Affirmations and Mantras and Quotes Oh My

There is much to be said, and IS being said, about the power of positive thought. There is for certain a lot being shared on all social media in the way of affirmations and mantras and so often quotes. I am on board with it all. I have lots of special reminders posted for myself and I have shared many all over the internet.  

Yet, there are so many people who still don't get it. There seems to be a huge disconnect about what affirmations and mantras are actually meant to do for you. 'Cause yeah, they do have a job - but then so do you. 

There is a population out there who calls someone like myself a little "woo woo". (I feel that I can really truly say that because there have been people who have shared that opinion with me as their own.) And that's fine. It doesn't hold a whole lot of meaning for me. To each their own. If my way of living does not feel comfortable for you that's fine. Your way of living does not feel comfortable for me, and since neither one of us is hurting the other.... I say we agree to disagree and move on.  But before I do I just want to point out one thing.  Yes I DO use affirmations and mantas and at the same time I believe that action IS a required step.

Affirmations and Mantras and Quotes of Inspiration are fun and insightful and they play an often thought provoking role. But they are not magical incantations that once spoken are like spreading sprinkles of fairy dust over my life.  I don't sit in a lawn chair, think good thoughts and repeat beautiful words all day and expect the Universe to drop anything into my lap.  Those woo woo words are only (an important) part of my process. 

What affirmations and mantras do do is help you to shift and to raise your vibration.  They help to inspire and to bring that peaceful place of your soul to the surface.  They are like lilly pads in the pond - a place for you to rest a moment, to catch your breathe and to refocus before moving on. For me they also act like verbal grounding cords. When I find myself caught up in a storm of unhelpful, downward pulling thoughts ( 'cause it happens to all of us) an affirmation helps me to break out of the spiral, catch my breathe and refocus myself. It also brings me back to a space of grounded understanding and love from which to build on as I keep moving. Simply put - it makes me feel good. And when you feel good - you know what happens next.... 

When you feel good you start to notice other good things around you. You are tuned in and turned on to the world. You make better choices. You have more creative ideas. You solve more problems. You laugh and you smile and all of those things make you feel even better. And your feeling even better then goes on to bring to you more of the same kind of good feeling stuff which feels even better still. 

An Affirmation, a mantra, or an inspirational quote are all jumping off points and can most effectively be used sort of like reset buttons to get you back on track. They are not meant to be your solution but they are meant to set you on a path to your best and most positive creating. 

Some of my very most favorite rest buttons are

- I am pure grace and love energy.

- I am figuring it out.

- It is unfolding for me in a way that in mine.

- Its just a thought. (I can change this)

- I may not be there yet, but I am in the process - and I am closer now than I was just moments ago.

Do you have use affirmations, mantras or quotes in your life?? How do you use them and what kind of experiences have you had with them?? Do you have a favorite to share with the rest of us?? 

Meditation For Those Of Us Who Can't Sit Still

Finding a calm space in a busy world is super important. Mediation can be helpful for sure. I get it. I myself and a big fan of a good mediation. I really am.A quiet moment of release is really cathartic. But sitting still is not always in the cards for me.  When I get really worked up and worried about something I have a super hard time with the sitting still and the releasing of it. No matter how many times I tell myself that its just for now and that if I choose, I can come back to those thoughts later, sometimes I just can't get there. 

Law of Attraction states that where attention goes, energy flows. Well, obviously I don't want to feed my worrisome thoughts. I am hoping to lay them to rest calmly or to starve them out. When I feel that kind of overwhelm, either or would work just fine for me. Whatever will get me out of this state of overwhelm and back to the centered and connected place that I have come to adore. 

So here is what I have discovered.  

When my head feels really full and my LOA training tells me that changing my thought track is super important right now, and that mediation is what I need, I have already put too much pressure on myself.  

When my head feels really full and my LOA training tells me that I need to distract myself and change focus, I react like I do when I try to diet. The moment I am told that I can't have something (a dessert or a certain thought) what I CAN'T do is stop thinking about it. Not helpful. 

When my head feels really full my body feels the same tense energy, which makes sitting still next to impossible. There was a time when this seemed like the perfect time to clean the house. I should make use of all of this energy and release it on the kitchen floors.  Yeah, good in theory, but that one doesn't work for me personally.

So, when I know that I can't sit still... I don't even try. 
When I know that I can't clear my head... I fill it instead.
When my busy head is busy getting creative in ways to beat up on me... I stir the pot and let the creative juices flow. 

I go for a walk
I give myself a task that requires thought. (It's impossible for the brain to have more than 1 thought at a time)
I give creative me a creative task. (I allow myself to start small but focus is now on the beauty I CAN see with my eyes.)

Here is what that looks like.

I see beauty to my left. 
(name and describe what I see to my left) 
I see beauty in front of me.
(name and describe something that I see in front of me)
I see beauty to my right.
(name and describe what I see to my right)  
I see beauty behind me.
(name and describe what I see that is behind me)  
I see beauty above of me.
(name and describe something that I see above me)
I see beauty below me. 
(name and describe something that I see below me)
I see beauty in me.
(name and describe something that I see in me)




Then, sometimes I just walk for a bit. Paying attention to the air. The sun. My breathe. My posture. And then I repeat it all again until I find the shift I am looking for. 

When traditional meditation just isn't working for me, instead of feeling the failure of not being able to follow through with a seemingly simple task like sitting still, I go for a walk and I take my creative head with me. I find this helps me to find my way back to a place where I am emotionally equipped to deal with whatever it is that I need to deal with. And from THAT better feeling place my perceptions change, my energetic self is open and flowing, and my creative brain becomes solution focused. It all works within the context of LOA and it does so in a way that doesn't challenge me but instead sets me up to experience success. (Success is of course an experience that I want to have more of, and so it works in creating a whole new feeling to focus on, to build on, and to take with me as I take on whatever it is that has filled my head.)

What do you do when you want switch it up??  Do you have a go-to vibration shifter??

I'd love for you to try the walking mediation that I described. Go for a walk and take your creative head with you. Then come back here, or check in on Google+ or Facebook, and let me know what you experienced.

Picking Traditions

What a great weekend!! There is nothing better than a holiday weekend that is focused on time with my favourite people and sharing good food, except a SUNNY holiday weekend that is focused on time with my favourite people and sharing good food. At my parent's house a family gathering always includes the mixing of everyone's favourite things. That's tradition. That and board games. 

At my parents house there were mushrooms cooked just the way my sister loves them. deviled eggs made two different ways, one way for my brother and his eldest son and the other for the two newest members to our crazy crew. There was pumpkin pie - my Dad, and squash - my Mom. My Grandmother's magic marshmallow salad is my youngest nephew's holiday treat, maple/BBQ salmon for my sister-in-law, and nanaimo bars for my niece  WOW what a feast. We are so truly blessed. 

There is SO much more than great food and great weather to be thankful for. This year I was included in two family's festive feasts. Having been so grateful for the wonderful people that I have in my life has brought me a whole other group of people to love.  Spending time with Dave's family and learning their traditions has been fun (looking forward to Christmas traditions next).

Having multiple family schedules to juggle means that we get to be a bit creative with the calendar. Even though the official holiday day was Monday, our two families got together on Saturday and Sunday. We don't need to wait for any specific day to share time and show gratitude. It feels SO great when we do just that. I get a combination of a cozy feeling, like a big hug from the Universe, and a real rush of energy being in this kind of loving space. 

Q: Why not feed those feeling every day?

A: There is NO reason not to and every reason to do.  

Happy Thanksgiving !

As Canadians we have so much to be grateful for. In southern Ontario this year we are enjoying spectacular weather and brightly coloured trees. We are safe, far from Cyclone Phailin which made landfall as the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in India this weekend. We are able to walk into any grocery store and shop as we choose, there is a bountiful selection for all. And for those who are not able to experience that at this point in their journey, there were food bank donation baskets over flowing by the exit of our local grocery store and churches providing a feast and a family to anyone who desires. 

But just because something is traditional is no reasons to do it, of course. I prefer to choose which traditions to keep and which to let go. Keeping focused on the things that feel good and that move us forward is of course what will help to grow our collections of those kinds of experiences in life (that's the Law of Attraction in action). Maybe even adding a new something that is in line with the great stuff that you are already doing will become tradition in future. 


The same theory applies to your daily traditions. You can pick and choose a lot of what you keep and what you release. You may have some regular activities that you can't quite figure out how to let go of, but you can definitely choose what feelings about those activities will stay and what can go.  I mean, maybe you would like to release the activity of going to work, and you can't quite figure that one out just yet, but what you can do is go to work and release the stress and tension that has been there in the past. Do that job with as much love and ease as you can while at the same time, focusing on what is there that doesn't suck.  Like maybe the coffee is tasty. Or maybe there is a photo on your desk that you love, a page day calendar that you look forward to, or a person who is always happy to see you. 

There is no reason to wait for any specific day to enjoy the little things or to show your gratitude and to feel good. You can teach yourself to notice the moments each day that feel good. Let those moments feed that cozy feeling or that energetic rush, and grow your collection of good stuff.

What kind of holiday traditions do you have that you look forward to every year? Are there any daily traditions that you have that excite and energize you? I am always looking for new ideas and fun stuff to add to my collection of good stuff. I'd love to hear what you've got going on and growing in your collection. 

PS. Are we running in the same Google+ Circles?? Let's connect there and share ideas.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Try The Dress On

I had a wedding to go to this past weekend.  I LOVE weddings.  Food, flowers, dancing and happy people so full of optimism.  I am a sucker for any occasion that includes any of those elements, but weddings have the complete list. And, being unwed myself, they allow me to get a little dreamy and pick out the little touches that I like best. Super fun!

Less fun for me is often the wardrobe headache. And an October wedding in Canada presented me with a special kind of seasonal challenge. I was determined not to let dress shopping get me down. This was an opportunity for me to spend a few (much needed) quality hours at the mall.  That part, in and of itself, was exciting.  It's been a long time since I did any kind of shopping let alone fun "dress up" shopping.

My body type makes dresses a real challenge. I have been blessed with a pear shape physique. If a dress was made to fit 2 different sizes at the same time (small on top and medium->large on the bottom) it'd be easy.  Alas, I have yet to find the designer who has nailed the needs of the pear shaped woman (if you know one, I beg of you - leave a comment below)

I had spent only a few min as I walked through the mall doors, setting my intention asking the Universe to support me in making this as fun as possible and to lead me to a dress I would love.  I went into a store that I don't usually spend much time in (maybe I could find a blouse there but they never have anything that fits hips) The store was almost glowing, and like a fish in the lake I am always attracted by the shinny objects. Sarah, the sales girl who met me at the door and who felt like my own personal attendant for the next hour, was a gift from angels. She asked me a quick couple of questions and then I watched as she bounced around the shop, returned with an arm load and ushered me towards the fitting rooms. 

Long story short - I tried on A LOT of dresses.  All the ones I was sure would be great left me feeling way underwhelmed.  And so I resigned myself to trying on the one that Sarah had slipped in to the collection.  Style-wise and size-wise I was questioning her skills at that point. "This will never work on me." But over the recent years I have learned that I don't have as much to loose as I had once felt I did, and that the possibility of what could be gained almost always tips the scales. 

This current version of Kate will take a bite (unless its still moving - I draw the line and have made peace with my never being a Fear Factor contender). She will touch it (but with a nervous finger is it looks slimy)  And today, she will leave her ego on the shelf and will try on the dress. What is the worst thing that could happen.....

• I will look silly and I will know that I am right about what I can and cannot pull off. 
• It'll be over in a minuet or less. 
• If it is really horrible I don't have to open the door. 

"I like this style on other women" I do believe were my exact words as I took the dress from its hanger. Huh - not horrible. I opened the door.  Sarah disappeared and returned with a smaller size and a different colour. I was gobsmacked. She TOTALLY knows her stuff. Sarah, laughing and smiling as she was, was the tool the Universe used to make my day fun and to lead me to a dress that I loved. Thank goodness I have learned how to listen when the answer is given to me, and to trust that some times shinny objects are attractive for a real reason.

Dave & I Shine Up All Right 

Things change. Maybe my body changed (except I know that that's not true). Obviously it is my confidence and my perception that have changed. It took some deliberate practise on my part to get this perfectionist girl to let go and just try the dress on or to risk taking a bite, but it was worth the uncomfortable effort. Some of my favourite foods have been ones that were basically forced on me (my daring younger sister calls herself my food boss). This scenario is how my best friend became my best friend, how Thai and Indian became my favourite meals out. Its how I know for sure that I don't like the taste of Scotch or running as an exercise. It's how I learned to rock a pair of skinny jeans, how I fell in love with spin and yoga classes, and it's how I found that the Law of Attraction really worked to pull me from my depression.  

Being open enough to try something new and different can really pay off. Other times, it's a "now you know for sure" experience. Feeling uncomfortable means that you are at the edge of your current box. Stepping outside that box and trying it anyway is how we expand our limits, move the line in the sand and grow our comfort zones. And the theory applies to every current, self imposed, limit, including dress styles.  







What personal limits have you expanded by trying something new? What do you know now for sure because your tried? Have you made any discoveries or found any new favourites that surprised you? How did it feel while you were stepping out of your box? How did you feel after?  I can't wait to hear what you have to share.  Use the comment section below to tell your story or join us over on Facebook and comment in the thread there. If you liked the story or think others you know may enjoy and/or learn too, I would be thrilled to have you share it. 

Your Good Stuff is There, Hiding in The Details

I am not sure if its the modesty of the Canadian or the young girl part of me that feeds that quiet and wistful feeling that I used to get while watching others (to be real, sometimes I still do get that "I wish I had ____", but in the last few years I have really begun to truly love my life so I wish to be someone else a whole lot less often these days). Or if it is because I am like so many in my generation who are simply afraid of so many things that we aren't as quick to be our real selves as we would like to be. 

This generation seems to be afraid of almost everything. And not in an "afraid of the dark" sort of way but more of a "damned if I do damned if I don't" sort of way. We are afraid of failure and also of success. Afraid of being alone and of being in a relationship. Afraid of staying in one place and of change. Afraid to try, and afraid of not doing. Afraid of blending in yet afraid of standing out. Without being grounded in any way, or sure of where you are right now, moving forward feels like the shaky steps of a child. Shaky to stand still and shaky to step forward. Tough one. 

Too afraid to talk about it (afraid to be the only one who doesn't have it all figured out and equally afraid to be a part of a whole generation that doesn't have it all figured out) many of us find ourselves "faking it".  And where does that take us....????  To a place where we are afraid that someone might find out that our confidence is more smoke and mirrors than anything else. That we aren't who they think that we are.  And so we continue to be actors in the Play that is our lives. 

So now that you're here, acting in this leading role, how do you find that piece of your character that is real??  I say, start small. There is no reason to let this feel so big and over powering. Small is where it is at.  The magic and the miracles are hiding in plain sight. You will find them in the details. You just have to take a moment to look and you will find them. I promise. (There are not many things that I will promise to an open audience but I promise, that if you look in the details, you will find at least 1 something awesome hiding right there is plain sight) 

Your starting place....???  Keep that part simple too. Start with what you take for granted. 

Here is one of those email poems that has maybe made its way to your inbox too. I don't always even open these types of notes, but this time, do yourself a favour and read it to the end. 

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman and wished I were as beautiful.

When suddenly she rose to  leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.

She had one leg and used a  crutch. But as she passed, she passed a smile.

Please forgive me  when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to  buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.

I talked with  him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it'd do no harm.

And as I  left, he said to me, "I thank you, you've been so kind.

It's nice  to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Please  forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is  mine.

Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I  knew.

He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know  what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said, "Why don't you join  them, Dear?"

He looked ahead without a word. I forgot, he couldn't  hear.

Please forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is  mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go. With eyes to see the  sunset's glow.

With ears to hear what I'd  know.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

Could you see yourself as the poet on the bus, buying candy or talking to the child, taking your blessings for granted??  It's not uncommon for many of us to look at someone else and wish we had what they have, when really we have no idea what package we just wished for. Often it's because we only see the part of that actor's Play that they allow us to see. Likewise, I am sure that though perhaps unbeknownst to you, there are people out there who have wished to be you.

To me that doesn't feel like a very productive use of anyone's creative and magnetic energies. 


Instead I invite you to look at what is filling your glass even if it's just to half full. What is it that you have got going on that rocks?? What do you have figured out for real??  What do you take for granted??  Start there. Say a Thank You for it. Because there is someone out there wishing that they had that very thing. 


You really have been blessed with things worthy of your attention. And by giving your attention to those good things your life begins to fill with more and more things that feel as good. That part isn't magic, its the way the Universal Laws work. And because Fear and Love live in the same space within us each, if you are filling that space with love, there is no room for fear. That my friend, is when you will find yourself no longer acting but confidently living as the real you, and making real and meaningful wishes.


Your turn.

Do you sometimes catch yourself looking at someone else and wishing to trade them spaces??  

When you look at your details, what is 1 blessing that you can find that is worthy of your attention??

I'd love to hear what you think. Maybe it's your comment that will be what inspires another to look at their own details. Use the comments section below or come join us over on Facebook.

3 Ways to Add More Love, Respect and Appreciation to Your Life

Up and Down. Back and Forth. In and Out. Black and White. Give and _____ .  Can you fill in the blank???  "Its better to give than to _____."  How about that one??? Any ideas???  

Receiving has been a tough thing for me to learn.  I have always been a "Giver".  I wouldn't change that about me for anything. But I do think that putting that quality into balance is important and often over-looked by many of us.  

Its not unusual for a client of mine to bring to the conversation a desire to feel more appreciated in their lives.  It is not unusual for that same client to believe that it is important for them to put the needs of others in front of their own. Many of us have learned that it is better to give than to receive and we have taken that to heart and to the extreme. We give of ourselves with a belief that giving is somehow what makes us good people. We of course want to be good people, and so with this desire fueling our creative process, we attract into our lives people and situations that allow us to give. Pretty simple really. We give of our time, our energy, our money and often we do it to a point of feeling busy, tired and financially depleted. But at least we are good people.

Sometimes we forget that every relationship is shaped by the dynamic of both giving AND of receiving. Like the tide that comes in to shore and goes back out to sea or a pendulum that swings back and forth, giving and receiving are different aspects of the same flow of energy. 

We are unable to give of something that we don't have. I can't share with you my piece of the pie if I don't have it. That applies to love energy as well. That energy can't flow from you unless it is there to begin with. That means that having a truly loving and balanced relationship of give and take depends on your ability to nurture yourself, and practice self care. That is not being selfish, that is taking care of yourself. 

There are a few angles with which we could approach the same core thought of the importance of self care.

1. You can't share what you don't have, so take the time to have "it" so that you might share "it". Feel good about yourself, love yourself and share that good feeling with the people you meet.
2. In order for us to be givers (and good people), we must pair up with receivers. It is really very thoughtful of those others to keep receiving so that we might have a place to keep giving.  But do those wonderful others a thoughtful favor and learn to receive. GIVE them a place to put their giving and an opportunity to be good people too. 
3. All of our relationships mirror how we feel about ourselves. Meaning that you must be the one to set the bar as to the level of love, respect and appreciation that you will be shown by others by showing those same levels of love, respect and appreciation to your own Self. (Its basic Law of Attraction) 

The first two examples are not my personal favorites of reasons why you should include your own well-being on your priority list, but they work, and this is a very individual journey so whatever works for you is how you should do it. If that is what helps to be your motivations to begin feeling comfortable with receiving from another, it is as a good place to begin as any. 

The third angle is perhaps a more soulful realization that you will come to as you become more comfortable with the practice of giving to your Self. Taking care of yourself, your mind, your body and your spirit will put you on a the path to falling in love with and truly appreciating the the most important person in your life - You. 

If the idea of giving to your self and of practicing self care is new to you, and focusing on your own well-being has not made it to your priority list in the past, please don't be tough on yourself.  Know that we each do the very best that we know how with what information and awareness we have at the time. As your levels of awareness change so will your priorities and your actions. It is never too late to begin taking care of you or learning about yourself.  As your understanding of you grows you will naturally make choices that nurture your relationship with you. There is no need to worry. It will all be revealed to you at a pace that is comfortable for you. Your only job is to pay attention to what you are doing for yourself and how that makes you feel and then to do more of what makes you feel good. Practice receiving love, respect and appreciation first from yourself and then from the Universe. 

Let's Talk About It

If you needed to hear this today and you know a friend or two who would like it too, please spread the word and share with your peeps. 

Then, come on over to my facebook page to say Hi and share your thoughts, or use the comments section below to tell me: 

How hard is it to love yourself? Are you a giver who has a tough time receiving? 

            OR 

What do you do to really show yourself the love, respect and appreciation that you deserve? How did you get to this awesome feeling place? Share your tips and help another to find their own awesome feeling place of self love?

A Few Small Changes that Make a BIG Difference

One of the best ideas I have ever come across I discovered in Darren Hardy's The Compound Effect. There are lots of great ideas to be discovered there, but this one stood out to me.  I have added it to my own life and have had such great shifts that I want to share it with everyone. 

In his book Darren teaches of the wonderful empowering feeling to be gained by doing what he calls Book Ending Your Day.  Much can happen in your day that you are not in control over and you need to be able to flow and roll with it. That is not new news to any of us. But what Darren reminds us is that though you may not be able to control all of the events of your day, you can control your responses to them. And what better way to build a feeling of control than by practising it and exercising control over the parts that you can - the beginning and the end of each day.





For me, to flow and not lose my way, requires me to be able to do all that open heart and open mind flowing, while remaining well rooted in me. I have known that for years now, but I was lost in the idea that a huge chunk of time needed to be dedicated to that grounding every week or so. I wasn't making that grounding of myself a part of my regular daily routine in small ways as I do now. 

Darren talks about beginning your day in a routine that sets you up for feeling success. Since reading his wonderful book I have tweaked a morning routine that has become essential to me.  I was never much of a morning person so this was a toughy for me when I was staring. But now that my morning routine has become so important, I easily get out of bed 30mins earlier so I can be sure that I am not feeling rushed. My morning routine has become one the best parts of my day and I love that I can always count on it, and on me.

Here is what is working for me ~ Once awake and before my feet hit the ground, I say a little prayer of gratitude. "Thank you for a good night's sleep. Thank you for the wonderful pillow that supported my dreamy head. Thank you for my healthy feeling self who is ready to get moving (slowly, but still ready). Thank you for the opportunities that lay ahead in today."

I used to check my emails and other messages as I had my breakfast. Now, that waits. I make a tea or coffee and read something inspiring (usually just a short something, there is no shortage of inspiration in the wonderful blogs I have bookmarked). After a good stretch, 5mins of meditation and a shower, I am ready to begin the day feeling rooted and certain of myself. 

That rooted feeling helps me to stay on task while also being able to flow within the day's events.  After dinner and before I end the day I am sure to bring myself back full circle, to that grounded feeling place.  The evenings end with a reflection of my day and a plan for tomorrow's activities. I have traded in crap TV for an hour of me time. Usually I read or watch something that both entertains and inspires. Being a continual student of The Universe and the teachings and ideas of others is what helps me to feel like I am continually moving in a forward direction.  My evening "ready for bed" routine includes more gratitude. Some times I write my thoughts down in a journal, I love having a tangible collection of what I feel is my good stuff, and sometimes it is verbal.  Whether written or recited its important to me to go to sleep feeling the best that I can. It is my conscious way of continuing the cycle I spent time creating for myself this morning and setting myself up for a good start to tomorrow. 

It's called book ending your day. The idea is to replace some of the overwhelm in many of our lives with a balanced feeling of mastery. And the thought is that that can be created by exercising your power of control in what you are doing at either end of your day. Create a routine of daily success habits that work for you, whatever they maybe, and feel the chaos of the day dim. 

Sharing ideas is what helps us all grow into better versions of ourselves. Do you have a routine already? Are there success habits that are helping you to grow and move yourself forward towards your best life? I'd love for you to share your routines or ideas here in the comments section of on my Facebook page. 

Easy to Follow, Simple to Remember. 10 Mapped Out Steps to Manifesting

Yes my friends, there is great power harnessed between your ears. But, The Law of Attraction is about more than sitting in a comfy chair thinking happy thoughts and waiting for what you want to magically appear.  You have to do your part and that means taking some action. 

There is a simple, yet important, map to manifestation that you can take with you on your journey. It'll help you not only find your way to where you are going, but ensure you have some great fun along the way. And if we are honest with ourselves, who doesn't enjoy the idea of comboing fast and fun??? 

Easy to Follow, Simple to Remember 

10 Mapped Out Steps to Manifesting  

1.  Find your imagination and create a dream for yourself.  - Your Imagination muscle is an important one to flex. Step out side of the box and expand your comfort zone. Some of the greatest experiences will be found on the edge.  
2. Love yourself - That will set the bar for the way you are treated by others, and show the Universe that you are in it to win it. 
3. Pay attention to and understand what you are feeling. - What goes on in your gut is telling you if this path or idea is good for you, or if maybe there is a better one. 
4. Understand how what you are feeling is leading you towards your future. - There are many paths. None of them are wrong they are just different. Some will feel better than others. If you are in to feeling good rather than struggling through may I gently suggest you take one of those nice feeling paths wherever it presents itself to you. 
5. Believe that you not only deserve it but can have whatever it is that you really want. - Your beliefs about yourself and your place in the world will define exactly how things turn out for you. 
6. Be open to the many many ways that The Universe can present opportunity to you. - The Universe sees all the intricate moving parts and has many more ideas than we do. Let it show you bigger ideas than you have had so far.
7. When one of those bigger ideas or opportunities is presented, check in with yourself (see #3 and #4) and take ACTION.  - You need not force anything or make it happen but you do need to get out of your chair and play your part. 
8.  Notice that when your actions are in line with your energies, those actions suddenly don't feel like work any more.   
9. Say Thank You - Everybody loves to give to those who appreciate it. The Universe is no different. 
10. Share the Love - Cheesey as it sounds, when you start to love yourself and see the world through the eyes of love, you will want to show it and share it with those who cross your path. It will be through a patience, a kindness and an understanding that you will effect others and change the world.

Good News! - Unlike other maps, with this one you can get a little creative (creativity is always encouraged). Meaning, you should include each step but  the order is somewhat flexible. No need to memorize it. You can just feel your way through this one and get still get there. 

As always, I totally want to know what you think. How do you get it done?  Do you have a map of your own or will you be adopting this one? Do you have ideas to contribute? Use the comment section below of find me on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to share. 

I Don't Need it, But I Totally WANT it.

My Dad has grown the sweet tooth in the family. Which is crazy because there is a certain someone in the family who, as a child, would eat only the sweet center of the Oreo and feed the cookie part to the dog. Dad has always had a specific weak spot for a quality ice cream sundae. Hot fudge with nuts as it is served at McDonald's totally counts. I can still hear him asking my Mom if she wanted an ice cream too. The conversation ALWAYS went like this:

Dad: "Do you want an ice cream?"
Mom: " I don't really need one."
Dad: "Nobody asked you if you needed one. Do you WANT one?"

My Dad is a smart guy. He has always known the answer or where to find the answer. At lease that is how he is seen by his children. But unknowingly, my Dad has been an LOA (Law of Attraction) Master for many many years.  His philosophy of need vs want, as he applies it to ice cream is brilliant.

There is a huge difference between needing something and wanting it. Though both are looking towards the same end result, in this case a hot fudge sundae with nuts, each approach is built on a very different foundation.

Its a good idea to, as often as you can, try to approach your list of things to acquire, do, or experience from the place of wanting rather than of needing. 

When we acknowledge a desire of any kind it is impossible to not notice the current lack of it in our lives. Needing something comes from a place of lack and one's awareness of being without. It creates a yearning because not having it is an unhappy and often stressful feeling. Wanting something, though also noticing the lack of its presence, focuses on the joy that would be rather than the pain that is. Wanting something can have a nice, light almost playful ease about it which will allow your energy to remain open. And staying open to receiving rather getting swooped up in the logistic of making anything come to you is key.

Say out loud, "I want a vacation."   And now say "I need a vacation."  Do you feel the difference?

A list of wants or desires can be fun to create. I don't need a bunch of new clothes, but I can want them.  I don't need a new car, but I can want one. I don't need a giant check to be delivered to my door but I want one. Nothing on that list is defining my survival, but everything on that list holds the possibility of great joy being found in the having of it.

Ice cream, along with many other things, totally makes my list of wants. I invite you to look at your list of wants and of needs. Are there things on your "need" list that really belong on your "want" list?

Waiting Room Chat That Left Me Questioning.

Making new friends or being friendly with strangers often is a result of finding our common ground and building from there. But why is that we we so often seek misery as our foundation for building? 

This week, as I sat in the waiting room at the Breast Cancer Centre, I really listened to what was happening around me. I was with my mom and we were waiting to see the surgeon for her post surgical follow up. (All of Mom's results were really positive. Thanks for asking.) This particular doctor is one who takes her time with each of her patients -- whatever time is needed. Often the wait can be long as she gets backed up as the day goes on. Waiting is fine with us because we know that when its our turn she will give her undivided attention to only those who are in the room, and answer every question more than once if necessary to be sure all are leaving her office feeling the very best that they can. The waiting room was a two and a half hour experience and it was so incredibly interesting to me.  

Hi, my name is Kate and I am an eavesdropper. ("Hi Kate").  I can't help myself. I am so incredibly interested in people, the way we think, and in trying to offer a perhaps new or alternate idea, that any chance to hear people share their thoughts on anything captures my attention. This was not only no exception, but it was an incredible eye opening experience. 

For years I have been learning and now teaching that what expands in your life is whatever you choose to give your attention to. (The Law of Attraction) And now here I was sitting in a room full of women who were in some stage of their cancer treatment and I couldn't help but notice that there was not as much focus on healing as I would have expected. My mother, and perhaps one other, were the only ones who were focusing on the good stuff that was going on. (I am convinced that that is one of the reasons that Mom's results have come back as wonderfully as they did. Her outlook has been exceptional.)

I was not at all surprised by the sharing that was going on. I think women are known for enjoying bonding time with each other. I think that that sharing is important in building any kind of expanded outlook or idea in the world. Sharing a new favourite wine, restaurant, hairdresser or blog is a wonderful way to find what's good. Sharing about what is "less loved" can also be helpful. Tried, tested and unloved is often a great product to avoid. But Ladies, where is your focus at????

The conversations were varied in topic and yet the ribbon theme was "lack" and the underlying energy was dark. On top of that, each topic was shared with a powerful emotional attachment. Uh oh.....

Topic + Strong Emotion = Manifestation

The ladies that I listened to complained about not only the long wait (which was mildly surprising considering the level of committed care we were all receiving in turn). They complained about Dr.s that they had not had to work with but had heard bad things about. They compared their individual levels of hardship in life as if they were competing for some sort of prize. They chatted about our heath care system in general, a likely topic on which to find common ground given the current hospital waiting room situation. But the conversation was NOT about how well they been cared for in our Canadian health care system or how blessed they felt to be here and not elsewhere. The conversation WAS about sharing stories of those (known or unknown) who were not in Canada and who were struggling to get the care needed for a multitude of reasons. To an outside eavesdropper it was so clear that each woman stood on the same side of every issue, yet not one of them talked about the side of their good fortune. A bond was so clearly being formed among like minded souls and yet the foundation being laid was in a perspective of lack.  From there they shared the same opinions of horrible news headlines from the recent weeks and of similar tales from headlines of years gone by . Headlines of murder and fear, not of the miraculous recovery being made by the three young women found alive after having been missing for 10 years. Again, each of them was of the same opinion but none of them was approaching the conversation from a place of power. Ladies. Focus on something else please. Talk about the sunny spring weather or something I am begging you. Put your energy somewhere more uplifting.


Why is it that we bond over strife more often than over success? Why don't we cut the modesty and share some good news? Is it that sharing the ugly stuff is some mixed up way in which we are trying to lighten our load, or have we really just become that much more comfortable with our suffering sides that that is the one we put forward to a stranger, in a waiting room, to build a bond?


I am certainly not in a place to say why anyone would ever contract a disease of any kind. And though my thoughts have wandered many times to the link between our healthy positively focused minds and our healthy positively focused bodies, I am not one who has done research in fully understanding the connection. But say we spend some time and energy in reforming some of our habits of thought. Maybe we put a little effort into deliberately changing our approach to a few things. What have we got to lose really? A few "less than awesome" habits that perhaps aren't serving us well anyway....?? Sounds like a gamble that I will take myself. 

I would love for you to use the section below to tell me about your approach to creating a bond with a stranger or a friend? What topics do you use as your foundation for building common ground?