Song for the Soul: "Walking" by Mary Mary

It is sooooo easy to get caught up in the "Rat Race" of society, the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the stresses of trying to "make it." Remember that life is not a race, but a journey. A journey that's not controlled or limited by what we call "time". Look at each day as being a step closer to your destination and enjoy the view along the way. Relax and know that you have all the time you need to do what you are here to do. So, don't get overwhelmed with worldly demands or standards. Stay centered and in tune with your spirit. Surrender to the flow of life and God will support you on your path. One step at a time.

Enjoy today's Song for the Soul "Walking" by the gospel duo Mary Mary

 

Song for the Soul: "I Feel Good" by Mary J. Blige

Ok Sis... The weekend is here! What are you doing? Do you have plans or are you sitting wishing that you had plans? Do you find yourself spending more weekends waiting or hoping for someone else to take you out and being left with disappointment? Or have you just gotten used to boring monotony that has taken over in your life. Do yourself, and me, a favor and take yourself out on a date! Remember, you are your best friend, your best love, no one can treat you as good as you can treat yourself... SO TREAT YOURSELF!! I took myself out 2 weeks ago and was so amazed by how wonderful my night was. It felt like the universe was my escort. Everything just opened up and flowed perfectly like it was meant to be. I met some great people and had the time of my life. I treated myself just as I would have expected if I was being taken out on a date. I went shopping for the perfect dress. I made sure I smelled good, looked good, and felt great. I enjoyed a meal fit for a queen, including champagne and dessert. This song "I Feel Good" by Mary J. Blige was my theme song for the night, so let it be yours this weekend. Take time to treat yourself and take yourself out on a wonderful date that you will never forget. Remember, the key to having the love you want starts with You loving You.

                Peace & Blessings

GOOD MORNING!! - How do You Start Your Day?

When you awake each morning, are you aware of your thoughts? Do you consciously start your day? or Do you just roll out of bed and turn on the t.v., or start that never ending to do list?

Well whatever your morning ritual may be, consider how that routine affects your day and ultimately your life. Is it life giving, full of hope and optimism, attracting the best to you? or Is it a gloomy outlook, full of bad expectations and limits?

If your thoughts tread sometimes into murky waters, all it takes is a simple change. Find a way to keep your thoughts on what you want, aspire for, and believe is possible (grow to believe that anything is possible). When you focus your thoughts on being broke, or never having enough, or all men are dogs, it creates those images as your outlook on life, which brings them into existence. So, you end up broke all the time, with bad men in your life! Instead of focusing your energy on what you don't have or don't want, switch it to what you do want. Focus your thoughts on abundance, joy, love, and peace. Create those visions and watch each and everyone come into existence. You will no longer see limitations, but possess an unwavering faith that all things are possible.

Tips for Starting your Day:

• Start with a Clear, Quiet Mind. Give yourself a few moments of quiet and reflection. You will all the rest of the day to worry, balance checking accounts, and plan the grocery list. Bring peace into your day intentionally by starting it with peace.

• Make time for Prayer, Praise, and Meditation.

• Have Intention for your day. We all have a purpose. Each day has a meaning. Intend on having a good day, living in purpose, helping someone out, learning something, or even just smiling all day to stay positive no matter. Have intent on doing better, being better, and being able to give more. We shouldn't walk aimlessly through life.

• Be Thankful. Thank God for any and everything  imaginable and feel the gratitude in your praise. That feeling of gratitude and apprection for what has been, is being, and will be (knowing that it's already Yours) will carry you wonderfully through your day.

Let's start to pay attention to how we start our day and make it point to start it in a positive, soul enhancing, aspiring way.

Peace & Blessings,

Phylicia D. Thomas

Song for the Soul: "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers

Song for the Soul: "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. Just one look at you and I know Today is gonna be a Lovely Day!! 

Song for the Soul: "Use The Force" by Jamiroquai

Song for the Soul: "Use The Force by Jamiroquai, is one of my favorite songs to just rock out to! This song is dedicated today to one of my Sister Followers Linda S. Enjoy this rock, Latin, funk fusion. What I like about this group is that they are a true band not just a solo artist with hired musicians. They use live horns and drums and have a true authentic universal sound. Everyone listen to the words of this song. "I must believe, that I can be anything." We can do anything, but we must use that force within, remembering that it is from God. USE YOUR FORCE!!!   

DOWNLOAD THE SONG BELOW

Sue's MuseLetter January 2011

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Haiku by Sue If storm clouds gather Hearts often lift when seeing One tiny sunbeam             *** Brilliance and darkness Full moon veiled in cloud cover Metaphor for life Quotes I find Comforting I can do all things through  Christ who strengthens me.                         --Philippians 4:13 Bidden or not bidden, God is present.                         --Carl G. Jung All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.             --Dame Julian of Norwich My religion is kindness.             --The Dalai Lama Live gently with yourself and others.                         --Sue Dear Friends, This is a "from the trenches" MuseLetter about the importance of finding the joy amid the shadows of sorrow. Our forty-three year old daughter (my stepdaughter, Lynnie, whom I have loved since she was seven) has breast cancer. From the joy of having all four children--plus grandchildren, a spouse, and significant other--with us for Christmas, Lynnie and all of us who love and support her, segued directly into the sorrow of biopsy, diagnosis, surgery, and the knowledge of treatments to come.       Joy? You've Got to Be Kidding! Why? How? Why Find Joy? It's important to find joy in the midst of all circumstances because joy is healthy. Joy buoys and illuminates body, mind, and spirit. Joy is light, and light is healing. Light--sunlight being the most obvious example--is essential for the health and flowering of all good and beautiful things. Please know I'm not talking about Pollyanna, candy-a-rotten apple, or denial/pretend joy. No way. Some things simply suck, and Lynnie's illness is one of them. The joy I'm talking about can be found by mindfully turning toward the light while simultaneously acknowledging and accepting any fear and sorrow that may be within and around us. Not an easy challenge but definitely an important one to tackle. What is  Joy? I didn't like most of the definitions of joy I read because they hinged on feelings of happiness. So, I created one that resonates with my heart. To me, joy is more an attitude of mind and heart than it is a feeling. A good way to cultivate a joyful attitude is to consciously notice, appreciate, and feel gratitude for all tiny, or brilliant, rays of sunshine along the way. Of course feelings of happiness, wellbeing, love, and warmth may accompany joyful moments. However, sometimes our hearts and minds can know joy even when all we can feel in the moment is sorrow. How to Find Joy in Sorrow? Everyone finds joy in his or her own unique way and, of course, I don't know the best way for you to do so. All I can do is share a few ways that are helping me find joy right now. For example, as my husband, Gene, and I left Lynnie and Shawn's house the other night saddened and shell-shocked by the latest pathology report, we consciously made an effort to notice and comment on the exquisite sunset spreading over the mountains. We accentuated the positive by underscoring how healthy and strong Lynnie is, and how amazingly well she is recovering from surgery. We shared our gratitude to be living close by and able to be a part of her extensive support team. We reiterated, for the umpteenth time, how thankful we are to have each other. We cheered at our grandson's basketball game and basked in our little dog, Lily's, welcome when we got home.  And, we also cried together…  Accept What Is One of the best "how's" I know for finding joy in the midst of sorrow is accepting the reality of what is without resisting or wishing for what isn't. Along with accepting situations and circumstances, it's vital to accept our own feelings and responses as well. Resistance magnifies pain.  Resistance shuts us down and closes us up. Resistance can trap us in a never-ending loop of pain, regret, resentment, self-pity, depression, anxiety, ad infinitum…  On the other hand, accepting reality opens our hearts and minds to a modicum of peace and the ability to love and be loved. Accepting the feelings sorrow stirs up,  allows them to "move on down the road." Even if the reality you are stuck in is resistance, gently accept that too! * Resistance promotes "stuckness."  * Acceptance encourages progess, growth, and                            healing.                                                                     * Resistance closes.                                                            * Acceptance opens. * Resistance imprisons.                                         * Acceptance frees. Awareness, appreciation, and gratitude are more easily noticed by open hearts and minds. Ask Your Angels I firmly believe each one of us has Guardian and "Guide-ian" angels who are thrilled to come to our assistance whenever we call on them. I have a quirky visual of groups of angels congregated in a heavenly lounge (in sort of a reverse PBS Upstairs, Downstairs way) waiting for us to tug on the bell cord. Even  if it feels like wishful thinking, please try asking your angels for what you want and need, for both yourself and others. Very importantly, allow yourself to be aware of the comfort of angelic presence. Bask in it. Act with Kindness and Patience During difficult and stressful times, most of us run the gamut of emotions. Feelings such as vulnerability, anger, over-responsibility, exhaustion, helplessness, irritability--plus countless others--are natural. Responding to our own, and others', feelings with kindness and patience allows each of us to remain open to love, learning, blessings, and joy. Kindness and patience invite connection with those whom we care about. Connection contains joy. Accentuate the Positive Open your eyes and heart to the positives within both the circumstances in your life and the people experiencing them. There are almost always positive behaviors and attitudes that can be respected and celebrated in both ourselves and others. Become aware of those attitudes and behaviors. Congratulate yourself and others on them.  Highlighting positives lightens the energy of both people and circumstances. Appreciate, with Gratitude, the Beautiful, Inspiring, and Blessed Noticing even tiny wonderful stuff, and being grateful for it, etches uplifting feelings and attitudes into your consciousness and, as a result, elevates your spirit.                                           ********** Dear ones, both known and yet-to-be-known, thank you for reading these musings. It has helped me to write them. May you consistently find joy in the midst of all life's various offerings. May wellbeing bless your body May peace quiet your mind May courage lift your spirit May love be your guiding light.                                        With love and gratitude,

Song for the Soul: "Lettin' Go" by Janelle Monae

Sometimes you gotta just LET GO! This song will get you moving, take a deep breath, then EXHALE. RELAX AND KEEP DREAMING! Don't let the stresses of life overwhelm you the point where you see no way out or through. There is always a way. Enjoy this song and dance!!

HELLO MY NAME IS: ...Winter (Poem)

My times of darkness are extended

My days have grown cold

My excitement is dissolved in slushy footprints

My breath is now old

My purpose unknown and fore-sought

My tears chill the world

My wrath blankets the thoughts

My thoughts become swirled

My tears are walked on, pushed to the side, then eventually they melt away

Seen by no one because of the Sun's illuminant ray

My feet are frozen into place, sealed like cement, neither moving backward nor beyond

My life follows a continuous cycle, I come and go in time, yet my heart does not respond

HELLO MY NAME IS: ......Winter

Written 12/24/2001

By Phylicia D. Thomas

Song for the Soul: "Precious" by Esperanza Spalding

Today's Song for the Soul "Precious" by Esperanza Spalding speaks volumes and reminds us to never compromise our inner diva, remain PRECIOUS and never settle for less than your STANDARDS and your WORTH! It's a Beautiful Jazzy piece.



 

Song for the Soul: "Walk In My Shoes" by Emily King

Today's Song for the Soul is "Walk In My Shoes" by Emily Kings. I hope it pushes you to keep doing what you're doing and remember that each you are a step closer, so keep walking.

(If you like what you hear DOWNLOAD THE MP3 BELOW.)

Knocking Down Walls of Fear: Using the Power Within

Ugggghhhhh!!!!

I keep finding myself at this same place. This never ending obstacle that I “thought” I so cleverly found a way to avoid. This tall stretch of brick, “20 ft. tall” wall. I often times envision my inner self as the almighty, powerful She-ra! But as the picture above shows, even She-ra found herself down sometimes… So, instead of using my mighty inner power, I use my mighty mind… or so I think. I come up with the clever idea to just re-route my path, OVER, OVER, OVER, and OVER again!! It seems like smooth sailing at first. I’m just traveling along, the sun is shining, I’m smiling, my red cape is blowing in the wind. I think to myself “Okay, I’m on my way this time, I can feel it. I really figured it out this time!” I feel like I’m on easy street. Soon enough, a dark shadow prevails and embarks on my path. I continue walking assuming that it’s just a passing cloud, later to discover that same giant road block. The same “20 ft. tall wall” shows up no matter how I try to mastermind my way around it!

I stop and sit on the road realizing that I really need to do something different here. “I’M TIRED OF MOVING AROUND, BUT NOT MOVING FORWARD!!!!” What is wrong with me! I throw a complete tantrum. I yell, I cry, I ask “Why, why, why?,” I punch, I kick, then I come to my senses and gather myself, grab hold of my mind, (which I had obvious lost for a moment) and decide to relax and meditate. Mediation helps to clear the mind and open the heart to receive the answers that we steadfastly pray for.

Here is what I found:

It is so easy to move freely and find little ways to smile with temporary contentment while in our COMFORT ZONE. But if you are really trying to move forward to new places and new heights, doesn’t that mean that you have to leave that little save haven? Everything that you already have is there, so if you want more, you have to go out there and get it! So, what’s keeping me here? Why is my inner She-ra sitting on the side of the road moping. What is this wall that is at every turn and angle?? F E A R My “20 ft. tall” wall is fear. Hmmm… Moving out of the comfort zone, means moving into DISCOMFORT which is really hard to do, but only when you think about it too much. In the words of Erykah Badu, “But if I get off my knees, I might recall, I’m 20 feet tall!” I mustn’t allow myself to cloud my mind with paralyzing, overwhelming thoughts of fear, rejection, failure, and defeat. I must stand tall, acknowledging that every moment in my life has lead to this moment, right here, right now. With each step I have grown, and once I stand to my full potential I discover that I am just as tall as that wall in front of me and have all that I need to get through it.

So I stand up, gather myself, brush the dust off my sexy costume, shake the wrinkles out of my cape, gather my sword, and re-validate my power. I raise my sword and in my super hero voice say, “I am She-ra, Princess of Power!” I strike the wall and take it down with one mighty blow!!! Well, not so much… In real life these things take time. It might take some chiseling, and there might even be many soft blows that will eventually lead up to those powerful ones. The point is knowing and acknowledging that you do, indeed, have the power inside and the wherewithal to face and tackle your fears. With diligence and practice your tasks of discomfort become second nature, so embrace them and keep growing. Keep rising higher. Keep moving forward. Every time you knock down that wall, you will find yourself in a glorious field of possibilities and potential.

“In every seed planted in the garden of potentiality,

is the promise of a forest.”

-Deepak Chopra

Song for the Soul: "Closer" by Goapele

This is my personal theme song, "Closer" by Goapele. I often meditate to this song to stay centered in knowing that each day I am closer to my dreams. Enjoy!

There is no Time for MINDLESS EXISTENCE!

In order to receive the answers, you must first ask the questions. You must first seek, in order to be destined to find.

Video Games, Cell Phones, the World Wide Web, the Social Scene, Television, Movies, Shopping Malls, etc- these things that we have created for ourselves have become our controlling muse. They are the thieving, primary occupiers of our time, stealing our productivity, stunting our growth, creating the extinction of creative, intuitive thought.
To some this might sound a little far-fetched, I know, but just give it some thought. Honestly, how many hours of your day are spent in mindless existence? It’s normal to want to escape the sometimes hard-to-swallow truths of reality, but we mustn't make that place of escape our home, only a temporary get-away. Actually, getting away shouldn’t even be so mindless, but a conscious regrouping of self-awareness and centering.

You know, the brain is like a muscle, if you never exercise it or use it effectively, it will never strengthen and grow. Living a mindless life, with no progressive thought or creative innovation, is like being a couch potato and letting yourself go. Essentially, it’s giving up, giving in to the haunting self-depleting mantra that “your thoughts have no value,” no meaning. That can be no further from the truth! Your thoughts house your dreams, your Self-Fulfillment, your Purpose, your Creativity, your Love and Concern for others, and the person that you are at your truest potential. 

You are what you think you are, never what anyone says you are. 

Your thoughts fuel your Actions. 

Do you feel empty, out of gas, time to rev up those thoughts!

Do me and yourself a favor, devote a self specified amount of time to each of your days to productive, positive thought. Quiet all distractions and just listen to yourself. Listen for guidance. Listen for answers. There may be a part of you that’s screaming out to be heard and you have been ignoring it for too long! Have a pen and paper handy so that you can make those thoughts concrete and open room to invite more thoughts. As you continue to exercise your mind, you will feel your strength, and you will KNOW your power. It will take you so far. 

There is no time for mindless existence. Life is just too damn short.

Song for the Soul: "Greatness" by Raheem Devaughn ft. Wale

Ladies, always know your GREATNESS!! Inside-out you're beautiful. Our flaws and imperfections are what make us amazing. Embrace who and what you are right at this very moment and love it!

"Greatness" by Raheem Devaughn ft. Wale

“Being Truely Nice” – by Sue Patton Thoele

               
From the Book “The Woman’s Book of Soul” by Sue Patton Thoele

Being Truly Nice

I recently me Jill, a young woman who is a joy to be around. Everyone loves her and gravitates toward her. I can see why, because she is genuinely nice to each person she encounters. Recently I watched her interact with Priscilla, her difficult-to-get-along-with mother-in-law.

While Pricilla was grumping about something-a fairly consistent habit of hers-Jill silently reached over and stroked her arm. No judgment, just an accepting presence. During the entire weekend I was in her company, I never heard Jill say anything that wasn’t upbeat. Consequently, we all felt good around her-safe, seen, even savored.

Niceness sometimes connotes wimpiness, but that interpretation usually comes from the fact that many of us have felt that it was expected of us to make nice even when we didn’t feel nice. When we realize that niceness is a natural outgrowth of deep kindness and caring, we can consciously choose to develop our niceness quotient. We can set our intention to truly being nice, rather than putting on a phony nice front. Often, the simple desire to grow our soul through niceness helps us focus on coming from our hearts where true niceness flourishes.

It’s perfectly okay to act nice even when we don’t feel it as long as we’re doing so from personal choice, not from a sense of obligation or fear. Freely choosing to act nice will actually help us begin to embody the authentic niceness of our hearts.

Nice not only wears well, but, generally, it also fares well, for kindness is never our-of-date or out-of-style and is welcome in all circles. Everyone enjoys being uplifted in the safe haven of nice attitudes and actions. Being truly nice, as Jill is, makes us a heart-lifter.

I choose to act in kind and caring ways.

I am a heart-lifter. 

 

Love Yourself in Action

You know, I have always heard the mantra, "You've got to love yourself first, before being able to love someone else." This is so true in so many ways, and not just in romantic relationships. It's true also about the way we see the world and the love we share with others in it.

In my experiences with love and romantic relationships, I have found them to be a mirror to my soul, forcing me to see the beautiful things and also the bad and the ugly. It's easy to say with words "I Love Me," especially when putting on a facade for others. It's hard, however, to face the realities of guilt and shame, or resentment. Yet, it is so necessary to put in the work and deal with our issues and work through them. Otherwise, they will act as a glass ceiling that we keep bumping our heads against when trying to move forward with our lives. 

If you look deep enough you will find that a part of you is still that scared or hurt little girl, though you are trying your hardest to be a strong, forward-moving woman. It is time to love that girl and in turn love yourself for exactly who you are right at this moment. Then, after you love yourself, have a relationship with yourself. Know yourself. Enjoy yourself and enjoy life.

There have been times that I have struggled and fought to make a relationship work, or "make" a person love me. Eventually, I got tired and decided to let go. I decided to put my love for myself in action, to trust in life's flow, which is so beautifully choreographed by God. I chose to not only love myself first, but to also act in that love by forming a relationship with myself and not stress or worry about my relationships with others. I learned to love freely, which can only be done once you love yourself so much that it overflows to others. You don't have to worry about protecting yourself or fighting because you are protected by the love and care that you have for yourself.

Test to see if your love for yourself is in action. 
Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I stand up for myself?
• Do I acknowledge the many blessings in my life each day?
• Do I praise and reward myself for my accomplishments?
• Do I not allow others to cross boundaries that violate who I am?
• Do I not allow myself over-compromise my feelings and settle?
• Do I hold in my thoughts and feelings?
• Do I allow myself to feel beautiful everyday?

The more yes's you have, shows your growth and your love for yourself in action. The no's expose areas in need of growth and attention. Please take the time to be your best self and love yourself for exactly who you are at any given moment. Show your love in action by taking care of and nurturing yourself.

How has having a relationship with yourself improved your life? In what ways have you shown your love in action? 

Discuss and leave your comments below!

Peace & Blessings

Phylicia  

   

Song for the Soul: "River Rise" by India.Arie

"River Rise" by India.Arie. A beautiful song of surrender and love.

Song for the Soul: "Shine" - John Legend & The Roots

Song for the Soul: "Shine" by John Legend & The Roots. This is the signature song for the movie "Waiting For Superman" Download this amazing song and order the movie below, right through Amazon! Most importantly be inspired to get involved.

 

  

2011: New Chapter, New Me

My 2011 is going to be about enforcing change.

All of what I have been through, learned, and been shown will now be put into practice.

In 2 weeks, I will begin the 26th year of my life, beginning a new chapter,

A shedding of skin.

I am tired of tolerating, tired of standing still,

Tired of being neutral, I will take a stand.

I will stand and stay true to my purpose and what I want in life.

 I will no longer settle or fool myself with false realities and vain hopes.

No longer will I hold on to sadness.

I will not carry dead weight.

I will see my truth.

I will see reality.

I can no longer be strung along.

I will no longer believe in what's not there to believe in, deceiving myself.

I am determined to claim my prize and my promise.

And I will no longer settle for less.

I will no longer compromise my happiness.

Song for the Soul: "Self-Love" - Jaguar Wright

Song for the Soul: "Self-Love" by Jaguar Wright. It's time for us to make some changes & not just love ourselves, but also put into practice what it means for us to love ourselves. Make a list. Stand firm on taking and doing no less than you deserve for your life. Enjoy the song.