health and wellness

I have been studying and reading Louise L. Hay’s books for five years now, and I have gained an enormous amount of strength from her life teachings and lessons. Author to international bestseller, You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay has dedicated her life to those seeking personal growth and self-healing. Through difficult times, she has offered great wisdom and healing to many worldwide for well over 25 years. Today, I dedicate in extending some of her profound words of healing to Holly Fannin, who is struggling with breast cancer, and to others all over the world who are also in need. I ask everyday that our hearts be open and our prayers extend.

Louise L. Hay - Words For Healing:

• Think positive, peace-filled, loving thoughts. Every cell in your body responds to each thought you think.
• Allow the love from your heart to wash through you and cleanse and heal every part of your body and emotions.
• Be assured that every day, your body’s natural desire is to be healthy, whole, and complete.
• Feel the glorious, dynamic energy that is flowing through you today.
• Feel privileged to live in the wondrous, magnificent machine that is your body.
• Inhale the precious breath of life. It is your connection to your Higher power.
• Know that your Mind and body are in perfect balance. You are healthy and in harmony with the universe.
• Bring into your life every person, place and thing that you need for your complete healing.
• Love every organ, muscle, joint, and cell in your body.
• Release all negative thinking. Focus on the perfect state of health that you desire.
• Remember that you are never alone. Your guardian angels are part of your life and have helped to keep you healthy since the day you were born.
• Be aware that your Higher power is always leading you and guiding you. Your prayers for good health and healing are always answered.
• Make sure your internal dialogue is positive. What you think affects every aspect of your health.
• Inject a lot of laughter into your life - it’s one of the best medicines there is!
• Bless all the healers of the world with love; appreciate those in both the conventional and alternative medical worlds. They all have a lot to offer.
• When it comes to health decisions, trust your intuition. Listen to that still, small voice within because it always knows just what to do.
• Send love and healing energy to everyone in your world. You all contribute to the overall health of the planet.
• Accept the challenges and responsibilities involved in taking care of your health and healing. Know that you are always supported by life.
• Accept perfect health as a natural and normal part of your being. Send love to every area of your body.

And lastly, I offer the world peace, love and joy. To all, let us pray,

All is well in my world. Perfect health be ours today and always.

            -written by Angela Doss

Improving ones self esteem is vital to our success, and indeed, affects all areas of our lives. It determines how confident we are and it reflects who we are as a person, and how we feel about ourselves. Whatever level of self esteem one has of themselves, it will surely portray itself in an external form. Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize they suffer internally from low self esteem, and more often, are in denial of some of the self-made beliefs they have built up in their minds over the course of their lives. Regardless of whether it is self-recognized or not, it can often become a sensitive or uncomfortable topic for many to discuss. The mere discussion of it can often stir up within ourselves a painful process in which to heal. 

The University of Texas at Austin offers a deep understainding on this very subject of its cause and how to improve our self esteem. Building higher self esteem requires dedication, devotion, self love, and is indeed, a process that is achieved through vigilance and patience of oneself.  For some, this can be a lifelong endeavor. Yet, every single person has within them the power to experience higher self esteem if one would only choose to tap into a higher source - at the core of their being. Once we get past some of our inner fears and embrace the process of learning to seek more within, it becomes quite impossible to see anything else but the perfection that lies within us all. By learning to be more cognitive -more gentle and kind to the soul, it is amazing the gem that one would soon discover.  Below are some of my tips to help start us in our journey.

Forgive Your False Deceptions

A lot of us fall prey to false deception whether we allowed another to pollute our self esteem or whether they are self-inflicted. Often we fall prey to feelings that we lack the ability, we’re not good enough, rich enough, worthy, good looking, charming, or intelligent enough to achieve or accomplish the certain aspects of our lives. These are self-sabotaging habits we have formed subconsciously and have forever held fervently in our minds. This is the very reason why we are getting the same poor results year in after year, while we continue to watch our lives slip away at the hands of lowered self esteem. As we start to become more aware of these traps, we can then teach ourselves how to shut down and turn the self-destructive switch off by reprogramming our minds through the powerful use of positive affirmations.

Stop Comparing Yourself To Other People

We are constantly comparing ourselves to others - a sure sign we do not feel adequate about ourselves. The Nemours Foundation  for children and teens explains that this can begin within ourselves as a young child. As we grow older, it’s evident that this type of behavior clearly demonstrates that we are not comfortable within our own skin; that we are somehow no longer equal to, nor satisfied with the whole of whom we are as a person. It is the external manifestation that portrays our inner beliefs, and suddenly we subconsciously find ourselves in a pool of desperation attempting to be more like the person we are comparing ourselves to. This has become nothing more than a fictitious ideal we have put atop the pedestals of our mind - a deception of what we think would make us equal or better if only we resembled more to an other’s character. If we stopped a moment to still our minds and search within, we would see our self-worth; the value and beauty we possess that poses no differences among our fellow man.Surround Yourself With Positive And Supportive People

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. -Henry Ford

If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. -Lawrence J. Peter

Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. -Doug Larson

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. -T.S. Eliot

The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man’s foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher. -Thomas Henry Huxley

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up. -J.M. Power

It is never too late to be who you might have been. -George Eliot

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them. -Unknown

Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings. -C.D. Jackson

Life’s problems wouldn’t be called “hurdles” if there wasn’t a way to get over them. -Unknown

Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Arnold H. Glasow

I don’t care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don’t harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you’re never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants. -Zig Ziglar

The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle. -Unknown

It is easier to go down hill than up, but the view is best from the top. -Arnold Bennett

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. -Beverly Sills

One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks. -Jack Penn

If you don’t have time to do it right you must have time to do it over. -Unknown

If one does not know to which port is sailing, no wind is favorable. -Seneca

The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What It Means To Be Young 

Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips, and supple knees; it is matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.

Youth means the predominance of courage over timidity, of adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair - these bow the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.

Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement at the stars and the star-like things, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing child-like appetite for what-next, and the joy of the game of living.

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.

        -Samuel Ullman

-The Best Classroom In The World Is At The Feet Of An Elderly Person

Words Of Wisdom:

No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.

Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

Success stops when you do.

Life is a journey…not a destination. Enjoy the travel!

The biggest lie on the planet: “When I get what I want, I will be happy.”

The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

I’ve learned that ultimately, ‘takers’ lose and ‘givers’ win.

Life’s precious moments don’t have value, unless they are shared.

If you don’t start, it’s certain you won’t arrive.

We often fear the things we want the most.

Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you have to say. Best friends listen to what you don’t say!

Look for opportunities…not guarantees.

Success is getting up one more time.

Now is the most interesting time of all.

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.

God can mend all broken hearts. You just have to give him all the pieces.

A person who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes, but a person who doesn’t ask, is a fool forever…

A best friend is like a four leaf clover…hard to find, and lucky to have.

A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart.

A coincidence is when God performs a miracle, and decides to remain anonymous.

I’ve learned I don’t have to attend every argument I’m invited to.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace…and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.

The Joys of Motherhood On Mother’s Day 

Why do athletes always look into the camera and say, “Hi, Mom”? Why are florists working overtime every Mother’s Day? Why do people always thank their mother when they receive an award? Because behind any successful and happy person, chances are good that you’ll find a great mom! Enjoy these quotes on the joys of motherhood and the inspiration that mothers give their children. Happy Mother’s Day to all of us!

A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
–Agatha Christie (1890-1976), English novelist and playwright.

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. You are connected to your child and to all those who touch your lives. A mother always has to think twice: once of herself and once for her child.
–Sophia Loren (1934-), Italian motion-picture actress.

We are together, my child and I. Mother and child, yes, but sisters really, against whatever denies us all that we are.
–Alice Walker (1944-), American author and poet.

A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.
–Princess Diana (1961-1977), Princess of Wales from 1981 to 1997.

There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness. The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way.
–Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), seventh president of the United States. (1829-1837).

When a child enters the world through you it alters everything on a psychic, psychological and purely practical level.
–Jane Fonda (1937-), American motion-picture actress, political activist, and writer and producer of exercise books and videos.

If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do well matters very much.
–Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), wife of the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

It is not until you become a mother that your judgement slowly turns to compassion and understanding.
–Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American newspaper columnist and author.

Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials.
–Meryl Streep (1949-), American motion-picture actress.

The strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
–Barbara Kingsolver (1955-), American author.

How Poor Are We?

One day a father and his rich family took his son to a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“Very good Dad!” replied his son.

“Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked.

“Yeah!”

“And what did you learn?”

The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden; they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.” When the little boy was finished, his father was speechless.

His son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!”

Our outlook on life depends on the way you look at things. What others may think as riches, others may want.

The most important things in life are your friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards life. If you have these then you have something!

This is for everyone who has loved, lost, found, searched, and tried. These are life’s little lessons on love to reflect upon, learn from, and ultimately, to grow from.

Being Polite

I walked with a friend to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the owner politely.

The owner, however, did not even acknowledge it.

“A sullen fellow, isn’t he?” I commented as we walked away.

“Oh, he’s that way every night,” shrugged my friend.

“Then why do you continue being so polite to him?” I asked.

And my friend replied, “Why should I let him determine how I’m going to react?”

                                - Sidney J. Harris

Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you it really is all possible, if you only believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn’t think you had one left to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes, All ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies, teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don’t take life too seriously, They travel light.

They leave no forwarding address, They ask for nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings, They get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, But They are everywhere you look when you choose to see.

                             - Veronica M. Hay

A beautiful and powerful short read for reflection and growth:

The Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’ s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model
boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can ‘ t buy.

“Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.”

Maya Angelou On What I’ve Learned 

A mesmerizing vision of grace, the Great Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, was an undeniable important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. A poet, public speaker and writer who had authored twelve best-selling books including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, A Song Flung Up to Heaven, and Even the Stars Look Lonesome was indeed a unique and powerful visionary who had been highly honored by her work as one of our greatest leaders.

But I sit here having a chance to share some of her brilliant words of wisdom and a chance to remember on one particular, April day, the Great Maya Angelou sat down with and was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And there on television, she said it was “exciting.” Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day…like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.  The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

“I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.”

“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’”

“I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.”

“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.”

“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”

“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.”

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”

“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“I’ve learned there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

“Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.”

“A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the measure as I have received and am still receiving.”

“Only a life lived for others is worth living.”

                                                       -Albert Einstein

“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”

                                                  -A Course in Miracles