Shout Outs: Happy Birthday to Me!

Monday, February 10, 2014 Shout Outs:

I have just sat down with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and my husband snapped a picture of me pre-dive-in.

My Shout Outs go to: Me! I exercised patience, persistence and peace when my plans for a birthday lunch fell through. I found a way to stay in the flow of life and to remain in alignment with my Greater Self, which is a birthday gift in and of itself. I did not allow my present circumstances to knock me off course or take my peace and happiness away.

  • I planned a birthday lunch for myself at one of my favorite crab eateries with my parents, sister, niece, daughter, son, husband and a couple of girl friends.
  • A rain storm blew in, so my husband and daughter stayed home.
  • My dad called in sick and my mom wasn’t going to get out in the storm.
  • My sister wanted to still go, but no sense in having her drive 30 minutes to the south side of town.
  • I went on my own to church and fantasized about crab all through the sermon. I left church and headed to The Boiling Crab, for a take out order.
  • I got to the counter, and realized my wallet was not with me.
  • I forgot my wallet when I changed purses (wondered why my purse was so light!).
  • The cashier and the manager refused to have my son text me a picture of my driver’s license or to call in an order over the phone – something to do with a lot of fraud in the area, etc.
  • I had my mouth and heart set on some crab. The old, younger me, would have raised holy hell. The newer, wiser, older me, was determined not to get out of my flow.
  • I went home, regrouped, ate a delicious sandwich, loaded up my iPod with my favorite radio host’s podcast and headed back to Boiling Crab.
  • I got my spicy sauced crab and shrimp (the Whole Shebang-mild flavor is to die for!).
  • I headed home, but first dropped off some crab to my dad’s and swung by the grocery store for a bottle of wine.
  • I set up my collection of crab eating utensils and toasted the occasion.
  • I ate until I burst.
  • I watched the season premier of Walking Dead. I fell asleep a happy woman.

    With the exception of the blue and black crab cutters from The Boiling Crab, the rest of my utensils are from Crate and Barrel.

Here’s to my newer, more patient and happier self.

The spiciest, yummiest snow crab legs!

Sacramento’s Boiling Crab. This is how good this crab is: I knew all I wanted to do for my birthday was eat crab from The Boiling Crab.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Resistance Reminds Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Eliminating Limiting Beliefs in 4 steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Aways:

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

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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

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

A Blessing for You and Me

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

The Light Shines Through the Cracks of Your Pain

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
― Rumi

God’s Light shines through the cracks of your pain, whether your hurt comes from emotional or physical trauma. The Light I am referring to is God’s gift. Spirit knows the pains that will move us into divine action. All we have to do is bear down and hold on to the faith that a healing is right on the other side of the pain we feel. We heal and grow the most when there is a wound. We did not come to this earth to slide by – we came here to be a Being of Light in a human experience. As we know, human experiences are not pain free, although they can be rich in loving encounters and moments of highs and lows. There’s also the saying that God loves cracked pots because more of his light can shine through. I’d like to add that more of The Spirit’s love can slip into the cracks, to make us stronger for ourselves and the others around us.

The pain you feel today can be your power for tomorrow. If we never had wounds to heal from, our spiritual growth would be stunted. It is your testimony of the pain you have that heals you and all who may come into contact with you. Rest assured that God’s plan and purpose for you is way bigger than the moments you have in pain and suffering. Just as we embrace and celebrate the moments of painless conditions of our lives, we should also embrace the pain. Accept this is a season in your life and thank God for it. To be in pain, is to be human and for that, we have a lot to be thankful for.

-Kimberly Jo Cooley, Curator of all things spiritual

Do the Fool like Noah and his Amazing Arc

“Start a huge, foolish project, like Noah…it makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.”
― Rumi

Any revolutionary book, invention or person probably faced a lot of criticism as to why they were “wasting their time” or “looking like a fool” as they pursued a dream. Noah faced it while building his gigantic arc. Noah, just like many great visionaries, heard and honored God’s calling by staying the course and ignoring the naysayers. Even if there was no criticism, visionaries probably encountered something even worse and more isolating – no words of encouragement or outside influence to guide them.

God never puts a desire in our hearts that cannot manifest. The tools are within us and through us, all we have to do is ask for the solutions with an expectant heart.

I could easily just sit back and be satisfied with my insurance job and live a quiet, uneventful life. I know that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to enlighten and inspire with my words. I can imagine people must think I’m crazy for starting a blog, writing a novel, or discussing spiritual matters. I don’t care what people think, really, I can’t care what people think. There is a driving force inside me – God’s push – that moves me each day closer to my dreams.

-Your Everyday Spiritual Warrior, Kimberly Cooley

Bad Days to Jubilant Expectation

Courtesy of YourBeautifulLife.org via Facebook

I’d be lying if I said every day was a wonderful, full of roses and smiles. I may be a positive, upbeat person, but I have days where sometimes I want to hang up all the hats I wear on the coat rack of life, but the Higher Me knows better. My Higher Self knows there will be tough days and there will be days of exuberance and there will be days somewhere in between.

Today, I could have crawled back in bed and started over. I overslept. I felt a cold bug tickling my throat. I received an email from my landlord that he needs to come into the house today. My two year old Ella made a mess in almost every room last night and because I was cramming for an Asian Literature final, I did not pick up before his visit. I fretted all day over what my landlord and the roofer would think of my untidy house, with the clean laundry piled high on the couch and toys scattered about. I was not able to even read my good friend’s email, because I had so much on my mind. I encountered hellish traffic to and from the college, turning a 20 minute ride into a two hour round trip ordeal. I told myself I didn’t care what grade I got. I bombed the final – got a measly 26% on the multiple choice section. We’ll see how I did on the essay section. I guess I cared what I got, after all. I got into an argument with my husband. We’re still not talking.

There were some high points in my day. I had a great cup of coffee. I managed to squeeze in a few emails to and from my sister, which made me feel connected and loved. I got through all that I set out to do at work. I listened to some awesome podcasts from Summer McStravick of Flowdreaming. I manifested $147.59. Coming back from lunch, I saw a penny on the ground. I said to myself, “that’s nice, but I’m going to find $100.00.” I filled myself with belief that the money was on its way to me – a little experiment with the Universe. I forgot all about that exchange until just a few minutes ago, I checked my email. My insurance company informed me they were depositing $147.59 into my account-dividends they give their members each year. Bless my bones! My eleven year son, Daniel, reminding me that yes, I had a bad day, but there was so many things to be happy about. “Isn’t that what you’re always telling me, Mom?” I enjoyed reading books to Ella and we sang songs. She has the sweetest, most precious little voice. “The Wheels on the Bus” is our favorite sing along song, followed by “If you’re Happy and you know it…”

I remembered why I took that Asian Literature class in the first place and realized that I got from it, what I set out to get. I needed to immerse myself into Japanese American literature, which is exactly what I got. I stumbled across jewels of information that would help me in writing my own novel involving a Japanese family. I wanted to read more than write, for a change. I wanted to practice waking up at 5AM to write reports on literature pieces I read, which I now wake up most mornings to blog or work on my novel, or read, or do homework. I wanted to prove to Dr. Professor I was a smart cookie. I wanted to prove to myself that I was worthy of the job title as writer. I proved it.

As my bad day played itself out, I still set the intention for good things to unfold, later in my future seconds, minutes, hours, days, years, life time. I’ve had worse days, I’ve had the highest of the high days. No matter what, I hold steadfast to my purpose, my desires for my future. I never lose sight on deliberate creation in my life.