Downstream Business...

Genetics or Environment?

I really don't have a straight answer for this question, as I totally believe that I'm a product of both!  Being adopted at birth and then reunited with the maternal gene pool provided some answers, however, I can't honestly say which aspect has had more impact. 

Honestly I think that I'm just ME, gathering life experiences and lessons as I've walked along my life journey.  I've kind of followed the "take what you like and leave the rest" philosophy, meaning I've picked up the good stuff that felt right from each and every person I've ever interacted with!

For instance take my cousin, Kenya, who's from my adoptive family, who I've just spent five weeks with and we had a blast!  Funny story that Kenya shared with me for the very first time--how her in-laws (many years ago) used to tell her how we "looked alike." (As you can see from the photo, we look NOTHING alike--ACT alike, yes!!!)

Kenya was the closest thing I had to a sister growing up although she's 10 years younger than me and she lived in Colorado and I grew up in Texas.  But that really didn't matter 'cause when we spent time together, we always made the most fun of whatever we were doing! 

She's a January Aquarian and I'm a February Aquarian, and again, we're not blood relatives, however, we are so much alike in many ways.  She looks for the good in every situation, as do I and we just love to laugh! 

So here's to Kenya and her fabulous family--Larry, Kaylyn, Austin & Camden--thanks for letting me hang out with you guys and have lots of fun! 

As far as genetics or environment--really, who cares?  I am who I am and have my own internal guidance system that directs me on this life journey.  However I'm extremely grateful that Kenya is my cousin...  You rock!  :)

What Does Your "Language" Say?

Funny that I've become very "keen" about listening when I'm having conversations with people (both verbal, non-verbal and written).  I'm what I call a "wordy" meaning that I love "words" and communication.

Just had a meeting this morning with a delightful woman whose name is coincidentally Janet (and hey, there aren't that many of us that I've met in my lifetime) and I was amazed at the unconscious self-talk that she communicated.  She used the words "hard," "challenging" and "difficult" at least 30 times during our brief conversation (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but she used negative language almost every other sentence).

There were a lot of statements made about how "bad the economy is" and how "tough" things currently are!  Well hell, if that's what you believe, then what would one expect to show up in your life experience? 

All of this scarcity talk/mentality is perpetuated by none other than the mass news media!!!  It's what sells newspapers, magazines and the biggie, advertising!  It's all about greed and $$$!  Think about it for a minute--if they didn't talk about all the doom and gloom, what else would they have to say?  This is why I NEVER watch the news and rarely turn on the TV--it's such a waste of my precious energy and life!

I can tell within about two minutes of conversing with someone whether they live in "positive" or "negative" emotion simply by listening to the "language" they use!  Don't get me wrong--I used to do the same thing and it's taken very conscious effort on my part to break that pattern so I can live totally in "positive" emotion.

I mean c'mon folks--you don't walk out the door every morning and try to "breathe" in your share of oxygen for the day!  There's an abundance of EVERYTHING on the planet!  The world isn't broken, nor are the people who inhabit the planet!  Each and everyone of us gets to choose the experiences that we bring into our lives, plain and simple.  And if you're focusing on the negative aspects, that's what you're gonna get! 

A few weeks ago I had a great conversation with my 8-year-old cousin, Camden--he told me about getting a "refocus" at school.  I love the fact that it's now called "refocus" vs. "disciplinary action" because the simple rewording moves the experience from negative to positive! 

I've dealt with a LOT of adversity in my life experience so far and yes, I could "choose" to focus on the negative, however, there's the part of me that screams "NO WAY" am I gonna let these experiences drag/keep me down!

So my challenge is for you to pay close attention to the words that you use to communicate and simply "observe" as you encounter and converse with others.  It's truly a telling exercise--if you don't believe me, you'll just have to trust me on this one until you experience it! 

Can Law of Attraction (LOA) Happen While Driving Down the Highway?

Aha, yes, for me, and it occurred yesterday as I was driving from one point to another on my nomadic journey.  My phone kept ringing as I was driving (don't like to talk on the phone while driving) and it was an LA number.  I knew it was probably regarding a business transaction that I'm working on so I kept letting it go to voice mail.

I had to make a quick stop at a store and another 818 area code call came in.  Much to my surprise and delight, it was Rocky--a good friend of mine, who's married to my former corporate world boss, Jeff!  Whoa, it was so good to hear her voice, as I had not spoken with her directly in quite some time (usually I talk to Jeff).

She then tells me that they're (Rocky, Jeff and get this, SIX CHILDREN) driving back from West Virginia and will be near where I'm headed around 3:30 PM!  In fact, our journeys are basically intersecting!  They had a hotel reservation and were gonna let the kids burn off some of their pent up energy from being cooped up for many hours in the SUV.

So I took care of some business and waited for them to arrive at the hotel.  OMG--it was so good to physically "put my eyes" on them and get loving hugs!  Woo-hoo! 

I hadn't seen Jeff since '04 when he made a trip to Dallas and we had lunch with another good friend, Marianna.  And I hadn't seen Rocky since my daughter got married 6 years ago (they attended Angie's wedding that year on their way back from WV to LA).

Funny how on Sunday as I was heading to an event with a group of friends, I thought of Jeff as we drove through a town where our company had a branch, so business took him there frequently.  There was a little boutique hotel that he loved staying at and it was in this particular town, and I always made his reservations.  After all, I used to manage Jeff's life, and did a kick-ass job of it if I may say so myself (and he agrees!).

Then, four days later he shows up in person!  Wow!  I certainly didn't wake up thinkin' I was gonna bump in to my good friend and his family! 

All I know is it made me very happy to see them and to anticipate seeing them even if it was only for a short time.  I love the fact of getting another confirmation that the universal law of attraction is working for me on a regular basis.  How sweet is that?

Can One Easily Move from a Post Card to a Movie?

I must proclaim that it happened to me this morning! 

My cousin's husband, Larry, put some corn out in the yard for the local deer population, just off the side deck (and NO he's not sittin' in a deer blind with a shotgun, thank goodness!).  Their German shepherd, Shadow, was also outside on her leash.

A doe walked up and began eating the corn, all while I'm sittin' on the deck steps and Shadow is laying down watching her every move.  Shadow barked and ran her off momentarily, but she came back in just a few minutes. 

I'm still sittin' there (without my camera in hand, darn it!), and she comes back.  I'm glaring at Shadow to be quiet, and she does for several minutes.  Meanwhile the doe is cautiously eating the corn.  There's a lot of activity around that corn--a baby squirrel and a beautiful big, fat bird of some sort.

Exactly how does this take me from livin' in a post card to livin' in a movie?  Trust me, only in my brain could anyone make the correlation, but here goes...

When I was about 4 years old, my grand parents took me to see the movie Bambi.  I was so focused and caught up in the movie--my eyes were literally glued to the screen, and my ears were intently listening to the sound.  There's a scene where a butterfly lands on Bambi's tail and Bambi doesn't know what it is. 

In the silence of the theater, I blurted out "butterfly" at the top of my lungs--ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!  Of course now I find it amusing, but let's just say that I finished watching the movie crouched in my seat, overcome with extreme embarrassment.  I'm certain if the lights would have been on in the theater, my coloring would have been bright red!

Fast forward many, many years, and I'd shared that story with my husband.  One day, out the blue, when he learned they were releasing a "Bambi" special edition (and I'm not naming numbers here--let's just it's many!) he surprised me with a little gift.  It was a sweet moment although I must say when I watched the movie as an adult, I was a little disturbed.  After all it is about hunters killing deer and what can I say--I'm not into that kind of experience.

However this morning it was like I was livin' in a movie (and not an animated one either!) as I observed the beautiful, graceful doe, along with several other creatures flittin' around (squirrel and bird).  That doe is THE most beautiful creature I've ever observed, and it was such an incredible experience for me!  I'm sure there's a metaphor here for me, but I haven't quite made the connection, but know it will come.

So am I now livin' in a movie?  Absolutely YES and how sweet it is!  And it feels good, which is the reason I came forth--to experience joy and be happy?  How 'bout you?

Ever Experience the Law of Attraction (LOA) in Action?

I do,on a daily basis--professionally & personally!  I met some incredibly wonderful folks a couple of weeks ago at a spiritual workshop that I attended.  And in the short time we've known each other, oh, what fun we've had together!  

I find it fascinating that these people and I were "drawn" together--it's so refreshing and life giving to be surrounded by spiritually enlightened, powerful peeps who are real--authentically who they say they are.  Period.  Not puttin' on any "acts" to impress anyone.

My friend, Jeryl, and I were instantly drawn together as we sat at the same table during the workshop lunch break.  And I mean like a magnet.  I felt her energy and vice-versa.  We've spent the past two weekends together and just had the most incredible time.

The key (for me) is being consciously aware of the signs and gifts that are placed before me.  Abraham  says that it's the small day-to-day stuff that makes the difference--not the big stuff that occurs.  LOA principles work both professionally and personally--the first time I was "officially" exposed to LOA was during my training at AssistU.  Funny how LOA had a strange familiarity--like something I already knew on some level.  And know what I love about livin' it?  It's so very simple!

I had a conversation with a potential client last week (LOA in action because it was word of mouth, ie, a referral) and thankfully I realized quickly that there were some fundamental differences in the way we do business, hence not a "good fit."  I graciously declined knowing something much better is awaiting me...

My experience has been that most folks have a challenging time walking away from any type of opportunity that involves money, even if they sense in their gut, that it's not in the 100% best interest of both parties.  Hell I used to be the same way but then I learned about LOA. 

My summation of LOA is it's simply about trusting your own inner wisdom (voice, intuition, being or whatever it is for you!).

Living LOA principles has made my life so much easier 'cause you must know that I spent years fighting the current and it made me very tired--wore me out--an exhausting way of living, no doubt!

Have you ever looked for evidence of LOA in your daily life?  If you're tuned in, it's really easy to see...  If you look, I promise, you will see how this Law of the Universe is working for you!

P.S.  My friend, Flora, and I out for a night of fun.  Note the awesome cloud formation in the background--it was so beautiful!

Ever Felt Like You Were Livin' in a Post Card?

For me, there's no other way to describe where I'm at right now.  Sittin' on the front deck drinkin' coffee.  Look up, and there's not one, two, three--but four big bucks strollin' by!  They were grazin' on the grass and foliage  They're so beautiful and graceful.  They're secure in their environment and that's clearly evident!

They each stopped and looked at me and quickly realized that I was no threat, so they went on about their business and I got the gift of being able to simply watch them!

The beauty up on this mountain is breath-taking!  I really do feel like I'm livin' in a post card!  The only other time I've experienced such powerful energy was in Crested Butte--standing up on top of that mountain looking down at the gorgeous scenery!  No denying that something much greater than I created the ground I was standin' on...

Last Friday night while driving to hang out with my new friends, I saw the most incredible rainbows while zipping through the mountain pass!  They were scattered throughout the horizon and it truly took my breath away.  Really wanted to stop and snap some photo's, however, it was the highway and since I was headed to a place I'd never been before I decided not to pull over.  The cool thing is I can still see the vivid picture in my mind (I just can't share it).  :)

This physical place where I'm at right now (and spiritually) is such a huge gift and just exactly what my mind/body/spirit needed.  It flows right along with what my spiritual teachers "teach"--find a better feeling thought/experience to focus upon.  Go with the flow of the strong current; surrender the fight & struggle of trying to go against it!  Damn, it sure makes life much simpler (and sweeter for that matter!).

My question today is do you take time to observe the beauty around you each and every day?  Do you really "feel" it at gut level?  If not, I encourage you, and here comes an old cliche--"to stop and smell the roses."  It's exciting, inspiring and downright fun!!!  And, life's just too short to get caught up in drama and everyday irrelevant BS...

P.S. Feeling like I'm livin' in a post card rocks!  Give it a try sometime!

Is Who You are More Important than What You Do?

Several years ago I had a conversation with someone about the fact that when we [most Americans] meet a new person, one of the first questions asked is "what do you do?"  This person told me that in Europe this question never comes up in early interaction among folks. What really bugs me is that I can't remember specifically WHO I had this conversation with, however, it was very powerful for me (and a huge THANK YOU to whomever it was--wish I could thank you personally!). 

Made me stop and think and by golly, there was truth in what this person was saying.  I realized that I asked that question almost automatically.  So I stopped myself dead in my tracks and made a conscious effort to NOT ask anyone that I met what they did, from that point forward.

For whatever reason, somewhere along the way, I learned to equate my value, as a living human being on the planet, commensurate with my J-O-B or position at whatever company I was working for.  Something always felt "off" from that perspective. 

I mean geez, where does that leave a person who doesn't work, either by choice or circumstance?  Does that mean that they have no value to society?  My experience demonstrates a resounding yes--that's the mentality of the majority who inhabit our country, which I find very sad! 

As I mentioned, I've made a conscious effort to never ask that question at the onset of any new relationship because to me, it really doesn't matter what you do--what I really want to know is what kind of person you are.  What are your personal values, principles and are you authentically who you say you are or are you putting on an act or facade in an attempt to impress me (which NEVER works BTW--the truth eventually comes out!).

After my spiritual workshop last weekend, I got to connect with and make some new friends, which I find simply delicious!  I love meeting interesting new peeps, especially those who share my forward thinking beliefs and philosophies.  I find it refreshing, inspiring and invigorating.  And you know what, there was only one brief conversation about what one of them "did" which was only because he handed me his biz card and when I saw the name of his company and his title, I had to know more. 

His business card was a great example of exactly the type of response you want to invoke when you hand someone your business card--you want folks to ask questions, which gives you the opportunity to share your, what I like to refer to as "elevator speech." 

My definition of "elevator speech" is a short, refined, but powerful statement about your business & company--a marketing tactic.  If utilized in appropriate situations, along with the Law of Attraction, can help you score new business relationships!  Trust me, I spent plenty o' time working on this specific aspect during multiple business coaching programs--wasn't something that came easily for me and lord knows I'm rarely at a loss for words!  :)

So here's to my new friends Jeryl, Flora, Mike & Cathy!  I know they were brought into my life experience for a valuable purpose and I look forward to spending more time with them and eventually learning "what they do" but right now that's not the objective for me--it's about WHO they are vs. what they do! 

Inspired Action vs. Forced Action--What Really Works?

After attending a spiritual workshop on Saturday (just three short days ago) I awoke yesterday morning with the burning desire to write a book that's been rolling around in my head for a few months now.  One of the strangest experiences I've ever felt--like my body was, for lack of a better non-gross term, "vomiting the words out."  Almost like an involuntary experience, for sure something that I had no control over!

As soon as I sat down in front of the computer the words, including the title, subtitle, chapter outline and chapter titles just came out.  Effortlessly!  Obviously I guess this is what authors experience when they write from inspiration vs. trying to force the words to come out. 

I've known all along, without any doubts, that it would happen and I've had the desire to begin writing, however, I didn't really "feel" the inspiration at a deep emotional level (which is the place I need to be in to write from my heart, which is where my words come from).  Trying to write it before now wasn't working for me--something felt off and my attempts ran out of energy quickly.

My experience of "forcing solutions" and taking action before divine timing nudged (inspired) me to do so ALWAYS backfires.  Every single time.  I could make a huge list of situations and experiences where I've done so, and my actions never yielded the the outcome that I truly desired.

The exciting part is knowing this book is the birth of a new online business that I've wanted to start for quite some time now.  I'm beginning to paint my blank canvas as I seize this wonderful gift I've been given of another opportunity to create the life that I truly want and desire!

It's also confirmation for me that I'm on the appropriate path because things literally "fell into place." 

Have you ever wanted something and made attempts to move towards that desire/intention without achieving the results you intended?  I encourage you to find whatever spiritual guidance that works for you and give it another go.  Get in the place of "feeling" the emotion of it manifesting and see what happens!  Once you get in the flow of the stream, without any resistance, things happen oh so quickly!  And how sweet is that?

Living Life by Default or Concious Creation?

I've spent the better part of my life living by default--just taking whatever came my way.  Until the last couple of years.  Then I received confirmation (thanks to Esther & Jerry Hicks and Abraham) that there is a different way to do things, which is consciously creating the life that I want.  Yup, that's right, we all have the power within each and everyone of us to create the exact, specific life we want (and choose) to live.  And accomplishing such is very simple and related to our thoughts and what we're focused upon.

Case in point...  Over the past couple of weeks I've had the privilege of spending some precious time with my 13-year old cousin, Kaylyn.  Kaylyn has some healthy fears--fears about riding Ferris Wheels and getting dental work done.  I got to walk with her through both and observed her coming out on the other side, fearlessly!  How sweet is that?

Once we got one Ferris Wheel ride behind us, she wanted to do it again & again!  I loved it and we rode it four times! 

Kay also had to have a tooth pulled and a cavity filled--neither of which had she experienced before, so she had what I consider a very healthy, valid fear from a 13-year old perspective.  We talked about focusing on something that made her feel good as she was given a shot to numb her mouth.  She held my hand and did incredibly well!  It was over before she knew it and I took her to the Ice Cream Store as a reward for being so courageous!

Then we went fishing with the family (there were 8 of us total) and she caught the first fish of the day, as I was sitting on a rock beside her.  It was the very first time she scored a fish on her own and what an incredible gift for me that I got to be right there as it happened!

Is it mind over matter, positive thinking or any other of the new age BS?  I don't believe so.  I believe it's a simple power we all possess and can access at any given point in time.  I've done it all my life and thank goodness, the better it gets, the better it gets and the more powerful we become. 

If you're not a believer, I encourage you to experiment with something simple.  Think about something that you're afraid of...  Pick something not too terrifying and re-focus your thought process as you walk through the experience.  Sometimes the journey is scary and terrifying, but I promise, by shifting your thought process, and refocusing on what you want, you'll conquer whatever is holding you back, keeping you from that little (or big) piece of joy and happiness!

(NOTE:  That's Kay on the rock; her mom, Kenya and twin brother, Austin, who graciously assisted with the fish handling 'cause we girls don't like that part of the experience!)

Is it Ever Too Late to Fulfill a Childhood Dream?

Nope, I don't believe that it is EVER too late to a achieve ANY of our desires, dreams or hopes and a couple of weeks ago, I finally fulfilled a childhood desire of visiting Santa's Workshop (also called the "North Pole")!  I've wanted to go there for let's just say thirty plus something years.

One of the highlights of my childhood was visiting my aunt, uncle & cousins in Colorado.  During many of our mountain outings, we'd drive past Santa's Workshop and I really, really wanted to stop and spend some time at this little amusement park.  I LOVED Santa Claus and amusements parks, so the combination was enough to stir up great excitement and anticipation in this little girl!

For some strange reason, my grandfather never took me there and I'm certain that I vocalized my desire to him because I was never one to keep my mouth shut about anything (although I don't specifically recall having that conversation with him, but geez, I can't recall every single conversation I had with my grandfather).

Fast forward decades later and I'm hanging out with my cousin's children, Kaylyn, Austin & Camden, ages 13 & 8 respectively, and in our quest to have some fun, we decided to go to the North Pole.  And what an incredible day we had!

Hanging out with Kay, Aus & Cam is a blast in and of itself, but throw in a day at the amusement park and we just simply had a deliciously fun day!  These children are extremely intellectual and we have some of the best conversations about a variety of topics. 

The entire experience is one that I'll never forget and even though I had to wait quite some time to fulfill this childhood dream, it was well worth the wait!  We even stopped in for a visit and photo opp with Santa and he insisted that we tell him what we wanted for Christmas!  Funny how the kids were reluctant, being that it was June--they claimed it was way too early to figure out what they wanted!  But not Janet, no-sir-ee.  I blurted out what I wanted in the blink of an eye (and I'm not telling what I ask for either--he! he!). 

So you see, it's NEVER too late to fulfill a childhood dream, or any kind/type of desire, period.  Sometimes it may take a while, but honestly for me, it makes savoring the experience that much sweeter!

And just a little something to ponder--what are your unfulfilled dreams and desires and what's stopping you?  I promise your heart & soul will soar if you set yourself free and follow your dreams!  I'm living mine now and it doesn't get any better.  Promise!  :)