With 2013 here, I am working on doing things in my life differently.  No resolutions, just making improvements that I think need to be made.

One of my improvements is to be more careful of my words.  I speaks before I think.   I like to blame in on the Sagittarius in me - we're known to be blunt.  However, that doesn't mean it has to stay that way, though it would be much easier to keep it and blame it on my astrological sign.

It's funny how when you make a decision, a situation will ...

I have been looking for ways to be inspired and make changes in 2013.  One of the things that came up as a way to tap into inspiration was working through the book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.  It's a book to help unleash creativity and since I have felt blah in that realm, I have been working the book with some friends.

Once of the suggestions of the book is to write "Morning Pages".  It says to get up in the morning, grab your coffee or tea and do a mind dump of writing for thre...

Sometimes we say things that may hurt each other.  It may not be intentional but we feel the need to say what's on our mind at the given moment.  Is it necessary to tell someone what we think about them or what they're doing, especially if they haven't asked?

There are times I have to bite my tongue because, even though I have an opinion, it's not my place to put my thoughts on someone else.   It's not about me, it's about them and what they need.

Honesty is important but there comes ...

I notice some of the most passionate comments I get are on quotes on forgiveness.  The common theme is that it's hard to forgive others because the person hurt the commenter very bad.  "There is no way I can forgive (my ex, my family, my boss, etc)."

This is completely understandable.  How can we possibly forgive someone that has done incredible hurt to us?   It seems counter-productive to what we should do, which is tear the person down and hurt them millions of times worse than they hur...

Strength.  It's an interesting word.  Sometimes when I hear this word, it conjures up the image of a body builder who can lift practically anything.  There is also another kind of strength and I think this is the one that is harder to find but stronger than the best bodybuilder.

It's the strength we have inside of us to handle situations that come our way.   We never know what we are capable of until we are faced with it but we surprise ourselves with the will to tackle what we need to ha...

As I was talking to a friend the other night, she seemed to be going through a hard time.  She was saying all kinds of negative things about herself.  I said to her, "There are plenty of people in line ready to beat you up - why do you want to be at the front of the line?"

When we go throughout our day, we do all kinds of things.  We get ready to leave the house, we design projects, we interact with all kinds of people, we do work, we drop the ball, we praise, we hurt - it's endless.

If yo...

I did a reading the other night for one of my regular clients.  She is a talented, smart and beautiful woman with the usual questions.  There was one, at the end, I don't usually hear.

She said, "Mar, my creativity is totally dead.  What can I do to get it back?" 

I gave her some suggestions that Spirit gave to me and then I also said, "You need to be inspired.  You need to do something that will touch your soul and make you smile."

This happens to me every once in a while.  I get writer�...

One of the most common phrases I say during a reading is "Don't worry."

Then I get the look.  A look that usually says "Are you kidding me?"

I know it's easy to say that phrase.  Because at that point, I'm not in that situation to worry about it.  It's also a pretty easy phrase to throw out there, almost as easy as "Good Morning".

Instead of worrying, what if we transformed worry into something different?  What if it turns into something much more positive?  Is it possible?

While I know w...

This time of year usually makes me miss summer and the longer days.   I look forward to the Winter Solstice for us to gain a minute of light everyday.   With the sun setting around 4:30 in the afternoon and our nights getting longer, I think about how the darkness can affect us.  And by darkness, I don't mean anything that is evil or sinister.  It is actually an opportunity to look at things differently because our sight and reactions must be different when the stillness arrives.

There is ...

One of my favorite movies is "Wanted" starring Angelina Jolie.  It's an action movie, very heavy on the action aspects.  It shows the transformation of one character, Wesley, as his life gets turned upside down when he learns, and ultimately embraces, who he truly is.  

There is a line from that movie that always sticks with me.   In explaining why Fox (Angelina Jolie) joins "The Fraternity" of Assassins, she says to Wesley, "We don't know how far the ripples of our decisions go."  

We think ...

Driving has been a different experience for me lately.  I've been noticing a lot more instead of just having tunnel vision to my destination.  Taking a look around while waiting at a stop light can be quite eye opening.

As I was driving today, I pulled up to a four way intersection - the crossroads - and settled at the light.  I saw someone about to take a left and then, at the last minute, she decided to go straight.  I could see her brow squiggle, trying to figure out the best route to go. ...

I've seen the light

it is so bright in my eyes

almost blinding me

It illuminates all that is around me

Nothing can hide in the shadows anymore

Nothing.

I'm not sure how I feel about that

How can I deal with those things

I thought were gone?

How can I look at what was in

the shadows of my mind?

Can the light help me?

Can the light show me the way?

Now it seems that the only way

for me to let those things go

is to shine the light on th...

We are amazing people who can handle an amazing amount of information.  Our brains are built to sort, collect, categorize and, if necessary, discard information. 

There are times that we don't realize what we know.  For example, I was having a discussion with someone about her knowledge of tarot cards.  She told me that she didn't really know them well and she especially didn't know how to do multiple card readings.

So while we were talking, I asked gave her two cards and asked her t...

I have started looking back at the teachings of The Secret and one of the things I like was the concept of being grateful.

No matter what is going wrong, no matter what is happening, the theory is to be grateful for everything in your life, even the hard lessons.  

The thought is that being grateful will help you see what you already have in your life.  It shows you how abundant you really are.  It's not just material things but also your relationships, your talents and your gifts.

There h...

Just breathe

others will try to sway you

but you're just as solid as ever

Just breathe

others try to break you

but you'll be able to be handle the pressure

Just breathe

others will try to knock you down

but you'll show them how tall you can stand

Just breathe

others may think you are weak

but you'll tap into strength you never thought you had

Just breathe

others may underestimate you

but you're amazing, courageous and truthful

Just breathe

there is no one that c...

It's just noise

a distraction for your mind

embrace what is positive

discard what isn't kind.

It's just noise

people will say what they say

your inner voice is louder

don't let others get in your way.

It's just noise

opinions are what they are

you are the one in charge

don't forget you are a star

It's just noise

cracking and loud

tune to a new station

one that makes you proud

It's just noise

look for a sweeter sound

you can tune it out

find other words that are ...

the laughs from your belly

Celebrate each day

I thought I lost it 

but then it was found

Gone now back again

Around the way

not so far gone

just out of sight

I thought it was over

But I see not so much

It wasn't expected

but it is welcomed 

and seen as a new start

a time reset

with a past to leave behind

There is no more to say

just things to experience

No more to grieve

just life to love

living even better 

than I thought possible

because there are 

no more expectations

there just is, this moment now

nothing to fix, nothing to break

nothing to ask for anymore...

Watch me juggle

I throw it up in the air

I have it under control

Seem to not have a care

I'm making it happen

Always on the go

the balls keep flying

I have it in a flow

More and more get added

the juggling moves faster

what if I drop one?

This could be a disaster

Why do I keep this pace?

It seems I have to, right?

I'd love to put some down

it would make me light

The wrench gets thrown

I lose all my grips

I'm out of control

my perfect flow has slip...

Who am I?

I am a collection, 

a masterpiece of careful 

creations and contributions. 

There are so many pieces 

of experiences, places, people, 

I feel like a stained glass window 

with many parts making up the whole. 

They are colorful and 

many sizes - purples, blues, 

greens, and greens, 

they make up a picture. 

The picture of me.  

So when you see me, 

you see my parts as a whole. 

But when you step back 

and look, you'll see that 

I am many things that 

make up the my ...

I am strength;

Overcoming the hurt,

the challenges, the trials of life. 

My shoulders hold it all,

even more than I thought I could.

I am determination;

Focusing on the future,

pushing ahead, forging forward.

My voice roars as the lion,

louder than I thought I could.

I am beauty;

Comfortable in my skin,

Singing my song, writing my lyrics

My soul stands confidently in my truth,

firmer than I thought I could.

I am happiness;

Seeing past the tears to joy,

embracing ligh...

I was walking up the stairs to my office and my psychic development student was waiting for me.  I looked up and saw her face - she looked so sad.

"How are you, sweetie?"  I said.

She looked at me and said "Doing fine!"

I paused.  She smiled and said, "Well, no, I'm not, but that's what everyone says, right?"

And she's right.  When we ask someone how he or she is doing, that person usually says "I'm fine."  It's a common response, one we never think about or really acknowledge.

We're con...

The rain falls on me,

I feel the drops,

stinging my skin,

the wet rain reminds

me of my wet tears.

Dripping, soaking me.

Tearing me to the core,

even though soft.

The rain doesn't let up

I try to shield myself

but the umbrella

flies away like a bird,

I feel the rain again.

It isn't stopping.

It drives harder,

it pounds me until

there is not a drop of dry left.

I shiver but I then realize

I'm still standing.

The rain may be pelting me

with all it's got

but even though slippery...

You.

Yes, You.

A light, a beauty.

You have that special way.

There is no one like you.

The world would not turn

quite as well without you.

You.

Yes, You.

Moments with you are gifts.

You blaze a path where you walk.

Seeing things no one else can see.

Being a part of the all

with just your smile.

You.

Yes, You.

You are deeply loved.

Open your heart to what's offered.

Others delight in your happiness.

You make a difference

by speaking, listening and being.

You.

Yes, You.

H...

You.

Yes, You.

A light, a beauty.

You have that special way.

There is no one like you.

The world would not turn

quite as well without you.

You.

Yes, You.

Moments with you are gifts.

You blaze a path where you walk.

Seeing things no one else can see.

Being a part of the all

with just your smile.

You.

Yes, You.

You are deeply loved.

Open your heart to what's offered.

Others delight in your happiness.

You make a difference

by speaking, listening and being.

You.

Yes, You.

H...

Find your peace
Be in the center
More than you know
This place is yours

Be the owner
Over the others
Blend with the Universe
Rise above the rest

Experience the Bliss
The childlike wonder
Draped in stars
Followed by overwhelming light

More to it all
Open your eyes
You can grasp it
And make it real

It’s all about you
Where you find it
Where you keep it
What’s in your soul

Look there now
Don’t be afraid
There are magnificent sights
Waiting to be seen.

Copyright 2012, Mary D’Alba (Spiritualitygirl)

I had dinner with my cousin the other night.  It was so nice to catch up with her.  We have a wonderful relationship where we can talk, laugh and cry about anything.

Somewhere in our conversation, we started talking about the difference between jobs and our work.  Most people have a job.  This is something that we need to have to have to pay the bills.  It can be good or bad.  It could even be something we could be very good at day-to-day but chances are it's not what we really want to be do...

The Burning.
It started from a spark 
that I didn’t know existed
moving through quickly, 
even painfully
as I grieved a loss
I wasn’t quite sure of at that moment
but the damage was done
The Burning.
It all seems so clear
that what was had is lost
when it is crisp and distorted
as it fades away into something new
something no longer recognizable
The Burning.
I try to cling to it 
but it becomes too hot to hold
and I see it flying away from fingertips
It no longer has a form
it just has re...

I get knocked down.

I am shocked, stunned,

my hands are bruised,

but I struggle to my feet.

I get knocked down.

I am hurt, crying,

my body is weary,

but I claw my way back.

I get knocked down.

I am angry, gritting my teeth,

my back is strained,

but I pull myself up.

I get knocked down.

I am defensive, ready to fight,

my legs are sore,

but I won't stay down.

I get knocked down.

I am peaceful, graceful,

my body is solid,

and I rise to my strength.

I get knocked down

but nothing will k...

Those two little words - I AM.  We use them many time to start a sentence.  "I am tired.", "I am cold", "I am happy".   Those two words at the start of the sentence gives us lots of different ways to identify and express ourselves.  Do we always think about those words that come after "I AM"?  Let's look at how those words impact us at some of our core beliefs and how being more positive in our "I AM" statements will benefit us in the long run.

Those words I AM make a declaration.  It's a po...

I lost my way, I think.

Where am I?  How did I get here?

This wasn't the plan I had.

I see the road, it looks familiar

but it's not the road I chose.

I don't understand why I have to go this way.

All of a sudden, I turned and I was here.

Looking at a landscape

and seeing only the flaws.

It is going to take forever to get back, I think.

I've lost my way, I can't see an easy turn.

Standing, waiting for someone to come save me.

They will right? 

Even thought my dreams got in the way of realit...

As she rests
 she lies quietly

But her mind is nothing but quiet

Those thoughts race

She worries, anticipates,

thinks about what is coming up next

Before tomorrow comes

It’s an exercise in mental jumping jacks

And while she thinks she is resting

she is exhausted but asking for a sign

Then she feels a gentleness

A softness nothing like of earth

the feathers wrap her like a blanket

of warmth and love

Holding her, comforting her

letting her rest, soothing her mind

whispers that "...

I was watching one of my favorite movies Evan Almighty tonight and on top of being a really funny movie (Steve Carrell with a Noah hair cut and beard - c'mon!), I loved one of the thoughts presented in the movie.

Evan's wife, Joan, had taken a break from Evan because it seemed that he had gone loopy.  While traveling to her mother's house to stay for a while, Joan decides to get dinner.  While she is sitting in a restaurant having dinner on the TV comes John Stewart make fun of Evan. People ...