Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Have A Blessed Day




As I continue on my Kindness...pass it on Mission to spread Intentional Acts of Kindness, more and more ideas come to mind.  Kindness isn't just about spending money to help others, there are so many ways to be kind. I think about this quite a bit while I take my daily three mile walk through my neighborhood.  I always seem to come across hearts in the sidewalk, rocks, clouds, and more. I see beautiful flowers, birds singing, stray cats running over to me, meowing as if they can sense how freaking adorable I think they are. They are a reminder to me of love and kindness. They make me smile, and they cost nothing. 

As I walked through my usual trail one day, I thought about something that always is such a beautiful kindness.  I love when someone says "Have a blessed day." Every time I hear that, it  goes right to my heart, I feel loved.  It is always from a stranger, which makes it so very sweet, because it reminds me that we are all connected, we are all one. I have heard it from the cashier at Wal-Mart as I packed my groceries in the cart, I've heard it from the Goodwill attendant who helped me grab my donations out of my car. I've heard it many times and it always sounds so beautiful. As I thought about it that morning, I wanted to remember to write it down so I could share it with you.  As I trudged up the final, steep hill of my trek, my pounding heart and sweat pouring into my eyes led to me to forget about my writing quest. 

To be quite honest, as much as I love to hear "Have a blessed day," I never felt worthy to utter it myself. It's not that I haven't wanted to, I just didn't feel like I had the right to. It's funny how we can accept something so easily from others, feel so uplifted, yet feel that we haven't the same power to reciprocate. I am not sure why I put that block up, but since I believe we are all one, that block needed to come down.

The next day I walked my usual path, and as I passed the exact spot that I had the "blessed day" thought, I noticed an older gentleman across the street. I said  "Good morning," and I'm sure you know what his reply was! "Have a blessed day!" I nearly fell over! I said "Same to you!" My heart was full. And then when I didn't think I could take any more, a sweet kitty ran across the street towards me for generous pats on the head. I trudged the hill of dread and made it home as quickly as possible to write down my experience. Neither sweat, nor heat, nor exhausted legs would keep me from forgetting this!

I had been trying to come with a signature on my Kindness Cards when I leave them for strangers.  I finally have one that feels like me, that feels like the kind of loving thought that I want to touch others. From now on, they will all be signed "Have a blessed day." I am truly grateful to all of the kind people and fluffy kitties who have made this all possible. 


  

With Gratitude,

Kerri
www.suitablegifts.com



Tuesday, July 1, 2014

An Open Letter Of Gratitude To Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Dear Dr. Dyer,

Last year an intention I had set came true.  Understanding intention, the power behind our thoughts, and so many wonderful life lessons were all taught to me through your writing and lectures. I want to share my experience, express my sincere gratitude, and thank you again for changing my life.

Through reading your books, listening to your CD's, enjoying your movie The Shift, listening to your weekly show on Hay House Radio, and watching you over the years on PBS, I had such a desire (an intention) to see you in person. I wanted to thank you for transforming my life. I kept thinking how can I get to see you? I work and have two boys to raise. How would I get to New York, California or my dream Maui?! I was checking your tour schedule and there it was! It presented itself to me! I had the vision of it, but I didn't expect that for the first time, I Can Do It would be in Austin! It was only an hour away! What a miracle! I was so excited to make the trip. My husband was very supportive and happy for me, because he knows what you mean to me.

I ordered the tickets very quickly and didn't know that Hay House had a hotel selected.  I looked for accommodations closest to the venue, and the first place I tried to book was sold out. Wasn't it a miracle that I ended up choosing the very hotel that was for Hay House, without even knowing it?! Oh those synchronicities just kept coming!

I drove up envisioning an opportunity not only to see you in person, but to thank you for everything you've done to make my life joyful, peaceful and loving. When I arrived at the venue the next morning, I found a nice seat about 5 rows back from the stage. I thought, this is perfect.  I sat down and an usher came over to escort a woman that was having issues walking. One of them mentioned something about seats up front, but she just wanted to sit immediately. I asked if there were still seats up there, and the usher said yes! I went to the first row and I asked one of the ladies if anyone had that empty seat, and one of them said "Yes, we've been saving it for you!" I was just expecting to envelope myself in the warmth and joy of the whole experience, but what I was presented with was four new friends and one of the best seats in the house! It all just kept unfolding beautifully.

Seeing you in person and listening to your divine voice was magic (of course!)! I just could not believe I was sitting there with you a few feet in front of me! Even though I had envisioned it in my mind, I was in such awe to realize I was actually living it! What a wonderful experience. Your daughter sings like an angel! It all was glorious! There were many miracles happening around me. I was talking to one of the ladies about your "I Am" CD for manifesting, and then you handed it right to her!


I started getting to know to all of the women next to me during the breaks, and learned that the lady (Estella) you handed the CD to, also came to the event by herself.  It turned out that she was staying at the same hotel and had taken a cab to the auditorium.  I felt the need to be kind (how can you not feel kind in a room full of love?) and asked her if she would like a ride back to the hotel. She was very happy for the offer and when we got to the hotel, I offered her a ride to the venue for the Sunday session.  We decided to meet up the next morning very early so we could try to get the same seats again for us and our 3 new friends.

So here is where the bells ring, the clouds part and Dr. Wayne Dyer appears floating on angels wings...ok that may sound dramatic, but what actually happened felt more amazing that that! Estella and I met in the lobby early Sunday morning. We decided to have a muffin and coffee before heading to the auditorium. Less than 5 minutes after sitting down, there you were coming off the elevator walking my way. My jaw hit the floor.  You were stopped for a moment by a couple who were also in awe.

I knew you were on your way out (dropping off a letter at the front desk first, I think) and I didn't want to bother you.  But there you were! I couldn't help myself. I looked up and said "Dr. Dyer, I know you're busy, but could I trouble you for a picture?" And you said "Of course!" I handed my camera to Estella, who was a stranger less than 24 hours prior, but was now witnessing my miracle.  I had so much in my mind that I wanted to say to you, but I was in such shock, I'm not even sure I sounded human.  My thank you’s were so minor to what I was feeling in my heart. It just couldn't all come out. 

What struck me the most in meeting you was when you looked me in the eyes. A wave of pure love washed over me. I have never felt such love in my life.  I felt understood, seen, whole, and loved in just a split second.  I could never be able to put into words what that meant to me, but I thank you with all my heart for being so kind, so gracious, so you! (And I must admit, being snuggled up next to you for the picture was pretty spectacular too!) You are love and I will be forever grateful for all you have done to put me on such a beautiful path in life.

After you walked away I burst into tears. It was so amazing to think about how many unexpected things happened to cause this "chance" encounter. Estella and I were both overwhelmed and overjoyed. She was the one you gave the I Am CD to, and now she got to meet you and thank you too!

I know after that weekend, that you gave over 2,000 miracles. All of the people in those seats had an experience,  their own experience, their own magic. It was no less important than mine. And from those 2,000 miracles, they are spread over and over again, because what you teach becomes what we live.

Thank you Dr. Dyer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

With Love and Gratitude,

Kerri
www.suitablegifts.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Book Review: Holy Shift! Edited By Robert Holden, Ph.D.


On October 21, 1965 Jesus spoke to Helen Schucman, Ph.D.:  "This is a course in miracles, please take notes." I don't know about you, but if Jesus spoke to me, I'd be writing it down, recording it, and tattooing it on my entire body. Helen, being of a more rational mind than myself, opted to write it down with the help of her friend and colleague William Thetford, Ph.D. Thus A Course In Miracles was born.

Whether it is a lecture, a book reference, or a familiar quote, A Course In Miracles (ACIM) has been brought more and more into my awareness as I continue on my spiritual quest.  This course offers spiritual transformation! However, the thought of reading a 1,200 page book seemed daunting at best, so I kept on listening to the lectures, the references, and the quotes (I'm not lazy mind you, I just thought my brain might explode).  

What a glorious day it was when I found out Dr. Robert Holden, Ph.D. was putting together a book of daily meditations called Holy Shift!, based on A Course In Miracles! Now I could learn from the brilliant author of Happiness NOW!, Shift Happens!, Authentic Success, Be Happy, and Loveability.  I had the pleasure of listening to one of his lectures at an I Can Do It! event last year, and am an avid listener to his weekly show on Hay House Radio. His messages are so on point, insightful, relevant, and transforming. He has studied ACIM for over 20 years, and his poignant and inspirational messages make him the perfect source to learn about the Course.

Dr. Holden has put together 365 of the most beautiful selections from ACIM to meditate on daily.  In Holy Shift! you will be transformed through poetry, prayer, and meditation. This is a beautiful daily meditation guide. For the purpose of this review, I read the entire book. So many times I would be reading a page and 'Wow!' 'Brilliant!' 'Amazing!' would just fly out of my mouth. I couldn't help myself. There was such beauty, joy, and release in this book. It reminds us that we are truly love, we are never alone, we are as pure as we were created- we just need to remember.  It also is a reminder that we are all one, we are free when we forgive, and what we see in the other is just a reflection of ourselves.  It is illusion shattering, ego releasing, uplifting, and miracle producing.

While I read the book in its entirety, I also took the day's message and sat there with it.  I wanted to experience the daily meditation as well. I read it several times, mostly aloud as a prayer. I asked God to help me absorb and fully understand the message that He wanted me to know from this meditation.  I set my iPhone alarm to twenty minutes, closed my eyes, and meditated.  This was the first time I was able to meditate without music, a mantra, or a meditation CD. I focused on my breathing, relished in the day's message, and was silent.

Do miracles occur from reading Holy Shift!? They sure do! As I continue with the daily meditations, I can feel the shift.  I don't need a bucket of money to fall out of the sky for me to witness a miracle (although I would not turn from it, should it decide to!). There are miracles in every moment, and this book allows you to notice them. Isn't it a miracle to feel peace, love for yourself and others, a gentle letting go of past and future towards living just in the present moment? There is a calm and joy that comes from learning that God loves us just as we are, that we are a part of Him, and we are never alone. 

For me, I feel less fear and I dwell less. I also feel an ease in taking care of the house that holds my soul, which I have not felt before.  This translates to a gentle desire to walk. Since starting the book, I have walked 3 miles a day.  Exercise was a chore in the past, along with a scolding for not taking better care of myself.  Now it feels like second nature, as if I'm not trying at all. I'm really not trying, it's just happening. No more scolding, I accept and love myself as I am right now. My appetite has changed, again, very naturally. I had a nudging to finally start my gratitude journal, and I have added synchronities and miracle observations that are now part of my awareness. It is all so easy, no pressure, just flowing. I also feel calmer and more loving towards others and myself. What I love about this book, is I have a daily reminder and lesson to keep me on this path.  It will always be with me.
   
I highly recommend Holy Shift!, whether you are new to ACIM or continuing on your journey. There are some books that exude power and this is one of them. You can feel it just by holding it in your hands. Every day you will learn more about yourself, the world that you have created, and the power of God within you. The biggest miracle is you will get to really know you- and you will be amazed at how beautiful you really are.  Bless you Dr. Robert Holden, Ph.D. for this exquisite book.

With Gratitude,

Kerri
www.suitablegifts.com












*Please note, this book was sent to me free from Hay House as part of the Book Nook Blogger program. All opinions and commentary in the above review are my own.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The next step.


As my oldest son prepared for his high school graduation, I kept making a fuss about celebrating.  "Why?" He kept asking me. "What is the big deal?" I so appreciate his humility, it is one of the many things I love about him. But as I stare at his pictures on my office wall of his yearly growth from infant to nearly 18, I am humbled and awed at how much there is to celebrate.  Dear Richard, this blog is for you.

Watching you grow from a pure, innocent baby to crawling, walking, and talking...wow it is such a miracle to behold.  Then discovering your beautiful personality, watching you grow and change, yet always hold on to those wonderful qualities that make you Richard, has been such a gift.  

Throughout your life you have dealt with challenges, conflicts, decisions, and you have always chosen a path of kindness, grace, and compassion.  This is who you are at your core, and I am so proud and honored to be a witness to such a wonderful soul.  

Who you are is not a grade, an award, a scholarship (although I am very proud of your outward accomplishments too!).  What is truly important is who you are, and what you put out into the world.  Your gift is what is inside of you, and that is one-of-a-kind and to be cherished.

I have watched you show kindness in the face of unkind behavior.  You are thoughtful and generous in all of your relationships. Your integrity shines through as you go the extra mile at your work, even when no one is watching.  

You have never wavered from who you are, you have always been true to yourself, and that to me, is the most valuable accomplishment you could ever have.  I know you will continue through life this way, even though it's not easy, because that is who you are. And I love you for that.

As you take the next step through the college years, please know that whatever you decide to "be" in the outside world, I will always support you, because I know who you truly "are" lies within you, and it's beautiful.

Congratulations my dear son.  You deserve every celebration, every well wish, every joy and happiness there is in the world.  

Love forever,

Mom

Thursday, May 15, 2014

We're Proud To Announce Our: Kindness...pass it on Mission!




Intentional Kindness is a beautiful thing, not only does it make the recipient feel great, it does the same to the giver.  Best of all, it also makes anyone who sees or hears about the kindness, feel great too! And you know what happens after that...kindness spreads!

That is what this mission is all about, spreading more kindness into the world.  I know it's out there. I know others are doing random and intentional acts of kindness, and now it's time to join in! Suitable Gifts wants to jump start our mission by offering two free Kindness cards. Just send us your name and address on our Kindness...pass it on! page and we will happily send them to you. Our cards have plenty of lines for you to add your message (and you can write on the back too!). The great thing about the Kindness cards, are that they are just the size of a business card. You can carry them in your wallet, leave them in your glove compartment, and use them when the moment strikes you.




You don't need to spend money to be kind. There are different ways to give, and it is always the thought that counts.  Your Intentional Kindness can be to someone you know: a family member, a teacher, co-worker, friend.  It can also be to someone you don't know.  And it's up to you how you want to share it, whether you want to sign you name or make it totally anonymous.  It should be what makes you feel good too! Try different ways, and see what works the best for you. There also isn't a formula for how often you need to do this, every day, once a week. once a month, it's all up to you. There is no wrong way if you are being kind!

Here are some ideas:
Free Kindness:
  • Share a smile.
  • Give a sincere compliment.
  • Open the door for someone.
  • Let a driver in your lane.
  • Let the person behind you get in front at the check-out line.
$5 and under Kindness:
  • Leave a $5 Starbucks gift card on someone's windshield- on the card write: "Free coffee on me!"
  • Feed the parking meter for another- leave the Kindness card on the windshield: "Added some coins to the meter to save you from a ticket!"
  • Pay a toll for the car behind you. Leave the card for the toll booth collector to give to the driver with your note (of course fill out the card before you get behind the wheel!).

$5+ Kindness:
  • Pay breakfast/lunch for the car behind you in the fast food line. Leave the Kindness card (filled out) for the cashier to give to them. "Lunch is on me!"
  • Gift cards- leave a surprise gift card ($5,$10 nothing is too small) for Target, CVS, Walmart, Wendy's, Subway...etc) on someone's desk, windshield, in public for a stranger to find (bus stop, park/grocery store/church announcement board, park bench, college campus, shelter, etc).
  • Bring flowers to a senior center or hospital for someone you don't know. 
  • Re-gift: If you have unused books, candles, journals or small gifts that you've never used, leave them with a Kindness card at a receptionist's desk, doctor's waiting room, on an empty chair in a cafeteria. How fun would it be to find a surprise gift? "To whoever finds this gift, it was meant for you, enjoy!" 
The ways to be kind are endless! Get creative, and share your Intentional Kindness with us!
Post with #kindnesspassiton on our: 
Instagram @suitablegifts

We would love to hear what you are doing, and share it with everyone for inspiration! And if you have additional ideas we could use, share those as well! Let us know how this is making you feel, and how it's inspiring others.  You can also email us any time with your comments: info@suitablegifts.com 

Kindness...pass it on!

With Gratitude,
Kerri
#kindnesspassiton

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