Posts Tagged ‘God’

The Girl who lived

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Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” -Denis Waitley.

If your familiar with Harry Potter at all, then you know about “the  boy who lived.”

To sum it up, He  was the very unlikely survivor of a dubious attack by the wizarding world’s most powerful wizard, Voldemort. Because of  this He garnered for himself tons of attention, along with  some unwanted expectations and unexpected responsibilities. I too, have faced my own  powerful evil wizard, but in the form of a massive stroke. Not only did surviving it garner me much attention as well, but also  an unexpected responsibility. Although I wasn’t asked to do anything specific, as I regained my mental prowess I  suddenly had a sense of responsibility. Because of what happened to me, I felt not only  that I should live to the fullest, but also that I  wanted  to share the good news with others that  needed to hear it. Now the fictional Harry Potter and I actually had something in common; We were not only survivors but we had lived, lived through unspeakable horrors, lived to tell the tale, and most importantly lived to inspire others. Unsuspectingly a sense of responsibility was thrust upon me, not because of what happened but in spite of it. I didn’t owe anyone anything, but I  had the need and desire to spread the hope, love, and strength  I  had found with others. If I  failed to do that, I felt it was a failure  to pay forward the gift I had been given. Other people needed to know what I knew as a result of tragedy and the occurrence of a miracle. Instead of paying forward our negativity or bad attitude, I sought to do the opposite. A nuclear event had happened in my life, and now I and others were sure to feel the after shocks. However, in some way, in the search to minimize the damage   I received grace. A grace that  allowed   me to prosper in  a  seemingly desert landscape of possibility. In  being given this seed of grace, I wanted to plant a forest of   hope, love, and light that would generate oxygen for all of us to breathe in. Therefore, nurture your own seed of  grace, so that it may grow into a beautiful forest we can all benefit from.

grow it!

bleu

keep pushing

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I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

-Thomas A. Edison

 
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If a little seedling  can manage to grow through cement, why can’t you do the same with your difficult  circumstances? The world worships at the feet of the God of success, but what do we do with failure and catastrophe? Rather than meet these challenges with a smile, We crumble and fade from them. When you’re going through a hard time keep smiling. Make people wonder where  that smile came from, and how it got there. Meet life dancing with your hand in the air rather than lying down. Imagine what you’d do if the floor was pulled out from beneath you, because that’s what happened to me actually! In one fell swoop, I lost my high paying job, my apartment, a significant other, and my left arm and leg were paralyzed. I went to bed expecting to go to work and then home to New York City, but instead woke up in a Hospital back where I started with even less than I had   as a child. In this situation you can either give  up  and fall into the arms of a suicidal depression or   get up  even when you don’t feel like it. Despite my desire to bury myself under the covers in my bed,  I  forced myself  to get up and go to rehab every week. Because, regardless of how I felt, life wasn’t going to hand  progress over to me  I had to push back to achieve it. I can assure you , that if I can  do it, so can you! Just as trout swim miles upstream to spawn, sometimes  we find ourselves swimming upstream as well.  Perhaps  we aren’t swimming upstream to spawn, but  our reasons are not so different from the trouts. That reason is simple,  both of us are swimming towards  Life and not away.

God speed!

bleu

Knights Wanted.

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“True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful”-Paul Sweeney.

If you’ve subscribed to  fail before you’ve even begun, your already a loser. Unfortunately people inherently enjoy seeing others fail. Therefore, this planet  has a serious lack of one key component for growth, and that  is the benefit of encouragement. All too often people  believe what they’re told they cannot do or achieve. Perhaps I’m disillusioned but I find   having the attitude of completely ignoring these naysayers allows you to  move forward, rather than remain stagnant. If you want to witness  a place that has the largest  amount of untapped potential, you should visit a graveyard. Because this defeatist attitude some people acquire is deadly, and can last a lifetime.  Consider all those people that believed they couldn’t, thus remaining a vessel carrying  about large amounts of untapped potential. All of us are capable of achieving our dreams in the face of adversity(whatever that may be. Your more than just a person, but also an overcomer! Against the odds and even logic, by adopting this attitude you can be a force of positive change. Whether  that change is in your own life or others, don’t hesitate to be stubborn or steadfast in the belief that you can reach your goal. In  fact don’t think that  setting the bar high is unachievable for you. Because, as evidenced by reaching my own bar(see here) it definitely is not! This is why it’s so crucial to be in an environment of support, love, and positivity.  Where  there is  strife and negativity, that little voice in your head espousing failure is  free to run wild. Sadly, most people won’t believe that they can overcome the odds until they’ve either   a) done it or b) grown up in a supportive environment. However, if you  don’t believe me, I offer up my own story as proof positive that you can indeed and  will overcome the  battles of life when you adopt the right attitude   and belief.

Cheers and onward!

bleu

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keep walking

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“Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.” -unknown.

We all  need encouragement  to accomplish our  dreams, pursue a goal, lose weight, or simply just to be assured that were doing okay. Throughout my recovery I have met many a cheshire cat(Alice in Wonderland) that helped to point the way and encourage me I was on the right path. In particular one of them happened to be a child. Since children are unencumbered by the burdens of adults and can see more clearly, I   certainly took his words as wise. I found myself in the sanctuary of a church in Redding California(long story) it was Bethel  Church to be exact. It was here  amid music and a general strong sense of  God in the room, that I was approached by two young children with  an adult. They proceeded to  kindly bring me out of my thoughts, and  with the young boy holding a piece of paper in hand,  began to explain that they were looking for me all morning. I was  completely unaware that while I was carrying out my day, somewhere a child held some encouragement for me in his hands. Just a few weeks prior I had tried to walk on a treadmill and it went badly, because I found that I  could not  really do it. What ensued was a lot of discouragement, due to that perceived failure. However, when the little boy turned that  piece of paper over, it was to change.  I was told that in the morning during prayer, He received a picture and decided to draw it. They had been looking all morning to find the person whom it was for, and  upon seeing me  He  found the pictures intended recipient. Now what could possibly be on this paper for me? a treadmill!

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On the back of this picture He wrote simply  the word “legs,” in quotations and went on to explain what the picture meant. The treadmill  brought with it the message to keep going, not to give up, and that I would be healed soon. Just when one could begin to feel forgotten, here was some divine intervention. I don’t believe in coincidences, so  for me this clearly wasn’t one. With my mouth slightly ajar it  became evident to me that there is always someone looking out for you. Sometimes it feels as though your the only one struggling, or that your alone. However, as evidenced by this picture your not forgotten and there is always hope.   A new development in my recovery, is that I have been able to  walk on the treadmill(same one I failed at before. The picture is now framed in front of it. This story is  for everyone as a simple reminder that you are not alone nor forgotten. Wherever there is dark shine a light.

Cheers!

bleu

this isn’t a dress rehearsal

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“Life is not a dress rehearsal, stop practicing what your going to do and just go and do it, you can transform today.” -Marilyn Grey

If your just shooting for average, your failing miserably. It’s an act of the foolish to compare oneself to others, or measure against them. It’s  a ritual of mediocrity to compare  with other people.  you were created for something far bigger than you can imagine. The truth is that even if your doing well, there is more out there for you. A sense of dissatisfacion is a signal that your not fulfilling your purpose. It is when were  doing what we were made for that fulfillment will be reached. Rather than surmise your  doing well  by measuring  against what others are doing, why not take a different approach? What would happen if you aimed to be different or do better than everyone else instead?  Also don’t  shy away from  proclaiming your big dreams to others, for fear of rejection or sounding silly. Fear is what limits us in many  if not all ways. Don’t be  afraid of what other people think, because it robs you of your potential. Even  by simply proclaiming your dreams and aspirations out loud(no matter how “crazy”) you’ll see things  begin to shift and your life will change. I’m fairly confident that no one in history who posessed a legendary last name settled for doing just as well as  everyone else. Due to the mass  practice of people comparing themselves to  each other, it’s  exactly why We see so few names that outshine the rest. This is a bad habit  of humanity that  needs to be broken. Not to mention, by escaping the comparison trap, you’ll focus more on your particular brand of potential,squelch the green monster(jealousy),and you might just find yourself in a niche of society. This would be an excellent occurrence, because then you will be like  no one else. Which is  the point of course, to be the one and only YOU.

GO!!

bleu

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8eJh4i8Lo&w=560&h=315%5D

tell me what you want

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Do you really need to burden yourself down with another material item? For the majority of Americans, and females, shopping could be considered a sport. However, it’s a shame to live in a society that espouses material gain as being so desirable. If you have ever seen the movie Shopoholic, that was me. If you haven’t, I can sum it up for you. Girl lives in New York City,

purchases  way too many unnecessary objects, goes into major debt, realizes it’s a sham,and makes a major life change, this is also me.

images-6I cringe when I  see the outrageous prices of things that people are all too willing to purchase. For example, a pretty book of eyeshadow selling for nearly $90.00! (on Ebay)   My goodness, you only have one face, how much makeup do you really need for it!? The more you own, the more you become a slave to  your belongings. Most of the time, the things you want aren’t  really what you need.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM_p1Az05Jo&w=420&h=315%5D

For some more wealth brings more security. However, that’s nearly akin to worshipping your stuff. If your not careful, you could begin to make material objects or money your God. Not to mention  this type of God brings with it bondage, and can enslave you. The more  wisdom I get on what really matters, the less and less material items hold value  to me. Because, in the big picture, I’d rather have complete health than a brand new beautiful bag. If it isn’t serving you, but rather your serving it, it’s time to reconsider buying it in the first place. You work hard for the money, so make it work for you. Besides, that money truly does look better in the bank than on your  arm or feet. When life hits you with a reality slap, suddenly all those things that once were desired, tend to be put into perspective. Money is a tool, not something to be subservient to. Indeed credit cards will certainly make you a slave as well. This is an oft quoted and followed scripture-

Romans 13:8(KJV)       Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.   This is great advice for  us all, because debt can only weigh you  down. Therefore, avoid debt and you will certainly feel lighter. This applies to material goods as well, because the less you have, the less burden will be on your back Instead of immediate gratification( or short term) consider the long term and your future goals.

keep your goals in mind!

bleu

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The source

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“Faith. It does not make things easy, it makes them possible.” -unknown.

From time to time people tell me I’m amazing or very strong,but  it is the source of how I became this way that deserves a  mention. If I was unaware of how loved I am, my confidence could falter, and I might actually buy into that little voice in my head that attempts to negate me. Many of us have that small voice that likes to tell   us  that  we can’t accomplish  anything, were not good enough,or that something will never happen   that we desire. Unfortunately, for some people that  small voice can  seem much  bigger than it  is. I’ve learned that the negative voice is just a like a lion walking around roaring seeking whom He may devour(Peter 5:8). If you stand strong  against it, and speak the opposite of what it tries to tell you, it will wither away with it’s tail between it’s  legs. You can only be devoured if you do nothing  and accept it. Therefore, stand strong on the knowledge that you’re worthy and loved. It’s much more difficult to push over a  house that’s  laid it’s foundation on a rock. So stand firm and  move ever forward on your path to victory, whatever that may be for you.  My strength comes from  the knowledge of God. I have experienced  a miracle, and seen  too many small ones along the way, not to take notice that I have  someone looking out for me(on Earth  and in the sky!) In that I have found continual strength to face the day and persevere.  If I was completely unbelieving or unaware, I don’t think I would be as far along as I am. In fact I would’ve  been committed to  a psych ward by now(this almost happened, almost) Before I had a massive stroke, my  Sundays were reserved for sleeping in, or whatever else I wanted to do. However, armed with the knowledge of the light of the universe(God,love) I’ve stayed strong on my path  of recovery.  Even when the darkness seems to  envelope you, there is always   a small light that it cannot completely overcome. For example, imagine  a windowless  auditorium  in which there is a single lightning bug(see here) flying around. Every eye in attendance would drift to that little bug, and no matter how dark the darkness is, it  can’t put out the light  coming from  it.

be  that  little bug!

bleu

future feature

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“You can never plan the future by the past.” -Edmund Burke.

It’s no secret  that psychics, fortune tellers, and tarot card readers  are a sham and this is why I believe that. Because, as humans We have a mystical tool that allows us to shape our  futures, a little thing  called choices. However, many things occur to us that We did not choose, but even so you can still choose your perspective. Even when  circumstances seem particularly bleak, you can choose to see the glass half full. If We could actually see  the future, surely it  would change or improve upon the decisions We  do make. Therefore, many people seek out  someone(or something) to help guide them on the  path towards and through  this unknown future landscape. Our need to know or control   all  aspects of our lives  brings in  the worrying thoughts, repetitive condemnations, questions, and  fear. All this  can culminate  into a visit to a  psychic. However, they  are no more knowledgeable about the future than you are. This is comforting, because not  knowing the future, means that anything is possible! Certainly  knowing the future would have  reassured my Parents when I was in the ICU of a hospital. Because there was no way at that present moment they could see this from where they sat    inside my hospital room.

Photos: left, in ICU and right, in California 2 years later.

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Even the Doctors, whom so closely monitored me  at the time did not predict this. As  you can see, the future is unpredictable by most if not all. This is good news, because it indicates that the future can radically change. When nothing is certain, anything is possible. Sometimes, you just have to let go, as much as you want to hang on. In letting go of absolute control, you allow peace to enter and  can more readily enjoy the ride. It’s when I let go   that  I was able to let myself be surprised. If you can   negate   our human  need to have control, you may  just find  some contentment, and peace of mind. In no way am I suggesting you fall like a leaf into the wind. Just that by releasing some of the burdens of  striving it  will allow  more life to happen to you, rather than you happening to it. In  doing so, you’ll be headed to your goal with less strife. Not to mention, if life was  predictable it would be lackluster and unchallenging. It is in our challenges, that We find what were truly made of, and  surprise ourselves. It’s in the unscripted pages of time that We find  the many paths available to us. Be sure to tune into that small  still voice inside, and follow the path  that brings you life!

embrace the  possibilities,

bleu

What a World of Whimsy

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“The secret of genius is to carry the  spirit of the child into old age,which means never losing your enthusiasm.” -Aldous Huxley.

Those of us who manage to hold onto our childlike wonder, become like a  magnet,and light to others. It is with the simple joys of a child that life becomes and remains magical. Why is it that imagination(or creativity) is so often scolded  rather than fostered?  It seems that the World is uncomfortable with the daydreamers. However, before We are able to do anything we must imagine it first. No great feat(personal or otherwise) has been accomplished by following the rules,playing it safe,or  by thinking within the box. Unfortunately people like to see others fail, rather than flourish. Therefore, they try to negate the  grand ideas of dreamers. Whether it’s by telling you that you cannot accomplish something or children in  school(a rigid place) teasing  the often aloof daydreamer of the group.  The more opposition you’re met with is a clue that  your on the right track. Although, it’s unwise to be bullheaded  and stubborn.  At any rate, just don’t give up on your dreams.  It is known that fear and doubt only serve to derail you,so ignore those  false  directions!  Surround yourself with that which is good, and turn a blind eye to  the doubters.  Life is far too short to waste any time   with  the fears of someone else. Fill  your mind with encouragement and positive thoughts. It helps tremendously to fix your thoughts  on  what is  true,honorable,right,pure,lovely,and admirable(Phil 4:8). Personally I’ve found that  by   just having  lovely thoughts and objects around me, it makes a difference. More recently I acquired an old 1960’s vanity, which I filled with lovely objects that lift my spirit,either  with memories or simply their aesthetic. We(family) refinished it back to it’s original splendor, and then I proceeded to  decorate it with what makes me  feel good(see below). Some people create shrines to a specific God,but I think it also worthy to  create  a  shrine to all that makes you feel good(an idea here)whether, you choose a physical collection of objects, or a vision board you cannot go wrong. Before something can manifest in the physical, it’s imperative we visualize it,and this is why imagination is so vital to the human experience. Dear friends,don’t be swayed by the cares of this world,because if you  let it,it will choke the dreams from behind your eyelids. Therefore, keep your eyes set  on the sky above,and shoot for the moon!  

No doubts,

bleu

Here is a peek at my “shrine.” 

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEusoSyYK7k&w=560&h=315%5D

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Defying Death

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“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.”

-Khalil Gibran.

Not too long ago a friend asked me if I was afraid of death, and She was right in supposing that I am not. In coming so  close to  dying  and surviving, any fears  of it were removed.  Although I cannot completely take the credit. Many doctors,nurses,friends,family,and certainly angels were present. There is no reason to fear death because We are immortal. It has been scientifically shown that, energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Therefore, our energy(or soul) must simply be transferred somewhere else. This  life is a transient plane. If your circumstances are bad, it helps to remind yourself that nothing is forever. This reminder also helps us to savor the present moment.While no one knows what happens to us when We pass,there are many theories. Some people have actually surmised  a weight for our soul( 21 grams). There is no reason to fear. Through my recovery, love has  continually carried me through. Each day We have a choice, there is no “wrong side of the bed.” Were not  at the mercy  of  our emotions. This certainly  doesn’t mean  be robotic,just that We have a choice. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy  having some semblance of control. Even though the World seems random or out of control it is oddly enough quite orderly. The Earth obeys laws of nature, the sun rises and sets each day, and even the stars are  in patterns that create constellations. Each day your lungs inhale oxygen,you open your eyes, and move about freely(some cannot) We are not like a Fall leaf carried by the wind, so this is actually  good news!  You can make a conscious decision to  be happy(and share it with others)or not.  As Yoda says(nerd alert!). Do or do not, there is no try.Hope deferred makes the heart sick, if you  follow the ways of love, you can’t go wrong. Each of us have options(yay options!) We can choose life(positivity) or choose death(negativity) Both have been placed before us. To my knowledge you’ll always win  when you choose life.

LOVE,

bleu

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