You'll note I'm not shopping...

     It's mid-morning on Black Friday, and I'm not shopping.
     I saw a quote on Facebook earlier this week that went something like this: If you are not content now, nothing you buy this weekend will make you content.
     Excellent point! It's not stuff that makes us content, it's who we are, what we are, liking ourselves, enjoying being the unique presence of life that each of us is. Nothing we buy can make that happen.
     I must say that in an odd sort of way, I do appreciate others supporting the economy with their Black Friday efforts. If the gross national product depended on my shopping efforts, we'd be in BIG trouble.
     I hope you enjoy your day, no matter what it holds for you!
Leta

Adventure into the Unknown

     The "adventure" is one of those "I don't know how but I'm gonna figure it out." I'm going to have my own radio show on the new, soon-to-be-launched Spiritual Living Radio Network, an internet radio station.
     Pieces of the "how to" have been falling together rather easily, so I feel strongly led to give it a shot. For instance, over the years, I've learned how to use Audacity, the network-recommended free software program for making and editing recordings. And my husband has the perfect recording equipment for my efforts. Hmmm, I see something has been developing here ;)
     I keep reminding myself that I am quite creative, and I have a great opportunity here to use that creativity, rather than hanging out in the "I don't know" place. I'm not confused or helpless, I'm learning! That feels way more fun.
     I will have guests on the show, and I will take sponsors in any amount. I'll write more on that later.
     And more details on the show will be forthcoming...
Have an adventuresome week!
Leta

Small but Mighty

     Every once in a while I run across a sentence or phrase that rocks my world, gives me a whole new perspective on something.
     This is the latest such sentence from the pen of Bob Luckin: Being angry makes frightened people feel safer. 
     Whoa, knock my socks off! I have avoided anger like the plague in my life. I've taken it very personally. I shy away from conflict. It scares me.
     But this is a whole new perspective, and it makes so much sense to me now. Anger is an indicator of fear, and it's an attempt to feel safer in a scary situation. Of course, it's not about me.
     It's another example of the idea put forth by Don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements, The Voice of Knowledge): our emotions are completely valid, ALWAYS. The emotion is not the problem, it's an EFFECT, not a cause. When we look past the emotion, in this case to see past the anger to the fear, we can address the fear, which is most likely not a real threat. Taking away the fear eliminates any need for anger.
     If this gives you a new perspective on anger, I'd love to hear about it.
Peace,
Leta

I love a deal :)

I love to go to estate sales. Some are as much fun for seeing the home as for the stuff. I don't have many needs in life, but it's fun to find a deal. Yes, I have a "wish list," and yet, it's a spiritual practice for me to look, be patient (SO challenging for me), and know that the deal/item/stuff I've been contemplating is seeking me, too. We meet eventually, almost always.
My sons were visiting for a few days this past week. What did we do with our precious time? We went to estate sales. They have loved doing this since they were little tykes, when I gave them each one precious dollar to spend. What a lesson in money management! :)
Life is good, enjoy the exploration!
Love,
Leta

Another Birthday, or not...

     The roller coaster of my life hit a major high and a major low during my recent birthday week.
     I had a great birthday. I did exactly what I chose to do all day, and that included getting my first (and LAST) tattoo. It's a small infinity symbol on the inside of my left wrist. It's red, of course, my favorite color. It's my reminder that I am an infinite spiritual being temporarily in a human body, and everything in the universe is infinite, including and especially love. Which leads me to the low of the week...
     My great-nephew, Ricky, at age 20, decided he'd had enough of life on Earth, and ended his life. It's a terrible shock to the family, because Ricky was a wonderful, sweet, ambitious and industrious young man. Alas, he didn't seem to feel those qualities in himself. It's so sad.
     My point... appreciate the people in your life! Whether it's your significant other or an occasionally-seen service person, let them know you are glad they are on the planet with you. Smile. Say "please" and "thank you." Make eye contact. You don't know how important a simple loving gesture may be. And it's impossible to be too loving. Let the infinite love of the Universe flow through you--it feels great!
     I love you, my readers! Have a great weekend!
                                Leta

Another Monday?!?!

Good morning!
Is this a great day to be alive, or is it "Back to work, Monday sucks!"?
I'm willing to bet that your choice to the above question will dramatically affect how your day goes.
I'm going with "It's a great day to be alive!"
Leta

A Tribute to My Dad

     This past Monday would have been my dad's 96th birthday. He moved onto his next life experience in 2000. It was a blessing at the time, as he had dementia such that he did not know his children or grand-children.
     I still adore my dad. He was an infinite source of practical knowledge. I learned my financial and business sense from him, and like him, I quit a job to become self-employed, quite a leap of faith, but in both cases, maximum reward on the happiness scale. And, I'd add, in his case a very profitable move. In my case, that's still developing!
    My dad always talked of how the Miller family has always been supremely blessed. Amen to that! I loved his attitude relative to seeing the good in people, most of the time. He was a very generous man.
    As a child, when I was not in school, I was in the lumber truck with my dad delivering lumber. I don't recall ever getting bored with being with him driving hundreds of miles around central Pennsylvania delivering pallet or cabinet lumber. Maybe it was the promise of an ice cream cone after delivery?!?!?!
    I miss him. I so wish he could see my sons, who have grown into awesome young men. I wish I could hear his voice and see his smile.
    Geez. He's been gone a long time. Where did all this come from? Reminiscing with my brother today about how great Dad was.
    Is your dad still on the planet? Appreciate him! Let him know you love him.
Tears of love and joy are flowing,
Leta