I've never been a real Star Trek fan, but what I do remember loving was when the announcer spoke of "to boldly go where no man has gone before." It was always something about that statement that just resonated within me.
Now as I continue to grow on this incredible journey called, Life, I understand that outer space is not the only place we can boldly go where no man has gone before. We all can incorporate this hope of transformation and change into our lives in large and small ways. I want to share with you some ideas about moving beyond the fences you've surrounded yourself with.
Because if you remain within the fence..within your comfort zone, you're condemned to repeat your history over and over. How can you break the patterns of familiarity?
1. You must decide to become something different. In order to boldly go where you've never gone before, you've got to become what you've never become before. How do you do such a thing? We do this by getting clear about who we really are at the core. By living from an authentic place. By ridding ourselves of all the false layers of identity that don't originate from our core. I want to remind you that this kind of work can never be done alone. You will need to solicit the help of a life coach, mentor, clergy or someone who can see over the fence farther than you. So begin seeking the help of a good life coach or mentor to help you discover your authentic self. Then you will become that real, authentic person to go where you have never gone before.
2. You must get clear about why you are here. What have you been placed on the planet to do? We all have been given our part to play in this theatre of life. I cannot truly fulfill my part, until you are ready to step up and fulfill your part. Why? Because on some deeper level we are all connected and together we fulfill God's purpose on the planet. Getting clear about your earth's assignments helps you go beyond the fences, but it also helps others as well.
3. Do it. Like Nike says. Just Do It! Stop procrastinating and stop hiding in preparation, stop hiding behind your job, your husband, your kids or whatever reason you have given yourself permission to remain stuck or inactive. It's time to get moving and moving like never before. We can begin to transcend time and space...to live beyond the limits...to boldly go where no man has gone before.
You can stop repeating history and experiencing the same mistakes, the same misfortunes, the same overdrawn bank accounts, the same heart breaks, the same weight issues, the same career issues, and the same relationship issues. Life can be different, and it will be different when you decide to become someone different. Reach out and find your supporting cast to help you make 2011 the year to do it...do it now!!
Please leave a comment below. We want to hear from you...what's your next move..your next step. Write your comments to below and share with all of us.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Have You Made Your Decision?
Are you really ready to move from your comfort zone? I have been sharing for the past two months the power of expanding our comfort zones. I am amazed at the many people who have become very satisfied with where they are right now. And then there are those who are very unsatisfied with their current situations and have brought into the illusions that they have to remain there and there's nothing they can do about it.
In my opinion and please remember it is just my opinion, we are never really stuck. We always have options. The key is determining which is the best option for us in any given situation. But we must make a choice. Just settling for your life as it is and remaining stuck is never the answer. Even remaining in your comfort zone can be dangerous, because what was once a comfort zone will eventually become a danger zone. Why? Nothing ever remains the same, it has to change. It will either get better or it will get worst, but you have the power to determine which direction it will go.
I want to share with you 3 things you can do to move from where you are to where you want to go.
1. Decide that you want to change it. Make a decision that you no longer want your life to be this way. Decide that you will no longer allow your life to remain stuck or that you will no longer remain in your comfort zone. Realizing that miracles, promotions and next levels don't occur within comfort zones, they occur outside of them, will encourage you to make a decision to move forward.
2. Have a strategy plan. Have you set aside time to determine how you will expand your comfort zone? What do you need in place? Do you need a supporting cast? Are there people you need to surround yourself with for moral and spiritual support? Do you need a budget in place so that you can uncover any money leaks in your finances in order to better save and get out of debt? Do you need a mentor or coach to help you lay out a plan of direction for next year and become your accountability partner?
Do you need a group of friends to start that weight release and exercise program with you? Whatever you want to change, you must put a plan of action steps together. This strategy should include specific, concrete goals, time lines and step by step actions needed to get you there. You cannot hit a target that you can't see.
3. Take action. If you make the decision to change your situation, and you have a strategy and plan of action in place...but you don't do anything...you are just dreaming. A decision really has NOT been made until you take ACTION. So get moving and take action now. Don't wait until the first of the year, start right now.
These 3 steps will help you gain control of your life and begin to expand your comfort zones...a space where your life can transform and grow onto new levels. A place where miracles can happen.
Wishing Your Love and Success,
Angela Carr Patterson, The Love Lifestyle Coach
We want to hear from you. Please write your comments below...
In my opinion and please remember it is just my opinion, we are never really stuck. We always have options. The key is determining which is the best option for us in any given situation. But we must make a choice. Just settling for your life as it is and remaining stuck is never the answer. Even remaining in your comfort zone can be dangerous, because what was once a comfort zone will eventually become a danger zone. Why? Nothing ever remains the same, it has to change. It will either get better or it will get worst, but you have the power to determine which direction it will go.
I want to share with you 3 things you can do to move from where you are to where you want to go.
1. Decide that you want to change it. Make a decision that you no longer want your life to be this way. Decide that you will no longer allow your life to remain stuck or that you will no longer remain in your comfort zone. Realizing that miracles, promotions and next levels don't occur within comfort zones, they occur outside of them, will encourage you to make a decision to move forward.
2. Have a strategy plan. Have you set aside time to determine how you will expand your comfort zone? What do you need in place? Do you need a supporting cast? Are there people you need to surround yourself with for moral and spiritual support? Do you need a budget in place so that you can uncover any money leaks in your finances in order to better save and get out of debt? Do you need a mentor or coach to help you lay out a plan of direction for next year and become your accountability partner?
Do you need a group of friends to start that weight release and exercise program with you? Whatever you want to change, you must put a plan of action steps together. This strategy should include specific, concrete goals, time lines and step by step actions needed to get you there. You cannot hit a target that you can't see.
3. Take action. If you make the decision to change your situation, and you have a strategy and plan of action in place...but you don't do anything...you are just dreaming. A decision really has NOT been made until you take ACTION. So get moving and take action now. Don't wait until the first of the year, start right now.
These 3 steps will help you gain control of your life and begin to expand your comfort zones...a space where your life can transform and grow onto new levels. A place where miracles can happen.
Wishing Your Love and Success,
Angela Carr Patterson, The Love Lifestyle Coach
We want to hear from you. Please write your comments below...
Monday, December 6, 2010
Three Important Questions!!
As we move into the final days of 2010, I have been reflecting upon all the things I have done or haven't done this year. But more importantly, reflecting upon who I have become or who I haven't become? I know that who we are, impacts what we think, say and do in life. Our identity is tied to our behavior. Your behavior will always be consistent with who you really are. Everything we think, say and do becomes a statement of who we are. Simply stated...behavior never lies. Change the identity, the behavior automatically changes.
So during my time of reflection, I wanted to exaimine the driving forces behind my behaviors and actions this year. There are 3 questions that I always ask myself as I reflect and I want to encourage you to do the same.
1. Who am I? Who am I really? There is in the mind of God a perfect image of who we are and our job is to discover and uncover that image. I want to know if I have remained aligned with that image or have I moved to the left or right of that image during this year?
2. Why am I here? We are here to do one thing: Love! Love is the answer to every question. God's vehicle in the earth is the human heart and we have been commissioned to live from it daily. So, I want to know where have I forgotten to love? Only what I am not giving in any situation is missing. Where I have forgotten to love, love has been missing. Love attracts everything to our lives like itself, such as abundance, health, energy and joy!
3. What am I here to do? We all have been given a purpose in life. We each have our own personal part to play in this theatre of life. It is our job to discover our true purpose. I want to know if I did all the things that I should have this year that were consistent with my assignment to the planet? Where I have failed to do so, I look for ways to self correct.
I hope these three things will give you something to ponder and reflect upon as you close out this year to begin a new year. Another year to be who you were born to be. Another year to love in ways you have never loved before. Another year to fulfull your purpose in life. Another year to think, to do , to be all that God wants you to be!
Wishing You Love and Success,
Angela Carr Patterson, The Love Lifestyle Coach
Leave a comment below and share what you thought about this blog. Your comments are important to us. Also share what you are doing to reflect and prepare for the new year.
So during my time of reflection, I wanted to exaimine the driving forces behind my behaviors and actions this year. There are 3 questions that I always ask myself as I reflect and I want to encourage you to do the same.
1. Who am I? Who am I really? There is in the mind of God a perfect image of who we are and our job is to discover and uncover that image. I want to know if I have remained aligned with that image or have I moved to the left or right of that image during this year?
2. Why am I here? We are here to do one thing: Love! Love is the answer to every question. God's vehicle in the earth is the human heart and we have been commissioned to live from it daily. So, I want to know where have I forgotten to love? Only what I am not giving in any situation is missing. Where I have forgotten to love, love has been missing. Love attracts everything to our lives like itself, such as abundance, health, energy and joy!
3. What am I here to do? We all have been given a purpose in life. We each have our own personal part to play in this theatre of life. It is our job to discover our true purpose. I want to know if I did all the things that I should have this year that were consistent with my assignment to the planet? Where I have failed to do so, I look for ways to self correct.
I hope these three things will give you something to ponder and reflect upon as you close out this year to begin a new year. Another year to be who you were born to be. Another year to love in ways you have never loved before. Another year to fulfull your purpose in life. Another year to think, to do , to be all that God wants you to be!
Wishing You Love and Success,
Angela Carr Patterson, The Love Lifestyle Coach
Leave a comment below and share what you thought about this blog. Your comments are important to us. Also share what you are doing to reflect and prepare for the new year.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Is That God Speaking to Me?
Are you looking for the thunder and the lightening? We've heard many people say that God speaks to them. But is there a special way that God speaks to us? How do we know it’s God who is doing the talking?
God speaks to us in many ways. The question is not whether or not God is speaking. The real question is, “are we listening?”
Yes, God can speak through others, through our dreams, through life's experiences and even through small hunches and nudges, but if we're not accustomed to listening to God’s voice, we are missing out.
I want to encourage you to begin looking and listening for ways in which God maybe speaking to you. You might feel an urge to call someone or perhaps that dream was an answer to a lingering question you had. What about running into an old friend as a reminder of something God has wanted you to do?
The more time you spend listening to God, the easier it will be to recognize His voice. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"- John 10:27. God has the solutions to all of our problems; maybe we just need to listen more.
God speaks to us in many ways. The question is not whether or not God is speaking. The real question is, “are we listening?”
Yes, God can speak through others, through our dreams, through life's experiences and even through small hunches and nudges, but if we're not accustomed to listening to God’s voice, we are missing out.
I want to encourage you to begin looking and listening for ways in which God maybe speaking to you. You might feel an urge to call someone or perhaps that dream was an answer to a lingering question you had. What about running into an old friend as a reminder of something God has wanted you to do?
The more time you spend listening to God, the easier it will be to recognize His voice. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"- John 10:27. God has the solutions to all of our problems; maybe we just need to listen more.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Forgiveness Opens the Door to Joy!!
Let’s face it! We cannot escape being hurt or wounded in life. Many of us have experienced heart break, un-met expectations, being abandoned, rejected or even abused at the hands of a loved one.
We all know the pain of betrayal and hurt, yet it is imperative that we forgive. Forgiveness is the entry way to a brand new tomorrow. Forgiveness has immense power to transform our lives as we know it.
Forgiveness is more about you, than the person who wounded you. And it helps to remember that people only hurt others when they themselves are in pain. As we recognize the other person’s suffering, our hearts can open in compassion.
We can also remember that at some time or another, we too have hurt someone through our own actions. Through forgiveness, we can experience a shift in our perception.
As we practice the art of forgiveness, we are releasing the past and creating a joy-filled, brighter and bigger future for ourselves and our world.
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." -- Paul Boese
We would love to hear what you have to say about this topic. Please leave your comment below.
We all know the pain of betrayal and hurt, yet it is imperative that we forgive. Forgiveness is the entry way to a brand new tomorrow. Forgiveness has immense power to transform our lives as we know it.
Forgiveness is more about you, than the person who wounded you. And it helps to remember that people only hurt others when they themselves are in pain. As we recognize the other person’s suffering, our hearts can open in compassion.
We can also remember that at some time or another, we too have hurt someone through our own actions. Through forgiveness, we can experience a shift in our perception.
As we practice the art of forgiveness, we are releasing the past and creating a joy-filled, brighter and bigger future for ourselves and our world.
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." -- Paul Boese
We would love to hear what you have to say about this topic. Please leave your comment below.
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Decisions or Choices?
Many people are indecisive. Why? Because most people are afraid of making mistakes, suffering consequences, judgments and criticisms.
I no longer make decisions in my life. I now make choices for my life and they are so much more fulfilling. Let me explain. Decisions are based on logic, rational thought and sensibilities to your family’s situation. Choices are based on energy and the inner wisdom you experience as you remain connected to God. Choices always resonates with the real you and creates fulfillment and satisfaction.
Within you, lies the wisdom of God, who will lead and direct you to your true choices. Choices come from within and decisions come from outside of your authentic self.
Anytime you allow love to lead the way instead of fear, you will most always win. So instead of struggling with being indecisive or even making decisions, try checking within, the right choice is there waiting for you.
Write a comment below and let me know what you think about this post.
I no longer make decisions in my life. I now make choices for my life and they are so much more fulfilling. Let me explain. Decisions are based on logic, rational thought and sensibilities to your family’s situation. Choices are based on energy and the inner wisdom you experience as you remain connected to God. Choices always resonates with the real you and creates fulfillment and satisfaction.
Within you, lies the wisdom of God, who will lead and direct you to your true choices. Choices come from within and decisions come from outside of your authentic self.
Anytime you allow love to lead the way instead of fear, you will most always win. So instead of struggling with being indecisive or even making decisions, try checking within, the right choice is there waiting for you.
Write a comment below and let me know what you think about this post.
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Are You Really Happy?
Are you really happy with your life? Do you wake up each morning ready to live your life with joy, happiness and love? Are you days filled with laughter and pure bliss? Most people that I meet would answer “no” to these questions.
But it does not have to be this way. Life can be joyous and happy for us when we are able to answer three critical and important questions. These questions are: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I here to do?
When the answers to these questions become the most important and central reality of your life, every choice you make and everything you think and do will reflect that reality.
True satisfaction with life will only come when we discover the authentic core of who we really are and what we are placed on the planet to do. When we are aligned with the who, the what and the why God created us, our joy then becomes filled. When that happens, we will be able to say with a loud shout...I am really and truly happy today!!
What choice can you make today that would be truly consistent with who you are and make your life a joy to live?
But it does not have to be this way. Life can be joyous and happy for us when we are able to answer three critical and important questions. These questions are: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I here to do?
When the answers to these questions become the most important and central reality of your life, every choice you make and everything you think and do will reflect that reality.
True satisfaction with life will only come when we discover the authentic core of who we really are and what we are placed on the planet to do. When we are aligned with the who, the what and the why God created us, our joy then becomes filled. When that happens, we will be able to say with a loud shout...I am really and truly happy today!!
What choice can you make today that would be truly consistent with who you are and make your life a joy to live?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Who Are You?
Throughout time, we have been asked, “Do you know who you are?” Most of us would answer by saying, “Yes, I know who I am!” but we are so much more than we are consciously aware of. Our challenge as women is to become conscious of what is now unconscious in us. The time has come for us to explore those parts of our nature that are presently hidden from us so we may express ourselves more authentically.
So the real question would be, “how much of yourself are you really aware of?” Do you really know who you are at your core? It takes time to uncover and discover the authentic you.
Yet it is imperative that we do so and we do it quickly. Our hidden self image is the governing influence in our lives. Everything we think, say and do is a direct reflection of who we believe our selves to be at the core. And the results of those beliefs are producing what you are currently experiencing in your life at this very moment. So if what you are currently experiencing in your life is not what you want, change who you are.
Notice I didn’t say change what you do, I said change who you are. Your defining moment in your life will be when you are willing to let go of who you are not (your false beliefs of yourself) and become who you were born to be. There is in the mind of God a perfect image of who you really are.
When you align yourself with that image, then you will begin to see your life automatically change for the better.
You won’t need to struggle to change habits or gain more will power. You will automatically change effortlessly. So as they say, “to thy own self be true.” Discover the real you and begin to live your best life.
Let me hear from you. Leave your comment below.
So the real question would be, “how much of yourself are you really aware of?” Do you really know who you are at your core? It takes time to uncover and discover the authentic you.
Yet it is imperative that we do so and we do it quickly. Our hidden self image is the governing influence in our lives. Everything we think, say and do is a direct reflection of who we believe our selves to be at the core. And the results of those beliefs are producing what you are currently experiencing in your life at this very moment. So if what you are currently experiencing in your life is not what you want, change who you are.
Notice I didn’t say change what you do, I said change who you are. Your defining moment in your life will be when you are willing to let go of who you are not (your false beliefs of yourself) and become who you were born to be. There is in the mind of God a perfect image of who you really are.
When you align yourself with that image, then you will begin to see your life automatically change for the better.
You won’t need to struggle to change habits or gain more will power. You will automatically change effortlessly. So as they say, “to thy own self be true.” Discover the real you and begin to live your best life.
Let me hear from you. Leave your comment below.
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How Much Love Are You Giving?
How much love are you giving? I work with people everyday who often feel that no one really loves them. Or they wonder if they will ever experience a real love relationship with another.
But the question we all should be asking is...”how much love am I giving?” Because only what we are not giving can be lacking in any situation. The purpose of relationships is to expand us and where our love is conditional, we need expansion. Wanting to be loved when you are not ready or willing to give love is really a very selfish and self serving desire.
Can you love even in the absence of love? Can you love even when it seems that no one is reciprocating?
True love has no expectations...all true love wants to do is love...to give it. So I ask you once again...how much love are you giving? Take a look around you...if your life is not overflowing with love...maybe you are the missing link.
But the question we all should be asking is...”how much love am I giving?” Because only what we are not giving can be lacking in any situation. The purpose of relationships is to expand us and where our love is conditional, we need expansion. Wanting to be loved when you are not ready or willing to give love is really a very selfish and self serving desire.
Can you love even in the absence of love? Can you love even when it seems that no one is reciprocating?
True love has no expectations...all true love wants to do is love...to give it. So I ask you once again...how much love are you giving? Take a look around you...if your life is not overflowing with love...maybe you are the missing link.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Who Do You Judge?
A few years ago I met a woman who just seemed to get on my nerves. Let’s face it! There are some people that you meet and something about their personality feels like fingernails on a black board. Her mannerism, what she said, how she said it just got to me. I was within myself being judgmental.
So I began to surrender my thoughts to God and prayed for a miracle because I didn’t like what I was feeling and thinking. As I got a chance to get to know this woman, one day she began to tell some of us her story. Her story was one of such dysfunction that all I do was cry. Now I understood why she behaved the way she did and why she got under so many people’s skin. She was trying to act like an adult, yet never really having had any functional adulthood modeled for her.
That same behavior on her part that had once brought up judgment from me now brings up compassion from me. The miracle was not that she had changed, but I had changed.
Of course we all judge sometimes, because we have limited understanding and we don’t see the whole story. I’m not telling you to suppress the judgmental thoughts; deny and pretend they don’t exist. Nor should you indulge them in secret. Healing is like a detox, things have to come up in order to be released.
Be honest about your feelings and then release them to God. God cannot take from you what you will not release to Him. When we ask the Spirit of God to enter our thoughts and literally remind us of the truth, we can create a miracle. Behavior from all people is derived from two things: Love or a call for Love.
Many people have shifted away from God until they don’t know how to express themselves and really don’t know how to be their best selves to get their needs met.
If you choose to focus on someone else’s guilt, you will become guilty yourself, no matter how they treat you. If you choose to focus on someone else’s innocence, you will become innocent, even when the other person hasn’t shown it to you. That’s the key to walking in unconditional love. You see the innocence in people no matter what.
Because God created it there, it didn’t go away. It was just covered up by layers of fear that led to dysfunctional fear based behaviors. But a loving vessel knows there’s love inside the person and your power lies in having the faith that it’s there even when the person hasn’t shown it to you. My spiritual power lies in knowing you are a good person even though you may not act like it.
So now each morning when I get up, I remind myself that “today I judge nothing.” We don’t always know people’s story, but we can choose to love in every situation.
So I began to surrender my thoughts to God and prayed for a miracle because I didn’t like what I was feeling and thinking. As I got a chance to get to know this woman, one day she began to tell some of us her story. Her story was one of such dysfunction that all I do was cry. Now I understood why she behaved the way she did and why she got under so many people’s skin. She was trying to act like an adult, yet never really having had any functional adulthood modeled for her.
That same behavior on her part that had once brought up judgment from me now brings up compassion from me. The miracle was not that she had changed, but I had changed.
Of course we all judge sometimes, because we have limited understanding and we don’t see the whole story. I’m not telling you to suppress the judgmental thoughts; deny and pretend they don’t exist. Nor should you indulge them in secret. Healing is like a detox, things have to come up in order to be released.
Be honest about your feelings and then release them to God. God cannot take from you what you will not release to Him. When we ask the Spirit of God to enter our thoughts and literally remind us of the truth, we can create a miracle. Behavior from all people is derived from two things: Love or a call for Love.
Many people have shifted away from God until they don’t know how to express themselves and really don’t know how to be their best selves to get their needs met.
If you choose to focus on someone else’s guilt, you will become guilty yourself, no matter how they treat you. If you choose to focus on someone else’s innocence, you will become innocent, even when the other person hasn’t shown it to you. That’s the key to walking in unconditional love. You see the innocence in people no matter what.
Because God created it there, it didn’t go away. It was just covered up by layers of fear that led to dysfunctional fear based behaviors. But a loving vessel knows there’s love inside the person and your power lies in having the faith that it’s there even when the person hasn’t shown it to you. My spiritual power lies in knowing you are a good person even though you may not act like it.
So now each morning when I get up, I remind myself that “today I judge nothing.” We don’t always know people’s story, but we can choose to love in every situation.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Awaken Your Global Heart
For years we have been inundated with information on personal growth, spiritual growth and self help...and we all get the concept. But now we have reached a pivotal point in history whereby we must begin turn this knowledge into action and move this collective conversation forward. In doing so we will shape the future for our daughters.
I try very hard not to read the newspaper or listen to the news...but lately my mother has made it a point to keep me updated on all of the natural disasters that have been happening around the world. From earthquakes to erupting volcanoes and more. The screaming emergencies of these disasters challenged all of us to look deep within our hearts and wallets to help.
But what about the silent screams within the hearts of so many women around the world that are never heard? Daily my inbox and my telephone get flooded with stories from women around the world who are hurting and suffering from what I call an "identity crisis." Having been told they are ugly, fat, not pretty enough, not smart enough and just "not the one?"
While I thank God to have been one of the ones chosen to listen and even on occasion offer help...there is so much more to be done. I'm reminded in the animal species, how the fierce the female can become when she feels her young are being threatened. As with the Hyenas...the adult females encircle their baby hyenas while they're feeding and will not let the adult male get anywhere near the food until the babies have been fed.
So I began to ask the question? Who's protecting our daughters? From what you might ask? From the biggest predators of them all, "THE MEDIA." The influence of the media, such as the internet, television, and radio, has threatened the very existence of our daughters. Our daughters are in a crisis....but what's even more alarming? So are the MOTHERS!!! So who's protecting who? No One!!
Ladies our sisters and their daughters are suffering...and suffering on a level I have never witnessed before. I've worked with women and girls for over 20 years, and I have never seen such heart break, on this level...never! We must forge forward collectively to slay this giant that is trying to wipe out a species.
What can we contribute to bring an end to the suffering of the world? Isn’t that why we’re all here? All of us must do our very best to alleviate suffering? Someone once said, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice. It really can be and those of us who have heard the call to “heal the broken”, the time has come to awaken your global heart.
If enough of us move beyond getting what "I want” to "what WE need”...we in return will begin to change the planet....to protect......to restore...to re-establish.
While all of us do our individual effort to make a difference in the lives of many...I'm calling for a collective effort of life coaches, teachers, ministers, authors and speaker to awaken your global heart. It’s time to live our lives with impeccable responsibility. Your mission, your purpose and your vision for life is larger than any challenge or issue you are facing today. Let’s all get busy pursuing purpose and sharing our gifts in a more powerful way while holding onto this one reality..."The power of possibility is greater than any wound that binds them to the past."
I try very hard not to read the newspaper or listen to the news...but lately my mother has made it a point to keep me updated on all of the natural disasters that have been happening around the world. From earthquakes to erupting volcanoes and more. The screaming emergencies of these disasters challenged all of us to look deep within our hearts and wallets to help.
But what about the silent screams within the hearts of so many women around the world that are never heard? Daily my inbox and my telephone get flooded with stories from women around the world who are hurting and suffering from what I call an "identity crisis." Having been told they are ugly, fat, not pretty enough, not smart enough and just "not the one?"
While I thank God to have been one of the ones chosen to listen and even on occasion offer help...there is so much more to be done. I'm reminded in the animal species, how the fierce the female can become when she feels her young are being threatened. As with the Hyenas...the adult females encircle their baby hyenas while they're feeding and will not let the adult male get anywhere near the food until the babies have been fed.
So I began to ask the question? Who's protecting our daughters? From what you might ask? From the biggest predators of them all, "THE MEDIA." The influence of the media, such as the internet, television, and radio, has threatened the very existence of our daughters. Our daughters are in a crisis....but what's even more alarming? So are the MOTHERS!!! So who's protecting who? No One!!
Ladies our sisters and their daughters are suffering...and suffering on a level I have never witnessed before. I've worked with women and girls for over 20 years, and I have never seen such heart break, on this level...never! We must forge forward collectively to slay this giant that is trying to wipe out a species.
What can we contribute to bring an end to the suffering of the world? Isn’t that why we’re all here? All of us must do our very best to alleviate suffering? Someone once said, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice. It really can be and those of us who have heard the call to “heal the broken”, the time has come to awaken your global heart.
If enough of us move beyond getting what "I want” to "what WE need”...we in return will begin to change the planet....to protect......to restore...to re-establish.
While all of us do our individual effort to make a difference in the lives of many...I'm calling for a collective effort of life coaches, teachers, ministers, authors and speaker to awaken your global heart. It’s time to live our lives with impeccable responsibility. Your mission, your purpose and your vision for life is larger than any challenge or issue you are facing today. Let’s all get busy pursuing purpose and sharing our gifts in a more powerful way while holding onto this one reality..."The power of possibility is greater than any wound that binds them to the past."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Where is the Love?
There are numerous of books out that offers advice on how to find true love. They tell you to get a new makeover, lose some weight, make a detailed list of your requirements or even go hang out where eligible single folks hang.
While all of these things are certain to help you find your love, they do not promise true love. Because that kind of love can never be found outside of oneself, it can only be found within.
Whenever we look for something outside of ourselves, we are saying that we don’t already have it. But when it comes to love, that just isn’t really true. The truth is we do have love. Love resides within all of us.
To understand this, we must first come to realize that we are all connected to a Life Force, The Love Powersource…God. God is love, pure and simple. And we all have been given the capacity to connect with, become one with God. As we begin to accept and allow this connection to grow and evolve, we become the very essence of love we seek.
But when we go looking for what we already possess, it’s like walking around the in a panic looking for your keys, not realizing they are already in your hands. Once you realize you are holding your keys, do you continue to look for them? Of course, not. You immediately begin to use your keys to unlock the door or whatever you needed them for.
Once you realize that you have love already exist within, you now can begin looking for ways to share it with the world. Compassion, forgiveness, and peace within becomes your home. You begin to live your life from a space of fulfillment instead of need or void. Then guess what will happen? The love you’re already experiencing will also show up in your life wrapped in the package of your divine right mate. Become that which you seek and your life will never be the same!!
While all of these things are certain to help you find your love, they do not promise true love. Because that kind of love can never be found outside of oneself, it can only be found within.
Whenever we look for something outside of ourselves, we are saying that we don’t already have it. But when it comes to love, that just isn’t really true. The truth is we do have love. Love resides within all of us.
To understand this, we must first come to realize that we are all connected to a Life Force, The Love Powersource…God. God is love, pure and simple. And we all have been given the capacity to connect with, become one with God. As we begin to accept and allow this connection to grow and evolve, we become the very essence of love we seek.
But when we go looking for what we already possess, it’s like walking around the in a panic looking for your keys, not realizing they are already in your hands. Once you realize you are holding your keys, do you continue to look for them? Of course, not. You immediately begin to use your keys to unlock the door or whatever you needed them for.
Once you realize that you have love already exist within, you now can begin looking for ways to share it with the world. Compassion, forgiveness, and peace within becomes your home. You begin to live your life from a space of fulfillment instead of need or void. Then guess what will happen? The love you’re already experiencing will also show up in your life wrapped in the package of your divine right mate. Become that which you seek and your life will never be the same!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Are You Ashame to Die?
Horace Mann once said, "Be Ashamed to Die until You Have Won Some Victory for Humanity." Many people think this quote is a call for you to do something huge or extraordinary for all the world to see. Absolutely not! I don’t believe this is what Mr. Mann was speaking about.
There are numerous things that we can do to make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter each and every single day. We can begin by loving the people we live with more. By telling them each and every day what they already should know…that you love them. While our children, spouses, siblings and parents already know this to be true, telling them just reinforces and enhances it more.
There are many things we can do in our daily journey through life for humanity and to make this planet better than it was before we arrived on it. Why don’t you try doing something special today for that boss who seems to give you hell on the job?
You never know what he goes though each morning before he arrives to work. Perhaps this could be the cause of his behavior towards you.
What about your neighbors? When was the last time you baked a delicious dessert for them simply because you wanted to brighten up their day. Just doing so could make a person feel valued when the rest of the world sees him/her as invisible. What you do for others will be multiplied back towards you. Because in giving, we really do receive.
It’s those small things that goes un-noticed and never make the news that keeps this world alive and turning. Those things like paying the tab for the car behind you in the fast food drive through window or offering to baby sit for the young couple at church who have three small children. What about volunteering at the women’s shelter to mop and clean the bathrooms? We don’t always need to be awarded and highlighted on television, write a book, sing a hit song or give an amazing presentation to have it said that we made a significant contribution to the planet.
It really is about using what’s in your hand and expressing it with your heart that will make this world a better place to live. It will also allow us to die without shame but with a sense of purpose, worth and value. Then Horace Mann will have declared the truth for us all.
There are numerous things that we can do to make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter each and every single day. We can begin by loving the people we live with more. By telling them each and every day what they already should know…that you love them. While our children, spouses, siblings and parents already know this to be true, telling them just reinforces and enhances it more.
There are many things we can do in our daily journey through life for humanity and to make this planet better than it was before we arrived on it. Why don’t you try doing something special today for that boss who seems to give you hell on the job?
You never know what he goes though each morning before he arrives to work. Perhaps this could be the cause of his behavior towards you.
What about your neighbors? When was the last time you baked a delicious dessert for them simply because you wanted to brighten up their day. Just doing so could make a person feel valued when the rest of the world sees him/her as invisible. What you do for others will be multiplied back towards you. Because in giving, we really do receive.
It’s those small things that goes un-noticed and never make the news that keeps this world alive and turning. Those things like paying the tab for the car behind you in the fast food drive through window or offering to baby sit for the young couple at church who have three small children. What about volunteering at the women’s shelter to mop and clean the bathrooms? We don’t always need to be awarded and highlighted on television, write a book, sing a hit song or give an amazing presentation to have it said that we made a significant contribution to the planet.
It really is about using what’s in your hand and expressing it with your heart that will make this world a better place to live. It will also allow us to die without shame but with a sense of purpose, worth and value. Then Horace Mann will have declared the truth for us all.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Where Do You Choose To Live?
One of the things I love about this journey called life is the many lessons that comes our way. Often time people or situations show up in our lives to teach us valuable lessons about who we are and where we are.
I was recently confronted with an issue that challenged me in a way I had not been tested in a very long time. In the midst of this challenge, I must admit that I was tempted to shift from my place of love and allowing to a place of resistance and protection.
Although I chose to remain on God’s ground of love, I did feel a little resistance at first. But I immediately shifted and began to remind myself that I have chosen to live from a space of love and not fear. I could choose to react or I could choose to respond….I chose the latter.
I reminded myself of who I was and who am constantly becoming, regardless of what someone else’s opinion of me may or may not be. I realized that we can never convince a person of something different when their minds are already made up. As Bergson says, “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”
We have no control over how we are perceived, we do however, have control over how we choose to love. When we understand that all things happen in life to teach us something about ourselves, we will blame less and learn to grow more. I am grateful for this test because it forced me to take a deeper look within myself for places where I may be in need of more love or more healing.
So the next time you are hit with a situation that challenges you, take the time to ask yourself “what is really happening here?” “What am I to learn from this?” I passed this test with flying colors. And what happens when you pass a test? You get promoted!! Now that calls for a celebration!
Will we make mistakes in life? Of course we will. Will we get it wrong sometimes? Absolutely! Will others misinterpret who you are? You better believe they will. But when this happens, will you respond or will you react? Where you have chosen to live, love or fear, will determine your next promotion in life.
I was recently confronted with an issue that challenged me in a way I had not been tested in a very long time. In the midst of this challenge, I must admit that I was tempted to shift from my place of love and allowing to a place of resistance and protection.
Although I chose to remain on God’s ground of love, I did feel a little resistance at first. But I immediately shifted and began to remind myself that I have chosen to live from a space of love and not fear. I could choose to react or I could choose to respond….I chose the latter.
I reminded myself of who I was and who am constantly becoming, regardless of what someone else’s opinion of me may or may not be. I realized that we can never convince a person of something different when their minds are already made up. As Bergson says, “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”
We have no control over how we are perceived, we do however, have control over how we choose to love. When we understand that all things happen in life to teach us something about ourselves, we will blame less and learn to grow more. I am grateful for this test because it forced me to take a deeper look within myself for places where I may be in need of more love or more healing.
So the next time you are hit with a situation that challenges you, take the time to ask yourself “what is really happening here?” “What am I to learn from this?” I passed this test with flying colors. And what happens when you pass a test? You get promoted!! Now that calls for a celebration!
Will we make mistakes in life? Of course we will. Will we get it wrong sometimes? Absolutely! Will others misinterpret who you are? You better believe they will. But when this happens, will you respond or will you react? Where you have chosen to live, love or fear, will determine your next promotion in life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Let The Sunshine In!
Today was an absolutely beautiful day here in Columbia, SC. The sun was shining; it was not too hot or too cold...it was just perfect. But the weather man is calling for cooler temperatures and thunder storms on Thursday. Isn’t that exactly how our lives can be sometimes? One day everything is great and the next day it seems that all hell has broken loose.
It’s in those times when we must understand that life is going to happen to all of us. We can’t prevent things from happening. It’s just the way it is. We will have some sunny days and then we will have some rainy days, but it’s the meaning we give to the experience that determines our outcome. If we allow the circumstances in our lives to change our outlook on the life or our emotions to dictate our responses to life’s challenges, we will always find ourselves on the up and down roller coaster. Don’t allow external events in your life to control your internal state. Joy comes from within and from knowing that this too will pass.
So today I will enjoy the beautiful sunshine and with laughter in my heart and on Thursday I’m going to also enjoy the day with laughter, but I won’t forget my umbrella.
It’s in those times when we must understand that life is going to happen to all of us. We can’t prevent things from happening. It’s just the way it is. We will have some sunny days and then we will have some rainy days, but it’s the meaning we give to the experience that determines our outcome. If we allow the circumstances in our lives to change our outlook on the life or our emotions to dictate our responses to life’s challenges, we will always find ourselves on the up and down roller coaster. Don’t allow external events in your life to control your internal state. Joy comes from within and from knowing that this too will pass.
So today I will enjoy the beautiful sunshine and with laughter in my heart and on Thursday I’m going to also enjoy the day with laughter, but I won’t forget my umbrella.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Dare To Be Different!
When I began my path of personal growth, one of the things I had to do was to step away from the pack. In order for me to gain control of my life and my destiny, I had to move away from the loudness of everyone else’s voice, so I could hear the whispers of God’s Voice.
Moving away from the group or the tribe can be a difficult transition, but a necessary one. It can become difficult because when you move from being a willing and obedient member of the pack, you risk being labeled as a rebel. But the move is necessary when you are ready to answer the call and assignment placed on your life.
We have been trained to believe that conformity is right and individualism is wrong. But at what point are you willing to release your fear of being unique and different? It is when we step away from the group that we find our real authentic self, our power and we become open to new possibilities.
In order to create the kind of change that will bring about a better world for all of us, we must step away from the pack to discover new ways of doing things. We must ask the hard questions, we must become adventurous and daring. It is when we make these new discoveries and find the new answers that we can share with the rest of the world; we will learn that together we can all create lasting change.
Martin Luther King was not afraid, Nelson Mandela was not afraid, Ghandi was not afraid, Oprah was not afraid, Obama was not afraid and Jesus certainly was not afraid. What are you waiting on? Stop waiting on other’s approval; quit vying to be accepted or popular. It takes courage to step away from the pack and shift into becoming a leader of the pack.
A new era is approaching and we need leaders to rise up and dare to be different and unique. Risk the labels if you must, risk being an outsider if you will, but do what is necessary and everyone will benefit. Because in doing so, not only will you have shifted from being a member of the pack, you have now become their leader and their servant. A servant leader is not a rebel, but a rare breed! Now that’s what I called daring to be different.
Moving away from the group or the tribe can be a difficult transition, but a necessary one. It can become difficult because when you move from being a willing and obedient member of the pack, you risk being labeled as a rebel. But the move is necessary when you are ready to answer the call and assignment placed on your life.
We have been trained to believe that conformity is right and individualism is wrong. But at what point are you willing to release your fear of being unique and different? It is when we step away from the group that we find our real authentic self, our power and we become open to new possibilities.
In order to create the kind of change that will bring about a better world for all of us, we must step away from the pack to discover new ways of doing things. We must ask the hard questions, we must become adventurous and daring. It is when we make these new discoveries and find the new answers that we can share with the rest of the world; we will learn that together we can all create lasting change.
Martin Luther King was not afraid, Nelson Mandela was not afraid, Ghandi was not afraid, Oprah was not afraid, Obama was not afraid and Jesus certainly was not afraid. What are you waiting on? Stop waiting on other’s approval; quit vying to be accepted or popular. It takes courage to step away from the pack and shift into becoming a leader of the pack.
A new era is approaching and we need leaders to rise up and dare to be different and unique. Risk the labels if you must, risk being an outsider if you will, but do what is necessary and everyone will benefit. Because in doing so, not only will you have shifted from being a member of the pack, you have now become their leader and their servant. A servant leader is not a rebel, but a rare breed! Now that’s what I called daring to be different.
Monday, February 8, 2010
What's Your Motive?
Have you ever wondered why you do some of the things that you do?
Asking ourselves 'why?' helps us to dig deeper into our motives -- why we do what we do.
Often times we do things for the wrong reasons and when our motives are wrong or unclear, the results can sometimes be damaging for all involved. Just this weekend I had a situation to arise that I was not pleased with my response. While my response didn’t cause any real damage to anyone, except my own self disappointment, it did cause me to re-examine my real motives. It was not a pleasant experience for me, but a necessary one.
Interesting enough all human actions stem from motives. It is our job to make sure that we are absolutely clear about our motives for doing or saying anything. I want to encourage you to start right now and ask yourself, “Why am I….?” Listen very closely for the answer that surfaces and write it down. Listen with your heart, not with your reasoning mind. Your heart will yield you the truth. Once you have written your answer, look at it and ask why again. Continue with this process until you reach the true source of your motives. You will know the truth in your heart and in your body.
Once we identify our underlying motives for doing anything, we can also choose to change them if we wish. Keeping our motives pure challenges us to tell the truth even when no one knows the truth but you. The right motives will always contribute to the good of everyone and the results can create massive transformation not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others as well.
Asking ourselves 'why?' helps us to dig deeper into our motives -- why we do what we do.
Often times we do things for the wrong reasons and when our motives are wrong or unclear, the results can sometimes be damaging for all involved. Just this weekend I had a situation to arise that I was not pleased with my response. While my response didn’t cause any real damage to anyone, except my own self disappointment, it did cause me to re-examine my real motives. It was not a pleasant experience for me, but a necessary one.
Interesting enough all human actions stem from motives. It is our job to make sure that we are absolutely clear about our motives for doing or saying anything. I want to encourage you to start right now and ask yourself, “Why am I….?” Listen very closely for the answer that surfaces and write it down. Listen with your heart, not with your reasoning mind. Your heart will yield you the truth. Once you have written your answer, look at it and ask why again. Continue with this process until you reach the true source of your motives. You will know the truth in your heart and in your body.
Once we identify our underlying motives for doing anything, we can also choose to change them if we wish. Keeping our motives pure challenges us to tell the truth even when no one knows the truth but you. The right motives will always contribute to the good of everyone and the results can create massive transformation not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others as well.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I'm Not That Woman!
A few months ago I was riding in the car just thinking about how much I have changed since starting this love lifestyle journey, years ago. My life has really changed and so have I. I am clearer about who I am and what I want and I truly love myself authentically. For those of you who know my story, you also know this journey began in 1994 when my friend asked me the question that would change my life forever. She asked me, “What do you want?”
It was at that moment, I realized I couldn’t answer the question. I didn't know what I wanted because I had no clue of who I really was. Today, I know exactly who I am and what I want. And I was reminded of that during my recent car ride, that “I’m Not That Woman.”
I’m no longer the woman who my friend asked that question to in 1994. No, I am transformed into the creative, brilliant, magnificent divine woman that God created me to be. And more importantly, I love this woman.
When we become clear about who we really are and who we really have become, we also become clear about who we are not. I must warn you, however, that people will still try to treat you as if you were that former person. It’s because they refuse to accept the fact that she no longer exists. They refuse to accept the fact that she now lives life on her own terms not trying to please and get the approval of others any longer. There are times when my husband and children forget that I am no longer a slave to their every want and needs. They sometimes forget that I have given myself permission to put me first.
When this happens, I gently remind them with a loud shout “I’m Not That Woman!” I cannot tell you how good it feels to be “this woman.” So the next time someone tries to mistaken you for the “old you”, just gently remind them as I do with a loud shout, “I’m Not That Woman!” I can promise you it will feel fantastic!!
Book Angela now for “The I’m Not That Woman Tour” starting the Fall of 2010. Be on the lookout for soon to be released, CD single, “I’m Not That Woman” and The “I’m Not That Woman” product line.
It was at that moment, I realized I couldn’t answer the question. I didn't know what I wanted because I had no clue of who I really was. Today, I know exactly who I am and what I want. And I was reminded of that during my recent car ride, that “I’m Not That Woman.”
I’m no longer the woman who my friend asked that question to in 1994. No, I am transformed into the creative, brilliant, magnificent divine woman that God created me to be. And more importantly, I love this woman.
When we become clear about who we really are and who we really have become, we also become clear about who we are not. I must warn you, however, that people will still try to treat you as if you were that former person. It’s because they refuse to accept the fact that she no longer exists. They refuse to accept the fact that she now lives life on her own terms not trying to please and get the approval of others any longer. There are times when my husband and children forget that I am no longer a slave to their every want and needs. They sometimes forget that I have given myself permission to put me first.
When this happens, I gently remind them with a loud shout “I’m Not That Woman!” I cannot tell you how good it feels to be “this woman.” So the next time someone tries to mistaken you for the “old you”, just gently remind them as I do with a loud shout, “I’m Not That Woman!” I can promise you it will feel fantastic!!
Book Angela now for “The I’m Not That Woman Tour” starting the Fall of 2010. Be on the lookout for soon to be released, CD single, “I’m Not That Woman” and The “I’m Not That Woman” product line.
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