My Abundant Life Initiative

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

Applied Happiness 101

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

The Happy Factor

Image courtesy of Thanamat, published on 08 October 2012 Stock Image - image ID: 100105664

Image courtesy of Thanamat, published on 08 October 2012 Stock Image – image ID: 100105664

Chances are, you’ve heard Pharrell Williams “Happy” song one, two, or 100 times and either love or hate the song. It seems an equal amount of people who love or loathe the song and I can’t help but wonder if it’s just more than the song being played over and over or if there’s an underlying consciousness that is driving some people to feel a certain way towards the entire subject of the condition called happiness.

Pharrell sat down on Oprah Prime on the OWN Network for an interview on Sunday, April 14, 2014. He was moved to tears over how his song had touched many people, and it gave me goose bumps. He loves what he does, making music that not only moves him, but moves others, too. He is a shining example of happiness.

Image courtesy of amazon.com.

Constance Arnold had author, Jonathan Robinson on her show, titled, “Finding Happiness” (iTunes air date Friday, April 11, 2014). Jonathan wrote “Find Happiness Now: 50 Shortcuts for Bringing More Love, Balance and Joy Into Your Life,” discussed ways to get happy in your individual life right now. He has researched the top methods for individuals finding happiness modalities. He suggest making a list of things you enjoy doing and then calculate how many hours are they spending each month on things they love and hate to do. By employing just a couple of minutes per day towards what and who we love will begin to shift us towards a higher level happy consciousness.

Happiness raises a person’s vibrational energy, and higher level feelings, such as love, feeling prosperous and abundance hangs out in higher vibrational energies. To be happy, is to be thankful and grateful for what you have now. When you can be happy in any circumstance and condition, you are more aligned and in a place of allowing more happy things to easily come your way.

Hanging out in lower vibrational energies, such as in envy, shame, guilt, defeat, rejection, and depression, makes it more difficult to be in a place of allowing things to unfold. When you’re depressed and busy trying to survive, you are likely not in a place of allowing. In low vibe frequencies, people tend to try and control what’s outside of them and feeling a sense of failure when they find that outside forces are out of their control and people are constantly letting them down. It becomes a vicious cycle of trying to dump more and more into feeling better from the outside in, instead of from the inside out.

When you’re happy, you don’t try to control things outside of you – you simply adjust your internal barometer to what you energetically need. Life is an ebb and flow of energies, and they are not defined as good or bad. Too much high flying energy can have you feeling breathless and unable to catch up with even the best of life and too low vibes can have you out of alignment as well.

Many people can’t stand happy songs or people they feel are too “chipper.” They liken these songs and people to being “fake.” Upbeat people genuinely feel happy and invest in cultivating more happiness into their lives. Cynics don’t wear their happiness outwardly and tend to cultivate more experiences solidifying that outward expressions of happiness are fake, while brooding and complaining is being “real.”

For those who don’t like the “Happy” song or understand why people do like it, I am curious as to why. If it is genuinely for taste reasons, I’d like to know that, too. But, I have a feeling it goes a lot deeper than a Top 40 hit being overplayed – I think it represents the belief many of us hold that no one can really be that happy. Well, Pharrell is showing us that we really can be that happy :-).

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

Recommendations and Shout Outs

Image courtesy of digitalart, published on 05 August 2011 Stock Image - image ID: 10052637, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of digitalart, published on 05 August 2011 Stock Image – image ID: 10052637, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Recommendations and Shout Outs:

The following podcast recommendations will change your life – what a blessing it is to have these invaluable tools provided by some of the best coaches and spiritual leaders – all for free!

If you know of any podcasts that I should check out and mention on the Recommendations and Shout Out Page, please leave a comment or email me at KimberlyJoCooley@aol.com.

Think, Believe and Manifest Show hosted by Constance Arnold, podcast uploaded to iTunes on Friday, April 4, 2014

Constance’s guest, Simran Singh, author of Conversations with the Universe and Your Journey To Enlightenment offers wisdom on living in a fruitful, abundant world and how each of us is One with God. Simran reminds us that we should suspend our judgment on less desirable situations and then delight in the jewel that was hidden in the struggle. She is articulate, yet speaks plainly and when listening to her, it’s like listening to a channel of God – her words speak right to you.

Simran reminds us that we are connected to everything and what we see now in ourselves and in our lives is an out picturing of what we are thinking and holding onto.

Simran currently is on her 66 show Rebel Road tour, without a plan, all on faith and through the grace of God. The Rebel Road tour’s tagline is “One Mission . . . No Plan . . . To allow the organic unfolding and self-organizing structure of Nature.” Visit Simran’s webpage at http://www.simran-singh.com/. Constance does not disappoint with her deep, southern accent and on point questions.

Flowdreaming, hosted by Summer McStravick, titled “The Other End of the Rainbow,” podcast uploaded on Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Week after week, Summer’s been providing subjects/content to help us realize our true potential and power and last week’s podcast was no exception.

Summer discusses how we are always waiting for “the end of the rainbow” or for the next best thing that is supposed to come, giving our power (which is in the Now) away. She takes a look at supposed external life problems and how these reflect the issues we have with self-intimacy. Summer discusses how the more self-intimate a person is, the better it is when we manifest.

I also highly recommend Summer’s March 25,2014 titled “Wake Up Your Emotions (Emotional Rebirth) and March 19, 2014’s show, “How to Always Make the Right Decision.”

Design Your Life, hosted by Reverend Kevin Ross, titled, “Do What You Love 15 Minutes a Day to Get the Life of Your Dreams,” uploaded Wednesday, March 19, 2014

By dedicating 15 minutes each day towards and activity you love to do will lead you to the life you’ve dreamed about. 15 minutes is not a lot of time to devote to an activity you’re passionate about. You and your future is worth it. I heard this podcast and realized that I have some areas in my own life I could devote just fifteen minutes to each day.

One example of when I did set aside 15 minutes on something I’m passionate about was for my writing. I used to feel like I was tugged in so many directions and there was no time for writing. Now, I write every day and for longer than the few minutes I designated in the beginning of my writing journey. Even a change in jobs a couple of years ago allowed me much more time to writing.

This is a great podcast for inspiration on taking some steps to energize your dreams with small steps that will lead to big leaps.

Shout Outs:

Shout out to my blog readers and supporters for reading my blog and sharing it with others. I am so thankful and humbled by the showing of love and support in this great, big blogging community and I just want to pay it forward by continuing to provide service the best way I know how, which is writing.

~Your Curator of all Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Gestation of a Dream

Image courtesy of amenic181, published on 30 August 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100197880, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of amenic181, published on 30 August 2013 Stock Photo – image ID: 100197880, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Definition of Gestation: (1) the process by which something (such as an idea) forms and develops forms and develops. (2) conception and development especially in the mind (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation).

Depending on how big or small a desire is, it will have a gestational period – a time for the budding and expansion of a dream.

During the gestational period, there will be aches and pains, as the dream takes root and grows. There will be seasons of slow growth, and other times rapid transformation. There will be times of tears and times of triumph.

All the changes, the peaks and valleys, are necessary in birthing a dream.

Understanding the gestational period is imperative in finding patience and peace when you feel like your dream is futile.

You can deliberately create ways to hasten the evolution of your dream, but nevertheless, your dream will go through a gestational period.

It is up to you on how you behave and believe through this time that will either make or break your dream’s unfolding. You always have choice.

You could choose to kick and scream your way through the gestational process, each step more agonizing than the first. Or, you could choose to take the observer’s chair and enjoy the process, even during times of frustration. Kicking and screaming, fighting, and sulking will not speed up the manifestation, it will only grind it to a halt.

What births a dream in a more aligned and easier way is by appreciating the moments – big and small – that are shaping your dream. Being grateful is paramount in gaining more of what it is you are grateful for. If you are grateful for your dream, even before you see it on the physical plane, you are signaling to the Universe that you love this unfolding and align to it, so more of it can come to and through you.

Taking a few minutes each day to visualize your dream manifesting is vital as it gives you inspiration on what small or big steps you will take to push your dream. Visualization and prayer is the watering of your dream. You still need to feed your dream with inspired action, but the first step is to plant it (thought) and to water it (prayer/meditation). There will be times where no action or visualization will occur, but your dream has taken root and is growing.

When you have quiet moments where you are being One with God, you can then be divinely led step by step to birthing your dream. You will be given all the tools necessary to deliberately create what you want.

Women who complain throughout their entire pregnancy find more reasons and ways to complain and it feels like eternity before their baby is born. The woman who enjoys each moment of her and her unborn baby’s growth, finds time moves quickly and she has more reasons to celebrate the changes leading to her baby’s birth. It is the same thing for those of us birthing a dream – woes and complaints won’t expedite your dreams, if anything it only complicates and procrastinates the joy you are divinely given to have right now.   

Ask yourself whether you are allowing your dreams to go through their natural gestational period. Are you always hurrying through the process or are you savoring each moment moving you closer to the birth of your dream? What are some ways you can celebrate right now where you are in your dream’s journey to fruition?

~Your Curator of All Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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

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

What’s Your Choice?

Image courtesy of Master isolated images, published on 23 May 2011 Stock Image - image ID: 10042798, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of Master isolated images, published on 23 May 2011 Stock Image – image ID: 10042798, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

I had a conversation with a friend of mine, upset over her new boss. She just knew her boss hated her. We spent a good part of the conversation discussing how she can’t stand the lady and how she, herself was cold and distant when her supervisor asked how she was doing. She replied with a curt, “I’m fine.” But, she wasn’t fine. She was fired up and pissed. And, she was focused on the negative aspects of the situation.

I wanted to hear about what she did like about her boss and her job. She actually works at an awesome workplace, enviable for most. Instead, she focused on her disdain for this woman.

What we focus our conscious and subconscious on is what will come to pass. It has no choice but to align to what you are focusing on – not what you desire, not what you wish. Faith + Focus = Alignment with the Universe. A sure way to slow down momentum for greater things is lack of faith and lack of focus. A clear, defined focus set in your mind has to take place.

I know people who fret over the beginnings of a cold or an achy stomach. They focused and complain so much about the undesirable symptoms, they never focus on the seconds and moments they had relief.

It’s really a choice on what we choose to focus on and direct our energy to. 

Yesterday morning I was feeling a little queasy. Instead of focusing on my turning stomach and increasingly moist mouth, I shifted my focus to the parts of my body that actually felt good – really good. My lungs – breathing in and out, my legs carried me, my head and my nasal passages clear. I said aloud, “I AM feeling awesome right now.” I turned away from the small and focused on the big. The “big” was my overall good health. As soon as my attention and focus shifted, I instantly started to feel better and I wasn’t nauseous for the rest of the day.

So, to my friend – I offer you this. Focus on the aspects of your boss that you do like. What is it about her that makes her special? Despite what you may believe, there are likely redeeming qualities about her that you could appreciate. Can you find a way to celebrate the good, while shifting away from what feels bad? And, most importantly, how can YOU infuse love into the situation?

My friend may say that I’m always being positive when certain situations or pains don’t always allow for it. And, yes, there is a season for feelings that are less desirable, but let those feelings be your guide back to what it is you truly want. Don’t wallow in the less desirable, but be empowered to feel differently. Ultimately, the Universe will conspire to bring higher vibrational energy and your focus will be aligned to receive it.

I’ve had my share of bad bosses. Each time, I shifted my lower frequency vibrational thoughts (such as lack, depression and anger) to feelings I wanted to feel towards my boss, and over time, the physical experience matched the emotional signals I was sending out and calling the Universe to bring forth. Those undesirable bosses were promoted, got fired, laid off, died, joined a cruise line, or literally took a hike. But, that’s not the best part.

The best part is not the loss of an incompatible boss, but gaining an awesome one, or for some, becoming your own boss. How will you get to an awesome boss when all your energy and emotions are geared towards what you don’t want? It’s okay to be in that place for a moment, but over time, you have to shift gears and move towards solutions, resolutions and love. You will not get there if you are constantly focusing on what you don’t want instead of what you do want. Exercise your power of choice.

Today, challenge yourself to look at the other side of the coin of a difficult person or situation. The power of choice, having faith and focus will guide you back to your highest desires.   

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Fellowship with Humanity

Image courtesy of smarnad, published on 19 October 2013 Stock Image - image ID: 100211250, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of smarnad, published on 19 October 2013 Stock Image – image ID: 100211250, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

I had a lovely early dinner, dessert with friends Saturday evening. It started out as a late lunch and with all our talking, stretched from lunch to 9PM dessert. I was enjoying time with friends, and recognized I missed these marathon chat sessions. Remembering to “stay in the moment,” I realized why it felt so good to be amongst friends. What we were having was connection and fellowship – but not always of the church variety (we talked about everything; oftentimes, not sanctified).

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could be in fellowship in every aspect of our life? Like at the post office, at the deli, or while waiting in a long line in an amusement park.

I bet it makes for a fun time, no matter who you’re with or where you go. I’m talking about fellowship with humanity, and letting it begin with you, your friends and spreading to all of humankind.

Last Thanksgiving Eve, I found myself, last-minute, picking up a ham at the Honey Baked Ham store – like hundreds of other people found themselves at 4:00 PM. The line wrapped around the building, snaking around the parking lot and doubling into itself. I groaned inwardly, and stared at the line, not sure if the ham was worth it. A business woman in a nice, black suit could see me thinking about leaving and she called out, “might as well join us!” I shrugged and walked over.

Soon, I was laughing with about five or six other folks in the line and by the time we reached the doors to enter the store, we seemed like old, best friends. In addition to the business woman, there were construction workers, a Comcast cable installer, a teenager who sagged his pants, and a couple of hipsters, too. Not one was glued to their cell phones, all was living in the moment. 

We laughed when we saw an unsuspecting shopper come around the corner and to see the expressions turn from smiles to “what the hell?” We chuckled and teased when a car had a hard time maneuvering about the throngs of people, and then finally having to help the driver back out of the parking space without hitting something or someone. We helped a lady find a missing earring. We collectively felt and showed empathy for the family who unwittingly brought their five children to this “boring” errand, entertaining them with our jokes.

It turned out to be one of the highlights of my 2013 Thanksgiving holiday as opposed to a memory of when I had to spend an hour and a half in a line with strangers. Having fellowship in what seemed as an unlikely place – a Honey Baked Ham store.

Imagine having fellowship all the time. What would that feel like to be present in the moment and in the company of others, all feeling good and happy to be there?

Next time you’re around a group of people, allow yourself to fellowship and see the opportunities for happiness to unfold.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley