The most important lesson is, don’t judge others or yourself.
There are a myriad of opinions, just as there are many different religions. I try to communicate affably and listen respectfully.
I've also found it’s essential to express gratitude and make
a list of blessings and say, “Thank you.”
I enjoy expressing appreciation and looking for ways to compliment
and encourage. Encouraging others make me feel good. Thinking positive and expressing
gratitude attracts more blessings, I think. Gratitude is a powerful
multiplier.
Whenever negative thoughts infect my brain, I recite positive affirmations to negate them. I once heard Oprah suggest this
affirmation: “Every time I turn around there’s a check in the mail.”
Louise Hay has several good affirmations on her website. She
suggests looking in the mirror and saying, “I love you. I really love you.” Another one is: “Abundance flows freely
through me.”
(I say all of the above and also these: “Millions of
readers love my books," "Everyday I become more enlightened and find a way to help others," "I appreciate every moment," "I am confidant and make good choices," "I am loving and forgiving."
Social media is a powerful source and I appreciate the opportunity to interact with friends and promote my books on places like Facebook, but these sites can be addictive. So I
try to limit my time there and write more. Television can be another time
zapper, although my dog P-Nut likes to watch TV. Dog shows are her favorite. So
I sometimes run the picture and turn down the volume.
I like to set aside a few minutes each day to meditate. If
done correctly, meditating can bring tranquility. I wrote about meditation in
last month’s blog post, how I attempt to erase the negative brain static through
meditation and become more trusting, peaceful, loving, giving, kind, respectful of others
and confident. I also meditate on my professional goals. Right now I’m working
on a sequel to A MESSAGE IN THE ROSES. With my day job, it’s often challenging
to find time to write, but I tell myself, as I complete each page, I’m getting
closer and closer to the end.
One of the hardest lessons I've had to learn is to avoid
negative, judgmental people. I prefer being around positive, happy folks. They’re
uplifting.
Exercise can also be uplifting. I realize not everyone enjoys
exercise, but I've learned I feel better when I make it a habit. Exercise releases endorphins, our body's natural pain relievers. The latest studies claim we need some form of exercise every
day. Forty-five minutes is optimal. I have a Jane Fonda Prime Time, Fit and Strong DVD that’s about
25 minutes. Then I try to walk for twenty minutes, which isn't difficult
because I walk P-Nut. She lives in the moment and never fails to lift my mood.
Speaking of mood-lifting events, I like to spend as much time
as possible in activities I’m passionate about. I’m passionate about writing,
reading, enjoying my loved ones, etc., and I've learned to say, “No” more often. This one word has given me additional time for the activities and people I
love.
I also enjoy day dreaming and visualizing success. Some
experts on visualization recommend creating a dream board with pictures and
goals. One of my visualizations is picturing my books on the best seller list
and seeing them become movies.
But getting back to reality and the need to hunker down, I
think it’s important to work hard and do my best. Some days are better than
others, of course, but I've discovered if I do my best and don’t complain, I
have fewer regrets about what I've accomplished. There’s a famous Zen saying: “Before
enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and
carry water.” This rings true for me.
I hope you've found these ideas helpful. May they bring you more bliss in your life, and as we approach Thanksgiving,
I want to thank you for allowing me to share my writing with you. Please know, I'm very grateful.
I wish you love and peace. Peace begins with us.
Please visit my website for more information: www.sandysemerad.com
Here's my latest book: A Message In the Roses
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| Click to purchase |
You can also check out my other books on the Book We Love site:
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