tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12190912938129624432024-03-13T13:20:00.466-05:00In Love and LightMichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-35477577933020477882013-05-13T07:24:00.000-05:002013-05-13T07:24:00.311-05:00Quote of the Week
“Straightaway the ideas flow in upon
me, directly from God.” Johannes Brahms. <br />
<br />
I love this bit of encouragement…
well at least that’s how I see it. So many of us believe in God,
but don’t always believe in an interactive or cooperative God. We
ask for so many things, either forgetting or just not knowing that
our thoughts are living energy. They reverberate out into the
universe, pulsating and beating with a perfectly set frequency that
will draw unto it things that match that specific frequency.
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When these ideas or desires come to us
they are an answer to something. An answer to what? Heck if I know,
it depends on the thought, idea, the moment. Based on our every
experience we make decisions all day long about what we want to see
more of, what we never ever want to see again and some things we’re
just neutral on. The Universe is constantly responding to these
decisions, whether they are made consciously or unconsciously, which
is why it benefits us all to take time each day to consider the ideas
that we’ve been pondering and whether or not we want to associate
with those things. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Often we spend so much time pondering
(whatever we've been pondering) that we tire ourselves out or shift
positions, having a change in perspective. The Universe always
responds to our thinking, and often we get idea after idea regarding
things we’d like to do to improve upon our lives, whether it’s
buying a pretty house plant or moving across the country for a
different opportunity. Ideas are gifts from God, in answer to the
thought energy we consistently push out into this vibrantly beating
universe. And since they come from God, it only makes sense that the
Source of all existence would provide all the tools needed to make
those ideas/dreams become a reality. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps we should all take some time
see whether we are taking these ideas, accepting these wonderful
gifts, or disregarding them, resisting these gifts. Ultimately as
with any gift opportunity, the choice is ours on whether or not we
will accept or reject the wonders the universe has to offer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just and Idea... ;)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love,</div>
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-27825569948947858222013-05-10T07:45:00.000-05:002013-05-10T07:45:00.218-05:00Progress... Or Whatever.
I once read, that progress is more synonymous to moving two steps
forward and one step back, VS the straight forward motion a lot of us
have come to expect. To be honest my human mind often finds this
process most annoying, I mean really, why do I gotta' go backward at
all? *Appalled<b>*</b> Totally a breeding ground for frustration.
When I've hurtled a milestone, the last thing I want to do is find
myself, somehow, standing in front of THAT SAME EXACT MILESTONE! I
mean really, what is that? How unfair?! Who wants to backtrack when
they can just keep on trucking, right? (OK tantrum over... maybe)<br />
<br />
Well ... over the course of time I have come to realize that
hearing “progress” defined or explained in these terms was
actually kind of validating (Have I lost my mind? Well maybe, but
that's beside the point... just this one time). In retrospect, there
have been SO many times when I've felt like a miserable failure at
life (harsh, yeah I know), staying in the same spot, having no
apparent growth, just down on myself, hard on myself for seemingly
repeating the same crap over and over (Wait... did I say something
even remotely close to LIKING this process? I must be a glutton for
punishment... *sigh*). <br />
<br />
Even with all the mighty mountains of frustration caused by
growth, it feels even just a little bit better, knowing that
regardless of the seemingly repetitive nature of my experiences, I AM
actually moving forward. The notion that I am in some ways handling
the events of my life, even slightly, better than before is somehow
encouraging. Imagine that. And you know what else? After a while of
handling things in a more productive manner, those repetitive
situations somehow seem to just diminish into nonexistence.<br />
<br />
I wonder why that might be? ;)<br />
<br />
Just a little something to think about.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
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<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-35668503725425817832013-05-06T07:10:00.000-05:002013-05-06T07:10:00.594-05:00Quote of the Week
“God must become an activity in our
consciousness.” Joel S. Goldsmith
<br />
<br />
To be honest, when I first selected
this quote, I had no idea why. Even, still, as I worked at it later
on... three days later to be exact, I only knew there was something
about this particular collection of words, that called to the very
essence, that is me. Something about these words makes me feel
uplifted and alive. Something about these words feels…so…right.
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because I am somehow connected to them.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“What?” you ask. (Probably glancing
at your computer screen with a raised eyebrow, I know, I often do
too.)</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But as strange as it sounds, I feel a
connection with these words, a connection to the idea, the essence of
these words. That causes my mind to turn and turn and truly wonder
about God, about the true essence of The Creator of All Existence,
about the Source that lives in every, single vibrating thing in this
universe. These words truly make me ponder, what it is to truly and
consciously incorporate that God essence into every aspect of our
lives.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes I'm aware that at our core, we are
made of that very same Source energy, thus the essence of Source is
already incorporated into our lives, but I find myself wondering how
often we actively/consciously use it? How much do we seek interaction
and communion with this energy? How often do we ponder and reflect
upon the true meanings of what this energy often tries to relay to
us? How often do we quiet the thoughts from the ego/human mind to
hear the steady, sure voice of the God force within? How often do we
acknowledge that this living, pulsating energy is truly there,
healing us, moving us, guiding us in all of the ways we’ve asked
for… and more?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do we truly invite the love of God into
our lives, our hearts, our minds? Or out of fear, do we resist it,
because so many times it leads us in directions that we are
unfamiliar with and dare I say…frightened of?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I challenge us all, to take fifteen
minutes out of each day, to merge our own consciousness with the God
force energy, residing within, in order to commune with spirit and
allow The Creator to shine through as we all initially intended.
</div>
<br />
Love,<br />
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-59980881698414296642013-05-03T07:47:00.000-05:002013-05-03T07:47:00.749-05:00The Censor… Oh Will You Shut Up Please?! <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What might this censor be that I
clearly want to do away with? It’s me… well sort of. Now before
you decide to wrestle me into a white coat and check me into a loony
bin, hear me out. As we go through life we are often told that we
cannot trust ourselves and that the innate feeling(s) within, that
gives us gentle guidance is selfish or self-serving, wrong and any
other manner of non-positive things. We are 'guilted' (I did indeed
say guilted) out of trusting and caring for ourselves, in lieu of a
more acceptable view that society, our parents, our teachers, etc
would prefer to impose upon us, so that we will be more willing to do
for others than for ourselves.</div>
<br />
As we spend life learning to trust the
“wisdom” of others instead of the guidance of our own personal
source from within, we begin to accept the outside “wisdom” as
our own, learning to disregard the innate true wisdom from within.
This “wisdom” (like how I keep putting that in quotes?) is the
censor. It has inherently become a part of us, some call it the human
mind, ego, logical brain, you know, that place where we store all the
info we’ve learned and observed as to what is supposed to be right
according to the approved standards of others (teachers, church,
government, parents, etc). Over time this voice begins to drown out
the natural inclination of the true wisdom within. This is the voice
that tells us we are “Selfish” (yes with a capital 'S') for not
putting the needs and desires of others before our own. It tries to
tell us what we can and can’t do based on what feels “safe” not
based on what feels “right.” The censor is us being mean to
ourselves because that’s what we’ve learned to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I like to mentally and sometimes
verbally slap my sensor around when she rears her meanie poo little
head. I imagine her as a miniature clown, with a white pointed hat,
topped with a large puffball. A painted face with, oversized red
circles on each cheek… and a self esteem issue. The more I try to
ignore her the louder she tries to be, wanting to force me to remain
locked in the familiar (because that’s what society has told me I
should do, stay in my place right?) vs wanting me to grow and expand
into the unknown. When she gets too loud, I envision her just as I
described above and I laugh at her. The imagery is too silly, to do
anything but. Sometimes I even imagine myself laughing directly in
her face, especially when she is trying to do her worst and then it's
all the more fun imagining her shocked face at my disdain regarding
her down-talk.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lately I have come to realize that, yes
this is all something that is a part of me, but it did not originally
come from me, and it is something I can acknowledge and change in
order to be nicer to myself.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next time you find that censor
flaring up, you’ll know, because the internal talk will be
guilt-ridden and negative, words and phrases to bring you down and
diminish you, try to steal the power from it. Tell that voice to
simmer down, so the quiet voice of source can be heard above the
ruckus.
</div>
<br />
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-88949094097926243212013-04-29T07:46:00.000-05:002013-04-29T07:46:00.062-05:00Quote of the Week
“Why indeed must “God” be a noun?
Why not a verb… the most active and dynamic of all?” Mary Daly<br />
<br />
An amazing proposal if I do say so
myself. In a meeting I recently participated in with some amazingly
spirited women, we discussed this fantastic concept. Why fantastic?
Why not? How many people even consider the notion of adopting this
type of POV about God... The Universe... Source...The Creator? Most
tend to see The Creator as a larger than life being, towering over
all of humanity, deciding our worth based on our every little
thought, word and action. But what if God is really so much more?<br />
<br />
What if we saw God as life in motion?
What if we saw God as the true life force in which all of us are
linked? What if we saw or even FELT God as the inspiration that moves
us through life, in every second, of every moment, of every day? What
if, when we felt that tingling rush of excitement, over something new
and unknown we just KNEW that it was the force of God moving through
us, propelling us forward, with love and strength into the most
exalted lives we could ever begin to hope for? <br />
<br />
What if we viewed God as the forever
changing, constantly shifting, refreshingly revitalizing energy that
truly is life?<br />
<br />
What if…?<br />
<br />
Just a little something to think about.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-67392280255291148142013-04-26T07:24:00.000-05:002013-04-26T07:24:00.789-05:00In The Moment…Where have I been these last couple of…
well you know, who’s counting the length of time I’ve been on MIA
status anyway? *sweeps data under rug* The point is that I keep
coming back to what I love. And this is a mighty fine lesson I’ve
been learning from the universe, that no matter how long I’ve been
“off-track,” I can always come back. *grumbles something about
annoying lessons of the universe...* <br />
<br />
The journey has truly been taking me
for a roller coaster ride, jerking me in every which way, and I still
haven’t managed to find the exit! *EEK!* If it’s not one thing it
feels like another and really, when do I even find time to breathe?
Constantly it seemed (seems) my mind was and is on constant overload.
Always trying to figure something out or make plans for some up and
coming experience. Wait… figuring it out? Didn’t I have some post
like six months ago about NOT trying to figure it out? What happened
to letting go and all that poppycock?! And yet here I’ve been,
seemingly reverting back to old mindsets *shakes sense into self*…
or have I *stops the shaking for a moment*? <br />
<br />
Often I stop and wonder if I am
reverting and how it may be hindering my possible progress. But then
again, if I am actually able to take notice and recognize my
consistent behaviors, am I really reverting back to the same spot? Or
am I looking at similar circumstances from a different perspective,
so that I am now actually gaining new perspective and expansion about
it? Of course... then after all that pondering I have to consider...
(yes after having said ALL of that) how much all of that pondering
really matters anyway. When it comes down to it, it’s all about
being able to let go and allowing the universe to work its magic
(which really just means getting out of the way) as much as we
possibly can. The best way to allow is just to trust in the universe
and live in the moment.<br />
<br />
When we can enjoy each moment as it
comes, we are able to be open to new possibilities, new worlds,
worlds that we never would have been able to consider fathoming,
because when we are operating from the vastly unlimited source from
within,EVERYTHING is more than possible, it becomes reality. If we
are living in the moment and stepping out on faith (regardless of our
specific doctrines or belief systems (or even lack there of), life
is a new treasure, a new journey in each and every moment that we
chose to breathe the breath of life! <br />
<br />
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-55843039247058977682013-01-13T15:25:00.000-06:002013-01-13T15:25:16.060-06:00Letting Go...... For real this time. Well I've been missing for a bit <strike>threeish months</strike>, but no one's counting, right? You know when you ask for change it's always good to be prepared for anything. If only I could take my own advice, because I've been informed on numerous occasions that I give great advice. I've had a lot of things in the works for quite some time, how long I can't really say... but again no one's really counting right? However the consistent factor in me not receiving quite a few things, is my need for control.<br />
<br />
Hi, my name is Michelle and I'm a control freak. I'm not one of those types who tries to force everyone around to do her bidding, or else. No, that's a bit too much even for me. I'm the type of control freak that wants experiences to happen the way I envision them. There is an underlying fear that if my requests are answered in any way, other that what I envisioned, they won't turn out as good. Thus, I am unable to truly let go, which is a very serious problem.<br />
<br />
See the thing is I, from my limited human perspective, don't actually know everything, as much as I'd like to pretend I do. And in my resistance to experiences outside of my current perspective I am potentially cutting off the exact experiences I've been asking for. Neale Donald Walsch says, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Probably one of the most insightful quotes I've ever read, however consciously difficult to apply in every day life, because so many of us are only willing to trust in what's familiar. <br />
<br />
The things is, in my experiences the best gifts have always come in the most unsuspecting packages. A person would think that I'd learn from that and just trust in the universe. Well I'm putting my money where my mouth is (I really don't understand that saying, but whatever lol). Over and over it's been reaffirmed that I truly DON'T know it all, and when I get the hell out of the way and allow the universe to do it's work, I am always surprised at how the universe truly shows up on my behalf in ways I'd never even thought to consider.<br />
<br />
Score:<br />
Universe - 254,365,125,565,455,125,845,458,231.23<br />
Michelle - Zip<br />
<br />
Letting go - Priceless<br />
<br />
Talk to you all later.<br />
Love,<br />
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<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-41116351732531703082012-09-17T07:39:00.000-05:002012-09-17T07:39:00.711-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am realistic, I expect miracles.” Wayne Dyer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often the idea of realism is aligned with pessimism, more so
focused on what we think we can’t do instead of what is or could be possible.
But this, this is a WONDERFUL take on realism! Since we are the ones who create
our own individual realities, then realism is an extension of our beliefs. So
what if we could mold our beliefs such that we honestly and truly believe, down
to the depths of our souls, that anything and everything is possible? What most,
see as miraculous would be our intended and expected reality, every, single,
day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-30286442076184893042012-09-14T07:35:00.000-05:002012-09-14T07:35:00.644-05:00Figuring it Out Vs. Allowing it to Happen<br />
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This is by far one of my biggest struggles. I am one of
those control freak type people (hey don’t judge me) that likes to know from
step A –Z, how I’m going to accomplish something, whether it’s a trip to the grocery
store or buying a new car. If I don’t already know HOW I’m going to get
something then I feel like I must “figure it out.” But that’s not really the
point of all this life stuff is it?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Aren’t we supposed to be enjoying the journey of life
unfolding, while trusting in the universe and allowing the potential of all
there is to bring us exactly what we’ve desired? I mean, at least that’s what
I’ve been studying since… you know… birth. Though I know the process, this
allowing, this letting go of the control is by far one of my greatest points of
expansion. </div>
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<br /></div>
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All through life we are basically told we should have all
the answers and if we don’t have them we should find them. But what does this
cause other than stress and a general lack of appreciation for what we have? In
searching for something “better” we often lose focus on what we’ve already
accomplished and push aside the importance of being grateful for what we
already have.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What if today, we all decided to put just a little more
energy into appreciating NOW (‘cause that’s all we really have anyway) and
releasing the control over the things we frankly don’t know the answers too? I
bet if we just allowed ourselves to feel genuinely good about what we have,
we’d be one step closer to manifesting those things we so desire.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In the words of someone I totally adore, “Just a little
something to think about.”<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwHJOs6-Oq5COhfa3_J8RTeEPIJ5bMq1E2ZX_Lp-DSYBXu21mf60Ip44MDebRs5Ay3I0MDIwU-rXvXJne1-Tkc43eVYyv1Kvv_hRG4iS8e8Q_cXc-4bxYwwbCyHRrWlFBsgewLu70BY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwHJOs6-Oq5COhfa3_J8RTeEPIJ5bMq1E2ZX_Lp-DSYBXu21mf60Ip44MDebRs5Ay3I0MDIwU-rXvXJne1-Tkc43eVYyv1Kvv_hRG4iS8e8Q_cXc-4bxYwwbCyHRrWlFBsgewLu70BY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" /></a></div>
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-33596959811467587612012-09-10T07:27:00.000-05:002012-09-10T07:27:00.091-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” Deepak Chopra</div>
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<br /></div>
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I just think this is SUCH a fantastic insight. When we are
working toward expansion the road is never straightforward or easy, otherwise
what would be the point right? My experience has always been, the greater the
expansion, the more chaotic appearances seem to be. I remember when The Man and
I were going through one of our first great shifts as a family. Our entire life
from spiritual beliefs, friendships, family dynamics, finances, to employment
statuses felt like it was literally flung into chaos! So many times we had no
choice but to just hang on tight and hope we’d come out as unscathed as
possible on the other side. And you know what, every time the chaos has
cleared, we’ve emerged stronger and more aware than ever before. I’ve been
learning to embrace the calamities of life, sometimes even with a smile. <br />
<br />
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-75782245496829336992012-09-07T07:30:00.000-05:002012-09-07T07:30:01.052-05:00When The Universe Speaks…<br />
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…do yourself a favor and just listen. Sooooooooooo a couple
weeks back (I mean who’s really counting), I was playing the avoidance game.
See, I’d spent a lot of time struggling with writers block… which is really
just procrastination X 450,000 (no, not an exaggeration). Well anyway, finally
after doing some <s>painfully extensiv</s>e lovely inner work I admitted that I
was just afraid of completing the work, because it might all turn out to be
crap, and I’d have wasted all my time creating useless drivel when I would have
been better off counting chickens. (Yay way to be positive Michelle! /sarcasm)</div>
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Anywho, it was one of the best feelings in the world to get
past my own, self-induced blocks and get back to one of my greatest loves. I
wrote and edited and shared and it was a wonderfully fulfilling experience. But
you know us humans, we can’t just be happy with the journey itself,
nooooooooooooooooo, we have to add all types of constraints, criteria and
deadlines to our end results to make them better and get there faster. So I
started stressing about how much time I’d already “wasted” not writing and I
should have had the story submitted already and now I needed to push, push,
push to get it done. How many times a day, an hour, a second do you think we,
as human beings, stress the “I must get it done” aspect of everything we
encounter? I don’t want to count it out; I’ve already incriminated myself
enough. *moving right along*</div>
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<br /></div>
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So I decided to get it done faster (see there it is again)
I’d deny myself other things I loved, in the name of being more productive with
my time, so that I could put more time and energy into getting this story done
(OMG there it is again *gasp*). Well at first it was OK, because I loved the
writing, but then I missed things like reading my favorite books/genres and
playing video games (hey don’t be judging me). After a few weeks (maybe it was
months, who’s counting) I started receiving a gentle tug from my inner being.
“Why don’t you take a little time to break out that Final Fantasy game? You
know you want you.” My response was always, “Later.” Well my inner being and
the universe didn’t like that answer. No siree Bob! </div>
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Well, one lovely day when I had LOADS of time on my hands I
got all prepared to work on my story and would you know it, my damn computer
wouldn’t work! Aaaaaaaaarg! The thing moved so slowly I felt as if I were
moving backwards. I mean there was no way I was going to be able to write with
my computer functioning the way it was. So I called one of my friends, absolute
best computer tech in the entire universe (well at least that’s my opinion) and
asked for help. So, at that point I had all this time and nothing to do… well
at least that was my intial thought. Then the inner being spoke up, “So hey,
how about those video games. What else have you got to do now?” *sigh* </div>
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“Well played universe! Well played.” </div>
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I popped in the game and played for over three hours. You
think I missed it much? And that was when I had the realization (for the
trillionth time), listen to the moment and follow the call to your greatest
joy. It always yields the best results. Did you know I didn’t stop writing just
because I started back playing video games? *gasp* Imagine that! <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwHJOs6-Oq5COhfa3_J8RTeEPIJ5bMq1E2ZX_Lp-DSYBXu21mf60Ip44MDebRs5Ay3I0MDIwU-rXvXJne1-Tkc43eVYyv1Kvv_hRG4iS8e8Q_cXc-4bxYwwbCyHRrWlFBsgewLu70BY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwHJOs6-Oq5COhfa3_J8RTeEPIJ5bMq1E2ZX_Lp-DSYBXu21mf60Ip44MDebRs5Ay3I0MDIwU-rXvXJne1-Tkc43eVYyv1Kvv_hRG4iS8e8Q_cXc-4bxYwwbCyHRrWlFBsgewLu70BY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" /></a></div>
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-44702007324108305522012-09-03T07:30:00.000-05:002012-09-03T07:30:02.699-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings
on the way down.” Ray Bradbury</div>
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<br /></div>
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If this isn’t a blaring statement of faith, then I don’t
know what is. Often we get to the edge of that cliff and stall, even when we somehow
know that taking that leap is the key to everything we’ve been working toward.
We tend to choose the safer option over the one that will provide us with the
highest level of expansion, because though we all have our particular beliefs,
we don’t always trust them. Let go and take the BIG RISK!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Trust the process, and then soar! </div>
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<br /></div>
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MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-11827587263714151542012-07-30T07:00:00.000-05:002012-07-30T07:00:04.912-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” Marcus Aurelius Antonius<br />
<br />
The best information or guidance is often the simplest. Our thoughts are based on our beliefs,<br />
which are reinforced by our experiences. The way we react to, interpret and internalize each<br />
experience can make BIG changes in our lives, or allow things to remain exactly the same. We<br />
make the choice and have the privilege of experiencing the results.<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-23066574439581860712012-07-27T07:29:00.000-05:002012-07-27T07:29:00.885-05:00Current Score: Universe Four Hundred Fifty Skillion (Yes That Much), Michelle…<br />
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…Well that doesn’t really matter does it? </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, regardless of how the universe has been kicking my
patootie I am still determined to get this stuff down. I will be the embodiment
of my beliefs all (well most) of the time and I work pretty hard at practicing
what I “preach.” Living by example is, to me, the best way to learn and teach.
And with that being said, here’s a new little (or maybe not so little) tidbit
of how the universe has worked its magic in my environment... AGAIN!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Typically (probably more like always) when we are struggling
with a specific something (or specific somethings) and we’ve notified the
universe (by way of intentional or unintentional means) the universe helps. By
helping, I mean it bombards you with opportunities of expansion, as often as
moment to moment until you acknowledge the issue and decide to actively take
the steps provided to let it go. </div>
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<br /></div>
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SO this week (Week of 7/23 to be exact), I’d been receiving
a lot of messages regarding worrying. *scratches chin* I mean why would I need
to work on worrying? <b><u>I</u></b>
certainly don’t have an issue with worry. *in my haughty know it all voice* Hehe,
well, regardless of what I thought, I received many messages from avenues that
provide profound guidance to me on a regular basis. Well after reading these
messages (yes they were literal messages that I receive from regular sources) I
started to feel that I should be looking deeper as to why there seemed to be so
many coming at once regarding the same topic.</div>
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Well it turned out that I HAD been worrying. See when it
comes to me, I hardly ever worry. I know I can handle anything (because I’ve
shown myself many times over that I can), however my children are a different
story entirely. I tend to immediately go down the path of worry when they’re
involved. So as discussed in one of my last posts, I had to get my oldest son
registered for Kindergarten (who told him he was allowed to become a school
aged child, I still need to get to the bottom of that). Well, finally having
completed registration (<a href="http://michellelovesall.blogspot.com/2012/07/spiders-ugh.html" target="_blank">spiders and all</a>), he still needed before and after
school care. There is no way, with our work hours, either my husband or I could
be there when the bus arrived to get him or drop him back off. Dropping him off
and picking him up directly during school hours was also out of our reach, at
least from our current perspectives.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This being our first time having this experience, we had no
clue how to go about finding this type of care, and the school’s website left
not an inkling of info regarding how it could be obtained (so helpful, really
/sarcasm). Let me also add that I had about a week to come up with a solution.
(no pressure /more sarcasm) Yes, I was definitely getting worried. BUT, I also
knew that worry would not get the results we all wanted. So, I toned down the
worry, and did some Google searching instead, which resulting in obtaining a
starting point.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course the idea of
the place I THOUGHT I liked the best had a wait list. (YAY! /had enough sarcasm
yet?) Regardless, we came up with possible alternatives that could suffice
until that particular location would be able to accommodate the care of my son.
Well (I really do say well a lot), The Man called the number provided on the
website and the location we called was specifically for a certain school, as
they were located onsite. Turns out, the company has multiple programs for the
majority of public schools in the area (onsite). Why I was not informed of this
from the get go… really doesn’t matter at this point. </div>
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What does matter, is that I didn’t give up and go back to
worrying, after this “set back.” Again I had some tools at my disposal and
chose to use them. I decided to go back and perform another Google search this
time with the name of the school and “before/after school care.” Would you know
it, this is exactly how I found just what I needed. I called the number listed,
got the info needed and made arrangements to complete the registration for the
program… THAT DAY! Can you believe that
LESS than 24hrs after I’d decided to stop worrying, and instead start using the
tools I already had in my possession, everything I needed was given to me? There’s
something to be said about trusting the process. I’m just saying. ;)</div>
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Love,</div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-29518856255781442342012-07-23T06:29:00.000-05:002012-07-23T06:30:52.531-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“A mind too active is no mind at all.” Theodore Roethke</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can relate to this quote on so many levels as I used to
consistently have so much on my mind, at one time, I’d get massive headaches.
Not so good. I was taught some very good meditations to help alleviate this
situation. The most effective one I was taught had everything to do with
allowing/letting go and nothing to do with control. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The basic premise of this meditation (l like to call it
Void) was to become still, and instead of trying to “control” my thoughts
(which is pretty much impossible anyway), I would let them flow in and then out
of my mind, never latching on long term to any specific thought. This way,
nothing ever got the chance to get stuck. I couldn’t take the opportunity to
ponder, linger or dwell upon any certain thoughts. What this allowed me to do,
was stay in the moment, which is where most of us trying to be anyway. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What this caused was a fantastic allowing and releasing of
energy that I had been clinging to. When I was able to allow that energy to
flow, instead of just clogging me up, it made it easier for me to be openly
receptive to my good, especially when it came to creative inspiration. Because
I wasn’t busy worrying about how things would come, they just came. Just some
food for thought.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ8hugb5imZ_TzA61Fzh99h-XhB8a_rHwOSXG7H1Qyk1v1lDmcdezPZui0dsvaz0WwiMajWsYSteHmntkYayzoj9NuzxeqjbbQZz3luviaEWicvHJ_gOQDAgX3bOaVYMz75xmhLNkxUc/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ8hugb5imZ_TzA61Fzh99h-XhB8a_rHwOSXG7H1Qyk1v1lDmcdezPZui0dsvaz0WwiMajWsYSteHmntkYayzoj9NuzxeqjbbQZz3luviaEWicvHJ_gOQDAgX3bOaVYMz75xmhLNkxUc/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-33387130025839838072012-07-13T07:38:00.000-05:002012-07-13T07:38:00.161-05:00Spiders... Ugh!<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I’ve been working on my issues with time. The Man and I realized that we spend so much time worrying, about time, that we never actually fully enjoy our… time. The account below happened to me on Monday just shortly (a few days) after we decided that we were going to work on caring more about doing things we enjoy, FULLY, than how much time we felt it would take to fit them all in to the day. So on Monday I had planned to do my hair (wash, blow dry and flat iron all takes about 2hrs), take our rental car back, get the kids to daycare (before the cutoff time) and then head to work. (Boy the word time is certainly a prominent one in our lives/society isn’t it?)</span></div>
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Monday 7/9/12 Email to The Man:</div>
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I decided that I would still get through all my plans this morning (including doing my hair, I really wanted to get that trim and I can’t get a cut if it’s not straight). So knowing I had so much to get done, I messaged my supervisors to let them know I’d be a few hours late. Well then just after you left, I decided to go shower so I could do my hair.</div>
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Well… (d@mn universe) I went to turn on the water and then get some things together. When I came back to the shower there was a small spider on the shower curtain (which of course made me freak out having arachnophobia and all, which I am still working on), then I brushed it away and lost where it went (not good). Then as I was about to get in, there was another one blowing in the wind current, from the water, right by my loofah (very not good). Well I lost track of that one too (all bad). Then as I was agitatedly trying to get my mind together (and possibly looking for the first spider from the curtain) there was one on the wall not far from the showerhead (Are you f#*$&%* kidding me?!). <span style="color: #4c1130;">(Yeah, I was all riled up and said bad words so sue me)</span></div>
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Well by this time it’d been 30 minutes after you’d left and I was just ready to lose it! So I decided that I would shower in the guest bathroom, because there was no way I was going to get any peace in ours. So I took all the crap I needed, washed my @ss and my hair and got out. Steadily, I tried not to focus on the fact that 30 mins of my “precious” time had been “wasted.” So I finished with my shower and went about getting more things together for work, letting my hair air dry, oiling myself, all my usual stuff. Regardless of how time seemed to be working against me, I was determined to get my hair done, The Kid registered for school, keys returned, both boys to daycare before 9 AM as that’s their cutoff so they can do a headcount for safety and then finally get to work… you know before the day ended. Everything seemed to be so time sensitive.</div>
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Well, I was not to be deterred. I went about blow-drying my hair, got the kids out of bed and fed them cereal since I knew they’d miss breakfast at daycare. I laid out their clothes, then straightened my hair. As I went along, I tried to stay positive about getting him registered, trying not to be concerned about them running out of spots or taking too long once I got there. Trying not to be concerned about how long it would take to turn in the keys, trying not to be concerned about getting the kids to daycare on time. Those things all crossed my mind, but I still proceeded as if I would complete every single task on my list, within perfect timing.</div>
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So I made it out the door and got to the school by 8:15 (you know they open at 7:30, or they are supposed to). Well because of the spiders I got there at 8:15, and do you know, I walked in RIGHT behind the secretary! Had I gotten there at 7:30 I would have just been sitting there waiting… probably getting aggravated about how much time I was wasting waiting lol. I followed her in, she helped me right away, I was out in five minutes. Then I hightailed it over to Enterprise. I was helped as soon as I got there, signed what I needed to sign and went on to daycare, where I arrived with about 6 minutes to spare. After that I made it to work by 9:10 AM and you already know the rest. </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Isn’t life just crazy? I know what I’ve gleaned from this experience. I’m wondering what other people may be thinking…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Thanks for coming by.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Love,</span></div>
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<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-46303919584635849052012-07-09T09:30:00.000-05:002012-07-09T09:30:00.180-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to
the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer
experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt</div>
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You have to admit, the lady makes an excellent point! This
quote captures the essence of the process that so many of us struggle with, in
one simple sentence. Life is to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest that we possibly
can. In immersing ourselves in our present, we embrace life and appreciate the
journey that our spirits/inner beings came forth to embody. When we let go of
fear, doubt and worry there is nothing we can’t experience and/or achieve. Here’s
to letting go and living in the now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9_A0B0e_ZSiULAHO28kGCcbokeqytUAyjlqI2ukmPdpUT2cuQy978lp_cLv2PKM78rXrJpl529_3KT3OEDnOrw8qY7_-VsQ0Ni7uGbJYeBtrsECNbejp3X9DutkYceALt9E3XPFZw-M/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9_A0B0e_ZSiULAHO28kGCcbokeqytUAyjlqI2ukmPdpUT2cuQy978lp_cLv2PKM78rXrJpl529_3KT3OEDnOrw8qY7_-VsQ0Ni7uGbJYeBtrsECNbejp3X9DutkYceALt9E3XPFZw-M/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-28612207786248976292012-07-06T09:30:00.000-05:002012-07-06T09:30:03.872-05:00Frustration With the Process<br />
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Taking responsibility for our lives, our destinies, seems so
much easier said than done. We get a lot of guidance from different sources
(books, movies, spiritual gatherings, etc), but really they are all saying the
same things. Our thoughts (based upon core beliefs) control our realities and
it is up to us to live on purpose. So many of us are used to living by default.
Life comes at us and then we react often without thinking. We live the same
experiences over and over and wonder why, often not stopping to think that the
one constant in our entire lives is US!</div>
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Even deeper, so many of us actually believe we are being
deliberate in our thoughts and actions. The majority of people insist that they
are positive thinkers… when they actually are not. I know, because I used to be
one of them, and still tend to fall into the trap when I’m not careful. I
insisted to the universe (and anyone else who’d listen) that even though I was
doing everything “right” I still wasn’t being rewarded for all of my positive
ideas and viewpoints. The saddest thing about this was that I was more often
than naught, living life from a negative point of view.</div>
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I often would tell the unlimited universe what I wanted, but
then put conditions on how it should appear, because, what… I knew better than
the all-knowing source of existence?
When it came down to it, if I couldn’t see how something was going to come into
existence, then I couldn’t believe it was attainable. Doesn’t sound so positive
does it? Asking the universe for what I wanted, but then consistently dwelling
or spending most of my attention on what made me feel bad about my current life
situations, really wasn’t helping me. I would say, “Universe please send me
more abundance.” Then I would spend a good portion of time focused on my belief
that I didn’t have enough to comfortably sustain myself and even worse, trying
(from my limited viewpoint) to figure out how I could get more, instead of
trusting in the universe to bring me the means to get whatever I needed. I
learned the hard way, that asking for something, then spending all my time pondering
what I didn’t have was in no way, shape or form positive thinking.</div>
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The bottom line is, if we continue to reinforce the same
negative limited beliefs, with the same negative limited thoughts, then we will
continue to receive the same negative limited manifestations. This is true no
matter how many different mates we leave or find, how many different jobs we
leave or find, how many different friendships we leave or find, etc. The energy
we put out into the universe is what we will receive, always, every, single
time. So let’s do ourselves a favor and be honest about how we’re feeling and
what we’re thinking and what we believe. It’s okay to admit that we are not
perfect and that we have fears, concerns, issues, things about ourselves we
don’t like, things about others we don’t like, etc. All of that is really OK,
because we are where we are regardless of how we feel about it. But if we can
acknowledge, openly and truthfully, where we are in relation to where we want
to be, we can begin the process of acceptance and growth. No one said that just
because we accept who and where we are, that we have to remain there if we
don’t want to. Thinking positively isn’t something we just talk about or wish
about. It takes time to become negative thinkers and it will take time to
become positive thinkers and if we are patient and loving with ourselves growth
is bound to happen. It takes just as much effort to be negative as it does to
be positive, so why not choose the path that leads toward happiness? </div>
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Love,</div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-23675718141389371202012-07-03T09:30:00.000-05:002012-07-03T09:30:00.092-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“Trust that still, small voice that says, ‘This might work
and I’ll try it.’” Diane Mariechild</div>
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The operative word here is TRUST! So many of us know the
principles, we spout the ideals as if they are a part of our lifeline. We
understand, and it makes since to us, that our thoughts create our realities.
And we even recognize the source from within that provides our divine guidance.
Really and truly, how many of us actually TRUST in that voice, no matter how
crazy the guidance may seem to our “logical” thinking patterns? How many of us
are willing to put it all on the line and go for broke, when that genius, but
seemingly insane idea comes to us, that inspiration that will take us in
directions we never dreamed of? Let’s stop putting off for tomorrow, the things
we KNOW we are capable of today. The source, from within will only, ever lead
us down paths that are for our highest good. Our job is to believe in it and
trust enough to actually ACT! </div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-41733281268580136672012-06-29T09:30:00.000-05:002012-06-29T09:30:00.355-05:00Rearview Mirror<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This actually happened to me last Tuesday and I shared it with a few close friends. The experience is still with me today so I'm sharing it again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“There’s no need to continuously look back in order to successfully move forward.” I thought of this, as I realized that The Universe has been trying to teach me this lesson apparently for the last 6 years. When I was pregnant with my oldest son, my husband disconnected my rearview mirror from my windshield mere weeks after I’d gotten my Cadillac. I tease him all the time about “breaking” my mirror. Then shortly after, we experienced one of the harshest times, but greatest expansions and moments of clarity and learning we’d ever been through. Well the ole’ girl outlived her time and now I have this car (My Malibu)… today as I went to adjust my rearview mirror guess what happened. Yep, that baby just came right off in my hand. I fell out laughing then and there. I use my rearview mirror obsessively, constantly checking on it, worrying if I am inconveniencing the people behind me, if someone is riding my bumper, etc. Well I can’t really do much of that anymore can I lol? No rearview mirror means I am solely dependent on trusting my instincts regarding what I see in front of me, and now I only need to check behind me when it’s really, really, necessary (i.e. changing lanes or backing up for some reason). I’ll be making sure I get the lesson this time, because worrying about my past surely isn’t going to help me positively develop my present or future, but using it wisely when needed absolutely will be to my benefit.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s never too late to get the lesson, even if it takes six years to get it. The Universe will provide you with opportunities until you acknowledge the gift and accept the offering. What’s your rearview mirror story? I’m sure we all have one.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“There’s a reason your windshield is larger than your rearview mirror. It’s more important to know where you are going than to look back at where you’ve been.” I don’t know who said this, but I’ve always known there is a reason that I like this quote. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just so you know, I decided to leave the mirror down for a few. It's interesting living life through an altered perspective. </span></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-28409379828922724732012-06-25T09:30:00.000-05:002012-06-25T09:30:00.352-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
“Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Willing is not enough. We must do.” Bruce Lee<br />
<br />
I have lived this time and time again and know it to be true. All the knowledge in the world<br />
means nothing, if we aren’t willing to put it to good use. And even further, I believe having<br />
knowledge, but not using it is even more frustrating than having no knowledge at all. Let’s work<br />
on being willing to apply the knowledge we have, even when it scares us. It’s got to be a heck of<br />
a lot better than just standing still and wondering… right?<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-16432965671135863232012-05-28T08:30:00.000-05:002012-05-28T08:30:01.136-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short
races one after another." Walter Elliott</div>
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I really like this premise. Surely, I can’t be the only one
who sometimes gets overwhelmed with … well… life! Sometimes we have so many
plans, and so many things we believe need to be completed in order to be
successful. Often we feel bogged down when we stop to consider all the things
that need to be done. Sure, that to do list may be a long one, but if we could
do our best to work on one thing at a time, one step at a time, we could get
there with far less difficulty and even, worry. </div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-33812494376315934362012-05-25T09:00:00.000-05:002012-05-25T09:00:05.486-05:00Singing to Myself<br />
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Have you ever sung a love song to yourself? I’m sure this
question may sound too ridiculous to even consider, but the question is valid I
assure you.</div>
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I love listening to music while I’m in the car regardless of
who’s driving. My favorites are instrumentals or songs that I already enjoy
singing along too (sorry if you happen to be in the car with me you will
probably get an earful). Anyway, the other day on the way to work, a song by
Jennifer Hudson came on. A song that I absolutely love called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFBqFRfX5M4" target="_blank">“You Pulled MeThrough.”</a> Listening to the song, most would probably assume this is a love song
to for a significant other about how someone’s love has saved them. </div>
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But, as I sat there paying closer attention to the lyrics I
stopped to ponder. We are often looking for others to help repair what we feel someone
else has “broken” within us. And when we somehow manage to heal from whatever
pain we’ve emerged from, we can be quick to give credit to others for our emotional
successes or breakthroughs. I’m not necessarily saying that anything is wrong
with this. I wonder though, how often do we give ourselves credit? Even with
guidance from other sources (whoever/whatever those sources may be) WE are the
ones that do the work. WE are the ones that have to make the conscious choices
and efforts to make whatever changes we want in our lives. WE are the ones who
have to learn to accept the experiences we’ve encountered throughout life and
choose how we will allow them to affect outcomes in the future. Though we may
receive help from others, WE are the ones that truly make the decision to pull
ourselves through any and all obstacles we may be facing, specifically
regarding matters of the heart. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Though I think it’s wonderful to show
appreciation to others for the assistance they have provided us on our
journeys, let’s not forget to show appreciation for ourselves. Let’s try a
little harder to remember to be thankful and loving toward ourselves, inwardly
and outwardly, because it is through our own efforts that we truly make a
difference. We deserve just as much credit for our healed wounds as those who
have helped us along the way. Next time you hear a love song imagine you are
singing it to yourself. It may seem silly, but you deserve your own
appreciation just as much as anyone else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Love,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPszMYXe605Dv8GZyP2GmKwndWz_Gl-8_gm4mdWeBj7ZPQ9Dodz8iqU9tjY0Sv5bjBU-VsHl5MXChBFL8LrTgj_dH6Kn5150az6GO04QD-G1HBJpJ7anpivKhANMHptbR_nHjE9-NCDSY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPszMYXe605Dv8GZyP2GmKwndWz_Gl-8_gm4mdWeBj7ZPQ9Dodz8iqU9tjY0Sv5bjBU-VsHl5MXChBFL8LrTgj_dH6Kn5150az6GO04QD-G1HBJpJ7anpivKhANMHptbR_nHjE9-NCDSY/s1600/Michelle+sig2.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-4567834571205503482012-05-21T08:21:00.000-05:002012-05-21T08:21:00.678-05:00Quote of the Week<br />
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“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If
you don't, you'll find an excuse.” E.
James Rohn (Jim Rohn)</div>
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Sometimes short and sweet gets the job done. This one speaks
for itself. Will you or won’t you? Even though it doesn’t seem like it, it
really is as simple as that.</div>
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<br />MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219091293812962443.post-3340253955096591802012-05-18T08:28:00.000-05:002012-05-18T08:28:00.098-05:00Again With the Marathon Talk…<br />
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…in more ways than one lol. Anyway, here’s my story. The Man
and I had toyed with the idea of doing a half marathon for quite some time, but
never committed. A good friend of ours (who I will refer to as Friend C)
motivated us to stop talking and start taking action. So with my heart in my
throat, “I said why not?” and proceeded to follow the training scheduled I was
given. </div>
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So for maybe a month and a half I trained with The Man and a
very close friend (who I will refer to as Friend P). I would’ve liked to have
trained for a longer period of time, but it was a snap decision so, again, we
just acted. We got our bodies out there on the lovely trail close to our
neighborhood and tacked on mile after mile (over a course of time). In my mind
I was concerned about going the distance. Are you aware that a half marathon is
13.1 miles? Yikes, I wasn’t until I said YES! Well anyway, every time we
trained we pushed until the end. I surpassed limits I’d never thought I’d even
attempt. I learned a lot about myself and what I could endure just during the
training, so what type of experiences would the marathon hold?</div>
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Well the longest distance I managed to run straight through
was 8 miles. We never got to practice going above that as we would have had to
push ourselves too hard, too close to the time of the event. So we decided not
to stress. To be honest I did still stress. At the end of that 8 mile run I had
been ready to collapse. How would I be able to run continuously for 5.1 more
miles? The Man’s goal was to run it all the way through without stopping, which
sounded good, but I was more concerned with how I was going to even manage to get
to the end, when it all came down to it. I was a nervous wreck up until about a
day or two before the event. Then I just became filled with excitement. I felt
I could do it and that participating would be a fantastic experience. Every
other word out of my mouth to anyone I came in contact with was something to do
with the marathon. I was like an addict… and I hadn’t even taken the “drug.”</div>
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So finally the day of the race arrived and it’s just me and
him… in a crowd of THIRTY-THOUSAND OTHER PEOPLE! No, you didn’t read that
wrong. We were toward the back of the
line so it took us about forty five minutes to reach the start line. Nervous
excitement built within me the closer we edged up to the start. Finally after
what seemed like endless waiting it was our turn. We started out STRONG. I tend
to have issues remembering to pace myself and this time The Man didn’t remind
me as he usually does. </div>
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The difference from training with two other people on a
nature trail VS THIRTY THOUSAND OTHER PEOPLE were glaringly obvious from the
start. Basically everyone is working at doing their own thing and often you
have to work around that. This was a total distraction that I was severely
unprepared for. So on top of going faster than usual the distractions caused me
to forget some of my very important breathing patterns. Around mile 4.5 we’d
exerted more energy than expected and worked at slowing it down to our typical
pace. The cool temperatures weren’t so cool anymore and the consistent
uphill/downhill intervals were getting to me. In my mind I was getting
concerned but still trying to push through.</div>
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I took an Energy GU and it gave me a little more go. Around
every mile marker I took part in Gatorade and water as needed and still kept
trying to push through. In my head I kept thinking I couldn’t stop, I had to
make it. Well around mile 8.5 my body told me in no uncertain terms that if I
didn’t take it down to a walk I would be damned sorry. As disappointing as it
was, I knew I had to listen to what my body was telling me, as my mind had lost
the battle. With great frustration I told him to go on without me as I didn’t
want to hold him back from making his goal. Though we were surrounded by droves
of people I knew I would be able to find him at the finish… even though we’d
decided to leave our phones in the car. Oops!</div>
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Sooooooo… there I was, watching as The Man pushed on and I
stayed walking behind. Dismal is the word I would use to describe the feeling
at the pit of my stomach. He’d wanted to run it all the way to the end and we’d
both thought we’d cross the finish line together. Not so much. Lower even still
my heart sank as I watched others I had passed earlier now pass me by. What a
disappointment for sure… or was it? I looked up to the sky which was still big,
bright and blue and felt a smirk pull at the corners of my mouth. Maybe this
experience wasn’t the failure my conscious mind was trying to make it out to
be.</div>
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I continued to walk my way down the designated path, because
regardless of the disappointment I’d felt just a few minutes prior there was no
way out of the game but to cross the finish line. In my mind I began to
encourage myself. Remembering that just because The Man had a goal, didn’t mean
his goal had to be mine. All I had wanted to do was finish and that was damn
well what I intended to do. I shook of the unnecessary self-loathing (which
REALLY didn’t belong to me anyway) and took a deep breath, then let it out. I
did this multiple times, reminding myself that I came for the experience and
not just the end result. </div>
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My attention gravitated toward the crowd around me all
moving forward whether walking at a slow pace or springing past. We all had the
same goal, to finish, and it didn’t matter how we got there. In each ear I
could hear participants motivating other participants. We were all in this
thing together! And one of the most wonderful sounds I will ever remember was
the sounds of the supporters who came to cheer all of us on. At that moment the
world became the most beautiful place to me. So many talk about how cruel, evil
and selfish the world is, but I saw none of that out there at the race.</div>
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People had shown up just to support US! How magnificent was
that?!(The experience touched me so deeply I am even tearing up now in the
MIDDLE OF WORK as I write this lol!) Anywho, I felt the love from each and
every supporter as I worked myself to the marker for mile 9. And by then I felt
so much better (physically and mentally) that I took another Energy GU and
decided I was going to give it my all and still make some good time. Yes, all
of that emotional craziness happened just within ½ of a mile. Time means
nothing when you’re on an emotional journey and though that hadn’t been my
expectation for the marathon, that’s what it was turning out to be!</div>
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So with all of this energy flowing through me I picked up my
pace to a speed walk. And then you know what, some guidance I had been given
just days before came back to me. A very nice woman at our local YMCA (which we
attend ALL THE TIME) told us that if you’ve ever started to walk but wanted to
get back to a run, walk uphill and run downhill. I’d seen many people already
doing it and it seemed to working well for them. So I took a few deep breaths
and at the next downhill moment I let the momentum carry me into a run. Over
the course of the next 4 miles I changed between speed walking and jogging,
following exactly what my body told me it needed me to do. Though my body ached
in placed I was SURE didn’t have muscles I pressed on… at times even with a
smile.</div>
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Finally I reached the 12 mile marker and I knew I was almost
home (figuratively and literally). I ramped up the speed walking and when I
reached the last stretch of the race I kicked it up to a jog, chugged uphill
for the LAST time and let my body and the love from all those motivational
onlookers carry me to the finish. I was so emotionally touched by the
encouragement being so lovingly given by the crowd of (in the physical realm)
virtual strangers that I almost cried as I finished out my last strides and
crossed the finish line. And BEAT MY GOAL by almost 17 minutes!</div>
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When I stopped (FINALLY) I received my medal (which I didn’t
take off for the rest of the day, don’t judge me) and felt a HUGE grin spread
across my face. And even though it felt like I’d been to hell and back I’d
finished! I FINISHED A HALF MARATHON. Something I’d always told myself I
couldn’t do. Showed what I thought I knew… right? At the end of the line, I
found The Man waiting for me, just like I knew I would and then we enjoyed a
nice, cold, refreshing, free beer. Job well done. Take from it what you will. I
just felt the desire to share… so I have.</div>
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Love,</div>
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<br /></div>MichelleLovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00394735509746914144noreply@blogger.com0