Consider for a moment how the world would change, if for one day, everyone would genuinely listen to what others were trying to say.  If we would genuinely listen from the heart, without preconceived ideas and judgments, we would begin to see things much more clearly.  If we would listen to our brothers and sisters from the heart, we would be practicing brotherly love as Jesus taught us to do.

Rhonda S. McBride, PhD, LCDC from Inspirations for the Awakening Soul

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Recovery is not a destination. It is a journey that those of us with addictions must take. As I discussed in chapter three, we were not born in a broken, imperfect state. We were born perfect, even if that perfection doesn’t meet someone else’s definition of perfection. When a baby is born, they are in their most honest, pure state. When they feelan emotion, they feel it all over. Imagine a baby laughing. They laugh allover! Imagine a baby who’s angry because she isn’t being fed fast enoughto suit her. Is there any doubt about what she’s feeling? 

It is through life experiences that we develop defenses, complexes, andbeliefs that define us as bad; not good enough; not smart enough; or lessthan others. In order to deal with our perceived imperfections, we developcoping mechanisms to help us along. The lower our self-esteem, the moreself-defeating these coping mechanisms become. The more we disapproveof ourselves, the more we disapprove of others. The more dishonoring weare to ourselves, the more dishonoring we will be to others.

It is through the process of recovery that we become whole again. InChristianity, this can be viewed as the process of salvation; as dying toourselves and being born again through Christ. In Eastern philosophy,this can be understood as the way of enlightenment or awakening. Eitherway we see it, we are brought back to a place of unity with our highestself. This may be called God, Christ-consciousness, a state of bliss, ornirvana.

Belief systems that are driven by fear, shame, and guilt are what leadus into addictions and self-destructive behaviors. This book is abouhealing. It is about drawing on tools from many disciplines in order tolive a life of wholeness and health.  Rhonda S. McBride, PhD, LCDC from Peace, Power and A Sound Mind

 

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Finding Peace in the Holidays 

The holidays.....oh yes, the holidays.  When we think of the holiday season, we often think of the Norman Rockwell pictures of Santa Clause, Coca Cola, Christmas carolers, snow outside and of course snowmen.  I could write a novel on the "real" meaning of each holiday. Of course, this is interesting material for some exciting debate!  But, I won't, we can save that for another day.  Let's talk a minute about how it typically goes.   

We begin with Thanksgiving when we get together with friends and  loved ones and eat a bountiful meal or two or three.  You know, we have to make the rounds because we don't want anyone to get their feelings hurt because we weren't at their Thanksgiving  celebration. Traditionally, there is plenty of turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, and of course, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, not to mention Aunt Sue's green bean casserole and Grandma's pecan pie, complete with whip cream or vanilla ice cream on top.  A day of eating too much followed by some alka seltzer and a football game or two and then whalla!  IT IS NOW THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!!  Toss out the turkey bones and deck them halls!  

The Christmas Season  kicks off with Black Friday shopping day!  Black Friday- the day the stores all make a large profit because the Christmas Shopping frenzy has now begun!  People wait in line for hours for the stores to open so we can get the best deals on everything from shoes, purses and toys to electronics and even automobiles, so that we can meet everyone's expectations on our Christmas list.  We know very well that this is a relaxing and pleasant shopping experience!  Stress. 

 There are cookies to bake,  trees to decorate, presents to buy and parties to attend complete with plenty of booze.  You can't very well not attend, because, "how will it look?" "It's my job." And the truth is,  no one really wants to be left out.  More stress.   

Dont' get me wrong, the holidays can be an exciting and joyful time as we get together with friends and family and bring the cycle of the year to a close and prepare for the coming year.  But this time of year can also be painful and lonely for many people.   Rates of relapse for those in recovery increase as people try and maneuver the stress of the season.  Depression and suicides sky-rocket as people try to escape the pressure of expectations.  In this time of financial stress,  young famiies go into financial debt in order to keep up with the demands of making sure the kids have a nice Christmas, then spend most of the next year paying for it. More stress.  

You know, the holidays are somewhat like alcoholism.  We tend to get caught up in the fun and pleasant parts of it and deny the negative aspects until we are smack in the middle of it.  The holidays imply rituals, get togethers and fun. So did our drinking or drug use.  That is what our mind goes back to.

I am certainly not trying to throw a wet blanket on the holiday season, but I am saying it is a very stressful time of year and it is imperative that the recovering person, and their loved ones need to be mindful of this and have the coping skills to deal with the stress of it.  

One fact is true, the holidays will continue to come and go, year after year.  So, how can we manage it and maintain our sobriety and emotional and physical health?  

Here are some ideas

• Slow down and pace yourself.  It is okay to indulge in holiday sweet and treats, but do it in small amounts, and get plenty of rest.  Understand that alcohol is not an option, because even a small amout can start a downward spiral in your life.  Keep your focus on what you do want and not what you don't want.  Your thoughts create your reality. 

• Open your vision and see the bigger perspective. Start with a gratitude list.  Nothing is more intrumental in personal growth and spiritual development than introspection and gratitude.  This is really what the winter season is all about.  Look at nature for your cues.  As nature rests and prepares for the advent of spring it becomes quiet.  Remember that there are many who will go to sleep hungry tonight, or who are alone in this world.  Your tummy is full, and you are here among friends.  Be grateful. 

• Be a leader and not a follower.  It takes courage to look at your life and make the necessary changes.   People who are active in addictions are reactors in their lives, not actors.  There is nothing that takes more courage than to say "Hello, my name is ________ and I am an alcoholic." Don't look down on yourself for making this paradigm shift in your life. In fact, be proud of the work you have done so far.   Keep in mind that when you have the courage to make healthy decisions in your life, you are  modeling that for others. 

• Be creative.  When you are at an event, you don't have to announce your addiction.  But, it does help to have something in your hand. Choose soda, or tonic and lime, something you enjoy that doesn't contain alcohol.  It is about ritual here, and ritual is very powerful.  Most newly recovering people are really concerned that others notice they aren't drinking.  Typically no one really cares. If someone questions you- simply say- I'm choosing not to drink.  I'm driving.  or "Thanks for asking, but I'm good."  Have a plan.  If it get's uncomfortable for you, simply leave. Your obligation is to take care of yourself first.  Everything else will work out if you do.  Create new rituals and ways of celebrating.  

• Live your program each and every day.  Those who have worked the twelve steps know that going through them can enhance the life of anyone who does, alcoholic or not.  They are about emotional and spiritual health from the inside out.  The holiday season is not the time to miss your support group meetings. With all the stress, this is when you need support the most. Whether your "program" is a twelve step model or not, we all have a set of values and principles which govern our lives.  It they are not taught within our family of origin, they are taught by society. When we live our values, our lives have balance and personal power.  Sometimes along the way when our lives get out of balance, we need to go back and re-evaluate our values and principles. 

• Be kind. It is easy to feel resentful when others are drinking and seem to be having a great time.  Take a breath and let it go.  We all have our issues- so change your pespective. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek.  He wasn't implying that we stand there and let someone beat us up.  When Jesus taught us the principle of turning the other cheek, what he was telling us is change your point of view.  You know, sometimes a kind and gentle word or thoughtful gesture has more impact on another person's life than an expensive gift or trinket.  

• Be patient.  When we are early in recovery our focus is on our program.  We feel better and stronger, and our focus is on the personal strength we are beginning to feel.  Your loved ones may question where you are going and what you are doing.  They may look at you in a questioning way.  This feels irritating when you are trying hard and feeling good.  You may feel angry, but remember, you are only responsible for your part.  When other people question you, they are concerned for you and for themselves.  Sometimes we don't remember what we did during a blackout or while we were drunk or high. We lose sight of how our addiction effected others.  What we see from the inside is not what others see from the outside.  Be patient, time will take care of a lot of this anxiety.  If necessary, seek  counsel to help your family through this time. 

• It's okay to say "no thank you".   Co-dependency- which is meeting the other persons needs to the exclusion of your own-  is common for alcoholics and addicts- and their families.  Sometimes saying "no" is frightening because we fear abandonment or rejection.   Learning to say no when we need to shows maturity and responsibility.   It is about developing and living with appropriate boundaries.  Boundaries say- "this is what I will do, and this is what I won't do- this is where I will go and this is where I won't go- this is what I will accept and this is what I will not."   Boundaries are about self care- not other control.   Remember, no one or nothing has control over your life that you do not give them.   Let your yes be yes and let your no be no, and be OK with it. 

• Relax and stay in the day.  We have a tendency get  caught up in the past- what is was, or what we remember it as-  or the future- the "what if's"- that we miss the beauty of the present moment.  The truth is,  all we have is the present moment.  So let us seize this moment and have a joyful and peaceful holiday season.  

Love and blessings to you and yours for a blesssed and peaceful holiday season,

Rhonda

 

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Daily Inspirations

 February 23, 2011

Grace

Grace has been defined as the state of kindness and favor towards someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object. Divine grace is given freely, without having been earned. If this were not so, it would not be grace.   This definition gives us a great deal to consider.

We often ask for Divine grace when dealing with difficult situations, and indeed this is an appropriate thing to do.  We are told that there is nothing that can remove us from the love and grace of God.  There is only one thing that can separate us from union with Divine grace and that is our ego.

We like the idea of being “gracious”.  But are we gracious when others fall out of our favor, or when they disagree with our religious or political point of view?  Are we gracious to people of other races, sexual orientation, or culture? Are we gracious to those we claim to love when they step out of line in our family system?

Grace has the ability to heal broken hearts, families and even nations.  Every spiritual belief system teaches the great law of karma, or sowing and reaping.  In other words, the energy we give, is the energy that returns. The grace we give is the grace we will receive.  But, grace is not grace if it is given expecting something in return. It is only grace if it is given freely.

Grace is most difficult given to oneself.  Our ego tells us that sin, or missing the mark, requires punishment.  Our ego has the ability to keep us lost and stuck in self-pity and self- destruction.  Our ego also has the ability to allow us to criticize and judge others.  Without grace there is no reconciliation.  With grace, all things move into a place of wholeness and balance.  When in a state of grace we focus on the essence of the Divine in ourselves and in others.

It is easy for us to reflect on the idea of grace and see it as truth.  Our ego tells us that there are exceptions to the rule.  There are no exceptions to the law of grace.

Our world needs grace. Let us be gracious, one to another!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 22, 2011

Agreements

The word agreement means to have an opinion about, or to act in accordance with an idea or belief that is the same as someone else.  We make agreements throughout our lives.  Some of them are good, and some of them should be challenged if we are to attain a sense of self worth and authenticity.

We make agreements with our families about our identities.  We make agreements with our culture and religious system about what we believe to be true.  We make agreements with the rules and regulations of our society in order to maintain order and peace.  Of course many of these agreements are necessary to give us structure.

One of our most important needs in life is a sense of belonging. In order to belong, we make certain agreements, sometimes to our detriment.    For instance, if I take on the belief as a child that I am not “ this enough” or “that enough”, I may spend my entire life trying to prove that I am. I may spend a vast amount of energy trying to prove to  others and myself that I am smart enough, tough enough, thin enough,  pretty enough, or cool enough to be acceptable and loved.  The agreement of not being “enough” can lead to all kinds of harmful behaviors, including deadly addictions to drugs, alcohol, anger, criminal behavior, sex or eating disorders.

Over the years as a therapist I have found that if a person has a sense of shame, which is in reality, the agreement of “not being good enough”, it is much easier for them to look at their negative attributes than it is for them to see their goodness.  This person may have spent so much time trying to agree with what society thinks they should be that they have become lost to their true nature.

Today, make the agreement to be happy being the person you were created to be! Only when we are true to ourselves can we be at peace. It is through or unique differences and our authenticity that we create the beautiful tapestry of life!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 21, 2011

Courage

It takes courage to make lifestyle changes. It would be nice if we could “just say no.” But it isn’t that easy, as we all know. This is especially true if we are talking about addictive behaviors, which come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes.

Typically, the behavior we need to change brought us pleasure or comfort before it brought us pain.  Our brain has a mechanism that remembers the pleasure, but tends to minimize or forget the pain.  So, when a trigger happens that sets off anxiety or discomfort, our brain returns to the memory of the behavior that brought pleasure or comfort. This “comforting” behavior could be compulsive eating, alcohol, sex, shopping or even anger or rage.  If we have developed an addiction, we will continue the behavior until it brings us pain again.

What we have to learn is new, more effective means of coping that sometimes gets us out of our comfort zone.  It takes honesty, awareness, repetition and commitment to make these changes.  But, it can be done!

On a deeper level, we must change our view of ourselves.  This takes courage too.  At the heart of addiction is a great deal of fear, shame and guilt. As our addictions take on a life of their own, so does our self-loathing.  In order to heal, we must learn to love and honor ourselves.  We must treat ourselves with compassion and respect.  It takes courage to see our goodness when we have been “programmed” to see our imperfections.

If you are struggling with an addiction or two, or you love someone who is, take courage. Miracles happen everyday! I have heard it said that courage is being fearful, but doing it anyway.  This makes sense when making lifestyle changes.  Keep in mind, an addiction is what you have, not who you are.  There is so much more to you than that!  Go ahead, it’s okay to look at your good stuff! Trust the process, one day at a time.

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 20, 2011

Release

I release any thoughts of doubt, fear, or ideas of lack as I lean into the understanding that I am an integral part of the Divine Universe and that within the universe there is plenty of everything for everyone.  As we let go of fear and doubt we naturally disperse the gifts of God appropriately.

I breathe deeply as every cell of my body is infused with the knowledge that the desire of the creator is for my highest good and that prosperity begins with trusting in this understanding.

I let go of doubt as I see that the past has had its purpose of teaching me about patience, tolerance and grace. I am at peace with the passage of time as I see clearly that each stage of life has its lessons and it’s gifts and I joyously accept both.

With appreciation of life’s lessons, I release the past and stand firmly in the present moment.

I release any fear as I accept, without doubt, that I am in unity with the Absolute.  I understand that fear; doubt and lack are created by the mindset of division.  When I understand that I am in unity with all of life, I see that giving and receiving becomes easier.

I contemplate and accept deeply the truth that the spirit of God is not fear, but peace, power and a sound mind. Since God is love, and love is the opposite of fear, as I let go of fear, I become love itself.

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 18, 2011

Listen

 

When considering the most important components to a good relationship, most people will agree that communication is at the top part of the list.  What people are typically saying is that they want to feel valuable to the other person.  We feel valued when we feel heard.

The most important aspect of all communication is listening.  When we genuinely listen to others we are saying, without words, we are saying  “I value what you think and feel.”  Very often when we are trying to communicate with others, we are busy thinking about how we are going to respond before the other person is ever finished with what they are saying.  When we do not listen, and when we interrupt, we are trying to dominate or over-power the conversation.

Consider for a moment how the world would change, if for one day, everyone would genuinely listen to what others were trying to say.  If we would genuinely listen from the heart, without preconceived ideas and judgments, we would begin to see things much more clearly.  If would listen to our brothers and sisters from the heart, we would be practicing brotherly love as Jesus taught us to do.

Jimi Hendrix, whom some of remember as one of the greatest guitar players of all time, said it well when he said “Only when the power of love, overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

Let’s consider for a moment the scripture in Proverbs that says “Be still, and know that I AM God.”  This implies listening at the deepest level.  When we learn to listen at this level, we will honor and esteem our own intuition. Our intuition is the voice of God within.  When we learn this principle, we will learn to genuinely listen to and value others.

Today, genuinely listen.

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 17, 2011

Joy

For several days I have awakened with the word joy in my mind.  My way of writing these Daily Inspirations is to say a prayer at night asking the Divine to reveal to me what to share with you in the morning.  When the word joy kept coming, I would try to write and nothing I wrote seemed to do it justice.  I understood I needed some Spiritual teaching here so I let it be and trusted that the answer would reveal itself.  This is the understanding that I came to.

Joy is not merely an emotion, it is a way of being.  To experience joy is to experience calm, non-attachment.  Attachment to the way things “should be” or to a certain outcome implies that anything outside of that mindset is wrong or unacceptable.

When in a state of joy, or non-attachment to a certain way of seeing things, we have room to open our minds and hearts and experience life in a new way. Instead of seeing things from a black or white perspective we begin to see life with a multiplicity of color.   Experiences become rich and full in a state of joy!

Joy is abiding in the understanding that all is as it should be, even if I don’t understand it!

Joy is knowing deeply that even through difficult situations there is opportunity for  growth and wisdom. This applies on a personal, social and even global level.

Joy opens us to the opportunity to give and to receive love, which, of course, is our greatest need and desire in life. .

Joy allows us to genuinely experience the I AM.

Have a joyful day!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

Rhonda S, McBride, PhD, LCDC

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Daily Inspirations

February 16, 2011

Soul Food

There are different aspects of our existence that must be nourished.  How we feel physically has a great deal to do with how we nourish and take care of our body.  If we feed it a bunch of toxins, and lay around and do nothing, our body will have depleted energy and will feel bad.  We need life giving food and exercise for physical health.

Spiritual health had to do with reaching up and out, to something bigger and higher than ourselves.  Some people see this as God, some people see it as a Higher Power or even Humanity as a whole.

Our soul is the part of us that governs our relationship with everything else.  It is the life force within us.  The health of our soul is our moral compass, and must be nurtured as well.   Where our spiritual self looks up and out, our soul self looks within.

If we constantly take in negativity, violence and anger, this is what our soul will reflect.  In other words, what we think in our mind is how we relate to ourselves and to the world.  As we feed our physical self a healthy diet, so must we feed our soul life-giving food!

Soul food can come in different forms.   Holy books, such as the Bible, the Tao Te Ching and good literature have a wealth of food for the soul.  Try taking a walk in nature and be mindful of the beauty around you.  Spend some time in prayer and meditation each day and see the difference in your life and in your relationships!

Enjoy some soul food today and everyday!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

Rhonda S. McBride, PhD, LCDC

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Daily Inspirations

February 15, 2011

Equanimity

 

When my children were little, one of their favorite books for me to read to them was Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  In the story, Alexander was a six-year-old boy who had a propensity for making messes and getting into trouble.  Alexander thought the answer to his problems was to move to Australia where his days would surely be better.   His Mom would always remind him that some days were just like that, even in Australia.  This story rings true for most of us.  Some days, life just throws you a curve ball or two.

 I’ve learned a secret about getting through those days. It is called equanimity. Equanimity means  remaining calm in the face of the storm.  When we remain calm, we are able to think clearly and  problem solve easier. It doesn’t mean that life doesn’t give us difficult situations, it just means  went don’t remain in the drama for very long.  Typically when little storm clouds come, we work  them, worry them, over-think them and turn them into big old typhoons!

 I trust in the Divine Spirit, knowing that everything happening in my life is for my personal growth  and higher good, even when it doesn’t appear that way.   I can get back into equanimity knowing  that the answers are within me.

 I close my eyes, take a deep breath and let the storm settle.  I say to myself “Ok, this is the  situation, now what?” I trust that with the guidance of God within me, I will make the best decisions possible.   I have learned in practicing equanimity, what used to seem like monumental issues, really are not that big of a deal.

Have a peaceful day!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

Rhonda S. McBride, PhD, LCDC

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Serenity is peace of mind, the knowledge that all is as it should be for my greatest good.  Serenity comes from a lack of fear.  Serenity is a deep calm abiding in the present moment.

I leave serenity when I begin to focus on the past, on resentments and on regrets.

I leave serenity when I leave the present and become focused on the future and worried about how I am going to create the future- money, relationships and circumstances.

I return to serenity when I let go of grasping and go back to knowing who I am and where I stand with God and with the universe.

I return to serenity when I get out of "What can I gain from the world or from this person or situation?" and return to "What can I give the world and my fellow travelers?"

I return to love when I understand that love is the greatest life force and the greatest power in the universe.

I return to serenity when I remember that I AM love in it's purest form, as I am made of the essence of God.

 

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Affirmations

 

 

 

Affirmation is a means of bringing us into a state of serenity and balance.  Affirmations, or mantras are not about changing reality, but changing our relationship to the circumstances in our lives.  Difficult situations sometimes happen, but how we react to them is our choice.

 

Affirmations have a powerful effect on our psyche.   Affirmations come from and reinforce our belief system.  In other words, our thoughts create our reality.   This is not a new fad or New Age concept.  Mantras and affirmations have been used throughout time to reinforce belief systems.  Consider beloved prayers we say to help us find peace, or slogans we use in AA meetings to give us strength.   Buddhist monks use mantra to help them attain focus.   Catholics use mantras in the form of the Rosary to invoke the presence of God.

 

Affirmations can be positive or negative.  If I tell myself long enough that I will be sick, I will be.  The stress of that thought will deplete my immune system and I will get sick.  If I tell myself I am strong, wise and capable I will approach life that way and my life will be easier.

 

Sometimes our belief  systems are so ingrained that we must tell ourselves different information over and over to make that change happen in our psyche.   Choose what has meaning for you.

 

I particularly like the term Namaste.  Namaste is a Sanskrit word the means the God spirit in me recognizes and honors the God spirit in you. Namaste is significant because it is a humbling gesture. Namaste is done as  recognition that we are all on equal standings, all of us are children of divinity. We are one.

 

Choose what is significant for you.  Repeat  it in your heart and mind until it becomes your reality.

 

Namaste.

Love and Blessings,

 

Rhonda

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Daily Inspirations

February 9, 2011

Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental element of all belief systems and all forms of worship.  It is both life giving and life changing.  It was when I learned to approach life with an attitude of affirmative prayer that my life began to change for the better.  Affirmative prayer is not manipulation, it is deeply knowing and trusting the power of God.

Many people tell me that they don’t know God, nor do they know how to pray to a god that they do not understand.   Although I believe that truly understanding God is beyond human comprehension, I will try.  God is the male/female creative energy of all that is, ever has been, or ever will be.   Each of us are part of that powerful creative energy! As I heard a Baptist preacher say some thirty years ago “Now if that doesn’t set you on fire, well then, your wood must be wet!”

A lot of times we say that we believe, but we doubt that we are “good enough” for God’s blessings.  We believe somehow we have messed up so much that we are beyond reconciliation.  I remember my sponsor Lily used to tell me “If God is for you, then who can be against you, not even yourself.”  At first I thought,” yeah but if you only knew…. “ Then I began to realize that God did KNOW!  Not only did God know all about me, God wanted my best.  God wanted to bless even me!!!  My mess-ups were not what interested God.  My wholeness is what interests God, as does yours.

Affirmative prayer is a step beyond belief.  It is communion with God, the creative life giving energy.  It is the knowing, without question, that we can and will be whole.  It is knowing, without a doubt, that whatever happens in life, the situation hold a blessing and a lesson for us if we will but see it.

Although there is not one specific way to pray, nor is there a wrong way to pray, there is a formula that may help you get started.  I call it ASK.  Begin with acknowledging God as the creative life giving energy and that you are part of that wonderful energy, next supplication- let your requests be made known to God and last know.  Know that God’s desire is for your best, and that your prayers will be answered accordingly.  Remember ASK.  Acknowledge, supplication, know.

Now, let us pray!

Love and Blessings,

Rhonda

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Nothing is more powerful than love. In this world, there are basically two emotions, love and fear. Love drives compassion, kindness, acceptance, healing and unity. It gives us self-esteem and allows us to esteem others in a healthy way. Fear drives everything that is destructive and creates division.

Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we understand this at the deepest level, everything falls into place.

Love is action. Sometimes when our ego gets in the way, we believe love to be just an emotion., that requires it to be returned. The greatest love is love without strings or expectation.

An interesting thing about love is that when we give it, more love is generated within us. If we do not love ourselves, it is impossible to love others. Remember always that those who are the least loveable are those who need love the most.

Let us love one another.

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Freedom is so important and valuable to us that many are willing to fight and die for it. Freedom is what we believe our country was founded on. Freedom is what gives us the right to choose the type of work that we do, the right to express our thoughts and ideas, the right to worship as we see fit. This freedom is indeed valuable!

In exercising our freedoms, sometime we imprison ourselves. We become slaves to our excesses, our addictions and our sense of entitlement. At times our thoughts become roadblocks to our freedom when we are filled with fear, anger and bitterness.

True freedom comes from within. We are gifted with imagination, which is a God-given ability to see beyond the apparent situation and see a multitude of possibilities.

Whether I am seeking greater financial, emotional or spiritual abundance, I open myself to Infinite Good--to God. I break down any barriers I have erected and set a course for success. I trust in the teaching of Jesus, that through faith we may have life, abundantly.

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Words are very powerful things! The words we speak have the power to heal a broken heart, encourage and esteem others, give strength, and give life to imagination! How powerful are words? We are taught in the book of Genesis that God spoke and the world was created!

Words also have the power to break hearts, destroy relationships, and create all kinds of havoc in this world. The book of James counsels us that words are like a match thrown into a forest; as words can destroy a person, a tiny spark can overtake the forest.

Let us choose our words wisely when speaking to others, as what comes out of our mouth is a reflection of our soul. When we watch the media, we see all around us fear, hurt and pain. Let us exhort one another to goodness! Let us be a healing presence in this world.

As we give “advice” to others, let us first look within and consider our motive. Are we coming from a place of ego, or a place of genuine love and concern? Before speaking, it is wise to ask ourselves; “Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said now?”

Have a beautiful day!

Love and blessings,

Rhonda

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