For the Love of Bubbles

One of the greatest things that we can ever do in order to love ourselves, is the simple yet vital act of self-care. Self-care is not a “one size fits all” type of behavior. Although the basics are universal, the concept of self-care can take very many forms: keeping ourselves well fed, exercising, getting adequate rest, keeping ourselves safe. Stress reduction is a very large part of self-care as it can encompass so many different facets of being good to ourselves.

An important such ingredient in the recipe of our own self-care is cleanliness. Keeping ourselves and the world around us clean is a wonderful way to show love and regard for ourselves (and other people, since they have to smell us too!). However, simply keeping ourselves clean, or enabling others to do so (like our children, for example) is more than just a simple act of hygiene or physical health. It is also an important aspect of our mental health as well.

The website For the Love of Bubbles, reveals a very poignant and important philosophy of cleanliness as an act of self-care: it’s important, but it should also be fun! The owner and operator of For the Love of Bubbles, Ayieta Crawford, shares with readers her passion for all things bath and body, so that she can entertain as well as inform friends and fans alike.

For a person like myself, the physical act of bathing is intertwined with the spiritual act of cleansing as well – not just a purification of the body, but a purification of the soul as well. For the Love of Bubbles is a website that truly understands that bathing is helpful for all of our dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. A truly good bath product should clean well, but it should also make us feel more than just clean. It should renew the spirit, entice the senses, and rejuvenate us whether we are finishing up the night with a long relaxing soak in the tub – or we are simply doing a quick scrub to wake up and take on the day.

Ayieta also loves to share her sweet and soapy adventures with products that come from small businesses and independent retailers. Her philosophy seems to incorporate the idea that even small businesses can create huge amounts of happiness in every product -- and sometimes, just as a fast-food restaurant cannot compare to a home-cooked meal -- nothing can satisfy the need to feel pampered and loved better than a beautiful bar of homemade soap or an amazing small-batch sugar scrub!

For the Love of Bubbles isn't just about loving bath and body products. The blog expresses a great deal of love for its followers, too. From giving tips on the best brands or the coolest new products, to announcing some truly awesome prize giveaways, this blog is clearly not just one of many marketing tools in the online realm... Instead, it is a labor of love, handcrafted with care, exactly like the product brands that Ayieta loves to share with the world.

Oh... And the pictures of her "soap rack" (as opposed to a run of the mill soap dish!) are pretty spectacular too. Check out For the Love of Bubbles today, and add a little magic to your next bath!

So... Exactly What Is Cupping, Anyway?

The cupping trend is taking the holistic wellness world by storm!  Everyone is asking... "What is cupping?"

Cupping is an age-old therapeutic practice where cups, usually made out of glass, are heated and applied to various meridians along the body. These special therapeutic cups rest on the skin and create a suction in order to stimulate energy flow within the body.

Although this practice originated in Chinese medicine, massage cupping has enjoyed a surge of popularity in modern times.  Cupping is now actually a very current and popular practice. Cupping massage simply combines the two practices of massage therapy and cupping therapy, in order to provide a powerful holistic wellness experience.

Ancient Chinese cupping practices involved using glass cups, but obviously those aren't always convenient for everyone who is practicing this type of alternative therapy. Luckily, in the modern age, cupping therapy sets are actually made of all types of materials. Silicone cupping sets are considered among the best of these.  They are very common and highly prized as they are durable and flexible.  Additionally, a silicone suction cup can be much easier and safer to use.

My 3-piece silicone cupping set in action!

The vacuum therapy practices of cupping are a fantastic alternative medicine supplement for health as well as beauty. Many people are turning to this practice instead of commercial anti-aging products. One of the many benefits of cupping is that it has been said to provide the best wrinkle treatment possible for simply the reasonable price of your favorite reusable silicone cupping set.  Instead of investing time and energy, not to mention money, in skincare products to reduce wrinkles, facial cupping can be used to help reduce wrinkles. Many of the creams, lotions, and surgical procedures on the market today may or may not be effective, but facial cupping is being used more and more as not only does it reduce wrinkles, it can be a safe and noninvasive alternative to surgery.

Other benefits of cupping are truly remarkable to one's musculoskeletal health. Many pain sufferers turn to this ancient practice in order to alleviate muscle spasms and to help with lymphatic drainage.  Cupping can also be an excellent supplement to your myofascial release therapy routine. A suction cup can aid in the massage of sore tissue, and also to promote better circulation.

The silicone cupping set that I own is from CuppingWarehouse.com.  My set is just perfect for a beginner!  The three-piece cupping set was easy to use from the moment it emerged from the package.  It is also safe, and was very stimulating for my skin.  The cup artisans at Cupping Warehouse are known for their fabulous holistic health products: these items are a modern version of the ancient tools which were so effectively used in days long ago. This silicone cupping set is soft but durable, very safe and easy to use, yet surprisingly effective. Additionally, Cupping Warehouse offers a free trial subscription of the "Cupping Secrets" section of their website, so users can learn even more methods and techniques of cupping to look and feel fabulous!

To learn more about cupping, or even to order your own awesome silicone cupping set, have a look at CuppingWarehouse.com today.  It's a must for anyone who practices Reiki, therapeutic massage, or any other form of alternative medicine. Enjoy!

Jake and the Giants: An Awesome Little Movie With a Big Heart!

The modern world is inundated with media of all types. Despite the fact that there's no shortage of things to see and discuss with others, it can still be extremely challenging to find something that's enjoyable for everyone in the family.

Boat Angel Family Films has made this challenge much easier.  With their emphasis on kid-friendly media, Boat Angel produces content that is of the highest quality, safe for viewers of any age, and most of all, lots of fun!

Their new 2016 release, Jake and the Giants, is the story of a little boy and his sister as they rescue their parents, who have been kidnapped by evil giants. Along this arduous quest to free their family, the kids make some interesting and helpful friends. These chance encounters result in the formation of a formidable team that tenaciously fights for the people they love.

This film, while entertaining, is also filled with important lessons for the viewers. The underlying themes of fighting for what's right, sacrificing for what is important to you, and making the effort to help those you love are all very strongly conveyed concepts in the story. However, there are also other lessons which prevail throughout this tale; kids will learn that might doesn't necessarily always make right, and that a good plan can often be the best way to resolve conflicts with others. Additionally, the film shines a light on what can be accomplished even by people who are often seen as small and powerless, especially when those people join together for a common cause. I think that these themes will resonate strongly with both children and parents, while at the same time, presenting such valuable lessons in a fun and engaging way.

The visuals of this film make it breathtaking to watch. From the tiniest details on each leaf of the trees in the forest, to the winsome expressions on the cute characters' faces, you can sense the love and attention to fine detail that the artists have shown. It is clear to me that this is not merely a simple family film, but a labor of love -- a gift to those who are young, or just young at heart.

Whether you are 8 years old or 80 years old, Jake and the Giants will provide you with an exciting film adventure, and a story that you and your family can cherish for generations to come.  This coming year, share Boat Angel Family Films' Jake and the Giants with someone you love!

Happiness Through Self-Discovery

A SWOT analysis is a common method for gauging the stand of a brand or business.  It stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  Occasionally, I enjoy doing this for myself as a personal exercise.

As we go through life, new experiences will often shape the way we see the world.  When we learn, we become better versions of ourselves.  It's vital to look inward at times, so that we can reassess ourselves.  What is important to us now?  What used to work for us, but no longer serves our greatest good?  Self-analysis can help us to not only become better people,  but to make better use of the skills and knowledge that we've acquired.

Discover what's new in your inner life.  Try new things, gain new abilities and new loves.  You may have hidden talents or skills that you've previously not discovered.  We are all treasures, so don't be afraid to dig in and find something new!

Small Business Advantage: Try New Services to Save Time & Make Money!

This article is dedicated to all of those entrepreneurs out there who are reading my blog.  I know it can be difficult out there!  But although there are bumps on the road to our ultimate prosperity, there are also shortcuts that you can take -- valuable ones.

As a businessperson myself, I can understand the importance of minimizing time spent on business research, so that I can maximize my time actually "digging in the dirt" and making profits come in.

When I say minimizing my research time, I'm not talking about cutting corners.  I still want to know as much as I can about my chosen field, as well as the competition.  But there are easier ways to do this than to sit down and spend hours scouting out other businesses.  Google helps, of course, but the internet is a much different place than it used to be when I started working in online retail in 1999!  As an eBay power seller during eBay's humble beginnings, ensuring that I offered my customers the best price was a time consuming affair; lots of hunting around for the best information made it quite an undertaking!

Fast forward to 2015.  New technological innovations have enabled sellers to have this data at their fingertips, with minimal research.  The website, JustListAway.com offers a service to sellers that ranks their products on eBay or Amazon.  This saves sellers so much time and energy!  JustListAway.com does the sourcing for the sellers, so that retailers can spend less time doing research -- and more time meeting the needs of their customers.  With this service, online retailers have the power to facilitate more sales and generate more revenue in less time.

The internet has certainly come a long way in the past 20 years. It's an exciting time to be a small online business, and it's also reassuring to know that services like these exist to help us succeed!

Winning Recipes With the Pro-Cooks Contest!

I just love contests!  But the only thing I really love more than winning a contest is cooking for family.  Nothing is more satisfying than seeing someone take a big tasty bite out of some new recipe that I've recently tried -- and loved!

enter here!

Now that I've amassed quite a good recipe collection, one thing that I love is sharing recipes and cooking tips with other people.  I love looking up recipes online, trying them out at home, and even sharing recipes with my friends.  Recipe exchanges and free recipe websites are bookmarked by me on a daily basis!

When I found out about Pro-Cooks.com and their monthly recipe contest, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first.  After all, could I really win a contest from submitting a recipe?  But it's true -- regular people just like me and you are winners of this recipe contest.  What's more, not only do they celebrated over at Pro-Cooks.com, they actually win a cash prize from submitting their recipes!

The entry fee is low, and the folks over there are super friendly.  So, if you're a great cook and you're looking to make some extra money online by winning contests, give it a shot.  And whether your recipe is gluten free, vegetarian, or some other special type of recipe -- it's eligible as long as it's delicious!  Next month's winner just might be you!

Spotlight on Feng Shui Jewelry by Explosion Luck

Photo courtesy of ExplosionLuck.com

 Feng Shui is an ancient practice that can help you attract love, prosperity, and happiness into your life. Most people in the Western world consider it to be a form of spiritual interior decorating.  But, actually, it is much more than that.  Did you know that Feng Shui isn't just for your home? There are many personal items that you can use in order to practice great Feng Shui for yourself as a person.

Feng Shui jewelry is popular within Feng Shui circles. In fact, Feng Shui art provider, Explosion Luck, reports that jewelry such as Buddha thangka pendant necklaces, and other Tibetan thangka jewelry is not just great to attract positive forces around you; they're actually much more!  These beautiful, wearable works of art are also a super hot fashion statement right now, as well! Explosion Luck offers beautiful and spiritually uplifting Feng Shui jewelry and Tibetan Thangka pendant necklaces for sale -- these are true works of art that are also wearable and fashionable.

Photo courtesy of ExplosionLuck.com

While pieces like this gorgeous Vairochana pendant are hot fashion statements, they also carry spiritual and metaphysical meaning as well.  Try some levity in your life with this stunning multicolor necklace -- or go for a more monochromatic style with this orange laughing Buddha necklace.  Pieces like these, and more at Explosion Luck, are the perfect mix of spiritual and artistic.  Show your love of Feng Shui with the world through these amazing statement pieces!  They are also wonderful focal points for meditation that you can take with you anywhere -- right around your neck whenever you're ready for them.

For more information on how you can make the most love, prosperity, and good fortune happen in your life though the vibrations of these gorgeous jewelry pieces, have a look at Explosion Luck's "Best Holiday Gift Guide" for 2015-2016 Feng Shui art gifts at this link.

Spotlight on Kiko of Beverly Hills

It has been said that true beauty comes from within.  If that's really the case, I've always wondered why people seem to be so preoccupied with the way that they look?  

The real truth is this:  when we feel comfortable and happy in our own skin, our inner beauty will shimmer outward to the surface.  We have the power to change the world's perception of us, simply by changing our own perceptions of ourselves.

What's one of the first things people advise their friends to do after a breakup, the loss of a job, or some other personal tragedy?  "Change your hairstyle.  It'll do you some good." 

While this may seem like a small thing… the truth is that civilizations throughout world history have placed importance on not just what's on the top of our heads, but how we wear it.  Even today, having the right hair makes all the difference in our own levels of confidence.  A "bad hair day" can elicit the deepest of sympathies, even from strangers.  A "good hair day" can make us feel as if we've got the world at our fingertips!  It's true -- confidence equals beauty.  

My friend, Kiko of Beverly Hills California, is a shining example of this concept.  He has been part of the salon industry for over 25 years.  A lot has changed in that time: styles have changed, trends have come and gone.  Yet, there is always one thing that these elements always have in common:  they inspire confidence and happiness in those who wear them.  And Kiko loves to use his considerable talents to impart that confidence in all who seek him.

Kiko has dedicated his life to helping others of all ages, genders, and lifestyles to look and feel more lovely.  After decades of hard work and research, he has developed an amazing line of products to share with the world!  His texturizing hair wax is sure to not only make your "crowning glory" look and feel fabulous, but it also contains healthy ingredients which can actually improve the state of your hair.  His texturizing hair wax contains a virtual medicine cabinet of vitamins (A, B, and E) to provide nourishment to the hair, as well as Indian gooseberry, a long-known holistic treatment for strengthening and preventing daily damage to hair.  Proteins and amino acids in Kiko's "Leeya" formula keep your hair strong, shiny, and ready for anything -- whether you're walking a fashion runway, or just want to look fabulous while running your daily errands.

I truly admire Kiko, both for his passion for creating workable, livable art that his clients can enjoy in themselves every day -- as well as for his visions of a more beautiful future.

To learn more about Kiko and his Leeya line of hair beautifying products, visit his website or You can also enjoy more of Kiko's creations at his amazing YouTube channel -- and his inspiring Instagram profile, as well!

Spotlight on Abhijit S. Kulkarni of Reliable Solutions

Abhijit Kulkarni has recently been presented with an Award of Achievement in the category of Business, as our choice for Forex Trader of the Year (Asia). He is a professional forex trader, fund manager and analyst, as well as a passionate entrepreneur. Abhijit is a unique individual, set apart from the crowd through his not just his passion for the work that he does, but also the generosity he has shown in teaching and guiding others in order to improve the forex trading community.

Ahijit’s firm, Reliable Solutions Limited, prides itself on being geared toward providing education for effective trading on a global scale, as well as developing platforms which are geared specifically toward management and education. Abhijit has designed his firm to be a unique entity, as it is the first unique brokerage which deals exclusively with the customer's interest.

However, he was not always the successful businessman that he is now. Due to economic changes throughout India, from where Abhijit originates, opportunities for advancement were not always readily available. In his earlier years, young Abhijit pursued his dreams of becoming an animator; however, once he discovered the basics of forex trading, Abhijit's interest in this profession grew into a true passion for the work. 

Despite the difficult conditions in his home country for forex market, Abhijit persevered, tenaciously educating himself in the finer points of forex trading and always seeking success. The idea for Reliable Solutions came about 7 years ago, when Abhijit first got into the forex trading field. After extensive research, Abhijit set out to discover why so many traders have struggled to succeed. A realization that the forex trading market lacked honesty and transparency in its education,  Abhijit Kulkarni set out to change the field. His pioneering spirit has truly revolutionized the field of forex trading and how its education is dispensed to forex newcomers who are looking to gain information.

We are proud to present this Award of Achievement to Abhijit Kulkarni for his relentless pursuit of success, as well as his devotion to helping others toward achieving their own goals.

Congratulations, Abhijit!  And thanks again for all that you do!

You Will Never Be Perfect

Yes, I know the title of this message is pretty harsh!  But it's true.  When you strive for physical perfection, you should realize that you will never actually BE perfect.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have goals and dreams -- you should.  That's healthy.  But the moment you begin to fixate on that number on the scale, or that perfect hair color, or that ideal clothing size, know that your goals will change the moment you achieve it.

Why?  It's because as humans, we're always conditioned to want more.  We might think that there's one magical solution to all of our problems, but the truth is that when we find that solution... we simply come up with a new set of problems.

Strive instead of health.  Excerise because it feels great, it's good for your body, and it releases endorphins which can lead to greater happiness and clarity of thought.  Take joy in your body and all the things it can do.  Eat healthy food that you love.  Appreciate where you are right now.

My Lucky Bingo Mat

From time to time, when I see a product or service that is truly beneficial, I love sharing it with my readers and followers.  Since so many of you love the thrill that come with games of chance, I wanted to share with you my thoughts about a cool product that I've recently learned about.  It's called My Lucky Bingo Mat, and it's a real game changer!

I have no doubt that many of you love Bingo as much as I do! (After all, even psychic sages need their downtime to hang with the ladies & let off some steam!)  However, there are a few things that have actually kept me away from my favorite Monday night haunt (Club Cafe's Bingo night!).  Simply put, there are issues involving "turf wars."  People like to spread out and crowd one another, which means I have to go early and try really hard not to sit near any known offenders.

My Lucky Bingo Mat has changed that problem for me.  Now my personal space is well defined, and since the mat is non-slip silicone, it stays right where I put it rather than scooting around and accidentally crowding anyone else.  This feature is actually just a bonus for its intended use:  The non-slip fabrication means that your cards stay right where you put them without having to waste time and tape.  All you need to do is lay your cards right onto the mat, and enjoy yourself -- presto, no muss and no fuss!  The silicone mat has plenty of room for your little extras (like daubers and lucky charms), and is easy to care for too; should you spill your latte while jumping up to yell "BINGO!," the surface needs only a quick wipe to be as good as new!

Recently, I bought one for a good friend of mine who is disabled.  Bingo is one of the things that she still enjoys quite a lot, but since she suffers from neuropathy and arthritis, she doesn't get out as much as she used to.  (I never mind taping her cards for her, but I know she hates to ask!)  I think she's going to be delighted with her very own My Lucky Bingo Mat, in her signature lucky color -- red!

To all of you who are ready to ditch the tape and focus on fun: I highly recommend this product!  Go to their website to learn more. :)

Meditative Bliss with Nina Beste

One of the best exercises for our physical and mental well-being is meditation.  Few things are as healthful and as inducing of happiness as taking a few moments to meditate.  I am a practitioner and teacher of meditation, myself; I love to recommend it to my clients as I educate them about meditation's many benefits.

A lot of people get overwhelmed by the very idea of meditation when they are first beginning the practice.  It seems like such a lofty, esoteric, mystical thing: sitting in a ritualistic position, listening to mysterious music, perhaps chanting an ancient mantra or visualizing powerful symbols in order to make one's aspirations materialize.  But the truth is that meditation is a lot more simple than this.  In actual fact, the benefits and beginnings of meditation are much easier to achieve than some stereotypical arcane practice.  The true practice is much more attainable and down-to-earth than that!

There is a wide variety of meditation music available on the market today.  You can also start simple and check YouTube for videos that can help you get started in the world of meditative music.  One of my absolute favorite musical artists is Nina Beste, who creates beautiful and haunting works that are absolutely ideal to create a serene, meditative state.

Nina Beste's YouTube channel features a variety of fabulous programs to get you into the perfect mindset for meditation.  While she is an incredibly talented singer and musician in her own right, Best is also a certified NLP practitioner as well as a creator of meditation products which can heal and relax all who seek their enlightenment.  As an expert in the art and practice of meditation, Beste uses her knowledge and skill to produce work of unbelievable quality and beauty.  

"Time Traveler," Beste's latest single, is one of her best pieces yet.  Touching lyrics combine with poignant music and the haunting vocals of Nina Beste herself to make a true work of art.  The video itself is a cinematographic treat that beautifully complements the musical piece.  As we listen to this fantastic work, we are transported into a world of meditative reverie that is sure to bring peace to even the most restless heart and mind.

As a meditation teacher, I heartily recommend the work of Nina Beste for any practitioner of meditation.  Whether you're just beginning your meditative journey, or you've been reaping its benefits for much longer, you're sure to find Nina's music a delightful addition to your meditation music repertoire.

Visit her website for more updates, or check out what's new on Nina's CDBaby page! 

Brainstorm Pro: A Blogger's Best Friend!

By now, most of you know very well about the type of person I am.  I blog, I write books, and I'm all over social media sharing helpful tips and little bits of information to make life a little easier and a lot more fun.  My blog is often a platform for me to share information and thoughts with fellow creative people.  So, when I come across a valuable resource, I love to let you all in on my discoveries!

One of the things that really bugs me at times is writer's block -- and in my line of work, where it's "publish or perish," that can really be some cause for concern.  A lot of times, my brain is so packed with ideas… but it's so hard to actually get them onto the page!  Even us wordsmiths can sometimes have trouble finding the right words for our craft.  (I visit Thesaurus.com more times during a writing session that I care to admit!)

Enter the fantastically helpful software, "Brainstorm Pro," by my friend Jesse Gilbert.  When you're searching for just the right word, simply use Brainstorm Pro to help point you in the right direction.  This tool is specifically designed to help word lovers like me to find just what we need quickly, with no drama, no waiting for web pages to load, and no ambiguity.  Brainstorm Pro enables me to keep my writing filled with that new-pronoun smell, and that factory-fresh adjective flavor that all writers crave.

Currently, this helpful tool is available for the Windows & MS Word platform, but a Mac version is coming soon.  I can't wait!  Check it out here for a free download and start brainstorming!

Love and Accept Your Body

The number on the scale, your BMI, or your clothing size -- none of these have any bearing on your worth as a person. 

We are so much more than just our bodies!  A friend of mine recently turned me on to an expression: "You are a spirit driving meat-coated skeleton made from stardust."  Consider that your entire existence is a miracle!  You have a mind that can think and reason, a heart that love and feel, and a soul that ties all of your parts together as it guides you along your path. 

You have the capacity for kindness, humor, love, and creativity.  None of these things can be measured with a scale, they can only be felt.

It's understandable to sometimes get caught up in comparing ourselves to society's ridiculous beauty standards.  But, when you're having that moment, take another to remember that your existence is a miracle.  Love your body for the things it can do.  Treat it well and strive for health.  The bottom line is that you are more than your body -- you're the whole beautiful package!

The Importance of Doing Your Own Thing

One of the biggest issues that we have in our quests for self-love has got to be comparing ourselves to other people.

It's natural to seek some type of gauge by which to measure our progress.  When you look around and see your friends who have great jobs, wonderful families, more money, or lives that simply seem cooler than yours, it's hard to look at the bright side of your own life.  What's more, comparing yourself to those other people is going to invoke the monster of jealousy -- that that's a hard entity to control!

When assessing your own life, do so on your own terms.  Work according to your personal wishes, needs, and strengths.  Remember that while you may not have the tools that others have, they also don't possess what you have, either.

Also, while you're looking at all of the beautiful pictures and messages from your friends on Facebook or hearing amusing anecdotes at your next social gathering, it's important to keep in mind that people often put their best faces forward in those situations.  It may be due to excess pride, or the desire to simply not burden others with negative issues.  Either way, know that not everything is what it seems.

Live authentically and run your own life the way you enjoy running it -- do you own thing, measure your success by your own personal benchmarks, and don't worry so much about what the rest of the world is doing!

Spiritual Awakenings: Choosing to Work With the Divine

A conscious choice to work with the divine can also help in your quest for a spiritual awakening.  The wish, need, and desire to change are all vital parts of your quest.  However, you also need to combine those things with action.  We have already discussed what prompts the desire for change, but the time for action must come when the desire begins to move you in that direction. 

It is OK to give into the feelings that you are experiencing.  I often advise people to "go with the instinct," and never is this more true than during your journey along the path to a spiritual discovery.  You must let down your guard and become willing to take on the spiritual energy around you as you give back your own. 

This does not mean that you need to give up on yourself or your own abilities, preferrin g that your higher power does all the work for you while you're doing nothing.  It does mean that you must give up your negativity, your despair, and your pain that hinders your spiritual and emotional development.  Instead, you must replace these things with faith and action, which will lead to a higher awareness and a greater level of happiness for yourself. 

Allow yourself to heal, and let the universe play its part in your healing.

How to Deal with Negative People in 3 Easy Steps!

Everyone has to deal with negativity from time to time.  It's just part of life.  No matter what we do, who we are, or how we try -- at one point or another, we will all cross paths with someone who is negative.  It could be someone with whom you work, someone in your family, or even a friend that you truly care about:  the person may be pe

Step 1:  Consider the possibility of cutting them loose.  It might be a harsh choice, but if the bad outweighs the good that these people bring to your life, it may be time for an act of self-care by freeing yourself from the negativity of someone who is dragging you down.  If the negative person is draining your energy, causing you to dread scenarios where you know you'll need to deal with them, or putting you and others down, consider cutting the cord.  It needn't be dramatic or harsh, and it might be difficult as well.  But sometimes, you need to make your own sanity and wellbeing a priority!

Step 2:  Find ways to cope with their negativity.  There are probably a few emotional vampires that you can eliminate from your life entirely.  But there may be others, such as relatives that you have to see along with the ones you really want to see, or co-workers over whom you have no control, that you really need to interact with occasionally whether you want to or not.  Even if you don't have a choice in the matter of dealing with them, you can choose HOW to deal with them.  And that can actually make all the difference!  Try to accept them the way that they are.  Understand that a negative person is probably a miserable person, and remember that 90% of what they're griping about is definitely not personal.  This is just who they are, and their behavior is about them -- not you.  Take it all with a grain of salt and allow the whining to roll off of your back.  When you do have to deal with them, stay positive and upbeat; even negative people want to be treated with friendliness, and you might be surprised at how some of them can really be disarmed by a warm smile or a light friendly conversation.  Small talk can also serve as your barrier to some of the deeper complaints that they wish to share with others.  This really does work in many scenarios, so try it!

Step 3:  Seek positivity within their negativity.  While this might seem like a major oxymoron, it's actually not.  Many times, negative people are just unhappy souls who use their pessimism as a protective barrier to keep pain and rejection from penetrating their thin skins and wounding them.  It's also very possible that those with whom you are close, are also being negative or critical in an attempt to shield you from some danger or trouble that they perceive.  To them, their thoughts are real and their comments are used to defend and protect.  Analyze the situation and try to determine if the negative person is a downer about every subject in the world, or if they're especially prickly about only certain topics.  Remember that this need to protect, while strange, may also bring out some valid points for you to consider.  Those who are good at seeing potential problems and voicing those issues to you are actually trying to be helpful.  It might be that they care about you, or want what's best for everyone.  Whether their negative feelings have weight or not, seeing it from this perspective can help you to develop more tolerance as you understand better where it comes from.

Whether the intentions behind your "Debbie Downer" are positive or negative, it's important to understand that there's often a lot more going on than the surface of the situation shows.  If you're unable to remove the negative person from your life, ask yourself why they must stay.  And then, in order to remain positive yourself, use your optimism and positivity as tools to deal with the negative energy and words coming from this person.  At the end of the day, the only person that you have control over is yourself -- make the most of what you've got!

Am I a Lightworker? Lightworkers Characteristics for Self-Discovery

Are you a lightworker?  The term itself has been liberally applied in many scenarios, but not everyone is familiar with what lightwork actually entails.

If you feel as though you have a special calling to help, heal, or counsel other people, you can consider yourself to be a lightworker.  Having an open heart and a loving spirit are the first and most basic requirements for lightwork.  When we feel naturally compelled to open our hearts and to share our gifts with other people who are in need -- whether it's through the giving of money or material items, sharing advice, helping with small tasks, or even just a sympathetic ear and a hug -- we are performing a valuable service for one another, and in turn, for the universe.
Lightwork is about more than simply using new age methods to heal and help others.  It can manifest in very practical applications as well as more esoteric, spiritual ones.  When we have a look at the larger picture, we can understand that our calling to help other people is a calling for lightwork at its most basic spiritual level.

When you're compelled to be a loving and giving person, or called to help others, you are a lightworker!

Signs & Signals of a False Twin Flame

We're all looking for our soulmate, also known as a twin flame.  There are so many discussions about it online, in books, movies, and personal conversations.  Because of this, there is often a lot of confusion among people as to whether or not the "twin flame" that they're currently involved with is their true soulmate… as opposed to the false "twin flame."

Because our hopes and dreams hinge frequently on finding this person, we may sometimes come across people who seem too good to be true… false twin flames.  Here are some signs that, perhaps, the person who seems like they might be a true twin flame, is actually a false one.

Just as our twin flame has many similarities to us, so too will the false twin flame.  On a superficial level, this person may seem to be rather similar -- and sometimes, very similar, or complimentary to us.  They may share similar goals, backgrounds, values, or personal tastes.  However, with a false twin flame, the similarities may end there.

You true soulmate, or any person who loves you, will naturally want to be supportive of positive changes within your life.  The hallmark of a false twin flame is of duplicitousness.  If this person's behavior does not correspond to the love and care of your relationship, your feelings or personal well-being, then this person may not be exactly whom they seem to be.

Everyone has faults, flaws, and things about themselves that they'd like to repair.  However, sooner or later, most of us will come to terms with those issues as we mature.  Just as you are willing to sacrifice and improve yourself for the good of your relationship, so too should your soulmate be willing to do the same for you and your relationship.  A false twin flame may show a selfish streak, be unwilling to improve him- or herself, or exhibit a lack of care regarding your feelings or what's best for you as a couple.

A false twin flame will also take advantage of the other person in the relationship, be it financially, spiritually, sexually, or otherwise.  All the giving in the world is not enough for the false twin flame.  The false twin flame is left unfulfilled, as is the giver.  No one wins in a relationship like this.

While there may be a deep attraction between the two people, the giver may still feel a sense of anxiety or stress in the relationship.  The false twin flame may behave in ways that upset or depress the giver, whether these actions are conscious or not.  The false twin flame may deplete or sap the energy of the giver.  This is not a healthy relationship.

Upon a break between these two, the giver may come to realize exactly how much time and effort was expended into this relationship while the false twin flame did not truly experience the same connection.  Remember that many connections which are easily made, are also easily broken.  It is important to take an objective look at this relationship.  There are lessons to be learned from dealing with false twin flames as we evolve ever closer to the person we're supposed to be as we prepare to receive our true soulmate.

How To Deal With Excuses

This is a simple one... if you're making a lot of excuses, don't make 'em! :)

OK, maybe it's not all that simple.  It can be tough to get out of the vicious cycle which is created by avoiding problems, casting blame, rationalizing and justifying.  But in order to heal your life and those of the people around you, you must take a good, honest look at yourself and your actions.

Denial can be a soft, tempting place to live.  You can comfort yourself without really addressing the root cause of whatever issue you're experiencing.  However, once the comfort wears away, the old problems will still be there.  When you're staying safely on the sidelines of life with your old friend Denial, you'll never really be able to get into the game.

Try to break the cycle!  When you are tempted to make excuses for something, simply try to examine it from all sides.  Figure out how you can do it right next time.  You don't need to beat yourself up, but you really should try to take responsibility for what you have or haven't done.  Remember -- the first step to self-improvement is the acknowledgement that improvement is needed. :)

Dealing With Unhealthy Attachments

Getting mired down in bad situations can bring your emotional well-being to a screeching halt!

We all need to weather things that we don't like.  From time to time, you might need to take a job that doesn't exactly thrill you.  Perhaps you'll be required to interact with people who are less than nice -- but you've gotta do it.  Life often has messes to clean, people to handle, problems to manage.  It's just the way things are.

That said, there is a dark side to this coin... or, should I say, an even darker side?  There are times and situations into which we will immerse our own selves, yet there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to it.  Perhaps we're stuck in a dead-end job, despite our fine qualifications.  Or maybe we allow ourselves to continue in a very unsatisfying and harmful relationship instead of ending things and moving along into a healthier direction.

We don't always make our own misery in life -- there's plenty which is handed to us.  However, because there are so many things in life which cannot be controlled, there really is no reason to continue dealing with unhealthy and upsetting things when we can control them.

When you choose to move your life into a healthy direction, you're choosing happiness.  You're choosing life and positivity with all who know you.  You are enabling yourself to give and receive love more freely when you let go of unhealthy attachments.  It can be incredibly hard not to fall into traps like this -- but so rewarding when you free yourself.

Balancing Your Conscious & Subconscious Mind

Have you ever heard the phrase "mind over matter"?  Our subconscious awareness is a powerful thing.  That part of our mind cannot discern the difference between reality and what we say is reality; it cannot reject anything that we tell it.  The subconscious mind must accept whatever information that we choose to give it.  Therefore, your mind can be a powerful catalyst in manifesting your wishes.

Your physical body can also be affected by what your mind chooses to believe or what thoughts are put out into the universe.  Our worlds are also determined to a large extent by how we process information.  The subconscious mind can frame how we see the world outside of ourselves. 

When we choose to accept something on a conscious level, it will become ingrained in our subconscious too.  And these two together will also have an effect upon our bodies as well.  This can put our bodies and minds into an entirely new state of being.

If you envision yourself being healthy, living in abundance, and surrounded with love, those thoughts are more likely to manifest in your life than if you choose to envision yourself always struggling to pay the bills, feeling crappy, and full of problems in your relationships.  You need to put your mind into a higher state of being, and live your true will from the inside out, in order to help yourself to manifest these changes and to make better decisions for yourself.

Putting yourself in this positive frame of mind will help you to attract that which you desire, rather than to attract negativity.  So take those hopes and wishes, don't be afraid to dream and impress those good thoughts onto your subconscious mind.  It can make a world of difference.

Patience In Your Quest for a Spiritual Awakening

You must also remember that spiritual awakenings can take time to brew.  Only the very few lucky ones are able to simply have this awareness "pop" instantly into their levels of consciousness!  You cannot expect to be that fortunate.  As long as you're making progress through keeping your faith high, asking the universe for assistance, working hard and putting to use the gifts that the universe has given you, you're doing just fine.  However, you can't forget that these things do not happen overnight.  Sometimes, the connection to Spirit can be a bit fuzzy or your higher power's cell signal can get a bit weak at times!  But don't give up.  Persistence will pay off if you allow nature to take its course.  The connection is always there, we just need to take the time to allow things to happen.  Don't question if it will happen, or if it is meant to happen.  It is!  You must focus more on "when" it will occur, rather than "if" it will. 

Just as in all spiritual endeavors, you must remember to believe in yourself.  It is vital that you not only place this faith out into the universe, but you must also have faith in yourself as well.  By putting yourself in the right mindset and position to experience a spiritual awakening for yourself, you are enabling the universe to give you the gifts that you’ll need when the time comes.  Remember that you deserve to treat yourself with love, and to consciously experience joy and gratitude every day!

The Limitations of Your Past

Everyone has his or her own history.  Sometimes, your previous accomplishments can propel you in to bigger and better achievements.  However, it can also work in the opposite way, as well.  Your failures, your mistakes, and your losses can also freeze you into place.

What you need to remember is that the past is just that -- the past.  Today is a new day, and you can do things in a brand new way.  You don't need to ride on the coattails of previous successes.  You don't have to allow former mistakes and screw-ups to limit your current abilities.  Yesterday's terrible choices may have resulted in difficult predicaments for you today, but that doesn't mean tomorrow will be equally awful.  Make better choices today.  Turn over a new leaf.  Develop new habits, start new mindsets, and begin trying new ways of doing things.

Instead of allowing past hurts and losses to keep you afraid from living in new and healthy ways, take that chance.  Know that self-improvement can be hard, but it is a doable and workable thing.  Life can surprise you.  Just try it and see.

How to Manifest Change, Positivity, and Vibrations at a Higher Spiritual Level

Every living living thing has its own vibration.  We are composed of particles that are constantly in motion, vibrating.

Philosophers and those who practice Eastern spiritualities have understood for thousands of years that the power our own vibrations can be utilized toward manifesting our personal and spiritual goals.  By using the power of intention, we can manifest change in our own lives.

First, we need to learn how to vibrate at a higher spiritual level.  Meditation can help.  We can also use the power of intention, which is sometimes referred to as the Law of Attraction.  It can be used to help the mind concentrate on positive outcomes, intend of dwelling on the negative and impressing those patterns into our subconscious mind.  When you think in positive ways, you operate at a higher vibration.

When you look for the positive things in life, you are opening yourself up to receiving more positivity.  Better opportunities will come to you, and you'll be better able to make the most of them. 

Release negativity from your life.  Anger, fear, and resentment will cause you to live on a lower plane of existence, and this will hinder your mind and spirit.  Let it go, and raise your vibrations so that your present and future life begins to improve. 

Practice positive self-talk, use affirmations if you need to do so -- they really can help to reverse undesirable thought patterns, and aid you in harnessing the powers of your subconscious mind.

Meditation can help you to clear your head as well.  Try it in order to focus on what's important to you, and to release that which no longer serves you well.  Regular meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help you to achieve peace and it clears your mind. 

Remember, that you cannot live your true will without determining what that means to you in the first place.  Using these techniques can help you to figure out which directions you'd like to go, to release what isn't currently working for you, and to embrace positive change.

Seeking Help on Your Spiritual Quest

While you ask the universe for assistance to further your spiritual journey, try asking others around you for insight as well.  We're all moving along our own personal paths to spirituality at different rates, different times, and in different ways.  No two people will have the same experiences, and no two people will require the same type of help along the way.  However, you never know where inspiration will strike.  Talk to the people around you; ask about their own spiritualities.  Get insight and information on what the cornerstones of others' faith may be.  If you find something interesting in your research, take what you learn and try to find ways to apply those pearls of wisdom to your own life.  Remember to do your research, as well.  Don't be afraid to read books and do some research on the internet as well.   Without expanding your world and learning new things, you can grow spiritually stagnant.  You'll never get anywhere if you stay still!  You must open your heart and mind in order to receive what the universe and those around you are willing to give to you.  Your higher power may be reaching out to you through other sources, such as people and books that you encounter.  Receive these gifts, as they are given with love, and use them to empower yourself as you progress in your journey.

The Futility of Blaming Yourself and Others

The common saying goes, "When you point a finger at someone else, you have three more pointing back at you."  It's true that many folks tend to use the power of blame as a weapon against being wrong, taking responsibility, and losing the current argument!  And many times, the person who's doing the blaming tends to be at least as responsible for the problem on the table.

Naturally, there is a difference between misplacing blame on others, and legitimate blame which falls squarely in the court of a transgressor who has made mistakes (or consciously detrimental choices).  However, in the moment of crisis, blaming others is not really a very productive way to handle things.  If you are being blamed, you must clean up your own mess.  If the mess is the fault of another, you need to decide:  is this action going to help the situation?  Or will it make things worse?  Most of the time, a bad situation really needs to be handled before adding another layer of problems on top of what already exists.

Once your mess has been cleaned up, it is then time for the offending parties to take responsibility for his or her actions.  If that's you, take your medicine.  Learn.  Make amends in whatever reasonable ways are required by the people and situations at hand.  If it's someone else, give that person the chance to make things right.  Forgive, forget, and move on with your life.

If the person to blame has no remorse for his or her transgressions, you may need to re-evaluate the realities of this relationship.