Happy Holidays to all :)

I feel that this quote wonderfully sums up the meaning of life, and more so, the meaning of Christmas and the Christ-consciousness:
     The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.    Joseph Addison
My hope is that your life continues to become ever more wonderful and love-filled!
Joy,
Leta

It's a Wonderful Life, but What If?

     On Friday night, I had the pleasure of seeing the radio show version of the play, "It's a Wonderful Life." This production is commonly shown around Christmas time in various forms. Toward the end, the main character, George Bailey, considers ending his life because he thinks he doesn't matter, and then his angel shows him what life would be like if he had not been born. This has a quite dramatic effect on George.
     Hmmm, what if you or I hadn't been born? There are lots of folks whose lives would have been enormously affected, like parents and siblings. And, our children, as we know them, wouldn't be here. Then there are those whom we have encountered in seemingly small or minimal ways, wherein we likely have no idea the impact we've had upon them.
     Your life DOES matter. It matters in a huge way. Everything as we know it would be different if we weren't here. I consider this cause for great celebration of my life and yours!
     Thank you for being you!
                Leta

Love Notes Make Great Gifts!!

     I was with a group of my favorite peeps this past weekend, and we had planned in advance to give each other love notes. Just a few sentences expressing what we mean to each other. So we each took away a cute little box filled with personal love notes. It's about the best gift EVER! It keeps on giving.
     You, too, can do love notes. They make awesome bookmarks. They are super to "hide" in easily found places. They are gifts to both the giver and the recipient. They eliminate the possibility of "I wish I had said...!" They open your heart to the free flow of loving energy. They incite smiles, and often, tears of joy.
     Give 'em a try. You and someone else will be so glad you did!
Love,
Leta

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