What the World Needs Now is Loving

You’ve probably heard the phrase what the world needs now is love – it’s even a song title – and I feel sure you’ll agree with me that the world would be so very different if it operated through love rather than fear.  But think about this. The word love is a noun, but isn’t love meant to be more about action? By changing the word from love to loving, it becomes an action word, commonly known as a verb.  

I imagine all of you reading this know the importance of living through love, at least have a  partial knowledge. You know that when you respond lovingly and act through love, things work more smoothly and peacefully, and bring you more favorable outcomes.  And I believe you also know that if you react to something or someone in anger, it creates friction at the very least. The reason this is so is due to the absolute fact that love heals, anger does not.

Here’s an example. Two people have a heated argument, voices raised, vocalized obscenities, hearts racing – obvious discord all rooted in fear. No resolution seems possible as the two individuals glare at each other, maybe contemplating whether or not to throw a punch. A silence follows briefly when suddenly, one of the individuals realizes the needlessness of the argument and apologizes for his part in it. What happens? Everything transforms. Why? Because one of the individuals decided to step into a loving place so the argument and lingering anger could end. When an individual says they’re sorry – forgiveness – that is love expressed, and love is the only way this argument can heal. If the argument had ended with each person standing their ground in anger, huffy and not budging, the result would have been a far cry from love in action.

If you look around your community, our country, and the world, there is little evidence of loving actions. Most people operate from fear and thus create experiences or outcomes from fear, often things they don’t really want but create from that lower fear vibration. There is a collective body of intense energy permeating the world, and if it is primarily originating from fear, it will take a large collective body of healing love energy to overcome the present lower vibrations our world is experiencing.

People are seeking happiness, in every nook and cranny. Most people look in all the wrong places to find it, and they soon realize what they thought was happiness oftentimes vanishes as fast as it appears. Happiness comes from within, not without, meaning that it’s up to each individual to create their own happiness. Any thing and any person that exists in the external realm can add to our happiness, but they cannot create it for us. We have to create it. Love in action produces happiness!

In order to move into a place of loving action, you have to practice it, all the time. Anything worth doing involves practice to improve it. The same is true for loving – it has to be practiced. What does loving action look like? Doing random acts of kindness for others; accepting each person as they are at that moment; forgiving even if no one asked for it; remove the need to be “right”; support and encourage individuals in distress,  listening completely as someone talks with you,
keep a humble spirit;  refuse to control anything or anyone,  and the list could go on and on for ways to share love in action.  

So how can you show love today? Before you can begin sharing love with another, you must share love with yourself. You see, you cannot give what you do not have. Begin by being kind to yourself, honoring yourself enough to say no if necessary, taking time to relax, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, etc. Once you’ve taken care of you, begin spreading love around you in every direction.

Remember the movie Pay it Forward? Acts of kindness were given to three people and those three people each gave to three people, and soon the acts of kindness were spreading like a wildfire. Do something loving to three people and suggest they do the same to others, then watch how the world changes. The answer for the hurt and pain the world is experiencing is loving.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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This Very Moment in Time

Right now, this very moment that you are reading this, is all you have that is real. Now that you’ve continued reading, that previous moment is gone and you’re in the next moment, a brand new one. Pretty deep isn’t it? Understanding this concept is at the heart of understanding real living.

Where do we spend the majority of our time? In the past or future. Very few people engage in a present moment and enjoy it. Their mind is usually racing into the next moment before this one has completed, or remembering something of the past as a reference point. So let’s dig a little deeper into this, especially since it is core in life.

When we have an experience, particularly something unpleasant or hurtful, and if it is not confronted and released, it remains in our cellular memory and is stored there. Although it may be buried in our subconscious, it is very much alive. And often we recall the experience and recount the story that went with that experience, reliving the feelings. That of course proves it is still very much alive, and is in fact, controlling our present now moment.

People spend so much time reliving the past. It’s nice to remember wonderful memories of childhood and memorable moments in our life – this is good. But the trouble comes when we focus on the pain, hurt, anger and suffering of the past so that we bring it into the present. I imagine you’ve been in the company of people who continuously relive all the pain of time gone by and it probably brings you down, becoming uncomfortable or annoying after a while. Individuals who do this are seeking empathy and sympathy, and are living in the victim mindset. Living as a victim is a life of smallness, and totally overshadows the wonderful now moments as they slip away forever.

However, living for the future, something that hasn’t happened just yet, is not a real life either. I’ve often heard an individual state that when they get that perfect job or find their soulmate, they will then be happy and excited about living. But what these individuals are actually doing is putting their life on hold, waiting for the dream to manifest so they can be happy. What if it takes 5 years to come to fruition? Or perhaps even longer? So do they stop living as they wait for their dream to appear? Or what if their dream appears in a slightly different form, even though it’s better than their initial desire, and they miss it entirely?

So if the past is gone and cannot be changed, and the future hasn’t arrived yet, what does it mean to live in the present moment? Basically, it means to engage in the moment so completely that things past or future are not in your mind. Here’s a couple examples. You’re eating breakfast hurriedly while you’re making out your grocery list, then remember you need to plug in the iron to iron your outfit for that day so jump up to do it, returning to the table for another bite as you add another item to your grocery list. No wonder so many individuals suffer with indigestion! What if you ate your breakfast quietly, savoring the flavors of the various foods you are eating while you chew each mouthful thoroughly to avoid indigestion? Once you’ve enjoyed your meal you begin writing out your grocery list and paying attention to exactly what you need to purchase later that day. What a different experience you would have! That would be living in the present moment.

Or perhaps you are driving home from work, a CD playing as you talk on your cell phone while you watch for your exit, all the while thinking you need to drop off the dry cleaning before you arrive home. Okay, you’re multi-tasking, but you’re not really engaged in any of the tasks. Of course we know that talking on your cell phone while driving is a definite safety hazard, even if that was a main focus. How much better would it be if you quietly drove home, watching for your exit, as you peacefully listened to enjoyable music? And suppose you had your pile of dry cleaning already placed on the front seat so you wouldn’t forget to drop it off? And if you talked with your friend after you arrived home, just think how much better you could listen to what she/he is saying and think more clearly about your comments.

Living in the present moment means being engaged completely in an experience or happening, and enjoying it. Have you ever focused so completely on what one person is saying to you that you are oblivious to anyone else who is present, even if they are talking or laughing? Or have you been focused on watching birds at a feeder or bird bath so intently, marveling in their sounds, flurry of activity and beautiful colors, that you do not hear someone entering your space?

Meditation is a great example of focusing in the now moment. What happens when you sit quietly to meditate? If you’re like most people the minute you get quiet a host of thoughts called mind chatter flood your mind, and it is difficult to get quiet and focus. That’s your ego attempting to squelch your spirit, but with practice you can quiet that ego and allow spirit to step into the foreground. This simply shows how powerful your ego is in distracting your focus, steering you away from what’s truly important with all kinds of mundane things. Spirit likes us to pay attention to every detail of life, enjoying it to the max and treasuring those special moments. Once you can quiet your mind, you enjoy the experience of meditation.

I remember planting a rose garden by the driveway and house at one of my homes. With 5 children I was constantly zipping in and out of the driveway, and I remember noticing a blur of color during spring one year. I continued to see this blur of color as I drove in and out of the driveway until one day I became engaged enough to actually glance at the area of color. I then noticed the beautiful array of colors from my roses that were in full bloom. When I stepped out of the car I went over to those roses and even stooped to smell the luscious fragrances they emitted. Immediately I went inside, returning with scissors, and began cutting a large bouquet of those beautiful roses to enjoy in my house. As I stopped long enough to notice the roses, smell them, and then cut some to enjoy in my living space, I became engaged in a present moment and was completely living in the now.

So what roses do you need to stop to see and smell? What things do you walk or drive right by day after day and only see a blur? Life is really precious, an amazing gift, even if things in your environment aren’t exactly the way you want them. How about checking out the good things, the valuable things, which are precious to you if you take the time to notice them? Especially right now, in our present turbulent times, we must be even more mindful of our treasures, taking time to enjoy and appreciate them. Start every day in gratitude for all you have and are so that these gifts are constantly in the foreground of your thoughts. Remember that your thoughts create your next moment in time, so pay attention to what you are thinking. That last thought has created this moment, and is now creating your future!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Freedom!

Let freedom ring! We’ve heard this spoken and sung over and over, but right now the cries for freedom are being proclaimed more than ever. The very foundation of our country has been rocked, twisted and bruised; change is eminent and our spirits seek freedom.

This period in history has erupted with much chaos and uncertainty, to the point of feeling as if everything is being turned upside down – a time of revolution.  Just look around you and you can see an acceleration of violence, corruption, dishonesty, devastation from natural and man-made disasters, people clamoring for safety, survival, peace and simply being heard.  It seems this is necessary so we can get back into knowing what is truly important as well as who we are. One thing we know irrevocably is we want freedom –  its value is beyond measure!

Our soul craves freedom – it is our natural state of being.  We were born with the greatest freedom of all – the freedom of choice. Freedom is simply the ability to move or act without hindrance or restraint; it means being able to choose an action freely; it allows one to be exempt from the control of another.  Freedom is a gift and a privilege. We in the USA are so blessed, yet often it escapes our consciousness. However, recent happenings are making us aware once again of how precious our freedom is and how much we want to keep it!

Although the main emphasis right now is to maintain our freedom to live where we want, as we want, be safe, earn and keep our money and material possessions, have many options available, and have a government working with and for us, our freedom goes beyond all of this.  We are being forced into a depth inside of us that perhaps we haven’t been to before, in order for us to remember what is truly important and the realness of life. When challenges appear in people’s lives they tend to look deeper for answers and search for the meaning of life. I feel we are in that space right now and that it will rise to the foreground with greater zeal over the next months as things are flipped upside down in people’s lives, our country, and throughout the world.

Our spirit wants to be heard and is coming forth now to enlighten us with insights for a new future. Although the forecast is dismal by many people, I believe we are being told to look deep inside of us to pull out all kinds of things that lay hidden within us – our potential. You’ve probably heard this phrase: “When times get tough, the tough get going”. We’re here folks - times are definitely tough for many. Yet in spite of all that is going on around you, you are resourceful, and within you are a multitude of possibilities just waiting for you to grab and bring them forth.

It’s time to regroup and re-evaluate your life. What do you want your life to look like? What is really important to you? What freedoms do you enjoy that you want to keep? What can you do to change your life for the better right now? How can you help your country remain free? How can you assist and support those in distress? Tune into your spirit for that is where your truth is, and where all answers are found.

As things are shaken and tossed around in life, I have learned how to have a deep peace because I know that everything will be fine, in every aspect of my life, if I continue to focus on my desires and persevere. You can do the same. The phrase “All is well” is always in my mind and I suggest you make this your daily mantra. When fear based thoughts creep into your consciousness, simply toss them out the window and replace with the thought that all is well. I believe that the upheaval in our country and the world right now is a necessary happening to bring individuals back to the basic, simple, pure and real. 

What does freedom mean to you? Have you ever thought about it, really? Most of us take it for granted and assume it will always be there because that’s what we’ve probably known throughout our life. Do you remember when you wanted the freedom of your own car, or wanted to be out on your own away from mom and dad? Did you ever want freedom from school studies or from an unhappy relationship? And when that freedom came it was glorious, right?

I’m a no shoes person so the minute I walk into my house my shoes get kicked off. To me they are confining, yet necessary much of the time. I also love wide open spaces and cannot stand the confinement of small places like airplane seats, tiny cars or tightly filled elevators. Perhaps it’s due to being born under the Aquarius sign.  This plays out over and over in my life. My spirit reminds me often of this and pushes me out of my box into something more adventurous and open. Individuals often enjoy being comfortable, but that’s a sign of stagnation and time for movement. My spirit doesn’t seem to like me comfortable. Is your spirit trying to push you out of the comfort zone right now?

We’re in the middle of a time when we’re being guided to move, to step out of that comfortable space and step into a new creative adventure. This frees us from the place where we are right now – the chaos, sameness, frustration, materialism and perhaps devastation that has overtaken many of our lives.  When we take that first step, then another, not only are we stepping into freedom, but we are able to see the opportunities. In every difficulty there is an opportunity, if you can see it. Although we don’t always have control over our circumstances and environment, we do have control over our mind, heart and spirit - our choices.

So choose today to let your spirit soar free, beyond the dimension of your imagination into amazing possibilities of creativity and resourcefulness. Know that everything is truly possible if you keep  that belief freely flowing through you every day. Stoke your spirit into revolutionary new frontiers of freedom, growth, expansion and creativity so that true value is revealed and a new life, community, country and world can begin anew. Don’t you think it’s time? 

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Carrots, Eggs & Coffee!

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. 

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. 

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. 

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.' 

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. 

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean.?' 

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting in the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. 

'Which are you' she asked her daughter? 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? 

Think of this: Which are you? Are you the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength? 

Are you the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? 

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. 

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. 

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. 
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. 

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!! !

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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No matter what . . . Get up! Dress Up! Show Up!

Life can seem like a real bummer sometimes, can’t it? Things are going along pretty good and all of a sudden wham…something hits you from left field and knocks you to the ground. We’ve all experienced these moments in our life, and sometimes you just want to crawl in bed and sleep until the entire situation is resolved. Whether you lose a job, receive an unwanted health diagnosis, experience a relationship break-up, or whatever situation sends you reeling, even if you think you’ll never make it through this challenge, you always do.

Look back over your life right now and remember some times when everything looked bleak and dark, but here you are, months or years later, living proof you made it through!

As a life coach I work with individuals continuously who are stuck or in crisis and reaching out for help. Sometimes they feel like giving up because they believe there is no hope for resolution of their problem. They are stuck in the fear and cannot see the brightness of the future. The sad thing is that as long as they focus on the mess that’s around them, they will remain in it. And even if they move through that situation, another will surface unless they change their thoughts. The only way out is to change their thoughts to a belief that all is well and something good will come out of their situation.

However, many individuals cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel so remain stuck, wallowing in self-pity and resentment. They may not crawl back in bed so to speak, yet they hide from the potential of what can be and simply play the role of victim, feeling very sorry for themselves. But those that win, those that get the gold, can see the light, and in fact, never lose sight of it.

Anyone who has ever trained for a sports competition knows the importance of facing the opponent. No matter who or what appears as an obstacle on their path, they know that in order to win they must focus on the prize and never lose sight of it. They may stumble and fall or get beaten down, but they always get up and show up for the next practice or next experience.

This is how it is in life. The key is always to get up no matter what has happened and keep trekking, brushing off your knees as you stand up. Put on your finest and be prepared for all the good that lies ahead. Show that you mean business and are willing to move forward. Step up to the plate and get ready for the swing. When you show up the universe knows you’re serious about playing and becoming a victor.

How many times do you think those in training are tired, bruised, discouraged, and realize that their training is hard? I imagine they think of quitting more than once. But what keeps them coming back for more? It’s their desire to do their job, win the game, and make a dream come true.

The same is true for all of us as we move along our life journey. There will be many times when we feel discouraged, perhaps even to the point of wanting to give up on something or someone, but if we decide we want to make a dream come true, we have to continue to focus on that desire – the gold – and keep it in our minds every day.

The secret to making it through to create and realize the dream is to completely let go of the entire situation. Place the intention of what you want, then surrender it to God and continue with your life. Do not try to figure out any of the details or you’ll be in the way. Letting go of the control is very difficult for many people, yet it’s the way to allow the dream to come true with ease.

Envision what it is you want and keep it in front of your face continually. Athletes often visualize plays or positions sitting in a room. Visualizing ingrains it into their mind so when finally on the field they can bring it into reality. You can do the same. Picture the end result of what you want. Keep it in your mind at all times. Dress up for the win as if you have already become the victor, showing up every day as the victor. What will happen? One day, when the timing is right, the vision of what you wanted will manifest in your life, just like you saw it or better.

Funny thing – oftentimes, your life will show exactly the opposite of what you want. You’ll look around you and maybe think it’s all a joke - the visualizing of your dream. The universe is funny that way. As soon as you envision your dream – perhaps the resolution of an uncomfortable or problematic situation – the universe begins to bring it to you, however, since that usually involves getting rid of debris that’s in the way, it may actually seem that everything is going crazy around you and getting worse. Hang in there! The old must fall away before the new can unfold.   

So no matter what is going on around you right now, don’t remain in the prone position. Stand up, brush off your knees, and lift your eyes so you can see all the possibilities. Dress yourself with the power you have to create your dreams into reality. When you have belief, the universe aligns with you and begins the process of bringing everything into fruition. As you show up, the universe shows up, and resolution of every problematic situation occurs, allowing your dreams to manifest with ease, all in divine timing. It’s not always easy to see the good when your life feels like it is falling apart, but in the end, as you look back over the resolution of the situation, the good will appear like a brilliant white light, shining brightly in your life. It’s your choice of course, but I can promise that it always pays off to Get up! Dress up! and Show up!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Are You Experiencing Abundance?

I’ve never met anyone in my entire life who doesn’t want abundance. It’s a normal, human desire to desire abundance and want to live in abundance. What is abundance? According to Webster it is having plenty, more than a sufficient quantity, wealth. So it’s a given – we all want it!

Yet so often it eludes us and we don’t understand why. Perhaps you do affirmations and say the right words but alas, it never comes, or if it comes it doesn’t stick around for the long haul. I remember experiencing this dilemma some years back and have often been given experiences since then to see what I’ve learned. As a
human being, I realize, like you, I need to be reminded of what abundance is and how to have it continuously.

The world is a mess right now – that’s another definite. No one knows what will happen next in our economy, or with job losses, or the real estate market, but we all know there is chaos right now. Predictions have been made and sadly, many false claims stating we’re on the rebound, yet the externals in our lives do not share that claim. So how can anyone feel abundant when they’ve lost their job, lost their house, lost their savings or retirement, and are experiencing what feels like a dismal reality of their life?

Abundance has nothing to do with what’s going on around you, it only has to do with what’s going on within you. The universe is an abundant place, full of overflowing resources available to everyone. But what happens when apparent disaster hits a person’s life? Panic erupts and thinking is clouded with the negative emotions that often invade the person’s thoughts. Justifiable, right? After all, if you’ve lost a job or house the real situation is happening and you are scrounging for cash to survive. Maybe your situation isn’t as bad as that; perhaps it’s simply a time to regroup, tighten your belt, and watch what you spend. However, could disaster be around the corner for you?

I mentioned earlier that abundance is an inside job, so let me explain. When you don’t feel abundant and are focusing on all the “stuff” that’s going on around you, that is a negative. Negatives can only create more of the same negative experiences because energy only flows with the same vibration. So as long as you think about your loss of money, job, house, or anything to do with less or not enough, you will continue to experience those things in your life. Maybe you have a lesson to learn or maybe you need to become resourceful with what you have inside of you. Either way it is a gift and you will grow stronger as you step on the other side of the situation.

However, let’s look at the way you want to experience your life. If you focus on what you want and say “thank you” to God for all you already have, even when you’ve just lost a job, house or retirement funds, you are aligned with positive thoughts. Positive, high energy thoughts can only create more of the same, which is simply abundance. Now as humans it is really hard to feel positive when your world seems to be crashing down around you, but I can promise you it is the only way to change your circumstances into what you want,
the only way! Besides, even if you have lost a home, job or retirement fund, you still have many blessings, the only ones that really count: spouse, children, parents, love, internal gifts and talents, and the ability to create something better.

I tried getting into abundance so many times over the last dozen or so years, but it wasn’t until I looked around me at what I had and became thankful for all of it, that more showed up in my life. And sometimes I had to let go of things I thought I wanted to hang on to, but once I let go and became grateful for what I still had, better things showed up, many times in the form of miracles!

There are many ways to help you create abundance in your life, but it all begins inside of you by creating an attitude and aptitude of abundance. Mind you, it must be genuine, because God and the universe knows if you’re pretending in any way, and then it won’t work. So if you’ve tried attracting abundance before and it hasn’t worked for you, there is a block or belief of some kind that has stopped more abundance from reaching you. This block is because of fear and it is expressed in a negative way. You have to believe it in your heart and know that whatever you ask for is already on the way the minute you think the thought or speak the words. Belief comes from love expressed, nothing more, nothing less. So all that blocks it from reaching you is you!

Look at your life and see where abundance is lacking. Is it in your bank account, your relationships, your career, your spiritual connection, your health or your heart?  Something is out of whack inside of you if this is the case. Release it and bring in new thoughts of abundance and watch what happens. Remember, abundance thoughts come from loving thoughts, thoughts that are expressed through gratitude for all you presently have and are. It doesn’t mean it will change overnight – it took more than overnight to get in the place where you are – but things will begin shifting immediately if you are sincere.

What’s the positive outcome for you? You’ll feel happier, lighter, more creative, more energized and probably sleep more restfully. The sun may even seem to shine brighter. New ideas may pop in and new opportunities arise. You may be surprised how much better you feel even though the “stuff” going on around you hasn’t really changed as yet; it’s you who has changed.

February is the month in which we focus on love. Focusing on love can bring you the desires of your heart. If you want abundance in one or all aspects of your life, put love in your heart and watch it all unfold for you!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Let’s Talk About Money!

Everyone loves money! I doubt any of you reading this would refuse money that is given to you. Don’t you just love the feel of money in your hand? It’s not that you actually love the physical feeling of the money, (after all it is a germ carrier), but it’s the internal feeling that holding money gives to you – a feeling of security and power. Money is such a necessary function of our everyday lives and we cannot live without it. In fact, it’s an exchange commodity that has become the backbone of the economy for most countries around the globe. Money buys us things, pays our living essentials, gives us opportunities to be entertained, relax, and enjoy material possessions of great magnitude. It’s a wonderful feeling when your bank account has more than enough, your wallet or pocket is full, and you can buy what you need or want at that very moment.

Some people use money as a status symbol, using it as a statement of their place in the community according to how much money they have or what they want their neighbors and friends to believe they have. Often this place of striving to impress makes one opt for the charge card to replace the cash in order to keep up the image and acquire whatever is necessary to maintain this impression of prosperous status. What happens next? You guessed it – living beyond their means and creating debt that seems to be never-ending – the creation of a vicious precarious cycle.

We deserve to have money. The universe is an abundant place with enough wealth for everyone alive to enjoy some of it. But many people do not believe that. Perhaps you’re one of those people who were programmed with the thought that you have to work hard just to survive and if you’re lucky you just might make it through life okay. Some of you may have been taught that money doesn’t grow on trees so you have to always save for a rainy day just in case of troubles. Most people in our world base all their beliefs from lack, the belief that there isn’t ever enough, they want more, they cannot have all they want, it takes hard work to gain anything, and so forth. And because of those beliefs they entertain within them, they literally
don’t have enough because their energy vibration of not enough creates that exact scenario in their life.

Everything in this world is composed of energy. Money is energy! Wherever the focus is when the thought surrounding it is created, that is what shows up. So if a person continually sees there life as hard with not enough abundance and money, then their life continues to have not enough abundance and money. It is a scientific fact that whatever energy is put forth comes back the same. So if you don’t have enough money in your life, you must shift your internal thoughts or you will continue to create circumstances and situations to substantiate your original thought.

Now this is a difficult thing for most people to do. After all, you can look at your bank account or checkbook and see, for a fact, that there isn’t much there - not enough. So if there isn’t enough in the reality of your life, how do you create something different with new thoughts of abundance when you don’t feel or see abundance in any way?

The core is this, and if you ever want to change your life into one that is abundant and overflowing with enough money, you must understand the following fact. In order to create a generous flow of money and abundance in your life you must begin with the abundance you now have, and be grateful for it, just as it is!
That may seem easy as you first hear it, but think about this: It’s more than simply hearing the words and saying you believe them, it’s actually incorporating the belief inside of your heart so that you know it as a truth. This is completely different from thinking a thought; it’s the belief that makes the difference.

Belief takes on an entirely new plane of living. Belief puts emotion into the mix (feeling). Once you feel something it has the opportunity of becoming reality. It’s the feeling that brings everything to life so as you believe and feel abundance in your present life, you can expand on that feeling and continue bringing in more abundance and money. Here’s an example of this concept.

Perhaps you hold your breath that you’ll make it until the end of the month with your money. So your thoughts consistently are focused on how you cannot buy this or that because you’re afraid you might run out of money before the next paycheck. Well that is fear-based thinking and creates a not enough mindset which then creates more experiences to confirm your belief of not enough. Instead, be thankful for the money that is in your account and thank God for it. As the end of the month nears, be diligent about your spending but continue to be grateful for the money that is there. If you want to buy something but fear says there won’t be enough money if you do, simply say to yourself that you’ll buy it next month when more money appears. By focusing in this manner you shift away from not enough into I have enough and will purchase it soon – that it’s your choice to wait.

It’s a fact that likes attract likes, and whatever you send out comes back to you the same. This is the energy I referred to earlier. It’s all about energy and the flow that you create with it. And with this focus is a process that works every time in my life – surrender. So many times I have found myself in a financial bind but when I simply surrender it all to God, affirming my gratitude for what I presently have and what will be brought to me to resolve my situation, it always happens!

So here is the process to create more money in your life.

1. Begin right now by being grateful for everything you have and are. Be thankful for the money in your bank account, your residence and all it contains, your job that brings your paycheck, the relationships in your life, your car, the many talents you possess – you get the picture. You’ll soon see you already have a great deal for which to be grateful – simply abundance!
2. Ask for what you desire. Be specific. I like to say “I have an abundance of money to pay all my expenses and enough left over to spare and share.” I often repeat this daily to remind myself of what I truly want and believe I deserve to have.
3. Surrender the entire intention to God. This means literally going on with your routine as if your request is on the way, because if you don’t block your desire with doubts and fear, it is on the way!

Here’s the secret of receiving anything you want – you have to be what it is you want. In other words, in order to bring more money into your life you have to believe it is coming and you deserve it. If you don’t, it will elude you, guaranteed. So if money is continually disappearing from your life and acquiring more is difficult, you haven’t followed the three steps outlined above, and you haven’t learned your lesson just yet.

Be the abundance you want and it will expand into more. Being abundant is simply coming from a place of enough, that all your needs are supplied and you are grateful for this that you presently have. Being abundant can only bring you more of the same, for that is a law of the universe: the energy you put out there brings back more of the same to you! Money is simply energy – whatever energy you give it, it is always an internal belief.

So right now, look around you at all you have. Look at your bank account and see what’s there. Say ‘Thank you God for this abundance in my life.” I can guarantee that if you focus on what you already have and are grateful for all of it, more will continue to come to you. What a great way to begin a new year with gratitude for all you presently have and all that is coming your way!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Counting Down

This year is fast closing in on us - less than 50 days left and we are counting down. Frosty mornings, football games and nachos overflowing with melted cheese, leaves falling into piles of brown ground cover, spooks and goblins arising to collect their tricks or treats have been upon us, now giving way to the holidays with all their merriment and excitement. ‘Tis such a glorious time of the year.

Look back over the year. What was your year like? What did you accomplish? Did you fulfill any of your dreams? Did you even have any dreams? What about the purpose for your life? What have you left undone that really needs to be completed? What New Year’s resolution did you give up on two weeks after the new year began?

Often life whizzes by in a whirlwind of activity that may keep us gasping for breath at times. We get so caught up in the busyness of living that we seldom take the time to even think about anything other than tomorrow’s schedule and whether or not we can get everything done. But it’s not too late! There is still time before the year ends to get started or even complete those unfinished thoughts, dreams, or promises.

Procrastination becomes a way of life for far too many people. “I’ll do it next week” or “I’ll wait until I have more free time” or “I’ll have to learn more before I attempt that.” This is simply the fear popping up to stop you, for procrastination is an expression of fear – putting off to tomorrow what should be done today.

The world is chaotic and unraveling at its seams it appears, yet now is the perfect time to set in motion those dreams and desires. How do you do this?

The first thing is to take some time to sit quiet and just be. Don’t have time you say? There lies the key to your problem. You must get quiet so you can hear what you are being guided to do. Sometimes people hear their guidance but push it away due to doubts, time constraints, too much stress, panic, worry and financial pressures. When this happens they are trying their best to control their life as they think it should be. But God and the universe might have a different plan for you which if you are resisting and trying to do your own thing your own way, often makes you feel as if you’re paddling upstream against the current and losing ground.

We’ve discussed that you must stop and be quiet to hear your guidance. But once you’ve heard what is important for your life, then you have to surrender the entire process. If you don’t surrender it you’ll feel overwhelmed, unprepared and probably doubt you can do what you are being guided to do.  Surrendering means to get out of the way and leave the details to God, a hard path to take for many. You’ve most likely been taught you have to make things happen in this world and work hard to get anywhere. Actually, that is partially true, but the key here is to allow God and the universe to open the doors for you, which then allows you to run through them and work conscientiously to follow your dream. Most people get it backwards. They are taught to work hard to force, manipulate and push the doors open, then continue to work in overwork and overwhelm to get the job done. That’s stress in a nutshell and may get you through some doors, but it’s the hard way.

Now that you’ve stopped and listened and are envisioning your dreams and desires, and have surrendered all the details of the process, you are ready for action. When the door opens, run through it with a burst of energy and excitement. It’s time to step into action, working efficiently to complete your dream. Here’s where it gets tough. As stumbling blocks fall onto their path it seems too hard and many people quit. Human beings, by their nature, wish to avoid the rocks on their path. It’s too difficult so they simply turn around and go back to where it’s easier and familiar. Anything new takes courage, determination and perseverance. Uncharted territory always feels scary and perhaps difficult because it is new and uncharted. But those who are weak and afraid won’t plunge forward and persevere. Such was the dilemma of all pioneers as they stepped into uncharted territory, but thank God they persevered.

Some people are up for the challenge and willing to do whatever it takes to complete the journey. They simply figure out how to walk over the rock and continue their journey into their dream. In my own life I finally understood that perseverance is always necessary if you want to get where you are going. Dreams don’t usually manifest into reality quickly; they always require baby steps and the allowance for divine timing to come into reality, and the perseverance to climb over the rocks.

Time is running out for this year as we count down the remaining days. What do you need to complete or perhaps even begin? What have you ignored in the past months that is tugging at your heart strings? If you feel as if you haven’t done anything during the year, why not have some quiet time so your guidance can come through. It’s vital to make every hour, day, week, month and year count toward your purpose for being on this earth, so I hope you make the decision right now, right this very moment, to move forward and make a difference in our world. Your entire life will change for the better and you will feel fulfilled and happy because you allowed your dream to manifest. Make your year count!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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The Mask

Life holds many mysteries just as a mask mysteriously hides the identity of who or what is behind it. Curiosity may be aroused as an individual experiences a feeling of anticipation while waiting for the revelation of the mystery.

A mask is used as a cover-up, a means of hiding the true identity or image behind the mask. A mask is used by millions of children and adults for Halloween, masquerades, parties, festivals such as Mardi Gras and the Chinese New Year celebration, and various productions. These are festive occasions for the purpose of entertainment and excitement, and often bring enjoyment to the participants. I’m sure all of you reading this have donned a mask sometime in your life.

These masks are quite visible and are often recognizable as someone who once lived, a cartoon or mythical character, or someone who is well known in our present life. But some people wear another type mask.

The mask I’ve just referenced is an invisible mask, one we recognize as a specific identity when in reality it is a cover-up to hide the true identity of an individual. You’ve probably heard something like this: “he/she sure showed their true colors.” In this situation another side of an individual showed up and for that moment their invisible mask was removed. What they were hiding beneath their mask was now revealed.

My belief is that many people in your life right now are wearing a mask; maybe you are too. You believe them to be a particular person when in actuality they are someone else. Perhaps they always smile and act really happy but inside they are scared and insecure. One day an incident happens and something they say or do shows their other side, sometimes referred to as their “dark side.”

As a spiritual life coach I see this cover-up continually because individuals seek me out once they can no longer deal with the internal battle going on within them. The stress involved with trying to hold up the image of who they are trying to be becomes too much and they fold. Yet others spend their entire life holding onto the image and wearing the mask no matter what it costs them.

Stress is a killer as anyone in the health field will tell you, even the medical profession. Stress breaks down the immune system, burns out the adrenal glands - our stress regulator, contributes to heart disease as well as many other diseases, and ruins many relationships. Trying to keep up the image of your mask is a major stressor and will, at some point, create a disastrous effect in your life.

So what’s the solution? It’s really quite simple but hard for so many people to implement - simply be yourself. This means that no matter where you are or who you are with, you always act the same way, talk the same way, and are the same. Your standards, values and ethics remain constant and everyone around you can vouch for who you are.

In the past I was very insecure and had a very low self-image, so I pretended to be this got-it-all-together person. I wanted to prove to myself as well as my friends and family how great I was by doing many physical things to prove I was accomplished and worthy of the image they had of me. Yet inside I was afraid and anxious, never able to really relax, because I felt I really wasn’t that altogether person with all those abilities, and could never measure up. It created a great stress within me because I knew I really didn’t think that highly of myself, that I was certainly less than perfect, even though I worked hard by doing and producing many extra things to hopefully convince myself and those in my life that I was that altogether, amazing person. Then one day I crashed!

I had driven myself into poor health with worry and cover-up. My adrenals were a mess but no one figured that out, so I suffered. My healing journey took years until I understood the whole picture. Yes, my physical body had broken down and had to be addressed with proper nutrients and lifestyle changes, but the reason it had broken was because of my internal stressors and lack of awareness of my inborn magnificence. I had grown up with the wrath of God hanging over my head if I didn’t do things a certain way, so I always felt I was inadequate. But as I became an adult I learned how to hide from my fears and inadequacies by pretending to be the person I wanted to be: cool, calm, collected, happy and full of vibrancy and joy. I also grew to understand that by the time the physical symptoms had surfaced, the negative energy I created within me had traveled through the mental, emotional and spiritual realms, and when it hit the physical realm, well, that’s when it got my intention - the cosmic two-by-four if you will.

As I began to discover my true identity, that I was in fact a child of God and born with amazing gifts and the power to create whatever I wanted in my life, I began to shift from my internal battle of low self-worth to the realization that I didn’t need to prove to anyone my worth because I was already worthy from birth. First I began to understand it in my head and accept that belief, but it wasn’t until I brought it down into my heart so that I truly knew this fact that I became the person I always dreamed of becoming: cool, calm, collected, happy, full of vibrancy and joy. The most amazing aspect of this entire transformation was the fact that the mask I had been wearing for years was actually who I could be and finally became!

So often we pose as the person we want to be when in reality we can be that person. It begins with self-approval, knowing you are worthy just as you are and don’t have to do anything to earn your worthiness. Most individuals will put a mask on their face of whom they wish to be, someone better than they believe they are. And we do find that some people pretend to be loving, caring people with high integrity only to discover that was a cover-up of the not so loving, caring or ethical person they portrayed. Sad to say but some people are pretty evil inside and eventually their ugliness appears. I’ve heard a story several times of individuals living two lives simultaneously, married to two spouses with two sets of children, yet neither of the spouses knowing the truth until one day all of the deception surfaced and the real story was exposed. I’m afraid we do find many people who wear this mask of deception.

When I took off my mask and became my true self, what a relief. No more self-pity or self-disapproval. I became the same every day without inhibitions and without shame or blame. I shed stress like a winter coat on a warm spring day. I was able to breathe deeply and relax, something I had to learn to do since I had become a expert at shallow breathing and tightly knotted muscles, symptoms of stress. All of this became possible as a result of changing my innermost programming into believing and accepting my true worth; a mask was no longer needed or wanted for their was no longer anything to hide.

My invitation to you is to grab your mask, rip it off, and toss it into the trash. Go inside and find out who you truly are and then live as that person. If you don’t like what you see, and most probably there will be things you will want to change, then get started releasing your old thoughts and beliefs about yourself and begin shifting into the thoughts and beliefs that will propel you into the person you want to be.  I can promise that if you truly want to make the changes, you will be able to do it. It begins with a choice, your choice, and with that choice comes an incredible opportunity, the opportunity of creating an extraordinary life as the person you wish to be!

Make the choice today to begin a new direction, one that allows you to be you, just as you are, a wonderful, fantastic, magnificent individual with the power to create the life you want. You don’t need a mask; you only need a mirror to see your true self!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Resourcefulness

What do you see around you right now? Do you see the abundance and beauty of life or do you see not enough, worry and ugliness? Whatever you see is your perception which is reflecting your innermost beliefs. Abundance is an expression of love while not enough (lack) is an expression of fear.

You may justify your fear based perception due to the economic turmoil, dishonesty in government, rise in job loss, and the incredible amount of corruption evident here and abroad. It does appear scary until you look past the surface.

Again I point to perception. Two people look at a glass half filled with water. One sees it as half full, another half empty. Their perception indicates the base where their thoughts are formed, the vibration of energy that flows from them. The person who sees it half full has a positive perception and is vibrating at a higher level while the individual who sees it half empty has a negative perception based in a belief of lack, a lower vibration.

This may seem like a silly example but know this – how you see things in your life has a direct correlation to your inner beliefs. Whatever beliefs you put out vibrationally continually bring back to you the same vibrations. This is a law of the universe.

So many people are living in this lower vibration – a place of fear and worry. It’s understandable from a human viewpoint, but as spiritual beings we have no right to be in a lower vibration. Why? We know the world is abundant and that God wants us to have the desires of our heart. It takes faith and trust to rise above the chaos into the higher vibration, yet it’s the only way to experience abundance. Likes attract likes and lower energy brings more experiences at a lower vibration, always.

I believe the economic turmoil along with all the surfacing of corruption is our wake-up call. Often it takes something catastrophic to get our attention. It’s time to come back to love and operate from that higher vibration. It’s time to learn to live within our means and get rid of so much debt. It’s time to recognize what is really important and what is not. It’s time to jump into service and help those whose hands are grappling for something solid to hold onto. And it’s time to demand that our country go back to the principles it was founded on and take pride in who we are and what we stand for.

No matter where you are in your life, it’s time to become resourceful. The necessary resources surround you, but it’s up to you to become resourceful with them. Maybe it’s time for you to change vocations or add something about service for others. Serving others from a heart full of love always fulfills and brings joy. What gifts do you have that others could benefit from? Art? Crafts? Write a book? Teach? Coach? Learn a new trade? Healing work?

I believe the world economic chaos has not hit the bottom yet and I believe as it does over the next year, people will be crying out in desperation for someone to help. At Where Miracles Happen we have answers, and as the need rises, so will the demand for our services. I truly believe as people search for help, spiritual coaching will soar with demand. People will need direction, support, encouragement and healing on every level and dimension, and there must be many of us ready to help.

Perhaps you’ve thought of becoming a spiritual life coach, someone who is able to guide people with love when they give up hope. Then I encourage you to consider stepping up to the plate, become certified as a spiritual life coach, and stand ready when people reach out begging for your help. July 24-26 is our next training. Check out our website at www.wheremiracleshappen.com for the details.

Take time right now to get quiet and let your heart speak to you. What do you do well? What do you enjoy doing? How could you use that to serve and benefit others? We live in a world that wants maximum return for minimum investment, but everything of value requires a gestation period, and patience is part of the picture. There’s always a reason for the period of time it takes you to reach your desire, and true mastery is persistence when you don’t yet see the light.

So as the world is weighted down with the chaos and turbulence evident today, remain in the eye of the storm in peace and serenity, knowing that we’ve always come out of troubled times in the past and we will again. Also realize that now could very well be the time for you to launch into something new, something that will make your heart sing. Although many individuals were devastated with the depression decades ago, many new and wonderful businesses and ideas surfaced in the midst of problematic situations. And so it can be true now. Do not buy into the turmoil and fear, but instead search for how you can serve, what you can create, how you can improve your life and the lives of those around you. You might be amazed at just how resourceful you are with the resources presently in your own environment.

 In Harmonic Wealth, written by James Arthur Ray, he says, “The world of Newtonian physics involves direct cause and effect, linear thinking, and a mechanistic approach in the familiar three-dimensional world we see around us. The quantum realm is nonlinear, operating on subtle energies more often intuited than measured, in dimensions we can’t detect with our five senses. To achieve true harmonic wealth, you’ve got to know how to operate in two realms simultaneously – to respect the linear, Newtonian results you can see with your eyes while acknowledging what’s happening on a no linear quantum level in the realm of spirit.”

So while we live in the world as we see it around us, we also live in the world of spirit, the place where positive vibrational energy can shift us into the higher level of living in which we want to be, a place of resourcefulness and success regardless of the proclamation of doom and gloom that most assuredly will fall on your ears. Resources are all around you at this very moment. Why not become resourceful?

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Overcoming Addiction and Abuse: Carolyn’s Story

Addiction is a scary thing. It is scary because on some level you know you have lost control, and humans by nature want to be in control. Of course the addicted person will deny this feeling of losing control and will probably do everything they can to convince you otherwise, but inside they know and it is a scary feeling.

Addiction can be to many things: street drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, nicotine, sex, food, playing the role of victim, and much more. But no matter what form of addiction you are experiencing, it all stems from the same core: a feeling of low self-worth. In other words, somewhere inside of you is pain and hurt. Someone once said you are worthless, stupid, can’t do anything right, are in the way, won’t amount to much, or a host of other negative, devastating comments that you accepted as a truth. It most often occurs in childhood when you are impressionable and believe what you are told. Sometimes these things are said with the intent to hurt you while other times they may be uttered without thought or understanding what the treacherous consequences can be.

My own pain first surfaced when I was a teenager. It is oftentimes such a difficult time in life because things are changing so rapidly and parents don’t always agree with their teens ideas and wishes. I experienced this and as I tried to spread my wings a bit, my parents continually clipped them and the name “rebellious” was attached to me. I felt I wasn’t being heard but was instead being told there was only one way to do things and I had better do them correctly or I’d be in trouble. I do believe parents need to give their children guidelines that must be followed, but parents also need to listen to their children and extend to them unconditional love. However, as we know, that doesn’t happen all the time.

I did get through those years but uncomfortable things were happening in my physical body, things like anxiety, nervousness, sleeping problems and something doctors called a spastic colon. It would come and go and I took some over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs to help with these things. Some of the symptoms disappeared but others hung around. College was completed and marriage began. Things seemed okay for the most part and then came the babies. Now I loved being a mom and couldn’t wait to have children, but somehow not everything in the marriage was happening as I thought it would. So now there was friction here and there, teaching piano lessons five days per week for added income, plus several children (eventually five in all), and lots of stressors. I would take tranquilizers at times as well as Librium to calm down my spastic colon, but when I learned we were moving several states away from family and friends, I received a prescription for Valium, even though I was in the first trimester of my third pregnancy.

My new doctor had a hissy fit when he learned what I was taking and refused to give me any more – never good to do when pregnant I learned. I had no choice but to stop cold turkey and get off the tranquilizers. After three weeks or so of shakes, insomnia, crying, poor appetite and horrific anxiety, I began to feel closer to normal again and life became more enjoyable as I welcomed another little one into our family.

Life went on, and I was busy with five children, piano teaching, church pianist, and many things like gardening, sewing, decorating, and the usual cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring kids, etc. But as my older kids
began to leave the nest it hit me that soon they would all be gone and what would I have left. My marriage was less than desirable, I had lost my interest in piano teaching, the kids had been my life and would no longer be around, and I kept getting this scary, sinking feeling inside that my life was not going to hold much good soon. I couldn’t shake it even though people praised me for my accomplishments all the time.
What was wrong with me I would say to myself? Why am I not happy? Why am I sensing doom and gloom around me?

A homeopathic doctor gave me one dose of a remedy for my stress, saying this would help me overcome these feelings. But instead of what he promised, I exploded, like a time bomb. It was as if I had a nervous breakdown in one twenty-four hour period. Little did I know that my life journey was about to halt as it was and do an about face into a totally new direction.

It took me a total of five years to heal from that experience in my life. I couldn’t get a grip on things so I resorted again to tranquilizers, this time Xanax. It allowed me to function but I could see I was needing more to keep somewhat even-keeled, and that I didn’t like. Since I had been studying alternative health modalities and treatments in recent years, I searched for answers in alternative health. I slowly weaned myself off the Xanax and substituted this for safe, herbal remedies that did work for me over time. But I also learned on my healing journey that every physical disorder appears due to an emotional core, and as I researched more into this phenomena, I saw the truth in this.

What I uncovered was my attachment, or addiction if you will, to playing the part of a victim. Every time I told my sad story of my unhappy marriage or mentioned what so-in-so had done to me, that person would feel sorry for me so I’d get their sympathy, and continually recounting the story to people kept me in a constant state of upheaval and unrest. I later learned that every time you share a story it gains power and increases in intensity, so I was continually reinforcing my negative state. A vicious cycle had been perpetrated and it was my doing. I didn’t understand that then, but now I do realize all this was self-inflicted.

Once I recognized that I had chosen this path and had the power of choice to step away from it and create a new story, I began the journey of my life transformation. I also realized that what had been my biggest problem all my life was the way I felt about myself: that I was unworthy of good things, that I couldn’t measure up to the standards set out for me, that I wasn’t talented enough, and so forth. So I was living under the umbrella of a huge case of low self-esteem. I was allowing people to tell me how to think, act, live and be, and much of the time didn’t think I had any choice in the matter. And I also understood for the first time in my life that I was the one who had made the choice to listen to them rather than to my own truth.

I transformed my life into one that is glorious. Every day is exciting to be alive and I have changed everything in my life. No longer do I suffer from anxiety or sleeplessness, nor a spastic colon. All of that is past tense and now I can use what I have learned to help others on their healing journey. I was able to overcome my big fear of speaking in public and now actually train others to be speakers. As a life coach, trainer, speaker, author, angel channel and owner of a healing center called Where Miracles Happen, I can assure you that miracles can happen. Anyone who knew me fifteen or twenty years ago would not believe the changes in me, they probably wouldn’t know me. The joy of my life now is helping individuals like you overcome whatever challenge is in your way from living the life you think you can only dream about having, but in fact, can be yours.

To overcome any addiction you must first and foremost reach a point of being tired of your life as it is, to the degree that you cannot stand living as you are. When you reach that point you are able to surrender and know you need help. No one can make you overcome anything; it has to be your choice and your determination to achieve it. When you reach the bottom and see no way out, that’s when you are ready to listen and accept help from those who’ve gone before you and have overcome. Without your personal willingness to commit fully to the program of help you choose, you won’t be able to recover completely. It took me years to understand this and it was hard work to beat it all. Was it worth it? You bet! A million times over!

What did I have to do? Reframe my thoughts and beliefs so I could create a different outcome, and let go of all old patterns. When I was addicted to tranquilizers and played the victim role so well, I was in chains – the pills and victim mindset controlled my life. I wasn’t free in any aspect and I longed for freedom. Letting go and breaking these chains allowed me to breathe again and create the life I truly wanted. There were coaching sessions, implementing various healing modalities, lots of releasing old beliefs and patterns and replacing them with new positive beliefs, reading, studying, classes, and basically restructuring my entire life. It took some time and much due diligence, but never once have I looked back over my shoulder at my old life and wanted to return.

Let me summarize briefly my journey. My hope is that if your journey looks similar to mine, that you make the choice to change your direction as I have done.

Chapter 1
I walked down the street. It looked like an interesting street.
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find my way out.

Chapter 2
I walked down the street. It looked like an interesting street.
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it - denial.
I fall in again. I can’t believe I’m in this same place.
But it is my fault. It takes a long time to get out again.

Chapter 3
I walked down the street, It looked like an interesting street.
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there. I still fall in.
It’s a habit but my eyes are wide open now.
I know where I am and it is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walked down the street. It looked like an interesting street.
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.

And so it is!

If you are seeking a way out of your bondage of addiction and pain, I would be honored to help you. You have to ask for help, so please contact me at info@drcarolynporter.com, 770-663-3991 or 678-445-3309.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Create Your Own Tea Party

Right now our country, the world and perhaps your own life is in a tizzy. Things are changing faster than we can blink our eyes, and it doesn’t always appear to be beneficial. But one thing is for sure, we can pull out of this mess if we believe we can. Look at history and you’ll see we have always overcome any problematic situation, but in the process many things had to change. That’s where we are today, in need of changing the way many things are done and the beliefs that created it. However, change for the better cannot be found while remaining in the same place with the same people who created the problem in the first place, because it is impossible to solve a problem using the same mindset and vibration as what created it. It is necessary to step out of the problem and connect with our Higher Power, God to me, in order to resolve the situation with ease on a higher level.

By the time you read this article there will have been many tea parties all over the country. With tax day approaching people are rebelling over the way their hard-earned money is being spent as well as that of their children and grandchildren. Job loss is scary and has hit my family as well as many thousands across the country. Greed, corruption, deceit, defamation, and violence have surfaced with a vengeance in our world and people it seems are finally awakening and will no longer sit quietly and take it. Thus, plans have been made for the tea parties. This makes a statement to the community, country and world that it’s time for change, change that will raise us up into a higher place rather than continuing to spiral us further down.

While you and I may not have a solution for the country or even our community, we can begin with our own lives. James Arthur Ray, author of “Harmonic Wealth” and a participant in the movie “The Secret”, tells us over and over that everything we need is already present in our universe even at this moment, that we have all the resources we need right in front of our face. But the secret is to become resourceful with the resources we have. What does this mean?

Often we get so caught up in the problem that we cannot see any way out. It’s known that we as humans cannot see the big picture nor solve the problem while in the middle of the problem. If you step away from the middle of it and simply surrender the problem to your Higher Power, you open up the channels for the universe to bring you a solution. Furthermore, the reason we cannot see the abundance or resources around us is because we’re too busy focusing on the mess we’re in. Everything we need to create what we want is already in our life.

How many times, as you look back at a situation to which you thought there was no feasible solution, did you see it resolve with ease in a way you had never thought of? Where do you think the solution came from? It didn’t really come from you if you were still focusing on the situation because a negative vibration only creates more of the same. Out of the blue someone offers a suggestion, an email pops into your mailbox with information that gives you an idea, someone offers to help you that you can hardly believe, and so forth. We’ve all experienced this many times. And if you thought of a solution, I can assure you that your openness to divine assistance allowed the solution to pop into your mind and think it!

Here’s how it works. First, you have to surrender the situation, Now surrender doesn’t mean you continue to think about it and try to figure out a solution. Surrender actually means you let go of it and don’t think about it anymore. Easier said than done, right? Okay, so you might have to surrender it many times before you get it, but once you get it you are free to focus on what you do want. Maybe it’s time to find a different job so that’s why your job suddenly disappeared. Or maybe a financial challenge surfaced in your life so you could learn to budget better or simply become more resourceful with what you have. Many individuals became resourceful when everything around them looked bleak and they got an idea that wouldn’t have come without the life challenge.

My illness, which appeared over 15 years ago, took me in a totally different direction from where I was. I didn’t like the challenge and I couldn’t find a way out at first. Finally, I let go of the problem and accepted it as something I had to deal with. It took time, but as a result not only did I heal after much research and learning, but I am now able to help many others who are desperate for answers and want to heal. So the bigger picture was that by traveling this path I am able to be of service on a much grander scale and have utilized much resourcefulness to get there: studying, research, experience, writing articles, and listening to and utilizing much divine wisdom.

In the process of using our resources and becoming resourceful, there are many things that may need to be discarded: old beliefs and patterns, relationships that no longer work, fears that are stopping your forward movement, and any block you have placed on your path. When I was trying so hard to get well and listening to everyone around me, it wasn’t working. So I finally let it all go and began researching myself. In the process I had to believe that I could get well and connect with that positive energy. That’s when everything began to shift and new and different bits of knowledge came my way. The same thing has happened over and over again in various aspects of my life, and always, without fail, some idea or thought pops in from somewhere out there and I find answers, solutions, resources. When I let go of the old beliefs and patterns and allowed the new ones that worked for me to enter my life, all kinds of miracles happened. The same can be true for you.

So what do you need to throw out right now? What things are not working and need to be revolted against and tossed? Why not make a list today of what isn’t working in your life…what you don’t want anymore.
Then throw it out into the sea so to speak, to be washed away with the tide. It’s not helping you and is costing you way too much to hang onto it. Once you get rid of it all you can open to receive exactly what you do want. So you want a job or a new job but you are told by everyone around you that you will have a hard time finding a job. Don’t buy into that. Instead, set your sights on what you’d like to have and stay focused on it. You say you need more money in your life. Simply say every day that your income is constantly increasing, but you have to see it and believe it for it to happen. You’ve prayed for a soul mate for some time but he/she hasn’t appeared yet. Put the intention out there and let it go so the universe can bring him/her to you. But while you are waiting for any of these things, clear out the blocks and beliefs that are not working for you. Create your own tea party and get rid of all you no longer want. Destroy them! Our first tea party got the attention it was seeking, right? Changes were made and good results appeared. The same can be true for you!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Creative Recovery

Everyone has experienced situations in their life from which they need to recover: relationship break-ups, financial problems, job issues and losses, abuse of all kinds, health disorders, and the list could go on and on. But one of the most devastating and staggering problems facing our society today is the unprecedented number of individuals who are bound by the chains of addiction. One can wonder how something of this magnitude can happen in a society of opportunities and great intelligence.

Addiction of any kind, whether it be to illegal drugs, alcohol, sex, food, nicotine(technically a drug), anti-depressants, pain-killers, anger or simply living with a victim mindset, is, according to Webster, the process of giving up one's power to this habit if an individual makes the choice to do it. So this says that anyone who seeks addiction and stays there is showing smallness, allowing their addiction to control their life.

Why would an individual want to give up their power to any of these addictive habits? Somewhere inside of them are things they don't want to face. There is pain, hurt, anger, resentment, jealousy, rage, bitterness or many other negative emotions they don't want to address. Many times the individual isn't aware of what makes them feel depressed, fearful or hurting, but hides from those feelings rather than confronts them so they can be released. It is an escape from their reality.

The sad part is that whatever habit of choice they pursue, it is hurting them. The negative emotional issues do not go away. Instead, they fester and rumble inside of them until at some point they will erupt. It could appear as an illness, an explosive behavior, mental issues, relationship problems, or some other expression that affects them negatively. You see, whatever energy or vibration you focus on is what shows up in your life. So if you inwardly live through negative energy, you draw to you more of the same, given the fact that likes attract likes.

So addiction of any kind is simply a cover-up, a way to hide from the truth. The truth for most people is that they do not have good self-esteem. We often find that these people were programmed with the belief that they have limits, aren't good enough, are in the way, are stupid, will never get anywhere in life, or a host of other negative conditioning. The individual absorbs that programming internally and it becomes the base of their life, a truth for them. When the feelings get strong enough, more than they can bear, a cover-up is sought.

Teenagers get swept into experimentation of these habits. Everyone is doing it mentality spreads like a wildfire and in order to be accepted into the "in" crowd, they follow the crowd. It doesn't take long at all for an experiment of this nature to become a habit, and the teenager is hooked. This initial "experiment" can interfere in and possibly destroy their life.

Adults also look for escape and may experiment themselves. The same scenario can be their outcome as the habits mentioned above are extremely habit-forming and easily become a way of life. Once this life of addiction begins, it is very hard to break.

In my research I learned of many facilities that offer recovery for individuals who are seeking it. Some are forced into recovery without willingness so it doesn't work. Others think they want to recover, but upon release from their initial program, find they don't know which way to go from there. I discovered that the relapse rate from these facilities and programs is better than 95%. That is astounding! This means that what is out there is obviously not working to rehabilitate those who wish a different life, a life without addiction.

Given that the majority of the programs already utilized are not successful, the challenge was to understand what is needed to be successful in helping people recover completely and create a new life. The answer lies here. What individuals need for recovery is a plan for creating a new and happy life, one that does not include addictive behavior. It involves sharing the universal spiritual principles that govern our world with the individuals in order to help them understand how to use them to recreate their life. It involves releasing old beliefs and patterns and establishing new ones that raise them up rather than spiral them down.

But the catch is this. The person who wants to clean up their life must be willing to complete the entire program. This involves a sincere commitment to make serious life changes. Once the willingness is there, everything in possible. Steps then are given to begin the creation process – the creation of success and freedom. And it all boils down to the individual's choice!

We developed a program that we believe can fill in the gaps in the programs that are not working. We call it Choose Freedom, and it is a holistic program for breaking the chains of addiction and abuse. Based on spiritual universal principles it has the power for an individual to become a victor, allowing them to experience empowerment in their life. This is something they could never experience as long as they are under the bondage of addiction. Addiction makes a person weak, but overcoming it allows the individual to grow past it and become strong. Our program offers a step by step process for healing and overcoming.

If you or anyone you know and love is experiencing the defeat of addiction, we invite you to contact us so we can help you or the person you love overcome this debilitating thorn in life. It is possible to live a life full of joy, happiness, success, abundance and great health. All that is needed are the tools and the support team to do it. So whether you find yourself or someone you love bound by the chains of drugs, alcohol, anger, abuse, prescription drugs, food or playing the role of victim, we can help you break those chains forever. The price tag of addiction, no matter what the addiction is, is way too costly. Make the choice today to leave addiction behind. It's your choice!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Change Is Good!

We've been inundated with the word change for months with the rhetoric of the election campaigns. Most of us probably agree that our country needs to change many things in the way it operates as well as eliminate the massive corruption that has seeped into our government and its leaders. People often cry out for change when things are bad around them and it is affecting them whereas before they were complacent in their life.

But many individuals shrink from the idea of change. Human nature often says it's good to feel comfortable and secure, so people resist any change. Even if they don't like their present life circumstances, it is difficult for most people to take the steps and make a change. Why is this so? Human beings like to feel comfortable in their surroundings and lifestyle. Perhaps it's the routine that feels good or perhaps they don't believe a change is possible. There's a certain feeling of safeness and coziness when in the same pattern. Individuals don't want their boat rocked.

Take a look at the number of people addicted to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, work or food. None of this is good and most individuals know that, yet it is very hard for these people to change their pattern and lifestyle, even if on some level they want to. They've become accustomed to this way of living and it is a fixed routine – comfortable on some level. So whether it is denial that change is needed, a cover-up, complacency, stuck lifestyle patterns, not believing in new possibilities, stubbornness, or any other reason, change is often not easy to implement for many.

Yet being comfortable and remaining in the same pattern means you are dormant, that nothing is happening. When nothing new is happening in your life you are slowly dying because there is no growth. If your body did not create new cells continuously in order to provide you with a completely new set of cells every year, you wouldn't survive very long. So it is with your life process. If everything remains status quo, without movement, you are on a downward spiral to nothingness – no production, no fulfillment, no happiness, no anything.

Since feeling comfortable is what people seek, the idea of changing everything they've worked for doesn't appeal. Change is pushed as far onto the back burner as possible so it doesn't have to be dealt with. This is sad since it leaves this person on a plateau, as if they are merely going through the motions of life without any purpose or dreams that become reality. While dreams are great to have, if there is no action then nothing is realized.

What is going on in your life right now? Are things comfortable and safe so that you have become dormant? Are you nestled in an arena of comfort and security? Did you strive hard to achieve this state of perceived balance? Here's where you are. There is nothing happening. There is no life and no vibrancy. First of all, you don't really have perfect balance, and if you think you do it will disappear in the blink of an eye because life is always happening in some fashion.

Life is meant to be ever-changing, dynamic and full of movement. We are energetic beings who thrive on movement. The lethargy that has overtaken society and perhaps even you, must give way to movement and change in order for growth to occur. Have you been there, done that, and have the T-shirt to prove it? Then my friend, it's time to head down another path in order to grow.

The only one who can make changes in your life is you. Granted, things can happen that force change in your life, but you have the power of choice as to how you'll respond to those changes. And you were born with the power to be the co-creator of your life.

We're in a turbulent time in the history of our country, and that turbulence is being felt in all our lives. But you can choose to feel peaceful and move forward even though those around you proclaim disaster with every breath. You see, the peace and joy that resides within you has nothing to do with any perceived chaos around you. It's always your choice.

So as change is happening in our world right now, perhaps it is time for you to make serious changes. What do you need to leave behind right now? Is it time for you to step up to the plate and do something you know you should do but have been afraid to do? Are you in a relationship that is going nowhere yet the "security" of being in it keeps you there, in misery, perhaps allowing you a slow emotional death. Are you searching for answers and something to satisfy you but you haven't been able to find it yet? Is your job unfulfilling and you know what you really want to do, yet responsibilities keep you stuck there?

Here's my suggestion because it has worked time and time again for myself and so many others. Take some quiet time for you and think about what you really want your life to look like. Write it down where you can visibly read it over many times, daily perhaps. When you define what you want your life to be, then simply step out of the way of creating any details, and the universe will begin bringing it to you immediately. Of course if you try to force anything, or work out any of the details, then you block the forward movement. You will have to be patient because you may not be ready for it just yet. But I can promise you that if you keep your dreams alive by thinking about them and feeling what it would be like to obtain them, and keep out of the way by not trying to work out the details or force it before it is time, your dream will manifest when the time is right.

So keep moving forward and welcome the changes in your life. These changes are helping you to grow and expand, and are an important part of your life journey. Instead of fearing change, open your arms to it and embrace it warmly, for it will be helping you in more ways than you can imagine. It is only through change that we can expand and become who we are meant to be – a powerful light that shines to help those in darkness find their way. When in hindsight you look back over the changes that have occurred in your life, you always see what a blessing those changes were, even if at the time you didn't think so!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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The Wake-Up Call

You've been there and I've been there, the wake-up call that stops you in your tracks. Some call it the cosmic two-by-four - that moment of realization that finally grabs your undivided attention. Oftentimes it feels painful at the onset, but just as often you see the benefit of that "crisis" as you view it in hindsight.

We've just completed another year. Perhaps it was a good year for you, or maybe you faced challenges that left you breathless a time or two. But you made it through and most likely learned some very valuable lessons during the process. Whether it was an illness, financial challenges, relationship changes, job loss, or anything else that felt difficult, the situation came into your life for a very important reason. In the end, as the situation resolved, you saw the blessings if you opened your eyes. There is always a gift in every challenge!

I believe our country is now receiving a heavy duty wake-up call. It's a call to shed the blinders and begin paying attention to what is going on in our country. When things are going relatively smooth and seem prosperous, people tend to be near-sighted and ignore what's going on beyond their own small world. But when Wall Street crashed and the economy spiraled into chaos, people suddenly paid attention. The wake-up call reared its ugly head and became real because it was now relevant to their life, and it felt scary!

Here's how I see our current situation. Although there are a small percentage of individuals who have contributed in a major way to the situation we now face, the circumstances affect each of us. The economic meltdown that has enabled a depressed real estate market, lack of available money for loans, loss of jobs, a greater number of failing businesses, and anything that appears to be challenging our economy, has actually happened to wake us up. As we face a crisis, we have the opportunity to become creative, and along with that creativity we receive an opportunity to rekindle our faith, faith in the belief that every challenge can be turned into something good and beneficial.

Our government, our leaders, our community, our legal system, our health system, our educational system, our financial system and on and on I could go, needs an overhaul. We've been hit with the cosmic two-by-four that says pay attention because it's time for change. It's time to re-group and re-create every aspect of our country in its present economic and moral challenges.

While this is much needed, the real re-grouping begins within each one of us. What have you learned from last year's situations and challenges? What do you want for your life in the new year? Are you willing to step up to the plate and follow through? When you are faced with a choice, how do you make a wise choice? How strong is your faith to keep you envisioning what you want? These are questions that you need to ask yourself if you want your life to shift for the better. Most individuals will agree that 2008 was a year of crises and challenges. They also will probably tell you they don't want a repeat of it.

So the first step in creating what you want is to de-clutter and throw out what does not serve you any longer. What negative beliefs have you been holding onto? Have you been focusing on lack, what you don't have? Are you afraid of what the future holds in regards to financial security? Are you facing a relationship challenge, family issue, health concern, or a job change? It's time to create a shift if you want your life to change into one that is extraordinary as you bring to you what you truly want. It's been said that insanity is simply repeating the same behavior but expecting a different outcome! You have to shift your thoughts which become your behavior in order to receive a different outcome. Clean out those old negative thoughts and beliefs once and for all!

Let's begin the shift. First and foremost, decide what you want your life to look like. Make it detailed and specific, and dream big. Pay no attention to your present circumstances for they can change in the blink of an eye. Until you decide what you want the universe cannot bring it to you. So, grab a piece of paper and make your list, as detailed as you can, and read it over every day to remind yourself to stay positive and focused on what you truly want.

Second, go about your life as if what you want is already on its way to you, for it is! You see, the minute you place your desires out there, the universe begins bringing it to you. Remember that likes attract likes, and whatever you focus on is created in your life. It's that element about energy that no matter what energy you put out, that same energy comes back to you time and again. It's a scientific fact that positive energy attracts only more positive energy experiences while negative energy attracts only more negative energy experiences. I am willing to bet that if someone taped your conversations or your thoughts throughout the day, you'd be shocked at how many negative thoughts and actions you have. Those thoughts and actions are creating your life experiences every day. Second step then is to believe your desires will come to you and focus on that vision and belief. If you don't, you will stop it from coming to you, or at the very least delay its appearance.

Third, remember your essence. Spend time reconnecting with your source – get plugged in again spiritually. You were created out of love, in the image of God, and were born with an amazing power as co-creator with God to make your visions and dreams come true. When you live in the state of fear – where the people in our country live a great deal of the time, especially right now – you cannot create good from that state. Love is the opposite of fear and creates all good. This doesn't mean you will never have a challenge come your way. What it does mean is that you will view them differently. Instead of something that creates panic in you, there is instead an internal peace and knowing that this challenge showed up for a specific reason and is an opportunity to create something good from it. The challenge actually makes you grow stronger. This takes a great deal of faith to remain in this space when your world feels as if it is crashing down around you, but if you do remain there, you will experience an amazing outcome that is probably something you would have never thought of on your own.

In order for the world to re-group, each individual must re-group themselves. Here are some positive facts that I hope will help you stay focused positively in the next year.

There is NO lack. The universe is abundant and you can thrive no matter what appears otherwise in your life circumstances or in the world. Become resourceful with your resources. You can do or be whatever you want if you are connected to your source. You are a powerful co-creator with God and the possibilities are without limit. If you focus on the good in your life, you will create more of the same. When you are grateful for everything, even the challenges, you expand that into more good.

Here are some affirmations that I have used that are helpful in shifting your entire belief system into one that is positive and expressed from the essence of love.

My income is constantly increasing. I have unlimited potential. My body now restores itself to perfect health. All my relationships are resolving perfectly. I deserve to love and be loved.

As the new year begins, why not try re-grouping and create the life you've imagined. Clean out the old and allow in the new. Resolve to stay on course this time and reach the possibilities

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Joyful Giving

At this time of year people often find themselves in a harried, frenzied state to find the "perfect" gift for those special people in their lives. The joy of giving is totally left out of the mix and the task becomes a formidable undertaking. Does this sound like you?

Perhaps you are an individual who enjoys every minute of the holiday festivities and finds it fun to shop until you drop. Or maybe you're one of those people who get caught up in the advertising traps so beguilingly laid for susceptible holiday shoppers, and you go overboard with charging. Then reality sets in come January when the bills show up, and you beat yourself up for getting sucked in and spending much more than you originally had planned to spend.

So how do you avoid such situations and create pure joy and peace as you think about the task of obtaining the perfect gift for the people on your holiday list?

First of all, step out of the belief you have to impress anyone. Buying Christmas gifts has become such a racket over the years and often individuals feel they must buy something expensive or splashy to impress the other person, even with children. That takes away from the joy of giving the gift, especially if you go beyond your budget. Isn't the whole purpose of giving gifts to share love from the heart?

The first step in getting a handle on your gift giving is to create and maintain a budget. Then look for specials and sales, and they will be out there, especially this year. Or make something yourself so that it radiates your love. Begin shopping with a specific list and stick to it. If undecided, look for ideas but take time to think about your choice before lunging into the purchase.

Secondly, ask for angelic guidance. Every time I ask for angelic assistance before I do anything, even shopping, I always find the perfect things, within the price range I wanted, and within the time-frame I had to shop. This is completely amazing to me, but what it does is allow me to almost skip through the stores with ease because I know I'll be directed to the right store and right isle to find that perfect gift. It works every time!

Thirdly, before leaving for your shopping extravaganza, place positive, joyful thoughts into your mind: This will be so much fun; I'm happy to be able to find these gifts for those I love; It is wonderful to have so many people in my life that I want to buy gifts for – you get the picture. This alone can change your entire adventure into one that is happy, exciting and uplifting. All the stress is removed; what a healthy gift to yourself!

What are healthy gift ideas that can bring joy to those you love and enhance their life? Perhaps organic candles or incense – always a pleaser, or organic bath and body products with their wonderful aroma and healthy benefits would be a good choice. Crystals, pendulums, angel items or an inspiring book may be a fit for someone on a healing journey. A gift certificate for a massage or facial so your dear one can relax is also a pleaser. Or if that special person is experiencing health concerns, consider giving a QRA testing gift certificate so they can uncover the core of their concerns from the bio-energetic level where they can truly heal. These healthy gift ideas can be found at Where Miracles Happen Healing Center, and every item comes with a heart full of love. And isn't that what giving gifts is really about? So spread love with a joyful heart this Christmas and see it expressed in the receiver's heart. I invite you to visit HYPERLINK "http://www.wheremiracleshappen.com" www.wheremiracleshappen.com for more information on QRA testing and our other services.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Turbulent Times – I Will Survive!

Turbulence is an understatement when describing our present time. Every news program depicts doom and gloom – that the world is coming apart at the seams. Most people are terribly afraid. Could they be bankrupt or at the very least lose their investment money, job or house with the economic catastrophe that the news media says is facing our country? And if you buy into that, it may very well happen that way for you. Remember, whatever you focus on is what shows up in your life. This means you must stay focused on the good in your life and what you want or you’ll create exactly the opposite – the doom and gloom.

Here are some facts. First and foremost is the fact that there is abundance everywhere in the universe. No matter what is going on in our environment, the universe has more than enough for everyone. Granted, much has been misused in the environment that man has created, but God’s universe is abundant. It will never run out!

Secondly, when we focus on enough and the good in our life already, we will create more of the same. We do have many good things – look around you and you’ll be surprised just how abundant you are even at this very moment – spouse/life partner, children, parents, friends, job, talents, house, car, clothes, food, life! One guaranteed fact of life is that if you establish an attitude of gratitude for every good thing in your life – small or large - it will expand into more! Gratitude is an expression of love and begets more loving situations and experiences – guaranteed. So no matter what is going on around you, focus on what you already have and are, and be grateful for everything. Then watch what happens in your life.

Thirdly, God and the universe want us to have the desires of our heart. Once we place an intention for that desire, God and the universe begin working to bring it to us. The only thing that can stop it is you! Maybe that’s a hard pill to swallow, but if you are afraid right now and staying in a place of worry, not enough and what ifs, you will stop your desires from reaching you. This is a hard thing for most individuals to comprehend because our nature is to handle things – make them happen, fix them. Now it doesn’t mean we simply relax in a hammock all day waiting for things to come to us, but it means to surrender the worry and the details of how to God and the universe as we continue our daily life.

So what can you do right now to shift your own thoughts and feelings as well as the thoughts and feelings of people around you? First, stop thinking doom and gloom! Wear a smile irregardless of the volatile stock market, bank closings, business failures and corrupt politicians and agencies; don’t allow yourself to be sucked into constant discussions of the chaotic economy. Take a walk in nature and breathe in the wonder of it – the great richness and beauty around you. When people continue to talk about all the problems, shift the conversation by saying you know our country will survive and so will you as well as them. People need to hear someone saying something positive and who better than you to say it! You might be surprised to see what you, as one person, can do to shift the conversation, thoughts and feelings of those around you.

Secondly, remember your desires and bring them to the foreground. Perhaps it’s time to finish that vision board so you can remind yourself visually every day of what you want. It’s your focus that counts for you will bring into your life exactly what you think about. So think about your desires – those dreams you’ve placed out there. The only way they can reach you is if you constantly think about them. Think about the chaos and you’ll find yourself in chaos too.

Next, develop an unfaltering belief that you are cared for and will survive anything that comes your way. Look back over your life. Haven’t you always survived thus far? Well of course you have or you wouldn’t be reading this article right now! So go back and grab onto some faith and know that all is well.

I believe we are being mindful if we take a look at our financial state. It might be time to make some wiser choices in light of the economy, but don’t make the mistake of jumping into the fear mode so that you make quick decisions or hang onto your money too tightly. Be cautious, but remember there is no lack. It only exists in the minds and words of the media and those they influence. Perhaps this is a good time to clean out closets and give some of your things to those who really need a giving hand. The holidays are right around the corner and from what several non-profits and charities have told me, they are expecting a big rise in those who need help this year. Whenever you spread your money from a caring heart it expands into more and will return to you many times more. Just remember to give from a heart that truly cares and not one that’s in it for the return.

Could our economic crisis be a wake-up call, commonly referred to as the cosmic two-by-four? Many times in the course of a lifetime it takes something big – a crisis - to get our attention. As Americans it is our responsibility to pay attention to what is going on in our government and demand information and accountability. Perhaps now that the greed and corruption in Washington, Wall Street, Acorn and many other agencies have been uncovered, citizens – you and me – will voice our concerns and actively demand higher standards and accountability. When a challenge surfaces, the outcome will either be as a victor or a victim. I opt for being the victor!

It is not possible to favorably solve a problematic situation while remaining in the same negative energy where it was created. Rather, one must rise above it to a higher vibration and surrender it to our Higher Power. While it is obvious it is a time in history for problems to be solved, it begins with one individual – you – by rising above your worries and fear and surrendering any crisis in your personal life as well as the crisis in our country and the world.

You’ve heard it before many times and “The Secret” made it mainstream – whatever you focus on shows up in your life. It is the law of the universe, scientifically proven, that your mind and its focus creates your life experiences. Money is simply energy, so if your mind vibrates the energy of lack, that’s what you’ll create. If you see abundance and focus on it, that’s what will show up. Know this – if you believe that you will survive, you will. It is your belief that will make it happen!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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What If?

What if I gave you a magic wand and as you waved it in the air, poof! - the exact life you want appeared?  Most likely you would call that an illusion, like magic of the world often is. It looks amazing, is really cool to watch and imagine as a truth, yet you know it’s simply an illusionary technique that wants to fool you into thinking it is real.

I’m fresh out of magic wands, but I do have some real magic to share with you. And the magic isn’t an illusion either, it is real!  You’ve undoubtedly heard of the law of attraction, a fundamental universal principle. Since the movie “The Secret” was released, society has opened up to this principle. Perhaps you’ve also heard that what you focus on expands and shows up in your life. This is absolutely a truth!

Scientists tell us that we are composed of 99.9999% energy. That means we are only a very small fraction of one percent as physical form. Energy once formed never dies and is continually in motion throughout the universe. So the thoughts we create in our mind continually move as energy throughout the world around us, creating the situations that we experience. Those thoughts will either be positive or negative, and since likes attract likes, whatever that thought originates as, it will continue to expand in that vibration form – either a positive or a negative.

So if you are focusing on all the unpleasant things in your life – relationship issues, anger, not enough money, health issues, job unrest, and so forth, you’ll find that those situations keep appearing and never seem to stop showing up. But on the other hand, if your thoughts focus on how blessed you are, on the wonderful people that are around you in your life, the fact that you live abundantly and have enough (even if you really desire something more), and that things are working for your highest good, then that positive energy continually unfolds new pleasant and happy experiences.

Now it doesn’t mean that either of these scenarios are void of problems. Everyone experiences problematic situations in their life, but often it is the way the situation is perceived that makes the difference. Here’s an example. You and someone you love had a confrontation. You both see things differently and both of you are mad, so you see no way to resolve this because you feel justified in your belief – the other person is wrong! Yet remaining angry will never fix anything. So let go of the need to be right, and realize that both of you can have your own truth in a situation. As individuals we are unique and will always have our own perception, and that’s okay. No one told you it was okay? It really is! Hold to your truth (perception) and allow the other person to hold onto theirs. You’re probably not going to change their viewpoint and you sure are not changing yours, right? You do not have to agree with them to love them, and when you validate their truth for them, peace unfolds. Isn’t peace what you would really like to achieve?

Here’s another example. You hate your job. It’s just a job and pays your bills but you dread getting up in the morning and going to work. Yet you know you have to in order to survive at the moment, so you live in a constant state of stress, unrest, resentment and possibly anger. That’s a total negative state and can only result in more negativity in your life. Instead, begin each day with gratitude that you have a job to go to. Gratitude is an expression of love – a positive – and will reap for you positive results. I guarantee that if you begin your day with thoughts of thanksgiving for your job, your entire day will look different. But at the same time, know what you’d like a job to look like and put that thought out there.

So where’s the real magic I said I would share with you? Here it is. Envision what you want your life to look like. Everything is possible if you have enough belief in it. Actually, everything that has shown up in your life to date is because you thought it somewhere along your life journey. Your beliefs created it! So be thankful for your present job but ask for the type job you really want. See it; feel it; fill your vision with lots of details of living in that job; patiently hold onto your vision and wait for it to unfold. Maybe you’ve done this already but nothing has happened, or maybe you simply believe I’m full of bunk because life just happens and you believe you have little if any control over what happens.

Remember the energy I talked about in the beginning? You are creating energy with every thought you have, and if you doubt you can ever have that dream job, mostly likely you won’t. The reason is because you are creating negative thoughts, and negative thoughts can only beget negative experiences. The only way you can receive the job you desire (or whatever it is you desire), is to believe in it in your heart and continually see it in your mind. I have achieved many positive experiences in my life by focusing on what I want, so I can vouch for this as truth.

As a wholeness life coach I hear so many individuals tell me they have placed an intention (desire) but it has not come to them, and maybe it’s been years in not coming. I can assure you that somewhere along their path they have placed doubt and disbelief in the way as a stumbling block so that the desire cannot reach them – self-sabotage. It’s a common practice because humans by nature want it now, and if it doesn’t appear within their expected time-frame, they place doubt in their thoughts and often give up. Understandably, we all do this from time to time, but as long as there is doubt, the intention cannot manifest.

Here’s the real magic. The secret to bringing to you the exact life you want is in the knowing. You see, most people place an intention and then long for that outcome. They envision it with a feeling of wanting it so badly and they aren’t content where they presently are in life. That is simply living in a state of not enough, don’t have it yet - basically lack. And that is negative. The only way for you to bring it into reality is to know without a shadow of doubt that it will come when the timing is right. Ask and it is given is a truth, but the second part is to totally believe it will come and be grateful for it before it shows any evidence of coming. That’s the hard part and where most people fail, thus the reason their desire doesn’t show up.

Place this truth in your heart now. Focus on the knowing, not the longing, of your intention. Then go about life with joy in your heart because you know it is coming when you’re ready for it. But be aware, for when you ask for your desire, you may first see many things that appear the opposite of what you asked for. Stop! Don’t slide into doubt my friend! The old negative stuff must exit before the new things can enter, so that is a sure sign that the universe is working to bring you your desire. Live your life, enjoy every day (even when things don’t feel or appear good), be grateful for everything in your life, and watch the magic work through your life as your desires unfold. Know it! Don’t long for it or you stop the manifestation dead in its tracks. It’s the knowing that gets the gold!

So let me ask the question again…What if you could wave a magic wand and create exactly what you want your life to be? Grab onto the knowing and wave it all around you, then poof – the exact life you want can appear!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Acceptance

Acceptance is a behavior that not everyone can achieve. It’s easy to accept something we like and believe, but to accept another being who isn’t like us or has a different belief is not easily accomplished by many people.

Acceptance is simply the ability to receive something favorably, in other words, to approve of it. As I stated in the paragraph above, accepting something that isn’t to our liking is difficult to do. This is where many people get into trouble, and why I believe relationships fall apart and people cannot get along.

Every being on this planet is a creation of the Creator. Every being is from a divine origin and is born from the essence of love. Granted, it may be difficult to see any love emanating from some individuals, but nevertheless, that was their origin. Since we all came from the same source, it behooves us to accept and approve of every being on this planet. One thing is guaranteed: if you send out love, the other person will respond differently than if you spew anger. Remember the law of the universe: likes attract likes – what you put out comes back to you.

Now, here’s where the difference lies. We do not have to accept the behavior of an individual. A rapist or murderer’s actions we do not approve of, however it shouldn’t be the person who is shunned, but rather their behavior. An unlawful or hurtful behavior has consequences. That person made a choice to break the law and hurt another human being, which is not acceptable. Therefore that person must reap the consequences. Nonetheless, the person, as a divine being like us, should still receive our love as a human being.

As we raise our children, there are guidelines they must follow. If we say “Clean up your room before you leave” and it isn’t done, they will have a consequence. If we speed and a cop flags us down, we’ll probably receive a ticket and have to pay for it – consequence. An unfaithful partner may find divorce as a consequence for his/her behavior. But in each case, the person should still be loved and accepted, just not their behavior. But because many people were brought up with conditional love – love that has expectations and requirements to be experienced – retaining a feeling of love when behavior isn’t favorable is difficult to accomplish.

Many people have the notion that they are right, that what they believe and do is correct and perhaps the only way it is done. That person will find it impossible to accept another person or their beliefs if contrary to theirs. The beautiful part of our world is that we do not have to agree with everyone. What a boring place it would be if everyone believed the same and acted the same. The wonderment of life today is being able to hear, accept and validate those who differ from us, whether we agree with them or not. This is peace and harmony. And if acceptance was practiced so that everyone was accepted regardless of their beliefs, relationships would heal and thus the world would heal.

Look around you at the people in your life. They are there for a very important reason. Accepting them just as they are is what we term unconditional love – no strings attached. You do not have to agree with them or even  spend time with them, but accepting each one of them as a divine being just like you, is a tool of empowerment. Powerful people who live a life of love are able to accept those around them without judging their beliefs. People who cannot accept those who differ from them are living small, and are not promoters of peace and harmony. I’m sure we all agree that the world needs peace, and that peace begins within each of us.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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I Didn't Do It!

How many times have you heard that said to you? Or how many times have you uttered those very words?
No one wants to be blamed for anything so they jump into defense mode immediately when accusations come their way with an emphatic “I didn’t do it! It was so in so.”

When my children were young a company made some training pants with the inscription ‘The devil made me do it’. People laughed and thought it cute but what was it saying? It was simply passing the buck to the devil as the reason for the child’s misbehaving, namely a training pants mishap.

Think about this a minute. What is being taught in this statement? A child is being conditioned to blaming someone else for their mistakes or errors. If not correctly explained that child will grow up with the belief that he can blame others for his problems or whatever circumstances put him in a less than desirable place.

As a mother of five, I can remember so many situations when I was looking for ‘who done it’. What was the usual response from my children? You guessed it -“I didn’t do it, it was sister, brother, friend, neighbor or the dog.” Bet you’ve heard this a time or two yourself? You might even have said those very words in similar situations. In fact, it’s usually the first line of defense when someone is cornered and feels they must defend themselves.

As a society we have been programmed with the concept of cover-up. People don’t want to fess up for fear of being ‘punished’, albeit a reprimand, shunning, demotion, less than favorable image, loss of approval or acceptance, or in the case of a child – loss of TV, not doing something they want to do, or having to go to their room. This whole idea of “not me” is to blame someone else and thus escape from responsibility for the error and the subsequent consequences.

If you think about it, blame is a cover-up. A person blames another so they appear good, right and acceptable. People do not want to be thought of as wrong or unaccepted, nor do they want to receive a consequence. When a person uses cover-up, they do so because they don’t feel empowered - instead they feel lesser, commonly referred to as low self-esteem. So a vicious cycle is set up. A person blames another or circumstances to boost themselves up but still remains in the space of lesser, thus needing more opportunities to blame others or situations to temporarily feel better about themselves. But they never really obtain a lasting place of feeling good about themselves, so the never-ending cycle continues. The blame is actually just a means of feeling better about themselves, a misguided belief that in not accepting accountability for a mistake or unfavorable judgment of some kind allows them to feel in control of the situation and therefore powerful.

Blaming others however, renders you small. Smallness is not a place of power. I’m sure you’ve known individuals in your life as I have, who continuously blame their circumstances for their unhappiness or blame people as their source of misery because someone did something to them. Blame isn’t limited to a recent encounter. Often individual’s harbor deep-seated emotional attachment to hurts, anger, pain, resentment and bitterness. An individual didn’t get a raise so it’s the boss’s fault their life is stressful and their vacation plans went out the window this year, thus creating a great deal of anger directed at this boss. Or the person who had a dysfunctional childhood with parents who weren’t there for him/her emotionally, so say that’s why she or he cannot connect easily with people and is considered unfriendly and cold. Or the person who grew up poor and didn’t have many clothes, toys or friends, and has now carried into adulthood a big chip on his shoulder with the belief that the world owes him something.

Blamers have the need to be right. No matter what, they believe their belief is the only way to see it. If you don’t agree with them you are wrong. You’ve been a witness to this behavior and probably some heated arguments just because both thought they were right. Well, guess what – both are right! You see, every being on this planet has his or her truth, and in fact, has the right to that truth. Since the world is made up of millions of people, there will be many truths floating around out there. Look at religion, or politics for that matter. It is impossible to escape the dynamics of the election year with all the rhetoric about who is the best candidate. So who is right? You have your belief and someone who wants another candidate believes theirs is the best. And no matter what you say you probably will never convince them your candidate is the best one according to your truth. After all is said and done, it really doesn’t matter because each person has the right to hold their belief and have it accepted as good for them. If more people allowed for each person to have their own truth and let it be validated, we would have more harmony and peace in the world and our life.

We’ve all been born with a tremendous gift – the gift of free will. This means that each of us can believe as we wish and it is good and acceptable. We are unique and are entitled to our beliefs as that unique individual, who is born with the power of choice. Once we see this and know that everyone can hold onto their personal values and truths, there is hope of getting along and actually accepting each person for who they are. The gift of free will allows us to freely make whatever choice we wish to make, and the circumstances and people that enter our lives are there for a reason. We can choose to see it one way or the other. It really is about how you see it.

Recently I was coaching an individual who viewed everything as a victim. This person was sick, depressed, anxious, and totally unhappy about where he was in this life. Sickness is the last straw for once a negative thought has traveled through the mental, emotional and perhaps spiritual realms, it shows up in the physical realm. Manifestation in the physical realm usually gets your attention, which is why it can be the cosmic two by four that wakes you up. So this person saw nothing good in his life and blamed his misery on various circumstances and people. I talked with this person at some length and gave one main assignment – to go out for a walk at exactly the same time every day and share what he saw, and then report it to me every few days.

First report was totally negative – don’t want to do this, it’s hot, I’m tired, etc. Next one was even worse so I added a new requirement. This time I wanted to hear three good things he saw or felt and only one negative thing. Voila! Everything began to shift. He followed what I asked and the report was much more upbeat. And in the next couple reports nothing negative came through. He saw beautiful blue sky, children playing, noticed many things in nature and even began talking to neighbors. This person’s relationships began improving as well as how he felt. Life took on a new look. This person was no longer putting all the blame on others, his past hurts, his sickness, or anything else as the main problem, but rather was beginning to accept responsibility to make a change in his life by focusing on the good things he saw around him. He couldn’t see them at all as long as he remained in his house focused on his perceived condition. Of course he has a way to go yet, but by taking the first step he is on his way.

So for blamers, it’s a cop-out excuse to not accept the responsibility to make a positive change in their life.
The person who blamed the boss for his stressed life and that he couldn’t take his family on a vacation would see it differently if he shifted his thoughts. Maybe the company had to cut back so no one got a raise, or perhaps this person hadn’t done as good a job so didn’t deserve the raise, or maybe he needs to plan better for vacation money. And stress? It is self-made. The person who blames his dysfunctional childhood for his lack of friendliness is making an excuse. I guarantee that person has low self-esteem and is not willing to look at his insecurities and take the necessary steps to change that. Blaming someone else takes the heat off of him and at least temporarily makes him feel okay. The person who grew up poor and believes the world owes him something needs to knock that chip off his shoulder and realize that everyone has a story to tell, that everyone has things in their past that they don’t like and wish had been different. Key here is to move beyond the accusations and blame and choose what he does want, then take steps to create it. No one has to remain where they are – it’s simply the result of thoughts and choices.

Realize this: blaming is a cover-up for insecurities, anger and not accepting responsibility. If you are truly not to blame in a situation for which you are accused, simply state that this was not your doing, without needing to defend yourself or prove anyone right or wrong. When a situation arises that requires you to show proof, say in a legal situation, then simply share your findings as a matter of fact, without blame.

So if you’re a blamer, why not begin shifting your beliefs right now. Blaming others or circumstances is an indication of an inner void, a feeling that you aren’t as good as you’d like to be. But you are a masterpiece just as you are, a magnificent creation without doing anything to earn it. So perhaps it’s time for you to drop your old identity that leaves you feeling lesser and causing you to blame others and circumstances for your problems and misery. Instead, choose to see yourself as a spectacular individual with unlimited potential, and face whatever comes your way by accepting it as perfect. And at the same time, realize that everyone else is also a masterpiece, just like you. By accepting them as they are and you as you are, there is no reason for blame. In this mindset you allow everyone, yourself included, to have their own truth and accept it as okay. And if a condition arises where consequences are due, they are given simply as a result of unacceptable behavior.

So shift your thoughts today, right now, and erase the need to blame others and circumstances for your life. Instead, confront the issues and accept your responsibility to make the changes you want in your life. It is your choices, and your choices only, that can change your life into what you want it to be!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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What's Your Story?

You are living your personal, self-written story right now, doing exactly what you’ve been creating from your thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and actions. Sound kind of heavy? Most people never stop to realize that their life story is their story! It’s what they are creating with every thought and action all through every day, but I bet that most of you reading this right now haven’t thought about this much, or maybe have never given this a thought before. Yet it is the absolute truth – your story is made up and lived as you see it and bring it into reality – your own movie!

So do you like your story? Has it brought you the desires of your heart? Are you thriving, intoxicatingly happy, wallowing in wealth, lots of money left over at the end of every month, and madly in love with yourself and everyone else in your life? A joke, right?  Actually, it’s sad if this isn’t your story because it actually can be what shows up for you.

We each have a story. We’re living it every day through our thoughts, words, behavior and actions. I’ve asked a lot of people if they like their life - their story - and most say either “Not especially” or an emphatic “No!” So I reply, “Why don’t you change it then?” Guess what their answer is…”Wish I could, but all these things keep happening to me and nothing seems to go right. No matter what I do there is never enough money and I’m always struggling.” And so these folks are resigned to this destiny, thinking they have no power to change anything.

I know something different! We are born with unlimited power within us to create the life we want. But since most individuals are programmed into believing life happens and they have to accept what comes their way as the way it is, they slide into this type of detached existence, believing there is no escape. Isn’t that like living in prison? Sounds like it to me – no control, no power, no choices. In actuality, we are born with all the creative power already inside us, and have the availability of using that power whenever we want, if we just believe it. I know that sounds really simple, and it’s too simple for most people. I’ll include myself in this example for I’ve been there so many times. Although I know the truth, I slip into that place of powerlessness.

Okay, so how do you change your story now that you know it is possible? You’ll never guess what the first step is; it is actually the hardest. You must decide you want something better. Hold on! Don’t laugh yet. You would be surprised how many individuals say they want something more, but when they have to show up and actually do it, they freeze, stopping dead in their tracks. It’s too scary so they quit before they begin.

Step two is vital – define what you want. I’m willing to bet that you’ve never sat down and thought about what you really want. As a coach I see this constantly. You see, most people know exactly what they don’t like, what isn’t working. Yet they never think about what they do want because they are so conditioned with the belief that there is no choice. Think for a moment about what it is that makes you feel good, what would fulfill you, what kind of work you’d like to do, what you want your life to be. Write it down; read it over and over; start thinking about how it would be to live this life. Put the feeling into it!

Step three is hard for most – surrender and get out of the way. Whew! This is a tough one. No one wants to give up control and surrender. But that’s what must be done for the universe to bring you what you ask for. If you’re in the way trying to make something happen, you mess it up!

Being willing to step through the new open door is step four. Lots of people say they want a change, but when the door opens they stop, their legs glued to the ground. So you must really, really, really want to make the hanges and leave your old story behind, or you’ll be stopped by your own stuck feet.

Lastly, be grateful for everything you’ve asked for before it shows up. That’s the most powerful way to ensure it will come to you. Gratitude is the most important tool of empowerment and unlocks many doors of opportunity and change. Sometimes we have to be patient, in a state of gratitude for some time, before our dream becomes what we envisioned.

You have a choice to make. Do you want to continue living the story you’ve created (Hint: if you continue doing the same thing you end up with the same result!), or would you seriously like to change course and create a new and different story? It’s really up to you, only you. Now realize that changing your story isn’t one of those instantaneous metamorphoses – as in caterpillar to butterfly overnight. It will take time to peel away layers of old programming and beliefs, but I can guarantee it will be worth it. People who knew me way back when, if they met me today, would never believe I am the same person they knew, never. I made the choice to step away from the pain, hurt, lack, bitterness, anger, blame, guilt, and all the rest of my unhealthy, low vibrational beliefs, and I have created a life I didn’t know was possible – an exciting, joyous, abundance and fulfilling experience.

So I urge you to follow the five steps I shared with you so you can create a fun, adventurous, happy and abundant life, which I promise, you’ll like much better! Remember, it’s all about choice, your choice!

To help you even more in understanding why you want to leave your old story and create a new one, I recommend reading my latest book, “Seven Roads to Glory.” It shares the true story of seven ordinary people who felt like a victim and decided to leave that story behind and become the victor. This can be your story if you simply decide! Go to www.drcarolynporter.com or www.sevenroadstoglory.com to order.

Shifting

What happens when something unexpected shows up in your life, maybe an unexpected bill, illness, losing a job, or a relationship suddenly ends? You probably get upset, shed some tears, perhaps add a little anger into the mix, get worried and maybe scared. That’s our conditioning to react in that manner. But what does all that worry, anger and frustration do to remedy the situation? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

So all that negative energy is totally wasted as far as creating a possible solution.

You see, you cannot solve a problem in the midst of the problem. You must detach from it and stand back, surrendering the situation and ask for Divine assistance. Stepping above the problem and looking down into the situation from a higher level is how it is resolved – not always easy to do but the only way!

As humans, we do need to feel the emotions of our challenges, for only as we feel them and walk through them can they be released. Denying them stuffs them away to surface another day, and by then those challenges may have added more energy so that they erupt even more severely than the original situation, perhaps in a different form. So feel the emotions of what comes your way, then let go of it – surrender – so that you can receive the solution. You will at some point see the gift in every challenge, for it is always hidden in there somewhere.

Empowering Thought

“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”            ---Buddha

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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The Big Shift!

My deeply embedded foundation through familial and religious instruction taught me their basic life principles: lack, limitations, struggle and fear. Afraid of punishment, I learned the principles well, which enabled me to create a life that played out these beliefs over and over again: never enough, can’t have all you want, life is hard, obey or you’ll be punished. Can you relate to this consciousness?

I was hard-working, dependable, striving always to better myself and produce more so I’d achieve worth. To those watching, I accomplished this, giving birth to and raising five children (my greatest gifts!) while building a successful piano teaching studio, officer of many organizations, in addition to becoming an accomplished seamstress and decorator. But it was never enough: I was restless and unhappy. I blamed the long difficult marriage, the financial challenge of raising five children, and the endless hours that I felt driven to work to prove my value.

But when the timing was right, Spirit provided a wake-up call that got my attention. Illness struck! Little did I know from that moment on my life would make a tremendous metamorphosis from chrysalis to butterfly.

My healing seemed difficult, taking five long years to complete as I sought answers in alternative health modalities. My knowledge through this precipitated the venture with my sons of opening health stores. I, the student, was ready to receive the new thinking provided by various “teachers” who were strategically placed along my path. Change was inevitable. I began to step into my own power, which included becoming a public speaker – a petrifying fear that I overcame – obtaining a divorce, and eventually being guided to leave my stores for my next step.

But I still hadn’t gotten it. Struggle stayed glued to my hip. Finances were tight and a subsequent business partnership that ended left me “holding the bag” of the mega debt accrued, which placed me in a precarious financial dilemma. Since I had been taught that struggle was part of life, I simply continued the pattern, not realizing there was any other way.

However, new insights grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into an arena of new understanding of what could be. Creativity emerged from within me so I branched into unknown territories: creating seminars and presenting them, developing and facilitating trainings for speaking and coaching, coaching personal clients, writing books and articles, and finally accepting my intuitive gifts and connection with the angelic realm. My world looked different now and I actually began to see and feel my worth. My children were grown and our relationship had remained loving – quite an achievement oftentimes in today’s world.

But one fact remained. I lived in lack with my finances which of course affected all aspects of my life. Still faced with paying the large business debt, I decided I should downsize again. Several months went by without a contract, but I knew I would sell my house in the perfect timing. The search for a smaller house continued while I still operated from my ingrained pattern of lack.

It was an ordinary day in early March, 2005, but that day became a pivotal moment of expansion for me into an extraordinary life. Wrapped in the embrace of the angelic realm during an unscheduled afternoon mediation, I drifted far away, so far that I literally felt myself lifted into a space of perfection and light. I heard a voice softly way, “Why do you believe you must downsize? You have unlimited abundance around you. Can you not see? Look around you. It is surrounding you even now. You are free to upsize; it’s up to you.”

Still mesmerized as I glanced at my life, I suddenly jumped awake just as a loud clap of thunder startles you. I noticed my present abundance: my children, my health, my house and material acquisitions, my phenomenal growth, my friends, my inborn capabilities, and even the challenges that had brought me to the present moment. “Wow! I am rich” I thought. “I have incredible abundance already; there is nothing I really need.”

From that awakening aha moment my life became completely empowered, for gratitude is the most powerful tool of empowerment. I had finally “gotten it!”  Because I had been blocking the abundance with my ingrained thoughts of “can’t have it,” abundance couldn’t reach me. So I called my realtor and shared my new assignment – to upsize. Was she ever surprised with that phone call. Mind you, I had no idea how this would unfold; I was acting completely on faith and simply followed my Divine guidance. 

The steps that unfolded thereafter were beyond anything I could have ever orchestrated. By focusing on genuine gratitude for my present abundance, it continually expanded into more, overwhelming me at times. I did upsize to the perfect house. My business grew without so much effort, I wrote more books as I stretched and stretched my consciousness. The business debt that was left for me to pay was finally paid. Every time I asked for anything, that or something better was given in Divine timing. And it continues in my life as long as my focus is on my abundance. Do I ever have moments when my thoughts slip backward to my old thinking? Occasionally, but they occur less and less frequently, and I quickly catch myself in the old thought patterns and throw them into the garbage.

I had said the words many times, but until I had an internal knowing of my abundance and became grateful for it, to the point of understanding I had enough right then, more could not manifest. Everything I had created in my life was from my choices, so it was really up to me to choose differently and create a new life pattern.

The big shift was within me even though the external circumstances were the same. This is the key. It was my thoughts and my response that changed my life from struggle to abundance. The shift created a higher vibration which then allowed my external realm to also raise its vibration, and abundance flowed. It came and continues to come in amazing, unexpected ways, and I simply smile and hold out my open hands to receive it; it is really that easy!

Head knowledge is not going to cut it my friends; you must internalize it into heart knowledge.

People say affirmations about prosperity and abundance, read books on it, listen to people speak on it, but until you take it deep within and actually know it so that you become it, your outer life will remain the same. Positive head knowledge and negative heart knowledge will bump heads and go nowhere, often hurting in the process.

So how do you create a life of abundance and prosperity?

1. Become aware of your negative thoughts and behavior. Acknowledge their presence and perhaps their origin. This is observational inner work.
2. Surrender those patterns and ask for help to change to abundance thoughts.
3. Look around at all you already have and are. Write a list, reading it daily to remind yourself of the abundance already present in your life, even the challenges that are helping you to grow.
4. Develop an attitude of gratitude for everything, and I do mean everything.
5. When a negative thought creeps in, throw in into your mental garbage pail.
6. Thank the universe for sending the abundance even though it isn’t seen yet.
7. Accept the abundance with humility and of course gratitude!

What is your life pattern at this very moment? Are you living in abundance or still experiencing lack and struggle? The stakes are way too high to remain in lack or struggle consciousness, because in that place you continually recreate the same scenarios you have already experienced. So it boils down to you. What is your choice?

I’m closing with this powerful quote from someone who depicts abundance in so many ways. Oprah Winfrey said, “I live in the space of thankfulness – and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for the small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.”

And so it is…

Carolyn Porter, D. Div., is a Speaker, Wholeness Coach, Energy Facilitator, and Author of Mind-Body-Spirit books and audios. A recent release is Angel Love, which shares true stories and insights of how angels powerfully assist in people’s lives. Carolyn’s passion is empowering you to create the life you want and deserve.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Launch Your Dreams

Would you like to experience a glorious life, bathed in riches that fill you to overflowing? Now is the perfect time to create this life as 2008 is launched. Isn’t it exciting to realize this is a huge opportunity to bring into reality the dreams you’ve been dreaming for weeks, months, or perhaps even years?

What are your dreams? Are they something that you’ve had on the back burner for some time now, or perhaps you’ve all but abandoned them, deciding they can never come true since you cannot figure out how they could ever work. Ah! Here’s the key to this entire saga of bringing dreams to fruition - forget trying to figure it all out!

Perhaps you have no real dreams. Maybe you’ve been sliding through life accepting what came your way as how it is meant to be. Did you ever actually sit down quietly and think about what you wish your life could look like? This is the first and most important step - defining what you truly want. You see, the universe cannot bring you the desires of your heart unless you first have a wish and declare it. It is up to you to decide what you want in your life. We call this intention, a thought if you will, that comes from a deep desire in the heart. Take a few minutes right now (it’s too important to put off), and make a visible list on paper of what you truly want in your life. Read it often, daily if you wish, keeping that desire alive, because that is how your dreams will come to fruition.

What is on your list? Do they seem impossible to become reality?  As long as you doubt your dreams can come true, they probably won’t. People are really good at self-sabotage. They place an intention of their desire, but then block the entire process by doubts, (negativity), often because they are trying to figure out how to make it happen instead of allowing the universe to fulfill the dream. So this is step number two – Get out of the way! This is without a doubt a most difficult aspect of our lives - that of trusting the process to unfold in Divine timing without doing a single thing. Human beings, by nature, want to get in the middle and make it happen – control. Letting go of control – surrendering - is most difficult.

Many individuals are taught that in order to achieve anything you must work hard, head to the grindstone. You have probably been encouraged to set goals and take the steps to make them happen. This is stressful oftentimes, and requires many grueling hours to complete. While it may bring the desired results in the end, it took a lot of pushing and driving to facilitate. However, when you have placed your intention of your desire, surrendered the whole process to God and stepped out of the way, amazing things will happen without any effort on your part. It is a most incredible process, that of allowing Divine orchestration to unfold your plan as you patiently wait. 

I have experienced this over and over in my life. It allows me to be at peace, knowing what I desire will happen for me according to the universal plan for my highest good. There have been multiple times when I had no idea how to accomplish what I wanted to do, but when I simply said “Okay God, You take over,” it worked out with ease in a way I would have never been able to orchestrate

Once a door opens for you, it is time to move – step number three. Now it is time to begin working hard to fulfill this dream that is opening for you. This is the place that stops many people from moving forward because they must actually step up to the plate and do what they said they wanted to do. It can be frightening to step out into unknown territory, grabbing the reins for success, so sometimes people turn around and walk away, too afraid to continue with their dream. How sad. If they had only taken a moment to carefully contemplate, they might have realized that the universe doesn’t open a door unless it is possible to achieve what is on the other side of that door. People are afraid of failure, so rather than risk failing, they turn away. This is so sad. All it would take is a little faith and belief in the power that resides within as a co-creator with the Creator of the universe, and the fear could be eliminated.

Finally, step number four reveals a core tool of empowerment – be thankful for the fulfillment of your dream before it shows up in your life. There is a universal principle that I feel sure you have heard about many times – what you focus on expands into more of the same. If you are grateful for something, an expression of love, it will expand into more outcomes from love (positive). So it only makes sense to concentrate on something good so more good will come to you. Being thankful before there is any evidence of your dream coming to fruition shows that you have faith and believe that God and the universe are listening and will deliver the desires of your heart as is promised. Faith – a belief in something not seen – is a powerful vibration that attracts back to it what is being sent out on the energy waves of that vibration.

So there you have it – four simple steps for bringing your dreams into your reality. Let’s do a recap of these so they will be indelibly placed in your mind.

Step # 1:

Decide what you want and place an intention of that desire to God and the universe. You must define what it is you desire in order for the universe to bring it to you.

Step # 2:

Surrender the process and step out of the way. It is easy and effortless when you do this, but often difficult since human beings want to control everything.

Step # 3:

When an opportunity appears and a door opens, walk through it and begin working hard. This stops many people since they are afraid of stepping up to the plate and actually doing it.

Step # 4:

Be thankful for your dream coming to you before there is any evidence that it is coming. This shows you have faith and belief in the power of God and the universe to bring you your request.

So there you have it – the simple steps for launching your dreams into viable experiences that materialize into your actual life. But let me leave another thought with you about launching your dreams into your reality.

Be sure to dream big! So many people are afraid to dream big because they don’t see how something so grand could materialize, so they opt for small dreams. I’m suggesting that you dream as big as you possibly can, and here are some questions to ask yourself so you know if your dreams are actually big enough.

1. Does my dream excite me?
2. Is my dream in alignment with my spiritual core?
3. Do I need help from God (Higher Power) in order for this dream to materialize?
4. Will this dream require me to grow beyond where I am at present?
5. Will my dream bless others at some point?

When you can answer “Yes” to all of these questions, your dream is big enough. My challenge to you, my friend, is to create your dreams and allow them to unfold so that your year 2008 is great!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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It's All About Choice!

I should have been happy according to the standards society projects, but I wasn’t. I was married, had five wonderful children, a degree in music, chaired many organizations, was very creative, and had been teaching piano with much success for many years while receiving continuous praise for my many accomplishments. I had a comfortable lifestyle so to the world I had plenty, and although I was grateful for those blessings, on the inside I was unhappy, distraught, restless, and eventually became ill as a result of all the buried negative feelings I had stuffed away.

My marriage was less than optimal, often leaving me confused, unhappy, and frustrated, so I poured my heart into child-raising. I loved my role as mom, but one day a frightening thought entered my awareness – my children were growing up. Then the inevitable occurred and they began to leave home, which left me wondering what was going to happen to me since they had been the center of my life.

We moved to Atlanta during which time illness struck me, and it took me three years to heal through alternative modalities. Through the process of healing with these alternative methods, I learned new ways to think and be. Then one day, with no trepidation, I knew it was time to leave my husband. Unhappiness had hung over us like a constricting dark cloud for many years, which felt as if my life force was slowly being suffocated. That day began a complete metamorphosis for me that was going to take me into places of which I had no idea. I was letting go of old beliefs and attachments to what was supposed to be and began living in the present moment of what I knew was real.

I’m not suggesting divorce as a way out of problems, but only as a way of freedom to be yourself if the relationship no longer nurtures you and raises you to a higher level. Running away doesn’t solve the issue, but confronting the issue, realizing change is necessary, and then taking action steps to make the change is empowering. From the moment of my divorce, painful and scary as it was being truly on my own for the first time in my life, and having two children still at home, I knew I was on the right tract. I finally realized I couldn’t “fix” anything, so it was time to let go. So many individuals remain in unhappy relationships, whether personal or business, because they think they have no choice. You always have a choice! I had stayed because of children, finances, security, doubt, fear, – all the wrong reasons – but after 32 years I saw the light that was beckoning for me to walk to it.

What did I find when I walked into that light? Amazing possibilities! Over the course of the next five years, I took a speaking course and learned to become a public speaker – definitely not something I ever thought a possibility for me - wrote my first book about my life and the lessons learned, understood how to love and value myself, wrote another book about the journey to empowerment through knowing real love, created seminars and trainings that I presented, became somewhat proficient on the computer, opened my own business, became a wholeness coach, all of which I had never done before and never dreamed would be part of my life.

But the most important thing I realized in all of this is who I am. It was a process for sure, but I also understood that all those years I had been expecting my husband, children, friends, accomplishments, accolades, and what I produced to fill me up and make me happy. But none could. I learned that nothing in my external realm could ever make me happy; it was up to me to create my own happiness from within me. This involved finding my purpose for this life and living it, and that’s what I was doing through my speaking, writing, and coaching. Many new doors were opening and I was walking through them. Was I ever scared? You betcha. But I kept walking no matter what and miracles unfolded in my life.

Understand that it was a process, putting one foot in front of the other one step at a time. Change, growth, transformation is not a quick fix scenario by any means, and all growth requires both time and a few of those growing pains along the journey. Very important in this process of growth is learning to be quiet, sitting still in the present moment. In this place of being quiet you can learn who you really are. As you rush from here to there, it is impossible to hear inner guidance or new insights because you’re too busy doing. As I spent many hours alone, oftentimes bemoaning my present life situation of aloneness, I felt the presence of God in a way I’d never felt before. It was also in this place of quiet that I began to understand who I was and what I wanted my life to be. If I had remained in the destructive, non-nurturing, going nowhere relationship I was living in, I wouldn’t have moved into this new territory and become the person I am meant to be. Why? By remaining I would have been giving away my power and staying stuck. The fear to move out would have been keeping me under its control. Attachments to people and things so often keep a person from moving forward in their life, and this is a life of smallness rather than one of empowerment. Remaining in the place of comfortable does not allow growth!

As I look back at the changes in my life, I can see that by taking that first step, the step I had wanted to take for some time but was too afraid to do, was the step that broke me free and allowed me to fly. That one step has given me an entirely different life, one that is magical and extraordinary every day. The decision to leave a long marriage was not what allowed this life for me, but it was the decision to move forward and become the person who I really am inside. I finally listened to that inner voice that whispered for me to go, not because I was a coward and was giving up, but because I was strong enough to make it alone as an empowered being. By listening to my inner guidance and making the choice to move with it, I allowed possibilities of great magnitude to appear in my life. As a result of listening, I am able to give back to the world and help others along their life journey, and that fills me up to overflowing. This brings great happiness and joy into my life. I have reinvented my life and it is exciting to be living in it!

Are you stuck in your life at this present moment? Afraid to take that first step? What is it that’s keeping you paralyzed? Does it feel as if you are in prison? Know this, the first step is the hardest. Once you commit to moving forward and you take that shaky first step, the rest is much easier. Realize there’s no going back. But then why would you want to go back?   Think about where you are right now and where you’d really like to be. Remember this: whether you remain in “prison” or take that life-changing first step into unknown territory, it’s your choice!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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In the Blink of an Eye!

I imagine all of you reading this article have experienced a moment when everything abruptly changes in your life and leaves you gasping for a breath. We’ve all had those moments, what I call life’s “blinks.” Sometimes itaffects our life positively, and sometimes those blinks create a negative feeling.

It’s amazing how one moment in time can change everything. You are living your life, expecting it to continue in a particular way. Then suddenly, out of the blue, in the blink of an eye, with one choice, everything dramatically changes. It could seem good or it could seem bad, but for some just the fact that there is a big change throws them into a tailspin.

Let’s look at some examples of positive moments: The love of your life asks you to marry him; You are called into your boss’ office and receive an unexpected promotion or raise; You win a competition; You close a fantastic deal which brings you great monetary abundance; You experience the birth of a baby; You purchase your very first home, and so on. We have so many examples every day of positive moments – how one moment, a blink of an eye, changes the course of your life. All of the above happenings create big change.

On the other hand, we also have what most call negative blinks. They might look like this: Your company downsizes and your job is unexpectedly terminated; You experience a family death; You receive a large, unexpected bill that you don’t have the money to pay; You are diagnosed with a serious illness; You have a car accident; One of your children have an issue with the police, and on and on we could go with what feel like negative moments. Once again, in the blink of an eye, everything changes fast.

When things are going well we feel better about life, even though there are always small changes that appear on our daily path. It’s easier to feel good when all is well. But when we have negative moments that suddenly appear, or if they seem to be relentless and are sticking like glue, we get upset and depressed, playing the victim over our perceived negative experiences.

Stuff happens! Every day, every week, every month, every year, throughout our entire life, stuff will happen. We cannot escape the obstacles in our life because that’s how life is. But we can escape the negative response that so often accompanies the experience. When life happens and perceived negative occurrences flood our path, it’s simply how we see them that makes the difference in our response.

Whatever we focus on expands, so if we see it as a “bad” happening, we will create more negativity around the experience and thus attract to us more of the same type negative experiences. Why? Because we are energetic beings and can only bring to us what we are feeling and believing inside of us. However, if we look at the moment through the eyes of acceptance, knowing everything that comes to us has a reason for being in our life, it shifts the entire feeling and brings us a different scenario.

Here’s an example. I was getting ready to begin working on this article, so the thoughts of what to write were formulating in my mind. I was interrupted by a phone call from an attorney that initially threw me for a loop. I am working congenially with a city group concerning some of my property that they are taking away – progress they say. I had agreed on the settlement and thought all was well. The money I would receive is to complete the repairs necessary after they alter my property. Then I got the call from an attorney stating that the bank has the authority to take some of the settlement as security, and they wanted to take half of it. My first reaction was a wee bit of anger and I found my heart racing somewhat as I felt this was an injustice. I thought, “This isn’t fair. The money is for my use to fix my property once the city has finished their changes.” I was justified to be a little angry, don’t you think? What right do they have to take anything in the first place, let alone half of it?

Where was I at that moment? In fear! Fear is always based in negative feelings and produces negative behavior. I was resisting the natural flow of the situation in my life. I suddenly became aware of the space I was in and totally surrendered. Immediately a calmer feeling came over me and I thought about the entire situation as the attorney explained various aspects of what was to happen. As soon as I surrendered I realized I had some options and could lower the amount the bank would take. I said a quick prayer, called the bank, and was able to lower the amount substantially.

What is my point for this example? When you are thinking and feeling from a place of fear and see an impending disaster, you actually create a disaster because that’s what you see. But when I let it go and allowed myself to surrender my negative feelings, a solution appeared just like that. Once I let my negative feelings go, even though the situation still required the relinquishing of some of the money to the bank, I was able to understand the ramifications of this situation and realize it wasn’t nearly as bad as my first thoughts had imagined it to be. In the end, once I let go of my perception of the situation, and the resistance, I came to understand there would be a really good outcome in one way that couldn’t have happened any other way.

What I am saying is that we have no control over the sudden changes in our life, the blinks if you will. Perhaps we unconsciously created them for a lesson, or perhaps they came to us to direct us on a new path. They might have come to keep us growing as we move forward on our present path, but maybe to let us see things in a new light. If the blink brings something that we like, we accept it much more easily, but if we don’t like the blink-of-an-eye change, we resist and fight it. When we fight, we create a battleground. On a battleground there is only chaos, turmoil, anger, fear, pain, defeat or even death.

However, if you accept the changes, even when they don’t feel good, and know they are coming for a very specific reason with a gift tucked inside somewhere, you can then become peaceful in the midst of your perceived storm. Life is full of ups and downs, as well as blinks that when you open your eyes reveal a completely different scene than when you closed them a moment before. Do understand this, there is always a bigger picture to what you can see, and even though everything around you appears one way, you might be surprised what the actual reality is. How you see it is solely your choice!

So when you blink and find yourself in a place you didn’t imagine before, know it is perfect. Life happens, and whether or not it feels good, it is good. The goodness may not be evident as you’re going through the experience, but at some point you’ll see that it was all for a very specific purpose. What I have learned along my journey is that everything that appears in my life, no matter whether it feels good or not, is exactly what I need to grow and expand into something more, and is always perfect for my life. My hope is that you too will realize this truth, and accept every blink that brings you the unexpected with grace and peace, because it is exactly what you need at this very moment!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Experience the Miracle of Building a Solid Spiritual Business

Everyone who owns their own business desires to make it a success. And why shouldn’t they? They deserve it! Most people would say that in order to make your business successful it requires a lot of hard work, long hours, perhaps extra resources, which usually involves setbacks and possibly failure before that business becomes the desired success. All of that means stress.

I have owned and operated several businesses over the years and followed the precedent that was laid out for me, namely that of hard work, long hours, struggle, discouragement, much stress and failure before success was evident.  But a few years ago I learned another way to create a business, one that is built on universal spiritual principles. When building a business based on spiritual principles, it is more about being than doing.

Anything you build requires a sturdy foundation, whether it’s an actual building, a relationship, a career, or a business. In order to hold the rest of the structure, the foundation must be strong enough to withstand whatever comes its way. I learned to apply five spiritual principles that have enabled me to create exactly what I want so that it was effortless. Here are those steps so that you can utilize them in your life.

The first principle is to know what you believe. So many individuals simply adopt the beliefs of everyone else and never stop to think about what they believe for themselves. In order for your foundation to be strong, it must be built on solid truths that you will stand for no matter what. In other words, compromise is never an option. Perhaps you would include honesty or integrity on which to build your foundation. You might want to include compassion, understanding or kindness as well. These values become your truth, something you will stand up for regardless of what comes your way. Take a moment right now to stop and think about your own personal values and truths that you would never compromise.

Principle two is simply this: Define what you want! Our society as a whole focuses on what isn’t working, what doesn’t feel good and what they don’t like in their life. Listen to the first few minutes of the news and you get your eyes and ears full of crime, tragedies, catastrophes, and then some. Have you ever heard a news program begin with all the wonderful things going on in our world? I’m sure you’re chuckling by now because newsworthy information is based on fear and crisis because that’s what people are conditioned to seek.

Since society focuses on the fears and negativity, the fears and negativity continue to show up. This is because whatever you focus on expands into more of the same. Perhaps you saw the movie The Secret, or at least you’ve heard about it. The principle or universal law to which the movie refers is simply this: what you focus on expands into more situations and experiences that continually bring to you more of what you are thinking about. This is called the Law of Attraction. So if you focus on what isn’t working in your life, you will continue to experience things that aren’t working too well.

However, there is another way. Focus on what you want instead. As a coach, I continually have individuals sit in front of me asking for help, and without fail, if I ask them what they want in their life, they look at me with a blank stare. Most people never think about what they want, only what they don’t want. But if those same people began to think about the desires of their heart, their life would change and expand into good and positive experiences.

When you decide what it is you want, it is good to then set an intention for that desire to the universe. When you set the intention, be sure you stretch beyond your present thoughts and dream big, bigger than you’ve ever done before. Know that whatever you can see and believe you can achieve. Here’s an example. A person places an intention to the universe for 20 new clients next month. As the fourth week approaches he realizes he has only gained three new clients. So he panics, or becomes angry, and declares that this isn’t working. All of those thoughts are from fear and are negative, so of course he is creating the very thing he doesn’t want. Yet if he would focus on the fact that three new clients came and how grateful he is for those three clients, he would be able to expand those thoughts into more positive thoughts and eventually create exactly what he wants – 20 new clients in a month! There is so much power in your thoughts!

The third principle is to surrender your will. This is really hard for most individuals because we’ve been programmed to grab onto the steering wheel and hold on tight, because everything is up to us. We’ve been taught to push, shove, strive, manipulate and force doors to open for us, that it’s all part of the process of getting what we want. Some people set goals and work hard at pushing to accomplish them. This is hard, fatiguing and stressful, and stress can be a killer.

What I have learned is that stress doesn’t need to be part of the picture if you simply allow your desires to unfold in Divine timing. Patience is needed with this principle, not a virtue that most people have. Waiting until the timing is right is part of the surrendering process; it simply means to allow the details to unfold without you doing anything.

When I found my healing center location and proceeded to obtain a loan to purchase the property, I contacted the bank with whom I hold multiple accounts and some investments. They assured me it would be easy to receive the loan and so I set the closing date and waited for the confirmation. The closing was close but I hadn’t heard anything, so I began investigating, only to discover I had been denied the loan. I was baffled and quite upset as I thought this my best and easiest shot for procuring a loan.

So I set out to find a loan, contacting various banks and loaning agencies. Although I found some willing to work with me, there were stipulations and the interest didn’t feel good. On day, I sat down in my home office chair and said, “God, this is your project. I’ve tried what I know to do and it hasn’t worked, so I’m giving it back to you. You figure out the details because I don’t know what to do, and I’m going shopping!” With a smile on my face I left to go Christmas shopping.

While shopping, just a few hours later, my cell phone rang and I was greeted by the person selling me the property. Knowing my dilemma, he had put in a good word for me with a bank he had done much business with, and they offered me a loan at the best interest rate yet. This was amazing to me since the seller knew little about me and apparently felt in his gut that I would make a go of this endeavor. The rest was effortlessly executed and a couple weeks later I owned the property that became Where Miracles Happen healing center. When I got out of the way, everything worked with such ease and I didn’t do a thing to make it happen!

Fourth principle is this: When a door opens, run through it. People often get cold feet when a door finally opens. Suddenly they’re faced with the responsibility to step up to the plate and do it, and they are fearful. So they hesitate. But this is now the time to get busy and do the work. Once I purchased the property, it was time for me to get the business ready to open – lots of work.  I had asked and it had been given. Don’t dawdle now. Instead, move it!

And finally, the fifth principle is to develop an attitude of gratitude. Be grateful for your desire before it shows up. Gratitude is an expression of love and can only bring more good to you. Whatever you focus on expands into more of the same, so coming from gratitude can only bring you more of what you want. Oprah was once fired as a reporter and told she should leave the realm of media. She chose not to accept that as her truth and proceeded to create the life she wanted. She said, “I live in the space of thankfulness – and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for the small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what.”

So this means that no matter what shows up in your life, there’s a gift in it and you should be thankful for it. Every little good thing that happens should evoke gratitude, and then watch it expand into more and greater good in your life.

So what is the miracle? In this space of using the five principles I just outlined for you, you can experience a life of peace, serenity, inner joy, and excitement about what each day brings. It’ll feel as if every day is an adventure with great satisfaction and happiness as your reward. Stress will be tossed out the window and you will continually create your dreams into reality. It is such a wonderful way to live as you simply allow the universe to unfold the desires of your heart into something more grandiose than you ever thought possible.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Aspire To Inspire Before You Expire!

Quite a mouthful isn’t it? Say it fast and you’ll trip over the words most likely. I saw this phrase on a church marquis as I was driving and it sparked my interest to the point that I thought about what it could mean. Here are my thoughts.

To aspire simply means to have a yearning or desire to do something and strive to do it. An aspiring individual is ambitious, hopeful and enthusiastic. This is the kind of person you’d want as a team player in your business for he would keep spirits up and the momentum flowing.

Inspire on the other hand refers to the spirit of encouragement as well as the ability to stimulate creative activity. It is that internal spark needed to make things happen – basically to get off the sofa and get into action. An inspiring individual is uplifting, stimulating, exciting and motivates. This person can light the fire needed to begin the action.

This is exactly what a coach does – lights a fire within their client to make changes. What is a coach? Simply a guide who ascertains a perspective outside the life “game” that the client is in the midst of. As a player in the middle of the game it is hard to see all perspectives since that person is concentrating on their position and viewpoint. An outsider can often see the greater picture and offer new thoughts while encouraging and stimulating the individual into action.

As individuals travel their life path they often find themselves in a place of feeling stuck. Perhaps they’ve been playing their life “game” for a while and are tired of the same playing field. Change is necessary but they can’t see the big picture because they’re still on the playing field. Or maybe they simply want to do something more rewarding and different. Perhaps you’ve been in this place; maybe you are there right now.

Inspiring someone to make changes and become “unstuck” so they can move in a new direction in their life is such a rewarding endeavor. Supporting an individual who needs to know someone cares can uplift both individuals to a place of inner satisfaction. As a wholeness coach, helping people see their potential and gain understanding that if they can imagine it they can do it is the most fulfilling aspect of my life. Watching an individual make positive changes in their life and see the smile spread across their face once they “get it,” does indeed make my heart soar.

But we can take inspiration a step further and reference a deeper meaning. Inspiration can also refer to divine guidance. In this context it means breathe into or draw into the lungs as the breath of life. Inspiration here is the flow of a divine energy that enters one’s thoughts and heart easily without any forethought or contemplation. My books come in this way and I’m sure most authors would attest to this kind of inspiration while writing their works. In fact, I am routinely influenced with divine wisdom every day of my life and cannot imagine life without this guidance. An inspired life such as this leaves the ego outside of the equation for the most part.

I believe that allowing yourself to become inspired and then sharing your thoughts, words and actions with others so that you inspire them in some way, is the ultimate fulfillment in this lifetime. We each came here with a gift to share and our responsibility is to uncover it with inspired guidance, allowing inspiration to help it unfold, and then taking inspired action to do it. Inspired living is spirit-driven whereas a usual lifestyle is ego-driven.

Perhaps you’ve been nudged to move forward in a new direction – change your vocation, write a book, take some training, open a new business – but you are hesitating because you doubt you have the time, resources or capabilities to do it, or you’re simply in a state of fear about moving in this new direction. You are most likely receiving divine inspiration and if you follow that guidance it will bring you amazing results that will include peacefulness and inner fulfillment. Maybe you’ve felt guided to help others in some way, to support, love, guide or encourage them on their journey.

There is no joy greater than knowing you inspired someone into action. Many leave this planet with their music still inside them, and what a tragedy that is. Maybe all they needed was someone to inspire and stimulate them, to believe in them and help them see their potential. What a gift that would be for that person to receive. And think how awesome it would be if you were the giver of that gift!

So in summing up the meaning of the phrase aspire to inspire before you expire, it simply says to have the desire to arouse and positively influence an individual into action so that they fulfill their innermost desires before they die and leave this planet. And it also applies to you – allowing inspiration to flow through you so that you too experience an inspired life. As always, the choice is yours! Be the inspiration!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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“The Secret” Is In!
Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div.

The big buzz of late has been about “The Secret.” When the movie was released people excitedly began talking about it as if it was a new discovery. It has impacted the thinking of many people and celebrities such as Oprah have brought people onto their show to discuss it. The world seems more ready to utilize the principle that many of us have known for years – the law of attraction.

The law of attraction is a simple law of the universe – simple in its description yet not so simple to implement. The law of attraction is just this: what you put out you receive back. Another way to say it is what you focus on is what you create. A great example is a boomerang. You throw it out from you and within a short time it comes right back to where you are. So it is with the law of attraction – send it out; get it back.

Our entire universe consists of energy, and the energy is continually moving due to its vibrations. These vibrations are either positive or negative and the current from the vibration of the energy will continually attract the same type energy according to what has been sent forthwith. It works like a magnet. So what this means for us is that whatever vibration – a negative or positive one – we are sending out into these energy currents is being multiplied because we can only attract magnetically what we put out.

When you are continuously focusing on what you feel are “bad” things in your life – lack of money, unhappy relationships, unfulfilling job, not enough time for all you need to do, health issues, boredom, lack of energy – you continually set yourself up for more of the same because the law of the universe is likes attract likes. So it simply means that by keeping your thoughts on what isn’t working as you want it, you actually are creating more of it! Kind of stings, doesn’t it? Perhaps you doubt that you’re actually creating these unpleasant circumstances in your life since they are the opposite of what you want, but in fact you are.

Here’s an example. A man really wants a different job, one that allows him to be creative and happy while giving flexibility. This man is unfulfilled with the job he has. He wants at least as much income as he presently receives, but more would be even better. So this man places the intention of receiving the perfect job. Immediately the universe begins unfolding steps so that this job will appear for this person. Out of the blue, a week later the individual loses his present job. The man goes into a panic, thinking of how he will pay his bills and support his family. Fear takes over and he becomes very stressed. What this person isn’t realizing is that more than likely this is the first step to bring his intention into reality. In order to receive the new it is often required to let go of the old. But the fear creates more of the same and places a block in the energy flow to the man’s desire. The unfolding of the steps is put on hold until the block is removed. So the man says it isn’t working due to lack of trust and begins looking for his own job.

Here’s the other side of the coin. This individual places his intention for the perfect job and for it to come in Divine timing. A week later his job is suddenly terminated. He’s in shock at first, wondering how he’ll pay his bills. But he remembers his intention and decides to surrender the entire situation to the Higher Power (God to me). He finds himself thinking some fear thoughts but immediately begins releasing them and asking for help. Then he begins thanking the Higher Power for listening to his intention and is grateful that the perfect job is on its way. When a new, exciting job appears in a short time, this person simply smiles and says “Thank you” because he knew it was coming; he kept his faith.

That’s what it takes to complete the law of attraction principle – faith. Faith is a belief in something not seen, and that’s what throws most people into a tailspin when their intention is beginning to unfold. Most people need to see evidence in order to believe in something, but faith is in the unseen. What often happens is the fear factor emerges. Doubts surface and sabotaging thoughts creep in to block the flow of the intention. When the person mentioned above panicked about his job loss and remained in fear he stopped the energy flow from his intention that the universe had begun to manifest. What he perceived as something “bad” was actually good – it was the beginning of his desire unfolding. Even though he said the words for what he wanted, his thoughts told a different story.

This is exactly what most people do and why they continually create the opposite of what they want. An intention is placed (a thought or desire), but since they cannot see any of the details working out (getting out of the way and planning no details is a key to the law of attraction working), they allow their thoughts to return to their old programming. This happens in regard to finances so often. More money is desired and the intention is placed for an income increase or a better job. The words have been spoken and the person says he understands the law of attraction. But on some level this person doesn’t believe he deserves much money – perhaps from parental teachings – and it becomes evident with comments he makes such as: “I wish I could buy such and such,” or “It’s really hard to make enough money these days,” or “Some day I hope I can make enough money to do such and such.” In every instance he is saying that he is lacking money, the very thing he wants. So the energy vibration that is put out is negative, one of lack and limitations.

What should he do to attract the money he wants to him? Begin by being grateful for all he presently has and is, from the small to the big. Become grateful for every challenge and lesson, even the job loss, and then watch things unfold in the directions he desires. He must realize that he has enough already yet does deserve to have more. Remember, likes attract likes, so in order to attract abundance and prosperity you must believe on an internal level (heart and soul) that you are already abundant. Head knowledge alone does not work! Perhaps you yearn for a soulmate. You’ve been looking and praying for so long but nothing is happening. Define what you want in this person and then become those things. In order to attract this person you must be that person.

Perhaps you desire a new and exciting job. First become grateful for the job you now have. Know you are blessed for having that job and begin appreciating everything about it. But also ask for a new job with the criteria you desire. If you’re complaining about the job and hate going there every day, you send out negative vibrations that can only bring you more negative experiences.

The secret has been around for a very long time, and has created the life you are now experiencing. If it isn’t what you want you must change your internal programming and shift your thoughts to the good you have and are. Until you do this you’ll continue to experience your present life situations even if an intention was placed of what you really want.

So the secret is – be what you want! Acknowledge and become abundant in your mind and you’ll create it in your life. Believe you deserve all good and the good will find you. Become the person you want to attract as a partner and the person will show up. See yourself in perfect health and the universe will begin bringing you ways to make it happen. What stands in the way of these things finding you is you and your thoughts based from fear. Get out of the drivers seat and allow your desire to flow to you. When your intention is in alignment with your heart’s true desire, it will unfold easily and effortlessly. This takes inner work – realizing your old programming, releasing your fears, placing positive thoughts of the good you deserve in place of the old, consciously working on changing your thoughts, surrendering to the Higher Power your self-sabotaging thoughts and asking for help to overcome, and continually envisioning what you want while being grateful for it before there is any evidence it is on the way to you.

But skeptics will say it doesn’t work and that it can even be dangerous at times. The law of attraction has worked in my life over and over again from the mundane to the phenomenal. Oprah has proven it with her life since she operates from this place. As many have said and I totally agree, if you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it. It is simply your choice!

The law of attraction is working in your life at this very moment. Are you experiencing the life you want or are you creating the opposite? If it isn’t what you truly want then it’s up to you to shift the current so that you receive the desires of your heart.

What Do You Really Want?

Most people are really good at sharing what isn’t working in their life because people by nature seem to focus on the negative experiences, all based from fear. Stop and think about your thoughts. Do they include things such as “Life is hard,” or “I can’t seem to get ahead,” or “Nothing ever works out right for me,” or “I’m so tired,” or “Life has so many problems.”

The only way you can shift your life to attract what you want is to define what you want. So here’s your assignment. Take out a piece of paper – yes, you must do this so that it is visible – and write down exactly what you’d like your life to look like. Include all aspects. Your list might look like this:

1. Peace and joy in every day…
2. A job that is fun with creativity and allows me flexibility – a job that I love…
3. A soulmate relationship that allows us to be ourselves and come from a place of acceptance…
4. A larger house…
5. Income increase by at least 15 %...
6. Harmony in all my relationships…
7. Look and feel better by losing 20 pounds – more energy.

Your list may be completely different from the one above, but the idea is to identify what you want and write it where you can read and re-read it frequently. Until you define what it is you truly want in your life, how can you expect it to come to you. Remember, your thoughts create your life, so if you want something you must think about it. You might want to add pictures if you need more visuals.

So you want to lose 20 pounds. If you are constantly groaning and moaning about why and how this weight gain occurred, complaining about your clothes not fitting and becoming irritated with yourself and life, you will probably remain as you are or perhaps gain more. But if you put into your mind what you want to weigh and investigate information about exercise, changing your diet, looking and feeling healthier, then the universe brings situations and experiences into your life so that you can accomplish what you stated you want. You might place a picture of yourself in a highly visible location (your bathroom mirror is a great place) at your desired weight. The key here is that you must really want it. Many people say they want to change things in their life but when you get down to it they don’t have what it takes to make the changes. Their words were just that - words, and words alone will never work. To make changes you have to add the feelings into the mix, for it is the emotion connected with the thoughts and words that brings it to life so that is shows up in your life.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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A Really Great Place to Live!
By Carolyn Porter, D. Div.
Excerpted from the book - 101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life

Much has been said about ways to improve your life; you’re reading some in this book. Perhaps you’ve already tried different approaches, some that helped and others that didn’t. One thing that is irrevocably true is this: anything utilized to improve your life must have its origin in love, for love is all there is! I have discovered one empowering tool that is required for life to flow in perfect harmony no matter what happens in your external realm. It can literally transform your life into one of abundance and continuous bliss because it resides in the arms of love, a really great place to live.

For many decades I lived my life through the eyes of lack, believing there was never enough: not enough money, love, happiness, time, energy and so forth. Lack is simply a by-product of fear (the opposite of love) although I didn’t realize it then. I noticed that most individuals who crossed my path lived through the same mindset and there seemed to be so much negativity in everyone’s life which was downright depressing. But like most people, I fell into the trap of pushing and driving myself to achieve and produce more so I could have what I thought I lacked. That process tore down my health and created an insatiable thirst for what I didn’t have, leaving me miserably unhappy. My thought is that you probably understand this belief.

My life journey continued in the search for the missing things in my life yet wondering if I’d ever find them. I learned how to make more money but somehow it was never enough. (I rationalized the lack was due to raising five children) I tried for years to “fix” my marriage, but that didn’t work either. I changed careers, introduced healthy alternatives to improve my health, researched and studied many new ideas and decided to be a more loving person. I introduced time management and added a “things to do list” to my daily routine in the attempt to reduce stress and accomplish more. But no matter what I did to enhance my life that inner despair which told me something was lacking still existed. These things did help in external ways to improve my life, but I later learned the problem was with my internal self.

One day I began to see a faint glimmer of light as teachers appeared because I, the student, was now ready. New ways of thinking were introduced which began a tremendous shift in my very foundation. An expansive metamorphosis took place and my life opened up in ways that were mind-boggling. I learned that happiness came from within me and wasn’t anybody else’s job to create but mine. I discovered my true life purpose and began to live it. My health improved and I made changes that supported me rather than someone else. Yet negativity remained in my life because I knew deep inside something was still missing.

Several years later the awareness of what was missing in my life was revealed to me through meditation, prayer and study, and it was so simple that it surprised me. One feeling, once taken deep within so that it becomes part of you, will literally change everything in your life so that your entire perception of life shifts for the better. What is this feeling? Gratitude. I mean gratitude for everything, not just the good things but also the things that appear as challenges. Everything in your life is a gift, a truly marvelous gift that helps you grow and become more. When you actually see life through the eyes of gratitude it raises you up beyond what was envisioned before in truly miraculous ways.

Gratitude is an expression of love and is a top-of-the-list tool for empowerment. In fact, without the comprehension and acceptance of gratitude it is impossible to be empowered. The universe provides unlimited abundance which is available for everyone. But if you don’t believe this you actually push it away from you. Beginning with gratitude for all you presently have and are opens the channels of love to embrace you. This isn’t merely the use of the words, it literally means pulling the feeling of gratitude inside so that your life begins and ends through gratitude. In this place it doesn’t matter what appears in your life because you can gratefully accept it and trust the universe to provide the resolution. Gratitude means there is always enough, and when your truth is gratitude in all things it emanates outward to all who are in your presence because you feel it within you.

How does living through gratitude affect your life? It allows you total freedom to be love. In this place you are already okay, a masterpiece from the designer of the universe, which makes you magnificent right now, just as you are. The beauty of living in gratitude is that as you focus in this energy you continually expand it to create more of the same. Thoughts are pure energy and whatever is your focus shows up in your life. As you express your thoughts and feelings from the higher elements of love, only more of the same comes back to you. Gratitude expresses through the essence of love. As Plato once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind that eventually attracts great things.”

My truth says that in order to improve your life on all levels, simply develop the attitude of gratitude. But go a little deeper and develop an aptitude for gratitude. It then becomes more than just a thought or behavior and actually becomes who you are. Amazing miracles will appear in your life that will continuously keep you in awe of the power available to you when you live through gratitude, which is love. While many things can assist you on your path, gratitude is of God as an expression of love, your true essence.

Begin and end each day by thanking your Creator for everything: your life, home, material possessions, all relationships, internal gifts, capabilities, your body, and so on. Write them down, speak them, think them, live them. Even if there isn’t enough money to pay your bills at the moment, be thankful for the amount you have to pay the ones you can, then be openly thankful to the universe for bringing you the rest you need even though it isn’t seen yet. When a challenge shows up say “Thank you,” and know there is a gift in it. Also know you are greater than that challenge and expect the universe to resolve the situation. Surrender the challenge and go about your life. It will be resolved effortlessly because you are in a space of love when you are grateful for it and know the answer is on the way. Living in the state of gratitude generates continuous abundance and bliss – no stress, no worries, no lack, no fear - and a deep internal knowing that all is in divine order. Try it out and I guarantee you’ll like living there! One more benefit – you’ll smile a lot!

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year in which everything is possible. But even if it’s later in the year when you read this, every day is a new beginning. You are at this very moment creating your next moment and the one after that as well as creating the version of your life according to what you believe. There is a beautiful song entitled “If You Just Believe” and the lyrics say “believe in what your heart is saying, believe in what you feel inside, give your dreams the wings to fly, you have everything you need if you just believe.”

What do you believe? Do you believe in yourself…that everything is possible…that you can have perfect health…that you can do anything you put your mind to do…that you deserve all good…that life is a wonderful adventure…that you are magnificent…that you are abundant in every way? People often say the words, but what is really in your heart, what do you truly believe?

You are a powerful co-creator who is capable of bringing anything into reality that your heart desires. I wonder if you really believe that? Most people don’t because they allow circumstances and other people to dictate what they do, say, think and believe. Yet it is the power within you that has the ability to create into reality any dream you can imagine.

You might be asking how this can happen, being that your life isn’t going the way you wish it would. Maybe your finances are less than desirable or you long for a wonderful partner, or perhaps your job is boring and going no where and you want to do something that feels good instead of just performing for a paycheck. Maybe you desire to feel good about yourself, be calm, regain your health, or simply be happy. Dear friends, all of this is possible if you just believe it.

The key is to put out to the universe (God) your intention (thought), not simply for material gain but for spiritual gain. Always state that intention from an inner space of love and know that once it is thought it has the potential to become a reality. The ONLY thing that can stop that intention from becoming your reality is you and your disbelief in it coming to fruition. And this is precisely what happens to many people – they say the words and know in their head of its possibility, but their heart doesn’t align with that belief and this negates the entire process. I know this well as I have repeatedly blocked the very thing I asked for so that it couldn’t reach me, at least not until I got out of the way. And I believe that at this very moment you are thinking back over all the things you asked for but never showed up, right?

More than likely you’d like to believe that all you desire can be yours but don’t know how to make it happen for you. So I’m going to help you by giving you the answer. Here’s how it works. You have a deep desire for something, let’s say for a wonderful partner in your life. You’ve been dreaming of this for months or even years but nothing. You’ve begged God, praying over and over for this person, and maybe you’ve been angry that God hasn’t brought you your desire. Maybe you’ve gone looking yourself believing God isn’t listening so decided you’d just take over and do it yourself. You might be doubting this person will ever show up and you’re depressed as well as angry.

That’s how it works for many of you and the irony of it all is that you’re the reason your desire hasn’t shown up. Why? Because you’re attempting to do the work. You’re tired of waiting so stepped in to help the process along, or you continually focus on what isn’t there yet (lack), or perhaps it’s your anger that’s in the way. These behaviors are negative and are the very barrier that obstructs the receiving of your dream because you got in the way and blocked the energy flow with your actions.

The beauty and peace in receiving all your desires is in letting go of all details, all of them. You simply state that you desire a wonderful partner with whom to share your life. You tell God the qualities you desire in this person and then THANK GOD RIGHT THEN FOR SENDING THIS PERSON TO YOU, IN DIVINE TIMING! That’s the total, simple way to receive everything you desire. You ask for it from a place of love, you are grateful for the receipt of it before it shows up, and then you simply get out of the way so the universe can begin bringing it to you. And you plan none of the details yourself because if you attempt to do it you’ll mess it up. Sure, you might be able to manipulate some things to appear for you, but most of the time they don’t work out. It’s really this simple and I can tell you from personal experience that the most amazing things have knocked at my door in ways of which I could never have conceived.

So whether this in a new year or a new day, think about what you really would like your life to look life. Dream big because no dream is too big to receive. (unless you believe it is too big!) As soon as you put the thought (intention) out there and get out of the way, the universe begins aligning with that energy to create this for you. Do you wish for a wonderful partner or an improved relationship with someone who’s in your life now? Do you wish for a job that fulfills you and allows you to be creative? Do you long to do something of value for others? Would you like to receive more income? Would health improvement be at the top of your list right now? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but pushed it aside? Are you stressed and lacking in energy and would love to enjoy life more?

There is no better time than this very moment to decide what your year or day should look like. Your thought right now is already in the works for creating your tomorrow. Some extraordinary miracles have shown up in my life and sometimes surprise me when they appear. Of course they shouldn’t surprise me because I intended for them to appear and created them, but we’re simply human at times, aren’t we! I wish for you the most wonderful year (or day) that you can imagine and create into reality. Start dreaming my friends, because you are at this moment creating your next moment!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Your Greatest Gift

If I asked you what your greatest gift is, some of you would answer very quickly: your spouse, your children, your successful career, winning a gold medal, or maybe when you won the lottery. Others of you might take a moment to decide which gift is the greatest. While you might agree with one of the above gifts, you could mention a situation in which you saved another's life, the experience of overcoming an illness, escaping from near fatal harm and so on.

Every one of these are fabulous gifts, a gift that can keep on giving for a lifetime. In fact, if you became introspective a moment or two, you'll probably think of another, then another, and yet another gift, for every life is truly blessed with a continual parade of gifts.

No matter what you believe is your greatest gift, I am asking you to put it aside to make room for the most important, most spectacular, most unique, most magnificent, most beautiful gift you'll ever have -YOU!

That's right, you are your greatest gift. Without you there could be no spouse, no children, no career, no medal, no escape from harm. You see, you are the center of your universe just as each of us are. Because of you there can be a knowing of the gifts; it happens within you.

So let's talk about you, the Gift. You are created by the Creator of the universe and are part of your Creator as is every other created being. You are unique, a one-of-a-kind design. You are blessed with many abilities and an inner beauty that wants to be revealed. You are made from the energy of love so that you can spread love. You have natural intuition and a divine connection. You are part of the abundant universe and have unlimited power available to you simply by aligning with your Creator. As the sky is endless, so are your possibilities. You came to live in this life experience so you can expand into higher awareness and learn much. You are so special because you have something special within you to share with the world. So is there a gift greater than this?

It is time for you to acknowledge your worth, to know your value and recognize your greatness. So often an individual has been conditioned to believe their value is governed by their production level and whether or not they measure up. As a human being it is easy to "fall short of the mark," and a chain reaction comes into play that says not good enough, failed, messed up, has limits.

Through divine awareness my belief says I'm of worth by just being me and is not measured by anything I do. My understanding says that my Creator (God) is perfect and only creates perfect designs, all from love. As part of my Creator and a perfect design, I can be only of great worth. It has nothing to do with my productivity: I am simply me, God's perfect love.

You too are a perfect design of God. Do you think God messes up? The very fact that you are breathing the breath of life at this very moment is a gift. The reality that your birthright is the essence of pure love with unlimited power is a marvelous gift. Knowing this reality of your birthright expresses the mindfulness of your absolute value.

As you shift to the realization of your origin from perfect love and accept the birthright of greatness, you can then understand how you are your greatest gift. From this greatness you came into this life experience with your gift within you It is your responsibility to share it with the world. This gift is yours and yours alone, like no one else's, not a duplicate anywhere. Now that's pretty special if you ask me. And to think we each have one (or more) of these special gifts within us.

Have you remembered that special gift of yours? So often it remains hidden from the view of the world and perhaps even from you. But once you uncover this precious gift your entire life will change, and as you share it with others their lives will change. The gift within you becomes you.

But because individuals doubt the endless supply of possibilities as well as their own power, they don't believe in their true value. Instead, they believe they must earn their worthiness through what they achieve, acquire or do rather than who they are.

You were created from love and are love, and this love is who you are - a great gift to this world. Unwrap the package of you and step into the light so you can shine brilliantly. It's not what you give nor what you receive, but who you are that is your greatest gift! Thank God every single day for You!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Victim Or Victor?
Count Your Blessings - A True Story

Let me introduce you to Harry O'Brien - a human being extraordinaire…

It was a beautiful fall day in early October, October 3, 1983 to be exact. The sun was shining brilliantly and the crisp coolness of autumn filled the air. The day had presented only wonderful visions of fantastic possibilities.

Harry was quite content with his life. He and his wife were happy together and he was doing things that he loved to do - rebuilding older cars, playing bass guitar in a traveling band, and was a technical assistant in a recording company. He loved music and loved to dance. In fact, as Harry drove away from his morning meeting, he was smiling and singing along with the music that floated to his ears from his car radio. He was en route to see about purchasing another "over the hill" car so he could "fix her up."

Happily cruising as he hummed the tunes, he noticed a car sitting by the roadside with a man looking under the hood. Harry signaled to pull off the road to see if he could help this man in distress, since fixing ailing cars was one of his specialties. The man was obviously quite pleased to see help arrive and asked Harry if he would jumpstart his car. Harry hooked up the cables between both cars then went to prime the man's carburetor. He was standing in front of the man's car, priming the carburetor, thinking he'd have this guy on his way in short order. But suddenly, in a split second, his life abruptly ended as it had been.

There was a loud explosion and flames engulfed Harry's face, head and chest, for the stranded man had decided on his own volition to crank the engine. Remembering a creek he had seen over the embankment when he walked up to the disabled car, Harry turned and darted straight for that creek. Not being able to see anything as he felt his flesh burning, he literally dove into the creek head first, quickly extinguishing the flames that were searing his chest and face.

The man's car at the top of the embankment was rapidly burning, flames skyrocketing out of control. Harry couldn't move. As he came up to the surface of the water he noticed his legs, coming from behind, falling over his head. He felt nothing, absolutely nothing of his legs. He knew he wasn't dead, at least not yet, but he wondered if he was in the process of leaving this earth. He had hit the top of his head on a rock that he couldn't see, and his head hurt. He attempted to get up but nothing happened; he couldn't move. He thought of his wife and his family and prayed they'd be okay. His diaphragm was tightening and his breathing was shallow. He felt he was floating away, far away somewhere. Then, a man appeared out of nowhere, talking to him, asking how he was. It wasn't the man who Harry had helped that was by his side, it was a passerby who stopped at the sight of the burning automobile and noticed Harry in the creek. In fact, the man who Harry stopped to help never came to help him or ever got in touch with him at any time thereafter.

Harry invalidated the odds and lived, even though the doctors gave almost no hope he'd survive. He spent two weeks in intensive care and four months in two different hospitals recovering. Scars from the burns were almost non-existent; he had accomplished what he set out to do as he ran for the creek to extinguish the flames. But what he didn't ever expect, couldn't possibly have dreamed would occur, not in a million years, was that now he was paralyzed from his chest down. For Harry, just 28 years old, a wheelchair became his legs. His life began all over again.

Excruciating pain, grueling hours of physical therapy, learning to do simple, take-it-for-granted things like handle a fork and feed himself, became Harry's way of life. Life was seen through different glasses now. But people saw no bitterness. How could this be? How could anyone survive something so devastating, altering ones present life experience so completely, and not be bitter?

During the few moments while Harry laid in the creek-bed, feeling nothing, waiting for someone to come to his aid, he had a spectacular spiritual experience. During our interview, Harry expressed it so beautifully as he said, "I felt pure peace envelop me, like someone was hugging me. I began noticing nature all around me and it felt like nothing mattered, nothing at all. At the same time I had a sense of tremendous excitement - like a kid getting a new toy - and I had this sense I was going to learn more about myself than I ever could have dreamed of before. I remember thinking this was nuts, but that's what I was feeling."

Harry ran the gambit of anger as anyone would, questioning "Why me?" But Harry was strong, and he had now gained an inner strength he didn't know he had before. His story was carried in many cities across the country by a journalist named Lewis Guissard. Hundreds of letters poured in from well-wishers, and a letter came to him from the White House, written and signed by President Ronald Reagan, citing his remarkable humanitarianism and courage. The President and Nancy Reagan prayed for God's blessings on him as he continued his journey of healing.

Harry's life changed so dramatically in a way most of us will never have to face. He and his wife divorced after a while and Harry discovered he could no longer play his bass guitar in the band - his fingers just didn't work the same. But he continued fixing those older cars and has a beautiful 1968 Impala Super Sport in burgundy and black sitting in his garage at this very moment. And he drives it as well! He continued at the recording studio, finding a place of fulfillment until one day, he decided it was time, time to move out on his own.

He bought his present home in Kennesaw, Georgia fifteen years ago and created his own recording studio within those walls. Adorning one wall are two impressive plaques signifying his recording of Tap Team's "Whoomph, There It Is," a recording that rocked the world as it hit triple platinum status. He's recorded both not so known and known musicians, one being Travis Tritt. Even his garage displays recording equipment of all description where he has cleverly created a ramp that extends from his den doorway into the garage, making it wheel-chair accessible. He told me he has had entire bands in his garage recording many times.

Harry didn't allow his catastrophic physical challenge to get in his way. He's created his life that shows the world he's not a quitter in any sense of the word. He lives alone and manages his life without inhibitions, knowing that everything is perfectly orchestrated, even if he doesn’t completely understand it. It was through my search of a recording engineer that I became acquainted with this extraordinary man, a man that shows the world how to live in spite of.

As an author and a publisher, I now have the privilege to assist Harry as he writes his story, a story of courage, determination, never giving up as he came out on top. I wonder if we could have done the same? He's known for some time he was to write a book but didn't know where to begin. Since neither of us believes in coincidences, we know our paths crossed so this necessary element of his life could come into reality.

Harry has a dream. He wants to move his recording studio outside his home for several reasons: he wants to get out of the house more, feels it would be more professional, can connect with the business world more readily, acquire additional recording jobs, but mostly because his heart knows it is time to take this step.

Harry has many friends and is loved by many. He continually touches lives and hearts and he believes, as I do, that there are many more lives to touch in magnanimous ways. He wants to inspire others, particularly those with physical challenges, so they can plough through their challenge, all the fear and pain, and become stronger because of it. He wants these individuals to know that hope for the future is indeed bright if they can just see it, and he wants to help them see it.

Harry is a model of undaunting courage in overcoming what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles. We, as individuals, get so caught up in our own stories of misery, yet it's doubtful your story comes close to the hurdles Harry has faced. As I am in his presence I become humbled, realizing my great blessings in simply being able to swing my legs over the side of my bed every morning and stand up.

So I ask you, "Is Harry a victim or a victor?" You decide, but you already know the truth, for truth stands tall as the victor!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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A Journey To Love

You and I are on an incredible journey at this very moment, dancing in an exciting adventure that takes us into a new expansiveness beyond our imagination. It is a journey of love, one that knows no limits, has no fear, is authentically powerful and reaches for all possibilities. Is this your experience right now? Is your heart smiling with loving endless energy that you are radiating throughout the world, or are you lost in your own fearful limiting patterns, stuck in a box of your making, stagnant in movement?

I invite you to walk this journey with me for a while. I have been on a journey most of my life searching for love, wanting to know and understand this love, and only recently found it in the most unexpected place. Through my journey I often asked other people about love. Many responses were given about what it meant according to their perception - companionship, security, someone to come home to, sexual intimacy, procreation, sharing space, good feelings, belonging, feeling of family - but it wasn't enough. I knew there was more to real love than was being revealed. So I kept searching. Perhaps you too are searching. You see, finding love is the innate desire of all beings on this planet.

Most people search for love in the physical realm. You know, that zap of "chemistry," candlelight dinners, warm fuzzy feelings, making love, being together and sharing it all. This is love in the physical realm. Although wonderful and exciting, it does not begin to comprehend the vastness of real love. We all know that physical love can change rather rapidly - our divorce statistics certainly equate this - for physical intimacy provides only short-term gratification with connection that lacks depth. So if physical connections - whether partner/partner, friend/friend or parent/child - do not provide the filled up, satisfying, overflowing love, well then, what does?

The search continued. First was a long marriage, but the love faded away until it was gone. There were five children - they kept me busy and fulfilled and happy for a while it seemed. I was too busy to look further so just accepted this was it, even though I longed to know more. Funny thing though, the kids grew up and moved onto their own path, leaving me behind. I tried one business after another, did well in all of them, but something was always missing. I was empty and my soul cried out for that love. My face told the story of my heart's condition, for what one is on the inside is mirrored to the outside for all to see. I kept looking.

I continued my journey and some revealing insights came to me. I looked at other people walking past me or even beside me, and saw the same emptiness in many of them. I was puzzled, but also relieved that I wasn't the only one searching. Most were doing what I was doing, hurrying here and there thus avoiding time to think about the emptiness, filling their lives with busyness. Sadly, the more I accomplished, the more accolades I received, the busier I became, the emptier I was. What a mystery. It surely wasn't turning out as I had been taught - get married, raise a family, take care of everyone's needs, work a job perhaps, go to church, live by the "Golden Rule," give and give, and you will know love.

Oftentimes I'd look back and try to figure out where I went wrong according to my perception. I must have done something wrong or taken a wrong turn. Of course, I thought, the problem is with the marriage; I must have married the "wrong" person. No wonder I couldn't find love. So perhaps I'll find another partner who is the "right" one. Ever traveled this path?

Years had gone by, illness overtook me, recovery was slow because of the internal pain. It was during that time that I understood another dimension of illness - emotional pain. As I journeyed this path and explored every nook and cranny for answers, I discovered some wondrous insights and was divinely prompted to write my first book - A Woman's Path to Wholeness: the Gift is in the Process. My intention had been to write a different book, but I was led down this path. I realized the core of most physical illness is found in the emotional and spiritual realms and many needed to hear these insights. Then one day I came to a crossroad that offered several possibilities. Which one was the right path? How could I know? God intervened and a cosmic two-by-four, strategically placed, got my attention so that I realized I needed to step out of my comfort zone and grow. My entire life began to transform and new doors opened in miraculous ways. My intuition literally exploded with massive force as realms of enlightenment overtook my beingness. Perhaps you've experienced this process.

One day, as I rounded a bend, there it was, staring me right in the face, the love I had been searching for all my life. How could I have missed it all this time I wondered? For the love I had longed for, cried for, dreamed of, prayed for and searched for was with me all the time. It was inside of me, right there in my soul and heart, and I couldn't see it. It was on the other side of the fears - the anger, hurt, shame, guilt, defectiveness, bitterness, blame, manipulation, control, jealousy, pain, and revenge - completely shadowed by them. And the love inside of me was reflecting the love of God from whence I came. I am a child of God! At that moment I realized how magnificent I am, a woman of worth, the embodiment of divine, unconditional, boundless love.

I had work to do to uncover this love. Release, let go, surrender became words to live by. I quit resisting the love and it spilled out to heal the multidimensional wounds of my life experience and let them go. Learning to retrieve the love from its hidden place and remember from whence one came, is not an instant realization. It involves steps to allow it to be revealed, like peeling away layer upon layer of encrusted negative patterns. I had to unconditionally love myself - not an easy assignment after a lifetime of self-incrimination - and to accept that we are all perfectly created from nothing but love. We've never been anything else but love as part of the universal, perfect love of our Creator; we just forgot.

So there it was - the secret to finding love - be the love you are seeking and it will find you. I replaced the fear and all its derivatives with loving energies - forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, appreciation, kindness - and the love grew and grew. I glided down the path now without the weight of the past. I forgave the people who according to my perception had hurt me, going beyond the dimension of human comprehension, and there I found love, real love, that moves above the externals of the physical realm and sees the divine light in every soul. I claimed my birthright power in this process and felt the most healing expansiveness I had ever experienced, way beyond the realm of my past knowingness.

Knowing this unconditional love shifts everything in your mindfulness. I looked at the world - all these people screaming out for love - feeling such depth of sadness that it was eluding them as it had me for so long. I wanted to shout from the rooftops that they already had it within them, but I knew they wouldn't listen. The world looks with different glasses so love seen by their misguided eyes is simply need. This is why love fades away for many - they are trying so hard to use this interpretation of love to validate themselves, to fill up the empty caverns within them, to feel secure, approved of, connected, complete, desired - all of ego.

Most amazing of all is that love doesn't need to be achieved, it simply is. It's always there for us and in us just as air is always present to allow us to breathe. Such is real love, divine love, our life-force breathing out to all people on this planet. It has no judgment or expectations. It allows for you to be yourself, standing in your own magnificence, complete as you are. Real love doesn't require approval, does not judge, and isn't a manipulative force.

Again my divine guidance came with urgency to put aside the book I was working on and write The Realness of a Woman, A Journey for Seeking, Remembering and Being Who You Are. As the words poured through me I realized the powerful effect of this Divine Consciousness for a world that needs to remember.

The journey to love begins and ends within our hearts and souls. The mirror of life reflects only what it sees. Does your mirror reflect the divine eternal love of your Creator so that your heartspace radiates love to those who walk the path of life with you? Or is your love obscured by the shadows of doubt and fear and hidden from the view of the world as you hide in the "box" you created for your life? Our journey is for our spiritual awakening to the glorious awareness of a life of love. The love you are seeking begins as you!

Written by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Porter, speaker, trainer, energy healer, publisher, minister and author of A Woman's Path to Wholeness, The Realness of a Woman and Put the Dynamo in Your Communication. The following excerpt is taken from her book, The Realness of a Woman, A Journey for Seeking, Remembering & Being Who You Are.

"Real love doesn't need to be achieved, it simply is. Once you have obtained the knowingness of love as the Universe intended us to feel, nothing in your life will ever be the same again, and you will see that the love of the world is not really love, it is need. This awareness can transform your life and create a passion that grows and grows, a passion for life itself as you realize the greatness already within your being. It is recognizing this greatness that already lies within you that gives you realness in being the wonderful woman you really are, one who is genuinely in love with herself!

This book is written for those women who seek more from life, who know they are more and are searching to be revealed. Your journey through these pages is solely to substantiate enlightenment of your soul, the place where you are real. As you read this book, yearn to understand the relevance of knowing the depth and breath of divine love, for the love you are knowing is you. Love is all there is."

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Who Are You Really?

If I asked you who you are I'd probably get your name and maybe something about your life as an answer. Most people identify themselves by a certain name in a particular body, who is married to so-in-so, has these particular kids, lives in a certain house, in a particular neighborhood, works in a particular job, has certain friends, and that's who they are. It's as if they're neatly tucked into a certain "box" of existence and are destined to live a certain way, in a certain place, with certain people, doing certain things, and that's who they believe they are. Most people believe they are at least three dimensional beings, but see themselves as this neat little "package" in the physical realm. What a limiting experience this life is.

This life exists in the earthly dimension, but you are so much more than this. You are really a spirit come to earth to experience this life so that you can expand and evolve past your present state as you reach out and touch other lives in loving service. That is the true nature of our human beingness - a spiritual being enjoying a human experience. Most people believe they have a "soul" or "spirit" inside of them, but do not realize the importance of honoring their spirit. Instead they think of themselves as only a human being with a spirit (soul).

So you must first understand this concept if you're ever going to move past the limitations you have put on your life. You've tucked yourself neatly into this comfortable "box" with all the sides up around you, as you snuggle inside. Feels good, right? Of course you open the lid from time to time and maybe venture out, but more often than not come right back to your "safe" environment and settle into that comfort zone.

Well guess what, that's a dormant lifestyle. You can't expand and grow into who you are really meant to be if you're only reality is based in the physical realm, in that comfortable space you've created for yourself. Of course it is necessary to be in the physical form in order to grow and reach higher spiritual awareness while learning the lessons of life, and it's good to experience the wonderful things you deserve. So often however, a person stops right there, and as their life progresses through the years they might question what it's all about. They've never expanded out of their neatly created "box."

People are busy, busy, busy, and as one is busy there's little time to listen to one's spirit. They're busy accumulating things and people - education, money, life partners, children, friends, businesses, careers, and so on, and then don't have time to reflect on their inner beingness. Don't get me wrong, it's great to be busy and productive, but often the busyness is merely that of collecting external "feel goods." The real person gets lost in all this busyness - a cover up actually, and life just streaks by without fulfillment and happiness.

Everyone in this world desires happiness. Generally speaking though, we base our happiness on the temporary gratification of external pleasures, whether it be people or things. It's so easy to get caught up in this belief pattern, and the problem here is that people and things don't ever bring real, genuine happiness. After all, things can break and get old or tarnished, relationships can change form, businesses and careers can fall apart. If your happiness is based on these you'll become very unhappy with your life, harboring many negative feelings like anger, bitterness, resentment - all part of fear.

So how does one become genuinely happy? Happiness comes from within you, and only you can create happiness in your life. It always involves listening and expanding your true inner self - your spirit. How does one accomplish this feat? By reaching outside of your comfort zone "box" and doing the impossible. You've probably heard the song entitled "The Impossible Dream?" Realize there is no impossible dream. All you need do is stretch past your own limitations and begin living that "impossible dream."

Stretching past your limitations can involve different steps. One step is to break down your biggest barrier - fear. Fear is an illusion, a product of your imagination, but affects the reality of your life. The way to break the fear cycle is to feel it first, acknowledge it's existence, and then take the steps that hurdle you right through that barrier. Once you begin the step-wise process, your fear diminishes and will probably dissipate. Let's take the example of public speaking, one of the greatest fears people experience. It was mine a few years ago. Shakily, I took a public speaking course and then began speaking in front of various groups. You might say, "Why do that? Why not do something else that doesn't 'scare' you?" The answer is simple - I listened to that wee little voice inside me, my spirit, that kept saying "You need to do this and help people by sharing your gifts and insights. Go ahead, you can do it." So I did, and as I continued to experience audiences, it became easier and easier to speak without fear. You see, I took steps totally out of my comfort zone by listening to my inner guidance, and the rewards can never be measured by anything on this earth. There's a peace and freedom knowing you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing at that time in your life, and as you take those steps in faith you'll be blessed beyond what you can imagine.

So this brings me to your life purpose, the very thing that can bring you genuine happiness. Each of you have a reason for being here on this planet. You have something to give and share with the world, and this is the deep passion inside you that will ultimately bring you the happiness that you not only crave, but also deserve to experience. Your purpose propels you out of bed in the morning with a smile on your face as you excitedly begin your day. You don't feel that way each day? More than likely your life is not on purpose.

Realize too that your purpose can change. We are constantly expanding if we stretch past our perceived limitations, so our purpose can take on a new direction at any time. This happens particularly if we're in alignment with our divine plan. Maybe you're asking yourself how in the world can you find your life purpose? There is a written exercise that enables a person to discover their life purpose as they allow their spirit to come through to guide their answers on that paper. Or perhaps when you look back through your life's "story" you'll see the gift in the experiences that by growing through them can give strength and hope to others.

As we expand our lives and allow growth of our spirit without the previous limitations, we open up spaces that need to be filled. So often we fill these spaces with external pleasures that provide only temporary gratification. Instead, we should fill those spaces with our purpose, which involves serving others with a loving heart. When we do this, we experience a life of freedom and happiness that exceeds our expectations. It empowers us to be more than we are and stretch past our boundaries to be who we really are supposed to be. This process of life never ends because to really live means to be continually growing. So will the real You stand up and move out of your comfortable "box" to stand in Your own truth and power, and in faith go forward to move mountains! See the possible right beyond what you think is impossible!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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If You Just Believe

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year in which everything is possible. But even if it’s later in the year when you read this, every day is a new beginning. You are at this very moment creating your next moment and the one after that as well as creating the version of your life according to what you believe. There is a beautiful song entitled “If You Just Believe” and the lyrics say “believe in what your heart is saying, believe in what you feel inside, give your dreams the wings to fly, you have everything you need if you just believe.”

What do you believe? Do you believe in yourself…that everything is possible…that you can have perfect health…that you can do anything you put your mind to do…that you deserve all good…that life is a wonderful adventure…that you are magnificent…that you are abundant in every way? People often say the words, but what is really in your heart, what do you truly believe?

You are a powerful co-creator who is capable of bringing anything into reality that your heart desires. I wonder if you really believe that? Most people don’t because they allow circumstances and other people to dictate what they do, say, think and believe. Yet it is the power within you that has the ability to create into reality any dream you can imagine.

You might be asking how this can happen, being that your life isn’t going the way you wish it would. Maybe your finances are less than desirable or you long for a wonderful partner, or perhaps your job is boring and going no where and you want to do something that feels good instead of just performing for a paycheck. Maybe you desire to feel good about yourself, be calm, regain your health, or simply be happy. Dear friends, all of this is possible if you just believe it.

The key is to put out to the universe (God) your intention (thought), not simply for material gain but for spiritual gain. Always state that intention from an inner space of love and know that once it is thought it has the potential to become a reality. The ONLY thing that can stop that intention from becoming your reality is you and your disbelief in it coming to fruition. And this is precisely what happens to many people – they say the words and know in their head of its possibility, but their heart doesn’t align with that belief and this negates the entire process. I know this well as I have repeatedly blocked the very thing I asked for so that it couldn’t reach me, at least not until I got out of the way. And I believe that at this very moment you are thinking back over all the things you asked for but never showed up, right?

More than likely you’d like to believe that all you desire can be yours but don’t know how to make it happen for you. So I’m going to help you by giving you the answer. Here’s how it works. You have a deep desire for something, let’s say for a wonderful partner in your life. You’ve been dreaming of this for months or even years but nothing. You’ve begged God, praying over and over for this person, and maybe you’ve been angry that God hasn’t brought you your desire. Maybe you’ve gone looking yourself believing God isn’t listening so decided you’d just take over and do it yourself. You might be doubting this person will ever show up and you’re depressed as well as angry.

That’s how it works for many of you and the irony of it all is that you’re the reason your desire hasn’t shown up. Why? Because you’re attempting to do the work. You’re tired of waiting so stepped in to help the process along, or you continually focus on what isn’t there yet (lack), or perhaps it’s your anger that’s in the way. These behaviors are negative and are the very barrier that obstructs the receiving of your dream because you got in the way and blocked the energy flow with your actions.

The beauty and peace in receiving all your desires is in letting go of all details, all of them. You simply state that you desire a wonderful partner with whom to share your life. You tell God the qualities you desire in this person and then THANK GOD RIGHT THEN FOR SENDING THIS PERSON TO YOU, IN DIVINE TIMING! That’s the total, simple way to receive everything you desire. You ask for it from a place of love, you are grateful for the receipt of it before it shows up, and then you simply get out of the way so the universe can begin bringing it to you. And you plan none of the details yourself because if you attempt to do it you’ll mess it up. Sure, you might be able to manipulate some things to appear for you, but most of the time they don’t work out. It’s really this simple and I can tell you from personal experience that the most amazing things have knocked at my door in ways of which I could never have conceived.

So whether this in a new year or a new day, think about what you really would like your life to look life. Dream big because no dream is too big to receive. (unless you believe it is too big!) As soon as you put the thought (intention) out there and get out of the way, the universe begins aligning with that energy to create this for you. Do you wish for a wonderful partner or an improved relationship with someone who’s in your life now? Do you wish for a job that fulfills you and allows you to be creative? Do you long to do something of value for others? Would you like to receive more income? Would health improvement be at the top of your list right now? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but pushed it aside? Are you stressed and lacking in energy and would love to enjoy life more?

There is no better time than this very moment to decide what your year or day should look like. Your thought right now is already in the works for creating your tomorrow. Some extraordinary miracles have shown up in my life and sometimes surprise me when they appear. Of course they shouldn’t surprise me because I intended for them to appear and created them, but we’re simply human at times, aren’t we! I wish for you the most wonderful year (or day) that you can imagine and create into reality. Start dreaming my friends, because you are at this moment creating your next moment!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Priceless!

As you read this first sentence, does your reality allow you to believe you are absolutely marvelous, magnificent, spectacular, gorgeous, fabulous and worthy of all good? If you agree then you know you are priceless. Sadly however, many women do not believe they are any of these things.

I believe every one of you reading this are all of the above, just as I know all these qualities define me. You see, it has nothing to do with whether or not you have a beautiful face (according to what society claims), whether or not your body is a perfect size 4, whether or not you win anything, or whether or not you achieve your goals. I came to believe this after many challenging experiences gave me a wake-up call. I decided to step out of my old story so that I could claim my birthright of power. You can too!

Often a woman spends her life bending to the whims of everyone else. If she doesn't perform well she feels lesser, and heaven forbid if she fails to achieve her goals, for then she'd feel lesser since someone else was obviously "more" by achieving. If this situation occurs again and again, a woman may reach the point of total disbelief in her merit, perceiving herself a failure and thus of little value. This belief often sneaks in through subtle doors that disarm her self-worth.

An empowered woman is one who knows her worth, not based on outer accomplishments, but on who she is. She sees herself as valuable and priceless. She may stumble at times and find she must brush off her knees as she pulls herself up, but she always stands again to continue in her empowerment.

So how do I know this truth about each one of you? I don't even know you. It's really quite simple, so simple it's often overlooked. Regardless of different religious beliefs, most individuals believe there is a Creator of the universe. This Creator made each one of us from the same space of love, and although we are each a one-of-a-kind unique design, we all came from the same place: love. This source of love is perfect, so we can only be MAGNIFICENT designs!

This is also where we can plug into our power, from our Creator. If you want to hear the music you must first plug in your radio. Turning the dial to hear the music is futile without the connection to the power source. We are all energetic beings who only need to plug into our Source for the connection to unlimited power.

Since we are energetic beings, everything we feel inside is projected outward to all with whom we come in contact. If we feel lesser inside, people feel that vibration coming from within us and respond accordingly. Negative energy attracts more negative energy just as positive energy attracts more positive energy. As soon as an individual acts from a place of feeling unworthy, that individual attracts more experiences that perpetuate like energy vibrations.

Once I understood this concept I slowly shifted into a new realization. I understood I was already priceless and didn't have to do anything to prove that. It is my birthright as a divine being of creation to accept this into my knowingness. As I accepted it into a new belief for me, my entire life shifted into one of happiness, abundance, inner joy and a serenity I had not known before. As I began to radiate a vibration from love instead of negative emotional responses, and as I understood that nothing in my external world could have power over me unless I allowed it to, I became free to be me. In that place I realized the exhilarating and uplifting knowledge of my magnificence.

Your magnificence is inherited from the Designer of the universe. It is yours for eternity and all you must do is accept it. There are no strings attached nor any rules or regulations. It's free for the taking just as air is free for us to breathe in life. When we take a breath of air we aren't taking anything away from anyone else for there is more than enough for everyone. The same is true with being priceless. Recognizing magnificence in ourselves does not take any magnificence away from another being for it is inborn within each individual who is alive on this planet.

Perhaps you have the gift of external beauty or perhaps you've been an achiever in a big way. This is temporary and will soon fade away. The only thing that is real and lasting is your internal beauty. So even if you're feeling at the top of the world right now or if you're still attempting to climb up there, I ask you to look deep within your being and see what you really believe about yourself. The beauty of it all is that you're already beautiful, magnificent, spectacular, fabulous, talented and marvelous, and do not need to climb up anywhere to obtain it.

In recent years as I accepted that I am priceless, I realized the importance of getting this message to every woman who would listen. My life's work is to share this belief so that others may also accept it into their knowingness, and I do this through writing, speaking and coaching. I decided to provide a visual by creating a gold charm that can be worn on a chain as a daily reminder of how priceless you are. It is available through my website: www.drcarolynporter.com. Every time I look at mine I smile and reaffirm how priceless I really am. You can too!

As I close I want to share with you a poem I wrote that sums up the entire thought of what I've shared here and also found in one of my books, "The Realness of a Woman." Enjoy!

A Woman of Worth

A woman of worth, her riches beyond earthly treasures,
a heart spun with gold, reaches in touching your soul;
a flower so rare, her beauty unfolds over time.
Adorned with truth and honor,
undaunted by the wiles of worldly men,
she builds on today, fully present in the now,
for futures can change in a moment.
She makes her own rules
not bound to limits placed by others:
she sees the rainbow through the storm,
standing in her own light,
needing no one to brighten the path,
she does not betray herself for anyone.

A woman of worth embraces life's passion,
speaks gently from divine wisdom,
giving credence to the power within.
Though she may stumble,
quickly she rises with the grace of nobility,
Her heartspace open, loving and compassionate
she feeds her own soul,
not needing praise from anyone else,
but accepting it when it is given.
Joy rises in her as her spirit soars
to enlightened spheres beyond,
she touches your heart, reaches into your soul,
this woman is a gift to the world.

A woman of worth, loving herself,
shares love with those who cross her path,
for a moment, a passing space, or a lifetime.
She is priceless!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Finding Your Soulmate

As a wholeness coach, I so often hear the rather desperate sounding comments of clients who want to find their soulmate, even amongst those who are presently married. (obviously unhappily) Most individuals long for companionship, someone with whom to share their life, instead of continued aloneness. Yet so many individuals find themselves alone night after night, dreaming of that “perfect” soulmate.

Some years ago I found myself divorced and into the dating scene for the first time since my early twenties, when I had married. It was scary to me because I wanted a deeper relationship this time, one in which I could have a best friend, a support person, a companion, lots of laughter, and above all a deep spiritual connection – that longed-for soulmate connection. If this is what you are looking for, then I invite you to continue reading.

I went on a few dates but there was no chemistry, and I quickly realized, since I was very particular about who I would date, this was not going to be easy. My standards are high and I knew what I didn’t want, so dating became a bit of a chore. Some of my friends attempted to fix me up but that didn’t appeal to me. Others convinced me to join some singles groups, but I found the guys in those groups the opposite of my desires. Some people actually tried to get me to look for someone on an internet matching website. Instead I chose to remain home most weekends or went out with girlfriends when they were available. I knew there was someone for me somewhere and I simply asked God to take over with this request. I did become a workaholic for a while; with a new business I had much to do. And then there were my children.

Months went by, even a couple years, and a very dear male friend and I were talking one day. Although he wasn’t but a few years older than me he felt more like a father figure – very wise and very caring. I mentioned how I couldn’t find anybody I wanted to date and wondered how long it would take to find my soulmate. (He had attracted his soulmate years ago.) From his deep wisdom he said he had a fool-proof way for me to attract my soulmate right to my door. I was all ears!

Here is what his instructions were. First, I was to write down everything I wanted in this man. He said to be very specific and include everything, focusing mainly on the qualities of the person rather than the physical. He then told me that when I was finished I was to call him no matter what time it was. So I wrote my list, 19 qualities in all, and called him back. He had me read them to him, then to my amazement he asked if any of those 19 things were things I didn’t do well. I looked them over and decided there were four things that needed some work. (one was to have fun, including lots of laughter) To that he replied that I was to work on those four things and when they were completed my soulmate would show up.

Why did he say this? Because we are magnets. We’re composed of energy and whatever we are we attract the same to us. This meant that in order for me to attract someone with the 19 qualities I wanted, I had to be those qualities first. Yikes! Talk about putting the responsibility back on my shoulders. This meant I had some work to do on me and it was probably going to take some time.

I began working on those qualities that I lacked and guess what happened. I learned to like myself, even love myself, and I actually got to the point of enjoying my own company! I grew stronger and more confident, wrote a couple books among other things, and came to the realization that when the timing was right this person would show up. I learned to have fun in simple ways that before were not in my comprehension. And I shifted my attitude into one of gratitude. You see, when you place an intention out to the universe, the universe begins the process of bringing it to you. By saying “thank you,” even though it isn’t here yet, you are acknowledging that you believe your request is coming. This is a positive affirmation of your belief that you deserve the good you are intending.

Waiting is the hardest part for everyone. People by nature want what they want when they want it, no waiting, so often go about trying to make something happen on their own. (Perhaps this is why the credit card industry and individuals using credit has gotten so out of hand!) You may find someone but when doing the hunting yourself and not waiting for the person the universe is bringing per your desire, it will create another detour in your life with more lessons to learn. In addition, if you push ahead to find this person and you haven’t completed all the work on yourself, you will actually attract (find) someone less than you desire. The reason is that you will be attracting someone where you are at that moment; it’s all about your vibration connecting with their vibration at the same level.

A couple years went by, months that were filled with working on me, finding that inner happiness that is the only true happiness. I learned along the way that I am valuable, worthy of all good, and I decided not to compromise in any way as I waited for my soulmate. When opportunities arose for a date I might proceed with caution, but if it didn’t feel right I simply said “no thank you.” Again it meant waiting and not compromising what I wanted.

Then it happened. I wasn’t expecting it as I was busy living my life and happy in it. He seemed nice and yet the thought of him as my soulmate didn’t really cross my mind. We dated some but I considered him more of a friend. But something began to happen. Over the weeks I noticed that one by one those 19 qualities I had asked for in a man were surfacing. And one day I realized he had all 19 and it blew my mind. I never suspected he was the gift the universe had sent me until I opened up my eyes wide. Sometimes a gift is right in front of your face but you don’t see it clearly. Wow! This does work!

So yes, this foolproof way of invoking your soulmate is authentic. You will have to wait for the perfect timing of it to unfold. Patience is an art. Waiting always brings you the desire of your heart unless you get in the way. If you try to make it happen when you want it to happen, you are getting in the way. Let me summarize the steps to attracting your perfect person to you. (Perfect doesn’t mean they are perfect in all they do, but it does mean they are a perfect fit for you!)

1.Make a physical list of ALL the qualities you wish for this person to have. Be very specific. Physical characteristics are okay to list as well, but focus on the inner qualities. Keep yourlist visible so you can read it over frequently, perhaps even placing it on your bathroom mirror.

2.Any qualities on your list that you don’t do well, begin working on changing them. Remember that you are the magnet and so you must become what you desire in another.

3.Continue to be thankful for this person who is coming to you in divine timing.

4.Let your quest go completely. Get out of the way of the universal energy that is now working on fulfilling your request. Know that you do not need to do anything. This is key because humans by nature think they must do something in order to get what they want. Actually, everything in alignment with your soul’s true desire comes effortlessly.

5.Patiently wait. Go about your life with the knowing that all is coming to you that you desire.

The beauty in all this is the ease at which it is brought to you when you are in the place of knowing, peace and trust. If you are continually bemoaning your lack of a soulmate, worrying about it, or even angry because this soulmate isn’t finding you, you are in a negative emotional vibration of fear, and you can only bring more of the same into new life experiences. I know because I did this. But when I switched to the place of allowing the universe to do the work and let go of my negative patterns, not only did I become happy and at peace with me, but my desire showed up in divine timing.

In all of life the same principle works. Create an intention of what you desire, making sure it comes from a loving thought. Put it out to the universe and be thankful for it because by getting out of the way it will come to you in perfect timing. This is not just head knowledge, for head knowledge alone will not work. It is an inner knowing that all is working together for you. This has never failed in my life and the same can be true for your life. The universe wants to bring your desires to you. So why not try it? You will be amazed at the wonderful results!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Plenty Or Scarcity

We live in the land of plenty, yet many of you may feel as if your life is more about scarcity. How can this be? Take a look around you at all the material acquisitions you have – a closet full of clothing, multiple pairs of shoes, ample food to eat, TV’s, cars, a comfortable dwelling, cell phone, VCR, computer, and so on. Perhaps you have a spouse, children, friends, colleagues, co-workers, pets and a job that supports you. Does that sound like scarcity? It seems that no matter how many things a person has it is never enough. Our society has been imprinted with the desire for more, that we’re not good enough unless we have certain things. Society seeks approval and acceptance and I’m afraid it is looking in the wrong place to find it.

As long as an individual believes they don’t have enough they are living from a base of lack. Lack means there’s a void, an emptiness, and more is needed to make if full. So the individual strives to obtain more, yet the feeling lingers that more is still needed. Satisfaction has not occurred. Here is why.

1. Focusing on material gain will never fill you up.

Think about your life right now. You dreamed of a new car. You saved for it and one day it became a reality. Or maybe you couldn’t wait so you extended yourself with credit so you could have it sooner. Some months went by and you saw an awesome car being driven down the road. It stayed in your mind and you began thinking that you wished you could trade in your present car for one like you saw. Or maybe you saw an outfit “to die for.” You charged it and brought it home, feeling a little guilty about overspending on your budget. You wore it a few times and it became old; everyone saw it; you now want something new.

Are you in a place of desiring to move forward in your life with a new venture, but you need money to do it? Does it seem that everywhere you turn there’s another bill and you just can’t seem to get ahead?
All you can think about is how hard life is and how seemingly unfair. You’re a good person, hard-working and responsible, but life is all about struggle and full of scarcity.

2. Expecting a person to give you what you need doesn’t work either.

You fall in love, or create a friendship, or begin a working relationship and wait for compliments, appreciation, approval, acceptance and love. These relationships are your source of validation and when confrontation, criticism, disagreement, rejection or judgment are directed at you, you take it personally and feel hurt, affecting your self-image.

You had certain expectations and that person didn’t live up to them. You feel let down. Or perhaps someone spoke unkindly about you behind your back and you find yourself in a depressed mood as a result.

In all the situations above, you have allowed external circumstances to affect your life, pulling you down on some level so you feel lesser, in a place of scarcity. (lack) Because everything in our universe is energy, you have created a negative vibration that is spiraling out into the universe and picking up more of the same. You see, it is impossible to attract positive vibrations from a negative source; they cannot exist simultaneously. So all you’re doing is continually creating and recreating negative vibrations of scarcity so that new scarcity situations keep showing up in order for you to deal with more of the same. Likes attract likes – a law of the universe.

Sounds pretty morbid, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t need to be this way and YOU have the power to shift our entire energy vibration to one of abundance. Read on and I’ll tell you how to change it.

1. BEGIN WITH AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Look around you at all that you have. Be thankful for your home, car, furniture, clothes, pets, children, spouse, friends, job, and even the money in your pocket or bank account. Be grateful for every single thing you own as well as your talents, abilities, and qualities. Gratitude comes from love, a powerful positive vibration, so if you begin here you create more of the same. A feeling of plenty begets more plenty. Get it?

You see, whatever you focus on becomes reality. If you continually focus on your problems, your unpaid bills, your rooms without furniture, your old car, you create more of the same. Try this:
Be thankful for the old car that gets you where you need to go. Focus on the money you have to pay whatever bills you can, being thankful for that money. Be thankful for your home, with or without the furniture you’d like to have. Watch and see what happens when you really become grateful right where you are.

2. REALIZE YOU DON’T NEED ALL YOU THINK YOU NEED

Once you realize the feeling of gratitude you’ll discover you don’t need all you thought you needed. The same desire for more slips away and you’re satisfied because in reality you already have enough. No, I’m not playing with words. What happens is the feeling of lack that was inside of you is replaced with enough. As that shift happens, you automatically don’t want as much because your reality tells you that you have plenty.

This happened in my own life. I gave away two-thirds of my clothes when I moved to a smaller house after my divorce. Amazingly, I never missed them. In fact, as I began to desire less I realized how much simpler it was. I felt free without the need to get more because I realized I had more than enough already!

3. KNOW THAT THE UNIVERSE IS RICH

Our universe is so rich, beyond our wildest dreams, and there’s more than enough for everyone in it! That’s a strong statement but it really is true. Prosperity, abundance, wealth, riches – they’re all there waiting for you to claim them. There’s more than you can see, feel, touch or have. How you ask?

By knowing you deserve them and allowing them to come to you. Sounds easy but it isn’t easy. Your conditioning says you cannot have everything you want, that life is about struggle and that you must work hard and save to have anything. It also tells you that on some level you aren’t worthy, so in essence you are blocking the plenty from reaching you. So…get out of the way!

4. SHIFT TO WHAT’S REAL

Getting out of the way brings me to the only way you can obtain the plenty you deserve. It only can be yours when you shift to what is real. This means your focus must be on your purpose for being here, the very reason you are living in this life experience. It’s not about procuring earthly gain, but allowing your spirit to soar to new levels of awareness. That’s where true abundance is. Don’t get me wrong, you deserve all the wonderful things to enjoy in this life, but if that’s where your focus is – in acquiring them – then you’re in the space of needing them. That means you’re expressing lack, a negative vibration.

This is how it works. You put your energy into your reason for being here, your inner passion. You’re here to share that purpose and give back to the world. When you do this you are automatically aligning with the good that you are striving so hard to obtain. Once you are truly in alignment, the plenty flows to you effortlessly. Yes, you can sometimes force the situation so that you become materially wealthy, but because you are coming from a core that says need, push, drive, obtain, you will never be satisfied or feel there’s plenty. ALLOWING THE FLOW OF PLENTY FROM A GRATEFUL HEART, WITH A WILLINGNESS TO SERVE, OPENS YOU TO THE FULLNESS OF LIFE!

So right now, before you do another thing, why not make either a mental or physical list of the plenty for which you are grateful. I believe you’ll see your reality at this moment is plenty. Shift your mindfulness to gratitude and a bountiful harvest of plenty will be banging on your door!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Love Is All There Is

Love is a wonderful feeling! Being in love with someone and having that love returned is indeed fabulous. But love isn’t limited to just romance; neither can it be bought. Love is something that should be felt for every living being on this planet, and it has nothing to do with romance.

Do you really believe that love is all there is? Is it simply a mental thought or do you really know that from within you? Can you imagine what our world would be like if everyone knew love and lived it?

There would be peace. People would say nice things about everyone and would always be looking for the good in each other. No one would abuse another and the sharp tongues of gossip would never wag. Stress wouldn’t exist and kindness would be the norm. Can you imagine continually feeling good about life and excited to arise every morning because you are so happy? Can you envision perfect harmony in every situation?

I can see all of this as a possibility! Granted, we cannot control the world or anyone else for that matter, but we can control ourselves, and that dear friends, is where it all begins.

Everything in our world occurs because of a choice. That choice is made because of that person’s perception of what is “right.” I prefer to remove right and wrong and simply use this instead: If it raises me up then it is something I do, but if it pulls me down then I simply back away. You always have the power of choice and it is you who choose whether to love someone or not. Love of course is the only choice that raises you up!

Yes, it can be hard at times to see or feel love toward someone who you believe has wronged you in some way. Yet every being on this planet has the same Creator, and all creations come from the sane source – love. So that means even those who might gossip about you, or cheat you out of your money or a promotion, or decide they don’t want your friendship any more, are still individuals who deserve your love. Is that a hard pill to swallow?

It is for most people since people are conditioned to hold “justifiable” grudges and retaliate, you know, the old story of you hurt me so you deserve to be hurt too. Here’s how I see the whole scenario. First of all, in all those situations mentioned above, the problem centers with the other person – it’s their stuff. However, if you dance in their dance and are sucked into their drama, you become part of it. At that point you have lowered your vibrations to match theirs and are in a dance that doesn’t come from love, pulling you down into it. If on the other hand you recognize their essence from love, you can rise above it all and continue to love. It doesn’t mean you must accept their behavior – you may need to detach from the relationship, but the love remains in tact.

Secondly, I believe that in every situation and relationship there is a master plan. I also believe that everything has a reason for happening so is always in divine order. That means to me that any situation that arises, even in a relationship, is teaching me something of value. When something seems to take a downward turn, I accept it as part of my path and look for the gift in it. Is this easy to do?

Not at first. But when you realize that everything in the universe was created from love and has the same Creator, and when you understand that all things happen in divine order, then everything always has good in it. However, there is still more to talk about.

There is an old saying that says you cannot give what you don’t have. This is so true, and certainly applies to love. If you don’t have love in your heart for yourself, you cannot share it with anyone else. It is totally and irrevocably impossible! So that’s what I meant when I mentioned at the beginning that all begins within you. You create the feeling of love, for yourself first, and then for others. When you love yourself unconditionally, it is easy to love everyone else!

So as you go forward with your life, know how wonderful and priceless you are. As you feel the love inside it will be so easy to feel that same love for everyone in your life because it will literally overflow into their space. And do you know what? You won’t have to even say a word (although loving words are nice to hear) because they will simply feel it bubbling out or you!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Is Your Grip Too Tight?

Our society seems to be on a mission to possess as much and as many as possible in their life experience. It seems as if many individuals are in the process of accumulating wealth, success, relationships, recognition, material goods, social status, and control, hanging on for dear life because they believe this will bring them happiness.

Anything you hang onto is simply an attachment, and an attachment depicts bondage. In bondage you are not free to express as the person you are because you are living under the control of someone else. If you allow someone or something to control your life you have given away your power and are literally seeing life through another person's eyes. Or perhaps you're the controlling person, doing your best to manipulate the lives of others so things go the way you decide they should go.

People think that control signifies power. After all, you understand fully the power that a policeman has over you if you're stopped for speeding. That is external power and is forced due to chain of command, age, money or status. You look at these individuals as powerful because they can control certain aspects of your life, but this is only on the physical plane.

Your true power and freedom comes from surrendering your will to God. Surrender to most people spells weakness, but actually an individual who totally lets go finds a source of power within themselves they had forgotten. Letting go of planned outcomes and attempting to manipulate the details as you see fit frees you up for the good to come to you.

Stop a moment and think of a circumstance in which you loosened your grip and a miracle occurred, one you could have never planned yourself. Here's an example. A woman who had been widowed with two children had wanted to teach children, write books and be with her own children more. But, as the sole caretaker of her two children she remained in a job that took a lot out of her but gave her a very nice income - security for her family. She wasn't enjoying the work any longer but was afraid to try anything else.

She began having one physical problem after another with multiple surgeries in a short time frame. The job was too taxing and she knew it wasn't good for her. She decided to leave that company and began searching for something similar but with better job assets. In her heart she was feeling this would be a good time to move forward with what she really wanted to do but fear popped in once again and she went for the "secure" job. Only a few weeks into the new position she knew it wasn't going to work. Finally, she surrendered her will and let go so God could take over. Having stepped out of the way, letting go of her grip on how she was attempting to control things, doors began opening in so many new directions. Within a few weeks of letting go she was on her way to a new life that would give her all her heart's true desire: more time with her children, teaching and directing children, and writing books.

What caused this dramatic chain of events to happen? It began in her thoughts. Our thoughts are energy and create every experience in our lives. If we don't like out life as it presently is we have the power to change it completely. Energy once formed can never be destroyed and if fear rules our thoughts we connect with more fear and continually bring fear-driven situations into our lives. When we let go of the fear, surrendering to the higher purpose of our life, we not only grab back our power but allow the right and perfect things to flow to us.

This woman changed her perception of how she thought things should be. She surrendered her will, letting go of the attachment to every detail of her life and her financial security. When she loosened her grip and closed the door on something she knew was no longer in her best interest, she opened up new opportunities that will not only bring her a good income, but will also fulfill her higher divine purpose.
She could have remained where she was for we always have the power of choice, but she listened to her spirit and got out of the way. She is now free, the chains of attachment are gone, and she is doing something she loves. The miracles that have been gracing her life are beyond anything she could have imagined.

That's how it is when we loosen our grip and allow life to flow. You try so hard to hold on to a relationship that doesn't serve because it feels scary to leave. You remain in jobs you dislike because you're afraid there might not be anything better for you. Those beliefs that say it must be a certain way may be the prison door that is blocking your life.

So ask yourself right now, what am you holding onto that is not raising you to a higher level? A relationship? A job? An old belief? Self-incrimination? Security? All of these are an illusion that the ego provides so that you believe you need this. Need always tells the story of wanting more because it seems there’s not enough. This keeps you from moving forward as you remain under the thumb of your ego. I invite you to loosen your grip and let it go. Then, and only then, can the new, exciting, life-enhancing possibility appear at your doorstep. Open the door and let it in!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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A Bad Hair Day?

Your alarm rings and you slowly pull yourself out of bed. Sniff, sniff…where’s that aroma you are so used to smelling…your immediate pick-me-up? You discover your coffee pot didn’t come on this morning and your attempts to make the brew are futile. Totally frustrated you grab an herbal peppermint tea bag instead and hurry into the shower, mumbling unpleasantries all way through. As you dry off and prepare to put on your clothes, you realize you forgot to pick up the outfit from the cleaners that you had planned to wear that day. Scrambling through your closet you find something suitable for the meeting that morning. You’re finally ready to hop into your car only to hear the cur-plunk of a dead battery as you attempt starting your car. Needless to say, you’ve had it, and a whole string of words continually flow from your thoughts and mouth. Extremely frustrated you’d really like to crawl back into bed and just forget this day.

You’ve all had those days when everything seems to go wrong. You wonder why that particular day had to malfunction since there is so much to accomplish. You actually awoke in a great mood and suddenly everything is shot to pieces, or so it seems. What happened? Why you ask?

This is life. Life happens! The key however, is in the response to the situation. Did you kick your car in anger because it wouldn’t start? Did you curse your coffee pot for not giving your much needed morning energy boost? Perhaps you chewed yourself out for being so stupid to forget picking up the dry cleaning. And in the process what happened to your great day?

Learning to allow for the flow of life no matter what comes your way shows a strong and balanced person aligned with the ebb and flow of life. Getting angry and upset when these flukes happen in your life places you in a negative space expressed through fear. But understanding that these experiences are for your growth, are not a coincidence, and that there is a gift in the experience, shifts the negativity to positive expressions.

Maybe the coffee pot episode was so you could experience a healthier alternative to the coffee. Perhaps the outfit, even though you thought it was perfect for your meeting, really wasn’t as good as the one you ended up choosing. Possibly, by being late after getting your battery charged, protected you from being in an accident. Or, maybe you were given an opportunity to laugh and see the lighter side of life!

I believe everything happens in life for a very definite reason. Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t, but anytime we can learn to accept whatever and smile in spite of, we open channels of light and love to be expressed through us. Besides, what good does it really do to become angry? Does it change the situation in any way? Does it allow for resolution any faster?

Some months ago I was in front of several hundred people. I noticed a woman in the front row looking at my feet and I wondered why. Later, after the program was over, I checked out my feet and was I surprised. I had on two very different shoes! They were both black and had the same size heel, but they were so very different in style. Then I remembered trying on both shoes to see which I liked better, and in my rush I obviously forgot to exchange one of the shoes.

A few years ago I would have been so embarrassed to do something so seemingly unprofessional, especially since I was going to be in front of hundreds of people. Instead, I started to laugh, realizing how much I had grown because it wasn’t that big a deal anymore. In fact, I went to the executive director and asked if he wanted a good laugh. When he agreed I told him to look at my feet. Yep, he got a good laugh and so did I. It was so unlike me to do something like this yet we’re all human and things happen. The key is in the response.

How do you respond to your life situations? Can you laugh at the chain of events that made you late, allowed you to be imperfect, or made you feel silly? Can you accept everything as perfect and allow it to be without judgment? That is how you grow beyond the bad hair day and become greater. You are bigger than anything in your life experience, and these little inconveniences (or big ones) help you grow into the possibilities life holds for you, if you see them. Every day is a Gift. So is everything that is in it!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Real Success.. The Ins and The Outs

Where are you in your life? Do you view your life as successful? As a Wholeness Coach I see very few people who feel successful, and because of that feeling of lack within them life isn’t happening for them as they really desire.

How do you define success? The world defines success as acquiring multiple rungs up the ladder, accumulating great wealth, owning a big house in a prestigious neighborhood, driving an expensive car which gives the perception you have arrived, or perhaps it’s the title you have obtained. But even with these acquisitions, each individual has their own perception of measurement that says you are important enough or wealthy enough to be considered a success.

According to Webster, a measure of success is gaining wealth, fame or rank, and by this measurement society views what a successful person is. While there is nothing “wrong” with seeing those who have achieved much as successful, this measurement is only found in the external circumstances of your life.

When you leave this planet all your earthly gains will be left behind as your legacy for the generations that follow to enjoy because only your spirit transcends into the higher realms of existence. Knowing this fact seems to open another way to view success, one that leads an individual to a deeper meaning of what real success truly is.

I believe we are spiritual beings here to enjoy a physical life experience. But it goes deeper than just physical enjoyment for I feel our main reason for this experience is to raise our spirit to new levels of awareness of divine love. Love is really all there is and anything that doesn’t express as a loving thought, word or deed is not worthy of our time or energy.

I see my real success every time I am able to change an individual’s frown to a smile, to help someone feel love after being caught in the throws of misery, or the most thrilling of all is opening the door to a person’s heart that has been closed to their own magnificence that exists within them. These cannot be measured by human standards, nor do they receive acclaim through fame or rank, but the inner joy that occurs as an individual discovers their worth and finds purpose to their life cannot be described. To realize you were an instrument who made a difference in someone else’s life is real success.

I see success in every act of kindness, every loving gesture that comes from an unselfish heart, and even in the very fact that the project you began has been completed with a satisfactory outcome. Webster concurs with my thoughts through another definition of success: a favorable or satisfactory outcome or result. This is powerful! So this means that every time you complete something satisfactorily or you do something for yourself or another with a favorable outcome, you are a success! We’ve all been there multiple times in our life, probably every single day of that life, and yet we don’t recognize how successful we truly are. I take this a step further because I recognize every outcome as perfect and therefore favorable in some aspect.

The INS of real success are simply who you are inside. Are you operating from a loving heart or a frozen one where the base is fear? Do you understand your true magnificence so you can see it in everyone else? When you come from this space your life is always successful on every plane.

The OUTS of success are just as simple as the INS. Whoever you are on the inside is what shows up for everyone to see on the outside. You cannot stop the vibrational flow of energy and what is IN flows OUT!

When you love yourself and feel your worth, you know your personal success and see from a different perspective. What you know and feel IN shines forth to those who cross your path and thus projects OUT! Real success begins in the heart!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Celebrate Life!

Here we are, on the fast track of the approaching lazy, hazy days of summer. Perhaps your family will be experiencing a graduation or maybe a wedding. Perhaps you’re looking forward to outdoor cookouts, vacations, fun in the sun, laughter, relaxation, being with friends, or even an afternoon siesta. Most individuals believe these times of celebration are reserved for specific times, or for weekends or holidays.

Most of my life I believed it was about struggle and work with times of fun sprinkled around in particular moments. Never in my wildest imagination did I conceive of the idea that all of life could be a celebration, until recent years when I realized this truth. Having lived on both sides of the fence, I can assure you that the way I now live exceeds all that went before.

Celebration is defined as experiencing good times, honoring publicly or sharing in festivities. My wish for you is to understand that ALL of life can be this way, and that the only thing required to experience this phenomenal life depends on your choice.

Right now you might be saying something like, “Yea, right, what a joke. This lady has no idea what’s going on in my life or she wouldn’t make such a ridiculous statement.” Here’s the beautiful part of what I just stated…it’s really true!

Everything in our life revolves around choice. We can choose to see the glass half empty of half full. We can see our challenges as struggle and hardship or as a gift that helps us move beyond what we thought we could do. There’s a saying out there that goes like this: “If you believe you can, or you can’t, you’re right!” Get it? It’s all up to you!

You will experience challenges that may appear to be difficulties or even tragic. You might experience illness, death of a loved one, job loss, financial devastation, broken relationships, all of which can appear as a tragedy, certainly not a celebration. But you can choose another way of viewing these life situations.

Everything comes into your life for a reason, and it always is there to help you grow. When things are going along perfectly smooth you usually don’t ask for divine help: you probably figure you’re doing pretty well by yourself. Then along comes the appearance of a problem and what immediately happens – you cry out for help. In this place you are ready to listen because you no longer know what to do. When individuals feel helpless, they are ready to surrender. Surrender allows one to move beyond and accomplish something not possible before. Why? Because in this place you are accepting the divine power within you as you reconnect with your power source - your Creator. Now you can move mountains!

This doesn’t mean you won’t experience challenges, for life does bring these to everyone. But what it means is that you can see the gift in every circumstance and know it is in perfect divine order. Illness may help you see new ways for healing, including letting go of old patterns and emotional negatives as is did for me some years ago. Losing a job will most probably bring you a better job if you allow it to come to you. A broken relationship happens, and in hindsight most individuals eventually see what a blessing it was. Financial devastation is only devastating if you allow yourself to remain in the victim mindset. Instead, ask for divine help and then follow the new doors that open. It may take a while, but I have found that every time I reached a point when I thought I couldn’t make it, something out of the blue would appear and sure enough, I’d make it once again. Now, I never go to that place of doubting the end result because I know that my Creator is watching out for me as long as I remain connected and trust the process. The same can be true for you!

It may not be easy for you to see life as a celebration when you’re lying sick in a hospital bed or juggling a large stack of unpaid bills, but if you realize there is a bigger picture that although you cannot see it at that moment, there is a power greater than you on your side, directing you through whatever you are experiencing. Then you can shift internally so that you can celebrate whatever is in your path.

If you never had night it would be hard to appreciate day. So it is in your life. It’s hard to appreciate the wonderful times unless you experience the not so wonderful situations. But, no matter what, it is important for all of us to celebrate whatever enters our path. Even night has great beauty if you simply look at what it offers: bright stars, a beautiful moon, emergence of nocturnal creatures like the owls, sleep, romantic evenings, and so on. Most of these things you would miss if you only had day.

Here are a few examples. Maybe a quarrel revealed some important bits of information that helped to create a new and beautiful relationship. Perhaps while lying sick in bed you discovered new things about yourself and your life, or maybe you found out how wonderful your friends and family were as they helped you. Maybe an accident totaled your car and gave you the definite incentive to buy a new car you had been thinking about purchasing. Perhaps the day you were late due to a traffic jam saved you from being the person lying dead on the freeway.

Shift your perception of what you see in your life and amazingly your life will become quite different. This is not denial about reality, it’s simply creating the reality that you truly want. If your challenges become a great gift you can see the benefits of whatever shows up, even if it feels painful at first. As you move through the situation, you become an expanded and stronger being, and that is always a reason to celebrate!

Look at each day as a celebration of life, for each day truly is, even the very fact that you got up that morning and are alive. See it as a celebration and that’s exactly what will show up!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Rising Above The Fear Of Public Speaking

According to many people and various surveys, public speaking is the number one fear in our society, even more than death. Why is this so? Many of those same people have no problem talking up a storm with a group around the conference table or at a party, but ask them to stand in front of a group and their immediate response is a loud “no.”

I understand this fear well, for if anyone had told me years ago that I would one day become a public speaker I would have begun shaking at the mere thought. I had always shrunk from the limelight and speaking in front of a group was beyond my limited comprehension at that time. But as my life progressed, and various experiences and teachers showed up, I felt the nudging to get out there with my message. I fought it for months until I couldn’t stand the restlessness anymore and took a speaking training.

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I arrived trembling with cold hands and feet and a rapidly pulsating heartbeat. Twice I almost left but something kept me there, probably the thought of all the money I’d be wasting if I didn’t stay. As I got up to present my first two-minute talk, my body was trembling so much my clothes were visibly shaking! The instructor actually stood nearby during that first presentation in case he had to catch me since he feared I might faint. But I did it, and by the end of the two-day training I was no longer visibly shaking and the experience wasn’t so painful. Now I speak all the time and the fear has been overcome.

So what exactly is fear? Fear is simply False Evidence Appearing Real. It is something imagined by your mind to be true but in actuality is isn’t true unless you make it your truth. It appears to be real but is only a figment of your imagination. But I can tell you that I felt every bit of the fear on that day when I presented my first talk in that speaking training I attended. You see, my thoughts were continually on the self-imposed belief that standing in front of an audience would be terrifying. By thinking those thoughts I actually created the fear into physical form. This is how all of life is. You create from your thoughts every moment of every day. What shows up for you is exactly what is in your mind, conscious or unconscious.

Over the months that followed my introduction to public speaking, I thought about why I was so afraid and why others are also afraid. Here’s what I realized.

When in front of an audience the speaker is on display. Everyone is watching him/her and if the speaker is insecure within then fear is the result. Most individuals feel inadequate about themselves, not realizing their own greatness. As a result they don’t feel good enough to be presenting anything to anyone. As I began to understand my own greatness over the months following my speaking training, my confidence soared. Part of it was of course just doing it, but in order for the fear to leave for good I had to do some inner work of realizing my inborn worth.

So basically people don’t want to be revealed. Standing in front of a group and sharing from the heart can be scary if you’re afraid of what the audience will see about you inside. Since many individuals avoid looking inside at themselves, they certainly don’t want others to see anything either.

Another fear is that you’ll show up as incompetent. Perhaps you’ll forget what you wanted to share or say something dumb, or what if you lost your place and fumbled with your words? Maybe the audience will be bored and not listen to you. What if someone asks you a question and you don’t know what to answer?

I have actually created a speaking training in which I train a small group of individuals over a weekend to rise above this fear of speaking so they can become all they are meant to be. It can also be done individually with a coach. Public speaking is actually the most powerful tool you can ever acquire for any profession or business endeavor. Being able to share what you know and feel is invaluable when it comes to creating what you want.

So here are 10 tips for rising above your fear of public speaking so you can become more of your potential. I promise you that if I can do it, so can you!

1. Realize the audience is simply human as you are. They are there to hear what you have to say and have no agenda that says you are not good enough. In most cases they are there because they want to be.

2. Within the first 10 seconds they have sized you up and decided many things about you. They’ve checked out your attire, your hair style, whether or not your lipstick matches your outfit, your overall appearance, and if you show confidence or not. Know that once they’ve looked you over they are ready to listen, so you can relax.

3. Rehearse your material over and over. I’ve read many times that 75% of the fear goes away with much rehearsing. I know from my own experience that preparation does make it easier. However, do not memorize your entire talk. Know the beginning and end well and let the rest flow from your heart.

4. Take some notes with you. This helps to boost your confidence and there is no reason you cannot glance at your notes if necessary. I often use a brief outline with highlighted words or phrases for easy sighting. Sometimes note cards with key words will do the trick. Don’t read your notes as that depicts lack of preparation and will definitely turn off the audience interest fast.

5. Use visuals such as a handout, eraser board, or items to show. This puts the attention of the audience on those rather than you, or at least it seems that way to you, and usually enhances your talk since visuals reinforce.

6. Never, never, never say you are nervous or acknowledge your fear in any way. That puts up an immediate barrier with the audience and will deflate any confidence you have gathered together to present your talk.

7. Pick a subject to talk about that you know a lot about or it interests you. Don’t try to fake it and present on something that is foreign to you unless you do your research and learn about it. The audience will find you out.

8. Give the audience some new information. By nature people want to leave from a presentation with new information that can benefit their life. Give them some benefits.

9. Be a story-teller. It has been said that the best speakers ar