If it doesn't Challenge you, It won't change You.

Some of you, you probably heard me talking about going to Arizona (for the 2013 Heritage Makers Conference) and… then changing my mind and not going anymore –

And now… I’m going again! J

I’ve been battling myself for quite some time now and have formally made a decision - I’m going to Arizona!!

The below isn’t so much an explanation for anyone but more of a journaling note of my inner-thoughts for me (and since you are such wonderful people who [I know] enjoy learning, I am sharing with you for Personal Development purposes).

My battle was all internal (emotions of guilt, negative self-talk, feeling of lack, fear of unknown) – and yesterday I had an ah-ha moment! of – Girl you gotta do it! 

I read about it, I talk about it and now is my turn to do it.

I made a decision to make the formal decision yesterday and to stop looking back and thinking about it.

I was completely frustrated and confused – and “had” decided that I wasn’t going and I made the call to tell my rep.

Internally I was upset about it – emotion – however my logic was telling me that this was “for the better good” and that I’ll get over it.

I pulled a tarot card prior to making the call: http://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/minor-arcana/suit-of-swords/two-of-swords/

…which really didn’t help me – but obviously confirmed my frustration of indecision.

Why was I so indecisive? Had I really made a decision and …was it the right one?

Why hadn’t I cancelled anything? Why am I battling this decision?

I told my rep I was feeling really confused and frustrated and I shouldn’t be feeling like this – making a decision to go should be easy!

She agreed and that was that! I wasn’t going…

But then she started talking about ‘stuff’ and I got all frustrated again – about going and figured out that this was because I was going against my inner-gut.

Everything in my “being” is telling me to go, I can see myself there, I can see myself benefiting from it, I feel good about it…

But my logic screams in my head: “really? Do you really think you should go? How selfish of you – taking up a whole week by yourself and spending money to boot!! There are so many other things you could do – as a family! Who do you think you are? If my spouse wanted to do this, how would you feel – would you just let him go?! I don’t think so!...” blah blah blah…

So I am sick to my stomach excited – and am stepping out of my ego and fears and inflicting Change with Love!

My message (light bulb moment) from up-above is ask for help and allow myself to receive it.

I LOVE helping others and can GIVE unconditionally but when my turn comes, there is where I hit a brick wall and voices get really loud (in my head).

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” ~ Matthew 7:7

I’ve lived this SEVERAL times in my lifetime – and so this is GOD knocking on my heart and telling me to “let go” and to just “believe”, again!

Ask, Believe and Receive – Let go of the “other” stuff and just allow the Universe to do its work and this is where Change / New Beginnings happen (internally)!

Today’s Message is for my inner-self:

1) Be impeccable with your word: I had originally said I was going – I have to stick to my “guns” and do what I say (listen to myself).

2) Don’t take anything personally: I was originally going with a local girlfriend however due to circumstances she’s no longer going and I can’t take “her” situation on.

3) Don’t make assumptions: Hello?! I live here!! I am letting go of the logic of this situation and am walking forward – into faith.

4) Always do your best: I have to give myself credit where credit is due – and know that I am doing my best (right in this moment).

Learn more about these agreements here: http://tammymathieu.blogspot.ca/2012/06/five-agreements-toltec-wisdom.html

These wonderful agreements are sourced from:   

Don Miguel Ruiz  http://www.miguelruiz.com/ 

Discover Your Passion!

Wow when looking at back at how long its been since I really started thinking about my passions; defining them; and setting purpose & clarity - it's been a LONG time, years already!

I have discovered that many-a-times my passion focus sometimes shifts depending on how I feel.
Which only reaffirms the ever so popular saying:

Photo Source: http://magnificentquotes.tumblr.com/post/15042283052/life-quotes

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder[a] the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

a.k.a. simplified version of Proverb 4:23 means, 

"Be very careful about what you think.

Your thoughts run your life."  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+4%3A23-27&version=ERV

Sometimes what I think about, read about, watch on T.V., or learn about online, etc... affects my 'mood' and thus influences my thinking and... in the end, ends up interfering with my True Passion (Purpose).

If you've already discovered your passion and have put it into practice then Congratulations! You sense of fulfillment and joy in being able to live your passion must be reflected in your wonderful work that you do!

However if you're still looking, searching, wondering about "What is your passion?" or if you kind-of get a sense that you know but now are wondering "What am I supposed to do now?" - no worries, you're not alone!

Millions of people live their everyday lives not getting that "sense of fulfillment & joy" in their daily activities or chosen career paths ...But that doesn't mean all hope is lost! Reclaiming your purpose and its chosen path can be a change you choose to make; it's a choice you alone need to take.

Making changes in your life don't necessarily need to be drastic and life-altering; sometimes just looking at things differently can make all the difference! You don't need to quit your job; leave your relationship; jump off the boat to make things happen... For some, yes - some of these drastic changes are needed; however for the majority of us, small changes are all that's needed!

Remember: "Understanding and Learning about yourself & who you truly are are key elements in establishing your true-connection." ~ Tammy Mathieu

Here are a few tips, questions, and quotes to get you started... thinking!

QUOTES:

"Working at a job to build your resume is like withholding sex till you retire." ~ Warren Buffet
Find work in something you are passionate about; live your passion everyday and enjoy it! Why wait till you retire to do what you love - choose to live it, do it as part of your career. And if it can't be part of your career, have your 'job' somehow jump-start your off-work passion. This way your purpose is to keep 'working' to fuel your passion!

"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." ~ Jim Rohn
Choose your surrounds (and friends) wisely. You are worth it. How can you grow and evolve if everyone around you is at a lower or same-level as you are. 
You probably won't keep climbing the stairs or continuing on your journey if the ones around you aren't challenged or motivated in the "same" way/things you are. Thus leaving you with a sense of guilt, which probably keeps all of you in the same spot. Shake things up & change things!

"First they IGNORE you,
then they LAUGH at you,
then they FIGHT you,
then you WIN." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
If no one stood out, everything would be the same. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution - let go of judgement, and embrace change. Sometimes letting go of what was and what is...  allows for what could be to come.
And remember, not everyone will always agree - and it's not your job to defend, but to understand. You won when you made the choice. 

"Become a self-expert. If you don't know what you're looking for you're never going to find it." ~ unknown
Do you know who you are? What you like / don't like? What are your unique strengths, values and experiences? If you're not clear about yourself - how do you expect anyone else to be?
Yes, you will find work/career/jobs... and do what others tell you to do. Although once you've become a self-expert, you'll then be the one telling people what you can do for them.

Here are a few links / quotes I found relating to "Discovering Your Passion":

Whether we choose to listen to our inner voice is up to us.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/Caroline-Myss-on-How-to-Find-Your-Purpose-Video#ixzz2BlGzHHl0

This video's (interview) is about a Graphic Designer's transition to Photography HOWEVER it's underline message is more profound...http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LxxFSU6doDo#!

Vocation doesn't come from a voice "out there" calling me to become something I'm not. It comes from a voice "in here" calling me to be the person I was born to be.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/What-are-You-Meant-to-Be-Doing-Find-Your-Calling#ixzz23jLFRKw4

Questions to ask yourself:

WHAT IS IT YOU COULDN'T DO WITHOUT / LIVE WITHOUT DOING?
Discover that --> and then LIVE it!!

Fill-in the blanks: "When my life is ideal, I am ..." [try using a ___ing verb here; and use present tense].
Be as clear and precise as you can.
Focus on who you are and what means most to you.

When my life is ideal, I am enjoying complete financial freedom.
When my life is ideal, I am living in the home of my dreams.
When my life is ideal, I am exploring the world.
When my life is ideal, I am sharing my love and wealth.
When my life is ideal, I am creating beautiful art.
When my life is ideal, I am  relaxing and meditating daily.
When my life is ideal, I am welcoming people into my life and into my home.
When my life is ideal, I am playing with loved ones in my beautiful backyard.
When my life is ideal, I am openly connected at all levels with my spouse.
When my life is ideal, I am allowing myself to receive.
When my life is ideal, I am living for the now.
When my life is ideal, I am enjoying life with lots of health, energy, stamina, and vitality!
When my life is ideal, I am having fun in everything I do!
When my life is ideal, I am inspiring others to discover their passions.
When my life is ideal, I am living my passions!

The more you write them down the more some will seem to jump out at you! You'll also feel a deeper connection with some more than others... narrow down your list till you feel comfortable with a for-now Top 5!

Review your Top 5 and apply them as much as possible to your daily activities.
Every few months, do a self check-in to see if you Top 5 are still applicable... they may need a little word-smithing... or if you see yourself NOT living some of your chosen Top 5 Passions, ask yourself why?
Is it really something that still has meaning for you? Should it be in your Top 5? Maybe your list needs a review...

Also as you go-along your journey (daily life) maybe create yourself some "markers" for your Top 5 Passions to help encompass its true value/meaning.
Stay focused and clear. And try to be as positive as possible.
For example:

When my life is ideal, I am allowing myself to receive, accept and trust.
markers:
- I've let go of my past.
- I am accepted by everyone.
- I'm rejoice in giving and receiving.
- I love and am loved.

When my life is ideal, I am creating beautiful art.
markers:
- I express myself via "Art" (photography; poetry; music; sketching; painting).
- I take time to "smell the roses" and "view the sunset".
- I go with the flow.

When my life is ideal, I am enjoying complete financial Freedom.
markers:
- I am able to spend joyfully.
- I am financially abundant.
- I am living in my "house" by the water, in the countryside.
- I am "work-free".
- I am receiving money from various sources / external means.
- I am able to give and help others.
- I am able to travel the world and share with everyone my journey.

The Delusional-Genetic Programming: Are you a Blind Sheep?

I can't even recall how many times my dad would tell me: "Get with the Program!"
or something like, "It's all part of the Program!"


What we 'accept' as programming becomes our realities.

In the below video Part 2 of 9, Bruce Lipton speaks with Joe Rogan about consciousness and the effects it may have on the reality we perceive.

At about the 6:17 mark, Bruce Lipton dives in to the "programming" concept:


Programming References / Quotes:

"Give me a Child until he is 6 or 7 and he will belong to the Church for the rest of their lives." Jesuit People

I also read the book Bruce Lipton references, Rich Dad, Poor Dad:

“If you realize that you're the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Don't blame other people for your problems.”
― Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

The African Monkey with a Diamond - Searching for the Truth

Joe Rogan on Materialism and Technology --> a TRUTH conversation.



And the timing was impeccable... I understood what he was talking about when he spoke of the YUGA CYCLE since I just finished watching (the YUGA CYCLE is explained at about 22 minutes in):