We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.

Aristotle

Consider your habits of mind, today and rid yourself of the old scripts that continue to replay. That which you think repeatedly will surely come to pass. I've discovered that when I am tired, the old scripts - like the old familiar phrases of my youth - return with a vengeance. Suddenly, I find myself turning an old phrase while my family looks at me in awe -- a throw back from an earlier time when I had not yet learned the subtleties of language, had not been introduced to the outside world. I hear my mother's voice or my fathers or the quaint language of children set apart from the world in geographic isolation, and I know it is no longer who I am, but still it slips out when I am tired. My thoughts take the same vein. Old insecurities find their way to wiggle into my reality when I am tired. I must guard against the tendency to revert to old ways of thinking. Consider the voices that repeat in your thoughts today and silence those that no longer apply to your life. Replace them with positive and encouraging thoughts and repeat them throughout the day. I am grateful for the pale rays of light that illuminate the landscape at dawn. I am grateful for the warm glow from windows that tells me the word is slowly awaking, for the echo of dogs barking in the distance and birds that chirp and twitter welcoming a new day. I am grateful for steaming coffee, homemade bread and cats that run playfully in the morning light. I am grateful for family and friends who share my day. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you examine the habits of your mind today and know that what you choose to repeated think effects every aspect of your life. May your thoughts be light and joyous and your vision clear as you go forward toward your future.

You are always free to choose a different future . . . or a different past. Richard Bach

Yesterday, we talked about creating new futures by letting go of the past. Let's take a look at our past today. Whatever has happened in our lives up until today has been cemented into our memories and formed the foundation of who we are. It is over. Gone. It is what it is and we are powerless to change it, or are we?

I was born the youngest of 8 siblings, but more importantly, I was born much later making me the little sister that was never really part of "their childhood" and certainly not a part of my parent's youth. I never really minded. Life was what it was and I didn't question that.

One day, when we were grown, my sister commented that I had grown up in a "different family" than she had. She was right, of course. Our parents had grown and life had changed and the world was a very different place when I came along, but I also realize it was much more than that.

Of course we grew up in different families. Our family is a reflection of our thoughts, our beliefs, our personal perception of the world. My life was different, not because of the people and events that unfolded in my lifetime, but because of my interpretations of those events.

Your life is a reflection of your individual perception, too. What you call reality is nothing more than your interpretation of a series of events you call the past. You can't change the events, but you can change the way you look at them.

If you have pain and hurt and struggles rooted in the past that are holding you back today, make a conscious effort to examine the events that created them and view them from a different light. Come to peace with your personal demons and move forward toward the future knowing you can accomplish your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the dusting of snow that shimmers like a thousand diamonds in the morning light. I am grateful to hear, to see and to feel. I am grateful for the winter chill that proves I am alive. I am grateful for age and the timeless beauty of remaining forever young in mind and soul. I am grateful for laughter to lift the spirits, for solitude to rest the soul and companionship of family that makes life full.

I am grateful for healing of old wounds, for beginnings and for the hope of what is to come. I am grateful for a past that has molded who I am but has no power to alter my future, unless I allow it. I am grateful for the understanding that I alone can reshape my past by viewing it in a different light and accepting it for what it was and nothing more.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, for allowing me to share what I have learned and for joining me on the journey to the future. May you consider your past today and give thanks for that which has made you strong and view your old struggles in a different light. Take its power away today, by creating a different past that leads to a different future. May you day be filled with abundance.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson Consider who you are and how you came to be the person you are today. We all have a past that has shaped and molded lives. If we are lucky, we have learned from our experiences and formed a solid foundation for building our lives. But know that the past is gone and no longer has the power to alter our lives. What we do now is up to us. Let go of regrets and resentments seated in the past. Take that which is good and cast away that which is not. Acknowledge that the past has shaped you into the person you are, but that you have the power to mold a different future. Look to the future, today and cast away the worries and fears that are binding you to the past. Focus on a bright and productive future and begin the journey towards the new ending only you have the power to create. Today, I am grateful from gray clouds that cover the sky for they hold life-sustaining water to wash the world. I am grateful for wood smoke as it hangs low to the ground with its blue-gray billows that smell of warmth and home and love. I am grateful for the pink shimmer of the sun. I am grateful for butterflies and daisies that nod in the summer sun. I am grateful for my husband and children who are the foundation of my life. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you go forth to create you new ending. May your day be filled with compassion and excitement as you move towards a future of abundance and joy.

What things are you giving power over your life, today?

When you fight something, you’re tied to it forever. As long as you’re fighting it, you’re giving it power! Anthony de Mello Consider your inner battles today. When you react to that inner voice that speaks of lack and want and need, know that you are giving it power to manifest in your life. Turn the thoughts around and concentrate on the opposite of your need. Feel the joy of knowing your needs have been met and stay the mind on that thought. For many of us, learning to rephrase out thoughts, and ultimately our battles, takes a bit of practice and constant monitoring. We have been taught to think in terms of our lack. That little voice that cries out that you are too fat or too old or not skilled enough to compete with the rest of the world can be silenced. Many of us make the mistake of changing our thoughts in ways that still focus on the negative. If you are in the habit of saying "Why am I so tired?" or "I am too old for this.", you might think saying "I'm no longer tired." or "I'm not old." will turn your thoughts around. It won't. You are still feeding your mind the old familiar phrase and sending the same message. Your mind hears "tired" and "old" and works to bring those things about in your life. Try "I am young and energetic." or "I am well-rested and filled with energy." instead. Send your mind and body the message of youth and energy and watch your energy level increase. Whatever battles you face today, stop fighting. Turn your thoughts around and stop negative thoughts in their tracks. If you haven't already done so, today is an excellent day to begin a new life with positive thoughts. Do it for a day.. do it for a week .. do it for a month .. but whatever you do, make a note of the positive changes in your life. You'll be amazed what changing your thoughts can do. Today, I am grateful for vegetables brimming with flavor, brightly colored fruits and hearty grains that fuel the body and mind. I am grateful for a sunny day and calm still air. I am grateful for starry nights, rainy days and the promise of spring. I am grateful for snowbanks that provide swift sledding for children. I am grateful for the people who touch my life and bring warmth and joy. I am grateful for my family who challenge and comfort, allowing me to grow and become who I was meant to be. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you consider my words and continue your journey to finding who you were meant to be. May your day be blessed with unexpected riches that makes your life full.

Faith is Taking the First Step

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you are new to the concept of the Law of Attraction, you may be struggling with where to start. You may be a little afraid to get your hopes up. Don't belittle yourself yourself for that today. It comes from years of conditioning and years of believing that your life is beyond your control. It's not your fault. No man can go further than what he has been taught. Consider the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. today. You may not see the entire staircase, but you can reach out and take the first step. Have faith today and step beyond what you have been taught. Take a moment to visualize your destination. Feel the joy, feel the peace and comfort of knowing your future is limitless and step forward to begin the journey. Great things are waiting for you today. May you have the faith and courage to go forth with expectation and the joy of knowing that what you want most in life is within your reach. Today, I am grateful for swirling snowflakes and crisp cold air that fills my lungs and wakes my body. I am grateful to hear the chirping birds, to see the rising sun and for clouds as they float effortlessly toward their destination. I am grateful for clean clothes to wear, for food to fuel my body and for family that shares my day. I am grateful for movies that make me feel and books that stir ideas. I am grateful for the generous souls who put pen to paper in a effort to improve my life. I am grateful for a clear sound mind that allows me to dream and to be and to act. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, may you step out today and ascend the staircase to your future with faith and joy and peace. May your life be filled with rich experience and deep conviction. May your steps be sure and your journey fruitful.

Imagine

To bring anything into your life, imagine that it's already there. Richard Bach Consider the power of visualizing what you want to manifest in your life today. Richard Bach brought us the message in the 70's but few of us listened beyond a fascination with his work. I read Johnathan Livingston Seagull when it was fashionable and went on to read Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, a truly inspiring book. But life happened and I moved away from their life-changing messages. And now, I am brought full circle to the concepts they contained. The power of visualizing what you want most can be done any time, any where. Don't let excuses of time get in your way today. Close your eyes and visualize, if only for a moment. Know that what you visualize will come to pass. You may wonder why I included the image of Cardinal today. It's simple really. I love birds and have a feeder just outside my window. While I write, I like to see them flitting here and there. Chickadees and finches flitter throughout the day, the hairy woodpecker stops by to enjoy the suet feeder, nuthatches chirp and twitter as they wait for leftovers, but there are no cardinals. I want cardinals. Today, I will visualize cardinals at my feeder. Today, I am grateful for the brilliant stars in the winter sky, for the soft haze around the moon and for the glisten of the snow. I am grateful for darkness and for dawn as night transforms to day. I am grateful for my computer that provides the tools I need to write. I am grateful for a loving family, caring neighbors and pets that bring me peace. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, for I know that you are making remarkable changes in your life today. May your day be filled with wonder, peace and joy.

Dreams Determine Your Tomorrows

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. Marsha Norman Consider your dreams today; they are the seeds of your tomorrow. Whether you dream big or you dream small determines the degree of the greatness you can achieve. Be the mighty hot air balloon that floats effortlessly above the earth with a clear vision of the world below. Many years ago a dear friend gave me a birthday card. A gorgeous Hot Air Balloon floated across the deep blue sky. The verse indicated that she wanted to give me a hot air balloon ride for my birthday, but could not. Taped inside was a bright red balloon with the verse.. . "So, I'm sending you the seed." What a marvelous idea. The card has long been misplaced, but the thought has lingered across the years. My very own hot air balloon seed was more than I could hope for. Of course, at the time I didn't see the significance, but I understand now. To reap the things we want in our life, we must sow the seeds. Isn't it time you rewrite the book of you? Illustrate it with your dreams and watch your life as it transforms from ordinary to extraordinary. Today, I am grateful for time -- time to dream, time to do, time to be, and time to become. I am grateful for the the sun that rises, the winds that blow and the air I breathe. I am grateful for the calming peace that comes from knowing my life transforms gracefully from old to new as result of my thoughts and dreams and prayers. I am grateful for birds on wing, for the music of the wind and cats that cuddle lovingly despite the circumstances. I am grateful for family and friends that make my life full. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader as you summon up the courage to dream big and make remarkable changes in your life. May your day be filled with peace and joy and all that is good.

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed ...

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, """"MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU! - Matthew 17:20 Consider the lowly mustard seed this morning. Although there is much controversy over what plant Jesus actually referred to (some claim there are huge mustard trees, others claim that true mustard is a bush, while others prefer to believe Jesus spoke of ordinary mustard ... like the picture here... ) the fact remains that a tiny seed harbors within itself the ability to sprout and grow into a living plant much greater than itself. But how does it do that? If we are to believe the teaching of Jesus, it does it by faith ... and if we have this faith we can move mountains. The lowly mustard seed can lie dormant for years, but given water, warmth and good soil it will sprout and flourish. It doesn't worry that it cannot grow. It doesn't spend its days begging for water or praying for the sun. It doesn't fear that perhaps it is not good enough or smart enough to grow. It simply trusts that within itself lies everything it needs to sprout and grow into exactly what it was meant to be. I always thought having the faith of a mustard seed meant to have tremendous faith, something I had to work hard to attain. But the seed doesn't work hard. It doesn't need to study or perform specific tasks. All it needs is the quiet faith of knowing it will become something much greater than itself. How much greater are we than the tiny seed, and yet we lack faith. Have faith in yourself today and let the seed of who you are sprout and bloom. Today, I am grateful for the bright winter sun as it glistens on the snow, for houseplants that thrive throughout the long winter days, and for my garden of flowers that waits under the snow ready to grow and bloom when spring returns. I am grateful for those I love and for those who love me. I am grateful to be alive and for the chance to share my thoughts with you. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your day be filled with joy and peace and may you find the faith of a mustard seed that will set you free.

As you think, so shall you be ...

The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be. William James

Why is it so hard for human beings to believe that what we believe and the attitude we hold towards those beliefs governs our lives? We've all seen it in action. We've all encountered the naysayer who is so angry and frustrated with his life that he can't see past the negative. His focus on all that is bad in the world, and in others, fills his life with events that solidify his beliefs. We know it is true. Why then, is it so hard to believe that a positive attitude can fill our lives with positive events?

I have chosen to believe in the power of the positive and hope you have too.

Today, I am grateful for the beautiful white blanket of snow that envelopes the land, for winter birds that flood my feeder and fresh clean air. I am grateful for the freedom to express myself in writing and share my thoughts with you. I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life and a loving family. I am grateful for a warm house that allows me to work in comfort, gently falling snowflakes and hot steaming coffee that starts my day. And.. I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share your day. May it be filled with peace and joy that you pass on to all who you come in contact with today.