Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this year, you want to make sure it’s a memorable one.

Chocolate and cards just won’t cut it. You want your loved one to feel special, to see that you put in a real effort this year, and most importantly – to demonstrate your love and commitment to your partner. It doesn’t matter if this is your first Valentine’s Day together or your 20th, it’s the one day a year reserved for couples. It gives us a chance to slow down the pace of the daily grind and to focus our attention on the one person who means the world to us.

 The origin of Valentine’s Day is steeped in mystery but legend has it that Saint Valentine sent the first Valentine’s card while locked away in prison after trying to help Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons. The valentine’s card he sent out was to a young woman who just happened to be his jailer’s daughter. 

She visited with him secretly during his confinement. Because they didn’t have long to talk, he would hand her a small card with loving messages, and the beginning of what we now call “Valentine’s Cards”.

Saint Valentine sent his final card the morning of his execution with the scribbled words, “Forever in life and death, your Valentine”.

From classic and traditional ideas that are always sure to win their hearts to unusual and creative ideas that will add a spark to your relationship, you will have everything you need to celebrate your love in a very special and unique way.

Look out for my new e-book which will be available to purchase here tomorrow.

 

Domestic violence – what can be done about it?

Domestic violence is one of the scourges of modern life – what happens to a relationship that can turn a happy couple into fighting, spitting, screaming, hating individuals? I have just witnessed a bad case this evening, in an apartment a few along from where I am staying. And I have been involved in a domestic violence situation myself, resulting in me and my partner at the time both being charged with assault, attending numerious court hearings and finally having an AVO placed on us both for 12 months. An AVO in the Australian courts means that one party is not alloweed to be within a certain distance of the other, for the period set down by the courts. In my situation it was largely a case of jealousy, so I have been there, but I still don’t have the answer to the question.

Tonight’s situation was not a pretty one, as there is a baby involved. I heard a woman’s voice being raised, then screaming at the top of her lungs. I went outside onto the balcony, just in time to see, as shadowy figures behind half closed blinds, the larger figure, the man, strike the woman so that she fell to the floor. He was screaming at her, and a baby was crying in the background. Then doors were slammed, a number of doors, and for a while it was just the baby crying. Then both parties came into view and were still agitated, but getting themselves under control. I came indoors, not knowing what I should do.

It was not a pleasant event to see and hear… and it made me ask the question: “what happens to a loving relationship for it to turn like that”. Drink, drugs, stress, money problems, another woman (or man), jealousy? There can be any number of reasons for a normally happy couple to explode into violence and anger. I am left feeling helpless, as what I witnessed was out of my hands, not really my business, but was it? Should I have called the police, or a counselling service? Or are individuals protected and able to do whatever they want behind their closed front door?

The facts about Plant Sterols – and Cholesterol

What’s all the hype about plant sterols and should they be included in your daily diet?

What is a plant sterol?  it is a substance naturally produced by plants that have been found to lower cholesterol and so become a useful food to add to our cholesterol lowering arsenal, along with decreasing saturated fats and increased exercise.

What to plant sterols do? they act to reduce low density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol. This is the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to a narrowing of the arteries that causes heart disease (CVD). Plant sterols can lower total cholesterol by an average of 10%. As plant sterols are very similar in structure to the cholesterol we produce in our bodies, they compete with cholesterol for absorption into the body via the intestine. Instead, the cholesterol is harmlessly excreted and less ends up in the blood stream.

Where are plant sterols found in food? they are found naturally in foods such as:

• nuts, seeds and legumes
• bread and cereals
• fruit and vegetables ( small amounts)

Plant sterol enriched foods are available at your supermarket, so look aout for them next time you go shopping, if you wish to add them to your diet.

In sickness and in health, it is all about what you think and experience

Veronica, in her “Inner Whispers” newsletter I received today, touches on the power of thought to heal – the power of mind over matter, call it positive thinking if you will.

In physical form one daily creates the dramas and images that propel the soul through a linear experience.  It is the perspective of the soul to manifest a “Garden of Eden” that will bring forth the ideals of the spirit as it progresses on its way to understanding all aspects of itself.
 
     Along the way there may be disappointments that occur that will misalign the body out of line with the intent of the soul.  This can lead to an uneasiness within the physical form that will manifest into linear illness.
 
     The way to progress beyond the ailments is to align one’s thought patterns to wellness and easiness of the mingling of spirit & flesh.  Thoughts create everything in a life.  By aligning with the illness and its pitfalls one will continue to bring forth more illness.
 
     Better to visualize the prosperity of the intent of the soul to become well.  By this we do not mean that in a progressed moment there will suddenly be healing.  Often illness is an accumulation of many lifetimes of disjointed energy that manifest repeatedly until more positive thinking and being is introduced to the physical form inhabited by the spirit.
 
     The way to wellness is to be clear of all distractions and to see the truth of what truly is occurring.
 
     There is no victim hood attached to the progression of illness through many lifetimes.  Remember that your body is merely a reflection of your soul.  Ease the soul and uncomfortableness in the flesh will be greatly reduced.
 
     Illness is uncomfortable.
 
     To leave physical form due to illness is unnecessary.
 
     However, it is up to you to rearrange your thought process to include a place of refinement where one can exist in a “Garden of Eden”.  This place remains in all thought regardless of culture. It is the ultimate union of body and spirit not known to all but indeed available. 
 
     Attempt clear thought.
 

What is the true meaning of wealth?

These wise words from Cari rang so true with me, as I have been experiencing a “tightness” in my monetary wealth situation recently, as we all do from time to time. I hope they ring true for you too.

Manifesting a full, abundant life is your birthright! You deserve unlimited riches and grace beyond measure.

People often use the word wealth to denote monetary success, but wealth comes in many different forms.Why is it important to expand our consciousness beyond the limitations of ego? Because without opening our minds to an expanded space of knowledge and without the humility that brings an awareness of our true greatness even as it removes our egocentricity- without all this- we lose the great wealth that is our birthright!

We often equate the word “wealth” with material possessions. We believe that a wealthy person is one who owns lots of things. We believe that the “wealthy” control assets, have a great deal of money and purchase what they want with little consideration of cost. When we say people are not wealthy, we usually mean they have few possessions, little money, low income and mountains of debt. They purchase with bargain coupons, shop sales and buy the generic. This is the commonly held view of wealth. Certainly, money and possessions are an aspect of wealth, but real wealth is far, far more than this. Such a limited view actually will only inhibit the flow of wealth into YOUR life. Now is the time to expand your belief systems and recognize the true meaning of wealth!

In actuality, when people feel poor, it is their feelings, thoughts and expectations that create their reality. They bring sad, negative feelings of failure, of lack, of low self esteem, of unfulfilled desires and of being poor providers into their consciousness. This level of consciousness keeps them stuck in that mind-frame. To be in the flow of wealth and abundance, one must bring an expanded awareness of the many forms of abundance available in life. To have wealth, it’s critical that we expand our definition and emotional attachments to wealth in a broader, more spiritual way. We have to notice the abundance of nature, of the earth, of our own Self and of our creation. Only then we can have authentic wealth, riches, extravagance, unlimited resources, infinite potential and fun.

Wealth is your birthright.
You can expect it as a quality of life.

When you understand that money is simply one form of the tremendous force known as abundance or wealth, and that you can always receive riches from our ever-giving Universe, it becomes easier to let go of any negative, limiting feelings about money! It also makes it easier to release the destructive belief that material wealth is more important than other manifestations of abundance. Ask yourself how much money you would take in exchange for your eyesight and your abundant health. How much would someone have to pay you for you to give up your relationship with the people you love most in your life? I imagine that your health, your eyesight and the people you love are far too precious to trade for any amount of money.

If what you receive isn’t money, make a conscious effort to open yourself up to it with gratitude and joy, anyway. Allow your creativity to flourish and discover new ways to convert the abundance into the form of wealth you could most use right now. Unfortunately, love, wisdom and knowledge are types of abundance that we often overlook. With awareness, we can learn to passionately embrace those divine gifts of spirit and recognize their authentic power in our lives.

As we reflect on our beliefs about money and choose to only reinforce the beliefs that will add to our well being, we embrace our role as co-creators of our lives. When we resist the materialistic notions of our society that involve getting, accumulating, and consuming things and instead choose to feel content with what we already have, we will know and experience the true meaning of wealth.

Exercise to manage Diabetes

I have written in earlier posts that a suitable goal for weekly exercise is 150 minutes of aerobic exercise, to maintain an ideal body weight and a BMI within the healthy range. Well, research recently conducted by the University of Queensland, Australia, found that exercise can be as effective as some medications in managing diabetes and preventing heart disease. And exercise also helps you look and feel good.

This research confirmed that 150 minutes of exercise per week can help lover blood glucose levels and assist with weight management. But how do you get your exercise up to 150 minutes per week?

1. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days per week. Or 50 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.
2. Mix it up – change your exercise pattern and now and then throw in a few high level bursts to really challenge your fitness. Do more of this as you get into your exercise program and feel the benefits.
3. Pump some iron – even though you may not be a gym  person, it is beneficial to lift some weights a couple of times a  week, as this helps your body burn the food you eat at a more consistent level. If you don’t like the idea of weights, try an aqua aerobics class, as moving against the water has similar effects.
4. Take it easy – Tai Chi is also good for controlling blood sugar levels and has the added bonus of lowering stress levels.

So these few tips can help you manage your diabetes. If gym work is not for you, find something that you really enjoy doing, including walking, cycling and swimming and build up a program of 150 minutes weekly, that you will enjoy and look forward to. Find a friend who is keen to work out with you and you will find that you will each encourange each other to greater achievements.

Most importantly, have fun.

Powerful thoughts for today!

Some thoughts from Cari for the first week in February….. enjoy!

We must become a soul-full success in our mind long before we experience it in our reality.

The freedom we have to choose our response to life determines our reality. Leaders aren’t born- they are self made.

Our life will only be as high as our greatest aspiration or intention for ourselves, so dream big!

We have to plant a seed before we can ever expect a harvest! Plant the seeds of desire that represent your dreams and watch them manifest!

Make your life a playground of positive intentions manifesting into reality!

Motivation follows inspiration. When we choose to feel inspired from within, we begin to tap into our true potential!

We are all dealt a hand in life. What we do with it is up to us!

If we view everything that has ever happened to use in the right context, we will see even the most challenging times as blessings

There is an ocean of pure potentiality that we are a part of- that we’re made of! Tap into it and create all you desire today.

We create our reality and we have a great deal of responsibility for the way we live and experience the world. Consciousness is everything!

Don’t wait for tomorrow! NOW is the time activate your full potential. Allow the music of your soul to be released and SHINE today!

Our mind can be our best friend or our worst enemy! Make yours YOUR BEST FRIEND. Create on purpose, with purpose, and with passion!

Experience Cari’s new video here - Your soul is calling!

If you must meddle in human relationships, try to be a peacemaker. If you do, you will find yourself in the minority

When faced with a conflict between others, most of us are more inclined to walk away from the situation than to become involved. If we do allow ourselves to become a participant, it is usually by adopting the position of one at the expense of the other. Of course, such behaviour does little to resolve the dispute and may in fact exacerbate the problem.

But when you make a genuine attempt to help resolve the situation, you should not be surprised if you’re the only one. We are all complex individuals with feelings and emotions we often don’t fully understand. Sometimes the mere involvement of a disinterested party is enough to help resolve the dispute. Make sure, though, if you are the one in the middle that you don’t allow yourself to get into a position where you must choose between the desires of one person over the other. Work toward a compromise that best suits everyone’s interests.

Did you wake up expecting a phenomenal day?

Look around you. What kind of environment are you living in? What kind of environment are you working in? Is your life harmonious? Are you living with a sense of passion, enthusiasm and optimism? Did you wake up and expect to have a phenomenal day?

What DID you wake up expecting your day to be like? What level of responsibility do you take for setting the tone that will determine the overall quality of today and every day?

It can often be easier to relinquish any self responsibility and just assume that we have no control over our circumstances. In this way, we walk around moaning, groaning, and complaining about what everyone ELSE is doing to create misery, frustration, or unhappiness in our lives. Yet, wouldn’t it be amazing to begin making conscious choices that would begin to shift the energy of your life in a positive direction? Wouldn’t it be empowering to recognize your potential to direct and determine the quality of your experiences?

Life does NOT have to be lived on auto-pilot. Your life and your destiny can be shaped, moulded and created with your intentions, your thoughts, your emotions and your expectations. You can actively engage yourself in the manifestation process!

Today can be different from yesterday. Today can be a day of conscious living, deliberate decision-making and empowering choices. Just imagine how much better you will feel when you CHOOSE to have a great day no matter what happens outside of you… and when you CHOOSE to respond, instead of react, to others with patience, tolerance, and compassion. Imagine how extraordinary your day will be when you expect things to go your way! Imagine how beautiful the world will look when you choose to focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong!

I encourage you to try this today. Expect to have a PHENOMENAL day. Choose to remain internally calm, serene, and joy-full no matter what happens externally. You might just find yourself experiencing a truly magical day!

Thanks to Cari for these motivating thoughts…

Some tips for changing your energy now!

I have recently been sharing some comments from Cari about your energy flow and how you can improve your life’s outcomes if you can direct your personal energy field.

You can have an absolutely phenomenal life by realizing that your personal energy field is responsible for creating and shaping your reality from day to day. You CAN change your destiny through conscious awareness, purposeful intentions and valuing yourself as the powerful creative being that you are.

You might be wondering what it is that creates your personal energy field. Your physical body, your emotions, your habitual thoughts and expectations and your self worth and sense of value all play a role in creating the energy that you broadcast out into the world each day.

The following are some tips for shifting your energy instantly so that you can and will become a magnet for success, love, joy, and abundance:

1. To change old, stuck emotional patterns, consider changing your patterns of physical motion first! Motion and emotion are powerfully linked. Without enough body movement your beliefs, experiences and emotions can get stuck in both your physical body AND your personal energy field. This results in habitual patterns of behaving and reacting in the same old ways and resonating with the same old frequency. Begin to add exercise, deep breathing and stretching into your daily routine and notice how your energy immediately begins to shift! Move your body and clear your energetic and emotional block! No more stagnancy!

2. The way that you move also plays a significant role in what you project. Do you walk and hold yourself with confidence and dignity or with doubt and disinterest? If you rush around in a consistently irritated fashion, you will undoubtedly draw irritable, stressed-out people into your experience! If you find yourself sitting most of the day, your energy can become heavy and dense, resulting in a sluggish energy that you will project outward into your experiences. Get up and move around during the day! Hold your head high (no more slouching!) and just begin moving. If you broadcast enthusiasm, you’ll attract enthusiasm!

3. Remember to move the muscles in your face!! Smile often! It will instantly shift your energy and make you feel good- AND- it will affect those around you in positive ways.

4. Be aware of your breathing patterns. Are you a shallow breather? If so, you are likely walking around stressed out and agitated the majority of the time. Become conscious of the power of your breath and take time throughout your day to take long, deep breaths. This clears any energy that is stuck at a cellular level and allows for new, positive energy to take its place, thus allowing you to broadcast a brighter, more magnetic personal energy field.

5. Be aware of the words you use. Are they negative, hostile and angry, or are they loving, positive and pleasant? Is your tone sarcastic and aggressive, or warm, confident and clear? Become aware of your tone and begin to use your voice to amplify positivity so that you will broadcast an attractive, beautiful frequency that will draw positive people and circumstances into your life.

6. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion and love. Your self-treatment is an important factor in what you project outward into the world. If you don’t value yourself, how can you expect anyone else to value you? Forgive yourself and move on from the past, have compassion for yourself and feel worthy of having a phenomenal life! If you want to be loved, you must first love yourself and value yourself as a beautiful soul on an imperfect journey of growth and expansion. It isn’t your looks, money or prestige that draws love and success into your life, it is your sense of worth and value. Once you recognize this, and make this shift, you can and will change your life and your destiny.

In conclusion, every thought, feeling, action, reaction, and choice you make serves to create the inner light and personal energy field that you project outward and into the world around you. People don’t just respond to your overt (words and actions) energy, they respond and react to your subtle energy, as well. No matter what you say and do, your true feelings about yourself, others, and your life will undoubtedly shine through and resonate outward from you. This is why your emotions play such a large role in your frequency. Anger, fear, and pessimism project a much different frequency than love, gratitude, optimism, and peace. They magnetize very different results! Decide what you want to magnetize and then offer that to yourself and others. We get what we give!