Page 20 Spirituality Stories

Life really IS simple, contrary to popular opinion. Western society has a very hard time with this concept. We believe that life "is a struggle," "we have to make the best of it," and "life's a challenge and then you die." Here are 10 tips for unraveling those limiting beliefs.

1. Remember that not getting what you want to is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Not always getting what you want sometimes means that something better is on the horizon; we need to be patient and be still. It will come in it's right time.

2. When you've realized that you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Act quickly to amend relationships, clarify misunderstandings, and take the necessary action to at least keep the situation from escalating.

3. Live a good and honorable life. That way, when you grow old and look back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

Living in honor means you create a legacy that will be followed by others; you can then reflect and re-enjoy those moments.

Do all you can to create a tranquil, harmonious home. It's always the little things that count, whether for yourself or others. Light a fragranced candle in your bedroom, take a soothing bubble bath with soft music in the background. Leave a note on the pillow of your significant other that says "I love you."

5. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

6. Honesty and trust are crucial in all communications with your clients, loved ones, or coworkers.

The message is best received when it comes from the heart, in love. Plant a seed, then step back, let go, and watch it sprout.

8. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. Add to your joy by sharing it with someone special. Create a memory.

Discovering new places, tastes, experiences, and people together bring you closer and adds meaning to your life.

9. Cherish the small things: a cup of tea shared with a dear friend, a candlelit dinner for just the two of you, share a piece of decadent chocolate cake (just this once).

10. Reach out and call someone you haven't talked with in awhile, just to say "I care."

Give It Up

"When you think negatively, you attract negativity. When you confront the world with negative thoughts, you will have experiences to confirm what you are thinking. Thought to experience, that is the process. It is not the other way around. What you believe people and the world are doing to you is
actually a reflection of what your thoughts are drawing to you. If you want to free yourself from the harshness of the world, clear harsh thoughts from your mind. Clear anger with forgiveness, confusion with orderly thinking. Clear restriction with an open mind, violence with peaceful thoughts. Clear
denial with acceptance, hate with thoughts of love. When you clear what you do not want from the recesses of your mind, it will miraculously disappear from your life.

You cannot love while hating, progress while oppressing, come together in disunity, build while tearing down, join while separating, understand while not listening, give while withholding, create while destroying, overcome while in fear."

by Iyanla Vanzant