Thank You Friends and Loved Ones!

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As we craft soul-prospering lives for ourselves, we can go through challenging times, especially if we’re making seemingly drastic shifts and big changes. It can be very frightening to be out of our comfort zone. We can feel very alone and isolated.

Friends and loved ones to the rescue!

They hold our hand when we need it. They encourage us when we need a boost. They pick us up and dust us off when we fall. They cheer for us and celebrate us even when there seems to be no finish line in sight.

They like us and love us just the way we are.

Each one of our friends and loved ones adds a little something unique and special to our lives that without it, our lives would be so very different and diminished.

Thank you friends and loved ones! You ROCK!!!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

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The Number 1 Ingredient of a Soul-Prospering Life

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The Number 1 ingredient for a soul-prospering life is self-respect. It’s based on integrity and character. All of these are the foundational bedrock of true self-love. Out of this grows unshakable inner peace. The following poem by Edgar A. Guest portrays this beautifully:

Myself

by Edgar A. Guest

I have to live with myself and so

I want to be fit for myself to know.

I want to be able as days go by,

always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don’t want to stand with the setting sun

and hate myself for the things I have done.

I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf

a lot of secrets about myself

and fool myself as I come and go

into thinking no one else will ever know

the kind of person I really am,

I don’t want to dress up myself in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect

I want to deserve all men’s respect;

but here in the struggle for fame and wealth

I want to be able to like myself.

I don’t want to look at myself and know 

I am bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me;

I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know,

I never can fool myself and so,

whatever happens I want to be

self respecting and conscience free.

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Kindness Matters

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We’re half way through the work week and it may have been a brutal one so far. Or up to now, the work week might be mind-numbingly, soul-crushingly boring! Whatever the case, we may need something to lift our spirits so we can power through the rest of the week. Here are two short articles that prove kindess matters. Even the smallest gestures that we don’t even think twice about can make all the difference to someone else.

You may have seen this article on the Internet about the man in his 80’s who bought a VCR on eBay, which enabled him to take a stroll down memory lane. His thank you note to the seller went viral. Click here to view it.

This article from the Internet gathers some of the responses when a Twitter user issued a call for stories of strangers’ random acts of kindness that had a big impact on them. Click here to view it.

I hope these lifted your spirits. These give us hope because they show that most people have generous hearts and that they want to be helpful and do good.

Yay for people reaching out a helping hand!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

3 Ways to Make Tangible The Divine’s Anointing

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Previously we talked about how Source has anointed and consecrated us, and that we are holy. Even though we know this, sometimes the concept is nebulous and, therefore, doesn’t do much for us. Today and this week let’s make that more than just a nice thought. Let’s make that tangible so that we can bring that anointing and consecration into our lives and make it a real thing that we can feel and experience. Let’s make it something that we can truly know and believe for ourselves.

Here are three techniques that I use to help myself. First, though, let me add a disclaimer: I don’t always remember to do these things for myself. Sometimes life distractions get in the way and discombobulate me so I forget about these techniques—I’m not perfect! 🙂

First Technique:

As I’m washing up in the morning, instead of rushing through it or doing it mindlessly, when I’m in the shower, I’ll think about the water. I’ll tune into it running down over my head, my face, my shoulders, my arms, my body, my legs, and my feet. I imagine that the water is Source anointing and consecrating me. The water is not only washing away the earthly dirt, but it’s washing away the residue of yesterday and the unhelpful stuff I may be clinging to.

Then I think about the shower water flowing over me on a deeper level, that it’s cleaning and clearing blockages and sticking points and aligning me to the Divine. I think and say, “Every atom, every molecule, every structure, every cell, every tissue, every organ, every system, and all that is me is alight, alive, aglow, and aligned with Divine Source. I am resonating and vibrating at Divine Source’s frequency. I am aligned with all that is Good, all that is Holy, and all that is Divine.”

I think about this in an experiential way, meaning that I tune into my body as I am thinking and saying these statements and feel where they are resonating in my body. I tune in and describe what it feels like and the emotion it’s eliciting. I anchor those feelings and emotions so that as I go through my day and if/when I start to become discombobulated in some way, I can tune back in and remember Source’s anointing so I can focus and re-center on that.

Second Technique:

Another technique is to eat intuitively. When at the grocery store, instead of just grabbing this ‘n that to throw together into something somewhat edible, I’ll pause and think about each item first. I’ll hold the item near my heart chakra and tune in to how it’s making me feel, what emotions it’s bringing out.

For instance if I’m using this technique while buying bell peppers, I’ll hold one in my hand and ask myself how this makes me feel. I’ll tune into my thoughts, the feelings in my body, and the emotions I’m experiencing. I might think, “I like the green bell pepper but wow, those red peppers and the orange ones and those bright yellow ones! Holy moly, I love those colors!” In that case, I’ll choose the red, orange, and yellow peppers instead.

Do this for all the food you choose on that shopping trip, knowing that this is your inner wisdom guiding you, which is connected to the Divine. Actually, it’s Divine speaking to you through your inner wisdom. And don’t worry if you don’t really feel anything or you’re not sure. You really can’t make a wrong choice. It might take a few tries over time to be able to feel the little nudges and the small quiet voice of your inner wisdom.

Also, don’t worry if you find yourself in the cookies section or the chip section and you really, really, really want to buy some. Give yourself permission to buy one package. When you feel that you need to eat these things, especially if it’s a pressing need, go ahead and eat them, but try to be do it in moderation. As you’re eating, ask yourself, “Why do I feel I need this? What problem am I trying to solve? What lack am I trying to fulfill?” Tune into your body and where you’re feeling sensations and what emotions are coming up. Once you have some of these answers you can then think about solving them in a healthier way—solving them without reaching for cookies or ice cream or chips and dip.

Third Technique:

Another technique I use is listening to uplifting messages and sounds. Depending on what I think I need at that moment or that day—again, it’s a matter of tuning into my inner wisdom—I go to YouTube and I find audios/videos such as birds chirping, or Gregorian chants. Other days it’s wind chimes with nature sounds, or Tibetan singing bowls, or maybe inspiring messages. Other times it’s Ella Fitzgerald that “hits the spot” for me! I turn the volume very low if I’m at work so as not to disturb my colleagues.

These are three techniques that help me keep myself centered on the Truth about me which is I’m a child of the universe no less than the trees and the Stars and I have a right to be here. This is True about you, too. And the other truth about me—and you—is that I am anointed, I am consecrated, I am holy.


Feel free to tweak these techniques as needed to make them resonate more deeply for you. In the comments section let me know how they work for you. Thanks!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Remember These 7 Truths About Yourself

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When we’re in a difficult situation, such as being targeted by the bully in the workplace, oftentimes we have trouble remembering—and believing—the Truth about ourselves. Being in these circumstances can cause us to doubt our capabilities and our competencies to perform even the simplest, most basic of tasks. Our minds can become scattered and our ability to focus can be hampered. We can’t and we don’t think straight about ourselves.

Worst of all, we might question our worth as an individual. In extreme circumstances, we may even question our existence—whether or not we should even be on Earth.

First of all, if you are thinking these kinds of thoughts, GET HELP. Reach out to trained counselors and therapists, speak with your minister or spiritual leader, and/or talk to your doctor. There are also support groups, prayer circles, helplines, and other resources available to assist you. REACH OUT TO THEM.

Let me also point out that the thoughts you may have of questioning your worth and whether or not you should even exist is—if for no other reason—the bottom-line justification to GET OUT of ALL abusive situations.

If you find, though, that you can’t immediately leave until other pieces come together, such as finding a new job, then repeat the following Truth statements about you to yourself. Constantly repeat these in your mind. Constantly. I’m not kidding and it isn’t a dramatic overstatement when I implore you to keep repeating these statements non-stop to yourself.

The following statements have a spiritual bent to them but please don’t let that put you off. I find it to be very helpful to think that there is a Benevolent Being “out there” who has Goodness in mind for me.

Here are the Truths—feel free to tweak them so they are more meaningful to you:

 

I am a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars….I have a right to be here. Inspired by The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

 

God has anointed me. I am consecrated and I am holy. Inspired by Joel Osteen’s messages

 

I have good things, good people, good experiences in my life and they make me happy, in spite of what others—bullies—are trying to do to me. Inspired by the 23rd Psalm

 

God put deep loving thought into creating me and, when finished with me, God declared that I am Good. Inspired by Joel Osteen’s messages

 

I am sheltered. I am protected. Inspired by the 91st Psalm

 

God does not make junk, therefore, I am not junk. Inspired by spiritual books and materials I have studied.

 

God has a Purpose and a Reason for each and every creation, including me! Inspired by spiritual books and materials I have studied.

 

Remember these Truths about yourself. Keep repeating them in your mind. Non-stop. Let their wisdom seep into every cell and fiber of your being. Feel their strength and comfort.

I am with you!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Start the Week Off Right: 7 Quotes

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These seven quotes are short and to the point. That means they’re easy to remember and easy to repeat to yourself often, especially when things aren’t going as planned.

 

Dear Stress, let’s break up. ~Anonymous

Take action. Any action taken—even the “wrong” action—is better than not taking even the tiniest of actions. ~Anonymous

Actually, I can. ~Anonymous

Do not compare yourself to others. ~Anonymous

Smile and be glad because this too shall pass! ~Anonymous

Loving kindness is the most powerful force in the Universe. ~Anonymous

When in doubt, go to the library. ~Anonymous

 

Have a wonderfully soul-prospering week!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Bullying: Taking Care of Yourself—24 Power Statements

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When you believe in yourself you believe in possibility. When you believe in possibility you believe in yourself. ~Dr. Joe Dispenza

 

Today we’re halfway through the week. Oftentimes we start the week out with a strong positive outlook but by midweek we might begin to lose our resolve. Here are a few statements to use to remind ourselves that we have what it takes to live a soul-prospering life, Use any or all of them frequently throughout today and the following days. Also, feel free to tweak them to better suit you and your circumstances.

 

I am capable

I am competent

I know what I’m doing

I am intelligent

I am dedicated

I am hard working

I am honest

I am honorable

I am a person of high integrity

I am kind

I am generous

I respect others

I am dependable

I am reliable

I am trustworthy

I am helpful

I am upbeat

I am ethical and have strong values and high morals

I am rock solid

I have a can-do attitude

I am persistent

I persevere

I find a way

I am crafting a wonderful soul-prospering life for myself

Choose the statements that resonate with you and repeat them often throughout your day.

I’m with you!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Workplace Bullying: Take Care of Yourself – Hidden Gems

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One way to take care of ourselves if we’re a victim of workplace bullying is to remember and know deep within ourselves that we are much, much more than the small piece of ourselves that the bully is targeting. This poem reminds us about the Hidden Gems within each of us.

 

HIDDEN GEMS

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

We know not what lies in us, till we seek;
Men dive for pearls—they are not found on shore,
The hillsides most unpromising and bleak
Do sometimes hide the ore.

Go, dive in the vast ocean of thy mind,
O man! far down below the noisy waves,
Down in the depths and silence thou mayst find
Rare pearls and coral caves.

Sink thou a shaft into the mine of thought;
Be patient, like the seekers after gold;
Under the rocks and rubbish lieth what
May bring thee wealth untold.

Reflected from the vastly Infinite,
However dulled by earth, each human mind
Holds somewhere gems of beauty and of light
Which, seeking, thou shalt find.

 

I hope this helps you. Next week we’ll talk more about how to take care of ourselves while we are in a bullying situation and as we are searching for a new position.

We will get through this together. As beloved family members frequently counsel me, “This, too, shall pass.”

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren