A Hotel Analogy

I recently got a job at a small, three floor hotel in my little town. The hotel mainly services the railroad nearby, but also travelers looking for a place to rest. I knew the hotel serviced the railroad. There is a smaller hotel on the other side of town that serviced the railroad to begin with many years ago.

As I work there, I begin to see what a beehive of a hotel this is. There are people checking in and checking out at all of the hours of the day. Each one coming or going based on their work or traveling needs.

Some of them don’t say anything as they move about, some give a simple “hello”, and others introduce themselves as regular guests of the hotel.

As I worked through the hotel rooms, cleaning them one by one, the front desk lady rents these rooms out. I had cleaned one room in particular and, shortly thereafter, it got booked out.

That helped me see just how things really do come and go. Then I got to seeing it from a deeper perspective of, each person has their own room and space. Sometimes I don’t see any guest at all, sometimes I see one or two, sometimes they talk to me.

That’s how life is. We meet some people, pass by others, really connect on a deeper level with those that stop and have conversations. Sometimes it may seem like nothing, but it’s always something being created, moving, and even being quiet.

I find it fascinating! As you go about your day, I want to encourage you to make new friends, reach out to those friends you value, let go of those that no longer serve your needs. Notice it’s all an ebb and a flow, things moving around you and can move according to your own choices.

Memories

These are interesting things. Sometimes, I will recall moments when I was brave. Obviously, at that time, I stood up for what I believed or it was something I had to take a stance on. I love remembering that vibe within me and the fact that I “wore” it for myself.

Sometimes, like yesterday, I recalled a time when I handled something in my life alone for a time. It was a rough period and it was me with two children. Somehow, I managed to take care of all of us, plus do extra for someone else. I don’t know how I did it. I know I went to bed exhausted sometimes, but I did my best and got through it.

Sometimes I recall people I love, their time with me as they lived. Those are good memories. My grandmother loved bells. I recently thought of the bells, came across one perfect for my style, and bought it. It is a constant reminder of the love between us. She too made choices and was good at some things, not so good at others.

I recall things I’m good at, people I have loved and still love, where I’ve been, where I’d like to go, and lots of between bits.

Think on your life, even the harder parts, as learning and knowledge for your own personal growth, belief systems, and truth.

Thinking Bigger than where you are now

I’ve been expanding my thinking. Like, I am just an ordinary person, living a rather ordinary life, and see my contribution as such a small ripple in the ocean.

I marvel at some things that are bigger than my thinking. For instance, this little hotel in my town may seem like such a small thing to me, but it provides such a huge service to the local rail yard. It also provides good jobs for those willing to do the work. That makes it a bigger thing happening for lots of win-wins.

Some famous people live lives of ease, yet at some point before that, they were living off of beans. I know that happened through hard work, dreaming, imagining themselves to space of that magnitude…stepping up in visuals until it became a reality.

I am doing the same thing. I want to picture myself being more connected, affecting many others in positive ways, living a life of ease. I don’t know how that will happen, but I do know visualizing and expanding my consciousness about it is key.

I don’t have to know how I will do that. I just have to feel my consciousness expand to allow it in. I had visualized myself as a box that’s had a closed mind and a comfort zone boundary for too long now. I am moving forward to visualizing my box open to good and awesome and growth in win-win ways.

I have no real idea what I am doing; however, I do know it’s a good thing to just know that I am expanding my circle. 🙂

Being Playful with Spirit

I have been unemployed for over six months now. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions. On the one hand, I’ve needed it for some health things I took care of. On the other hand, not having a steady flow if income I “can see” stresses me out. I did my best with it though and think I did much better than I’ve done at other times.

I know these ebbs and flows are just that…ebbs and flows. We were taken care of in various ways and it worked out well. Now, I am employed again and things are shifting in this way.

The other day I was sitting underneath my oak tree, swinging by myself, and smelled the a particular smell. I realized I had spirit company. It was nice to know someone was being of comfort and care.

This morning I was woken at 4:44 am by spirit. I am not much for clock numbers like that so it was surprising to see. I acknowledged it was nice, but went back to sleep. lol An hour later, at 5:44 am, I was woken again by spirit. I then knew it was time to get up, even though the alarm wasn’t going off just yet.

It was nice to be reminded of the spiritual helpfulness I get. I sometimes feel it’s God, sometimes the angels, sometimes my personal helpfulness team. I haven’t gotten great at sorting who’s who, but I love the connections I feel.

This post is short, but it reminds me of feeling the connection between me and God. To know I am always looked after on some awesome level. To “see” the interactions taking place within my life.

I hope you have a magical day…and that you feel the connections to your soul.

Having Faith, part 2

I am feeling the zone, so here’s more of the thinking thoughts.

I may loose one or two of you right here with this paragraph. I am okay with that. I believe Jesus, according to the bible, came to teach us how to live that one-on-one with God. I don’t believe it’s about Jesus being a Savior as in he lost his life for our sake. I think, if you were to look at the Jesus passages and do your best to live in the way Jesus lived, your life would take a dramatic turn for the better and more peace will come to you.

Jesus trusted God completely…with every aspect of his life. If he needed clarity, he found a quiet spot and prayed. If he needed help with a situation, he prayed. If he felt led by God to do something, he did it.

This is how I live with God. A direct communication of love, faith, and understanding.

In the bible there is a statement saying: Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Many, many people believe that means through believing in Jesus as their Savior by dying on the Cross for them.

What if, just…for thought, what if it means to live a life like Jesus did? I believe it was about trusting God as one LIVES, not as thinking you’re saved because he died for you. He died because the mortal powers that be wanted to silence his message. He died because no one in power wanted anyone to think for themselves.

To me, faith is trusting God for my own path. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fine preachers and some beautiful churches. If you feel comfortable with the messages you get by attending there, by all means, please do continue to follow that guidance.

However, if you’re still searching, consider looking this way and see what you come up with.

There is a preacher I know that I’d listen to every week if I wanted to convert to being a Pentecostal. He is a fine, fine man. I like my jeans and shorts. There is another preacher I used to tend to as a customer in a Waffle. Talking to him on any given day leads me to not think he’s got anything to teach me on Sunday morning. Maybe he does and I just don’t know it, but I just haven’t felt led to be there. Other people have, obviously. I am okay with that too.

I think it’s okay to be led by those speaking to your soul and bringing light into your life. I also think it’s okay to check in with your own self, your own prayers, and your own guidance. No one knows you and your needs better than God.

No matter who you are or what kind of path you walk, may you find peace and understanding along the way. No matter what your path is, if you need more light, I would be happy to write one of my “handwritten hugs” snail mail letters to you. Yes, I feel they are God led, but not all of them are religious. Some of the letters are simply, “Life’s hard sometimes. It’s okay to cry. Try again tomorrow.”

Having Faith

What does this mean? This means many different things to many different people. This post may help your path; then again, it may not. I am not looking to convince you or convert you. I am simply going to write a little bit about what it could mean to have faith. You can do what you like with it.

I believe faith is a very personal thing. Some people read their bible religiously and “wear” their faith every minute of every day. Others go to church on Sunday morning, maybe looking for some peace, maybe trying to wash away all that they’ve done that week.

For me, as long as I can recall, I have trusted God. I sometimes get angry with him, fuss, stop communicating like a pouting child, then go back to knowing I’m in his grace and care. It goes on like this…through the years.

People have told me I can’t act like that. Why shouldn’t I?! God already knows I am a moody woman. He knows I pray about some things, get frustrated about others, and wonder why some of my prayers aren’t answered “yesterday”. If he wanted to be in a partnership with someone less moody, there’s plenty to choose from.

However, God, according to my understanding, is there as long as he’s invited. In that thinking, he’s there for me no matter my moods. He understands me.

I believe my own relationship with God is like most everything else in my life, a lot different from the norm. I read the bible only if a verse comes to mind in some way, either one I love, someone gave to me, or need to look up specifics. I sometimes go to church, sometimes not. I believe it’s a one-on-one relationship whereby God contributes as much as I ask for, allow, and trust.

I also believe everyone has to find the spiritual path that speaks to their soul. Sometimes people don’t believe they have souls so they’re not open to anything of that nature and that’s okay. Other people believe in spiritual paths that aren’t of the acceptable God persuasion, like Wiccan, Pagan, or something such.

I can talk with them just as well as I talk with anyone else. I can only help to build faith in someone looking for the kind of faith I have. Wow, that’s profound even for me this morning. Did you read it? Did it sink in? Read it again. It’s a powerful statement.

With all of that faith, I am still a highly gifted intuitive who believes in talking with spirits and spiritual helpers (angels and people). This puts me in a strange spot. To be truthful, it was an uncomfortable spot for many years. It’s hard to talk with many religious people about being gifted in this way because lots of people believe the two shouldn’t mix. Well, they do, in me. I believe in God for my uniqueness and that’s what I claim.

Now, all that said, what about having faith? Have I touched on that yet? I hope so. Maybe not. Having faith, in my thinking, means trusting God and following the flow of guidance for being helpful to others, being true to oneself, and knowing I am always loved.

How do you do that? You feel the answers within yourself and go with that. Lots of people call this intuition. Lots of them call it God’s Guidance. I believe, no matter one’s path, it IS the guidance of one’s truth.

I believe it’s okay to make mistakes and get it wrong. I don’t believe it’s about shame or somehow not thinking you are enough. Doing your best is what it’s all about. Some days your best may be awesome. Other days your best may be trying to think only positive thoughts and eating one meal that day.

You are unique. There is no one else in this world like you. No one else in this world that can make a difference like you. Because of this, you are enough. YOU are ALWAYS enough.

I hope I’ve touched on having faith here. I am feeling in the zone and may write more about it for the next post. Enjoy.

Life is not 100% going right

I don’t see where anyone’s life is 100% going right. We’re supposed to work on ourselves, help each other, and learn things while we’re here.

We are supposed to grow as individual human beings, yet also be a contributor to society or the environment in some way. Some of us look at life as if having more money would make things better. On some level, sure, it will, but will you be the same person as before? Will you suddenly have relatives needing your time, attention, and money? Would you give to others? Would you set yourself up nicely and say your payday has come?

I am not trying to sway you or myself from money. I’d love more of it, just like many of you. I am saying that blessings come in many forms, worries come in many forms, and that fabulous house you see in that exclusive neighborhood is filled with people having problems just like you.

The problems may not be the same. They are definitely paying their light bill every month and their roofs probably don’t leak, but maybe they don’t really have deep, loving relationships with the other people in the household.

This is why I suggest you look at your life and find the blessings already in it. There are fabulous things going on and your world is shining brighter in some areas than other people’s.

I can tell you I have great relationships with my children. It’s something I’ve actively tried to create. My husband loves me and is my biggest cheerleader. My relationships with other people is varied.

People look at my life, family members even, and think I am not helping myself because I live in a converted school bus and not a proper house. So, I can tell you, I clearly don’t have all of my ducks in a row and it shows.

I know people who live in proper houses, beautiful ones, who struggle with personal relationships with their spouse/children. I know people who are perfectly healthy, yet are extremely rude. I know people who are unwell, yet always polite.

Check in with your life, see what you have that’s shining and awesome, be proud of that. Work on the other things too, sure, but don’t let them bog you down.

I love using analogies to explain in ways that don’t really involve people. This is because, I think, people don’t have to feel defensive or attack…they just have to catch the relation.

So, here’s my analogy, cooking! Some people are expert bakers. Some can cook the main course with ease, some can only make frozen cookie dough cookies, some can’t do anything in the kitchen. Does that make what you can do any less than what someone else can? No. Does that make your talent better than another person’s talent in the kitchen? No. What it shows is that we’re all different and if you have the right people with the right strengths in that kitchen, you can have a fine meal! The person who couldn’t cook at all, maybe they’re setting the table or giving you encouragement/comfort about something you’re going through.

Everyone is working on something and if they’re not, then I am almost positive they’re lacking in some way that they’d like improvement on, but they’re ignoring it. What are you feeling like you’d like to work on? What is going on in your life that’s fabulous? Always look at your positives, they are your assets and the benefits are usually win-wins.

Learning something new, redoing a project

I feel led to write about something that may seem ordinary, it’s the blanket I am currently crocheting. That blanket is a great analogy for several things in life though and here’s how I view it.

A friend commissioned me to crochet a blanket. We discussed what she wanted. In particular, she wanted a design with lots of squares and a certain background color.

I started with the squares and was super excited with how they were turning out. That was a project within itself…squares. I had several piles going. After making each square, I then bordered the squares with the background color. The project still looked like it was going well.

After making most of the squares, I started combining them into the final blanket. I chose the only join I knew how to do. I didn’t care very much for the join, but I had not found another join I liked or felt confident about trying.

Yesterday I looked at that blanket and was just completely unsatisfied with the joining of the squares. It was annoying me that the blanket wouldn’t be laying flat because the join I chose was a ridge type join.

So, I stopped joining and started taking the blanket apart. I thought I would have to take the blanket apart in a way that would have given me more of a project to recreate, but then, thank God after prayers, I remembered I’d crocheted the blanket only in rows one way and it was nothing much to take the blanket apart that way. This was a huge improvement as I only lost a couple of finished squares in that effort and not the huge backward slide I felt I would be doing.

I then went to Youtube and looked up crochet joining squares. One of the videos actually listed the join I was doing. I was glad to find it’s a valid join, but it wasn’t a neat join. In other news, I did come across a project where that join fit nicely and complimented the blanket. That helped me see the join I was doing had value, just not with the project I was doing.

I came across a video that showed a join I figured I could try. I watched the video twice, saw that it would be the perfect join for the square design I had made, and attempted it.

Let me tell you, I was SO happy to see that the new join was bringing the blanket up to a better level of beauty than the first one and my feeling about completing that blanket as an exceptional bit of work was much better than before.

What did that involve? It involved trying what I knew, not being satisfied, ripping out some of the work and time I put into it, and seeking out a solution that simply had to be better for this particular blanket.

I am going to tell you, ripping out a crochet project really isn’t for the faint of heart. Crochet projects take time more than anything. To rip means some of your time is like double gone. However, I just couldn’t look at the blanket and see where it would be extra lovely when finished. Now, because I backtracked some and found a new join technique, I am definitely creating a blanket I know will be extra lovely when finished.

Maybe you are in the same situation with something in your life…maybe a crochet project, maybe a different kind of project, maybe even a relationship. Saying to yourself, “I’ve invested time, money, and feelings into this (especially a relationship), I must not rip it apart,” is just setting yourself up to keep that uneasy feeling within. It’s not thinking of how the unraveling, while upsetting, will help you to find a different way to create or live and make something marvelously lovely in your life.

I want to encourage you with this post. I want to encourage you to rip apart what isn’t really giving you that awesomely good vibe. I want you to seek something else and try it, no matter how different and new it is. I want you to be bold for yourself. I know somewhere in your life you were bold about something. I sometimes remember times when I was bold and it amazes me today that I did those things. Somewhere in your vibe is that boldness. Wear it with all the awesomeness you can hold.

What can you do?

If you’re a person of a giving nature, what is it that you can give in your own way? It doesn’t have to be something costly either. Helpfulness can be something as simple as checking in with a friend and just listening to what they’re going through.

One of my knacks is writing intuitive comfort letters. I write these to people I know as well as people I don’t know. Sometimes people order them for themselves or someone they care about. Sometimes God says to me, “Write a letter to so and so.”

When God tells me to write, I write. I know those letters are important, meaningful, and the person needs comfort or understanding in some way. When I sit down with a particular person’s name, I write what comes to mind. Sometimes it’s a memory of something I struggled with, sometimes it’s encouragement for something specific…like a person graduating high school or a parent needing to be noticed. Other times it’s feelings and me writing to convey hugs.

I love writing these letters. They’re little, itty, bitty bits of magic that I put into an envelope, it gets delivered, the recipient holds that magic paper, reads it, and finds comfort on a level they couldn’t find or wouldn’t express the need for in any other way.

I don’t know how it works, but it’s a magnificent thing. I am sure there is something you can do for someone else when you feel led, but think your gesture may be too small. Sometimes the smallest of kindnesses bring about the biggest of feelings.

I want to encourage you to give that thing or bit of yourself that you’re feeling led to give. It could be as simple as writing a bible verse on a postcard and mailing it to someone you know or don’t know. It could be a gesture of offering to sit with a relative for a couple of hours just to be there as a presence of comfort.

Think on it, spread your own kindness, send light into someone else’s world.

Do you check in with yourself?

Do you check in with yourself about how you feel? Do you ask yourself if you’re really living the life you’re meant to live? Are you being honest about your own needs, the giving that you give, or the value you hold in others?

It’s always a good idea to look over your life and your own personal self to see what needs pruning, rehoming, getting rid of completely.

You go through your life and there are probably routines in there somewhere. You’re fairly happy with how things are going, but some things do bother you. You may be someone who doesn’t break from your routine, so you just stick with it, even when it’s become less than what you’d like or have become accustomed to.

I’d like to suggest you now take the time to do something different. Don’t tell yourself, “I would never do this or that.” Tell yourself, “I will do something new and see where it takes me.” You could even do something you’ve always wanted to do, but hold back because of one reason or another. In this instance you can say, “I’ve been wanting to try this. Today is the day I will try it or inquire about classes to develop a new skill.”

You could have also had a friend for years that you find is not growing in the same general direction you’re growing and the things in common aren’t as many as they used to be. Maybe you’ve gone to a particular church for years, but you don’t find you’re getting the spiritual depth you once had? Maybe that can be said for a particular group meeting you have once a month too?

It’s not to question your life in the way that I’m saying something is wrong. It is to check in with yourself and see how much value this person, place, or situation is a benefit to your life. If it’s all wonderful, that’s even better. If you are honest with yourself and find some parts lacking, it is perfectly okay to try something new or change your usual tactics.

I check in with myself regularly. Sometimes this brings about change, sometimes it brings about enlightenment, sometimes things stay the same for a time longer.

I encourage you to look at your life and see for yourself how it looks. See what may or may not need changing. See the view you hold, the view you’d like to hold, or even the bravery you hold back.

Sometimes I look back on certain moments in my life and see my bravery. So, if I am currently not brave about something, I will remember a time when I was really brave. Then I think to myself, “Wow, I was brave. I spoke up. I did this assertive thing.” This helps me remember that I CAN step outside of the fear or worry to then create as I want to create to see where it goes.

Maybe you need to clean out your life today, shift your routine, or look back on a memory to see a side of yourself you were…to possibly be again? Think on it. I hope you find out some extraordinary fabulous things about yourself!