Embrace Change and Live a More Joyful Life

Change is an interesting phenomenon and for many of us change is scary and, often times, when we think of change it is our expectation that others in our lives are ‘supposed to change’. “If only my sister would act differently”,“if only my boss could change and not be so closed minded”,“if only my partner could change and be more like me”. The list goes on and on. I am sure you can come up with your own list.

When we want to experience change in our lives we are the ones that must do the changing. It is not our responsibility to change others. When we change,other people in our lives will change in relation to us. In other words, as we begin and continue to shift our view of ourselves, our view of others will shift as well. Some new people will come into our lives and some will drift out. This is a natural part of healing and awakening.

The big question is “Are you Willing to Change”?

Once we answer yes to this question, the next key step is for us to connect with our Higher Self, Spirit, Source……and ask for guidance.

Real change is to:

R – Realize that change can only come from within. The answers n do not lie outside of ourselves. Others merely provide us n with clues on how well we are doing in shifting our thoughts n and beliefs
E – Engage our heart in the process – our true loving self – NOTn our ego
A – Allow time to quiet our minds and connect with our Higher n Self, Spirit, etc.
L – Love, honor and celebrate all the wondrous movement and n changes that are occurring.

The first point - realizing that change comes from within - is one of the most challenging concepts for many of us to grasp. However,once we can truly embrace that belief we can begin to honestly explore our unhealthy thoughts and beliefs. In doing so we begin to release all that no longer serves us and true, deep, healthy and meaningful change will occur.

Sound simple? It actually is; however,it is not always easy. For those of us who have been on this path for quite some time we continue to be surprised when something enters into our lives and it feels like we are being pushed back to square one. We feel as though “Good grief,I thought I already dealt with this and here it is again”. This is simply a sign that we still have an opportunity to heal that specific thought/belief.

During this process, we must remember to: 1. Be gentle with ourselves; and, 2. Acknowledge and honor every effort we make. There is no ‘small’ effort. All that we do in becoming more aware and more awake is meaningful. Remember there will be a transitional period as we shift from our old beliefs to our new beliefs. We will vacillate at times between our old ways of thinking and our new ways of being. It is important for us not to get discouraged. It is also important for us to be loving and forgiving towards ourselves just as we would for a dear friend. So often we are much harder on ourselves than we are on others. We must give ourselves permission to make mistakes, to learn from them and to continue staying focused on our ultimate goal of letting go of all our old thoughts and beliefs that are barriers to living a more joyful, loving and peaceful life.

Below is a list of affirmations I believe can support each of us in beginning and/or continuing to shift our thought and belief system. I have written these in first person. I find that when doing so it becomes a part of who we are and we are taking ownership rather than having it be something outside of ourselves. Review this list on a daily basis or as often as you would like. The more you repeat it the more you will begin to shift. Cut and paste the list and place it where you can see it. Maybe by your computer or anywhere that will prompt you and remind you to read each affirmation. Also, when you say the word ‘I’, tap your heart. In doing so you will begin to feel an even deeper connection with the words and new beliefs.

I wish you much success in embracing change and shifting your thinking to creating a more joyful life!

1.)I am responsible for my own actions, thoughts and n experiences.
2.)I need to release the past and forgive everyone – including n myself.
3.)When I stop judging myself and others I will begin to feel n and see the innocence in us all.
4.)I give myself permission to learn new ways of thinking.
5.)I believe in my ‘own’ power to change.
6.)I am forgiven and I am free.
7.)No person, place or thing has any power over me. I am free