“Most people can look back over the years and identify a time and place at which their lives changed significantly. Whether by accident or design, these are the moments when, because of a readiness within us and a collaboration with events occurring around us, we are forced to seriously reappraise ourselves and the conditions under which we live and to make certain choices that will affect the rest of our lives.” – Frederick F. Flack
What a profound quote…..
People around the world are reappraising their lives. How have we been living? What changes can we make in our own lives to leave Mother Earth a better place for future generations? Towns, villages, communities and cities are going through global change . What affects one, affects all. People are concerned for the future of their children, and grandchildren. As well they should be. Changes are happening rapidly around the planet. People are speaking up, exposing old corrupt systems that have not been for the highest and greatest good of the people. Grassroots movements are cropping up everywhere. It’s like the 60’s with more focus and enlightenment. I did so love the 60’s!
Have you noticed how many people are planting their own food? I know people all over the world are growing organic gardens, looking for cleaner water, choosing to live a more simple, peaceful life. There is a reconnection with Nature. She has amazing gifts to share with those who acknowledge her presence with love and respect. The damage that has been done can be repaired, but it will take many coming together individually and collectively for the beautiful shifts we dream of. This is a time of significant change for all of us. It can be by design if we each step in to do our part.
There is a need to look beyond color, nationality and class. There is a pecking order that does not serve anyone. We are all a part of life, all connected. A creation of the Universe….our existence depends on us. Striving to have a better home, car, job or more money than your neighbor, when coming from a place of ego, is not neighborly! It is ego driven identification. We are God beings in physical bodies expressing ourselves in every moment through thought, feeling and action. We are creators who create in every single second. Let’s be vigilant about what we are creating for ourselves and others.
As I lay in bed with the strange sensation of vertigo, I have been contemplating life and the seeming inability for humanity as a whole, to change. I have often talked about the garden of our consciousness. Pulling weeds, then planting seeds of love, wisdom, peace, gratitude and grace. All watered with unity. As we make a conscious effort to make changes within ourselves from the inside out, shifts occur.
But what about our Higher Selves? The true perfection of who and what we are. Imagine our Higher Self, or Presence trying to plant just ONE seed of a Universal Law inside us. One that can be nourished and grow! Not easy to do, as we all run around busy busy, trying to survive in the “outer” world. That one seed could deliver our true identity, or some information critical to our survival as a species, or our gift – the passion in life we came here to live. I want that connection, don’t you?
This is two fold. One, by taking responsibility for our own life’s garden. Two, by being receptive to a more important message from our one true source. It’s time to take the blinders off, to get busy living our true authentic life. Not the person the world thinks we are, or expects us to be. Reaching inside gives us the courage to look deeper, past what is in the “outer” world. Only by living from the inside out, will we survive on this planet. Unity is critical at this point. Everyone needs to come to terms with the fact that we have created quite a mess down here. We do have the ability to re-align ourselves and this beautiful planet, back to the original state of purity/perfection of creation. Our responsibility is to our Creators, the Collective, Mother Earth and all her Kingdoms. It is time to return to that divine place in our hearts that will heal everything, bringing us all back into alignment. Are you in?
Climb Your Stairway to Happiness by reading David Leonhardt’s book – Climb Your Stairway to Heaven. Everyone searches for inner happiness, but it is not something you can purchase or build. David has written a book that is funny, insightful, full of great quotes and antidotes. You will receive instructions on climbing the stairway to greater happiness. Imagine becoming happier every day. It really is possible to make your dreams come true. You will be taught nine habits that are achievable. You will enjoy the pop quizzes, quotable quotes, and stories to learn by. Most people like to learn while they are having fun, and this book delivers from cover to cover.
I quote David Leonhardt – “Many happiness books on the bookstore shelves are just some author’s personal viewpoint. That’s fine, if you happen to be extremely similar to the author. But what about facts? True, I include many of my own experiences in this book — in fact, that’s what inspired me to write. But I also spent three months with my nose in the psychological journals. This self-help book is based on both my personal experiences and the best psychological research available. I did the work so you don’t have to.
On the other hand, several happiness books are written by very knowledgeable authorities, but most tend to the boring side. Many even sound like a session on a therapist’s couch. What gives? Shouldn’t a book on happiness energize you? Motivate you? Inspire you? Pump you up? Shouldn’t a book on happiness be fun to read? So I decided to write a fun, energetic, and engaging book. Go figure!”
Book like this are inspirational, encouraging, fun, courageous, motivating, and give value to the reader. I hope you enjoy this excellent manual on Happiness!
Innocence exists in each of us. We came into this world free of judgment. Our senses loving, inquisitive, and at peace. There is no pretense in a very young child. Everyone loves a baby’s innocence – which carries a sense of wonder. Perhaps reminding us who we are, how we have changed, and directing us back to living in the NOW. Children radiate joy and innocence. They are clear, living fully present in each moment, trusting that they will be taken care of.
Look into your eyes. What do you see? Are they free of judgment of self and others? Are there clouds of fear, confusion or doubt? Can you look at yourself feeling good about You? Do you love yourself? Children are in touch with being present in each moment. Most people half commit and lose themselves in the process. I think a good question for each of us to ask ourselves is, “Am I ready to commit to being all in – NOW”? If the answer is no, what is stopping you? A lifetime of “stuff” has been piled high upon all of us. You are not alone. Our outlook went from innocence to hundreds of different qualities, some which keep us safe, in a world that is less than peaceful and loving. You can choose to throw off the “stuff” you don’t want, or anything that does not serve you. As an adult, it is wise to take responsibility for everything you create. Yes, people influenced, shaped, educated and directed you. Most of them dusted off their own experiences, passing them on to you as advice. Some good, some bad. Take the good, discard the bad. Look inside to find YOU. Not the “you” that other people helped shape, but the YOU that you truly are. The return to innocence will lead the way.
Do you feel like you have wings? That you want to fly? Do you also feel a bit stifled, like your wings are tied to your side? Perhaps you are flapping wildly, but can’t get off the ground.
Courageously give your soul wings permission to fly. Your soul knows how to fly, knows just what to do. We get in the way sometimes flapping our wings to no avail. Learn to listen to that still small voice inside of you. Let it speak to you, help you expand your wings and prepare you for flight. Listen closely in peace from your heart center. Follow the instructions, even if they don’t make sense to you at the moment. Your heart knows what is perfect for you, and will not lead you in the wrong direction, when you come from a place of self love.
I talk to people all over the world. Some have found their wings and fly beautifully. Others are ready to take flight, pensive, yet eager. Some are simply too afraid to even think about it. Are you ready to fly, yet there is something that holds you back? Take a deep look inside. Ask yourself some questions. Dig deep. In your quiet moments, by talking and listening to your heart, answers will be revealed. They are inside of you, waiting to be revealed. Support others who are learning to fly and they in turn will support you. Have a joyful and safe flight!
What sings to your soul? What is your passion? I talk to people every day, who are reaching into their hearts, to find the joy, the passion that they know lives inside of them. Giving up is easy. Anyone and everyone can do that, and most do. Check in with yourself for some honest answers. Listen to your heart. Be brave, live courageously by living the life you came here to live.
“The potential hidden within each of us is staggering. Shed the old layers. Devote yourself to something of value that sings to the passion in your soul. Now you become the master of your destiny.”
-Debra Oakland
People want to be happy. It’s that simple. It all starts with you, not “out there” in the world. There is nothing that will make you happy for long, or satisfy you, if you are not happy inside. Take some time to connect with what brings you joy. Happiness is infectious, joy expands only when you are ready to embrace it. Be a willing participant. Become the master of your destiny.
My beautiful courageous friend Nicole McKinney received this insightful passage this morning from Sue Urda @ Powerful You. I wanted to share it with you, by paying it forward.
“Change is inevitable and sometimes predictable. As we see with the economy and the seasons, cycles come and go and they often repeat themselves. These changes and cycles allow us the opportunity to take a deep breath and move forward into what is truly important. As you look around you and see what is here for you, welcome it. It either serves as a lesson, a new beginning or a renewed sense of personal values. Everything is exactly as it is supposed to be, and it is here FOR you. Breathe it in.
By the way, did you know that the Chinese symbol is exactly the same for chaos as the one for opportunity? There is great wisdom in this.
We wish you the wisdom of the elders – and the Chinese.”
This message is very timely. Our world seems to be in chaos….what do you see? I see opportunity, change, a bright future in store for those that have the eyes to see. The world we all share, we have collectively created. The future depends on each of us. Anyone tired of war, disease, pain, chaos, suffering, limitation, fear or doubt? Anyone? I though so….then what are you waiting for? Jump on the ride that takes you to peace, love, joy, health, courage, abundance and happiness. This ride is long overdue.
Have the courage not to let anyone tell you – you can’t achieve your deepest dreams and desires. There are naysayers everywhere in the world. The worst crime to me is discouraging anyone from their soul’s desire. Don’t shut that part of you off, it is there because it is the core of who you are. Your Inner Guidance System knows exactly what you need. Sometimes when we listen to our Inner Guidance and take action, people around us come up with all kinds of reasons why things won’t work out. As a child didn’t you use your imagination and intuition all day long? Trust that. Go back to opening yourself to letting go of all the old “stuff” that holds no value for you any longer. Say Yes To Life and No to Fear and Doubt.
Free yourself from old, boring, useless time wasting habits. Free yourself from people who drag you down. Free yourself from anything that keeps you from your goals. Focus like a laser beam. You are powerful and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Find people who support you in your excellence. What do you want? Do you imprint it in your mind, body and soul? Do you give thanks that it is already here for you – NOW? Stop believing – move into knowingness. Know that what you want is here for you in this present moment. Stay with that in a powerful way. Let no one dissuade you. Do not be impatient, for that brings in doubt and fear. You are done with that nonsense, aren’t you? Demand your freedom from all doubt and fear. When you live in the moment you are in right now and nowhere else, shifts will occur rather quickly. Don’t look back – there is nothing there. Stay present in great peace and grace, standing in your KnowingNess. Life is not supposed to be as hard as we have made it. Do we have challenges, do we need to Live in Courage? Of course. There will be bumps, challenges and many things to deal with. That’s life. How you handle these challenges is what makes you courageous, loving, joyful, fulfilled, peaceful and abundant.
Never be discouraged. Disappointment is a feeling deep within everyone because of an accumulation of life’s experiences. Release all disappointment, throw it away, along with grudges, judgment, criticism and blame. You are the only one responsible for how your life turns out, so quit blaming yourself or anyone else for anything. It is time to get on with your life. A life that can be filled with everything you can dream of and then some. Invest in yourself, you are worth it.
Make it a great day in each NOW moment, for in each moment you have a choice as to how you choose to feel and think.
Let’s talk about this NOW moment and how living in it can and will change your life. This is a great way to Live In Courage.
Allow yourself to sink into the moment of NOW. Sit still in a place you will not be disturbed, yet soak in what is going on around you. Perhaps there is a breeze or the sun touching your skin. Can you hear birds chirping? Maybe an aroma of fresh coffee or food cooking drifts your way. Children playing or a city alive and teeming with life. Wherever you are feel it, take it all in while you are in the stillness of NOW.
Yes, thoughts will come into your mind. Let them pass by. Notice how you feel in the NOWness and AWAREness of this peaceful moment. Notice also, when a negative, worrisome thought or feeling tries to steal your peace. You will notice the energy of the moment you were in change. You can feel it. No judging. Just notice the difference. This practice will teach you to catch yourself when you shift out of NOW. The more you can stay in the present moment in calm awareness, you will regain the power you have lost in your life.
The past is OVER in each moment that passes. Your future is created by the NOW moments your are in. What are you choosing as the architect of your life? Make powerful choices and decisions for yourself. Stand in your KNOWINGNESS, which carries much more weight and influence than BELIEVING. Say the words. Feel the difference. Believing feels heavy – Knowing feels LIGHT. The more you can exist in NOW, the more aware, peaceful, loving and joyful you will be. Living in Courage is living NOW.
Behind the scenes of chaos, confusion and conflict lays LIFE. Life Is Everything and available to everyone. Life loves to fulfill itself through you as anything you create as the architect of your life. The best way to shut down your good is to engage in negativity and giving your attention to all it’s nasty family and relatives. Have CLEAR CONCISE thoughts and feelings because your mind cannot act upon a mixed thought. The most dominant though and feeling will manifest right before your eyes. Love and fear cannot co-exist in the same space. YOU always get to choose.
Never forget the power of gratitude. Be grateful for what you have NOW. Everything is here for you, for me, for everyone. The human drama can take it’s toll in many areas of life. Use KNOWINGNESS to guide you through the waters of life. Not fear or doubt. The answers are not OUT there – that is living from the OUTSIDE IN. The answers are right where you are right NOW. That is living from the INSIDE OUT. You decide, you choose, you create, you, you, you. Only you.
Do you have the courage to carry The Flame Of Freedom? It is time for Unity. A time for the damaged hearts and minds of people who would do or cause harm – to stop. The fires of change have been lit. Many people now carry The Flame Of Freedom in their hearts and minds. Change is spreading quickly around the world. Peace will become a predominant force that pushes at the borders of fear.
The human heart holds a space for miraculous things. The heart is a doorway to the unbroken soul that can swing wide open when given the right direction. Our future can be built on solid principles of truth, integrity, honor, courage, love, right action and anything that is a positive for the human race. These qualities are of no small consequence. This world is intended to shine as the true diamond it is. There is light and brilliance under the surface of the darkness that many see in the world.
I intend to walk a smooth journey full of joy and happiness. What is your intention? Will you live a courageous life or one of fear? You will have to choose, for no one else can do it for you. Fear is not and never has been the answer. We just forgot where our power is. We each have a unique gift. To wake up and remember who we really are. We really aren’t broken, but we have been through tremendous pain and suffering as a planet.
Each and every person will have to turn the key to the doorway to freedom and peace by their own hand. Everyone will choose a different time for this. As this happens you will see changes everywhere and the momentum is building. People are tired of being lied to and not feeling safe in a world that was meant to be a place of beautiful perfection. Changes are coming and they are coming very quickly. Let your inner peace, light and love translate to the outer world. We really can live in a symphony of perfection. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. A new dawn is here for all those who have The Courage To Carry The Flame Of Freedom.
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“Debra Oakland has clearly written Living in Courage from the heart. This is a book that guides people to summon the courage to face life's biggest challenges. You will find wonderful nuggets that you can apply to your life now.”
~ David Riklan, Founder of SelfGrowth.com,
the #1 Self Improvement Website on the Internet
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