Dr. Holden To The Lobby...Dr. Robert Holden To The Lobby, Please

Over 6 years ago after "losing" a job, felt overwhelmed. I called in to speak with the kind heart of Dr. Robert Holden on his weekly Hay House radio show. I had been listening to his weekly show even since attending his lecture at Hay House I Can Do It! in Austin in 2013.  I had heard him imbue such beautiful words of wisdom to listeners, that I knew he would help ease my distress and point me in the right direction. He gave me invaluable advice, changed my perspective from fear to gratitude, and my life has been better ever since.

One of the most profound things he said to me when I told him I lost my job, was that I "handed it in." It really made me consider my responsibility in the situation, and even if it looked like I was fired, in reality, I lost interest in it. I was more driven by my business Suitable Gifts, then in fully giving my heart to the job I had. I was growing spiritually and was more invested in writing, learning, and growing. It was true, I gave it away. 

So what was next? I headed the words of Dr. Holden amidst my fears. When I didn't know how to get through this, he advised me to repeat the mantra "I am grateful for the guidance that is already here." That made me feel wrapped in spirit, that I was never alone, and could lean into them for help. I would walk 3 miles around my subdivision every day repeating that mantra, and thanking all of spirit, who I knew were there to help me. I would say affirmations of all of the things I wanted to connect to including financial security, health, happiness for me and my family, and a deeper connection to spirit. Because of Dr. Holden, I began a gratitude journal. I listed three things a day I was grateful for. It started out simple, and in such a short time the list grew and miracles started pouring in. To this day, I recommend to my Reiki clients to have a daily spiritual practice including gratitude. This and more is all thanks to Dr. Robert Holden. His gift of advice to me, continues to reach so many more.

Although I thanked him on air, and sent him and his family a gratitude box filled with gifts (and a way too lengthy letter), one summer when they vacationed in San Diego, I felt like it wasn't enough to express how much his advice meant to me. I really wanted to thank him in person. It's funny isn't it, these thoughts can mean so much to the individual to express. I knew it was a need in me, not something Dr. Holden was expecting. 

When I learned that Hay House would be coming to Austin for Hay House Live! this past October, I immediately ordered tickets to see James Van Praagh and Colette Baron-Reid, and booked the hotel they blocked out for us. It wasn't until later that I found out Dr. Holden would also be there for his Coach Camp. Dang it. 

As I knew I would meet Dr. Wayne Dyer in 2013, I also knew I would get a chance to thank Robert Holden in person, even if I wasn't in his class. Manifesting is something you feel and believe. I went back in my mind to how I manifested that chance encounter with Dr. Dyer, I didn't know where I would meet him, but I knew I would. I knew what I would say, I knew how I would feel. And poof, there was Wayne Dyer, in front of me after a serious of unexpected events, just coming off the elevator in my hotel.

So, I felt similar about this, even though I wouldn't be in Dr. Holden's weekend workshop, I would meet him and I would thank him. I didn't quite know what that would completely look like, I'm not psychic, but I am intuitive, and I firmly knew I would meet him.

As the conference drew near, Hay House sent out lots of reminders and information of additional fun things going on during the conference. At the bottom of one of the emails they had a completely different hotel than what I had booked so long ago. Was it possible all of the authors and attendees were staying somewhere else? After a moment of despair, I thought, eh, everything will work out as it's intended to. This is all part of the unfolding. I have learned to let go of outcome and trying to control a situation. I have learned to be at ease no matter how things appear, and I have a deep knowing that things are always working out for my highest good.

I headed up the Friday morning before the event to enjoy a day in Houston. On the drive, I prayed as I always do to God, Jesus and my spiritual team about the upcoming weekend. I prayed for a fun time, feeling calm, happy, joyful, for the workshops to be wonderful along with the people I meet, and of course to meet and thank Dr. Robert Holden. I always end with "this or even better." What is possible can be far better than our imagination can picture. It's fun to leave things open to something even more wonderful.

The day was so much fun, visiting Chloe Dao's (from Project Runway) store and treating myself to some of her beautiful fashions, getting my nails done (it's been ages), buying some fabric from a store across from Chloe's shop for a future skirt, and walking, walking, and walking around a fun shopping center. I originally planned to get to the hotel before the 3pm check in. It was already past 3:30, so I decided to head over. It took me awhile to figure out where the front of the hotel was to valet my car, so I circled the hotel several times until I figured it out. Time was ticking by, but I was going there by myself, and the event didn't even start until the next day, but I felt like I should get myself checked in. I have learned more and more to listen to my inner guidance.

I checked in and went up to my room on the third floor. I threw my bags on the coffee table, took some pics of my pretty room and decided to take a peek outside my curtains. It was overlooking the lobby and a central area with a bar, tables and chairs, a perfect place to hang out. Oh my goodness, there he was! Yes, there was Dr. Robert Holden walking in the center of my view with arms outstretched to hug fellow Hay House author Nancy Levin. As I picked my jaw up off the floor, I smiled thinking about how fast this manifested, and how every moment in the day led to this. I grabbed my phone, my room key, and my poor heart pounding out of my chest, and I rushed out of the room to the elevator. Breathe, breathe, breathe, I told myself as I headed down to the lobby. Would he still be there? Relax, relax, relax, if this is how I'm supposed to meet him, he will be there.

Yes, that was how I was supposed to meet him!!! I gently (as gently as I could) interrupted his reunion with Nancy Levin and asked if I could speak with him for a moment. All I rehearsed came flying out of my mouth in a hurried garble. I actually needed to stop myself and breathe, I was so overwhelmed that he was standing right in front of me. Admittedly, all I wanted to say was spoken much smoother, and I was really quite charming, when I had previously rehearsed this in my mind. In person, it took on a life of it's own...oh dear, it was quite messy. But Dr. Holden was so kind, so welcoming, He was as wonderful as I knew he would be. If you have heard him on Hay House Radio, read his books, attended his lectures, or worked one of his courses, you know his is filled with love. He doesn't just teach love, he is love. And that was who I met, love incarnate.

He was so gracious to take a picture with me, and his assistant was kind enough to take it. It's funny, I was trying to say everything as quick as I could so I wouldn't take up too much of his time, but when I looked back on my photos, only 6 minutes had passed from the time I took the picture in my hotel room, until this one was taken. Time felt slowed down during all of this, it was amazing!

If I had kept shopping, things wouldn't have unfolded this way. If I hadn't circled my hotel so many times, none of this would have happened like this. If I had gotten to the hotel less than a half hour later, I would have been in the midst of a flurry of travelers who just came back to the hotel after one of the playoff games with the Astros, and I wouldn't have met Dr. Holden in that way. That is why I know to trust when something doesn't go as planned, or I get stuck in traffic, or something unexpectedly gets cancelled, I know in my heart that things are working out for my best interest. Because of the lessons Dr. Holden taught me, I understand that any seeming obstacle or difficulty has blessings in it. This fills me with a joy, rather than a frustration trying to make everything work out exactly how I think it should be.

The rest of the weekend was filled with seeing Dr. Holden everywhere. And it really made me smile, because it felt like an over the top nod from the Universe. You want to see Robert Holden, Kerri? Oh you are going to see him alright! It kind of makes me wonder what Dr. Holden was aligning with energetically himself, to conjure me all over the place that weekend. He has probably done some serious course correction since (I'm snorting with laughter right now!).

On Saturday morning, I was seated in a room waiting for the first lecture, when a lady sat next to me. She mentioned she forgot her book on her nightstand for James Van Praagh to sign. I thought back to the previous events I had gone to, and how much fun it was to get in the book line, have a moment with your spiritual hero, and have a signed book to take home. There's magic in that signature, a connection to that author. I got up to go buy her a book before the lecture began, and walked down the hallway to where the the books and vendors were camped out. As I got to the end of the hallway, walking perpendicular to me, was Dr. Holden and his assistant. We all shared a smile of acknowledgement and paused our momentum. I said "You really need to stop following me around like this, it's getting embarrassing." We all laughed, they walked to their classroom location and I went to get the book for my new friend. It was that timing thing again, I hadn't intended to leave my seat in James Van Praagh's room, but I did. And I thank the Universe again for that sweet moment.

I didn't bring a book to the hotel lobby when I saw Dr. Holden, I really just wanted to thank him, but I brought one of his books to the venue to get signed over the weekend, and bought a few more at the book stand too. When I was at James Van Praagh's lecture, I thought about when I would see Robert Holden again, maybe I would have enough time after, and he would have a book signing too. No pressure, just a wish to the Universe that some time during the weekend this would happen. Wish, imagine, feel, let it go. 

So after the lecture, and James' book signing, I asked one of the Hay House VIP coordinators where Dr. Holden was having his class. I walked towards the room and the door was closed, and some students were outside of the classroom. They had books to be signed too, so I decided to hang out with them! Soon he appeared and sat down to sign some books. I took pictures for the person in front of me, and they took pictures for me. It was all perfect, and we got to chat and laugh for a little longer. Honestly, it was just so cool!!!

The next day I visited Dr. Holden's classroom one last time, and gave him some kindness tags for his children. It has one of my favorite quotes by Lao Tzu. The full quote is "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." 

Dr. Holden gave me a big hug, I thanked him again, told him I loved him, and I left for my lecture with Colette Baron-Reid. For me, it felt like coming full circle. I first saw him six years ago in Austin, a few months later I had the job "loss" and his words and kindness changed my life, then six years later I was able to say thank you face to face. There are people who come into your life and make such a profound difference, and being able to say so in person, is such a gift. I am truly grateful. "All this, or even better," it was definitely even better!


Here's some fab books & courses from Dr. Robert Holden:

Books: *NEW - Finding Love Everywhere - Click here
Loveability - Click here
Holy Shift! - Click here
Shift Happens! - Click here

Courses: Shift Happens Online Course: www.hayhouse.com/shift-happens-saying-yes-to-the-next-step-in-your-life-online-course
Loving Yourself Online Course: www.hayhouse.com/loving-yourself-online-video-course

Website: https://www.robertholden.com/


In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

FLOATing Into Fifty

Over the past couple of years, I've made it a tradition to do something special for myself for my birthday. I love going out of my way on birthdays for the people I love, and I realized I needed to include myself as well. This year is a big one for me, so I wanted to do something really different.

This year I decided to try floating! FLOAT offers pods that are essentially sensory deprivation chambers. I have heard of these for awhile, and when I found there was a place to go to in San Antonio, I knew I wanted to try it to celebrate my half century. Before I went, I meditated, prayed and chose an oracle card from Sonia Choquette's Ask Your Guides Deck. Before I choose a card. I usually ask for my spirit guides to show me what it is they want me to know for the day. This day I asked for a message about my upcoming FLOAT experience. I wanted to know who I might connect with during that experience. When I pick a card, the deck is face down and after shuffling I hear a number so that I know which one to pick. If I hear 5 for example, then it is the 5th card from the top to pull. Everyone uses these decks different ways, but this is how it works for me. The card I picked was "Solitude," so appropriate for this experience. The spirit guide connecting with me was my owner Higher Spirit. 

I said a prayer in the car for a good experience and headed on my way. The pods are filled with ten inches of water and up to 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt. I love me an Epsom salt bath, but I've never used enough to make me float, maybe only a cup or two! But even that small amount of salt relaxes and recharges me, and releases the negative junk in my auric field. I was a little concerned about the salt level. One time I tried a five pound bag of Himalayan sea salt in my bath and I felt so yucky after it. It was serious detox and dehydration. I didn't know what to expect with this, but I took a giant bottle of water with me just in case.

I had a choice between an i-sopod or a Zero Gravity Suite, which is less claustrophobic. I really wanted the full experience, so I opted for the i-sopod. I arrived at FLOAT and was soon greeted by Meredith, who was so kind and informative. She showed me to the dressing room and bathroom. It had lockers, two mirrors, chairs, and tables filled with lotion, combs, hair dryers, curling irons, hairspray, and more for after floating. I took everything off, and put on one of their soft, comfy robes. They had flip flops too, but I usually trip over myself, so I walked barefoot to the next room.

Meredith led me to a small room with three massage chairs. The room was dark and peaceful. I chose my chair, sat down and Meredith started the chair in motion. I relaxed for fifteen minutes while gentle waves were projected on the walls, "stars" and "moon" were overhead on the dark ceiling, while sounds of nature chirped throughout. I felt like I was on a camping adventure, well maybe more glamping since I was in such a high tech massage chair! But it was very relaxing. This was not your regular nail salon chair. It had rollers at my feet, kneading my heels, all the way up through the balls of my feet. The leg rests periodically squeezed my legs and ankles, as did the arm rests atop my hands. Every once in awhile, after the rollers went down and up my spine to my neck, the sides would squeeze my shoulders together. It was awesome!

After the massage, Meredith brought me to my room (pod #5). The sound-proof room was small, and the pod was big! There was room to hang my robe, a small table with ear plugs and vaseline (to keep out the sting of the salt if I had any open cuts). In the corner was a shower with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Everything was provided for, which made it convenient not to have to pack a bag for this, other than some makeup. Meredith told me to shower first (they don't want oils or anything in the pod). She showed me where the latch was inside the lid of the pod for when I needed to open it. She said to keep it closed as much as possible to keep the temperature as it should be. It is supposed to be the same temperature as our skin.

Meredith opened the pod and it was lit in blue. The water was clear. I don't know why, but I expected it to be thick and salty looking, but it wasn't at all. Inside on the left was a button to push to turn the blue light off when I was ready for darkness. She said for awhile I would see light from the room peeking through the seams of the pod lid until the room light went off. The floating experience also starts with calming music, but that fades away too. On the right inside the pod, was a button to push if I needed any help (a panic button I thought, that I hoped I wouldn't need!).

She talked about ways to relax, breathing, how to rest my arms - she suggested placing them over my head to open up and relax more. She showed me a flotation ring for my head, hung on the wall, that I could use if needed. She said the head seems to be the last thing to relax. I can understand that, since tension always seems to show itself in my head and neck.

I was ready to roll, so Meredith left the room and I was on my way to my sixty minute adventure (they have 90 minute sessions too)! I took a quick shower and hopped in the pod. I closed the lid over me, layed down in the water and was floating instantly! The music was peaceful, as was the blue light. It was ethereal. I looked around briefly and noticed a decent amount of room in the pod to feel comfortable. It was warm. I really prefer to feel cool and breathe in cool air. That wasn't happening here, and I started worrying myself that I'd overheat or panic. It wasn't that hot, I was just overthinking. I turned the light off. Breathe, breathe, breathe. 

It was really fascinating to be floating in this unique experience. When the room light went out, it was so dark I couldn't see any difference with my eyes opened or closed.   My neck hurt. I had been to the gym in the morning and it was already sore, but I must not have been relaxing it completely. I had to pop the lid to get the neck support. Dang. I wish I had brought it in with me. I opened the lid and grabbed the ring and got back in. It was nice to get a little bit of cool air.

I settled back down, turned the light off again, and not too long after, the room light went out again. I prayed. I asked to connect to God, my spirit guides, my higher self. Everything started to look red. I don't know if it was from my blood pumping harder. At times I could feel my pulse beating in my ears. I didn't use the earplugs, I really wanted to feel everything. But the beat was really loud at times. I know how hokey this sounds, but you know I'm going to say it anyway...I saw the face of Jesus. I often see flashes of people, places and objects when I meditate. I have not been able to slow down the images enough to put together the meaning. This time I saw his face, large, just for a brief moment. After that I saw this jumbled mass of red and dark. It was kind of like a lava lamp, but more in the shape of a cloud.  In the mass, small faces appeared and receded. It was creepy and a little scary. It didn't feel like good energy. I prayed to Archangel Michael to clear it. Breathe, relax, breathe.

Off and on I could hear my heartbeat loudly in my head and at one point I heard a really loud sound that made me jump.  It's a sound-proof room, so I don't know what it was, but it jarred me for a second. It could have been from my own body, as my ears were under the water and the sound is amplified. They recommend eating an hour or so before the float so stomach sounds aren't distracting, so it could have been digestion in progress!

I struggled with the heat in the beginning, but I really wanted to stay in the pod for the full hour, so I just did it. I knew it really wasn't anything that would hurt me, I just needed to get used to it. I had a conversation with a friend of mine the night before the float, and she said she wouldn't be able to do it because she had an unexpected panic attack just getting an MRI. That vision popped in my head, and my heart beat faster. I let it go quickly. Breathe, breathe, breathe. 

I relaxed as I would when I meditate. The head rest was a huge help. Every once in awhile it felt like my shoulders were scrunching up, so I put my arms over my head as Meredith suggested. It felt much better. When my eyes were closed, and I relaxed more, I felt myself  moving. It felt like I was floating on a calm sea..at night...with no sharks. The music came back on when my time was up, it seemed like it all went by so fast. 

I popped the pod back open and showered again, dried off and put on my robe. After I opened the door and walked down the hallway, Meredith was there to bring me back to the changing room. I felt peaceful as I got dressed and dried my hair. Meredith had mentioned that I could go to a sitting area to relax as long as I wanted to after, so I did. It was a room with couches, coloring books, water, kombucha to purchase (which I did!), and tea. As I grabbed some water, Meredith and I chatted about my experience. I told her I didn't get to the spiritual place I wanted to, but I felt good and know that if I tried it a few more times, I would be able to relax as I do when I meditate. She said it usually takes a few sessions to relax as well. She also suggested maybe a 90 minute session might be better for me and I agreed. It really does go fast, and I think more time would be ideal. I also think I might try the Zero Gravity Suite and see if I feel better about the warmth in that environment.

I grabbed some locally made kombucha and walked to the entrance to pay for my float. Meredith had stepped out, so I was able to meet one of the owners Jeremy Jacob. He was just as kind and helpful, and rounded out a great new experience. Aside my quest to transcend my body and connect with spirit, this experience was relaxing, good for my joints and muscles, peaceful, and a welcome break from social media, news, and sensory overload.  I will definitely float again and continue to let go, relax, and breathe. 

For more information and a virtual tour:
FLOAT: http://www.floatsa.com/

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Kindness And The Cake Fairy

I had just returned from a relaxing weekend at the coast with my family. We unpacked the car and while my husband vacuumed the sand from the trunk, I decided to take my son to the Wendy's around the corner from us to pick up some lunch.

We pulled into the Wendy's parking lot and a white pickup truck pulled ahead of us in the drive-thru lane. There were a couple of cars ahead of us. In less than a minute, the white truck decided he couldn't wait. Because he was so close to the car in front of him, he backed right into my car to get out of the line. I could hear the awful crunching of the front of my car, it sounded like all of the metal was being mangled. I couldn't get out of the way of the mess that was happening, I felt helpless.


The truck pulled out of line, and I did too, expecting that we would both pull over and sort through this accident. Instead, the truck went flying around the parking lot. It was obvious that the driver was trying to get away. I was shocked and angry that someone would do that. It's not normally in me, but I tore after him because I wanted to get the license plate number. I kept repeating the plate number to my son who recorded it on his phone. As the car sped out of the parking lot, and into what is normally a very busy street, I stopped at the edge of the parking lot. I wasn't getting into a road rage scenario over this, or jeopardize my son's safety.  

I turned into the first empty space in the parking lot. I was feeling stunned that someone would actually do that. My son was fine and just as surprised as I was over the whole incident. He was actually a little jazzed about all of the excitement. With dread, I got out of the car to assess the damage. It sounded so awful. I don't get attached to physical things, but I actually really like this car. It's still new and I am trying my best to really take care of her (Jophiel). She's the Kind Car for my Kindness...Pass It On missions, and I try to treat the car with the love that it is being use for. Before I got out, I called my husband, but he was still cleaning out the sand, so didn't hear my initial call.

When I walked to the front of the car, I was so relieved to see that there was only damage to the plastic grill. That sound must have just been the hitch of the truck gnarling that small part of my car. I was still upset, but very thankful that it wasn't worse.

I pulled my phone out to call the police when a car pulled right beside mine. Soon after another car pulled beside that one. Out of the first car emerged a lovely couple. I noticed the magnet on the side of their car immediately and it made me smile, it said "The Cake Fairy." Shelly Leonard (aka The Cake Fairy) and her husband were kind enough to stop. My legs were shaking from pure adrenaline and Shelly asked if I was ok. She was so sweet and caring. Not only did they stop to see if we were alright, Shelly actually got the license plate number for me in case I didn't! I seriously am still so overwhelmed by her kindness to a complete stranger. 

I asked Shelly if she would mind if I took her information just in case the police needed a witness. Without hesitation, she started to give me her number, while her husband popped his head back into their car to pull out her business card. When I saw that, I thought, not only is he being generous and helpful, I could see that he was honoring his wife for this beautiful business she created. That touched me too. Having someone support you in your passion is such a gift, and I was witness to it in that moment.

I didn't talk as much with the gentleman in the second car, but he let me know that the truck was a Ford F150 Platinum. I am very grateful to him too. There is such beauty in knowing that there are people who are willing to stop and help just because. It wasn't for a reward or for something for any of them, it was just because that's who they are. There are just incredibly wonderful people in this world. The intention of today's blog isn't about the accident, or the runaway truck, it is really about gratitude for such kindness given. It is easy to focus on the bad, but the more important piece is the goodness.

After they left, the police and my husband arrived and I reported everything necessary. I chatted with Shelly afterwards via text and she continued to be kind and willing to help if needed. Of course I looked up her Facebook page to see all of her incredible creations. You can see the love (and talent!) she puts into what she does from cookies to cupcakes, cake pops, cakes and more. She is able to create a design for any age, occasion or theme including weddings, showers, birthdays, and holidays. She told me "I love what I do and I am so grateful for my customers. The saying, 'You'll never work a day in your life if you do what you love' definitely applies to me. Not only am I passionate about creating cakes, but I'm passionate about my family so my business allows me the freedom to spend my time and energy with them." Well, her passion sure shows! The more I read about what she does and who she is, I can see why she stopped that day. Shelly has a beautiful heart and shares her heart with her family, her cakes, and everyone she meets. She has had serious challenges and profound loss in her life, but chooses to help others including donating a birthday cake monthly to children who are living at the Strong Foundation. 

Thank you Shelly for your kindness and compassion. I wish you continued success in your beautiful business and all the best to you and your family always.

Visit The Cake Fairy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellythecakefairy/ or email her at shellythecakefairy@gmail.com .

For curiosity sake, I can tell you after reporting it to police and my insurance company, the reason why the truck rushed off was because it wasn't registered to the driver. It was purchased 8 months ago at an auction from a commercial leasing company. They didn't register the car in their name, the plates were from the original owner, so they couldn't have had insurance either. It doesn't justify leaving the scene of an accident, but it does explain it. 

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Now That I'm Spiritual, You Have To Be Too

Um, no. No you don't have to walk my path. That's the whole point, this is my path, and you have yours. Sometimes we walk together, and sometimes we don't. And that's just fine.  

I found a lovely group to connect with through the spirit guides class I took recently. Twyla, the teacher, put together a monthly group called Spiritual Happy Hour through the Meetup app. Awesome app, by the way, to find local like-minded souls in whatever it is you enjoy: yoga, meditation, business groups, and more. 

So last Friday was our first get together. We met up for happy hour at local spot called Barbaro. I ordered a Blanche Devereaux to drink, as I'm not just mystical, but also a rather passionate Golden Girls aficionado. The evening was as fun as I expected! We had good conversation including everything from crystals, past lives, current lives, our careers and more. One of the gentlemen I'll call "Sam," (since that was his name :) asked me and Twyla if our husbands were on board with our spirituality, or if there was a conflict. I've heard this conversation many times, and I have listened to people say how they were on a new path and now they couldn't relate to the people in their lives anymore. Some have left relationships or were considering it. 

When I first started really tuning in to spirit, I did have a time when I felt alone. But it was self-imposed. I thought I had to hide how I was feeling and what I was discovering. It was actually because I wasn't comfortable with it yet. It is very easy to project onto others what we are actually feeling about ourselves. After awhile I didn't care anymore and began to talk and write about it. I also started opening up about my small business and blog. I'm here to be myself not someone else, as we all are. There wasn't any earth-shattering stomping away of people I was close with. And there wasn't anyone that I felt compelled to run away from. Relationships do come and go, evolve and change, and through my heightened intuition, I am just more aware of the people that are truly kind and genuine. And I am also aware of my energy, and what I want to bring to others.

For a time I wanted everyone to hear about what I was learning, it was all so exciting (well, to me that is). Of course my conversations were welcome with others who listen to similar programs or read the same books and articles as me.  But not everyone is interested in everything that I am, even within the spiritual world there are thousands of paths.

Once I made peace with myself on what was important to me, and respected myself for what I believe in, it really didn't matter if anyone else felt the same way. For me to call myself spiritual and exclude someone who doesn't believe the same way, doesn't feel very spiritual to me. I don't need to prove what I believe in, and neither does anyone else. For me, spirituality is about BEING it, not preaching it. It is something I am working on, and my ultimate goal is just to be love.

So as far as judging others who don't walk my path, I don't. Instead, I choose to see what is really there, and it is more beautiful than can be found in a book or a course. As I told Sam, my husband doesn't need to practice spirituality, he IS it without trying. My husband looks up at the stars, the moon, a beautiful sunrise or sunset and says the most sincere and loving thank you for their daily gifts. That is BEING it. He speaks of this elderly woman he sees when he drives to pick up our son at school. He notices her getting off the bus a few blocks from our home every day in the blazing sun, walking to her home in our subdivision. He is contemplating how to help, if he can figure out a way to give her a ride, or buy her an umbrella to shade her. That is BEING it.

I will continue with my books, courses, learning, and groups because I love it and it's part of my path. But I will always be mindful to BE it and really SEE it in others. 

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

Peace Begins With Me (and you too!)

It has been a tumultous year and a half in the United States. There has been racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and more. And today we wake up to the culmination of all of the hatred and divisiveness to reveal that Donald Trump is our president elect. 

I kept the election on TV last night and would wake periodically in horror at how it was all going. I felt my heart pounding in my chest in disbelief that someone who spewed such hatred could actually be voted for. I prayed for the best outcome for our country and the world. I woke up feeling sick and full of fear. I cried. I felt embarrassed for our country.

And then I turned back to what has helped me overcome any fears and anxieties that I have ever had. I prayed and I meditated. And I was calm again. The truth is, at least my truth, is that Donald Trump is a reflection of the collective unconscious. He is a projection of the state of our country. Deepak Chopra stated it on Facebook yesterday: "When we can’t face our own shadow, it gets embodied in figures like Trump who gleefully let the dark side of human nature romp in public." So let's face it and use this an opportunity for change. Fear doesn't change anything, it keeps us stuck. 

I know so many (including myself) who have pointed out all of the horrible things Donald Trump has said and done, and I agree. But after some reflection, I also have to admit, Hillary Clinton's team and the media kept repeating it over and over again. Are they not responsible for spreading fear too? Her commercial with all of Trump's rants of hatred and disrespect while child actors sat there watching the TV, were also witnessed by our children. It affected my household, I'm sure it affected many others. 

I think Hillary would have been the best choice for our country, I think her passion is for the public good. I believe she is all inclusive. But I also thought of what would have happened this morning if she were elected. What kind of rebellion would have taken place? What violence could have ensued? Perhaps in some way, we are saved from ourselves right now.

This was a fear based campaign on both sides. Trump wanted us to fear Muslims, Mexicans, and anyone different from him. Clinton wanted us to fear any possibility of Trump being in the White House and in charge of the nuclear codes. How do you sleep thinking Trump could cause a nuclear war? Both sides scared us.

What we see in others exists in us. Whichever candidate we favored, and as much as we think the "other side" is so wrong, if we react with the same anger, fear, and hatred, then aren't we exactly the same? I choose to continue to see the oneness in all of us, I do not support any forms of hatred, I choose love.

I had a moment this morning where I wanted to give up my spiritually-based business and my writing. But after prayer and meditation I realized that giving in to fear is not what is needed. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so beautifully stated: "I have decided to stick with love…Hate is too great a burden to bear." This country and this world need more love. The quote above from Mother Teresa is another clear explanation of what is needed now. We need to begin at home, we need to begin with ourselves. It is also expressed beautifully in the Prayer of Saint Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 

where there is injury, pardon; 

where there is doubt, faith; 

where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; 

where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console; 

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love; 

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

This is how we change the world, this is how we make a difference. So for me, I will begin in my home, and I will continue the Kindness...Pass It On Mission to encourage kindness to others, I will continue to create products that promote love, kindness, and peace, and I will write about all of the beauty in life and in each other. I will do my part, and as each of us chooses peace, it will create a ripple effect that will change the world. Sending love and peace to you all.

In Gratitude and Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

21 Days of Joy

The more I meditate, the more in touch I become with my soul's voice and my spiritual team that I pray to. What I have been hearing lately is to bring more joy into my life. The voice I hear doesn't just speak to me through my thoughts, it also repeats itself over and over again through things that are brought into my awareness such as books, articles, radio shows, conversations with others and more. The same theme repeats itself until I take notice and do something about it.

I work six days a week, run two small businesses, maintain a blog, and run the Kindness...Pass It On mission. I love everything I do, but my weekdays and weekends became so jam packed that I forgot to play. It was taking a toll on me. I realized I wasn't smiling or laughing as much as I used to. I was feeling drained and I needed to have fun again. 

For the last three weeks, I followed my joy. I spent time reading, meditating, making jewelry, going for walks, visiting the San Antonio Missions, going to the park, taking day trips, exploring nature, recognizing the kindness in others, and being present with my family. I also created future joy by getting tickets to see Eben Alexander author of Proof of Heaven in December, a holiday symphony, and a comedy show next year.

When I bought my new car, I decided to name her after Archangel Jophiel who is all about joy. She helps manifest joy and happiness, and brings beauty to all aspects of our lives. The car makes me feel happy and I wanted the name to be a reflection and reminder of that. Through the 21 Days of Joy, I rediscovered my joy of driving. I used to love going for long drives when I was younger. I would drive to the Jersey shore by myself frequently, and the journey was as peaceful as the ocean itself, Over these past three weeks, my husband and I would take long weekend drives through the Texas Hill Country and visit towns and shops together. It was relaxing and fun at the same time. It was so nice to get out, away from my office, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the sky, the beautiful trees, and time with my love. I could feel the huge benefits in shaking up the routine I was trapping myself in.

In one of the towns we visited, I spotted a beautiful dog sitting under a bench. I wanted to go up and pet him. I just love animals. At the end of his leash was a man with his face painted in black and red. He said "For $5 you can get a picture of a real Comanche and a real Timberwolf." It actually took me aback for a moment with his gruff voice and the darkness of the paint hiding his face. For a moment I felt I was in another time and space. I said no thanks and walked past. I began reflecting on what is happening at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota because of the Dakota Pipeline Project. I kept thinking about the man and his wolf, and as we turned back to walk that way again, the Comanche and his companion were gone. I joked to my husband that they were spirits, since we couldn't find them anywhere, but my husband insisted that a spirit wouldn't need cash. I could definitely see the logic in that, but it was still a bit mysterious, and I really wanted to just give him some money if he needed it. 

Click link for photo credit: Kim Robbins Photography

My birthday coincided with my 21 Days of Joy, so I spent that day treating myself. I haven't shopped for myself in ages, primarily because of my weight gain. Now that I'm losing weight again, I am beginning to find the joy again in fashion, jewelry, and taking better care of myself. I bought myself a "goal" blouse as inspiration for my diet. I bought some Clinique skin care and blush. When I was checking out, the salesperson asked if I wanted to sign up for the Macy's rewards program. I said yes, and had to fill in my birth date. When she realized it was my birthday, she threw some free samples into my bag. When I got home, I realized she gave me "Happy" perfume and lotion! It was just too perfect for my joy mission!

What happens when you spend time focusing on what you want to bring into your life, is that the universe conspires to flood you with it. It is the same thing that happens when you focus on what you don't want. The universe doesn't see the difference, it's just giving you what you put your attention on. So, why not pick happy, joy, abundance, perfect wellness, healthy relationships, being on purpose, connecting with spirit, seeing the beauty in your children? It's all there, it always is. 

Realigning with joy in my life has re-energized me. It has helped me pour even more love, passion, and focus into all of the work I do. It has reconnected me with the most important relationships in my life, including myself. 

My next 21 days will be a revisit of 21 Days of Art. I had started it, but didn't follow through. Honestly, it scared me, which is why I need to do it again. Instead of enjoying something that I love to do, I put pressure on myself. I felt that what I was doing wasn't good enough or creative enough. That isn't what art is about, is it? One of the latest repetitive messages coming to me has been about the book The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path To Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. I ordered it, and it came in the mail yesterday. Of course it is exactly on point with what has been holding me back. This is yet another example to keep an eye, an ear, and an open mind to what the universe is providing. Everything is happening for us, not to us. I am now ready for 21 Days of Art, because I have joy on my side.

For more information on the books, authors and information mentioned in the blog, click on the links throughout to visit their sites!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com