Better Than Before

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Today begins the first phase of re-opening in the state in which I live.

Recently, I listened to an interview with Matt Kahn who is a lightworker, empath, and spiritual teacher.   He was recently interviewed by Janneke Øinæs, the host of Wisdom From North .  I found what he said to be very interesting and a healthy way to look at our current world and the changes that may be in store.

I’ve paraphrased here, but these are the points Matt made in the interview that I found thought-provoking and, in a way, comforting.  I believe you’ll find them helpful, too:

◊The Universe has your back;

◊The Universe has a plan for you; you don’t have to worry and you don’t have to struggle to qualify for it.  It’s yours right now;

◊This time in which you find yourself is not a punishment.  This is just the next step in your—and humanity’s—ascension;

◊With sheltering at home, your life has simplified.  This is an opportunity for you to evolve into a higher consciousness;

◊Some thing(s) must be taken away so that so much more can be given to you;

◊This is not bad karma or Mother Nature’s revenge but rather it’s the Universe telling you that you have done such a good job in your healing journey that you’ve qualified for the next level.

 

These thoughts are an intriguing way to think of the pandemic and lock-down we’re experiencing—and the gradual re-opening that’s starting.  These ideas re-frame the negative and fearful thoughts that are rampant right now and give us a road map to help us become spiritually deeper and richer and well-able to walk a new path in the world.

Here is the link to the interview.

Let me know what you think!

We got this!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Just for Today….

 

Just for today, what if there is nothing wrong with you?

I challenge you this week, as I’m challenging myself, to live each day into the possibility that there is nothing wrong with you.

You are just right, exactly as you are.

What will you do that you haven’t allowed yourself to do because you thought there was something wrong with you? Now that you are just right exactly as you are, you can pursue that thing!

Good luck!

Have FUN!

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 – Not Just for Kids

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When someone mentions the word “bullying”, we think of the schoolyard, assuming that bullying is a problem only children face. We believe that when kids grow into adulthood, they drop their childish ways: We think they’ll become more understanding and compassionate, that they’ll develop mastery over their emotions, that they’ll learn to be helpful to others, and that they’ll strive to become the best version of themselves. This is the course we’ve followed and we figure that everyone else will, too.

But they don’t.

Some adult bullies carry their bullying ways from childhood into adulthood. Others were nice as youngsters but something happened along their pathway to adulthood that turned them into bullies.

The point is that bullying is not a problem just for children. We adults can—and do—face it every day, too. We can encounter adult bullies in a variety of settings such as clubs and organizations, churches, neighborhoods, within our group of friends, and at work.

We don’t foresee this, which is why it’s so shocking when we run up against it. We expect adults to behave like, well, adults. We don’t anticipate that they’ll humiliate, belittle, or sabotage us or that we’ll see them do this to others. When we experience bullying directly or indirectly (witnessing another being bullied), we’re left bewildered, stunned, and wondering if what we just experienced/witnessed really did happen.

The effects can be devastating. We can feel isolated and alone, which leads to anxiety and depression. Our self-confidence plummets, our work suffers, and our mental and physical health can be negatively impacted. Anxiety.org has published a good article on bullying in the workplace. It contains additional information and resources regarding workplace bullying. 

The good news is there are things we can do to help ourselves if/when we find ourselves in this type of situation. We can:

~Get out.

~Develop a support system.

~Pursue professional development opportunities.

~Feel good about ourselves.

~Take care of ourselves.

~Keep work in perspective.

We will talk more about these in upcoming posts. Stay tuned and check back often!

In the meantime, here are a few statements to say to yourself this week:

I am a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars.

I am valuable and my thoughts, ideas, and talents are desperately needed in the world.

I am fully loaded with all I’ll need to create a wonderful life for myself.

I am someone’s miracle.

I am perfectly positioned to make my mark in the world.

I am so grateful that this situation is setting me up to be slingshotted decades ahead in my career and my life.

I am enlivened and aglow with the Divine Spark within me.

Repeat these statements first thing in the morning, several times throughout the day, and the last thing before going to bed. Let their power and inspiration infuse your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

You can do this, Pep Pal, especially since we’ll be doing it together!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Soul-Prospering – My Writing: Sharing a Short Story (and a Blog Hop!) with You

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I believe each one of us is on this Earth for a specific reason and that reason is to live a soul-prospering life. When we do this, we’re contributing our unique combination of gifts, abilities, and talents to the overarching goal of creating a better world. In the process, we get to live a deeply satisfying and fulfilling life that matters profoundly.

With this in mind, I’d like to share what I’m doing to live my soul-prospering life. Since I’m the author of this blog, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I like to write. Here is a flash fiction story that I wrote this summer. Flash fiction is a short story of 500 words or less, although some people say the upper limit is 1000 words.

A special treat for you is that this story is part of a blog hop.  At the end you’ll see links to others’ flash fiction stories.  This is my first time participating and I’m very excited about it.

My story is 493 words and is called Black Moon. I hope you enjoy it-enjoy the other stories as well!

Black Moon

Mama turned from the front window of our snug cottage hidden in the dark woods. Even though the lights were out, the star glow was enough to show me her worried face. “A Black Moon on All Hallow’s Eve.  I thought surely you’d– ”

“What, Mama? Whatever it is, I’ll do it.” I didn’t know what was upsetting her but I wanted to make her smile. “It’s still my birthday.  We can be happy about that, right?”

“Of course, my love!  The second New Moon in a month combined with your thirteenth birthday on All Hallow’s Eve. A very special night, indeed.”  Mama hugged me, her fuzzy sweater tickling my nose.

Rustling in the woods drew her to the window.

Oh! A sharp twinge in my hips.  I waited for pain but it didn’t come.  Instead, it felt…natural.

A sudden rush of raw power from Mother Earth coursed through me from my feet to my head.  What was going on?

Rather than fear, giddiness filled me. I bounded to Mama and threw my arms around her. “I lovelovelove the night!”

Mama laughed. “That’s because you’re a vampire.”  She growled, pretending to nibble my neck.

“No, Mama.”  I giggled.  “Then I couldn’t eat your yummy meatloaf, so full of garlic.”

“Hmmm, true.”  Mama pretended to think.  “I know!  You’re really a pixie or a wood sprite, and you fly like the wind.”

“Nope, not it.” I moved from her embrace and rolled my shoulders to ease the cramping. “Flying isn’t the only way to race like the wind.”

“Then you’re a zombie.”  She lumbered toward me, arms outstretched.

I shrieked. “No, Mama!”  The bones in my feet crackled as I dashed away from her.

“Then you’re a fairy or maybe an elf.”

“They’re too small and scrawny and won’t make decent toothpicks much less tasty tidbits.”

“Well then, that leaves one thing.  You’re a–”

Yips and barks close to our cottage.

Too close.

“Oh no!”  She let out a cry of fear.

My gaze sharpened on her. She looked delicate as she backed away from the window.

A howl echoed on the still night air.  My pulse quickened.  My bones ached, muscles throbbed. It felt so good! I stretched in anticipation.

She blindly reached back for me.   “Hide! Wolves!”

Yes Mama, yes. That’s it!

I snapped my jaws now filled with gleaming teeth. I crept toward her, reveling in the power of my new form.

She saw me. Surprise on her face.

I inhaled. Ahhh, the sharp tang of fear.  My mouth watered.  I moved in.

A hard thump at the door followed by a rumbling growl that shook my bones. I stopped, crouched. Uncertain.

She dropped to her knees, relief flooding her face. Now on her hands, too. Broadening, elongating.

Huge.

Now I was surprised.

She padded to me, her claws clicking on the hardwood floor. “Welcome, Pup!” She nuzzled me, her soft fur tickling my nose.  “Come, meet your true family.”

 

Happy Halloween, my dear Pep Pals! Feel free to share in the comments what you do that’s soul-prospering. Thanks!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Here are the links to the other stories in this blog hop.  Have fun reading!

1. <a href=”https://inkmapsandmacarons.com/en/snow-white-tabloid-style” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Snow White Tabloid Style, by Fannie Suto</a>
2. <a href=”https://samanthadunawaybryant.blogspot.com/2018/10/31-of-31-days-of-halloween-writing.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Starving Artist, by Samantha Bryant</a>
3. <a href=”https://wp.barbaralund.com/storytime-blog-h…ers-origin-story/ ‎” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Halloween Dance, by Barbara Lund</a>
4. <a href=” www.elizabethmccleary.com/the-ghost-in-my-yard-blog-hop-october-2018” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Ghost In My Yard, by Elizabeth McCleary</a>
5. <a href=” https://www.katharinagerlach.com/posts/storytime-bloghop-halloween-2018/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Her Majesty, by Katharina Gerlach</a>
6. <a href=”https://ctbridges.com/holloween-blog-hop” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Chris Bridges Posting Storytime Blog Hop. Give her shout out and say Hello!</a>
7. <a href=”https://dailypeptalks.wordpress.com/2018/10/31/5609/ ‎” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Black Moon, by Lauren M. Catherine</a>
8. <a href=”https://www.jqrose.com/2018/10/storytime-blog-hop-poes-heart-celebrate.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Poe’s Heart, by J. Q. Rose</a>
9. <a href=”https://wp.me/p1z8Ja-3h” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Hanks A Lot, by Joe Bouchard</a>
10. <a href=”http://reprobatetypewriter.com/storytime-october-2018” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>In The Gray Lake, by Karen Lynn</a>
11. <a href=”http://www.vanessawellsbooks.com/blog.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Right Honorable Brotherhood of Spirits, Poltergeists and Ghosts, by Vanessa Wells</a>
12. <a href=”http://billbushauthor.com/october-2018-storytime-blog-hop” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Life of a Pumpkin, by Bill Bush</a>
13. <a href=”http://www.ginafabio.com/posts/storytime-blog-hop-why-should-i/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Why Should I?, by Gina Fabio</a>
14. <a href=”https://www.junetakey.com/storytime-blog-hop-october-31-2018-have-a-hallowing-halloween/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Reaper, by Juneta Key</a>

 

 

Pep Talks: Bullies in the Workplace Day 1

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Most of us don’t have the luxury of devoting 24/7/365 to pursuing our passions and living our purpose.  Many of us still have obligations and responsibilities to fulfill.  That requires us to work with other people and, unfortunately, some of them are very prickly.

This week, I’ll share with you pep talks that can be used for most situations, although the inspiration for these came from others’, as well as my own, challenges at work because of a difficult co-worker.

I hope the following pep talk can help you when you find yourself confronted by someone who makes you second guess yourself.

 

No matter what others say about me or do to me, and no matter how difficult the day may be, I allow myself to remember and believe that I am capable, I am competent, and I do have what it takes to live my life so that I am pleased.

I also allow myself to remember and believe that although my progress may be slow, I am crafting a soul-prospering life.

Thank you, Source, for your power, your protection, your provision, and your peace today.

 

Notice the “I allow myself…” statements.  I have discovered that oftentimes when we’re confronted by someone with a very strong personality, we subconsciously might think that we don’t have the right to think positive and supporting thoughts about ourselves.

Ridiculous!  We know the truth about ourselves and we can remind ourselves of our truth when someone is trying to get us to think their way about ourselves.

No way!  Not happening!

Repeat frequently throughout the day:  I know the truth about me and I’m allowed to think it!!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Pep Rally: I Am!

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Start your day right with these statements:

 

I am capable

 

I am competent

 

I am intelligent and I have the common sense, and street smarts to figure it out

 

I am fully loaded with gifts and talents and latent abilities

 

I have what it takes to create a soul-prospering life for myself

 

I am tough in my own way and style

 

I am strong and I hang in there even when the going gets rocky

 

I am proud of myself for the baby steps I’m taking to craft my soul-prospering life

 

I am a child of the Universe

 

I am excited about my future

 

I am excited about today

 

I am happy to be me

 

I am lucky to be me!

 

Say these statements to yourself as you stand tall in front of the mirror smiling at yourself. Chose two or three statements to keep handy and repeat to yourself throughout your day.

You can do it!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Pep Rally: I Am in Charge!

 

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One of the most important parts of the day is the early morning hours when we first awaken. How we use those minutes sets the tone and the pace for the day. Successful people as well as experts in the Personal Development field encourage us to start with something positive and uplifting.

Here is a Pep Rally to help us get off on the right foot each day. Thee best way to use these statements is to stand tall in front of a mirror, smile brightly, and say these with as much enthusiasm as possible:

 

I am in charge!

 

I am in charge of myself

 

I am in charge of my life

 

I am in charge of my present moment

 

I am in charge of my future

 

I am in charge of what I think about

 

I am in charge of what I believe about myself

 

II am in charge of what I believe about my dreams

 

I am in charge of my capabilities, skills, and abilities

 

I am in charge of my competency, intelligence, common sense, and street smarts

 

I am in charge of saying yes

 

I am in charge of saying no

 

I am in charge of my emotions and feelings

 

I am in charge of how I interpret each situation

 

I am in charge of looking for the good, the benefit, the catapult moving me forward in all situations

 

I am in charge of taking action, taking baby steps, of moving forward

 

I am in charge of getting it done

 

I am in charge of just doing it

 

I am in charge of my moods and temperament

 

I am in charge of taking one more step

 

I am in charge of the cards that Life has dealt me

I am in charge of whether an event, a situation–or what another has or hasn’t done to me or for me–whether it makes me or breaks me

 

I am in charge of what I do and what I do not

 

I am in charge of my doubts

 

I am in charge of my fears

 

I am in charge of my worries

 

I am in charge of my sadness

 

I am in charge of my anger

 

I am in charge of my disappointment

 

I am in charge of my frustration and annoyance

 

I am in charge of my despondency and depression

 

I am in charge of my anxieties and panicks

 

I am in charge of my body

 

I am in charge of my mind

 

I am in charge of my soul

 

I am in charge of my spirituality

 

I am in charge of how I respond to others

 

I am in charge of how I respond to situations

 

I am in charge of how I respond to events

 

I am in charge of how I respond to getting the short end of the stick

 

I am in charge of my freedom

 

I am in charge of my thoughts

 

I am in charge of my dreams

 

I am in charge!

 

If any of these statements resonate with you, jot them down and keep them handy. Say them often to yourself through out thee day.

You can do it because you ARE in charge!

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: What to Say to Yourself

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Here are positive statements to say to yourself frequently throughout the day:

 

I choose to begin again right now. 

 

This moment is fresh and new and I step into its glorious possibilities. 

 

I release and let go of all that no longer serves me. 

 

I turn my back on the past–out of sight, out of mind. 

 

I focus on the present and look to my bright future. 

 

I’m excited about my future because it’s full of potential.

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: The New Days, a Poem by Edgar A. Guest

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We all have cherished memories of wonderful times in the past, and we also can remember times that weren’t so great. It’s okay to think of these every once in a while, but to dwell in the past…not such a good strategy.

As the poem below points out, living in the present moment and looking ahead to the bright promise of the future is a great way to begin again.

 

The New Days

         The old days, the old days, how oft the poets sing,        

The days of hope at dewy morn, the days of early spring,        

The days when every mead was fair, and every heart was true,        

And every maiden wore a smile, and every sky was blue        

The days when dreams were golden and every night brought rest,        

The old, old days of youth and love, the days they say were best        

But I—I sing the new days, the days that lie before,        

The days of hope and fancy, the days that I adore.     

    

The new days, the new days, the selfsame days they are;        

The selfsame sunshine heralds them, the selfsame evening star        

Shines out to light them on their way unto the Bygone Land,       

And with the selfsame arch of blue the world to-day is spanned.        

The new days, the new days, when friends are just as true,        

And maidens smile upon us all, the way they used to do,        

Dreams we know are golden dreams, hope springs in every breast;        

It cheers us in the dewy morn and soothes us when we rest.         

 

The new days, the new days, of them I want to sing,        

The new days with the fancies and the golden dreams they bring;        

The old days had their pleasures, but likewise have the new        

The gardens with their roses and the meadows bright with dew;        

We love to-day the selfsame way they loved in days of old;        

The world is bathed in beauty and it isn’t growing cold;        

There’s joy for us a-plenty, there are tasks for us to do,        

And life is worth the living, for the friends we know are true.

~Edgar A. Guest

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren