Fully stocked, cozy, and at the same time expansive, three bedroom cabins will entice you to stay indoors, when there’s so much to see and do near the coast. The inn keepers have a host of activities you can do: bike rentals, hiking, site seeing, fishing, beach combing – you name it, they probably have a connection or a direct tour just for you.  Check out http://www.redwoodadventures.com/cabins/ for deluxe and affordable lodging. The inn keepers at Redwood Adventure Cabins are angels and really keeps the cabin rentals in turnkey and highly comfortable conditions. There’s no “roughing it” when you’re staying in these cabins!

The pictures do not do this locale justice – it really is my go to sanctuary to meditate, clear my mind, and get in touch with the inner me. Limited to no cell phone connection means you are truly free to explore your mind and the beauty that nature has to offer.

-Curator of all things beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley 

Be Bold and Steadfast in Your Dreams 2014 and Beyond

Posted in Inspiration, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong, published on 12 April 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong, published on 12 April 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Definitions

Bold: adjective \ˈbōld\                                               

  • not afraid of danger or difficult situations
  • showing or needing confidence or lack of fear
  • very confident in a way that may seem rude or foolish

Steadfast:  adjective \ˈsted-ˌfast also -fəst\                                               

  • resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
  • very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause
  • not changing

It’s never too late to pursue a life-long dream. I don’t care if you’re 80 years old. If you are reading this, then you’re breathing and of sound mind, so it’s not too late. Every moment you’re here is a chance to create and play in this life. You do not have to take a huge, big leap towards goals and dreams, although if you did, that would be awesome. To reach your dreams, you’re not required to take giant leaps. Taking a deliberate step every day, for 365 days towards your goal, will build up your dream in an amazing and powerful way.

See how it’s a win-win? You could take slow deliberate steps, or high flying leaps, but you’ll get there with ACTION. Big or small, take the next step towards your goal today.

The Universe will provide the “how” of getting you to your dream. You just have to dream it, have faith by seeing it real, and taking small or big action steps towards your dream. Think about other successes in your life. Chances are, it wasn’t dumb luck that got you in a winning position. There was an embryotic vision, a belief in its existence in your life, taking small action steps to getting it, and allowing your desired outcome to enter your life.

What is your dream? It can be anything. What is/are your action step(s) or goals for getting there? Dare to dream. Always.

-Curator of all things  Abundant, Inspirational and Spiritual, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Definitions courtesy of http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

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

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
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

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Battle of the Styles: Whimsical versus Bohemian

Posted in Home, Inspiration, Uncategorized by

I have two home décor styles loves – bohemian and whimsical.  I love the combination of both styles, but there are beautiful elements to both, and one may be the clear winner over the other – you decide. Images courtesy of my curation visit to Pinterest.com.

This week’s battle takes place in the bedroom:

Whimsical:

Courtesy of Pinterest.com and media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com
This look really embodies a modern take on the whimsical look.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com and House Beautiful
The chartreus birds on the pillow is definitely whimsical. The colors is what gives this room a true whimsy vibe.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com
Pink acts as the neutral in this whimsical room. I love the mix of styles – mid-century modern nightstand with a pink, ornate bed is a beautiful contrast of styles and what makes a room whimsy.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com and houzz.com
Love the headboard and the cow hide rug.

Bohemian:

Courtesy of Pinterest.com
The dark navy walls envelops a person and an unmade bed invites long naps and cuddling.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com
Moody purples, various shapes and textures and a tuft velvet headboard updates the boho look.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com
I love the Eastern touches and the beautiful contrast of red and green. The dark lacquered four poster bed really anchors the colors in a modern way.

Courtesy of Pinterest.com
Real deal bohemian…what my dream Santa Cruz beach cabin would look like. The layers of rugs and textiles is what makes this look truly bohemian. And the Native American headdress and dream catchers is also a nice touch.

-Curator of all things beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley
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Going Backwards while Learning to Ride Life

Posted in Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Spirituality by
ID-100111297

Image courtesy of By arztsamui, published on 09 November 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Many people first learn to ride bikes and trikes backwards, instead of moving forward, much like many people’s approach to moving from stage to stage in life. In life, people may go backwards for seconds, days or years, but the lessons learned while moving backwards are just as important as if they were riding forward the whole time. Others need a push, while others do the heavy lifting and push the bike with their feet. There are some people who first ride with their feet off the pedals.

There is no right or wrong way to learning how to ride a bicycle or life. Appreciate your individual way of navigating your unique life’s journey.

-Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley