The Place To Be

Do not go to a place where you are tolerated, go to a place where you are CELEBRATED. Sometimes we don't do well in a certain place because we are supposed to move to another state or even another country. Think of it this way. If you're fishing in a lake but there are hardly no fish to catch, maybe you need to go to another lake where there are plenty more. Don't stay stuck in an environment hoping for things to change. Sometimes, the solution is for you to go somewhere else where there is more opportunity for growth. If you are experiencing any type of financial drought or loss of energy, it may be because God is trying to tell you something. When you are in the "place" where you belong, all kinds of blessings will occur. So don't stay somewhere that is not benefitting you abundantly and triumphantly. Leave that place and travel to a new land where you will blossom tremendously. Where the people, places and things will not only accept you, but will love you and add to your spiritual expansion. And by the way, keep this in mind: Polar Bears wouldn't survive in Puerto Rico because it is a hot climate, just like Alligators wouldn't survive in the North Pole because it is a cold climate. Therefore, if animals instinctively know that they thrive in certain environments, then humans should know that too. But humans are just a little more complex than animals are, given our brain to weigh out options and exercise our free will with, and so it's not enough to just be where we are. We have to think, analyze, and "decide" upon where we will walk towards.

Don't Take Anything Personal

I have to admit, that there's been times I've met people who've rubbed me the wrong way. Sometimes it's because they made an unpleasant comment, but sometimes it's also because they said nothing at all. I'm guilty of feeling an eery vibe from a stranger without even having any proof of why I dislike them in the first place. And how can I be that way? How can I judge a person I do not know? However, on the contrary, sometimes we think we know a great and wonderful person but suddenly after ten years, we discover a horrific truth about them and wonder, "How did I miss that?"

I'm a sucker for angel cards that convey positive messages. (They've been my replacement for Tarot Cards) And one day I pulled up this card entitled, SEE ONLY LOVE.

SEE ONLY LOVE: "Look past the seeming errors,  mistakes, and misunderstandings, and see only the love within each person (including yourself). Your resolute focus upon the love that underlies every situation brings about healing in undreamed-of ways."

The angels gave you this card as a reminder to see yourself, others, and every situation through their eyes. When you focus on love, anything that's unloving falls away. It's like turning on a light to diminish the previous darkness. Call upon the angels whenever you need help to elevate your vision to a more loving vantage point.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I know that was just a card, and not everyone uses this as a tool for meditation or prayer, however, the point of view makes perfect sense... in a perfect world, but I'm no fool. It can be difficult looking past someone's flaws. If let's say they roll their eyes at you, push you without saying "excuse me," greet everyone in a room except for you, and basically make it very obvious that they are being rude to you, how do you find the strength to extend kindness to them without feeling disrespected? Again, reread that card entitled, SEE ONLY LOVE.

What I understand is this. There's a reason for everything, right? Cause and effect? So whether or not you did something wrong, maybe the reason we catch bad vibes from people is because in our gut, we know that there is some form of pain, anger, resentment or jealousy coming from a specific person. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it has anything to do with you. Sometimes we have to remember this one simple strategy: DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONAL. Sometimes people carry a bad aura because they've been through very unfortunate events, and whether or not you contributed to their unhappiness has nothing to do with how they choose to act or behave. Some people are cold hearted while some are warm. Some people are rude while others are polite. And some people are extremely understanding while others are unforgiving. But it's not so much about "other" people. It's more about "you." How you choose to react to certain situations and people is a testimony to your true character.

Our intuition is our spiritual guide that is similar to a compass. It sees beyond what we cannot and directs us towards people, places and things that is for our divine benefit. So sometimes we may catch a bad vibe from a new person we meet because our intuition is warning us to keep away. If that is the case, do not entertain it by judging or feeding it more of your time and energy. I also notice that sometimes the people we seem not to like or connect with (even our enemies), are actually our best teachers. And the reason for it is that they're testing us on every level. They are testing our patience, our tolerance, our compassion, our social skills, etc. If someone wrongs you even just a tiny bit through body language, it is not to take personally. You must protect your inner light by refraining from joining the misery of gossiping, giving the cold shoulder and/or returning dirty looks. It's called having the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and being the bigger person by taking the higher road.

So yes, sometimes I have to check myself. I've met people that I have instantly clicked with, and yet I've also met people that I've wanted to keep away from. Now whether or not I have enough information to judge someone after knowing them a few minutes, a day, or even just a week, people are instinctual and we do feel when we belong somewhere and when we don't. We know when something flows and feels right, and we also know when something is not the best thing for us.

But then we ask ourselves, how do we befriend someone or marry someone that we thought we knew, and yet five years down the line we discover an ugly side to them that we never knew existed? How did we become fooled?

I believe that we always know when someone is good or bad for us, but sometimes we tend to ignore the signs and we choose to see the things that we want to see. The truth is that we have to trust our intuition, and if it steers us away from interacting with certain people than we should listen and keep our distance. Not be blinded by superficial reasons, being drawn to people and places for all the wrong reasons like glitz and glamour, filling the void of loneliness and/or to be accepted into some group or organization. Although it's not for us to judge and/or condemn, it's for us to realize that our life mission may not include everyone and everything in this world. There are some people whom we cross paths with to help us along our journey, and yet there are others who we should think twice about before getting involved in drama which might hold us back and/or even steer us off our intended destination. So when you have a funny feeling about a specific person, group of people or situation, look deep within your heart before feeling as if you don't like them. Meditate and focus on your own spiritual journey, and try to feel out why you meet the types of people you do in the first place. Are they there to teach you a hard lesson, or do they even hold any significance at all in your life? Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but the answer lies within. Eventually, if you learn to follow your intuition long enough, you'll know instinctively who to gravitate towards.

Born To Fly

Babies are pure, with a power that is too often under rated due to their inexperience of life's challenges. For this reason I've created a blog to voice my opinions on the entity of love as though I still view the world from a child's eyes. Like raindrops from heaven, children enter this plane through a magical passageway which is connected to a higher source. Aside from developing inside of a woman's womb, their spiritual essence is invisible and yet still exists, growing larger within those nine months of conception. However, they bring with them somewhat of a predestined personality with physical features and special talents shared by the blood of their parents, and yet they have the gift of freewill to become something more once they interact amongst the rest of the world.

Children are special. All of them. Each and every single one. What frightens me is when we face difficult adults who've become hardened by past mistreatments. It's easy for us to run away from such creatures because they can create needless drama for others around them.

The other day I was riding the number 2 train in Manhattan. As it came to a stop, an old man slowly crossed the opened doors with his walker but it slipped from his grasp and fell in between the tracks which caused him to lose balance. Immediately, both his legs fell through the large space, leaving him trapped with only his head and arms above ground. He screamed for help so the train wouldn't close its doors and continue driving off which would've ripped him apart. Fortunately, a few other men came to his rescue by rushing to notify officials NOT to move the train and then safely lifted his body back up. Every minute of struggling to help this man was dreadfully fearful. However, as this man experienced a near death experience, I imagined him as a young boy. Who would've imagined that his life would've turned out this way? I didn't know his name but I knew he was homeless, angry, and that a foul stench lingered around him. Although a few good men assisted him, there were still others who made comments such as, "Why did this have to happen on my train?" or "Couldn't this sh*t have happened on the next train?" Consumed with their own agenda and where they had to be, they could've cared less about a man who almost tragically lost his life in front of their very own eyes.

Here's a question: Would they have been more sympathetic had it been a child down there yelling at the top of their lungs? Or had it been their own child? Or had it even been "THEMSELVES"?

Can't we remember that we were all once children too? And perhaps still are? Father time shows no mercy in pursuing the light of day; he moves forward. And so our bodies grow older and our features change. We evolve. Yet still, raindrops have no less of the same ingredients than the ocean does, for they are both water. Whether it's a massive amount or not, water is still water and people are still people: Babies, children, teens, adults and/or senior citizens.

So where are we going? You and I? Our children? Where are we leading them and how are we raising them? Or could it be that they are raising us? They're so much closer to the time spent with angels and to the source of unconditional love. Having just came from there, perhaps newborns have plenty to teach us through their body language. They get us to feed them, bathe them, dress them, shelter them and carry them without saying a word. However their facial expressions say it all - and how we can't stand to see a child cry? Why then, is it easier to walk away from adults, leaving them alone in their misery and troubles?

Mix the innocence of a child with the darker side of reality, and perhaps we can understand the purpose of light. For I do believe that every child was brought into this world as a light bringer, a torch that will lead one generation further than the last. Further and further until we remember that birds of a flock, flock together, which means that the entire human race (young, old and alike) were all born to fly.

Beauty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Or is there only "one truth" and inside of that "one truth" is real beauty? I guess what I'm trying to say is that, maybe beauty is something that you have to find and when you do there's no denying it, no matter whose looking.

In my mind I envision beauty as a flower. Its pedals gracefully touching the other so that it may blossom into one entity, exuding a natural spring fragrance that enters my body soft and gently, healing my spirit as if I am part of a garden. However, that's only the beauty I find within a flower, but what about a human being? Where is the beauty in that?

Is beauty found in their crooked smile because it's so genuine and joyful? Or is a forced smile with sparkling white teeth a better look even though the person displaying it is dying inside? And perhaps even that is beautiful, the fact that someone is still trying to cheer up even though it's hard to do.

What is perfection? Is perfection love? And what is the perfect love?

A perfect love to me, is the perfect life. And the perfect life to me, is the life that has overcome its challenges and has transformed negativity into something greater. The purpose of living is to evolve and to grow. Grow like a flower, naturally without force.

With the rain, even storms... (Tropical ones are the best) and then grow from all of the nutrients that has been poured upon you. Why do we feel pain? Why do we cry? Maybe because there is some beauty in our hardships that make us bigger and brighter. More magnificent. Fuller. Thinner. Less aggressive and more sensitive, or less sensitive and more aggressive. Like a river that twirls around rocks, the water must part around it but still splash its essence wetting the rock so its polished effortlessly. Can that be beauty? The tears that we shed, the showers we take, the emotional release of speaking our minds, becoming more powerful and confident and yet still as graceful as the scent of a flower... because flowers just want to blossom. Perhaps that is beauty.

Goddess Path

Every now and then I stumble upon a great statement or paragraph in a book and become compelled to share it. So here goes this one: THE GODDESS PATH, written by Patricia Monaghan.

The warrior strength of Athena is not based on aggression. Rather, she represents defensive strength, the ability to stand one's ground and not be moved. Yet the distinction between aggression and defense is an extraordinarily difficult one to make. It has been said that all wars are waged for defensive reasons; no nation will admit it intends to steal land or wealth (the usual reasons for wars) and so concocts a "threat" that makes invasion necessary. Similarly, individuals are rarely honest about their intentions to steal or harm others emotionally. A raped woman "asked for it" by wearing provocative clothing; a battered woman "asked for it" by not cooking the right dish for dinner. Aggression disguises itself as defense in the interpersonal as well as the international arenas. Thus Athena's wisdom is extremely important in learning to use defensive strength appropriately.
********************************************************************************

Here is another great paragraph I read from another book entitled, "YOUR BEST LIFE NOW", written by Joel Osteen.

CHANGE THE CHANNEL

We all know how to use the remote control to change the channels on TV. If we see something we don't like, no big deal - we just flip channels. We need to learn how to mentally change channels when negative images of the past pop up in our minds unexpectedly. Unfortunately, when some people see those negative experiences on their minds' "screens," instead of quickly changing channels, they pull up a chair and get some popcorn, as though they're going to watch a good movie. They willingly allow themselves to relive all those hurts and pains. Then they wonder why they are depressed, upset, or discouraged.

Learn to change the channel. Don't let your mind or your emotions drag you down into despair. Instead, dwell on the good things God has done in your life.
********************************************************************************

KINGS & QUEENS Have Boundaries

They say, don't take but give.

I'd like to offer a clear and focused point of view from the subject of BOUNDARIES.

I do agree to give, give, give... But, what happens when someone you know constantly takes from you even when you don't have anything to give? In the most extreme case, it would be rape. To steal what you have not allowed for them to have.

Now on a lesser violent scale besides rape, what if someone takes away your energy by popping up every day at the same time when you specifically told them not to? But still, they disregard your wishes and show up anyway expecting you to open the door after you've explained to them earlier that you're tired and need your rest. "Oh don't be such an old fart," they say teasingly. But they don't just do this once, but constantly. And then laugh it off when you kindly explain to them why you need to be asleep.

BOUNDARIES...

There are many different levels of people stepping over your boundaries. From the most extreme cases of rape and violence, to the more silent killers which come in the form of MANIPULATION.

Manipulation is hard to prove because there are no physical bruises and/or pictures to take and prove that you have been violated or disrespected. When a person manipulates you, they always start by being sweet and nice, often times showering you with tons of compliments to make you feel "special". In this sense, now they've won your favor.

But because of that, now they think you OWE them something.

Thus, they will step over your boundaries as far as disregarding what is important to you.

ALWAYS KEEP THIS IN MIND: IF YOU DON'T STAND FOR SOMETHING, THEN YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.

And sometimes, people will fall for just about anything because it's better than being alone. So they'll fall under the spell of manipulation because at least they have a friend, a lover or a relative to be around. They'll excuse that person's ill or toxic behavior and say, "Well that's just the way they are."

But what about you? Who are you? And what do you stand for? What are you willing to accept and not accept?

Creating boundaries means having "self-love" and that is extremely important.

The nicest person on earth who buys you gifts, throws you birthday parties and showers you with compliments "all day - every day" can step over your boundaries if you don't stop them in their tracks because they think they have an upper hand. They think because they've done a number of good deeds for you that now they can have you wrapped around their finger and you'll drop whatever you're doing in a heartbeat when they snap their fingers. But the only person in control of your life is YOU.

Life is about choices.

And at the end of the day, you make your own choices and no one else can or should make them for you. (Unless you are self-destructive and someone cares enough to step in and take you out of your funk)

So if someone constantly oversteps your boundaries and belittles your wishes and concerns but you continue to allow it, then you have no one to blame but yourself because you have the power to walk away from them or shut them out. Yes, it's a clean-cut and simple decision. Either people will empower you or they will zap away your energy. What company do you want to keep?

But I am no heartless person. I know how difficult it can be to walk away from a person you love. Walking away from a husband or a wife, a mother or a father or a best friend is not that easy to do when you care deeply. You're always hoping for a solution and a win/win situation. You probably also hope to heal and overcome any obstacles that your relationship might encounter.

However, what I am suggesting is that life is about choices. And you can choose to allow someone else to keep taking, taking and taking away your dignity, or you can stop it by setting boundaries and protecting your own dignity AND integrity.

Remember that the light of love is not foggy or muddy, nor is it confused or fearful.

The light of love is crystal clear, wise, compassionate, confident and brave. Love does not fear rejection. Love does not seek approval. Love does not fear being alone because love is abundant and does not need to take.

So do not allow people to take from you what is not theirs to take. In other words, steal from you. Be it time, money, your physical body, emotional well-being or energy, etc.

Think of it this way. There are certain things you would probably not say to a King or Queen because you are in the presence of royalty, but in the presence of the common everyday man, you might be more loose with your words. But what I am suggesting is that we are all Kings and Queens, and the same respect that you would give to a person in a position of power is the same respect that we should all give to each other because we are all powerful entities. (Are we not all made in the image and likeness of God?) Yet unfortunately there are people who do not act as Kings and Queens because they have low self esteems. Perhaps someone beat down their self-worth when they were growing up with constant criticism along with other ill treatment. And now as an adult, they do not see or believe in their own potential so they want to strip away yours since they learned that behavior from someone else. If this is the case, it's unfortunate that the person is in pain but your guilt should not allow for you to stick around and continue to be their scapegoat or crutch. And although you might realize that their negative behavior may not be intentional, it doesn't excuse them to continue it because it's what they know. (They treat you the way they treat themselves) The point is for YOU to recognize it and know that just because someone else has a low self esteem does not mean that you should have a low self esteem too. And just because someone else does not prioritize their life with great value and respect, does not mean that you shouldn't either. Teach them something new by being an example of a healthy person who has boundaries and deserves to be respected.

So if you're on a different page as someone else but they desperately attempt for you to let them in when you continuously tell them that the answer is "NO," don't be afraid to let them go. (They should respect your answer, the same way you respect theirs.) Remember, we are all Kings and Queens including YOU! The difference is that some people are aware of their "self-worth" while others aren't. Some people are blossoming while others are closed up tightly, and so they might envy your vibrant outlook on life while belittling what's important to you, talking down to you, wanting to hang out late when you need your sleep, demanding more of your time so you miss out on other opportunities, degrading your accomplishments, embarrassing you in front of others, or expecting you to drop any and everything because they think that you should put their needs in front of your own.

That whole, if you can't beat 'em just join 'em thing - Well I say, I'd take being alone at the top (drama-free) over being miserable at the bottom. Patience is a virtue and eventually you'll attract high energy, clear and focused individuals like yourself even if it isn't many. Quality is better than quantity.

So do not allow anyone to pull you down, to try and convince you of their ways or brainwash you. Beware of manipulation - the silent killer with a sweet smile.

Do not stoop down to someone else's level to join them in what they call "quality time" if it means being at an "eye to eye" level with people who gossip, abuse drugs and toxins and/or live a self-destructive lifestyle.

Instead, create boundaries and have them rise up to your level if they so willingly choose too or just make a strong choice to disassociate with them all together. It's better to be a person of great influence, than a person who gets pulled into an unhealthy social web.

I'll leave it with one more example.

Jesus himself lost his temper and lashed out a wip when people disrespected a temple to do business deals in when he wanted to keep it as a sacred and holy space.

You see, what Jesus did was he created a boundary by showing that his temple was to be kept in a "certain way," and when people overstepped his boundaries, he got angry - because he would not allow for them to just have THEIR way.

IF YOU DON'T STAND FOR SOMETHING, THEN YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.

Most leaders of light walk alone. (Actually, we are all leaders if we remember that our free will is a gift that gives us the power to choose) Many of them dared to speak and live the truth although there were consequences to face, but because of their brave heart they pressed on...

Do not give in to pressures from society or manipulation from your peers, even if their constant praise makes you feel good or because you want and need to be accepted by family and friends. And if you do happen to lose friends because they don't respect your boundaries, than it's better to be alone for a while until you attract people who do respect your boundaries, and altogether you as a person. Remember, you are not a doormat. No one has the right to walk all over you so don't allow it. Put your foot down.

Set boundaries for yourself, and love yourself enough that if someone (or many people) overstep your boundaries, you can have the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and continue on your path by yourself if need be.

Have clarity and peace of mind.

If others do not have that and want to bring you down with them, just remember, that misery loves company.

So be strong, be bright and fly away freely.

Don't let anyone clip your wings, even if they do it unintentionally. Only you know what is best for you. And if you do let someone (or a group of people) clip your wings because you feel "guilty" about parting ways, you will regret it later on and begin to blame them for following them instead of being your own leader.

Believe in yourself. Create your own life. Where there is no door, CREATE A DOOR. Know your divine inner power and do NOT give it away to people who do not deserve it! Like I said before, although we are all Kings and Queens, some people are not aware of their divinity and so they might project "their" negative emotions onto you, which means, they do not deserve your time and energy until they are ready to interact in a "healthy" relationship.

And don't let anyone make you feel like you owe them something, and like you can't get up and leave if you want to.

We are not slaves nor prisoners to one another.

You are free to choose right from wrong, and to choose love or fear.

The greatest love of all is when you love yourself.

So do that, love yourself - and you will attract more loving individuals who love themselves as well.

Create the life you want to live.

Believe that you deserve the best.

And protect your god-given spirit with self-loving boundaries.

And remember, you do not own anyone, nor does anyone own you.

Be free from bondage.

Allow seasons to change and never fear moving on with life.

BLESSINGS & PROSPERITY: MAY YOU FLY HIGH WITH OTHER BRINGERS OF LIGHT.

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND - SEARCH WITHIN.

The Animal Kingdom

"A DOG IS A MAN'S BEST FRIEND." Haven't we all heard that saying? It's because dogs are loyal to their masters, and no matter what, they're always happy when their owner turns the key, practically jumping all over and licking him by the time he steps in through the door. But what happens when the owner trains his dog to be vicious like a fighting dog? Ever see a pit bull fight where the owners gamble on which dog will defeat the other? Then, is it still safe to say that a dog is a man's best friend, when that poor dog doesn't even know the difference between love and murder because he just faithfully obeys whatever his master tells him to do? I mean, as long as the dog is being fed and sheltered, what else does a dog know about a healthy relationship, right?

Sadly, the other day (And I can't give up too much information here) someone's rottweiler killed a little girl's poodle as she took it for its daily walk up the street. And to be exact, it was two rottweiler's attacking this dog until they tore it apart, still attacking it senselessly even after the poodle was already silently dead. The owner ran outside to stop his rottweilers from continuing but they kept on going and going and going, until the owner hit the dogs enough times with a shovel causing them to finally give up. Unfortunately I will never forget the horrific screams that the little girl gave for about twenty minutes as she witnessed her puppy being viciously pulled apart in front of her own eyes. The neighbors and I are at least thankful that the little girl wasn't touched, although now our greatest fear is that the next time it won't be a puppy that gets murdered, but it will be a child.

Although these dogs were kept inside of the owners gates, inside of his property when it happened (I believe the poodle either jumped over the front gates or got pulled in from underneath) I just wonder how those dogs got to be so vicious in the first place? And what I heard someone say once was this: Most animals reflect the behavior of their owner.

I remember a friend of mine who owned a big rottweiler growing up as a kid. His name was Buddy, and he was even bigger than the two dogs that attacked this poodle, but it was friendly. He wagged his tail at everyone who ever walked passed him, even if he didn't know you he was still friendly, sticking his long tongue out like a red carpet awaiting Kings and Queens. And I'm not just saying this because I was friends with his owner, but I remember people walking up and down the street safely and never being afraid of Buddy. Buddy was a harmless dog, amongst other people as well as other animals, and I suppose he was trained well.

Yet on the other hand, these two rottweilers who attacked this puppy are actually two out of five rottweilers that this pet owner has all living under the same roof. So I can't help but wonder, what has the owner been teaching them behind closed doors, and why does he have five dogs anyway? Isn't one or two enough? But since I'm only making assumptions, I don't want to judge what I do not know for a fact, although it raises my suspicions about relationships in general.

So whose fault is it anyway that the poodle died in such a horrific scene? He didn't die of old age, an illness, or crossing the street. He died in pain and agony by his very own species. And what I have come to conclude is that it is NOT the rottweilers faults because I've seen other's who are calm and playful amongst other types of dogs, even cats. I think what bothers me the most is that the owner must've raised them to be vicious. I have two cats myself and I lift them up, hugging them inside of my arms everyday. I never train them to run and catch mice, although I'm sure they would love to because it's in their nature. Yet instead I buy them toy mice and balls with bells. I just wonder why that owner has so MANY rottweilers and if it's even normal to have that many. It makes me wonder if they've even killed in the past, before he even moved into the neighborhood. (He's been here less than six months, and already this has happened) Whose to say what else will happen in a year or two if he plans to stay? Has he trained them to fight and kill? Why do his dogs go wild every time other dogs walk by? Dogs do sniff each other butts and bark at one another, sometimes even bite one another. But to actually kill, especially a small poodle? Why is it that other dogs of the same breed are calm, but these aren't? Is it in fact, the owner's intention to train them that way?

You know that saying, "You've created a monster?"

As human beings, we are responsible for anything that is smaller than us. It doesn't give us a free pass to take out our aggression on something that can't answer back to us. That's not fair. It should make us even that much MORE AWARE to read body language since animals can not verbally speak to us. We must know how they feel by the look in their eyes, the sounds they make, and the affection or violence they give. Taking care of smaller animals, be it dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and even fish, means being that much more attentive because they can not tell us when they're sick or angry or sad. It is our responsibility to make sure that they are happy, healthy and safe. And that goes for the poodle and the rottweilers. Any, and all dogs have a right to be with the right owner. Being loyal to just any master, just isn't good enough.