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We are all gifts, wrapped in small or large boxes that are decorated with assorted paper, ribbons and embellishments. Some are fancy, some are rustic, and some are artsy. When we look at all the packages, we can’t always guess what is on the inside. The decorations hide what is inside. You can shake it, hold it up to the light and still not know what it is.

Sometimes we judge a package by its appearance. We are sure the fanciest, largest present contains the biggest, most valuable gift.  That is not always the case, however. The truth is that each of us are like those packages that look different on the outside but deep inside there is an amazing, precious jewel … our soul.

How many times do we judge others by the way they look on the outside, by their color, their behavior or any other outward thing? Inside we are all the same, no matter how we look on the outside. Each one of us is created as a gift, with a precious jewel inside.

Next time you are tempted to judge someone, believe they are inferior, or feel that we are less than, look beyond the outside packaging and see the precious jewel that is in each of us. We are more alike than different, no matter what the outside wrapping.

This Christmas make it a priority to look deeper into those hearts and see the precious jewel in each and every person and as you do know that you are a valuable jewel too. It’s easier to see the value in others when you know your own value. Merry Christmas!

 

Freedom is the ability to breathe, think, and contemplate the sense of openness that fills your heart.  Freedom is safety in the soul, joy in the body.  Freedom sometimes comes with a choice that we make, and at other times freedom makes that choice for us.  Freedom is seen in the knowing eyes of the mom who leads her youngster up the stairs onto the school bus during the first weeks of school.   Freedom is the young wife, who when realizing her hasty marriage was a mistake, takes the initiative to pack her bags and leave.  Freedom is surrounding yourself with those who celebrate all that is special and unique about you and allows you to explore the world in confidence. Continue reading “Freedom Always Includes A Voice That Is Heard”

How can we know if we are on the right path to reach our goals and dreams?

Do we simply sense we are going in the correct direction?  Do we let others direct us, like a travel agent from AAA?  What if we are not sure what our destination even is?  If you are anything like me, I can vacillate from one path to the other and seriously get off track.  If you are anything like me, I can head off in several directions all at once and then lose sight of my final destination. Does this sound remotely familiar? Read on my friend, we are not so different.   Continue reading “Getting on the Right Path 3/30/2016”

Each year many of us decide to make changes in our lives.  We are sincere, we are motivated and we are ready to get going.  We start with great determination for the first few weeks and then things seem to fizzle out.  Good intentions can carry us for the short term, but deliberate habits can carry us for the long term.

Lasting change begins with intentional living.  Living intentionally can help us define who we are, Continue reading “Living Intentionally in 2016 1/05/2016”

One of the hardest lessons to master is knowing in your heart that the bad behavior of others is not your fault.  Sometimes we fear that if it is directed at us, we must be the cause.  This does not give you license to be rude or hurtful.  It does, however give us greater responsibility to be as kind and nurturing as we can, knowing that what we put out into the world generates energy.  Let that energy be positive and calming to the universe.  Positive and loving behavior Continue reading “Dealing With Bad Behaviors 10/17/2015”

Embracing change and coming out better, stronger, and more grateful takes thoughtful, intentional work and is often hard work.  We easily get STUCK in a negative spiral that can zap our energies and fill our minds with dread.  Questions swirl around our heads.  “What if things get worse or I can’t handle it, or I end up depressed, angry, lonely, scared and alone”?  All the WHY’S and the WHAT IF’S are a normal process Continue reading “Finding the Rainbows in Change 8/26/2015”

CHANGE: Just the thought of change in our lives can bring about exhilaration or primal fear.

Whatever the emotion, we are by nature hardwired to resist change.  With a few exceptions, we operate best and are more comfortable with predictable routines, sameness, consistency, and familiarity. Change brings the unknown into our lives.  While this is certainly true, change can bring  about personal and professional growth.  

We grumble when policies at work change, relationships change, and life in general changes.  “This is the way we have always done it,” is often cited as the ultimate reason NOT to change things.  And when life situations force a change  we rigidly resist and often end up feeling disconnected, frightened, and depressed.

The truth is that we are always undergoing some type of change each and every day.  It is how we react to that change that determines our growth potential. Continue reading “Embracing Change 8/10/2015”

“Some of the best things in life come when we are not looking for them”.

This wonderful advice came  from a very kind and remarkably wise young firefighter.  I was lamenting that things were stagnant in my life in one particular area.  I told him that I was beginning to give up hope.  He reminded me that at times the best plan is no plan.  Just relax and let life happen.  He is so right.

Is there something in your life you wish could be different?   Longing for that special someone to come along?  Why not take some time and just get out there with friends and enjoy life?   Continue reading “When Life Stands Still 7/27/2015”

A key component in living a successful life is kindness. No one gets ahead in life or progresses without practicing kindness to others. Putting their needs before our own, working on making life better for others, and keeping the focus off of ourselves helps us to succeed in life.  It generates happiness in the world and allows that energy to come back into our life with abundance.  Being kind doesn’t take a lot of money, effort, or time. It does require awareness, however.

Take every opportunity to complement those around you with sincere words of appreciation.  I am not talking about meaningless words that praise but lack sincerity.  I am talking about noticing the gifts Continue reading “Cultivating Kindness 7/22/2015”

If you were in your PERFECT place in life, what would success look like?  Does it involve having lots of money or a fabulous relationship?  Is it a particular career path or academic achievement? How about making a difference in humanity or starting a charity that cures cancer?  Is it achieving your personal goals?  Could it be overcoming a personal handicap?  Maybe success is a journey and not an eventual outcome.   Continue reading “What is Your Definition of Success? 7/18/2015”