Let Go And Celebrate Your Life

I really love love looove Anushree Baikerikar's article titled What If Success Was Measured by How Well You've Loved? This is a very powerful question and Anushree in her article beautifully redefined what success is and what it really should mean. Anushree wrote a great article about her life and how she discovered the true meaning of success. Her article was very great to read and I know you will enjoy it.

My husband and I have been married for 19 years now and we known each other for over 20 years. If I was to write a book about our life it would be a romantic comedy ^_^ I went from not like him A LOT to falling very much in love with him. It is a long funny story that I might share at another time. While we were dating Marcel said that he wanted to be a preacher. I was very happy to hear that. I will never forget the day he told me that he wanted to be a preacher. I knew he would be a really great one. We talked about it and as he went to his dorm room on campus I remember thinking I know one day we will get married so what does it mean to be a preacher's wife?

I knew in my heart what I wanted for my life, I knew what God desired and I also knew that it was faaar from what would be considered “successful” in today's age in America. Honestly, I have told very few people this but my life has shown what I wanted and that was to focus only on my family, my faith and art. I want to serve. I said that this is far from what is considered “successful” because if you talk to many people as I did, the first thing that people will tell me is “you gotta make money right?” and “it is not realistic for a family to live on only one income.” To the chagrin of many people I put making money on the low end of the list and focused totally on serving others and creating art. My husband understood but not too many friends or family understood. We always had what we needed even though life wasn't easy at times. I decided early on that I want to live my life on my terms even if it didn't fit the norm or considered to be “successful”. Caring for my family was what I knew would make me happy even if I didn't get paid a dime.

For the last 19 years I served in missions, worked in large food pantries, taught kids art and bible, coached youth and woman and took care of my family. My husband is doing great and we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary next June on the beaches of San Diego CA sssshhh he don't know this yet ^_^ lol.

If I was to die right now would anyone know how much money I made? NO! but they will remember how much I loved everyone, how much I loved to serve and how I loved life.

Anushree in her article wrote, “Just think about it- what if success was measured by how well you've loved instead of what you've earned or how many people know you? What if success was actually how much you've loved life itself, filling it with love and giving even more love? And not necessarily what you are wearing, the places you've been to, or the phones, cars and yachts you've owned? What if success was measured by how much joy you've brought to the table and how much better or worse you left the place than when you arrived? What if success was measured by how kindly and sincerely you've treated those around you? What if you actually got negative points every time you treated someone meanly or unfairly or judged someone or looked down on someone? How would your success graph look in the case? Would you need to put in more effort to make it better?”

Even though I have put very little focus on money my life has been filled with joy. Everything that I really really wanted in my life I got and if I wanted more all I have to do is ask. This all came about because of what I chose to focus on and celebrating EVERYTHING in my life. I remember reading “You know you are on track when your heart is at peace.” This is why I decided to be a Spiritual Mindfulness Life Coach because I want to give even more and help others find that peace within themselves. The more love you show to yourself and others the more peace and joy you will know.

Anushree Baikerikar article is spot on. How we love each other should be the gold standard of success. In her article, Anushree's shows how to let go, appropriate the little things, love your family and realize the real meaning of success. Read Anushree Baikerikar's article titled What If Success Was Measured by How Well You've Loved?

Live well, laugh often and love A LOT. When you count your blessings and celebrate your life amazing things always happen. I see the best in you.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

Let Go And Give Yourself Permission To Live.

I have found an amazing article written by Tess Marshall titled 21 Tips To Release Self-Neglect and Love Yourself In Action. This article is all about giving ourselves permission to live and in today's society this is greatly needed. If you are looking to step out of the norm and learn to give yourself permission to live then I know you will love Tess Marshall's article.

This article really hit home with me because I feel like I have this constant pressure to do more and be different. In my heart, I know being who I really want to be will cause me to stand out of the crowd in unfavorable ways with some people. So what do I do? Do I fit in and make people comfortable or do I stand out and live my life to the fullest even if it makes people uncomfortable? In the end, I am choosing to stand out with no apologies and I thank God for helping me to make this decision in my life.

In Tess's article, she said, “We're taught by society that our worth is found in the idols of our culture- technology, status, youth, sex, power, money, attractiveness, and romantic relationships. If you base your self worth on the external world, you'll never be capable of self-love. Your inner critic will flood you with thoughts of “I'm not enough, I don't have enough, and I don't do enough.” Feeling of lack are never-ending. Every time a goal is reached or you possess the next big thing, your ego will move the line.” Tess is sooo right on point. If we keep our focus on what other people think of us that feeling of lack and not being good enough will be never-ending. We have to learn how to love and trust ourselves. Only then we can live our lives to the fullest.

In order to give ourselves permission to live, we must spend some time looking inwardly. Meditating daily and writing or drawing in a gratitude journal is very helpful. Trying something new every day will also help in giving yourself permission to live. Like Tess said, “You have a right to an awesome life.” Give yourself permission to be awesome.

I have learned that letting go and excepting uncertainty also plays a big part of giving yourself permission to live. Of course, I want to make everyone comfortable and I would love everyone to like me but I am ok if they don't. I am giving myself permission to live my life with no apologies. Tess said in her article “Speak up and speak out. Allow yourself to be seen, known and heard. Get comfortable with intimacy (in-to-me-see).” I love this. Don't be afraid to stand out and be seen even if it makes others uncomfortable because in the end you can't please everyone so you might as well be yourself.

Tess said, “Be willing to surrender and grow. Life is a journey. We are here to learn and love on a deeper level. Love yourself enough to believe in the limitless opportunities available to you.” There are a lot of people who will tell you all the things you can and can not do and that what you are doing is not enough. Be courageous, block those voices out of your mind and own your unlimited potential. If you sit quietly and listen, you already know what is best for your life and it may not add up to what other people think is best for your life. Trust in yourself. You know what to do.

Giving yourself permission to live life to the fullest takes courage, hard work and patience. Every day you must decide to live. Every day you must strive to have that singular focus to live life to the fullest. I totally understand that it will not be easy and some people in your life may fall off the grid but in the end it will all be worth it. If you are looking to learn how to give yourself permission to live please read Tess Marshall 21 Tips To Release Self-Neglect and Love Yourself In Action. I can go on and on about Tess's article. I love ALL 21 tips and I know you will find each tip very helpful too. Read her tips, do a gratitude journal and every day give yourself permission to live. I see the best in you.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

Letting Go Is Absolute Bravery

I really love this article written by Jennifer Sparks titled Learn To Flourish When You Are Not In Control. I can really relate to this article very much because I am going through something that is very far out of my control in losing my eyesight because of Macular Degeneration. If you are going through something that seems beyond your control please read Jennifer's article. It is a very heartfelt and inspirational article.

Growing up I felt like I was always sick with something. First as a baby I was born with a hole in my stomach. Then growing up I had to deal with years of childhood abuse and the PTSD that followed. Then as I got older I started having seizures, always in pain and started losing my eyesight so I totally understand how it feels to not be in control of one's life but I will never forget when all of this started turning around for me and Jennifer painted a beautiful picture on how to overcome what seems out of your control.

As I look back on my life to where I am right now, I wondered how did I get here? I love my life now. Ok, I am losing my eyesight but I am not in pain, I haven't had a seizure in years, I have a wonderful husband of 19 years and I am living a life filled with joy and surprises lol. So how did I get here? The answer is I let go and expressed gratitude for everything in my life. I let go and boooy was it scary and hard to do so. Like in Jennifer's article, there was a lot that I had no control over and I tried really really hard to control each and every step of my life. When I learned this very important lesson of letting go that is when I started to see more, A LOT more blessings come into my life.

Jennifer in her article said it best “Soon, I was focused on how blessed I felt and the joy that had always been around me but that I failed to see when I was looking the other way. Even in times of struggle, I continued to look for these simple things, and they were always there for me. I just had to decide to see them.” She said, “I just had to decide to see them.” This is the key right here. Holding on to what you have no control over uses up a whoooole lot of energy. That energy could be spent on what you want and what you are grateful for instead of what you don't want and what you hate.

Only after letting go I found a way through each challenge in my life. Trusting that everything was going to work itself out and having faith was my saving grace.

The one thing that we have absolute control over that no one can take away is our thoughts. Jennifer said, “Our journey has taught me that I am in control of my thoughts, and when I pick my thoughts carefully, I can still flourish in challenging circumstances.”

One thing that I have learned is that challenges are not meant to crush us. They are meant to teach us lessons and help us to grow. Because of what I went through I am more resilient and very resourceful. I am stronger now then I was just years ago. After going through so much in my life I can now share how I over came it all. I learned that if you control your thoughts you can control your world.

If you are struggling with controlling your thoughts start a gratitude journal, learn Mindfulness and listen to inspirational and motivational CD's or watch inspirational Youtube videos like I do EVERY DAY. You became what you constantly think about so I encourage you to fill your mind with good things and let go of negativity. Reading inspiring articles like mine ^_^ every day will also help you to stay focus. The more focus and calm you are the quicker you will get to your desires especially when things seem out of your control.

If you are going through some struggles right now please read Jennifer's article titled Learn To Flourish When You Are Not In Control. In her article, you will see exactly how to get through any struggle. If I can overcome I know you can. I see the best in you.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

My Top 6 Favorite Inspirational Blogs and Meme's

These are my top 6 favorite inspirational and motivational blog's and meme's that I have posted on Artistic Soul Within.  As a Spiritual Life Coach, my goal is to help people cultivate peace, passion for life and less stress so that you can create more in life. In order to create the life of your dreams you must have a relaxed faith and the persistence to keep a positive attitude. You already have everything that you need to succeed. You just need to believe. Stay Encouraged. 

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

Being Yourself Is Absolute Bravery 

You Are Who You Believe You Are

Your Choice Is A Blessing

You Have So Much Life In You. Live Your Life.

Let Go And Live Your Passion

Artisticsoulwithin.com 

Trust Yourself. You Can't Screw Up Your Desires.

“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.” - Douglas Adams

I love this article written by Christine Hassler titled You Cannot Screw Up Your Destiny. I must admit that this article came right on time for me. Have you ever wondered if you were making the right decisions when it comes to what you really want in life? I know we all have those thoughts. If you ever thought about if you are on the right track then I know you will love Christine's article.

One thing that I really love about Christine's article is that she hit home the fact that there are no “wrong" choices and that there are infinite paths to get to where we want to be. Christine said “Trust me, there are no “wrong choices. There are simply consequences of each choice that shape the manner in which our destiny unfolds but truly cannot screw it up.” I love this quote because we get so caught up in judging every decision we make as a good decision or a bad decision instead of just labeling each decision as a lesson learned.

Christine gave a perfect example of this by describing our lives like a treasure map and our destiny is a pot of gold. The choice that we make along the way simply impacts the direction that we take to the pot of gold. Christine said, “There is not just one route to get there- there are many paths that you can possibly take. That means there are MANY choices you can make in your life, which will all eventually lead you to the same destination. This still takes into account for free will. Your destination is your choice. Once you decide where you want to go trust that you will get there.

Once you realize that God is always looking out for you and that there are infinite possibilities for your desires to come to you then this should take a big load off your shoulders. Trust that God is always nudging you in the right direction. Also, it is important to trust in your inner wisdom. Christine said, “Your own inner wisdom is your internal GPS so that you will never get totally lost. Sure you may feel a bit disorientated at times, but trust that your Higher Self knows your destiny. The more you are in communication with your Higher Self, rather than your ego, the more direct your route will be.”

In order to get in touch with your Higher Self and trust your inner wisdom, you have to get quiet. I notice when I get anxious, angry, frustrated and upset I can't hear my inner wisdom and I can't feel God nudging me in the right direction. It is only when I get quiet, let go and pray that is when I can see and hear clearly. Meditation and getting quiet will go a long way in being able to trust your inner guide.

In closing understand that there are infinite ways that your desires can come to you and that there is something greater than yourself who wants you to have the desires of your heart. What you want is already yours. You just have to get into the state of mind to see it. If you want to know more about how you can't screw up your destiny please read Christine Hassler's article You Cannot Screw Up Your Destiny and be encouraged. You have everything that you need to succeed.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

Living The Life Of Your Dreams Is Absolute Bravery

I really enjoyed reading this article by Bethany Rosselit called Forget “Should” and live the life you want to live. Her article starts off with this awesome quote “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson. In today's world, it is an act of bravery to step out of the “norm” and be who you really want to be. If you are looking to be inspired to live the life of your dreams then I know you will love Bethany Rosselit's article.

I know how it is to really want something and people tell you that it is not good enough. I grew up with constant criticism. Even as an adult people will say if your dreams don't scare it's not big enough. If you are not working 2 jobs, you are not working hard enough. If you don't have a big house on a hill you are not rich enough. You know what's funny? All these people who say these things never really stop and ask anyone hey what do YOU really want? What will fill YOUR life with joy? What do YOU value the most? It might not be anything scary or a big house on a hill. It might be something simple as a tiny house by a lake with a dog watching the sun rise and sun set every day. To live a simple, peaceful and happy life. If this is the life that you want to live then be brave and strive to live a simple life. This is your life.

This is why I love Bethany's article so much. She asked herself what would really make her happy, she then went out and made it happen and it was faaaar from the “norm”. She is a huge inspiration to me because she was willing to brave criticism, brave the hard work to make it happen, brave her own fears and above all she stuck to her values.

Bethany said in her article “Ask yourself what you value rather then just doing things because you are supposed to. This is your life, and there is nothing that you must do. Everything is a choice, even when you think it is not.” A lot of times we don't take the time to think about what we really value. We are soo accustomed to being on auto pilot and we don't stop and think about what our values are and what would really make us happy. Take a moment right now to think about your values and don't be afraid to honor your values and dreams.

In Bethany's article, she also talks about how we should not be afraid of Change. She said, “Move with the flow of life rather than resisting it. Be ready to move on when it is time.” She is so right on point in what she said. To get from here to where we want to be we must change and our environment must change. Change is necessary for growth.

Don't be afraid of change and don't be afraid of criticism. Bethany said, “When someone criticizes or judges your choices, they are only showing their own misunderstanding. It is an insecure person who judges another person's choices.” People will criticize. Take it for what it is and move on towards your goals and your dreams. If you stick to your values it will be all worth it in the end. Trust me I know. Trust yourself and know that you have everything that you need in order to succeed.

If you are looking for more inspiration to live the life of your dreams please read Bethany Rosselit's article titled Forget “Should” and live the life you want to live. Read her article, be brave and live the life of your dreams... I see the best in you.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com

Let Go And Live Your Passion

I love this article written by Esther Litchfield-Fink titled Why hard work might not pay off (and what will). This article that Esther has written is a very well thought out and beautifully written article about how we should put our passions first. If you are looking for a life filled with passion, I know you will enjoy her article as much as I did.

In today’s world it can be sometimes difficult to put your passions first but with a few mindful changes that Esther perfectly written about in her article I believe anyone can live a passionate life. I have noticed that the truly successful people are doing what they love and all great success was done with passion. So if you really want to be successful you have to find what you are passionate about and do it to the fullest.

The best part about living a passionate life is that you don't have to quit your day job to live a passionate life. You can start right where you are. I know that you may be thinking that I am working a full-time job and I have 10 kids. How can I find the time to work on my passions? By the yard it hard but inch by inch anything is a cinch. Focus and Determination are key. First figure out what you are passionate about then work out a detailed plan to make it happen. Once you have all the details figured out work on it one hour a day and make those hours count. It may take a lot of patience, but those hours add up to the life of your dreams. Don't worry about motivation at first. Esther in her article said it perfectly “Passion is not always strong and powerful. It can be calm and deep. Don't worry about motivation. Once you feel the passion for something, the motivation comes with little effort.” I wholeheartedly agree with this. Just start and keep going.

One of the best advises in Esther's article that I loooove is “Hide from those that bring you down”. YES YES YES!!! Esther said, “Steer clear of the “hard work and little passion and play” people. Seek out those that understand how acting from passion first enhances your life and the life of everyone around you.” This is very important. I use to have people around me that use to sap my energy because I wasn't living up to their expectations. It was very hard, but I had to let those people go and avoid them like the plague because they were not helping me to get to where I need to be. Avoid people who bring you down and have no desire to help you achieve your dreams.

In Esther's Article, she said, “Know that sometimes life is hard. And work is hard. World and life events and tragedies bring us down and out of happiness and passion. Know that this is necessary so you can see the contrast of living from passion first to living from the work hard place.” she said Remember, when you have passion about something you are more willing to take risks. Everyone can decide to work hard, but passion means something different to each person. Follow yours.”

Living a passionate life is not always easy. It may mean looking deep within yourself and making changes from within. It may mean reevaluating your relationships and prioritizing your time, but I know that the main ingredient to success is passion. Without passion all we have is a feeling of being stuck, depression and anger. Passion gives us balance. It is the thing that fills us with life.

What are you passionate about? What gives you life? What feeds your soul? You have everything that you need to succeed. Don't be afraid to live the passionate life... If you are looking for ways to put your passions first please read Esther Litchfield- Fink's article Why hard work might not pay off (and what will). Read her inspirational article and learn to put your passions first because you are worth it.

God Bless

Artisticsoulwithin.com