What Fills You Up?

I noticed an event post on Facebook for a spiritual store that I visit. They have some amazing classes such as singing bowl meditations, drum circles, mayan astrology, and numerology, but I had yet to attend one. They were having a Connect To Your Spirit Guides workshop this past Saturday, so I first clicked on "Interested" and then by Friday I fully committed to "Going."

The class was fun, and through the teaching of Twyla, we worked with crystals to feel their energy, did a guided meditation and also automatic writing to connect with our spirit guides. The guided meditation was beautiful, Twyla led us through a lovely grassy field and towards a park bench. Seated, we were to picture our guide coming towards us and sitting with us. Everything looked ethereal in my meditation, white, and mystical. I saw my guide coming towards me and I knew who it was. I recently did a 4-week spirit guides course, and through automatic writing, one of my teacher guides told me his name was "Father Time." That was who was coming towards me. He looked like a wizard, with the hat and robe, all in white and silver. Actually, he looked like the Winter Warlock from Rudolph. You know...

He sat with me and we held hands. I asked him his name. He told me "Frank." After he said that, the clock on the wall in the room started ticking loudly (Father Time). I asked him what he wanted to teach me, he said "wisdom." And the sound of the clock sounded again tic..tic..tic..

The meditation and the automatic writing moved some of the class to tears. It was at times emotional because some of the people who came were grieving lost loved ones. Some of them shared amazing stories of current connections to them, but they were still so sad. There is that longing for the physical even when miraculous moments are happening. One woman told a story of a dragonfly landing her nose. She said to the dragonfly "Joe (her husband) if that's you, come sit on my finger." It landed on her finger and stayed. Her sister sitting next to her confirmed the story. 

After class I had some errands to run. I went to a local shopping center and someone was holding out a sign for Family Christian Store for their going out of business sale. It wasn't on my list, but I decided to go in since I've been looking for a Mother Mary statue. I didn't find her, but when I was waiting on line, this was next to me. Not your typical name...

It was a day well spent. Something I really noticed afterwards was that I went from 10AM until 5PM without eating, and I wasn't hungry. I wasn't shaky or cranky either. That isn't typical for me. I certainly don't recommend going a day without eating, it just happened, and for the first time in forever, I wasn't thinking about food. As I continue on my up and down weight loss journey, I am learning what is going on emotionally with me, so I don't gain it back. On this day I learned that there are other things that can truly fill me up that aren't food. I didn't think that was possible. I had a happy day, learning about something that truly interested me. Learning about the light in all of us, the connections we have to the spiritual realm, and the connection every living being, creature, and plant has to each other feeds me. And they are all zero calories! I was full. 

I am in the middle of a new book right now too. Along with A Course In Miracles, I am reading A Course In Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson. It is teaching me to hand the weight loss goal over to God. I am doing certain activities every day towards that goal. It has been having a profound effect on me. My experience on Saturday showed me that keeping centered around activities that are spiritual and inspiring are where I need to be. This in-person experience was definitely something new for me, and it will be a door I will continue to walk through as I navigate my weight loss journey and my life. 

There are many "easy" go-tos, addictions, and ways to avoid stress and life such as excessive food, shopping, drama, and more, so I wanted to share this as food for thought! What fills you up? If it leans more on the negative or self-destructive side, I can say for certain that there are healthier ways to feed you such as reading, writing, art, walking in nature, taking a class, meditating, being with good friends, or just trying something totally new. Now get out there and feast!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulern
www.suitablegifts.com

New Year's Eve Reflections

I am seeing so many posts on social media of people being so "done" with 2016. I've even said it myself, it felt like it was the year that everyone died. There seemed to be so much upheaval, tragedy, tumultuous activity (the election, oy). There was so much. But of course, those are the things that get the most attention on the news and social media. There was goodness, love, kindness, giving, and miracles happening too, there always is. And by now, you know where I choose to put my focus on (even if I stray for a moment or two).

If you are into numerology at all, you know 2016 is a 9 year (add up the numbers 2+1+6=9). It's a year of completion, of endings. It doesn't have to be a bad thing, it can be a time of forgiving and letting go. It also means that the cycle begins again and 2017 (2+1+7=10, 1+0= 1) is a year of 1. This is a year of beginnings, and I can already feel that it is going to be a fantastic year ahead.

Our year, our life can be whatever we choose it to be, depending on how we view it. I choose to see the good in it, no matter the circumstances. I have come to realize in what seems like the worst of times (I have had plenty of them), there is good in it. There is a lesson, there is a knowing that better times are ahead, there is an extreme gratitude in the knowledge that I am being taught and loved by a team of divine guides who have always been there, even when I didn't know it.

For me, this year brought incredible blessings, I met authors and beautiful souls don Miguel Ruiz, don Miguel Ruiz Jr., and Eben Alexander author of Proof of Heaven. I connected with Karen Kubicko, read her beautiful book Life Is Just Another Class about her past lives and had an incredible reading from her about my guides and past lives. I spoke with Hay House authors Liana Werner-Gray and Denise Linn, received wonderful advice and received a book The Earth Diet from Liana, and a course from Denise. Denise also tapped into a past life of mine where I acquired my foot pain. The course she gifted me, is going to help me resolve it. Skye Dyer noticed and acknowledged my #WayneDyerWednesday posts on Instagram that I started to honor her dad Dr. Wayne Dyer. From there, I connected with Skye, Serena and Saje Dyer and was able to thank them, and share with them how grateful I am to their dad. I got to know Kate Mackinnon and learned a new healing modality CST (cranial sacral therapy) through her amazing book From My Hands and Heart. I became friends with the most beautiful soul sisters and brothers on Instagram who are on a similar path, are kind, supportive, enthusiastic, humorous, and genuine. I reunited with three soul sisters I met at an I Can Do It! event in Austin in 2013. I met two of them in Austin for dinner, and one came to my town for the week. It was wonderful to catch up, I feel like we have known each other forever (we probably have!) I became even closer with my friends from my youth, even though we live so far away. One of them even visited this year for a week, and three of my other friends and I are planning a long weekend together next year. 

I took another step into public view with my business and participated in events to showcase my products. Sales doubled again this year. I learned more, worked on my website, blogged more, and wrote from my heart without fear of what other people would think. I worked with the amazing healer & Hay House author Abby Wynne (her latest book is How To Be Well) to create a special collection of her quotes on the products I sell. I also participated in a wonderful contest she created with her latest book and items from the collection. 

I worked more on the Kindness...Pass It On mission to provide intentional acts of kindness. I created Kindness tags to support the mission, and received more requests from all over the world for Kindness Cards. 

I really learned to take care of myself this year.  I started my diet with Nutrisystem and have lost 17 1/2 pounds so far. I plan to have the rest of the excessive poundage lost by this coming summer. I have learned to cook better food, do yoga, meditate and exercise. This will be a lifelong process not just a quick fix. I learned to take time for myself to do the things that bring me joy, help me to relax, and nourish my soul. By giving to myself, I am much more energized and joyful to give to those I love.

I received an amazing job offer through a beautiful friend I have known for years. It came when I wasn't looking for it, and it was the nicest surprise. The company has a group of fun, kind, hard working, and appreciative people that makes it a pleasure to be a part of. I work remotely, yet I feel so close to this group that are scattered around the country.

One of the toughest moments this year was losing my sweet kitty Pepper. We had her since she was a kitten, and she was such a love. She would hop on my desk while I was working, purr and snuggle up next to my laptop. She is a beautiful soul. I miss her sweet face and her adorable personality. It's not the same, but she's still here. Yes, I have had signs from Pepper. This may have to be another blog, she's pretty clever in how she shows me her presence. Pepper is a beautiful sign of our eternal nature.

I started a course by Sonia Choquette called Ask Your Guides. I am learning to connect and understand how spirit communicates with us. It's a four week course and I'm halfway through. I experienced a miracle in the second week. It was really for two people in my life who I love very much, and I won't give details because I honor their privacy. But it was something that wasn't right for years, and through the course I was praying for help. I learned to write to my helper guides, and I learned how to do automatic writing for a response back. The writing showed me not to panic, and not to interfere in the way I thought I should. I needed to relax, and know that it was going to be ok. I listened and I followed the guidance I received.  I learned to write an invocation to ask for help. Two days after the invocation, the situation was resolved. All is well, in fact all is better than well. There is so much help around us at all times, all we need to do is ask. We may not get the answer we expect, it may not be the way we wanted to do it, but the help we receive is for our greater good. We just need to let go, and trust.

I learned that what we put our attention on is what we draw towards us. The more I wanted to learn about spirituality, past lives, art, health, and abundance, the more it appeared. Books, authors, teachers, courses all arrived. This is happening for all of us, all the time, we just need to start noticing it. I learned how important it is to catch myself in negative thinking, and let it go. I also learned through keeping a gratitude journal, how the things there are to be grateful for double, triple, quadruple when you take the time to notice the good things that are happening. I write them down, I say thank you aloud when it happens. Celebrate all that goes right, it is far better than blaming the divine when something goes wrong. Life isn't happening to us, it's happening for us.

I am extremely grateful to all of my friends and family who have supported my business by purchasing items, sharing my social media posts, reading my blogs, and commenting. My business and my blog has been the deepest expression of what I want to share with the world, and your support has meant more than I can express. I am so thankful to all of you for your friendships, love and for being a part of my journey and for allowing me to be a part of yours. I know our paths have crossed before, and I am certain they will cross again as we all continue to learn, grow, live, and love. 

I have so many plans for the year ahead. I'm very excited for continued spiritual growth, business growth, joy and fun with my family & friends. I will expand upon it in my New Year's Day blog!

Much love to you all! Wishing you peace, love, joy, perfect wellness, abundance and all you intend for the New Year!

In Love & Gratitude,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Gratitude and Weight Loss - My Journey

I have been planning to write this blog for some time now. How I write is based on how I feel. I write from the heart and when I get started it flows quite easily. When I feel blocked or stressed while writing, I know it's not the right thing. I think that is what has taken this one so long, there was a missing piece to it. Last night the final piece arrived, so here it goes!

I have been struggling with my weight most of my life. I have been overweight, healthy weight, overweight, healthy weight, and overweight many times over. I have thought about why, and there are so many reasons that I really should weigh about 5,000 pounds. From childhood abuse, stress, work overload, sugar addiction, being an empath, self sabotage, and more, I have built quite a padding to protect myself. Knowing where it stems from hasn't changed the eating habits. I really thought if I could figure out "why" the pounds would just melt off. Ummmm, no.

I'm not happy when I'm overweight. I am generally a pretty quiet person, but this tends to shelter me even more because I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. When I am thin I feel vulnerable, awkward, and nervous when I feel that attention is being drawn to me. I have really spent time thinking about all of this, because wanting to be thinner and healthier means being able to deal with those feelings. And whatever weight I am at, I need to love myself anyway. I am not my body. I am a divine soul, as all of us are.

I have quite a number of plans for growing my business, and part of it starts in the new year with putting myself physically out into the public more. This plan has contributed to more self sabotage. The fear of success, the feeling of unworthiness and more piles on...and so do the extra pounds.

I even thought staying away from the scale would help. I do have obsessive tendencies when I start to diet, because off course I want the weight to come off overnight. I end up checking the scale way more than I should. I thought, I'll just stay away for awhile and I'll notice if I'm gaining weight by my clothes. Well, this proved futile since the next time I got on the scale, I gained 16 pounds! Yes, we're not talking a pound or two..16!!! So, I will use the scale, but not excessively.

After understanding some of the reasons why I was overweight, I prayed about it. I knew I needed help and couldn't do this myself. I needed my spiritual team to help me out. I prayed, and then I meditated. What started appearing in my life, were all the tools I needed. Health books like The Earth Diet, articles, courses, juicing websites, yoga techniques, and very supportive friends, it all kept pouring in. I read it all, I learned it all. But my weight stayed the same.

Finally I truly thought the answer was loving myself thin. I bought a new journal just to dedicate it to writing kind thoughts to myself and loving reminders when I made healthy choices. I knew that I needed a gentler approach. Worrying and beating myself up about it were not the answers. Rushing myself to lose weight was also not going to work...it never has. So I thought being kind to myself was the missing link. And it definitely is a part of it, you can't berate yourself or hate yourself into change. Yet, this still wasn't the final piece.

What I figured out after an evening meditation was a bit of a eureka moment. I had prayed and meditated on it, but I wasn't practicing gratitude where my weight issues were concerned. It's amazing that the answer can be right in front of you, but you don't notice it. I have changed so many aspects of my life through prayer, meditation, and gratitude. That has been my trifecta for change. It has helped me with my business, financial abundance, bringing me closer to wonderful friends in my life, and helping me find my spiritual tribe. Every aspect of my life that I wanted to create, I used these three practices without hesitation. I'm not sure why I left my health for last. But here we go, this is the beginning of real change.

So, here is how it's all going down from now on. Every morning I say a prayer, and the first thing I say is thank you for EVERYTHING in my life. The good, the bad, the ugly. Life is such a gift, and I am so grateful for it. How I brought financial abundance into my life, was noticing it and being thankful for it. "Thank you for the $23 I just received from Ibotta." Every little thing adds up. Every penny I found on the ground, I would say "abundance!" with joy and "thank you!" I still do this.There is something in the act of noticing and being grateful, that brings more, so much more. So in the morning prayer and throughout the day, I say thanks, live in a state of awareness for the abundance coming to me, and say more thanks. Now I will also be praying for help and guidance towards being the healthiest version of myself. And then I will let go of fear and expectation, and release it to the universe to help. Letting go of how you want the prayer to be answered allows for greater things than you could have ever imagined.

After the prayer, I meditate for 20 minutes. Meditation is such a great way to set a positive tone for the day and this is when the answer to the prayer begins to unfold. I often get ideas to help me while I'm in meditation. I'm not trying to think, they just pop into my awareness. Sometimes the ideas come throughout the day. These are gifts from the universe, and they are available to anyone. 

Now this doesn't mean I don't have to do anything and it just all just appears. I will get thoughts, ideas and urges to do things that will answer my prayers. Sometimes things will come into my awareness like books, lectures, and information to use on my particular issue. For abundance, so many ideas for my business just came to me as a gentle thought. But I had to also act on it. The answer to the prayer was the thought, part of being thankful was following through on it. It's very magical and fun when you start to feel the flow of the universe. Everything is there to help when you focus on what you want, and let go of what you don't want.

And the last piece as I mentioned in prayer is gratitude. My new "healthy body" journal will be filled with with all of the blessings I see. Some of them so far are "I am grateful for having the urge to exercise and following it through, and I am grateful for feeling the need to increase my water intake and doing so throughout the day."  The more I notice and acknowledge these blessings, the more appears and the more positive changes occur. Gratitude is also a reminder that we aren't going through this life alone. When we give thanks, we are acknowledging that we have the divine holding our hands.

Prayer, meditation, and gratitude can help with anything you are struggling with. 

The reason I share so much about myself in this blog is because there hasn't been one post where someone didn't tell me they related to it, or it helped them. Writing is how I work through things, sharing it is how I serve. I know I'm not the only one struggling with weight or something they are trying to overcome, and if there is any way sharing my struggle can help, I will do it. I feel the same way about my business and just about everything else in my life, if I can help, I will. So I will be continuing to blog about this part of my journey, the ups and downs, and my gratitude for it all. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of this. Thank you for your continuous kindness and support, it means more than I can express. Feel free to comment below to share your journey or any with questions!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

What The Fu*k Is Happening To Spirituality?

Now that I have your attention...that's actually the whole point of this blog. Trust me, I'm not on my high-horse preaching "my way" at all. Everyone is entitled to their way of expressing themselves. This is just something that I have been observing for awhile, and I kind of want to know how you all see it too.

Language has become so much looser on television, in the movies, business, and in just casual conversations. I don't know if such a relaxed attitude in how we speak is really benefitting us. It seems to be dumbing us down, disrespectful to each other, and not setting the best example for future generations.

I am having the hardest time watching it creep into spirituality. Swearing is now the norm in spiritual books, courses, and all over social media. You know what I'm talking about, the meme with Buddha saying "Let That Sh*t Go," is one example. I often think, would that come out of Buddha's mouth? Is that a respectful thing to attach to one of our most spiritual representatives? Maybe he wouldn't mind, perhaps he'd give it all a hearty belly laugh. But for me, I wonder if "What The F Would Jesus Do?" could be far behind?

Look at that face, I just don't think he's into it either.

It feels more like spiritual immaturity to me. We have to drop the F-bomb to get a reaction, to look cool, relevant or modern. It's not that I don't have some flowery language in my repertoire, but it's something I've been working at letting go of. And you won't see it on anything I put out there for my business or on social media. But you may overhear it in my home when I stub my toe on the couch for the 30th time, or when my internet gets stuck just when I've finished typing my blog, and I forgot to save it. But maybe that's why I'm more sensitive to it, because it's something I'm letting go of. The things that trigger you, are telling you something about yourself. So that's why I wanted to put it out there, are you ok with saucy spirituality, or do you think it has gone too far?

I don't find expletives uplifting, peaceful, loving, gentle, or kind. Those are the words I think of when I think of spirituality. But the other side of the coin with spirituality is understanding, tolerance, and oneness, so maybe this current casual approach to spirituality is alright? Perhaps I just need to start a "Spirituality for Prudes" club, and calm myself down? Actually, I'm not offended by it, I just don't find it necessary. There are just so many more beautiful words to choose from, so why pick something so small? 

So what do you think? Have I lost my bleeping mind, or do you think profanity is the new path to enlightenment?


In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

21 Days of Art

My three weeks of space clearing were wonderful. It was challenging at times, yet so freeing. I am still clearing, and every time I work on this, I feel lighter and happier. More wonderful things are flowing into my life because of it. My next 21 days is being spent immersed in art. I have enjoyed drawing, painting and creating since I was young. For college, I went to the School of Visual Arts and studied advertising design. I really had an urge to go into fine arts, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make a career of it. Now I know, the things that call to you, are the things you should pursue.

When I was in college and worked at a pharmacy, the owner was so kind and let me paint the windows of his shop. It was fun and made me feel like an artist. I met so many fun people at college, and I wish I had spent more time with them. I didn't engage in college as much as I should have. But, I was working quite a bit to afford the supplies, commuting, and more. I put too much on my plate and stretched myself too thin. I also wasn't very good at saving (or asking for help), so I'm sure I could have made this easier on myself and enjoyed more. I was always coming from a place of lack and struggle. I have come to realize that everything is always provided for, the only lack is what I create in my mind. There really has never been a time in my life that things didn't end up working out. The worry really isn't necessary, trust in the universe is.

After college, I ended up working in direct marketing, and there was no artistic outlet in that at all. It was numbers, spreadsheets and lots of phone calls and emails. I still felt like an artist though, and I stayed as creative as I could in my personal life.

As the years went by, the artist in me went away. I let "life" take over. The best parts of that life are of course, my husband and sons. But the rest of it left me drained, because I wasn't filling it with the personal things that made me feel like me. I didn't realize this was happening, I was just going through my life. I was always too busy. Filling my life up with so much busy had buried the artist.

So now is the challenge to resurrect the artist, because I love her. I have been drawing again and I'm really quite shaky! I feel so out of my element. I used to love line drawings with ink or pen, but right now I feel like I've never done it before. I am not thrilled with what I have created so far, but I'm putting it out there anyway. This is where I am right now, and I'm not hiding it. So far I've made a pencil drawing of my cat, a collage as a model for an acrylic painting, a drawing of my sacred space (below) and colored in the beautiful The Secret Garden coloring book. I bought a beautiful art kit for Christmas, and I plan to try out everything: water color, oils, acrylics, pencils, pastels and more.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. Is there anything in your life that you've put aside that needs to come out to play again? Comment below, let's go through this together!


In Gratitude,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

21 Days of Space Clearing: The Final Analysis

It has been quite a journey these past three weeks. You can discover quite a bit about yourself by the things you keep. And you can watch your soul stretch and break free when you let some things go. I'm still not nearly finished. Devoting and hour or more a day to this task has definitely given me a huge boost, but there's still more to finish, and some newly created projects to complete. As I begin my new 21 Day journey, this one will continue as well.

My goal in space clearing was to free up the space in my home. I wanted the Chi (life force) to flow more freely through my home. Clutter can stagnate Chi. Clutter can also stagnate oneself. I felt like things were being blocked in my life by the stuff I was holding onto. Things are moving freer now, even though there is more to do. Since I started, a check for my business came in the mail. I found a free abundance course to take (will blog about it when I'm finished, it's pretty spectacular!). Someone approached me for a job interview. Friendships have flourished, including reaching out to childhood friend I haven't heard from in years, and a friend visiting this summer for a week. More ideas are coming to me, more synchronicities are occurring, and I feel lighter and happier. And I know that more good is on the way.

Last night I went through piles of cards: Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, birthdays, and anniversaries. So many cards from so many different people through the years. It was another reliving of my life. Some of it was beautiful, and it felt like I was there again. I laughed, cried, and reminisced. There were relationships that have since ended, and I spent time enjoying the good times in those cards and feeling grateful for having had those moments. It is a much better feeling to appreciate what was, than to be bitter about how things changed. I felt sadness and regret for my part in those endings, and as the cards were let go, so was all of that. We all have our part to play. When you step away from it all for a time, and then there it is in your face again, it's a new perspective. Time changes things and what I once felt so righteous about, seems pretty silly now. 

This was the hardest part of this journey, and difficult to write about. But, I don't sugarcoat myself in these blogs, I put it all out there: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I saved college letters I wrote my friends. It's interesting to see who I was almost 30 years ago. What I had played in my head as a memory wasn't completely correct. Time washes things a bit. I wrote to a friend of mine about my new college in New York. I was studying advertising design. I joked about the two clubs my school had. The one I made fun of was GLAAD. I made some comment about "oh yeah I signed up for that one right away." I was so embarrassed to read who I was. I was mocking something that I couldn't conceive of belittling now. I sounded like someone who was afraid of something she didn't understand. Rather than trying to understand, she took the easy way out. I was sad when I read that, and I thought of my friends from high school who are gay and lesbian (which I didn't know at the time). How did I make them feel back then? I certainly didn't give them a gentle ear to talk to. How many ignorant comments did I make, thinking I was being funny? I remember having a conversation years ago with a friend of mine about another friend who told her she was a lesbian. I asked her why she didn't come to me about it. She said she didn't think she could tell me. I didn't understand, we were such good friends. This makes sense now. Who knows what I said out loud, thinking I was so funny. I truly apologize to anyone I may have hurt or offended in any way. It wasn't malicious, it was ignorant. I believe that all lives matter, no one is above anyone else, we are all one and the same.

This exercise has been humbling to say the least. It's not about the "stuff." It's why I held on to things. Anything that was kept out of guilt, obligation, "just in case I need it someday," or for any negative reason was let go. Everything that feels like love, joy, peace, and happiness stays. Going through memories of times with my friends and my family has made me feel so much more love and gratitude for them. It has cleared out everything that really doesn't matter and has opened up a whole appreciation for my life and everyone in it. It is a real freedom to let go.

In Gratitude and Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

A Tale Of Three Angels

Fifteen years ago a wonderful man came into my life. I often told him that he was my angel. On my first birthday I celebrated with him, he gave me this beautiful angel necklace to remind me. It became a symbol of love and protection for me. 

I remember one day I wasn't wearing the angel and a truck backed into me at a stop light. I wear it very often, sometimes wrapped around my wrist when I'm wearing a different necklace.I'm not attached to many physical things anymore, but aside from my wedding rings, this is one of the most meaningful things I own. 

I had taken it off recently and thought I had placed it on the bathroom counter top. When I realized it wasn't there, I tried to remember why I took it off. I thought it was when I colored my hair, as not to get any dye on it. I was hoping that I hadn't accidentally thrown it out with the packaging and dye bottles.

My next go to place was my jewelry drawer. I have organizer trays that hold my necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It must be there. Nope. I went back to that drawer (and the bathroom counter top) about 10 times.

I didn't panic about this. I normally do. I heard recently that worrying blocks you, and I wanted to stay open, knowing that I would find it. I could truly sense that this would work. My intuition is getting strong and louder, now that I'm allowing it. Every time I started to have a fearful thought, I stopped it and reminded myself that I would find it by remaining calm. I tried to remember which archangel it was that could specifically help. And I know Saint Anthony is known for finding lost objects too. But I just spoke generally to the angels asking for help. I did this several times over a few days.

Saturday morning I took my eight-seventh scan of the counter top and jewelry drawer to no avail. I thought, maybe I stuck it in a pair of pants, meaning to put i back in the drawer. I went into my closet and went through all of my jeans. No necklace.

I walked towards the front of the closet (it's like a long, narrow hallway) and to the left are shelves for shoes, gift wrapping supplies, bags and more. It's not here, I thought. Why would it be? But I stopped for a moment and looked anyway. Even though it didn't make any sense, I felt like I should look.

I noticed a bag laying on its side with a jewelry box in it. I didn't remember putting it there. I pulled the box out for a second and thought of just putting it back in the bag. I thought, open it. So I did. I saw the soft, grey pouch that I know so well. I almost closed the box, that piece of jewelry was already in my drawer. Then I thought, open the pouch. It still made no sense to me, but I opened it. Can you guess what was inside?

I had goosebumps all over my arms when I saw the necklace (I even have them now, typing this). I thanked the angel who helped me. Honestly, I felt a bit unworthy at first. But I'm working on this. I know feeling that way only blocks me from getting closer to the divine. I also know deep down, that every single one of us is worthy. So that doesn't mean everyone, except me.

I was planning on spending the day going through my entire bedroom looking for it. I had scanned the room briefly and I'm embarrassed to say I did find a cache of dusty M&M's behind my bedroom table. Clearly some deep cleaning and dietary changes are in order. But that's a whole different story (and will be blogged about, of course!).

So instead of spending the day searching, I am outside writing amongst the trees, birds, butterflies and Scar (a beautiful kitty who I will also be blogging about soon!). I will also spend the day raking leaves, hugging trees, feeling extremely grateful, and loving this amazing gift of life.

The more that you ask for a connection to the divine, the more you receive it. The louder their voices get, and the quieter your ego voice gets. They are speaking to us all the time. The more I meditate, the more I attune with those gentle, guiding nudges. I don't dismiss them anymore. It is getting easier and easier, and more and more beautiful. 

I know this angel necklace, given to me by my angel, was found with the guidance of an angel. Those voices we hear, those thoughts and feelings we get that sometimes don't seem to make sense, are our angels, our guides, our own divine wisdom. They will get louder and clearer if you want them to. You only need to ask and trust. We have the unlimited universe within us and around us, why not access it?

In Gratitude,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: Assertiveness for Earth Angels by Doreen Virtue

I absolutely love Doreen Virtue and I've never met a Hayhouse book I haven't liked. As a recovering people pleaser, Assertiveness for Earth Angels: How to be Loving Instead of "Too Nice" by Doreen Virtue was the perfect choice as my latest read. This one actually screamed out to me. 

Doreen describes Earth Angels as highly sensitive people with an innocence regarding love and life, believing in God's loving power, gentle, caring, seeing the best in others, trusting, optimistic and more. She digs deep into the many pitfalls of being such a sensitive being, and how to learn to be assertive without being aggressive.

For as far back as I can remember, I have found myself giving too much, and yet still feeling like it was not enough. I always had high expectations for what I needed to do for others, but never held anyone to that impossible standard. I even helped people who were quite capable of helping themselves. After reading Doreen's book, I learned that my jumping in to try and "save" them didn't really do them any favors. They have their own path, and their own lessons to learn. I also learned that giving for the wrong reasons can cause resentment, fatigue, money issues, health issues and more. Pure giving, she teaches, is not out of guilt, feeling sorry or obligation. 

She discusses how to set healthy boundaries, how to handle professional victims, gossipers, martyrs, guilt trippers, toxic relationships, narcissists and sociopaths (who tend to take advantage of kind, giving people). 

I was an extremely sensitive and quiet child. Although I was often bullied, it was always easier to stand up for others. I could feel their pain and I didn't want them to suffer. I remember my college years and so enjoying going out with my friends. But I also remember not liking large crowds. Trust me, we had lots of fun together, but I also remember feeling drained (not from my dear friends, just the crowd around us) and needing time by myself too. I honestly felt weird for that. Now at 48, I am more sensitive than ever. I absorb everyone's energy, whether positive or negative. It wears on me. I didn't realize that is what was happening to me, until I read Doreen's book. I thought that I wasn't a strong enough person to have my own thoughts and feelings. I felt weak. That's not what it is. I'm empathic. Picking up on the feelings of my classmates when I was a child, was because I truly could feel what they were feeling. Needing quiet time through my college years (and now too), was because the energy I was picking up was exhausting me. I feel very grateful to Doreen that I can now feel compassion towards myself for who I am, instead of criticism. There are so many ways to look at a situation, and more and more I am taking the positive view. That is what is so wonderful about reading books like this, you can find who you really are, and let go of that negative voice.

Doreen shows how how to enjoy life instead of people pleasing. She talks about following your passion and shows how we can use delay tactics instead of working on our life purpose by overeating, compulsive shopping, addictive internet surfing, substance abuse and more.

She shows us how to shield ourselves from harsh energies with crystals, angel lights, clearing, grounding and trees (yes, go hug a tree, it heals!). Also, you will learn how to have more time and energy by exercising, stretching and releasing, and eating healthfully. 

There is so much wonderful information packed into this book, and what I love about Doreen, is that she is honest and caring. She guides us to be truthful with ourselves about our real intentions, and provides so many tools to live an authentic, positive, peaceful and purposeful life.

As you can probably tell by now, I highly recommend this book.

In Gratitude,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Smudging: A Beginner's Journey

Smudging is a custom of Native Americans and other cultures to clear negative spiritual energy from a space, an object and even people. I have been wanting to smudge my home for quite awhile, so I ordered a Home Blessing & Cleansing kit. A beautiful feather, abalone bowl, oil, salt crystals and more soon arrived. I wanted to literally clear the air in our home. The intention was to release any heaviness and have our home feeling light, positive and happy.

I am most grateful to the amazing Reiki Master Sharna Langlais, who I came to know through Instagram (@sharnalanglais). She had posted beautiful instructions on smudging, and I felt even more inspired to try it. I had also read tips and prayers from Hayhouse author, soul coach and space clearing extraordinaire Denise Linn.

Home Blessing & Cleansing Kit

I held onto the kit for months, feeling a little tentative about trying it... waiting for just the right moment. Well honestly, I was a little scared of trying something new! But that's when you really need to do something! So I decided to smudge during my sons' first day of school.  I thought it would be a good way to kick off the school year, and the house would be quiet for me to figure out what I was doing.

Combining what I learned from Sharna, Denise, the sage kit, and my own inner guidance, I set out to smudge. I held the feather to my chest and blessed and thanked the beautiful bird that it came from. I opened the windows (but not enough, I found out later!), lit the bundle of sage and set it in the bowl. Now mind you, the instructions clearly stated to blow out the fire once it started. I thought, how can I make it through my entire house without it completely extinguishing itself? A lesson in stubbornness or trust for me, perhaps? I now know to follow the instructions! Because I left some of the embers burning, I had quite a bit of smoke. But I had nothing to compare it to, since I've never done this before. So I started on my journey, billowing smoke and all...

I said a prayer and smudged myself as best I could. I used the feather to waft the smoke, and went from the top of my head to my toes, and up the back of myself as far as I was able to reach. Next I went to the front door and even outside at the threshold, said the prayer, smudged and made the eternity symbol with the sage. Here is the prayer I said. You can say what feels right to you:

"Dear God, Jesus, angels, archangels, spirit guides, divine masters and my guardian angels- please remove any negative energy caused by myself or others and sent it up to Heaven for transmutation. And so it is."

I was nervous. Was I doing this right? Was I saying the right words? I felt a bit stressed. 

Next I went to the dining room/living room (it's one big room, so I did it all together). Starting in the east corner (iPhone compass app was invaluable) I said my cleansing prayer and went in a clockwise motion around the room (some go counterclockwise when smudging, clockwise just felt right for me). I fanned the increasingly thick smoke into the air. I stopped at every window and made the sign of the cross with the sage. My kit did contain oil for the windows and salt crystals for the doorways, but it felt a little extreme for my first smudging, so I left that for next time (maybe). When I made it back to my starting point, I said the same prayer again. I ended by making the infinity sign with the sage. 

I did the same ritual in the kitchen and garage. At this point, I realized I'd better blow out the sage before the cats collapsed, or it set off the fire alarm. I blew the sage bundle and the ashes went flying. Setting the house ablaze was also not in my plans, so I made sure I collected the ashes and placed them in the bowl. I smudged the back door, the first floor bathroom, the closet  and even the staircase to the second floor. I started and ended each area with the prayer, made the cross symbol at the windows and the infinity symbol when I returned to each starting point.

By the time I got upstairs I suddenly became aware that I felt calm. I was kind of flitting through the rooms at this point, and it felt like a spiritual, moving ceremony. I was in my smudging zone and it felt beautiful. I felt so joyful when I realized how relaxed I was.

I finished the smudging and my house felt at peace. I felt at peace. Um, but the house was filled with smoke. The air was so still outside, that it didn't pull the smoke out. I was a little concerned that everyone in the house would be breathing too much sage smoke, so I cranked the fans on full blast for awhile. 

I definitely learned that blowing out the smudging stick was sage advice! (drum roll please) I also learned to push myself when there is something I want to do, but don't know how to do it. When I don't have the answers, there are wonderful people out there that do. Feel the fear, and do it anyway. I know that when I do this again, I won't feel that apprehension. I also don't have to feel that it has to be done "perfectly." All I need is a positive intention. And isn't that true for anything?

In Gratitude (and a puff of smoke),

Kerri

www.suitablegifts.com

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Dr. Wayne Dyer

It is time for me to start writing again, and I couldn't begin without honoring Dr. Wayne Dyer. I have written about him before in my blog An Open Letter of Gratitude To Dr. Wayne Dyer where I discussed how his teaching of the power of intention allowed me to meet and thank my spiritual hero in person. I will forever be grateful for that moment.

The soul already knows:
So much has been swirling around my mind with the physical loss of this amazing soul. I have been thinking about how the soul already knows before our ego mind does. I was in my kitchen cooking on Saturday, September 30th, and Wayne Dyer popped into my head. I was thinking about when I met him, and the enormous energy of love that I felt being in his presence. A couple of hours later, I read on Doreen Virtue's Facebook page that he left the physical plane. I read many of the Hayhouse writer's pages and listen to Hayhouse radio,  and have heard similar messages over and over. People were thinking of him, or felt his presence, or received a sign before or after his passing. 

Anita Moorjani mentioned on Lisa Garr's Hayhouse Radio Show, that Wayne usually wanted her to speak about what she learned from her near death experience during their lectures together. At his final lectures in Australia, he wanted her to talk about the experience during it. It was a shift from the norm. Did his soul already know what was to happen? I believe our soul is always speaking to us, we just need to quiet our minds and listen.

Butterflies and other signs:
I have been seeing butterflies everywhere. I had just posted on social media about Wayne's butterfly story from his book Inspiration (it is one of my favorites) and shortly after, his PBS video about it was featured at his tribute. I have been seeing butterflies on Instagram posts, on artwork and in my yard. They will always remind me of Wayne.

One of his beautiful daughters Serena posted a picture on Facebook of the water in Maui, where her family paddled out to spread their dad's ashes. In the water was Wayne's face. It is so clear and obvious.

Anita Moorjani spoke at his tribute of orange flowers she received just before she heard the news. Orange is her favorite color and Wayne always teased her about it. I also read that an orange was on stage "mysteriously" at her lecture for I Can Do It! Orlando this past weekend. There are so many stories, and they will continue because he is everywhere now.

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -Dr. Wayne Dyer

A message with a miracle:

He had no trace of leukemia in his body. This may sound a little ooga booga, but I don't think you would be reading this unless you appreciated some thinking beyond what we can see and touch, so here goes: on Gerry Gavin's Hayhouse Radio Show "Messages from Margaret," Margaret channeled Wayne a few weeks ago on air, and it made me think how wonderful it would be if someone could channel him and write a book about this. I could see this happening through the large spiritual community he was involved with. With Gerry and Esther Hicks alone, some wild things could happen! I have thought about all of the things he had been discussing, John of God and his remote healing, coffee enemas, juices, and most importantly how he viewed his diagnosis.This could help everyone, even those without illnesses. You can create your own miracles. What an incredible message he left us with. He believed anything was possible and he proved it.

Inspiring others:

He planted so many seeds within us. And they will sprout and grow to pass on his words, wisdom, kindness and love. We will continue to blossom, as he did learning from all of the teachers he so admired. Through his teachings, books, CD's, DVD's and more, there will always be a piece of him with us. We are his messengers, and those seeds of wisdom will continue to be exhaled into the universe. Can you not picture a future college class on Dyerism? There is something magical about all of the lessons he taught us. And I am hearing so many people talk about how they will continue to honor him by being kinder, grateful, and more loving. 

"Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul."-Dr. Wayne Dyer

I don't have a fear of death because of him. He knew what is behind the veil. And I know that he is everywhere now. Mind you, I'm not that evolved, I'm still crying. I feel the loss of his physical presence. But I know that he is in such an expanded state now that he can hear and touch all of us at the same time. I believe his work has just begun and it is going to be incredible. 

"Remember, purpose is about giving…All you can do with your life is to give it away in the service of others."-Dr. Wayne Dyer

Being love:
He gave to everyone, and gave, and gave some more. He gave his life away, and that was his intention. He went out of his way to make everyone he encountered feel special. He lifted everyone up and brought so many beautiful people with incredible messages into our awareness. I choose to honor him by continuing to spread his message, to live from a place of love and see the love in others. Dr. Wayne Dyer is love. 

I send prayers and love always to his family, his wonderful assistant Maya and his dear friends.

You are now part of the morning breeze, and I feel so blessed for all you have done and will continue to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. Wayne Dyer. Namaste.

In Gratitude and Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com