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Volume 7, Issue 1 | January 2018
 

Well, the new year seems to be starting out as quite the adventure for most folks around me... How's it going for you?

I'm 1½ months into my new job, and thankfully not spending time or energy job hunting. With that settled and enjoying some financial stability, I've placed more of a focus on the truly important things in life to move forward on, namely -
  1. What do I want to be when I grown up? We know that it's been quite a few years since I graduated college, even graduate school, so it's surely time to find out!
  2. Will my vocation financially comfortably support me, and if not, then through what channel(s) will Spirit provide that support?
  3. Where is the best place for me to live so that I'm with my tribe and my soul is nourished by the environment?
  4. What additional actions can I take in order for my life companion and I to cross paths and come together?
As you can see, my plate is pretty full, yet exciting. Any experience, strength, and/or hope you care to share is welcomed - after all, one of the ways Spirit provides guidance is through other people.

And so, as I have quoted Charles Fillmore (co-founder of Unity) previously in my newsletter, "I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me" (written when he was 93 years young).

And so it is!

Blessings,

Joyce's signature 


Inspiration and Contemplation
Positive Thinking Combined with Enthusiasm  

"Positive thinking is how you think about a problem. Enthusiasm is how you feel about a problem. The two together determine what you do about a problem."  
- Norman Vincent Peale
Spirituality
Gratitude in any Moment
by Sarah McLean
Director, McLean Meditation Institute   
 
Almost every moment offers an opportunity to be grateful. Though practicing gratitude does take a bit of attention and time, it can really help you to thrive and find more peace.

Scientists at the University of California have discovered that those who practice gratitude really do have a better time than those who take life for granted.
 
Grateful people are more empathetic, more generous, place less importance on material goods--theirs and others. they are also more satisfied with life, and have more vitality and optimism.
 
You can be more grateful with a little practice. Here are some easy ways to get your gratitude groove on:
  1. Remember all who work on your behalf: As you go through your day, remember those who make your clothes, grow and pick your food, provide you with water and electricity, and those who built your car, house and place of work. Take a moment and look at the work that went into any item in your room. Many hands are a part of your life.
  2. Attend to present moment: When you're mindful, you can appreciate everyone around you and the environment you're in. Right here, right now, your life is taking place. You can savor your life by slowing down to pay attention to each moment, instead of rushing to the next thing on your to-do list. For instance, on your way to school or work, you might notice the clouds form in the sky, or the sunlight reflecting off of the leaves of a tree, and instead of ignoring nature's beauty, perhaps you awaken to it and appreciate it.
  3. Keep a gratitude journal: Before bed or first thing in the morning take a moment to jot down a list of people, things, or experiences you are grateful for. This practice will train your attention to look for what you are grateful for all day, every day.
Take a moment now to appreciate your life. With appreciation, the world can become a friendlier place.

Read more about how to more fully appreciate the gifts this wonderful life offers in Sarah's book: Soul Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation
People Helping People
Breakfast with Dads   
 
Something somewhat extraordinary happened last month at Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas, TX. A school sought 50 men to stand in for absent fathers at "Breakfast with Dads."  
 
Click the image below to read what happened.    
 
   
 
Sending you wishes for staying close to Spirit, being guided throughout each day so that you can feel peace, joy, love, and enthusiasm.  

Blessings,
Joyce's signature
 

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