The Power of Nature!!!

                Good Morning Universe your power and beauty is amazing.  Today I am reminded of the amazing gift of nature and re-birth.  I am not physically outside experiencing the gifts nature gives us, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be constantly in awe and appreciation.

                I am simply inspired, and that inspiration came from something very small and simple, a photograph.  I was looking at different images of nature online and was struck by this image of a volcanic eruption.

                It struck me how violent and scary it must be to witness something like this, but what also struck me was how Amazing it must be to witness the Power of Nature.  The best part about nature is that it’s beauty can come from something large and powerful like a volcano, or something as small as an insect resting on a blade of grass.  AMAZING!!!

                No one will disagree that nature is amazing and beautiful.  No one will disagree that the cycle of nature which includes destruction and rebirth is beautiful, necessary, and reflects Life Itself.  Nature isn’t just plants, animals, landscapes….Nature is Us.

                We are ALL part of the cycle of nature, our bodies, our minds, our lives.  The cycle of death and rebirth, positive and negative, isn’t just nature it’s OUR LIVES.  Next time something bad happens let’s try to remember that after the rain comes the growth.

                Let’s all work on taking the storm of our past, and using it to push our growth in the future.  We are ALL beautiful, not because we are perfect, but because we DIFFERENT.  We are ALL beautiful, not because of what others think, but because we are part of Nature.  RESPECT yourself, RESPECT others, RESPECT Nature, and LOVE YOUR LIFE!!!

To The Universe

LOVE BRANDY

Do You Believe in Yourself?

               Have you every stopped to ask yourself if you believe in your personal potential?  Do you believe in your heart that you can live your dreams?  Even more important, do you believe you deserve to live the life of your dreams?  These questions are very important to ask yourself, and your answers will tell you if you are being guided by the Universe

               The Universe wants us to live a life filled with positivity, but will put up road blocks to ensure you are willing to put in the work.  The Universe isn’t going to give us everything we want unless we are willing to commit and put in the work.  Yes, we deserve happiness, but The Universe knows that people often don’t appreciate or truly enjoy things that come to easily.

               The Universe doesn’t want us to be lazy, because as I’ve said before being lazy and apathetic is not TRULY living.  The Universe doesn’t want us to just exist, it want us to THRIVE.  I simply EXISTED for years before I started on a path to find out what the Universe had for me.

               Most of the mistakes I’ve made in my life, like drugs, jail, dysfunctional relationships (the list goes on) simply because I didn’t want to put in the effort.  I didn’t want to give up what seemed easy to me.  I surrounded myself with people who didn’t treat me the way I wanted to be treated because I didn’t have the courage or self-esteem to go out into the world alone.

              If we settle for circumstances that we believe we have no control over, it’s the first step in setting aside the dreams and desires we have for the future.  If we want to be happy and Live in Love, we must not settle.  We must stop simply Existing and step out in faith.  When we step forward into our future and BELIEVE in it, the Universe will guide us to a life that we could only dream of before.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Your Mind is Your Power

                Did you know that the most powerful tool for change is our own minds?  There are so many sayings that express our individual power.  A few examples that I like are, “Mind over Matter” and “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?”  Well I have always believed these to be true.  I have also come to realize that most suffering is in the mind of those who suffer.  Everyone at one time or another has or will experience suffering.

                Knowing that we all suffer and choose what to internalize means is that no one can make us feel a certain way.  People can influence our lives in both negative and positive ways, but WE are the ones who decide what to do with those external influences.

            We are the only people with control over our minds.  Other people can influence us, but in the end we are the creators of our own thoughts.  Our thoughts come from our brains, and our brains can be controlled.  Just like many things control of our minds is never perfect, we are human, and part of a world which contains plenty of imperfection.

            Just because we are the controller of our own minds, thoughts, and emotions doesn’t mean we can always make ourselves stop feeling pain.  What it does mean is that we CAN and should continually work our minds.  We should never stop practicing having control of our thoughts and emotions.

                We also shouldn’t blame ourselves when we can’t ALWAYS be in complete control of our thoughts or emotions.  We just need to be aware of the choices we make so that we don’t hurt ourselves or others with our decisions.  What can you do with the power of Your Mind?  What kind of positive choices can you make today? 

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Leaving it up to "The Universe”

                Do you know how to “Leave It Up To The Universe?”  I didn’t know how to believe.  I was sure I had to have a perfect plan mapped out to achieve everything I was asking of the Universe.  It seems that’s what we are supposed to do. Otherwise how can we be working towards what we want if we’re just Waiting Around For It.  Well there is a distinction to be had between having a plan, which is important, and being able to bend “your plan” when The Universe speaks to you.

            A plan is just that, “A Plan” and plans just like our minds, are made to change and to alter when needed.  Think of it like this, when constructing a building the first step is to have an architect draw plans.  It is necessary to have these plans as a basis for the building, but that doesn’t mean the plans may not have to be altered. 

                They may have to be altered because the building needs different structural support depending on landscape and ground conditions.  This does not mean that the house will look different when it’s finished, it only means adjustments need to be made for the environment.  This is the same thing as planning your life and asking for what you want, but being able to listen to the Universe and make when adjustments when necessary.  It’s that simple.

            You have to believe in every fiber of your being that what you want and ask of the Universe will come to you, though you have to listen for the guidance of the Universe along the way.  You are the Architect and The Universe if you are paying attention and working with it, will the construct your life based on your desires and designs.  It requires faith in yourself, the Universe, and little bit of flexibility when necessary. 

                Never give up, if you fall you must try to get up and the Universe will be there to give you a hand.  If you fall and never try to get up, that’s where you’ll stay because the Universe can’t do all the work for you.  Every step forward is a step towards happiness and every fall is a learning lesson.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Connect with Your Spiritual Self

"It's not the idea of a particular religion that's important; it's the development of a spiritual life.  Because spirituality creates well-being, health, and happiness."  Goldie Hawn

                Spirituality is a very broad word, or at least that’s what I used to think.  I used to believe that to be spiritual you had to be religious.  I used to believe that in order to be spiritual you had to believe in God or attach yourself to a specific religion.

                I am not writing today to speak about religion or God.  I am writing about spirituality, but the spirituality I speak about is what is inside each and every one of us.  It doesn’t matter if you are religious, if you believe God, or if you are an atheist.  We are ALL spiritual in one way or another.

                The dictionary defines the word spiritual as relating to one’s spirit, relating to religion or one’s religious beliefs, and having similar values or beliefs.  What I noticed most about these definitions is that they all revolve around the individual.  It’s the individual who chooses how their beliefs will form into their spiritual nature.

                Even people who may not be conscious of their spiritual beliefs are practicing all the time.  Your spirituality comes from within, it’s part of your subconscious, it’s part of your emotions, your decisions, your beliefs, and your actions.

                When each of us works to connect with our spiritual side, we are really connecting with ourselves.  When we connect with ourselves we can understand our thoughts, emotions, and actions on a deeper level.  When understand our “inner self” and our “spirituality” we can grow and love in ways we never knew were possible.  Feed your Spirit with Love and it will Nourish You!!!

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Balance the Responsibility with the FUN!!!

                Good Morning Universe.  This morning I have been considering the importance of BALANCE.  More specifically the balance between the responsibilities we have as productive adults and the side of each and every one of us that Just Wants To Have Fun!!!

                A healthy and happy life is all about balance.  We should be eating a balanced diet to keep our bodies healthy.  But occasionally we just want to eat the “bad for you” stuff, like cookies, chips or whatever your indulgence is.  We shouldn’t deny ourselves the indulgent foods, we just need to remember balance.

                We should be going to work, earning a living, and working to achieve and retain our financial stability.  But many people just want to have fun.  I understand the desire to just enjoy yourself and forget about whatever responsibilities we have, but forgetting doesn’t make things go away.  We should experience as much carefree fun as we can, but not at the expense of our day to day responsibilities.

                Every day we choose to wake up and most people take care of the responsibilities of life like work, kids, bills etc.  Once we have a decent grasp on our responsibilities it is important to have fun.  As we walk through life sometimes we have more responsibilities and less time and money for fun.  Other times in life we will have less responsibilities and more time and money for fun.  Either way it is a balance, and you can balance anything in your life as long as you strive for it.

                Don’t forget your responsibilities in place of fun, and don’t let your responsibilities overwhelm you so much that you forget to have some fun in your life.  Work every day to balance your life, and you will be much happier and more secure.

To The Universe
Love Brandy

Pull Yourself out of The Rut!!!

            I have been in a creative rut for days, or at least that’s how I saw it.  Though, if I look more closely at the situation I am able to see it differently.  Last week I started a new job, it’s a marketing job and it’s very difficult for me.  It’s new to me and this change had caused me to be happy but extremely preoccupied.  Thankfully today I am starting to feel better, but I am nervous that I may lose these positive feelings if I am not careful. 

                I look back and realize I can view my creative rut as a Circumstance or a Reaction.  If I sat here today and let my thoughts turn negative or see my lack of creativity as failure then that is a reaction, and an unproductive one at that.  That type of reaction will not help me get back on track.  That type of reaction will only cause me to extend my current situation.

               I can choose to see my lack of creativity as a Circumstance that simply resulted from a significant change and therefore is completely normal and expected.  Well that thought is what has helped me get back to Belief.  Belief that I would get back on track with my writing.

            Now look at me, I’m writing.  Some people will like what I have to say and some people won’t, but I feel good to be doing it again.  Those good feelings are going out into The Universe and I know they will come back to me.  I know that my positive thoughts and feelings will bring more Positivity back into my life.  It’s like KNOWING the check is in the mail and it will be awesome.

                I feel like I already have the things I want and it’s THOSE FEELINGS that make life worth living.  It’s not the things you have that bring you happiness, but how you FEEL about the things you have.   How can you feel good about what you have today, no matter how small?

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Love Yourself Enough To Make BIG CHANGES!!!

               I am loving myself, and it can be rough.  This week I choose to show Love and Respect for myself by not only committing to positive changes, but holding myself Accountable to those commitments.

                I have spoken before about my journey to better health.  Some days I do really good, I eat well and exercise.  Other days I get lazy, apathetic, and a little entitled.  Thankfully I have been able to resist my previous history of saying “Well, I already messed up so I might as well just give up.”

                A few weeks ago I joined a new gym.  I really like my new gym I have been going almost daily!!!  This week I continued to exercise but I let some outside stresses enable me to skip days.  I came up with reasons to stay at home.  Reasons like...I don't have the Gas Money to go to the gym, or I am emotionally unable to give 110%.

                In the past I have made many commitments to myself that I didn’t keep, in fact I didn’t even try.  The best part about today is that I am not afraid to try anymore.  I am not perfect, and I am sure I will have days when I don’t exercise.  The realization I have today, is that falling off the wagon isn’t what is most dangerous to me, IT’S NEVER GETTING BACK ON!!!!

                Everyone needs encouragement and can benefit to being held accountable by themselves and others when True Change is desired.  Anyone can make a commitment, but it takes LOVE to keep those commitments.  Let your heart lead you, listen to your intuition, and BELIEVE that when you listen to the LOVE inside you it won’t steer you wrong.

                What positive commitments can you make to yourself today?  Do you need to forgive yourself for dropping the Ball?  Are you willing to Work on increasing the LOVE in your life?

To The Universe
Love Brandy

The Million Dollar Question...How do you Change Your Life

               How do you change your life?  Well that is the Million Dollar Question isn’t it.  I think there are many ways that you can change your life for the better, it depends on who you are and what you want.

                One thing I do know is that even though each of our reasons for why we change and what we want may be different, there is ONE Thing We have in common.  There is a point when your desires outweigh your fears and that is when true change is possible.

                In the past I personally had Great and Amazing desires for how I wanted my life to unfold.  My mind was full of grandeur when I would envision what kind of life would make me happy.  The problem was that MY FEAR of change and FEAR of Failure stopped me in my tracks.

                I would convince myself that “my dreams” weren’t possible.  I would convince myself that I would fail.  I would convince myself that I would be better off staying put, rather than risk putting myself out there and Failing.

 

                If it wasn’t my Fear of Failure that stopped me from changing my life, it was my lack of self-esteem.  I would convince myself that I didn’t deserve to be happy.  I would convince myself that The Universe was out to get me.  I was so afraid of failure, that I just gave up.

                What a waste of time living in fear can be.  I wasted so much time fearing failure, fearing connections, fearing pain and anxiety that I literally lost YEARS of My Life.  Thankfully today I am finally starting to live.

                When I refer to “living” I am talking about more than just existing, I am talking about EXPERIENCING LIFE, LOVE, and yes even Pain.  It is the entire pantheon of human experiences and emotions that constitutes Really Living.

 

                We are not going to have everything we dream about, but that isn’t meant to be negative.  We can learn from the bad and thrive and rejoice in the good.  What can you do today to let go of FEAR?

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Focus on The Things YOU DO HAVE!!!

                Focus on The Things You Do Have….Such a Simple Statement, but I acknowledge that it can be hard.  So often in our lives we look around and fall into “wishing” for the things we don’t have.  The problem is when we spend all our time focusing on what we don’t have instead of being grateful for the things that we do have it can leave us in a place filled with negativity.

                I am not advocating for less “dreams, hopes, and goals” in our everyday lives.  What I am advocating is that we don’t simply focus on the things we want.  Only after when we acknowledge and appreciate who we are Now, who we have in our lives Now, and the things we Have Now is life truly worth living.

                Even if you don’t have much money, many positive people in your life, or even much that you feel grateful for, you still need to work on finding and appreciating whatever you can EVERYDAY!!!

                I have found that when I am sad, angry, doubtful, or apathetic, it really is difficult to be grateful for good things in my life.  Being grateful can take work, it is a skill that depending on where you are in your life may need A LOT of PRACTICE.

                Just like with most things, the more you practice, the easier it gets.  I believe we are not meant to have everything we want at All Times in our lives.  If we had everything we wanted, nothing would be worth working for.  If we had everything we wanted, nothing would be special.  If we had everything we wanted, we may be prone to entitlement, cynicism, and a lack of gratitude and wonderment.

                I believe that we deserve all the happiness The Universe has to offer, but we have to be able to be happy within ourselves before we can truly appreciate everything we “think we want.”  True happiness comes from within.  It doesn’t matter who is in our lives, or what “things” we have, if we aren’t happy and capable of Love inside our hearts and minds, we will never Truly Be Happy.

                 Think about people like Mother Teresa or The Dalai Lama, they don’t have all the material things the average person thinks they need to be happy.  I believe that they Truly Understand, that happiness, Real and Lasting Happiness comes from within.

                Once you are able to bring more Joy and Love into your own life, then you can share it with others.  What can you do Right Now to bring a smile to your face?  If you feel you can’t smile right now, PRACTICE…PRACTICE gratitude!!!  Find one tiny thing that lifts your spirit and carry it with you throughout the day.  This may take work and focus on your part, but if you keep practicing You Will see a difference.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Comfort and Happiness are NOT The Same

“Comfort sells easier than happiness. Comfort is easy. It requires no effort and no work. Happiness takes effort. It requires being proactive, confronting fears, facing difficult situations, and having unpleasant conversations.” –Author Unknown

                Today I have been considering some words that we think are synonymous with each other, but are actually very different.  If you read the quote I included today I am sure you can guess that I am talking about the differences and similarities between comfort and happiness.

                When I was young and people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer was always the same…I wanted to be Happy and I wanted to be a Doctor.  Well here I am today and I am not a doctor, though thankfully I am Happy (but I had to WORK at my HAPPINESS).

                Comfort is another thing, many people think that if they have all the “comforts” of life they will be happy.  People think if they have nice things, a nice car, a nice house, and other material comforts that they will be happy and successful.  NOT!!!

                I am not saying that people who have all the material comforts in life are not happy, but I am sayings it is not those “material comforts” which are providing them with happiness.

 

                Happiness seems elusive to many people because they don’t truly understand that you can’t buy happiness and you can’t borrow somebody else’s happiness.  Happiness takes WORK.  It takes work simply because life isn’t perfect.

                When life throws us curve balls, negativity, and lack we must work to find the happiness within ourselves.  True happiness only comes from within and it starts with Love, Pride, and Gratitude.  The comforts in our life as well as the people we surround ourselves with life can increase our happiness, but only if we start out with happiness from within.

 

                What is one thing you can be Grateful for today?  What is one thing about Yourself that you are Proud of?  What is one thing that you Love about yourself?  Ask yourself these questions every day and that is a great way to start to increase the happiness in your life.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

The People You Care For are Always With You

                This past year is the most time I have spent without my mother and best friend.  It is also the most time I have spent with my Father, at least that I can remember.  It’s a little bit of a trade-off.  I miss my mother and family in Sacramento but I am so grateful to be able to be with family and friends in my new town.

                To my Mother Denise, You Are ALWAYS with me.  I am eternally grateful, because I have you as my mother.  You have always made my life so special.  You are filled with Love and Kindness and the rest of the world would benefit if more people were filled with the same qualities ALL YEAR ROUND.  I Love you more than Anything or Anyone.

                To my family back home, we have been through a lot, but I am grateful to have been blessed with you as well.  Sometimes we are inseparable, sometimes we drift apart, sometimes we fight, but we are always connected in LOVE.  You can change your friends, but your family is forever.

                To my Best Friend Jason, You are family and my Best Friend.  How lucky does that make me?  You have stuck by me through Good and Bad.  When I am not around you, I often feel like I am missing a part of myself.  You are One in a Million and my Love for you is Endless.

                To my friends, you may be small in number, but you are with me forever.  It is not the number of friends a person has that matters.  What matters is how close they are to your heart.  What matters is that you know your true friends share a deep love and respect with you.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Just Because It’s Not Easy Doesn’t Mean It’s Wrong

             Decisions aren’t always supposed to be easy.  Many times in my life I have found myself questioning if I am making the right decision.  Decisions which will bring me the happiness and security I desire.  I know I am not alone in questioning my decisions.  The difficulty comes with trying to stick to the choices I have made, or fall backwards into what I KNOW and what is easier.

               Last year I moved to a new city and for a long time I was Really Missing my friends and family.  My hometown is where I fought through my addictions, my apathy, and my sadness.  My hometown is where I grew up, where my most of my family and friends live, where I KNOW I will always have a place, and where I have re-invented myself before.

               I made the decision to stay in my new city quite a while ago, and I really feel at home here.  Originally I had to force myself to believe that once I had made the decision to stay my doubts would dissipate.  I can honestly say that the doubts I had last year have mostly disappeared, and I am So Grateful and Happy.

                Today I realize that doubt is natural.  Doubt is The Universe testing me.  My doubt doesn’t mean I made the wrong choice, it means the Universe wants to be sure that I am Completely Committed to moving forward on my path.

               When negative emotions and thoughts like doubt enter my mind I must work hard to control the negativity in my heart and mind.  This kind of control over my negative thoughts takes work.  The work that is required will be rewarded.  I know that everything worth having will take work and I am ready to put in the effort.

               As much as I wish serious change was always easy, I know that when I come out the other side the trials and difficult choices I have been faced with makes my joy even sweeter.  My goal is to stay on the path that The Universe guides me down.  I must constantly evaluate my choices and what influences them in order to allow myself an abundance of Happiness, Love, and Security.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

I got a message from The Universe...In My Email!!!

 “It was perhaps one of your greatest acts of love, Brandy.  Choosing to be alive at a time when so many live so deeply in the dark.  And already things are looking brighter.”  --The Universe

                Good Morning Universe, thanks for the inspiration.  I REALLY do get messages from the The Universe on a regular basis.  It’s a regular inspiration message send by tut.com, but it comes into my inbox from and signed by The Universe.  How cool is that?

                The message I received this morning touched me because it reminded me just how far I have come.  As many of you know I spent YEARS in the darkness.  The darkness in my life started small when I was much younger.  My life was overshadowed by low self-esteem and this lack of LOVE for myself developed into negative behaviors and unhappiness,  which would plague me most of my adult life.

                My low self-esteem and inability to truly LOVE myself led to physical self-harm then addiction.  My addiction led to the loss of my job, my indepence, my freedom, and the loss of the last bit of Self Love I had at the time.  I began living in darkness.

                Then a MIRACLE happened, I chose LOVE.  I chose to work for a better life instead of dwelling in the swamp of negativity my life had become.  Once I chose LOVE I thought everything would be easy, it wasn’t.  It was better, and would continue to be better every day.  The only thing I had to do was take the first step, not look back, and focus on Loving myself, my Life, and the people, places, and things I have around me.

                Two of the greatest tools I have used to keep myself on a positive path have been GRATITUDE and LOVE.  When you are grateful for who you are, what you have, and the path you are walking it is much easier to LIVE IN POSITIVITY.  When you operate from LOVE, from that place inside you that feels warm and kind, then your thoughts, emotions, and actions always guide you to a better place.

                It’s only when we stop listening to our heart that we are in danger or living in the dark.  What can you do today to bring more light and love into your heart.  Are you ready to LIVE in LOVE and STOP Dwelling in Darkness.  Make a choice to see where the path of LOVE and LIGHT leads you.

To The Universe
Love Brandy

Let The Tough Times Spur GROWTH!!!

"Tough times never last, but tough people do."    Robert H. Schuller

               This quote is so short in length, but it’s genius is enormous.  It calls to mind the tough times I have experienced in my life like depression, low self-esteem, and drugs just to name a few.

               I would describe my past as tough, though I am not blaming my mistakes on my “tough” past.  I wouldn’t say that I used to describe life as fair.  In fact, I spent a lot of my time looking at other people’s lives and how I thought they had it “easy”.

               By focusing all my attention on other people’s “easy” lives, or at least how I saw other’s lives, I didn’t have to look at my own.  It wasn’t that I was ashamed of everything I did, but I didn’t have the strength to make the changes I wanted.  I wanted life to change for me, not for me to change for life.

               If something good happened I didn’t rejoice, I usually thought it was an anomaly.  If something bad happened or I was going through a tough time, I thought I was being punished unfairly.  I never truly stopped to think that I could grow from the tough times, I just felt self-pity.

               Today it’s easier to look at my past mistakes and the tough situations I have gone through without blame, guilt, and pity.  I am not perfect.  At times blame, guilt, and pity still sneak into my thoughts.  Though today I know I can take those thoughts captive and work on changing them into positivity and love.  It takes work to change inside and out, but it’s worth it.

               I am tougher then I knew I was, but am tender as well.  It’s a balance between being tough and being tender that I feel will benefit me most.  It’s a balancing act that I KNOW I can do.  Who knows, I heard “balancing” on a tightrope can be exciting.  Life is my circus and I’m ready for it.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

The Human Experience

            Today I was reminded how beautiful life is, and I am truly thankful for that.  The beauty in life is so simple and so natural, maybe that’s part of the reason that people stop seeing the beauty around them every day.

                So often we are bogged down with problems, stress, disappointment, and expectations that we forget to be thankful.  People can forget to be thankful for the simple beauty of life and for the human experience.

            The human experience isn’t meant to be perfect, but deep down it’s perfectly simple.  We as humans are given the gift of life, not just existence, but life and higher consciousness.  We experience emotions that other creatures in the natural world will never be a part of.  These emotions that we are blessed to have access to are the basis of our lives.

             Many times when we are experiencing painful emotions it’s difficult to be thankful for the experience that we are given.  Though when we come through the pain, the happiness and beauty of life is even sweeter.  It is only because we are aware that pain and negativity is out there, that we can truly appreciate beauty and happiness.

            When we realize that every emotion and experience we have is important.  It is then that we can influence our lives with the choices we make.  We can choose to be stuck in pain, or choose to try and see beauty.  We can choose to accept that negativity is part of our world, but we don’t have to let negativity be part of ourselves.

                 We can choose to forgive ourselves and others for our imperfections.  When we choose to have as much good in our lives as we can, it’s then that we are choosing a Great Life.  What kind of choices can you make today to start Your Great Life.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Honesty Can Be Hurtful…Use It Responsibly!!

                Good Morning Universe, let’s talk about honesty.  I grew up hearing that “Honesty is The Best Policy” and that is generally true.  The problem we face these days is when does honesty cross the line and become hurtful.

                Everyone needs to share.  We shouldn’t hold in our fears, anger, anxiety or other negative emotions because they can poison us.  The problem is we can’t say everything that comes to our minds, it’s inappropriate, unhealthy, and selfish.

               So how do we know when honesty is best?  Well, if you are saying what is honestly in your head but your heart feels wrong.  Don’t Say it.  When it comes to sharing negative things about other people you should be filtering those things through Your Head and Your Heart.

                Another thing to remember is when you share what you are feeling and experiencing consider whether or not you are trying to elicit a specific reaction from who you are sharing with.  For example, if you are angry with someone and you share your thoughts with them simply to make them feel bad or hurt…EVEN IF IT’S TRUE it’s usually inappropriate.

                You shouldn’t be sharing with another person in order to hurt them.  You should be sharing in order to grow or heal.  Be aware that once you share something it isn’t up to you how the other person will react.  You are only in control of yourself, what other people feel and do is entirely up to them.

                Don’t let your feelings build up inside, just work on finding the appropriate time and words to share how you feel.  Honesty is the best policy, and we should be “telling the truth.”  But we should be examining our motives behind how and why we are sharing.

         

                It’s not brain surgery.  If we are paying attention and not working from our ego, we will know deep inside if what are sharing is coming from a “good place” or a “bad place.”

To The Universe

Love Brandy

I Appreciate All Types of Weather!!!

                    How many times do people say things like, “I feel down, I think it’s the weather.”  I know that many times “Good Weather” can bring a smile to my face, though I wonder why bad weather often makes people gloomy.

            It has been very Hot and Dry lately, and I miss the milder temperatures that beckoned me outside daily.  Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the way any sunny day can Elevate my mood.  But I do miss the warmth and beauty of Nice MILD sunny Day.

            I think I am finally able to appreciate all types of weather, because I find beauty in it.  Like the ups and downs of life, the “good” and “bad” weather is beautiful if you are able to view it in the proper context.

            If it never rained, how would we grow food?  If it was always sunny, how could we be witness to the amazing cloud formations that the sky creates?  If it was never “too hot” or “too cold”, how could we appreciate the perfect temperature?

            Just like in nature, it is the opposites of life that make appreciation possible.  I don’t want to live in a perfect world, with perfect people, and perfect weather.  Perfect is nice, but if that’s all there is then boredom would soon set in.

            If people worked as hard to see the positive as they do at dwelling on the negative, then we would have a revolution.  A revolution that could inspire beauty, kindness, greatness, and compassion.

            I want to live in a “perfect” world, but my “perfect” world would be where everyone can see the Bad as just another way to increase their perception of the Good.  We could see that darkness isn’t Bad, it’s just waiting to be LIT UP.

            How can you Light Up your world?  Can you look at life from a different perspective and truly appreciate it?  Can you see the “harsh weather” as just another example of the greatness of Mother Nature?

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Great Change Doesn’t Always Have To Start Big!!!

Sometimes people are waiting for “the big moment” or epiphany to start a change.  One day you can wake up and realize that things are different, your life is different, YOU ARE DIFFERENT.  Often times change can be so gradual you can’t pinpoint it.

   

I have been trying to pinpoint when I started truly feeling happy, and not just believing happiness would be mine.  I can’t remember a specific day, week, or even month when I was sure that my happiness was more than just belief.

The first step to change is desire, then belief, then action, and perseverance.  All of a sudden you look back and realize not only is your life different, BUT YOU ARE DIFFERENT.  It works both ways, with positive changes and negative changes. 

I have had experience with the “positive changes” and the “negative changes.”  When I became addicted to drugs, I didn’t just WAKE UP like that.  It was gradual, I knew I was taking chances using drugs but I told myself I was stronger and smarter than that.  I was wrong.

When I quit using drugs I didn’t just wake up and everything was great because I was sober.  My road to sobriety and ultimately to happiness was long and difficult.  When I was using drugs, I didn’t want to be an addict.  I was afraid, I was ashamed, I was unhappy, I felt unworthy and unloved….That is a lot of negativity to face sober.

Today I am SO VERY BLESSED.  My life isn’t perfect and I’m not always happy and chipper, but I feel different deep down inside.  I don’t dwell in the bad stuff.  Negativity, Anxiety, and Fear come to visit me sometimes, but I DON’T LET THEM STICK AROUND.

To The Universe
Love Brandy

Don’t Let Your Reasons Become Excuses!!!

                Good Morning Universe.  Let’s talk about the dreaded “E” word.  Ok…no one actually refers to “Excuses” as the dreaded “E” word, but maybe they should.  So often in my life I have felt that I had valid reasons to think, choose, and act in a specific way.  I had specific reasons for my behavior.

                The problem I realize today is that All Too Often what I thought was a perfectly good reason to think or act a specific way, led to a perfectly good excuse.

                Webster’s Dictionary defines reason as “a statement offered in explanation or justification,” or “the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways.”  It also includes “a rational ground or motive” as another definition.  These definitions are just a few examples of the proper context of the word reason.

                I am not one to argue with the Dictionary as to the proper meaning of a word, but I would like to put the first definition into the context of personal growth.  When you include justification into your reasoning it is the first step to “making excuses.”

                People explain themselves, their choices, and their actions every day, and it’s often a part of healthy communication with others.  So how can we stop making our reasons into our excuses?  How can we even be sure that our words and actions are based in reasons and not excuses?

                The biggest indicator that you are no longer explaining your reasons and have moved into making excuses, is how you feel?  When you are giving valid reasons for your thoughts and actions you aren’t going to feel guilty.

                When you start to make excuses there is usually a little voice inside your head telling you that you have to lie, embellish, or omit something important.  Often times when we make excuses the little voice inside our head is feeling guilty, or just a little off.

                 Come on people it’s not brain surgery.  If it feels wrong, if it feels deceptive, if it feels negative then we are probably on the wrong path.  Start listening to that little voice in your head, start listening to your intuition, start listening to your heart.  If we are really listening we will know when our reasons have become excuses.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

It Takes Work to be at The Top!!!

                Good Morning Universe, let’s talk sports.  Yes, I said sports.  I am not going to be discussing any particular sport.   I want to discuss what people who play sports already know, and that is “it takes work to be at the top of your game.”

                I am not talking about just professional athletes.  I am talking about anyone with a passion to play…The weekend warrior, The Softball or Basketball League Players, The Tennis or Golf enthusiast.

                Anyone who has a love for playing a sport or participating in anything athletic usually wants to be their best.  To achieve their personal best people have to practice, they have to put in The Work.

                Even people who are “born athletes” or are blessed with what the average person might consider unnatural skill” have to practice.  What I think most Athletes and Active people have in common is the desire to perform at their best.

                Just like with athletes we need to practice, practice positivity and if necessary a change in our perspective.  We need to work-out our minds.  We need to practice putting things around us in the proper perspective.

                Often times what people are most bothered by in their own lives can be changed by changing their perspective.  What people think about themselves, other people, and even their own lives are usually be reinforced by what they “see.”

                If you think your life is crappy then that is how you will see everything.  If you think your life is filled with possibility then that is what you will see.  If you work to find joy every day (no matter how big or small) then that is what you will find.

                 Changing our old patterns of thinking from “seeing the negative” to “Seeing The Positive” will take practice and effort, but IT IS WORTH IT.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Is Your Life A Miracle? YES IT IS!!!

“There are two ways to live: You can live as if nothing is a miracle; or, you can live as if everything is a miracle.”  -Albert Einstein

                Good Morning Universe.  I have heard this quote by Einstein many times in my life, but recently it has been popping up everywhere.  Whenever I read a blog or check out an inspirational site or video this quote keeps coming back to me.  So I guess it means I should be focusing on Einstein for inspiration!!!!

                When I was younger I didn’t like the word, “miracle.”  I always put a religious spin on
“miracles” and since I wasn’t a religious or spiritual person I didn’t like the connotation associated with the word.

                As I have gotten older I am still not a religious person, though I appreciate and accept the value other people put into their religious practices and beliefs.  Today I would say that I am spiritual, though my exact definition of spirituality is still evolving.

                What I do know is that when I started believing that Miracles happen every day is when I started to experience Love and Happiness.  The miracles I believe happen every day are usually small and often overlooked, even by myself. 

                When I wake up every day, it’s a miracle.  When I smile and laugh, it’s a miracle.  When the sun shines through the clouds and lights up the mountains outside my window, it’s a miracle.  When I CHOOSE to smile and live in love instead of dwelling in negativity and sadness, it’s a miracle. 

                Some of these miracles are created by nature.  Some of these miracles are created by others.  Some of these miracles are created by me.  The common thread is that when I look for and appreciate the things in my life, the miracles around me, I AM HAPPIER.

                What Miracles are around you today?  What is one thing no matter how BIG or how SMALL you can view as one of life’s miracles?  What can you do today to see YOUR LIFE as a MIRACLE?

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Practice Patience!!!

                Patience is a skill and like with any skill, it needs to be practiced.  I have often thought that I was a patient person, though I believe that I have mistaken my lack of desire for patience.  I possess the ability to be patient on the outside, though my mind is often overtaken with anxiety.

                I have mentioned on numerous occasions that I have been stricken with doubt and anxiety.  These types of feelings are not something that coincide with patience.  If I truly had the skill of patience, I would be able to soothe my fears and keep negativity at bay.  If I truly had mastered the skill of patience I would not be preoccupied with thoughts of “WHAT MAY BE.”  Instead I would be able to think about WHAT IS.

                Living in the present, living with purpose, living today in order to make your tomorrow’s better is what I believe takes patience.  In today’s world we are so often given answers quickly.

 

               If we have a problem with our television or internet, there is a call center technician available to help us almost immediately.  If we are bored we can find instant entertainment with television and the internet.  If we are lonely we can call our friends and family.  If we are hungry we go to a fast food drive thru.

                 Everything in our society is trying to be faster, because most people lack patience.  We want it all, and we want it immediately.

                I am learning to be patient.  I know I need to practice keep exercising patience.  I know that the decisions and actions I make today will shape my future.  If I have patience I will be able to wait for my dreams to become a reality.  I can’t force The Universe to work on my timeframe.  The only thing I can do is continue to work for the future and practice patience.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Belief is a Powerful Tool…Use It!!!

                 Do you know the Universe is always talking to us, it’s just waiting for us to listen. The Universe is always offering us a path to our dreams.  We must keep our eyes and ears open so the Universe can guide us.

                An important thing to remember as we walk our path is that it is rarely a straight line.  The Universe gives us opportunities to alter our path to fit our needs all the time, whether it be daily or even hourly.  Don’t ignore these whispers just because they are coming at you fast, grab hold of your future because it starts today.

                Now don’t despair because the Universe isn’t yelling at you about your path daily.  If the Universe isn’t yelling at you every day, if you don’t see the signs of your future every hour don’t despair.

                Remember the Universe doesn’t work on your timeframe.  The Universe will give you what you want and need at the opportune moment.  The Universe can see where you are going long before you can.  I had to surrender my path to the Universe today.

                It may seem small, but my scale hasn’t moved in a few weeks.  For those of you that don’t already know I am on a journey to better health and weight loss, so the scale is an important tool for me.  At first I was upset not having the regular success I am used to, but it doesn’t change my goals or my work ethic.

                I am still going to keep up with my regular workouts and watch what I eat.  Those things are good for me, and I don’t need immediate rewards because in the long run I’ll be rewarded.  The Universe has a timeframe for my health and I choose to Believe.

                One of the Most Important things you can do for yourself is to Believe that what you want and need WILL COME.  The Universe will respond to your Belief, never give up, never stop believing, keep working to make your life AWESOME.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

I Talk to Myself and I Answer Back

                Good Morning.  If you were captivated by my title and admission that I “talk to myself” you might be wondering if I am saying Good Morning to myself, or to my readers.  The answer is BOTH.  I am here to say to all of you that “talking to yourself” can be good.

                Many times in my life I have talked to myself, I talk to myself on a regular basis.  Sometimes the conversations were based in sadness and anger, sometimes they were based in boredom, and other times they were Just Plain Silly.  No matter what I’m saying to myself, I realize it’s important.

                You may be wondering what’s so important and beneficial about talking to yourself.  Let’s see…First of all I believe you should be your own best friend.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t have other friends.  Friends and close relationships with other people are ABSOLUTELY Necessary to have a healthy and happy life.  What I am saying is that in order to be a good friend and a loving person with others, you need to start within yourself.

                Another benefit of talking to yourself is that you can work through sensitive issues with the person you trust the most, yourself.  Often times people are hesitant to share sensitive issues with others out of fear.  If we can talk to ourselves we can have a DRESS REHERSAL for sharing.  We can practice different ways of communication in safety.

                Yet another benefit of talking to yourself is LOVE…even more specific, self-love.  Loving yourself is of the utmost importance if you want to share in Positive Loving relationships with others.  If you can’t be alone or find something you like or love about yourself this is often a precursor to negative interactions with others.

                Talking to yourself can be a valuable tool for growth.  Keep in mind that most TOOLS are guidelines and if not practiced properly can turn into Bad Habits.  Remember that talking to yourself is NOT a REPLACEMENT for interaction with other people.  Remember that if you dwell in negative Self-Talk it is not going to help you grow or work through things.

                It’s ok to share your good and bad emotions, as long as you work towards a healthy balance.  Don’t pretend to be happy and perfect all the time, but work to keep from dwelling in negativity.

To The Universe

LOVE BRANDY

Show Up and Participate

                               Good Morning Universe.  Here’s to everyone showing up to their lives today.  Showing up isn’t just your physical presence.  Showing up to Your Life requires work.  If you want to live a happy and fulfilled life you HAVE TO BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT.   A great place to start is to search out people, places, and things that inspire you.

                               You can create your own inspiration through activities like personal writings, poetry, and art.  You should have time set aside to share in the information a beauty created by others by reading and watching things that are based in positivity.

                               Make these types of behaviors into your habits.  It can seem difficult with all the things we can engage in to pass our time.  Many times I have just wanted mindless entertainment, which can be enjoyable, but not if I base my life around it.

                               Get Pumped about change, but stick with it!!!  I didn’t want to put in the effort or hear other people talk about The Power of Change because I wasn’t ready to commit.  I didn’t believe in myself and didn’t want to make positive use of my time.

                               My habits were based in familiarity.  My habits were based in comfort.  My habits didn’t include time for positive self-reflection and growth.  My habits were basically formed by my Fear of Change.

                               Today I am INSPIRED by the positive habits I am forming.  I still experience Fear, but I now revel in overcoming that fear.  I am really starting to enjoy building a life from “good” desires and “positive” experiences.

                               What kinds of behaviors and habits do you participate in that are limiting your growth?  The first step to change is Acknowledging your negative behaviors and habits.  The first step is often the most difficult, but it’s the Best Gift you can Give Yourself!!!!

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Hold onto The Good Moments

                               Good Morning Universe.  Another Monday is here to greet us, and I want to send everyone into the week with some thoughts about the Moments that Make Our Lives.

                               Many times in my life I have lived in Sadness, Anxiety, Stress, and a multitude of other negative emotions.  I dwelled on all the bad things in my life.  Whether it was a bad feeling, emotion, or action I let it creep into my daily existence.

                               I spent years focusing on

 what was wrong with my life.  What was wrong with my life was my perspective.  When I focused on all the Negativity in my life I began to live in Negativity.  I never saw happiness because how I viewed my life, is what turned into my Actual Life.

                               I realize how each moment that we hold onto is shapes us and our lives.  This evening I was petting our dog Annie and was filled with happiness, so I decided to make an effort to HOLD ON TO this memory for future use.  Next time I feel Negativity creeping in I have to focus on the Good Stuff, the Memories that I cherish will be the tools I use to combat the dreaded Negativity.

                               It sounds so simple, but it takes work.  It takes practice to change our patterns of thinking and our behaviors.  It takes WORK to recall those “happy moments, memories, or feelings” every time life gets you down.  It takes practice.

                               These days patience and practice seem like virtues that are in short supply.  Our culture is obsessed with convenience and entertainment at the push of a button or the click of a mouse.  In the information age we have forgotten that time heals, and that Life Is Not Always on Our Schedule.

                               We must walk through each moment towards our future, good or bad its part of life.  We can’t time travel into the future.  We can’t skip the tough times because life lessons learned are important.  Besides if we could actually “fast forward” through life, it would be over WAY to Soon.

                               Hold on to the good moments, live in the present but never lose sight of your future.  Use the good moments as fuel to keep you going when you face negativity.  Let’s retrain our brains to remember the Good Stuff and Let Go of The Bad.

To The Universe

Love Brandy

What do you Feed Your Body and Soul?

                Good morning Friday, I am glad to see you.  I think I am glad to see the start to a new week because it means an end to last week.  Last week wasn’t all bad, just a few days.  I did not feel well the past few days.  I have been tired, grumpy, my body felt bad, and emotionally I just felt off.  It was like a trifecta of bad feelings that cultivated to make a few rough days for me.

                We all have bad days, but I realized that I needed to know what made me feel so bad.  If it was just an average sickness like the flu, a cough or hormones that would be easy to understand, but with The Trifecta I needed to know the causes.  If I knew the cause then I can try to avoid those bad feelings and actions next time.

                Trying to find the cause of our emotional and physical state of mind is important.  This is part of The Work and The Practice we need in order to grow.  If we never try to understand our Negativity we can never learn how to work through it and spend the Majority of our lives in LOVE.

                This is what my self-reflection about this past week has led me to realize.  I was feeling crappy because I didn’t sleep well.   I can remedy that by focusing back on my regular sleep schedule.  I was feeling crappy because I overate over the weekend.  I can remedy that by paying more attention to my diet when I get busy or celebrate.

                 I was feeling crappy from guilt.  I had indulged and it led to a tummy ache, then I let my guilt toy with my emotions.  What I should’ve done is recognize where I went wrong then forgiven myself.  Holding onto negativity can spread from your mind into your body, and Trust Me that feels doubly crappy.

                What you put in to your body and your soul is often what you get back.  If you feed yourself positivity and healthy affirmations, that’s what you get back.  What are YOU Feeding Your Body and Soul?

To The Universe

Love Brandy

Let Out Your Inner Child

                I just finished reading an article about letting your inner child come out and play.  It basically touted the benefits of remembering the simplicity and joy that children often experience, but doing this as an adult.

                One of the people who was referenced in this article carries around a bottle of bubbles.  You remember these, a little colored plastic bottle with the round ended stick you blow into…then POOF, bubbles come out.

                Blowing bubbles was so simple, so fun, and so amazing as a child.  So why don’t we include some simple, silly, and happy things like this into our lives as adults?  Speaking of bubbles when was the last time you blew a Bubble Gum Bubble so big it popped?  Simple happiness at it’s Best!!!

                I wonder how much stress, unhappiness, apathy, and negativity could be avoided just by including some silliness or child-like innocence and wonder into EVERY Day of Our Lives.

                Maybe you think that this is immature or a waste of time.  If you really feel that way then I think you are probably one of the people most in need of some silliness in your life.  Don’t take yourself too seriously, it’s bad for your health.

                I KNOW that being silly, dancing around when no one is looking and other activities like this can reduce stress and increase your happiness.  Give it a try.  What do you have to lose?  Don’t just trudge through your life…LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!

To The Universe

Love Brandy

What INSPIRES You?

                Of all the questions we pose to ourselves everyday, I am pretty sure that MOST People don’t ask themselves this.  People spend most of their days focused on basic questions.  Questions like, “Which route to work has less traffic?”  “What should I make for dinner?” “Do I look good in these jeans?”

                The smaller questions we pose to ourselves daily are a major part of our ability to function in society and they often can form how we process information about ourselves and our environment.

                The problem is that when we focus on basic information and feelings we can often forget to question who we are right now, and who we want to be in the future.

                Ask Yourself, how often do you REALLY CONSIDER what your inspiration is.  The answer should come from deep inside yourself.  A comprehensive answer to what inspires you requires contemplation and the ability to draw your answers from deep within your heart.

                Some things that inspire you are obvious, like friends and family or something beautiful in nature.  These are great, but the more you can identify what inspires you the more you can draw on those emotions in times of need.

                I am inspired by my family and friends.  My mother is filled with SO MUCH LOVE and KINDNESS she inspires me.  My Best Friend is a FIGHTER in the face of a deadly illness, he has survived and thrived since the 90’s.  My father and his fiancé Susan have a vision to Heal the World with Love and Accountability, and I share that vision.

               These people are obvious answers to who inspires me, but this neglects the question, WHAT INSPIRES ME.  The WHAT is so important because you can’t live your life through or for other people.  It is YOU who must walk your path and at sometimes you may be alone.  What will keep you inspired and moving forward when you are alone?

                Some of my personal inspirations are very simple.  I Love Cloud formations, they make my heart smile.  I LOVE when my dogs get SO EXCITED to see me that they run around in circles so fast I can hardly see them.  I LOVE the feeling I get from hiking, it can be painful during the workout, but the beautiful nature I see and the pride upon completion is AMAZING.

             

                 These are just some of the people, places, and things that Inspire Me.  What things Inspire You?  Write a list, keep it handy if necessary then when life starts to get you down take out “Your Inspirations” and draw them into your heart.

To The Universe

Love Brandy