Upgrading Life!

Upgrades upgrades upgrades!

This is a theme that just keeps showing up this year. For you too?

up·grade

[n. uhp-greyd; adj., adv. uhp-greyd; v. uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd]  Show IPA noun, adjective, adverb, verb, -grad·ed, -grad·ing.

noun
1.an incline going up in the direction of movement.
2.an increase or improvement: an upgrade in the year's profit forecast.
3.a new version, improved model, etc.: The company is offering an upgrade of its sports sedan.
4.an increase or improvement in one's service, accommodations, privileges, or the like: If the ship isn't full we'll receive an upgrade to a deluxe stateroom.
5.something, as a piece of equipment, that serves to improve or enhance: a full range of upgrades available for your computer.

In small and large ways, we are being asked to "upgrade" many aspects of our lives, businesses, relationships, etc. We are finding new versions, improved models, making movement FORWARD. Many of us have gone through a H.U.G.E. clearing process in the past few years, in every way possible. From leaving old relationships that are holding us back, to clearing out physical clutter from our homes, to looking at the beliefs we have held for so long and asking if they still serve our highest good. This process has been good and exactly what we have needed. It makes way for NEW things to show up in our lives.

Now that we have hit 2012 (but it started maybe a little before the new year, give or take a few weeks), we seem to be in a whole new phase of creation, flow, and some days, just freakin' amazing oh.my.god awesomeness. {This is *not* to say we may not still have moments of crapola.} This feels like just a precursor to what will be available by the end of this year. As we move past the clearing out, but BEFORE we can move into the absolutely brand NEW energies, there is this underlying aspect of Upgrading. 

Upgrading could mean aspects of ourselves, new physical goods, new thoughts, new dreams, new relationships. Still versions of the "old" are there, but a higher quality.

My examples include:

• New car
• Newly repaired computer(s)
• New clothing styles
• New business ventures
• New ways to connect with clients
• New classes and new ideas for classes
• New cards to hand out to customers at events
• New stone cards for stone customers *and* a newly spray painted box (same box, new color) to hold them
• New opportunities for work doing something I love but haven't offered as an official service
• New eyeglasses
• New classes I am taking
• New luxury hotel rooms to stay in (for the same price as "other" rooms)
• New commitment to myself to take care of my physical body in many ways
• New schedule of time with my family

It is large and small things. 

And all of this has come in intuitively, as in, "You need to do this TODAY." As in, go buy a new box for the stone cards today. Huh? Okay, but Staples doesn't have what will work or feels good. What feels good? OH I can spraypaint the box I have always used. Done.

As in, "There are beliefs you hold about not being successful. How about you let those go and see yourself as successful in everything you've done til now, AND know that in the future, you can shine and thrive and be successful without fear of people thinking you are full of yourself?" Done.

I have set my intentions to always move forward and to always live from my heart. With this in mind, the Universe provides me with amazing opportunities to upgrade, to improve my life, to welcome in such heart opening beautiful moments and experiences.

In this upgrading movement, there might be some Closing Off as well. Closing off old ties, ending relationships, giving up old household goods or giving up your household in general, moving to a new location, paying off old debts, and endings of other kinds. It may be a challenge or sad. Allow yourself to grieve the loss if you need to, you are still human. But letting it go is so much easier than hanging on to things that are holding us back or even harming us in the longrun.

As you move through this, know that it's all part of the process, it is leading us to greater aspects of ourselves, and is allowing IN absolutely new and DIVINE levels of abundance and JOY. 

Keep breathing and welcome it in!

Whoo hoooo!

Blooming

Hellllllooooo 2012!


It is already ROCKING.

There has been so much insight flowing, a sense of what this year will bring, new opportunities popping up, etc. I, for one, am ready. The last 2 1/2 years have been DAMN HARD. I am ready and accepting now of EASY.

January 1 paperwhites

After MUCH inner work, looking at my own issue's, emotional baggage, clearing out old crap, while it might not be done yet, I finally feel like I am at a place where I am ready to more fully bloom. 

{Yes, even at age 41, we are allowed to bloom and grow and discover who we fully are.}

There have been hints coming for a few months about life and business opening up much more in 2012. Subtle signs of taking better care of my physical body. Really feeling the need for more classes or study of some sort. Ideas about new ways to create financial flow and abundance in my life. Wanting to expand my businesses (healing work, online magazine) and blogs, write more, and create an online community of fellow spiritual healers, writers, teachers. Longing to travel more.


Well .....

In mid-December I planted a pot of paperwhite bulbs. This gardener need winter greenery and scent and beauty. I have watched them grow, reaching for the light, bursting out in their amazing crisp white blossoms. They share such simple beauty and an amazing scent. And each day I revel in it, soak it up, and take photo's.


So far this year ...

I am signed up in not one but two magical e-courses on Abundance and Prosperity. One was gifted to me and one I signed up under a $100 discount.

I am planning my 10th annual (minus one year due to family illness) trip to the Tucson Gem Show to purchase for my rock biz next month. My heart is about to burst from excitement.

I am prepping for teaching my first class on intuition. Scared shitless, but know it's the right time.

Last night I kinda sorta mistakenly but divinely started a new WordPress blog/site to transfer one of my businesses to in March, in a new blog community format. With amazing help from a friend who I will be paying in superduperdeluxeyummy brownies.

This morning I stated to the Universe that I still really wanted to take a friend's e-course on blogging, but could only feel justified taking it if it were half the price. (And believe me, it is SO worth more, my budget is just tight right now.) She was on a local TV show talking about blogging and there was a discounted price offered. I signed up for half price. Magic. So excited I started crying. {Why, is another blog about my life of writing, losing my voice, and finally feeling like I am allowing it to come back without fear of reprimand for speaking my truth.}

Have updated my website with new scheduling software and online payment system, as well as some event policies. Next up is re-writing all descriptions, which I was "told" to do about 6 months ago from on high (my inner guidance) and I am just now getting to because I feel confident enough to do it.

AND ...

Well, I think that's it.

January 9 Paperwhites

9 day into January and this is how my life is blooming. Not unlike my Paperwhites.

Full, tall, strong (even if leaning a bit towards the sun), white, vibrant, beautiful.

NO coincidence.

Such divine timing and assistance.


Life feels rich and full and {not overwhelming} and GIFTED right now. And I am just so grateful beyond words.

Stay tuned.

How are YOU going to bloom this year? Comment below, I'd like to hear. :)

Bring it on, 2012!

In 2012 I intend to

ï    Love myself unconditionally

ï    Embody the divine goddess that I feel creeping out from within

ï    Have more FUN and laugh even more

ï    Make new connections, new friends

ï    Hear more live music

ï    Welcome forgiveness

ï    Dig deeper and reach higher

ï    Let the Universe and others take care of me

ï    Remember to breathe

ï    Be radiant in all ways

ï    Welcome in romantic love with a really cool guy

ï    Be open

ï    Share my gifts

ï    Treat my body with respect and health

ï    {But still eat chocolate and yummy treats}

ï    Travel more

ï    Be transparent and open with friends {oh alright and everyone else too}

ï    Create more

ï    Know that money is always there and I can be happy at the same time

ï    Release beliefs and thoughts that don't serve me any longer

ï    Explore new stuff

ï    Move my body {yoga! Yes and other stuff too}

ï    Communicate better

ï    Sing, dance, play, jump, skip, kiss, hug, laugh, cry, and LIVE

ï    Be patient with Divine Timing

ï    Move outside my comfort zone

ï    LOVE with my whole being, unconditionally




What is YOUR intention for 2012? Please share with me in the comments below!


Happy New Year!!




(Artwork above is from http://www.tonicarminesalerno.com/)

44 Things I Learned in 2011

1. LIVING with conscious intention and purpose is the way to keep moving forward.

2. ALWAYS keep moving forward.

3. My heart keeps growing larger and it will never be "too big".

4. Being human IS spiritual.

5. By doing things that give me JOY, my vibration raises and I am more connected.

6. I burst out in tears and my heart literally cracks open at every.single. SPCO concert and I don't need to know why.

7. I have the absolute bestest friends in the world and I am forever grateful.

8. Friendships change constantly.

9. It's okay to let go of old friends even if you still love them dearly.

10. And other friends just need more space and there is still love and appreciation.

11. Former friends can resurface in wonderful ways.

12. Meditation is a great way for some people to hide from Living and I cannot judge.

13. Shining your light from within is your 'protection' in the world, but finding new ways that work for you are just as valuable.

14. We really DO need boundaries and grounding, even when we think we don't.

15. Being stuck in old "new age" beliefs is common for people and I can't change them unless they want to change.

16. Gathering with groups of special people is powerful and needs to happen more often in my life.

17. My intuition is unique and strong and it never leads me astray.

18. It is valuable to just REST once in a while.

19. You don't have to do it all alone.

20. Gratefulness lives in my heart and world every single day.

21. I am more powerful and capable than I give myself credit for.

22. The way I see myself is how the world sees and treats me.

23. Our physical bodies, even though we are "spiritual", need constant upkeep and nurturing and care.

24. Our physical bodies ARE the way we are "ascending".

25. Time really does have a way of healing all things, if you let it.

26. What your heart longs for will come when you create a space for it in your life, even if it's not in the timing you WANT it to be.

27. Books are awesome.

28. I can be happy AND have money. At the same time.

29. Asking for help from trusted friends and practitioners is a good thing and necessary.

30. I have an unnatural love of the Veggieburger font.

31. Letting go of physical clutter really does clear up lots of emotional clutter.

32. Clearing out your inner clutter keeps you healthier, even if it sucks in the moment.

33. Money is just energy and if you ALLOW it, it shows up.

34. If you hang on to money or your money beliefs tightly, it can go away in unexpected ways.

35. Being HAPPY is so EASY.

36. The more I surrender and trust, the more that comes in in magical ways.

37. Write when you feel like it and not when you don't..

38. I can't fix anyone, even family members, and sometimes it is just best to step back.

39. My beliefs and thoughts really do shape my world in EVERY. SINGLE. WAY and I AM that powerful to create it, in all ways, positive and "negative".

40. The above statement is a hard concept for most people and I have to be okay with that fact.

41. I am very very very blessed.

42. I love my life, even if there are compromises and things to allow in.

43. I still really love chocolate and coffee.

44. Life really is beautifully awesome and rockstar-like when you let it in.

Giveaway winner!

Thanks everyone who entered the giveaway for a spot in the Prosperity Blooms e-course! The WINNER is Cheryl Gordon! ENJOY the course!

Prosperity & a giveaway!

‎"There is no way to prosperity, prosperity is the way."~Wayne Dyer


Prosperity.

What do you think of when you see that word?


Money. Abundance. Riches. Financial freedom. 


It is all correct.

But do you think about how you GET to a state of living in prosperity? Not just having money, but the open heart to let it flow into your life in ANY form? 


Prosperity is so much more than money. It is a feeling, a way of living and being, and for some people, it takes a heck of a LOT of inner work to get there.

Wait, what? INNER WORK? Whaddya mean?!


:)


YES, inner, reflective, soul searching, emotional work. As humans, we tend to gather beliefs and thoughts and patterns that might not be positive, healthy, or even our own (they are learned from our parents, teachers, etc). Once in a while, these beliefs can get in our way and hold us back from true prosperity, whether we realize it or not. When we really truly can look at these thoughts and beliefs and truly shift them to something positive, miracles can really happen. We ALL have prosperity WITHIN ourselves, it is out divine right, and tapping into it's unlimited potential, our lives become an abundance of joy, connections, flow, and FUN!


A few months ago I was blessed to take a month-long e-course called Prosperity Blooms. Michele Bergh created awesome daily emails that helped us look at our beliefs, think about where we are at with it all, and eventually, as a whole, really helped open up a new set of eyes to what is possible. (Which is EVERYTHING.)

She is starting another round of the e-course on January 9.

And ... drumroll, please ... YOU can WIN a space in the course!!


It includes daily emails with prompts to consider, writing ideas, and an online support group of other amazing folks on the same journey.


TO ENTER:


Leave a comment below telling me why you want to take this course (it can be simple & short!). That's it. (But be sure your email address is included in the form so I can contact you when you win.)


Winners will be chosen on Friday, December 16, at 6 pm via random.org. 


Optional: 


Share this with your friends so they can enter too!
Tweet about the giveaway, and mention @crystallinelove and @beinspired1.
Comment on my Facebook page about why you want to take the course.


Thanks, and good luck!!

Purging

Well, Mercury is retrograde.

And what does that mean? I am no astrology expert by any means {an enthusiast who swears by it by doesn't understand all the terminology}, but Mercury is the planet that rules communication, education, thinking, perception, and also healing, transformation, and spirituality. It is a cycling planet that happens 3 times a year, and while most metaphysical types will blame Mercury Retrograde for phone, computer, website, email, any sort of communication issues (which does happen, and I am always right there too!), there are so many other gifts to acknowledge.

This particular Mercury Retrograde is STRONG for me personally. I haven't had my astrologer friend look at where it falls in my chart this time, but it has GOT to be something wicked. It is kicking my ass, but in a GOOD WAY of PURGING, clearing out, rearranging, releasing, letting go, and "good riddance"-ing to SO many things on so many levels.

According to Dipali:

Here we are nearing the end of the year 2011, what a perfect time to review the previous ten months and all that it contained before we start a new year. Mercury in Sagittarius at 20 degrees shifts into Retrograde phase on November 24th, 2011. Mercury’s got the tunes playing “re-vamp, re-vise, re-do, re-cycle, re-connect.”  What’s interesting to note is that this Mercury retrograde is re-shifting things between two potent Eclipses. A  Solar Eclipse (symbolizing new chapter) on Nov. 25th and Lunar Eclipse on Dec. 10th (symbolizing and ending of a chapter). 

Listen more and speak less.

Uh, yep. Got it.

I have delved into a large project that I have been "meaning" to get to for years, of going through boxes of old paperwork and clutter. Really, why I, 1) let it get to this state of chaos, and 2) didn't get to it sooner, is beyond me. No, I do know why, I finally felt the strength and inner fortitude to finally face it. The boxes contained years worth of business stuff, old receipts, writings, marketing material, all from former business/friend alliances. I dumped it into the recycling bags, and then my body felt the physical shift. I could feel physical toxins and crud, emotional toxins and crud, mental toxins and crud, all leaving my energy field and physical body. It wasn't easy, as purging is not always fun, but it was a reflection of the inner workings.

As I started going through it all, I was struck by how much work and words and intent I have put into my businesses over the years. So many people that I have connected with, so many EVENTS and expo's I have participated in as well as produced myself {lordy no wonder I am tired of doing expo's, I started doing them in 2000!}, and how many clients and students that have crossed my path. And then I found $21 cash in the piles as well!


I am so very very deeply truly grateful for all of it.

And now I am letting it all go. I honored it and everyone, I loved every moment and every reminiscing, but it is time for something NEW.


This isn't to say I am done doing what I do.


Oh no, this is time for a SHIFT.

As I was going through the paperwork, feeding papers into the shredder, tossing old magazine articles, I started to feel a clarity. A small amount of it, but it was there. A clarity about what is coming next. What I can create new. How I want my business to look and feel and grow over the next few years. And very little of it has to do with "work".

It has to do with being ME, being authentic, doing what gives me JOY.

I am re-vamping, re-newing, re-doing, re-focusing. I am letting go what has held me down over the years, and my own fears, doubt, and lack are now in the past. I have seen what gifts have come to my life in the past and taking those learnings into something new. There is a new level of knowledge and insights coming in. I am moving into a space of quiet listening to see what's next. I love it.


This Mercury Retrograde rocks.

So where are YOU re-vamping? What clarity can you find in your life?

It's time.

11-11-11

Happy 11-11-11!

Yes, it's inevitable. Have to post on 11-11-11, even though I am halfway out the door to drive to Wisconsin for the weekend. :)

What IS the significance of 11-11-11?

You decide. It's all up to you. It really can be just another day. It can be your wedding day (7 weddings at nearby Como Conservatory today!). It can be an honoring of the veteran's who serve our country. Or it can be remembering my Grandpa Rossing's birthday and missing him a lot.

Or ...

It can be a new beginning. Today is a grand opportunity to create something new in your life! There is so much energy flowing into the planet today from the unseen's (higher dimensions, angels, God, whatever you want to name it), as it really is a turning point for all humanity. We have made the choice to move forward in a way never done before on this planet. What we are all doing, being, creating, living, breathing, and experiencing as spiritual humans, has

N O T  B E E N  D O N E  B E F O R E.

How HUGE is that?!

You can read more about it on a bunch of other blogs or websites (like Lauren Gorgo, Transitions (though take her's with a grain of salt, some fear-based stuff there), Lisa Renee, and Talyaa Liera) that are much more woo-woo and spiritual-like. As spiritual humans we don't need to get stuck in the "oh the angels say this is the day for activating the Arcturian DNA code for your divine blueprint in the 8th Dimension of Light as a synthesis of blahdeblahblahblah." Certainly take in all that information as you wish (and I do as well, I mean no disrespect at ALL, I resonate with it deeply), but just remember we have to translate our spiritual lives back to being HUMAN as well. From my perspective, we are here to live our humans lives with JOY and LOVE and passion and creation and FUN, and THAT is what raises our vibration, brings us a closer connection to the Divine, and allows us to grow into a deeper spiritual life.

Anyhow, take time to just breathe, sit in stillness, and OPEN YOUR HEART. A substantial part of what is happening energetically on the planet right now is a call for everyone to really open their heart more than ever before, EVEN if you think it'll hurt or cause more pain to come your way. Once you open it even more, more light and love flows in with such grace and ease! I am right there with you holding your hand, because I certainly have had my share of heartbreak in many ways as well, and know it's not easy to open your heart. I am in the same process as well right now. It's all going to be okay. I promise.

So what are you going to create today? YOU get to choose how you move forward in your life. Do you want to be happy and live in joy and passion? Or do you want to stay stuck, living in fear, and settling for less than you deserve? Is it time to open your heart?

No matter what you choose, it's a beautiful day and I send you lots of love and healing light today and always!


Now go ENJOY LIFE!