Fire Gratitude Journal - Sneak Peak by Jonathan Sharp

"Fire" Gratitude Journal By

Karen Chaston

"Sirius Black" Chaston Co-compiler

ISBN-10: 0994175353 ISBN-13: 978-09941753-5-9 Published by Kazand Investments Pty Ltd Copyright ÂŠ Karen Chaston 2015 All rights reserved First Edition This book is sold subject to the conditions that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher. The moral rights of Karen Chaston has been asserted. Author: Karen Chaston Cover illustration: Jonathan Sharp Scenery Photographer: NSW Fire, other scenes copyright purchased Editor: Kaz (Karen) Pearce

Fire and Water Fire and Water, closer than we think. We always think of Fire The destroyer, the demolisher We always think Water the life-bringer, the rebuilder But what about flash floods? Rushing, raging, taking all. What about forest fires? Spreading nutrients, and maintaining habitats! Also, without the fire there is no passion No love, no drive But, without water no serenity, no restraint, or peace We need to keep balance in our lives fire and water duality Kindness in our hearts Passion in our work Fire and Water ~ Matt Daffern

Karen's Gratitude To You

Thank you for honouring yourself by investing in this unique and very special "FIRE ~ Gratitude Journal." I am sure you will reap the benefits many-fold. This truly is a "Gift that Keeps on Giving." Firstly, you received it as a gift to yourself or from someone else. Secondly you'll receive through your daily gratitude writings. And thirdly, I will donate a $1 for every "Fire Journal" sold to the "Burns Unit" in local NSW hospitals. Unlike the other "elements" themed gratitude journals, I was not able to personally take the 99 daily gratitude photographs. The NSW Fire department has kindly supplied many of the photos and the others have been copyright purchased. Please take time to enjoy the many amazing scenes and the natural multicoloured canvas of our beautiful world. Once again, I am very grateful that the daily Gratitude quotes were so easily compiled and referenced. We truly do live in a time where "You can think it, you can create it!! I look forward to you someday sharing your "FIRE - 99 Day Gratitude Journaling Journey" with me. May you live each day in the moment and that they are filled with "Love & Gratitude." Be well Karen Chaston

PS: Please connect with me at karen@karenchaston.com.au

"Fire" This "Fire Gratitude Journal" is the Third in a series that will honour the four elements (states of matter) – Water, Air, Fire and Earth. Fire is a purifying, masculine energy, associated with the South and connected to strong will and energy. Fire both creates and destroys and symbolizes the fertility of the God. Fire can heal and harm and can bring about new life or destroy the old and worn. For colour association use red and orange, In Tarot, Fire is connected to the Wand suit. The element of Fire is associated with the signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and it also rules the First, Fifth and Ninth Houses. As one would expect, those graced by Fire are fiery, indeed. They are enthusiastic and sometimes larger than life. Just like a fire that is left untended, however, Fire signs can burn out of control - so it's best to tend those embers. A Fire sign is also an indicator of creativity. This element manifests itself in creative and unique ways, and those in its glow are wonderfully courageous and lively spirits. Those influenced by a Fire sign are self-sufficient, spontaneous and possess a tremendous zest for life. It also stands to reason that a combustible Fire signer would be ardent in the game of love. Yes, these are the sexiest signs of the zodiac, knowing they are the cat's meow and climbing ever higher in the name of love. To their credit, those touched by Fire are often an inspiration to others, certainly for their adherence to solid moral and religious ideals. If there's a flip side to the element of Fire, it can be that those who bear its will can be overly strident in getting their way. Call them bossy, even. These folks can come across rather forcefully. Selfishness and an overdeveloped ego can also be seen as part of a fiery individual's shadowy side. Fire signs are strong, self-assured, creative and fun. When they get too hot to touch though, it may be a good idea to stand back! Andrew (husband), Ben (son), Kim (birth-daughter) and Kaz (bestie) are all Fire signs. I feel I’ve attracted so many fire signs into my life because “The Fire person "lights up a room." They have a "burning" presence of the four elemental characters, Fire is the most interesting and exciting to be around.”

99 Days of Gratitude

Many people desire more fun, joy, love and happiness in their life. Though unfortunately they are seeking to fulfill all their desires by looking externally, filling their space with people, things and events, which only satisfy their insatiable desire for a very short time. By reversing our outlook to come from within first we will fulfill all our dreams and desires. The easiest way to do this is to create a daily ritual / habit of writing down all the things you are grateful for in your life. It takes 21 days to form a habit, with most studies suggesting that you continue for a month, so the habit becomes harder to break. This journal book contains 99 days, allowing you to create a solid foundation whilst invoking the Essence of the Number 99. The Numerology Number 99 Essence The essence contains a double dose of the 9's essence, such as creativity, tolerance, and compassion. 99 is generous with its help to individuals and organisations intent on doing the world some good. The 99 essence is worldly and sophisticated. It is both self-sufficient and self-sacrificing for progress toward the fulfillment of its vision of better conditions for the people of the world. It has a global consciousness. The 99 essence sees no real difference in value between itself, its neighbours, and people living in different cultures in other parts of the world. There is little, if any, judgement of lifestyles, societal expectations, religious beliefs, and political practices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unless they oppose the 99's idealism. The essence of the numerology number 99 is generous charity for individuals and organisations dedicated to the benefit of mankind. Thanks to your 99 days of gratitude, each of the four gratitude journals (water, air, fire and earth) in this series will be able to donate $1 to an individual charity or cause. This "Fire" Gratitude journal donates a $1 to the "Burns Unit" at local NSW Hospitals.

Benefits of Gratitude "Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." ~ Brian Tracy

Emotionally Socially / Family More Good Feeling More Social More Relaxed Deeper Relationships More Resilient Healthier Marriage Less Envious More Friendships Happier Memories Kinder Personally Professionally More Optimistic Improved Decision Making Higher Self-Esteem Increased Productivity More Spiritual Goal Achievement Less Materialistic Improved Networking Less Self-Centered Better Management Physically Spiritually Improved Sleep Improved Energetic Vibration Increased Energy Higher Universe Connection More Exercised More Intuitive Awareness Longevity More Rewards Attracted Less Disease Action Instead of Reaction

The Chakra Colours The seven chakra colours (in order) have been utilised for each daily Gratitude page. Take time to understand the chakras, their location in your body and the meaning behind each colour. Then each day re-read the particular chakra meaning for that day whilst aligning with the area in your body.

1st - The Root Chakra is located at base of spine. Its red colour commands attention. It signals danger to us. We act immediately and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the colour of our life force. The colour of blood and the first colour we come into contact with when we are born. Red means energy and our connection with the Earth and carries the promise of survival. On a physical level red is associated with adrenal glands - the glands whose function is associated with the "fight or flight" response - the instinctual survival response. People who are drawn to red enjoy being in their physical bodies and here on earth.

2nd - The Sacral Chakra - located in the pelvic area, it's orange in colour and it’s the area of our gut feelings and wisdom. Buddhists call this "hara", the centre of being through which we connect with the deepest voice of the self, the deepest stillness and wisdom. It's where we find bliss. Living a life guided by orange colour transforms even the most mundane daily experiences into pleasurable experiences. Orange is also associated with the gentle and positive nurturing of ourselves which moves us on our path of growth and development. 3rd - The Solar Plexus Chakra – is located in the upper abdomen area. Its yellow colour shines where you feel the strength, will and personal power. The energy is vibrant, optimistic and full of energy. It’s the colour of youth, new beginnings, birth and re-birth, also wise and knowledgeable. It connects you with knowledge and your intellect. People drawn to yellow are drawn to intellectual pursuits. As you unfold the petals, you find a fire that burns within you, that gives you power and energy to stand for yourself and to assert yourself. You find trust and inner worth. That is the healing brilliance of yellow. 4th The Heart Chakra – located in your heart centre and green is the colour of love; the very center of your being, the energy of love and transformation. It allows you to transform your ego and the needs of your lower chakras and open up to love, becoming more loving and compassionate. This is where you reach beyond yourself and connect with something greater, wider and deeper. Green is the color of growth, life and balance. Through balance, you can love, form healthy and nourishing relationships and give and receive love. 5th The Throat Chakra – located in your throat, the blue connects you with the Divine and an association with Heaven. Blue energy is pure, soothing, calming and healing. Blue allows you to take time, to be still and listen to your own voice. To listen to the stillness within and to express what needs to be expressed. In Buddhist philosophy, blue is the colour of pure mind - the mind that is uncluttered by thought. In stillness, you can find pure mind. Blue energy is a guiding energy, enabling you to find a sense of faith and trust. 6th - The Third Eye Chakra – is located in your brow area between your eyes. The indigo colour represents wisdom and deep inner knowing. It opens the door to the Divine and the colour that we associate with night. It is at night, when our senses become finer and a different part of us awakens. Indigo brings clarity to the sense organs - you’re seeing, hearing and feeling. Indigo is also connected to your sixth sense - your third eye. Indigo is a bridge between heaven and earth, between the left and right hemispheres and also between life and death. 7th - The Crown chakra – is located just above our skull. The Violet is cleansing and purifying. It’sour connection with the energy of heaven, it’s the colour of spirituality. It offers the inner sense of wholeness; a sense of ending, completion of a process and a promise of something new, illumination, rebirth. There is peace and tranquility in the newfound knowledge of profound change. It is the colour of magic, ritual, cleansing, purifying, connecting, mystery, and mysticism.

Some Finer Points

Today is the start of the rest of your life. It's called the "Present" as it's a gift for you to personally enjoy. So happy, happy, happy, New Year. May you live every moment with Love, Grace and Gratitude!!! Here are some suggestions you may like to adopt, so you receive the upmost from your daily Gratitude writings: * Feel what you write - Believe it. - As you write, evoke as many senses as possible (e.g. see, feel touch, taste, hear), as this allows the gratitude to be more meaningful allowing it to flow directly into your heart and the heart of every cell in your body. * Try to write three to five things per day. Though some days this may be less, and that’s perfectly ok. There is no requirement to stick to the same amount each day. Be flexible and don’t take the joy away by being too regimented. * If you miss a day - that is OK. Start again tomorrow. * See this as a blessing and not another chore to get through. You should feel grateful that you can make a list of things that make you feel grateful. * Be more grateful for the people in your life rather than the things. * Expand your awareness. The more you do this, the more you’ll start to really appreciate what a gift life is. The world is beautiful. Learn to really experience it. * Embrace your gratitude journal as a "purely positive" exercise. * Take note of the daily chakra colour on the page. Connect your mind, body and soul by re-reading that charka explanation.. You're on that page for a reason. * There are many pictures of tree-lined paths in this gratitude journal book. On these days contemplate more deeply where you are and where you are going. Ask yourself "Am I on the right path?" "Is there an easier way for me to achieve my goals?" * There are specific pages throughout the journal for you to write down your intentions for the people, things and changes you would like in your life. Take time to understand how to consciously write your intentions for the next 99 days. Then at the end, comment on the people, relationships and things that have shown up and/or taken place in your life. . This in itself will bring extra gratitude into your life.

"Gratitude can magically turn your relationships into joyful and meaningful relationships, no matter what state they are in now. Gratitude can miraculously make you more prosperous, so that you have the money you need to do the things you want to do. It will increase your health and bring a level of happiness beyond what you've ever felt before. Gratitude will work its magic to accelerate your career, increase success and bring about your dream job or whatever it is you want to do. In fact, whatever it is you want to be, do or have, Gratitude is the way to receive it. The magical power of gratitude turns your life into gold!" ~ Rhonda Byrne

The Law of Gratitude is part of the Law of Attraction. If you seek empowerment in all areas of your life, follow these laws and you will be rewarded with whatever you desire in life. Gratitude is defined by your attitude towards both the outside world and yourself. Those who are more aware of the positives in their lives tend to focus their attention outside of themselves. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not how much you have, but how you feel about what you have, that makes the difference.

Setting an Intention for Your 99 Gratitude Journey

An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. It's the thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose. According to Deepak Chopra, Gratitude is one of the best ways to create the abundance consciousness, because you'll focus on the source of all those things that came into your life -- and they'll continue to open to you. You'll also remove the ego and get in touch with your spirit. In order for you to consciously focus on what you choose to create during your 99 day gratitude journey, there are three specific spaces (now; next couple of pages, day 33 and day 66) for you to write down your intentions. Then at day 99, you may choose to review your intentions and then write down what has actually shown up in your life. Like real seeds, intentions can’t grow if you hold on to them. Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish. In Deepak Chopra’s book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, the Law of Intention and Desire lays out the five steps for harnessing the power of intention to create anything you desire. 1. Slip into the Gap: Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is meditation.

2. Release Your Intentions and Desires: After you set an intention, let it go —simply stop thinking about it.

3. Remain Centered in a State of Restful Awareness: Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms. 4. Detach from the Outcome: Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. 5. Let the Universe Handle the Details: Your focused intentions set the infinite organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust that infinite organizing power to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires. The outcome that you try so hard to force may not be as good for you as the one that comes naturally. Also keep in mind: • Authenticity counts. Who are you? What do you really want? What's your mission? What can you offer the world? Ask these questions so you can know yourself, be authentic - and both your personal and professional life will fall in place. • It's not necessarily about balance but alignment. Allow all seven areas (mentally, professionally, financially, socially, family, physically and spiritually) of your life support each other. • Be clear and specific. Write exactly what you desire don’t be vague. If it's money you want, then say that. If it's relationship and family, say that. Place deadlines, or a time frame, on your goals. • Watch your language! Use words that have a higher vibration like “I choose” "I will" “I am” “I love” and understand the word "want," really means "lack," • Look forward, not back. Focus on what your life will look like when the goal is achieved -- and if it helps, create a vision board. • Write, repeat, embody... Write down your intention, say it and repeat it over and over again. According to Abraham-Hicks, 17 seconds is all it takes to set that intention, as at the precise 17-second moment, the idea comes together and a specific energy is formed.

Day 1

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"Gratitude dissolves Negativity. Decide that no matter what comes your way, you'll ďŹ nd a grateful heart." ~ Unknown

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Day 2

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"Be thankful for what you have. No matter how bad you may think it is, your life is someone else's fairytale." ~ Unknown

Day 3

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"Friendship based solely upon gratitude is like a photograph with time it fades." ~ Carmen Sylva

Day 4

"I am Gi ted, Grateful, Thankful, Blessed, Appreciative." ~ Unknown

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Day 5

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"If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessing you have already received, instead of requests for what you do not have, you will obtain results a great deal faster." ~ Napoleon Hill

Day 6

"Gratitude: It's when you focus on what you have rather than what you don't" ~ Unknown

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Day 7

"No regrets. . . Just lessons. No worries. . . Just acceptance. No expectations. . . Just gratitude. Life is too short." ~ Unknown

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Day 8

"Start today with Gratitude." ~ Unknown

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Day

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"It's not easy being grateful all the time. But it's when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you." ~ Oprah

Day

"Gratitude is nutrition for a living relationship." ~ Steve Maraboli

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DAY 99: It's time to revisit the intentions you wrote at the beginning of the journal, day 33 and at day 66. As you've created an abundance consciousness, through your 99 daily gratitude writings contemplate, compare and be thankful for everything that has shown up in your life.

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A Manifesto For a Simple Life Eat Less, Move More Buy Less, Make More Stress Less, Laugh More Feel Blessed, Love More Find a quiet spot every day and

Breathe

Incorporating Yoga and/or Pilates into your Daily Routine Most gyms and health clubs offer regular Pilates and Yoga classes, so it's worth giving both a try before you settle on one or the other. May be youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll commit to incorporating both into your regular exercise routine. A yoga instructor will say yoga is best; a Pilatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instructor will say Pilates is best. To figure out which discipline is best for you, work out your specific goals for your training as this may help you to decide if one discipline has the edge over the other. If recovery from injury or strengthening weak joints is a priority, Pilates is probably going to give you optimum benefits.

However, if your aim is to take a break from everyday stresses and refocus yourself, yoga is probably more likely to be your activity of choice. Yoga may seem, on the outside, just like a series of poses and stretches. But once you try it, you will very quickly realise it is way more than that. Yoga, to some people, can even be life changing and defining. Yoga enables you to achieve and maintain balance between your body, mind and spirit, as it combines all the movements you need for optimum health and wellbeing, incorporating breathing and meditation techniques to create total piece of mind. Both practices will contribute to weight loss if done regularly and intensively, though neither has the kilojoules-burning credentials of more vigorous aerobic activity such as running, cycling or boxing. The trick is to try a little of each and see what works for you.

About the Author

Karen Chaston: Inspiring Women to Empower all areas of their lives. Karen like many women living in the 21st century wears many hats. She is a wife, mother, author, speaker, radio host, BraveHeart Women Resonator, mentor, facilitator and a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a publicly listed company. Surprisingly, it took Dan's (son) death for her to become more aware, grateful, healthier, energised and live in her Essence. With a wealth of knowledge and experience amassed over the course of an illustrious 20+ year career in leadership and business, Karen strives for excellence in every endeavour and seeks to expand an ever-growing network. Once trained as a BraveHeart Women Resonator, and fully embracing the tools this training provides, Karen very quickly began to realise how much easier her CFO life would have been if she had the tools back then. Not only for herself, though more importantly for her colleagues, and the company’s bottom line. This is one of the reasons Karen is so passionate about bringing these innovative tools and programs into the professional work space. Karen’s vision is to help women from all walks of life to rediscover and utilise their natural intuitive abilities and to realise how powerful and fulfilling it can be to live this way. Her passion is to collaborate in creating a new world for generations to come—one with more “conscious entrepreneurs” who allow their hearts and souls, along with their knowledge and expertise, to guide their businesses. Karen lives on the northern beaches in Sydney, Australia with her husband of more than 37 years, Andrew, and their male Spoodle, Sirius. For more information about Karen, her books and meditations, please visit www.karenchaston.com.au