When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

Kahlil Gibran

“How do I know she hears me?”

“Oh, she hears you,” I assured the young brunette who had her legs folded under her. Her mother in spirit walked over to the chair and sat down next to her, putting a reassuring hand on her daughter’s shoulder.  The air, for a moment, turned crisp.    

Brianna grabbed a tissue and hid her eyes from me as she broke down.  Her mom motioned for me to do something, so I sat down where her mom had been and held her and she continued to cry. “I didn’t tell her that I loved her. I was an awful teenager. I didn’t tell her that I loved her,” she repeated. 

Her mom informed me that it was true, Brianna had been an awful teenager, and then she laughed and said it was because Bri had a strong will and independence from the moment she gave birth to her. Her mom became melancholy as I could see the memories stirring. 

“Bri, your mom said she always knew that you loved her, during the good and the bad times.  You should feel worse about stealing her car that one night just because a boy told you to.”

Brianna erupted in laughter. “She told you that?”

I nodded.

“Does she know that I had a baby girl?” Brianna asked, clasping her tissue.

“And that she shares your mom’s middle name? Yes, she knows.” I smiled, reassuringly.

“Does she know that I can’t seem to keep any relationships? I feel like such a failure.”

“Nobody thinks you are a failure. You just involve yourself with the wrong types of men. And it started with the car fiasco,” I repeated and grinned at her mom for trying to keep it lighthearted.

“Where is she?” Brianna looked around, as if trying to see what I could see.

Our loved ones in spirit are around us if we so choose to invite them. They want to help us as much as they can and are capable of (which is actually more than you might think). And if you don’t have a loved one on the Other Side, we all have Spirit Guides who act as our best friend from the Other Side, assisting in life’s challenges and celebrations. Building that relationship is key. Just as relationships change with past coworkers when you move on to another job or family/friends when they move to another State, the same is true for those on the Other Side. You have to be proactive in building the relationship. It gets tiring always being the one trying to initiate (our poor Spirit Guides!) and secure that relationship.  So, spend some time talking to, inviting and loving. And although our loved ones have jobs on the Other Side, they are just a whisper away when you need them.

I Am Always With You

Anonymous

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".

Life moves so quickly. I started researching how to stay more in the present and as I perused Pinterest.com, I found a Photo Challenge that I thought was an incredible idea. Because I started this late, I am chopping it down to 20, and beginning January 10th.  I hope that you will join me in this Challenge by posting in my Blog how you are staying in the present.  

1. Favorite Food - French Fries
2. A Smile
3. Best Friend
4. Morning Sky
5. Favorite or Inspiring Art
6. Happiness
7. Favorite Food
8. Favorite Animal
9. Water
10. Nighttime Sky
11. Imagine
12. Moon
13. Favorite Thing to Wear
14. Dream Home
15. Favorite Color
16. Your Silverware Drawer
17. A Heart
18. An Angel
19. Your Favorite Drink
20. A Happy Memory

As we wind down the year I like to do some soul searching and reflection by asking myself several questions.

1.   What was I GRATEFUL for in 2011?  

2.   What LESSONS did I learn in 2011?

3.   What INTENTIONS do I have for the next couple of years?

It isn’t time for cynicism or regrets. By spelling out the learned lessons I feel that I can better make new intentions (I don’t like the word goal or resolution so much).

This year was an incredible year for me. I feel so blessed and am so grateful.

Gratitude

·        I am grateful that my businesses were extremely successful in 2011 and it gave me a lot of personal satisfaction, although it was a lot of work.

·        This year was filled with achievements and dreams come true, but also many lessons in both business and my personal life.

·        This year was another crazy year of travel to new places, but because of it I was able to meet some amazing people and so grateful to encounter life changing experiences.  

·        I wrote three books in 2011, all three that will be published in 2012.

·        I am grateful for all the people who supported, loved and believed in me.

·        I am grateful for continuing to do what I love to do and receiving new and creative ideas each and every day. I never tire of my ‘job’.

·        I am grateful for a fabulous husband and wonderful children who love me unconditionally.

·        I am grateful for the ability to share the messages that I receive.

·        I am grateful for all clear on my health.

Lessons

·        I learned to say ‘no’ more often to what felt wrong and “yes” to what felt right. It worked, and helped my soul sing rather than sputter along.  

·        I also learned that it can be naïve to trust everybody. I had to touch the hot stove, so to speak, several times over to get it, but it a lesson that I finally get. There are those with bad intentions, yet present themselves otherwise.

·        I learned that it is ok for me to stay firm to my beliefs, my intuition and set the course to where I want my path to go, not because someone wants me to do this or that or because someone can think I can get them somewhere. It can be tiring to have people stand on your cape.

·        I learned that I cannot control anybody else, but I can control how I react (or not react) and I have full control over who I allow in my life.

·        I learned that it does pay off to expect positive results because you really do receive positive results.

·        I learned that continuing to learn helps you grow stronger.

2012 Intentions

·        Continue to travel for both business and personal.

·        Write at least three books, one being fiction.

·        Create a coaching program.

·        Continue to do speaking engagements.

·        Continue to inspire and motivate.

·        Continue to work on controlling my debt.

·        Inch closer to purchasing my dream home.

·        Continue to work on slimming down and getting healthy.

·        Blog at least twice a week.

·        Journal my gratitude every.single.day.

·        Continue to walk my talk.

Now, how about you? What is your gratitude, learned lessons and upcoming intentions? Don’t worry if you feel that you can’t communicate it properly or aren’t sure, just start writing. You can add or delete at any time. By taking the time to reflect will hopefully inspire you rather than depress you. You have an open book, start writing it!

Believe,

Kristy