PUBLISHERS
Natalie Rivera
Joeel A. Rivera, M.Ed.
EDITOR
Lisa Cedrone
CONTRIBUTORS
Jowanna Daley, Marla Albertie, Jo Mooy, Spencer Rouse, Linda Commito, Emil Nazaryan, Mary Boutieller, Terez Hartmann, Darrel Hammon, Owen Waters
THE THE
JUGGLE IS REAL JUGGLE IS REAL
Overcoming overwhelm as a life coach and business owner.
By Jowanna Daley
Being a life coach and a solopreneur is an incredible journey—but let’s be real: It’s also overwhelming. Balancing client needs, growing your business and managing your personal life often feels like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope. There’s no shortage of responsibilities, and the pressure to do it all perfectly can feel suffocating. Add in societal expectations and the constant comparison game, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.
This isn’t just about work; it’s about life. Family responsibilities, financial pressures, and even health concerns can collide with your professional aspirations, leaving you feeling like you’re perpetually behind. Sound familiar? If so, know this: You’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned coach, the weight of juggling everything can be crushing.
But here’s the truth—overwhelm doesn’t have to be your default state. By accepting the realities of solopreneurship and making intentional choices, you can stay productive, happy and moving forward. Let’s dive into how.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF OVERWHELM
Overwhelm doesn’t always arrive dramatically; it often creeps in subtly, turning into a state of being that feels all-consuming. One day, you’re organized and capable, and the next, you feel like your brain is frozen, unable to process even the simplest tasks. Sometimes, it’s as though a wild horse is dragging your carriage out of control, and you’re just holding on for dear life. Other times, it feels like a bad game of connect-the-dots where none of the points align.
In these moments, you might find yourself questioning: What happened to the skilled person who started this business? Where did that confident, capable version of myself go?
It’s important to recognize these feelings for what they are—signs of overwhelm, not failure. Here are some specific indicators that it’s time to pause and recalibrate:
• Decision fatigue: Even small decisions feel monumental and exhausting.
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, tension, headaches or difficulty sleeping are your body’s way of sounding the alarm.
• Mental fog: You struggle to focus or find yourself zoning out when faced with tasks.
• Procrastination: Important tasks linger undone as you feel stuck in a loop of avoidance.
• Persistent self-doubt: You’re plagued by thoughts that you’re not doing enough or can’t keep up.
If any of these resonate with you, take a moment to acknowledge them. Overwhelm isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re carrying too much and need to adjust your approach.
THE REALITY CHECK: THINGS YOU NEED TO ACCEPT
Many people hear the word “acceptance” and think it’s synonymous with giving up or giving in. But true acceptance isn’t about surrendering; it’s about stating what is. When you acknowledge your current reality without judgment, you free up the mental and emotional bandwidth to decide what to do next. This is especially important for your brain because stress and resistance hijack your ability to think clearly.
Your brain’s executive functions—like planning, decision-making and prioritization—work best when you’re calm and focused. Fighting against reality only heightens stress, making it harder to take intentional action. Acceptance, on the other hand, grounds you in the present and creates the clarity needed for forward movement.
Here are a few truths about the journey you’re on:
1) Failure isn’t the Enemy. As a project manager, I learned to embrace what I call “planned failure.” Instead of trying to do everything and setting myself up for disappointment, I proactively identified what wouldn’t happen and let go of the guilt. This mindset shift allowed me to focus on what truly mattered. Failure isn’t final—it’s a step toward prioritization.
2) You Can’t do it All. For years, I chipped away at a content guide a little bit each month, thinking I was making progress. Instead, the project derailed my schedule and caused other priorities to slip. Finally, I dedicated two focused months to finish it. That clarity unlocked the capacity to complete two more projects by January. Trying to juggle everything at once will only slow you down, while narrowing your focus leads to real progress.
3) Comparison is a Trap. Social media can make it seem like everyone else has it all figured out. But rest assured, even the most polished professionals struggle behind the scenes. Many hesitate to share their challenges, fearing judgment or unsolicited advice. Your journey is unique— own it and stop measuring your progress against someone else’s highlight reel.
ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME OVERWHELM
Actionable strategies require you to be real with yourself. They start with assessing where you are and making your goals achievable based on that reality. Unfortunately, there are no onesize-fits-all solutions. You’ll need to give yourself the grace to experiment, learn what works for you, and adapt as needed. Pay attention to both your internal state and your external environment.
Approach the process with curiosity because when you think you’ve got it all figured out, life has a way of throwing you a curveball. More than likely, you’ll have to develop situational solutions. Not all inputs will be the same, and what works in one context may not work in another. Flexibility is key, as is staying open to recalibrating as circumstances evolve. The goal is to craft responses that align with your unique challenges and resources.
1) Reframe and Prioritize
o Accept that you can’t do everything and focus on one project at a time.
o Slow down your pipeline by honestly assessing what’s realistic. Setting clear boundaries around your time and energy helps you stay in control.
2) Leverage Tools and Systems
o Use planning tools tailored to different scenarios: detailed planners for when you feel organized, quick lists for scattered moments and minimalist systems for hurried days.
o Try tools like FLOWN for virtual coworking, Groove for community and accountability, and RescueTime for productivity tracking.
o Experiment with time estimation methods like three-point estimation to set realistic deadlines and expectations.
3) Build Support and Community
o Don’t isolate yourself. Join virtual coworking spaces like FLOWN or accountability groups like Groove to stay connected and motivated. Community can make all the difference when you’re feeling stuck.
4) Use Automation and Delegate Strategically
o Automate repetitive tasks with tools like ChatGPT or workflow systems to free up mental bandwidth.
o Delegate tasks when you can afford to, starting with simple, time-consuming responsibilities that don’t require significant oversight.
5) Live Intentionally
o Let go of the “shoulds” and “have-tos” that weigh you down. Instead, focus on deliberate, value-driven choices.
o Celebrate small wins—progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Keep a journal of what works, what doesn’t, and all the players and artifacts involved in your process. Over time, you’ll build a tailor-made playbook that’s uniquely suited to your needs and circumstances.
CONCLUSION
Take a moment to reflect on your feelings of being overwhelmed. What’s one strategy from this list you can implement today? Maybe it’s joining a community like FLOWN or Groove, automating repetitive tasks, or simply permitting yourself to let something go. Whatever it is, start small and keep moving forward. Remember, you’re not alone. Progress isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making intentional choices and creating space for growth. You’ve got this.
The Daley Word
with Jowanna Daley
Jowanna is a business and personal coach, consultant, freelance blogger, and personal brand photographer. Jowanna uses her 20-plus years of business, information technology, business analysis, and project management experience to serve solopreneurs, microbusinesses, and professionals through consulting, coaching, training, and workshops. She is also a freelance blogger who serves corporate and non-corporate clients. Visit her website at https://www.jowannadaley.com/about/
As an Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist who recently experienced the devastating loss of my son and daughter-in-law, I found myself navigating a deeply personal journey of grief through the lens of my professional expertise. This article represents my first public reflection on this profound experience, exploring how the principles of I/O psychology intersect with the complex emotional landscape of loss.
WORKPLACE GRIEF AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
Recent research by Stroebe et al. (2020) highlights the critical role of organizational support in managing employee grief. The intersection of I/O psychology and personal loss reveals several key insights:
1) Emotional Resilience and Workplace Adaptation
Grief fundamentally challenges an individual’s psychological contract with work. According to a study by Johnstone et al. (2021), employees experiencing significant personal loss often struggle with:
• Reduced cognitive functioning
• Decreased emotional regulation
• Challenges in maintaining professional performance (I have and still am dealing with all of these.)
2) Organizational Bereavement Practices
Modern organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive bereavement support. Key considerations include:
• Flexible work arrangements
• Compassionate leave policies (meaning, allow the employee to decide how much time they need off, similar to unlimited Personal Time Off (PTO))
• Psychological support resources (more than Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), perhaps onsite or virtual therapy options)
• Trauma-informed management approaches
PERSONAL REFLECTION
As an I/O psychologist navigating personal loss, I understand that professional knowledge does not insulate one from the profound emotional impact of grief. We are humans. The same human that lost a loved one is the same human going to work each day. Sometimes, people cannot leave the home stuff at “home” when it comes to grieving. Leaders should take the time to understand this better in their organizations and recognize that professional knowledge does not insulate one from the profound emotional impact of grief, a process that provides a framework for understanding and processing complex emotional experiences. The intersection of I/O psychology and grief reveals a complex, nuanced landscape of human experience. By understanding these connections, we can create more compassionate, supportive professional environments that recognize the full humanity of employees experiencing loss.
References:
1. Stroebe, M., et al. (2020). Grief and Work: A Theoretical Framework. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(3), 245-260.
2. Johnstone, L., et al. (2021). Organizational Support and Employee Bereavement. Academy of Management Journal, 64(2), 412-435.
3. Neimeyer, R. A., et al. (2022). Meaning Reconstruction and Loss: Contemporary Perspectives. Death Studies, 46(5), 1097-1110.
Dr. Marla J. Albertie, Ph.D. is the founder Truth Speaks Group, LLC, a multi-media coaching company dedicated to creating solutions for integrating work and life to create harmony. Marla loves to read, is a concert and comedy show junkie and a cruiser for life. Follow Marla on Twitter @tspeakscoaching and IG @Tspeaksgroup. Sign up for the Truth Speaks Group LLC Newsletter at https://www.truthspeakscoaching.com/.
An exploration of one of the most complex, multifaceted and wonderful of all human experiences.
By Jo Mooy
Because of St. Valentine’s Day, February is known globally as the month of “Love.” So, it seemed appropriate to write an article about it. After the holidays, I went down the rabbit hole on the topic. There are hundreds of songs about love. The Beatles sang, “All You Need Is Love!” Whitney Houston vowed, “I Will Always Love You.” And everybody was awed at Tina Turner’s resilience when she asked, as Ike was battering her, “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”
After decades of songs telling us about the conditions of love, Foreigner asked the biggest question: “I Want to Know What Love Is?” And that was a good place to launch my own quest. What is love? The answer depends upon on whom you ask. Psychologists say it’s a complex and multifaceted emotion that can bring immense joy or profound sorrow that manifests in different forms and intensities. Biologists sanitize the definition by calling love a process in the brain triggering hormones and chemicals that produce feelings of pleasure and reward. Metaphysicians define it as a powerful magnetic energy that attracts or repels individuals based on the frequency (or rate of vibration) that one person has
for another. And finally, mystics say love in its highest form is pure, selfless, unconditional, and without attraction or obligation. They also believe it reflects outward in compassionate and empathic service to others.
Those definitions of love were a lot to digest. Putting aside biology’s definition, which seemed a bit antiseptic, I looked for behaviors that represented the other explanations. Emotions significantly shape and influence our lives. They spontaneously occur in the subconscious from experiences in the past or that are happening now. One of the mega emotions is falling in love. Individuals who do describe the early stages of love as a surge of excitement, or flutters in the stomach, or even the heart skipping a beat when they see their beloved.
But the brain cannot sustain that level of chemical overload. Over time, the hormones slow down and the definition of love changes to one less intense. It’s replaced by longer-lasting mutual caring, appreciation, respect and empathy for the other partner. If you’re fortunate enough to be in a relationship where both individuals share
the same interests, that love is even more durable and self-sustaining. If the relationship flounders, as Tina Turner and Ike’s did, it easily turns to the polar opposite of love, which is hate. That emotion quickly manifests as a lower-energy frequency and sours the relationship.
The highest form of love is what the Greeks called agape. The mystics refer to this form of love as the most “universal and God-like.” When you pet a small puppy or hold a baby close to your heart and feel an outpouring of an indescribable emotion, I know it’s a manifestation of that purest agape love that was described.
As the human species matures spiritually and emotionally, I pray the awe and wonder of experiencing a puppy’s lick or a baby’s smile touches and elevates our collective moods. The invisible love that emanates from that is magnetic, and it forms an etheric bond that links one another in the vast field of energy in which we live and move.
May we express loving kindness to all. May we speak and behave with compassion. May we develop tolerance and acceptance for all so that personal love transcends to Universal Love. That’s ultimately what love is.
Conscious Living with Jo Mooy
Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.
We are here on Planet Earth now to work within the parameters of time, space and duality; to experiment with creation and co-creation; and become pioneers of a new consciousness.
By Spencer Rouse
Tumultuous, glorious, ripsnorting: The new year is not yet six weeks old, but it is already deepening its impact on humanity—and the energy powerhouse of 2025 has barely begun to work its magic.
We packed the old year away with the holiday decorations last month and slid into the new territory, unsure of what lies ahead. We can no longer glide through on old, familiar patterns, half-conscious. We are charged with creating something new, something glorious, as we tear away outmoded beliefs, old programming, outdated relationships, wearisome drama, and beginning to let go of the pain that accompanies hanging onto the useless.
What an exciting time to be alive! What an opportunity for personal expansion, as we shine the beacon of light towards truth, honesty, unity and grace.
We all chose to be on Planet Earth at this particular time—the Great Awakening—a period unlike any other previously experienced on the planet. Humanity is in a struggle between the old and the new. Some people hold onto what is familiar based on the fear and control
paradigms of the past. There is an unquestionable comfort in turning over our lives to others, avoiding unnecessary risks, and not taking on personal responsibility to correct injustices. As more people awaken to the call of their souls, the world around us is experiencing upheaval in governments, nature is revolting from long-term misuse, and the old ways are beginning to crumble.
What do the bearers of light do? First, we look at ourselves. Ask: Who am I as an individual? What strengths do I possess? What is my soul passion? Look deep within and discover who you are at a soul level, not just the personality the world sees. Then, ask how you can use your strengths for the good of others. It is essential to understand yourself first to shine your light into the world in a balanced fashion. Follow your passion, shifting only as that passion directs you. Feel through your new self-discoveries, especially if your reflections have created a big purge and realignment. There is no need to rush about jumping on every new opportunity. Keep some level of detachment. Stay flexible. Give your new approach time and space to grow. Don’t be too quick to lock into a new life. Learn to live in the chaos that accompanies change.
There will be opportunities to shine amid the turmoil. Give these opportunities room to breathe and expand. Focus on what you want to create. Make the goal personal expansion and expansion of others simultaneously. Be open to co-create with the Universe. When we involve the Universe in this process, positive results become magnified. When stumbling blocks and disappointments arise, use them to see circumstances from another perspective. Be open to shift, sometimes quickly. Be open to messages from the Universe. They will become more plentiful and more specific as you pay attention.
Your physical body may experience upgrades as part of the awakening process. If you are experiencing physical symptoms, ask your body what it does and doesn’t want to eat before you consume what your eyes or taste buds choose. Pay attention to whatever new physical symptoms show up. Honor these symptoms as requests to adjust and align. If you become involved in power and control dynamics or are triggered by an unhealed wound, investigate why, and then gradually work to heal the wound that invites that dynamic. We are love. We come from love. Any wounding that interferes with the flow of love within us has been created from erroneous beliefs about ourselves based on our
earthly experiences. As we consciously work to heal our wounds, we can achieve a state of grace more often.
As long as we are in human form, we will encounter situations that challenge us. As we overcome each hurdle, we become stronger. That is why we are here: to work within the parameters of time, space and duality; to work within a construct that
allows us to experiment with creation and co-creation. When we achieve through overcoming challenges, we grow faster than we can in a dynamic of unconditional love.
This is the most exciting time to be on Planet Earth—ever, ever in the history of this world. Right here, right now, we get to pioneer a new consciousness. We can merge the ways of
the past that relied on fear and control into powerful new concepts. We remember our power and recognize fear, which can be as powerful as love. That fear is brimming to the surface at this time so the soul can make conscious choices to create through love. May we all do our part to increase that “Light of Love” as we create a new Golden Age.
Elemental Wisdom
with Spencer Rouse
Spencer Rouse has been a professional psychic and intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach, and lecture/workshop facilitator for more than 20 years, working one-on-one in counseling sessions, in groups, and at psychic fairs and other events. She works primarily through the gifts of claircognizance—an inner knowing—and clairsentience—the ability to sense information through feelings and emotions. Spencer also connects with the different layers of the human energy field (the aura) using color and sound to help balance and invigorate life force energy. Visit her online at http://www.SpencerRouse.com or email PsychicSpencer.com
We believe that self-employment is the ultimate form of empowerment. Our mission is to bring you guests whose powerful entrepreneurship stories and real-world advice will give you the inspiration and tools to create a business and life that you love.
Listen on our website or your favorite podcast app or watch the video version on our YouTube channel.
The journey through life is so much easier when we can share it with those who care.
By Linda Commito
We don’t need a special reason, or holiday, to show up for people, to let others know that we care. We each have our own unique ways of expressing and receiving love. Sometimes we need to be reminded that our lives matter.
There is no greater “gift” to share than one’s loving presence.
Growing up in a traditional Italian family, we always knew we were loved, and it was often expressed through homemade food, vegetables and flowers from the garden, and even a bunny rabbit. Occasionally, a silver dollar my grandfather had earned gardening was slipped into my pocket. I’ve kept those silver dollars, even after my grandfather passed long ago, because of the feelings of love that they still hold.
It’s interesting how we can each have such different ways to express our love. My dad, generous as he was, could never say the words “I love you”— even though I knew that he did. When I went away to college, he would send me a funny card with a handwritten message every week. My friends would
say: “You got another card from your dad!” It would be many years later that he said, “I love you” on the phone, when I lived 2,000 miles away. I always knew in my heart that he loved me and would be the first to show up if I needed help. Decades later, when he was in nursing care, I made sure to send him a card weekly to tell him how much I missed and loved him. And although I was about to receive cancer treatments, I flew home be there and hold his hands as he passed, telling him, “I love you, Dad!”
My mom has always been my best friend and love of my life, and she has always been there for me. She was the person I could call and share my heartaches, life’s challenges and disappointments, and she would let me know it would be alright. We also traveled and explored many places, and, now that she can’t travel, each day that I call her is an opportunity to let her know how much I love her.
In reflecting on life’s twists and turns, I would never have predicted that I would be immersed in the gift and home accessory industry for almost two decades, traveling the Rocky Mountain states. And although I enjoyed meeting and working with retailers,
manufacturers and sales reps, this consuming business found me longing for the gift of free time. But that would come later. Time is such a precious gift.
In our materialistic world, we often rush about before holidays, trying to find the perfect present, when in fact it lies within us. What I hold most dear are the experiences of love that give me comfort, peace and joy and the time to share with those I love. And while I can appreciate fine things, what I treasure are those that hold a special meaning, such as the ring that Francesco, my partner, gave me that belonged to his sister, no longer with us.
We each have our own challenges, but the journey is so much easier when we can share it with those who care. Perhaps the best gift of all is just showing up in someone’s hour of need, or time of loneliness, or illness or loss. And it can sometimes be in the simplest of ways, with a letter, a phone call, a touch, an acknowledgment that they matter. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.
At this time in our lives, many of us have an awareness that we have already been on this planet longer than the days we have left. It makes time all the more precious. I don’t want to waste a single day when I can be letting those I care about know how much I love and appreciate them. We all want to feel our lives matter. Our kindness can be a source of joy and comfort to others—whether we know them or not.
Love is the New Currency
with Linda Commito
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game
Author Linda Commito and her Grandfather with Linda’s bunny rabbit.
Pathways to Connecting:
Deck 1 Easing In – playful questions to break the ice & have fun!
Deck 2 Getting Closer – thought-provoking questions to get to know each other better . . . including ourselves.
Deck 3 Deepening Conversation – Insightful questions that invite sharing experiences and reflections on life and relationships.
Deck 4 Daring to Divulge – Provocative questions that spark deeper conversations and encourage meaningful connections.
Photo by CALITORE on Unsplash
When you let go of strong attachment to things, you feel the newly liberated space within you beginning to fill with happiness, joy and peace.
By Emil Nazaryan
Imagine you just bought the car of your dreams. You thought about it for years, and you finally have it. You love the slick design, the shiny wheels, the unmistakable new car smell. You are absolutely in love with the vehicle! In fact, you would like to hug it all the time. The day after buying the car, you go to Starbucks drive-through to get your favorite drink. As you pull into the narrow lane, you hear a loud scraping sound, and you feel the car vibrate. You want to believe it’s not what you think it is. You get out of the car, and, sure enough, the beautiful, shiny alloy wheels are now covered with ugly scratch marks. It’s as if you are almost feeling those scratches on your body. That’s how much it hurts.
Now consider another scenario. For Christmas, you got the watch you have been dreaming about for a long time. It’s perfect, and it looks good on you. You can’t take your eyes off it. You are looking forward to wearing it everywhere. Every time you look at it, you are filled with joy. A week goes by. As usual, you take it off as you’re getting ready to go to sleep. Suddenly, you feel it slipping off your wrist. By the time you realize what’s happening, the watch is on the floor, the glass shattered to pieces, the dials
scattered across the tiles, and you have no insurance. How would you feel? What would you feel? More than likely, a lot of pain.
Have you ever been in similar circumstances? Have you ever experienced this type of pain? If you have been on this earth for any length of time, you almost certainly have. But you may ask: Isn’t this everyone’s experience? Isn’t this how it works? Is there any way to avoid the pain of having something happen to things to which you are attached?
American sage and spiritual teacher Robert Adams once wisely said: “Possess all you want, but don’t be possessed by your possessions.” Read that sentence again. What does it mean? How do you interpret that? How can you do that?
Let’s go back to the examples above. What if you had your dream car to drive for a week, with full insurance coverage? It doesn’t matter what happens to the car during the time you drive it. When you return it, you are done with it. What would be your pain level if you got the wheels scratched at the drive-through? Knowing that it wasn’t yours to keep and that you were not responsible for it, your pain level likely would be next to nothing. Wouldn’t you agree? However, didn’t you enjoy driving the car as much as
you would have if it were yours? You experienced the pleasure of driving your dream car without the pain of something happening to it. The same would be true for the watch example. So, what’s the difference?
The obvious answer is attachment, or more precisely, embodying the possessive pronoun “mine.” Once something becomes “mine,” attachment to it skyrockets and so does the corresponding pain.
Taking a bird’s eye view, can you ever truly say that something is “mine” when we ourselves are guests in this life? At best, we are temporarily “leasing” everything in life, as we came here with nothing, and we will be leaving with nothing.
Don’t get depressed! This realization opens the door to enjoyment of life on a whole new level. The word that characterizes this new lifestyle is “freedom!” In this way of living, you can still possess and enjoy the things you want—but not be possessed by them. When you have the attitude that everything you own is not actually “mine”— you are only enjoying those things for a period of time—it frees you from the burden of unnecessary pain associated with loss. The freedom is reward enough for you to give this new attitude a shot and discover the truth yourself. But it doesn’t stop there.
When you let go of strong attachment to things, you feel the newly liberated space within you beginning to fill with happiness, joy and peace. What happens with the diminution of “me” and “mine” is the cracking of the ego, which is responsible for your pain and suffering. Then you feel divine energy— which has always been within you—slip
through the cracks and come to the surface. It takes hold of you, and your life quality starts to shift completely; you become more loving, more forgiving, more generous, more compassionate. You are no longer bothered by the trifles of life’s shiny objects.
Can you start feeling this power stirring within your heart as you
read these words? No possession on earth can give you the same feeling, and, once you experience it, no loss of possession can take it away from you.
And, finally, you can’t hide this light within you from others. You will bring joy wherever you go, you will inspire others, and you will live your life to the fullest at every moment.
Emil Nazaryan is a motivational writer and a contributor to several magazines. His spiritual journey has led the way to sharing the insights he has experienced with others. Emil is well acquainted with all major spiritual traditions of the world, but it is the direct experience of the essence of these teachings that is responsible for his life outlook and the motivational articles that stem from it. In his career, Emil is a successful, award-winning REALTOR, including REALTOR of the Year, presented by Hampton Roads REALTORs Association. He resides in coastal Virginia with his beloved wife and two children. Email Emil at emil.rw@gmail.com.
Photo by John Torcasio on Unsplash.
What if we embraced both the comforts and the challenges in our lives with reverence?
By Mary Boutieller
Imagine if, one day, calendars completely disappeared. How, then, would we mark the passage of time?
Of course, our ancestors marked time through the change of seasons, the moon’s shifting shape in the night sky, the plants that grew and fed them, the rhythm of births and deaths. We were much more in step with nature’s slower march than today’s fast-paced motion. Sometimes it seems my soul craves that slower pace: lights out, phones gone, waking up with the sun, trusting our bodies and our innate senses to show us the way. Perhaps I’m just getting older or, I’d like to think, wiser. Or maybe it’s the time of year asking me to slow down, stay warm and listen.
In her recent newsletter, “The Marginalian,” Maria Popova said, “We live in a state of perpetual dissociation from the almost unbearable wonder of being alive.” We watch the television, we stare at our phones, we sleepwalk through our lives, forgetting just how miraculous it is to be alive. Yet, every once in a while, something shakes us out of our stupor. It might be from witnessing the birth of a child, learning about an unexpected illness, or seeing a sunset’s brilliant colors blaze across the sky. These momentary awakenings come when we stand at the center of the Universe and realize we have never been here before. We wake up, we tap in, we ask: “What’s next?”
If we are lucky, we survive these experiences and allow them to soak into our bones. We don’t push them
away, and we don’t ask for more. We let a happy moment wash over us and we breathe. We let a sad moment wash over us, and we breathe again. We let them in and try to remember why we are here—to live, to love, to be in these bodies at this time having this experience...one moment at a time.
Things might not always go as planned. Our way of being in the world might be challenged. Things will happen that we cannot control. Yet how we treat those moments is. What if we embraced both the comforts and the challenges in our lives with reverence? What if we remembered that just being here is the miracle, knowing that we have descended from the first stars that lit the known Universe? Could we embrace what’s happening in the moment and allow ourselves to be wholly human and alive?
You know, we could start small; take baby steps. Maybe we don’t rush toward the next thing before experiencing the current thing. Maybe we pause while taking out the trash or doing the dishes to feel our feet on the Earth and our connection to it. Every moment of our lives can be a moment of reflection, of leaning into the messages and lessons that are out there for us to learn.
And, in paraphrasing a quote from a movie, “Each day we make choices big and small. Let those choices be for good.”
May your life be filled with love, light and understanding. May our suffering be little and our hearts open to all that is. And may we always remember that we come from nothing less significant than the stars.
The Yoga of Life
with Mary Boutieller
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
Don’t place yourself in a cage and give someone else the key—instead, choose to live a life of freedom.
By Terez Hartmann
ELECTION DYSTOPIA
There’s a good chance that if you live in the United States, by the time you read this article, the U.S. Presidential Inauguration Day will have come and gone. And even if you are from another one of the great nations that populate our planet, there’s a good chance you have also had a ringside seat to the most recent battle for the American presidency.
Once again, the most recent U.S. election season has been utterly surreal; it’s like a political “Tiger King” miniseries filled with so many unimaginable twists and turns that one can hardly believe this was not a work of fiction. Yet, because there is SO much at stake, many people have taken every moment and every second to heart, waiting with bated breath to see whether or not “we the people” will be able to get back to “business as usual” or choose to take a step onward, upward and forward.
So when this “Good Vibe” girl started dipping into profound sadness, utter rage, and, as a result, making herself physically sick over the political and sociological events in the past few months, I knew it was time to break the spell.
Remembering…
…I had started to buy into the idea that someone or something else had full control over the lives of others, which defies EVERYTHING I know to be true in my heart. So, it’s no surprise that my body, mind and spirit were doing all they could to let me know that I was focusing on a way that was truly detrimental to my well-being—and theirs.
Didn’t I remember that EVERY human being has their own Point of Attraction, and will therefore suffer or thrive based on what THEY think, feel, attract and believe?
Haven’t I seen, time and time again, that even in the WORST of mass consciousness, global circumstances, there are always people who somehow continue to thrive physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually, no matter what the “powers that be” or the rest of the world may do?
Even when I personally have stumbled into some of the deepest, darkest recesses of dissonance, haven’t I always found a way back into the light?
Yes, it IS normal and natural for human beings with a heart and soul to react negatively to shocking words, deeds and events, and to want to do ALL we can to create change, to make our world a better place, and to do our part to choose leadership that reflects the highest ideals…
…But to give up your own personal power to then make “THEM”—leaders, outcomes and circumstances—akin to a “God” that can make or break you (or an entire nation), is also akin to placing yourself in a cage and giving someone else the key.
And I don’t know about you, but I adamantly choose to live a life of FREEDOM.
THE POWER OF LIGHT
Yes, it is healthy and highly recommended to feel your feelings fully and authentically. Yes, we all need “ER” (Express and Release) moments, but just like an actual Emergency Room, the goal is to get in, get sorted, and get out. Even the best and brightest can stumble into a dark room when the stakes become extremely high, especially when there is a strong perception that others can come to harm, but the more you push against the darkness and rant about what you don’t want (rather than talk about what you DO want and focus upon what you CAN do) the more you actually feed—and attract—more darkness.
In every sense of the word, we can’t see in the dark: The executive functioning of our physical brains (the prefrontal cortex) literally goes offline, and our survival-mode, black-or-white, “fight-or-flight” system then runs the show. A single moment in time feels like it is THE ultimate, only and forever reality. Solutions feel utterly elusive. And often it feels like all is lost…
…But when you light even the smallest flame of the smallest candle, that is enough to dispel ANY amount of darkness and open a view to be able to see a glimmer of hope. And when you see that there IS a helpful next step—and then move in THAT direction—the light only increases, and yet another step forward is revealed.
Continue to follow the light and keep moving forward, and soon you may find yourself in a whole new world of ideas, opportunities, possibilities, which then allows you to be in a position to shine and share your light with others—which can then help them to remember and ignite THEIR light.
BTW—For a brilliant illustration of the power of LIGHT, check out the Netflix 2024 animated feature, “Spellbound.”
UNITY, DIVERSITY AND POSSIBILITY
In any political game, there is a team that “wins” and a team that “loses.” One group always rejoices that “good” has won the day, while another may feel that all hope is lost. EVERY individual or associated group feels that their way is “right” and “just,” no matter what it may look like to those on the other side of the fence.
The population of the world will not now—or ever— agree on everything. We are far too diverse in our desires and intentions to ever come to utter same-ness. While I very much believe that we are all “one human family,” I also very much understand that unity will also always coexist with variety, so it is no wonder that the more we try to get “everyone” to think, believe, behave and vote the same way, the greater dissonance we experience both personally and globally.
What if the events and upheaval of 2020-2025—and everything we have lived so far—have escalated to help us decide, once and for all, to take back our OWN personal power and stop giving it to someone or something else?
What if instead of holding a government accountable for your personal experience and quality of life, you, me and others continued to focus, speak and ACT in ways that move us onward, upward and forward into possibility—to PERSONALLY create a better world in the present tense, and for our children’s children?
What if regardless of the circumstances of the moment, we each opted to exercise our ability to change what we CAN, rather than stay stuck in a loop of ranting and railing against what we can’t change?
What if YOU elected to make a new choice, make a new decision, and take a step in THIS moment to make a positive change in your OWN life NOW?
And, what if we reached a point of critical mass of people taking responsibility for their own life experience that would allow for government to take its rightful place as nothing more than a tool with the potential to be helpful, and no longer the end-all-be all that determines a nation’s destiny?
THE BOTTOM LINE: ELECT YOUR SELF FOR A CHANGE
Large-scale changes may still be a long time coming, friends, but what if you, me and more people remembered that you DO have the power to change YOUR experience NOW? No matter who wins the day or holds the baton of the moment, here’s to exercising true “Power to the People” by electing your SELF for a change…
…and to remembering to feed, follow, spread and share the LIGHT—for the benefit of ALL.
Let. There. Be. LIGHT.
“When I see the eagle rising in the sky I remember I was meant to fly…” ~from “Remembering” ©(p)TTRH*
*To raise your vibe and remember the power you DO hold, visit this link hear the song, “Remembering”: https://youtu.be/ yU1Ybdx0jdg?si=0USsdJZhEBg02ig5
ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS
with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann
Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com
By Darrel L. Hammon
No matter how fast you walk or run, it has to be step by step.
You cannot skip three or four. They come one by one. They can be short and delicate, long and loud, stomping or quiet—
Still one step at a time.
You can take them in hiking books, flip flops, tennis shoe, heels, slippers, bare feet, or water shoes—
Still one step at a time.
They may be angry or happy, begrudging or excited, enormous or petite, flippant or serious—
Still one step at a time.
We can be careless and fall or cautious and keep up right, or stand completely silent—
Still one step at a time.
We can step on or in it, around it or through it or over it or just stand motionless and do nothing—
Still one step at a time. It’s again all about choices and where and how we step or with whom we step.
So step well and firm, forward, not backward, and on, on to the victory—
Still one step at a time.
Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/).
The greater vista of the New Reality
enables us to clearly comprehend principles which, before, were mysteries.
By Owen Waters
The world is changing rapidly. The New Reality brings with it a new and expanded vista of awareness. In order to operate successfully in the new environment, you have to apply the new principles which come with that expanded vision, with that greater vista of reality.
This empowers you to awaken to your expanded potential and to manifest it.
Metaphysics is a philosophy of being, a study of the underlying principles of existence. The holistic approach to metaphysics provides a philosophy based upon an integrated foundation of mind, body and spirit. This spirit-inclusive approach is essential to understand the wider vista of consciousness that the New Reality presents.
Without the spiritual component of metaphysical philosophy, the mysteries of life remain forever mysteries. Life did not evolve accidentally from a pool of prehistoric sludge; it was brought into being by the precise intention of the Creator. The key to understanding the grand design of life is, therefore, to seek to understand more about the workings of its designer.
If, for example, you had never seen a jet aircraft and, suddenly, one flew overhead, you might wonder if it was propelled by that loud noise that it makes. The real answer, however, can be better found in the designers’ office at the aircraft factory, and so it is with life. If you think about how the designer of the universe could have achieved something, then you will find answers much more quickly than if you wonder how such an “accident of evolution” could have happened.
Why did the Creator create life as we know it? How did it go about that task? What underlying principles that we can learn from this? The greater vista of the New Reality enables us to clearly comprehend principles which, before, were mysteries.
Here are 10 such principles which will help you appreciate the expanded vista of consciousness offered by the New Reality.
1) All is one.
Everything in Creation is an expression of Infinite Being. Infinite Being is the all-encompassing consciousness from which the universe was created. Everything in the universe is made of consciousness. We are all aspects of Infinite Being.
2) Transformation.
The world is experiencing a spiritual transformation of human consciousness. It began decades ago and is now reaching its climactic phase. It is leading to an ascension of all physical matter into a higher frequency of existence. In that new environment, the upgraded consciousness of humanity will actively work to bring an end to global strife and suffering. This new era of civilization will be achieved by a widespread awareness of the underlying unity of all people.
3) Purpose in life.
Just as each snowflake is unique, so is each person. Your primary purpose in life is to experience life from one individual, unique point of view. You are an expression of Infinite Being as it experiences itself from all possible viewpoints.
4) Reflectance.
Life reflects who you are—your beliefs, your thoughts and your feelings. This is the basic principle behind the teaching of karma and the fact that you reap what you sow by creating a pattern of thought that attracts like experience to itself. Reflectance is often delayed while your circumstances adjust to allow appropriate reflections to manifest.
5) Self-responsibility.
You create your own reality and take personal responsibility for it. Your life is a reflection of who you are and the experiences that you, as a soul, planned for this life.
6) Life after “death.”
From the point of view of your true, inner personality, passing away from the physical realm is like stepping out of a suit that you have worn for a while. The suit is not the real you. In your spirit body, you move into the spirit realm, which is a place of joy and healing. After meeting friends and relatives who have passed on before, you start work on resolving any issues which caused inner conflict in your physical life. You remember more about who you really are and experience a joyful reunion with the rest of your immediate and extended soul family.
7) Reincarnation.
Reincarnation exists to provide a variety of experience, so that life skills may be gained, and so that, while in a physical body, you can rediscover your spiritual source within.
8) Truth is everywhere.
The ultimate truth is to be found within, yet the study of a variety of sources of information helps you to reawaken and remember your inner truth.
9) Unconditional love.
Unconditional love and the acceptance of all life puts your awareness into a higher place, allowing understanding and compassion to develop. This love and acceptance of others is a recognition of the spiritual light within those people and is not dependent upon their outward behavior. Unconditional love also includes a general respect for the beliefs of others, regardless of how much they may, or may not, align with your own beliefs.
10) Inner connection and insight.
Inner connection with your spiritual source promotes spiritual transformation and the achievement of your true potential. Developing intuition, both in men and women, provides an essential insight into life’s experiences. Editor’s Note: Owen Waters is the author of Ascension to a Higher World
iNFINITE BEING
with Owen K. Waters
Owen Waters is author of the Indie award-winning book, Spirituality Made Simple and a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy and InfiniteBeing.com, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at https:// www.InfiniteBeing.com. He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. He has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter since 2004 which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their clarity and deep insights. Contact Owen via email News@InfiniteBeing.com.
