A Beautiful Life

Take the time each day to appreciate

Take each moment and create

Choose your thoughts with care

Choose your words with love

 

Find the beauty that surrounds you 

It is everywhere you look

The trees, the sky, the eyes of the one you love

Look within, for you are wise

 

Take a moment, take it now

Find the love, find the joy

You are love, you are joy

Share your smile, share your heart

 

-Cristina Alfaro

 

Today is a beautiful day, feel the energy of the sun and the trees, and feel the fresh air cleansing our souls. Reach out to people that you love, tell them how much you appreciate them. The more you radiate your love, the more love comes your way. We never know how much time we have to share our joy and our lives together, so take the time today to reach out to someone - to many and let them know how much they are loved. You will be surprised at how beautiful your day and your life changes. Namaste :) 

 

Do What Feels Good

If we follow our inner guidance system, we will always be doing what feels good. I use the image in my head of swimming upstream against the current or flow downstream with the current. When making decisions, take a moment to do a gut check, do you feel as if you are swimming upstream or downstream. Flow lovingly with life, and when there are rocks in the river just flow around them. Your inner guidance system is always correct. This is a challenge when we think about the rules and regulations that we try to live by in life, but if you follow that simple imagery, you will lead yourself in the right way. 

 

Making your decisions with a good and loving intention, then checking to see if you feel like you are trudging your way up the river or nicely flowing with it will help guide you into making the choices in life that make the most sense for you. Take the time each day to sit in quiet with yourself, and ask your source for help. Source can be whatever you call it, God, the Universe, the Divine....whatever you believe in. Have a beautiful day friends, much love sent your way, always. Namaste :)

 

The darkest of time, then the wash of love

I sat in the dark

Telling myself this can not go on

I saw my heart in thousands of pieces

I had no courage to change

I had no courage to stay

I had no courage to go

Sitting in the dark 

I was alone

Fear was all there was

When there was nothing darker 

A light appeared

The whisper that everything will be ok

The feeling that love was around me

The words were clear yet they were not words

The words were energy

You are loved

You are enough

You are the change

The depth of despair I had never known

The depths I would never see again

Yet I will never forget

That was where I needed to be

To see the beauty of what light was

To see words as energy

To feel love wash over me

I am the fortunate one

I found the way

I found the courage

It was never gone

It always remains

Shine the light

For all who need it

For you

Radiate love

- Cristina Alfaro

Living your life on purpose: Starting NOW!

Many people have asked me what I do in life that I am so happy? There is no magical answer, or two step process that I can tell people on how to live their life joyously. But there are many things that I do, the first being I live my life on purpose. I consciously create the life I want to be living in my thoughts. I think about how I want to feel, what kinds of people I want in my life, and I dream without limitations. I surround myself with positive thoughts, affirmations and I do my best to find the positive in everything. 

 

The law of attraction is this: whatever you give out you attract. Think about that....think about your thoughts, what thoughts are you sending out? Are you sending out thoughts of stress, worry, anxiety and negativity? Or are you sending out thoughts that are from appreciation, love and abundance. Thoughts are energy, feelings are energy, YOU are energy. Send out the energy of what you want, but as if you already have it. Let me give you an example: I will be successful, abundant and free of stress. One small change in that statement takes it from wanting it, to being it: I am successful, abundant and free of stress. I am, two powerful words. Wayne Dyer wrote a book discussing this concept, the I am concept. When you say it don't say what life is, say what you desire life to be. You have to live and feel the life you want before that life becomes what you are living. 

 

Everything starts as energy within before it becomes the energy that is what we consider reality. Practice your I am statements, and watch them throughout the day. As Esther Hicks and Abraham say, set off your rockets of desire, then allow the universe to answer it. I am love, I am successful at everything I do, I am living a joyous life, I am living life on purpose, I am creative, I am free of stress, I am loved, I am doing the work that I love & I am generously compensated for it, I am increasing my income every day. Practice this, start living your life on purpose. Start in your thoughts and be consistent with it, every day & all day be conscious of what energy you are sending out, for whatever you are giving out you are creating. Namaste :)

 

Vulnerability & Joy

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”  Brene Brown

I am so fortunate to have a partner in life who gives me the space to be vulnerable, who loves me more when I am the most vulnerable - when I am silly, fun and living joy. He is there to hold me and be there with me when I am going through times that seem overwhelming, he doesn't just hold me though, he holds my hand and leads me back to authenticity and embracing myself whole heartedly. I think about this a lot, that the more vulnerable we are with each other the deeper our spiritual connection is and the more love we feel. It is scary to be vulnerable, because we have all been betrayed, shamed or humiliated. And for so many, like me, who struggle with thinking we are enough it is scary to think that you expose yourself to the possibility of being betrayed. But it is when we are authentic, and when we expose ourselves enough to share who we really are that we experience the greatest love and joy. It is a conscious choice to start being vulnerable, but without the dark we would never understand the beauty of light. Have a beautiful day, be authentic, and share love with the world. Namaste :)

Step in the arena and say yes to life!

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

I am currently re-reading Brene Brown's book, The Power of Vulnerability (a MUST read for all), and she mentions this piece in her book. Such a moving and inspiring piece of writing. Step in to the arena of life without fear of failure, for if we don't dare greatly we will never know success nor passion in life. I step in to life each day reminding myself to be vulnerable and to be authentic in the way I present myself to others. Of course it is fearful to step out and show your authentic you, but once you do life becomes passionate and joyful, and you are stronger because of it. People want to see the authentic you, that is the person that shows passion, and empathy and so much love. Be you, dare to be authentic each day, Dare to live greatly! Namaste :)

It is still a beautiful world :)

“Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

Max Ehrmann - Desiderata

I love this piece of Desiderata, it is so profound. This really speaks to everything I see life to be, through all the challenges, life is beautiful. Our job in this life is to experience joy. With joy you can love, and you can experience all that is good. Max Ehrmann spoke of this in the 1920's, how insightful he was. We are all a part of this expansive, loving and beautiful universe, each and every one of us. Make it your goal today to stop and look for the beauty, and look around to see who shares a kind smile with you. Smile back, and share your positive energy with the world. Remember that in challenging and sometimes dark times you are a child of the universe, be cheerful and strive to be happy.

I am happy.
I am one with the universe.
I am love.
I am limitless.

Let your soul fly

I saw a bird today

he reminded me to fly

 

A wise sage guided me

Break free from the cage and soar

 

Don't limit your limitless soul

The message is clear, the universe is here

You are protected, you are safe, all is well

 

A wise friend reminded me today to not limit yourself in life. We are all capable to live our best lives and manifesting everything and more that we can dream. Believe in yourself, you are loved, you are safe and all is well. I hope you have a beautiful day and allow your soul to soar, much love...Namaste :)

 

Creating Your Week

Monday, for most people the start of the craziness. How have you set up your week? Start with gratitude. Think of the people and things that you are thankful for, and then write it down. The beginning of a brand new week is the perfect time to reflect on everything that you are thankful for in your life. Everything is made up of energy, and the universal law is that like attracts like. This has been proven in many scientific research experiments and is truth. The more you are grateful for, the more you have in your life that you love. What do you want to attract into your life this week? Perhaps it is abundance or love, or just a peaceful and stress free week. Whatever it is that you want to attract, start appreciating what you do have. If it is prosperity, make a list of all the ways you are prosperous and feel the appreciation within. If it is love, write a list of all the love that is in your life. If like attracts like, then make sure that you are feeling and thinking about what you want to attract - be conscious of these thoughts. Try being conscious of your thinking throughout the day, and make notes on what comes up. Remember, don't be hard on yourself. If it is a negative thought, or you see stress than take a moment and write down the opposite, and repeat that over and over in your mind. You are re-wiring your brain to think positively and live joyously. You can do it, and it takes as much energy to think positive as it does negative. One just puts you in to allowing of all things good. 

 

Here are some affirmations for gratitude and the beginning of a new week. You are the creator of your life, remember that the thoughts you think are the seeds that you are planting for your future. 

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work where I love. 

I am grateful for the loving relationships in my life. 

I am grateful for a wonderful morning full of good energy.

My income is constantly increasing.
I receive my good from expected and unexpected sources. 

I am aware of the beauty that surrounds me, every time I look. 

My life is full of joy, and I express it easily.

It is easy for me to think positive and peaceful thoughts.

 

Happy Monday to all, and remember to look at yourself sometime today in a mirror and say "I love you", then radiate that love to all others today. Send love ahead of you wherever you go, and send love to everyone you see, even if it is just in your mind. They will feel the love you send out. Namaste :) 

 

Slow Down, Go Within

In the hustle and bustle of our every day lives we can easily fall in to auto pilot mode. We live in busy times where we are constantly connected to our jobs, school, or we are running around doing errands in the few extra hours we have in a day. How often do you stop and sit quietly to still your mind? It is so difficult for us, and yet it is so important to find the time each day to quiet the mind and go within. Allow yourself the time to slow down and listen to your inner guide. We have all the answers we need, they are within. We tend to neglect this piece of us because we are so busy taking care of everyone else. The suggestion is that we take at least 45 minutes a day to meditate...okay, now I know that seems overwhelming to most people, so let's take baby steps. 5 minutes, we can all find 5 minutes. Or taking your lunch break, sitting in your car and sitting quietly, or listening to a guided meditation. We do have these wonderful electronics that can help us slow down - perhaps you can access youtube on your phone and listen to a guided meditation. If not, that is okay too! Take 5 minutes and focus on your breath, taking deep breaths in and out. Focus your attention on your breath and every time a thought comes up, just let it float by and refocus on your breath. While closing your eyes focus on the area right behind your eyes, perhaps you see a small light, keep breathing. And do this for 5 minutes. You will be amazed at what taking this time does for the rest of your day. You will feel calmer, and more relaxed. If you can do this several times a day, even better.

If you want to learn about meditation, there are so many wonderful books and videos out there. Look them up and just see which ones speak to you. I had the wonderful opportunity of going to a week long meditation retreat in Colorado with Reggie Ray. It was overwhelming to go, I fought with myself thinking I wouldn't be able to be silent for a week, and sit and meditate for hours a day, but it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. So many of us fear being with ourselves, and yet being with ourselves in quiet space really opens up your ability to handle life so much better. I encourage you for the next week to find some time in your day to sit in quiet and focus within. Even if it is just focusing on breathing in and out, it will do wonders for you. Some great people to listen to are: Reggie Ray, Louise Hay, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Pema Chodron and so many others. These folks just happen to be my favorite to listen to. Mediation is powerful, it can take away anxiety, depression, it can help heal diseases, and most of all it helps you guide yourself in life. Read about it, research it I promise you won't be disappointed. Here is an article that is great to get you started. I hope you find the time to rest and recharge, and most of all slow down in this busy world we live in. Namaste :)

Choosing Your Thoughts

I was listening to an audio book this morning and there was a reminder that we are able to choose our thoughts. I have been thinking about this all afternoon, and it has really been a reminder that I am in control of my thoughts. As the loving Louise Hay says, "It is only a thought and a thought can be changed". This statement resonates with me, and reminded me that every worry, every stress, every anxiety is a thought. We have the power to choose our thoughts, as conscious human beings. Today I chose to be happy. So throughout the day I have said over and over in my head, "I am happy, and my thoughts are happy thoughts". The power we have is immeasurable, our lives are infinitely capable of all that is good. 

Making the conscious choice to think happy and good thoughts is so healthy, you can change the way you think in an instant. Any time a negative feeling or thought comes up, be aware of it and lovingly say this is a thought and this thought no longer serves me so I release it. Release it with love and then replace it with a happy thought. Start building the life you dream of with your next thought. Other thoughts will come, and be loving to them and then release them. When you do that you are kinder to yourself which makes it easier to let go. I listened to a book by Pema Chodron and she talked about practicing something called Maitri. Maitri is a word or practice in Buddhism that can be translated as having unconditional kindness/friendship for oneself. I loved this so much that I have a tattoo of it as a reminder to be kind to myself. Why is this important you might ask? When you have unconditional kindness for yourself, you can then share that kindness with all others. Be kind to yourself, love yourself and share that love with the world, everyone needs it. Being kind to yourself includes being kind when you have negative thoughts come up, don't beat yourself up over it, just choose a different thought, and release that thought with love. Imagery is so incredibly important, so imagine releasing that thought like releasing a bird from your hands and letting it free. Take a moment and look at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself that you love yourself. Loving yourself allows you to love others, and the world can use so much more love. Namaste :)

Thoughts for the end of a week

It is Friday! Time for some rest and recharging this weekend. Spend some time outdoors, soaking in the energy of the sun. Here are some morning thoughts and affirmations to start your day in a positive way.

I work at a job that gives me pleasure.
I love my life.
I am filled with joy and I share it with others.
I find ways to make others day.
I take time to take deep breaths throughout the day and breathe in the beauty of life.

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and find time to stop and take a deep breath full of fresh air. Write a list of 10 things you are grateful for sometime this morning, when you start your day with gratitude it is amazing how that sets up a wonderful and loving day. Namaste :)

Have a beautiful day!

Last night as I did a past life meditation I was reminded that I am love, and that we are all love. Our goal in this life is to share our love with each other. This day is such a gift and this moment is so beautiful, no matter what you are doing take a moment to stop, close your eyes and feel the love that surrounds you. I am grateful for so many people and for being able to experience this life surrounded by loved ones. Here are some affirmations to start your day, may you take a moment to start your day with appreciation and love:

I am love.
I share my love and joy with everyone.
I stop several times today to think of people and things that I am grateful for.
I appreciate this day, and I appreciate the life I am choosing to live.
I am filled with positive energy.
I love and appreciate myself.

Have a wonderful day, and thank you for sharing in this time with me each day, Namaste :)

Affirmations for Today :)

Good Wednesday All!

I am full of positive energy.
I find beauty everywhere.
I am love.
I deserve to be successful.
I am a money magnet.
I am healthy and vibrant.
Today is a wonderful day!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I send you love. Namaste :)

Depression & The Decision to Change

Depression has left me in the darkest of places once in my life, and my heart goes out to people who suffer from this disease. This blog is a direct cause from me suffering through situational depression once in my life. It led me to the depths of despair with the feeling that there was no other way to deal with life other than to end it. As I read about the sad ending of Robin Williams life, I can't help but to feel that pain deep within me. It is something that so many go through and so many of the people I have loved have gone through or are currently going through. Through my personal experience I was driven to get my degree in counseling, which I am close to achieving. 

What I want to talk about in this blog is hope. There is hope in every situation, and sometimes our depression takes over so much that we no longer see this hope. Find support, find someone to talk to. Most of all, start telling a different story. I remember first listening to Louise Hay, and she said "when the student is ready the teacher will appear". It felt as if she was talking directly to me. It was the start of my new story, my story that I was in control of my thoughts, my feelings and ultimately my life. How did I choose to live life? This was the question that would take work and time to answer. My message is this - you are worth it! You are worth living the most joyous and peaceful life you could imagine, and even more. You are lovable because you exist - nothing more is needed, you are here and you are loved. 

How do you start telling a different story? Start listening and talking completely different than what you are currently doing. Start reading or listening to audio books. Immerse yourself in positive thinking and listening to positive talk. Some suggestions to start with - Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life. Anita Moorjani - Dying To Be Me. Alex Woodard - For The Sender. Abraham Hicks - The Law of Attraction. Search healing with your mind in google, I am sure you will find so much. Start today, tell yourself that today you have made the decision to take over your life and your thoughts. At first it feels odd, and it feels disingenuous, but eventually it becomes who you are and how you live. Soon you will start replacing the doubt and overwhelming darkness with the brightest and most hopeful of light. And eventually you will believe that you are deserving of all that is good, and then you will have all that is good. Healing begins within, and you are so lovable and so magnificent simply because you exist. You are worth it, and it may sound too easy, or too hard but you must start telling a different story. Take control of your life - TODAY! Let's not waste another moment of this brilliant and beautiful life we were brought here to live. My heart and my soul are with each one of you, whether you read this or not. I feel so much love and so much empathy, I have been there and now I am here creating the most love and beauty I possibly can. We are lucky to have this day, and this life. I love you - Namaste :)

Affirmations for Today :)

I choose to create a wonderful, peaceful and joyous life.
I find time for me in each day.
I choose happy thoughts.
I am in control of my life.
I am surrounded by love and beauty.

Happy Monday to all! I hope your day is filled with positive energy and love. Choose to be happy today, and see what changes. Namaste :)

Thoughts for the beginning of a new week

As we start this week, think of how grateful you are for everything in your life. The people who love you, and the people whom you love. Each day we live another day is an opportunity to find the joy and peace within. For many families it is the beginning of another school year, and for many the start of a new week at work. For others it is the beginning of new life, or saying goodbye to someone that is loved. Whatever this new week brings, take the time to discover the joy that is in your life.

We get to choose how we live each day, it all begins with your thoughts. What are you choosing as your thoughts? Are they worries of money? Are you stressed about work? Are you worried about health? Whatever the thoughts are, choose positive thoughts. Here are some thoughts that can help you see the joy, peace and beauty in every day.

I am so thankful for this day.
I am thankful for the loving relationships in my life.
I love my life!
I work at a job that gives me pleasure.
I am shocked at how many wonderful things happen every day.
I am abundant in all that is good.
I easily find time to rest and rejuvenate.
I am vibrantly healthy.
All is well in my world.
The universe is conspiring in my favor.

Choose thoughts that come from a positive place, every thought you think is creating your future, so be gentle and kind with your thoughts. The energy you give is the energy that you get. If you worry, you attract more worry. If you are stressed you attract more stress. If you are grateful you attract more to be grateful for. Send love in front of you, to your work or home, or wherever you are going that day. Send people and places your love. I send you my love, and I know you will have a wonderful week ahead. Namaste :)

Affirmations for Today :)

I am open to receiving abundance, joy and guidance.

I am shocked at how quickly every challenge I am faced with gets resolved.

I flow with life.

I love sharing my joy with others, and they in turn love sharing their joy with me.

Every day I receive small miracles, and I recognize them.

I see beauty around me, and I stop to appreciate it. 

I hope you have a lovely day! Raise up your arms to the sky and receive abundance in love, health, wealth and joy! Namaste :) 

Affirmations for Today :)

I lovingly accept and flow with change.
I am excited for new and wonderful opportunities.
I am willing to let go of control and allow the universe to guide me.
I love my world.
I radiate love.
I am love.

Have a wonderful and loving day, be gentle and kind with yourself today. Radiate love to all.

Times of growth & change

I am going through a time of growth & change, at times it is joyous and at times I feel the need to go deep inside to take stock of where I have been, where I am, and where I am headed. It is at these times that the affirmations and self work that I have done become so apparently important, like dim lights leading me through. Everything comes to you at the exact perfect time, no matter how impatient we might be. I personally have a tough time with patience, so I empathize with all others that feel that way too. These are the times to make space and time for yourself, to listen to your inner voice. It is there, and I promise even if you can't hear it, it is guiding you. I am listening to an audio book that talks about change, and letting go to become who you are. This message resonates deeply.

I feel as if a season is ending inside of me, and I am shedding some old spiritual agreements to open the expanse of my soul. It feels wonderful and yet at the same time it feels sad and overcast inside. Have you ever felt this? These are hopeful and exciting moments even though that is sometimes impossible to see. This is where blind faith comes in, to let what is supposed to happen simply happen. My daily affirmations don't stop during these times, they continue even when I can't feel them resonate. When you are going through change & growth, keep up your daily affirmations and find something that you love to do and take the time to do it. Take care of you, it is so important. When you take care of you, you can then be available for others. Sending love to you, and to all others....the more love you give the more love you get. Namaste, and peace to all. May you find the joy and peace in every day and every season.

Affirmations for Today :)

I am filled with positive energy.
I am open to new and wonderful opportunities.
I am a magnet for success.
Money easily flows to me, and I enjoy it with love.
I am love.
Today is a wonderful day!

I hope you had a relaxing weekend, and have a beautiful day. Remember to notice the beauty that surrounds you, and remind yourself that you approve of yourself throughout the day. Namaste :)

Saturday Affirmations :)

I am willing to relax and open up to receive abundance in all that is good.
I am joyous and I easily express it.
I am in love with life.
I experience miracles every day.
I love laughing and share my joy with others.

Have a beautiful Saturday resting and recharging your soul. May the sun warm you, may you feel love and joy. Notice and appreciate the beauty around you. Namaste :)