Bridget's Blog

THE TYRANNY OF ''WHAT IF...?"

Hi All,

I came across this article andI really want to pass it along. It struck home on so many levels, and really has a way of putting things in perspective.

Light and Love

Bridget

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE TYRANNY OF ''WHAT IF...?"

by Charlie Badenhop

For a child, a summer day can seem to last forever. This is

part of the beauty of a child's perspective. At the same

time, all of us, adult and child alike, sometimes freeze up

and lose sense of the fact that we have a future that has

not yet arrived. Here is a story of a child's summer day in

Brooklyn, New York.

~

When I was eight years old a truck housing a children's

ride, used to come around my neighborhood in Brooklyn. You

paid your fee, had your ride, and upon exiting, you got some

small thank you gift. When exiting the truck one time I got

a large sheet of tattoos. I was ecstatic because there was

one HUGE tattoo showing Davie Crockett killing a HUGE bear.

I ran home to have the tattoo immediately applied to my bare

chest, and I remember thinking how it was perfect that I did

not yet have any hair on my chest because the hair would

only get in the way of the tattoo. And then, as hard as this

might be to believe, my father totally screwed up in

applying the tattoo, and I was left with black water running

down my chest, and then great big tears running down my

face, as I was in a state of shock and disbelief. Feeling

totally crushed I ran outside and dashed feverishly around

the neighborhood hopinging to catch the truck, but it had

mysteriously disappeared, perhaps already on its way to

Flatbush or Coney Island. By the time the truck did come

back again two weeks later, it was giving away some terribly

boring small plastic whistles, and the truck never again

showed up with tattoos, and in those days tattoos were not

to be found in toy stores.

~

It can be so easy to freeze up and lose sense of the

entirety of one's life. It can be so easy to lose touch with

the fact that we still have a future. As a child, especially

during the summer time, each day was a grand adventure, and

each day would often seem endless, and totally absorbing.

This sense of fully being in the moment is one of the true

gifts of childhood, and at times it can also be a liability.

Because children usually have little sense of the length and

breadth of their life, and any one moment can seem to

extinguish the possibility of happiness in the future.

~

I can look back on numerous times in my life, that seemed to

play a major role in determining the course of my life. In

hindsight I can see that it was not the actual events that

determined my future, but whether or not I perceived myself

to be "lucky or unlucky", "cursed or blessed", "stupid or

clever."

~

Now I realize that each moment leads to another moment, each

event leads to another event. I can choose which moments and

events I want to give the most importance to, and which

moments and events I will define my life by. By accepting

the fact that much of what goes on in life is outside of my

control, I can free myself to pay attention to the aspects

of my life that I do have some ability to influence. And in

times of difficult challenge I can give thanks for the

future, knowing that even as day turns into night, and

spring turns into summer, that my bad luck will turn into

good luck, my sadness will turn to joy. Nothing stays the

same.

~

If you look back at times that you initially thought were

quite horrible or devastating, isn't it true that most of

these events, over the course of time, did not turn out to

be nearly as devastating as you initially felt they were?

Certainly this has been my experience.

~

By the way, I am still in the market for some Davey Crockett

tattoos!

----------------------------------------------

About the author:

Charlie Badenhop is the originator of Seishindo, an Aikido

instructor, NLP trainer, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist.

Benefit from a new self-help Practice every two weeks, by

subscribing to his complimentary newsletter "Pure heart,

simple mind" at http://www.seishindo.org/newsletter.html.

Contact Charlie at seishin@seishindo.org.

Cosmic Voodoo Eggs -- Another Favorite!!!

Hi there!

While looking thru my voodoo workspace the other day, I realised that I now have THREE of Mambo's Cosmic Voodoo Eggs. I have the Money Egg, a Healing Egg and a Love Egg .... of course :-) So, since realising the Cosmic Eggs are something I use nearly as much as candles, I thought I would tell you all a bit about them!

First, the info from the website :

The Egg is the symbol of Life! These Cosmic Voodoo Egg Spell Kits are truly unique. You won't find anything like this any where but here! These very special spell kits are specially designed to help you enhance all areas of your life. Use them to cast love spells, money spells, lucky spells, and more. You can also use them in conjunction with other spell work you are doing. For example if you are planning on doing love spell work, then the Cosmic Voodoo Love Egg Kit can be used to enhance whatever type of love spell you have chosen!
They also make great gifts, even when given as a novelty to the "non-believer" friend! They are decorative and non-offensive to just about anyone.

Each Cosmic Voodoo Egg Spell Kit is a complete kit for casting magick spells with a combination of an altar cloth, amulets, incense, jewel tiled incense burner, talismans, candles, a Voodoo Spirit Doll, and, of course, a beautiful hand painted and consecrated personally by Rev. Samantha Corfield (formerly Rev. Kaye; married name change!) Cosmic Voodoo Egg . The Cosmic Voodoo Egg incorporate the tenets of Rev. Corfield's training and initiations in both New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou. As a New Orleans Voodoo Priestess and a Haitian Mambo Asogwe, Rev. Corfield (also simply called Mambo Sam) is able to blend these two magickal systems into a powerful High Magickal Art. The consecrated magickal supplies with each kit last for a minimum of 9 uses. After that, simply order replacement packs from us below) to use your kit over and over! In fact, the more you use it, the more it becomes magnetized with your personal energy!

So, what makes these little beauties so wonderful that I am sitting here bloggin' about them?

1. They can be used over and over. No fooling! These eggs will last a lifetime. And like Mambo says, these Eggs DO get stronger the more you use them.

2. They are ecomonical. In times like these, this is can be a very important consideration! While the Egg itself lasts a lifetime, the straight candles and incense do need to be replenished occaisionally. Straight candles can be ordered by a ten pack. The incense comes in packs of 30! So, one pack of candles and some incense and you can do Cosmic Voodoo Egg  work for months for very little expense!

3. These Eggs are personally designed , painted and annointed by Mambo Sam especially for you! They are made indixidually, to order.

4. They can be used for different / multiple goals in the same area. By that I mean a Money Egg can be used for different goals / requests as long as they are all related to money/finances. Need help getting a loan approval? Need help getting some extra overtime approved at work for a little extra holiday money? Having trouble saving up for a downpayment on a new house or car?  All of these things can be petitioned for with the same Money Egg!

5. Healing Eggs - You can have a healing egg that you use for the healing of different people , including yourself OR you can have a healing egg dedicated to the healing of one specific person. If you have an HD that you have been doing quite a bit of healing work on (like lots of white image candles...) consider a Cosmic Voodoo Healing Egg!

If you have any questions about the Cosmic Voodoo Eggs or wonder if an Egg would be helpful to your troubling situation, email your caseworker! We are here to help!

Light and Love

Bridget

Don't Quit! or at least .... not yet.

Hi There!

I get emails from clients sometimes telling me that the going has gotten tough, and they want to quit. While it is always up to the client how much work they wish to do, or how long they wish to wait, I have to say one of the most common mistakes I see clients make is giving up too soon after their work has already been completed. Let's face it, most of us start love work after things are pretty well in the ditch. The least we can do is give the work its chance to actually do its work! If you check out the testimonials pages you will see that quite a few folks get results long after originally expected. (DO check out those testimonials pages! Back in the day when I was a bran-dee new Spellmaker client those pages were all I had to hold on to. There was no forum, no tuesday chats with Mambo, nothing like that. I read those pages over and over and over again. They are worth a read thru,) Now, no one is saying to sit by the phone and pine away while waiting for results -- quite the contrary -- but do give the spellwork a fighting chance to work for you!

Anyway, I came across this poem, and it seems to fit here pretty well. Its a classic, and its corney and its hokey, but it does get to the point of what would like to say to you .....

Don't Quit!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Anonymous -

Light and Love

Bridget

Abre Camino Oil

Hi There!

I was sitting here trying hard to think of some wonderful idea to blog about and I just instinctively picked up the closest vial of Abre Camino Oil I could find and rubbed just a little on my wrists. Then, AHA! I realised I needed to put down a few words to talk up one of my most favorite products (Just ask Mambo...I would order this stuff by the quart if I could!) The literal translation of Abre Camino is "Road Opener" so that gives us a hint as to its properties. This oil is all about the removal of blockages, "opening roads," making things happen more smoothly and more quickly. It can help us open the door to new and better options for our future. Mambo Sam personally blends this oil at the shop herself, so you know it is made with the best essential oils and energy possible!

So, how can we use this wonderful stuff? Some ways I use this oil are:

***Blend with Samantha's Spiritual Annointing oil when doing White Candle Magick to help remove blockages and negativity and open the way for healing to occur.

***Place a capful in bathwater and soak for a bit just before going to bed. This is especially helpful for folks trying hard to remember their dreams or using one of the Vivid Dreams Gris Gris Bags.

***Placing a few drops on your pulse points when entering a challenging situation or are feeling blocked in any way about any thing (like writer's block).

****Mix a few drops with any potion or oil that you might wear for an enhanced effect.

***Place a few drops on the top of your St Expedite candle and concentrate on what you want that candle to "hurry up" for you while you rub the oil in.

***Rub a few drops on the candles for your love doll or cosmic voodoo egg .

***Possibilities abound! If you have any questions, or have an idea you are unsure about, just run it by your caseworker!

Light and Love

Bridget

Saint Gabriel the Archangel

Saint Gabriel the Archangel

~

Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength”.

~

Gabriel helps people whose life purpose involves communication, including teachers, writers, actors, photographers, speakers, etc.

~

This archangel is a messenger who whispers in our ear of coming events, changes, and opportunities for new experiences. Gabriel always brings good news !

~

He restores life and light into stagnant areas of your life such as relationships, businesses, households, etc. Ask Gabriel to resurrect any blocked areas of your life and fill you with the remembrance of your divine purpose and destiny. You will receive creative ideas and opportunities to help you get moving again.

~

Call on Gabriel for assistance with a career or a problem that involves putting forth your ideas and perceptions to others. Definitely ask Gabriel to be with you when you are going on a job interview or asking for a raise or promotion at work.

~

Because of Gabriel's role as a communicator and mediator between Heaven and Earth, Catholics hold the Archangel to be a Patron Saint of broadcasters, telecommunications workers, diplomats, messengers, postal workers, and stamp collectors.

~

Because Gabriel helped the prophet Daniel interpret his dreams, those seeking similar aid with their own dream work may petition the Archangel for help.

~

Mentally call for Gabriel by saying, “Beloved Gabriel, please come to me now and help me express myself in the best Light. Thank you.”

~

Correspondences:

Gabriel’s colors are white and indigo

Gabriel guards the day of Monday

Gabriel is associated with the second (sacral) chakra

Gabriel’s special number is nine.

Crystals associated with Gabriel are Orange Calcite, Topaz, Moonstone, and pearls.

Lillies are very special to Gabriel.

Prayer to Saint Gabriel

Blessed Saint Gabriel, Archangel

We beseech thee to intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy:

As thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation,

so through thy prayers may we receive strength of faith and courage of spirit,

and thus find favor with God and redemption through Christ Our Lord.

May we sing the praise of God our Savior with the angels and saints in heaven forever and ever. Amen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger of God, is generally depicted with white lilies or a trumpet horn, it is considered appropriate to make an offering of white flowers or to play music before an altar a thank-offering.

"If you seek an angel with an open heart...

You shall always find one."

- Anonymous

Exercise and Stress

Exercise and Stress

By: Nitin Chhoda

It is no secret that people who exercise regularly feel better, more energetic, and less stressed. . There is plenty of evidence to show that exercise provides stress-relieving benefits. Essentially, there are four ways exercise controls stress.

Exercise can help you relax. Although the actual exercise bout might be strenuous and difficult to execute, actual benefits such as stress reduction, body toning etc. actually occur after the session is over. The immediate post-exercise period helps flush out carbon dioxide and waste products from the various systems. Following a session of exercise, clinicians have measured a decrease in electrical activity of tensed muscles. People feel less jittery and hyperactive after an exercise session.

Exercise can help raise your mood. A good and well-supervised exercise session helps you relax for the next 90 to 120 minutes. This is called post-exercise euphoria or endorphin response, and these 'feel good' chemicals improve your mood and leave you relaxed.

Exercise can make you feel better about yourself. Think about those times when you were physically active. Did you not better about yourself? That feeling of self-worth contributes to stress relief. Physical fitness is a buffer against stress and fit subjects experience less stress than unfit subjects.

Exercise can make you eat better. People who exercise regularly tend to eat more nutritious food and stick to healthy eating habits; this helps your body manage stress better.

To help you get started, here are three types of activities you can choose from. A combination of all 3 is ideal for best results.

1. Aerobic activity. All it takes is 20 minutes' worth, six to seven days a week. Twenty minutes won't carve a big chunk out of your day, but it will improve your ability to control stress significantly. These are good aerobic studios in almost every town. Look for information in local newspapers for spring specials and other discounts.

2. Yoga. In yoga or yoga-type activities, your mind relaxes progressively as your body increases its amount of muscular work. Recent studies have shown that when large muscle groups repeatedly contract and relax, the brain receives a signal to release specific neurotransmitters, which in turn make you feel relaxed and more alert.

3. Recreational sports. Play cricket, football tennis, or badminton on weekends. Cycling and swimming also work well. These games require the kind of vigorous activity that rids your body of stress-causing adrenaline and other hormones.

In addition to the above 'long term solutions', you can also try several techniques to 'calm down' when you feel overly stressed. The following 'short cut stress busters' should be very helpful.

If you are sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time, stand up from the desk and stretch your arms and legs at regular intervals. Shut your eyes and take 20 slow deep breaths.

Listen to soothing music.

Squeeze and release a towel or a rubber ball a few times.

Visualize yourself petting your dog, sitting by the balcony watching the sunset, spending the weekend relaxing with family, walking on grass etc

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael

Raphael’s name means “God heals” or “God has healed” which tells us a lot about his responsibilities to Earth and her inhabitants. Raphael is a very powerful healer of both humans and animals. Raphael is very connected to all animals, both domestic and wild. He can be called to help find lost pets.

~

Ask Raphael for help when you are in any kind of pain, whether it be physical, emotional romantic, intellectual or spiritual. He will somehow inspire you with sudden ideas and thoughts giving you just the right information to help the healing. Pay attention to and then follow these angelic answers to your prayers.

~

You can call on Raphael on behalf of someone else who is in need of healing. He is also associated with the healing of addictions. The person must want the help, and be accepting of it for it to occur. Angels can not interfere with a person’s free will.

~

When asked for healing assistance, Raphael surrounds and nurtures people with the emerald green light of his halo. Green is the color of healing and clairvoyant people may see emerald green sparkles when Raphael is around. 

~

Raphael is connected to eyesight – both physical and non-physical. If you or a friend are going in for eye surgery, ask Raphael to oversee things. If you are needing help connecting with your intuition, he can help with that as well.

~

Raphael oversees travelers, helping them arrive at their destination safely. Infact, he is the patron saint of travelers.

~

Raphael is also very connected to doctors, nurses, and other health care workers.

~

Raphael's loving personality outshines his physical characteristics; he is often described as being friendly, amusing, gentle and kind. These qualities also make him the Archangel best suited to overseeing the host of guardian angels.

~

Correspondences:

Green Aventurine is very special to him. Carry a small piece of this crystal in your pocket and hold it in your hand when you need to call on him. . Also other crystals such as emerald, jade and rose quartz are special to him.

The Heart Chakra is specifically associated with Raphael.

People often see flashes or sparkles of emerald-green light when calling on him.

His colors are emerald green and deep pink – both colors of the heart.

His special number is eight.

~

A prayer to Saint Raphael

Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel

We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life,

as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and

give guidance to young Tobit.

We humbly seek thine aid and intercession,

that our souls may be healed,

our bodies protected from all ills,

and that through divine grace we may be made fit

to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A prayer to  St. Raphael for  Before A Journey

Dear Saint Raphael, Angel of travelers,

be with me and guide me on this journey.

Protect me from sickness and danger

and guard those I leave behind.

Let your wings enfold me

while I am away and return me

safely home.

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~

Another Prayer to Saint Raphael the  Archangel

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

September 29th The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

September 29th  The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

Make yourself familiar with the angels

and behold them frequently in spirit;

for without being seen, they are present with you.

~~St. Francis De Sales

The feast of Saint Michael , also known as Michaelmas, is a Christian feast derived from the old pagan Autumn Equinox celebrations. It is the most ancient of all the angel festivals. Michaelmas became the fixed date for the feast otherwise associated with Autumn Equinox or the harvest. As early as 1014, the laws of Ethelred in England prescribe a three day fast for all Christians before the feast. Servants weren't allowed to work during these days.

Michaelmas was a time when rents were due, and rents were often paid in food. The traditional rent for Michaelmas was a goose. Eating something rich like goose at this turning point of the year brings good luck. In Nottingham they say "If you eat roast goose on Michaelmas day, you will never want money all year." In Norfolk , they say, "if you don't baste the goose on Michaelmas Day, you will want money all year." Roast goose is the traditional meal served even now for the holiday. A flower, a wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy.

Archangels Gabriel and Raphael are also honored on this day.

Sainted Angels, like Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, are not like the other saints on the Church's calendar who were all once human beings. Angels are celestial beings created on a higher order than man. They are completely spiritual beings; they have intelligence and will; they are personal and immortal creatures. Angels are the servants and messengers of God -- in fact, this is what the word "angel" means. Several different kinds (or ranks) of angels are mentioned in the Bible: angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, thrones, choirs, dominions, principalities, and powers. The Archangels want you to call on them for help. Don’t worry that you are overburdening them—Archangels can help many people simultaneously.

"Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed.

In fact angels have no religion as we know it ...

their existence precedes every religious system

that has ever existed on earth."

~~St. Thomas Aquinas

Archangel Michael

Michael’s name means “he who looks like God” or “he who is like God”. Michael is the leader of the Archangels. He is very tall and handsome. His energy feels warm and reassuring, like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you. His main purpose is to rid the earth of fear --- no small task! Call on him when you are feeling scared physically or emotionally and he will help you. Ask for courage and you will have it! (He is often pictured swinging a sword and with his foot planted on the devil.)He is the Patron Saint of Police Officers. Archangel Michael is also the angel in command of Lightworkers! He is also especially good with fixing mechanical and electrical devices ( a handy guy to have around!)

Whenever you feel afraid or uneasy, mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please protect and calm me now.” If you are in an unsafe place or neighborhood, ask Archangel Michael to be your angelic bodyguard--to escort, guide and protect. In fact, you can ask Michael to be permanently stationed by your side so you’ll always be safe under his powerful protection. Just mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please be my guardian angel in all directions of time. Thank you.” And it is so!

If you sometimes feel like you need protection from negativity, then each morning upon wakening ask for Archangel Michael to envelope you in a thick eggshell of white protective light to shield you from negative people and situations you come into contact with (in all situations). This is especially useful for very empathic people who tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them (positive and negative).

Correspondences:

Special colors – Blue and Gold

Protector of the day Wednesdays

Associated with the Third and Fifth Chakras

Associated with the number 6

Special crystals which are blue: sapphire, blue topaz : for peacefulness, and healing

Special crystals which are yellow/gold : yellow topaz , citrine: to initiate positive action improve communications.

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

~~By Pope Leo XIII

Prayer to Saint Michael Powerful Aid

Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious spirits, be mindful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank-offering

Archangel Michael is your friend and protector, call on him often, daily if desired – he is waiting for your call.  Call on him for protection, for peace, for freedom.  He is with you always.

Is Gratitude Your Attitude?

Is Gratitude Your Attitude?

By: Vanessa Bsirsky

Have you ever had a moment in your life when everything around you just seemed negative, hopeless, and doomed?

Of course you have, otherwise you wouldn't be human!

We all have encountered - and will continue to do so - situations and circumstances that just feel disheartening, overwhelming and maybe even paralyzing. In times like this, we might tend to ask ourselves one or even all of the following questions:

Why does this always happen to me? Why do things have to be so difficult? What's the point of me trying so hard when all I ever do seems to end up in a complete disaster?

If you have ever dwelled on any of the above - which you probably have - then I would like to encourage you to pause for a moment.

Think about it :

Did these questions encourage you to move toward a much more positive state of mind ? Or, and this is far more likely, did they simply make you feel sorry for yourself ?

Hmmm......

Also, do you truly believe that you are the only one who struggles ?

I mean, really?

If you do ,then I suggest that you wake up and stop taking yourself so seriously ! Every single person on this planet goes through difficult times , and life can be very tough for all of us.

But what could have happened if you had asked yourself a whole set of different questions when going through a challenging phase? Questions that would have been more empowering? For example:

What is the lesson to be learned from this situation? What is this really trying to show me ? How can I turn things around ? How can I stop this from happening ? And also, is there maybe a much deeper meaning to this that I don't yet understand?

I can assure you that the outcome would have been a lot more fruitful. Tony Robbins once said that life is like a game of Jeopardy - all the solutions and all the answers are already within you, you only need to ask the right questions. Aha...........interesting!

But let's delve a little bit deeper...

What did we focus on when we asked ourselves the first set of questions? That's right, on all the things that were wrong with our lives !

But hang on Vanessa, should we just ignore those bad feelings and live in a state of denial?

Of course not - allow yourself to feel the pain, acknowledge it , do everything in your power to heal it, and then clean up your act and move on.

How?

By implementing the lessons learned, and starting to focus on all the positive things in your life !

I can hear a few people complaining now, saying things like :

"What on earth is she talking about ? My life is bad ! Besides, I am single, I am broke, and I hate my job ! Why don't the council just do something ? Anyway, the world is full of criminals and terrorists ! How can anyone in their right mind be positive ? How can anyone bring children into this world ? These people have just lost the plot !"

Ouch!!

If that's you, then I would like to encourage you to re-think, and consider the following:

What have you got in your life that you could - and in my personal opinion should - be really grateful for? How about your health? And the fact that you got somewhere to live? The fact that you got food on your table on a daily basis? A lot of people haven't got that. How about the electricity and hot water that you have in your home?

You might think that electricity and hot water aren't anything special, and that you ought to have them anyway.

Why do you think that? Many people haven't got them and never will do.

How about your family ? Your friends, or even the one good and loyal friend that you have? Your pet, who loves you unconditionally ? Your eyesight , which enables you to read this blog at this very moment ? Your faith, your love, your generosity ? Your promising future, your furniture, your car, your job, your business, your ideas ? Your strength to overcome difficult times ? Your freedom?

Also, do you really have to go along with all the negative stuff ? And do you want to? Or could you be part of a different , more positive kind of evolution altogether ?

Hmmm....

Remember,it's your decision whether you want to fall asleep in front of the television every night, or whether you want to surround yourself with positive people and read empowering books. It's your decision whether you want to blame and complain, or whether you want to sit by a stream and meditate. Furthermore, it is not only your decision, it is also your responsibility.

But what do you mean by that? What does responsibility really stand for ? Responsibility is our ability to respond to life in a constructive, mature and positive manner.

Why not start and take some responsibility now ?

Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for, and review it from time to time. This will help you to completely shift your focus , and show you that the universe is actually supporting and nurturing you, rather than holding you back.

Whatever you are grateful for will grow in your life - guaranteed.

Vanessa Bsirsky is a life coach and the author of the new book "Happiness Secrets Revealed." Vanessa has got great leadership skills and is a natural motivator.She is particularly interested in creating abundance on all levels.