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

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

Being The Witness

My youngest son and I were out running some errands one weekend recently. We stopped by his high school, next to Wal-Mart and then the the gas station to fill up the tank. As we headed back home he stated "When I'm older I want to make alot of money so I can give it to people who need it." Whoah, wow! There was nothing in our conversation to prompt it, it just came out. And I was the witness. 

My older son has told me many stories of his giving. It's not because he was bragging. He often hangs out in my office after his day at college, and it is just in regular conversation. He has told me of times that he's done kindnesses for his friends and times he's given money to customers at his job because they didn't have enough. He gives to give, not expecting anything in return. It's beautiful. And I was the witness.

There have been so many moments that I have been the witness to both of my sons. I have seen kindness, compassion, gentleness, humor and more. It is such a blessing. I feel so honored to have the role of mom to these two beautiful souls. Dr. Wayne Dyer has often repeated a piece of this quote by Khalil Gibran, and it is exactly how I feel about being a parent:

On Children

 Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
That His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

I don't allow my ego to believe for one minute that the wonderful beings that they are, is because of me. I was blessed to have them, and they are so wanted and loved. I was (and still am) there to take care of them, watch them grow, protect them (hovering sometimes a bit too much!) and be their witness. The best part is being their witness. And the times they don't realize their beauty and magnificence, I tell them what I've witnessed in them. They have been my witness too. They have seen love, compassion, and honesty, but they have also seen anger, impatience and more from me. I believe that they choose the path they will take based on what they've witnessed throughout their lives through home, school, friends and the world they live in. They are unique souls on their unique path.

I also don't believe they owe me anything for being their parent. They are not here for me, they are here for their purpose. I don't own them, but I do love them with all my heart. I would give my life for them. When they feel pain, I feel pain. When they feel joy, so do I. But I don't want them to be me, I want them to be who they are. I don't encourage them to take part in sports or do well in school to stroke my ego. I encourage them to do the best they are able and try new things to find out what they like and who they are. You will never hear me say "He's just like me,"or "Thanks to me, he accomplished that." I am proud of them for them, not for my sake.

As Kahlil Gibran says, "you may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you." That's it! I learn so much from them. As the years have gone by, they have taught me so much about being a parent, the importance of having a kinder heart and calmer disposition. They have taught me patience, love, joy and so much more. I will forever be grateful for the beautiful gifts they are, and for being their witness.


In Gratitude and Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com