Archive for May, 2009

I am free from anger and remorse.

I am able to live my life free of anger and remorse because I choose to deal with situations as they arise. I avoid the tendency to avoid situations that cause me discomfort because I know that addressing them upfront will help me get to the source of the problem quickly, before it has time to take root and grow.

When I am hurt, I discuss my feelings with the other person involved. I am uninterested in laying blame, but I attempt to be open and honest, sharing how I feel in the wake of his or her actions. I speak out of a desire for deeper understanding and respect.

When I hurt someone else, I apologize with a sincere heart. I let go of my pride as well as any desire for revenge.

Very rarely will an issue be entirely one person’s fault. I resist the idea that the other person must approach me before I can forgive or ask for forgiveness, after all, I cannot change anyone else.

I can only take responsibility for my own actions. For this reason, I am willing to ask for forgiveness and to seek understanding, even when I recognize that the other person was at fault, as well.

If a hurt is too great or becomes too deeply entrenched, I am unashamed to ask for help from someone who is trained in helping people find peace with relationships in their lives.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.How will I take the first step in mending a rift with anyone?
2.Do I deal with anger and hurt early, before it takes root in my life?
3.Am I willing to ask for help in my relationships if I need it?

Every time I see an opportunity to help others, I

Every time I see an opportunity to help others, I do so joyfully.

I am willing to help anyone I meet who is in need, and I do so joyfully. I consider myself fortunate to have the means to help others.

I believe that small gestures really do matter. A cathedral would be but a foundation without the blocks that give it shape. A symphony would be flat noise without the notes that compose it.

Likewise, when I act kindly or generously, I help give shape to the goodness in the world. When I assist a neighbor who’s moving furniture or when I give a cup of coffee to the homeless man on the corner, I am fully aware that I am not changing the world with my actions. And yet, I know that I am contributing to making the world a better place. After all, each gesture can have a significant impact.

I believe that giving to others not only helps the recipient, but me as well. What I send out comes back to me, ten-fold, sometimes in kind but often in a form that is different but equally valuable.

When I give generously and without expectation of fanfare, I expand my spirit and open myself up to receive much good in return.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.Do I appreciate or resent those who need my help?
2.In what ways have I been physically, emotionally, or spiritually rewarded by helping others?
3.What opportunities to help others have I passed up because I felt the gesture was too small to matter?

There is a time and place to review my finances.

There is a time and place to review my finances.

My life is ruled by order and balance. When I must review my finances, I have a designated time and place where I do my budget. As I close my budget books, I also shut down any overwhelming thoughts about money.

At the beginning of every month I sit down and calculate my budget. Each week I spend just a few minutes paying bills and making sure I am on track. My savings account grows as my debt is eliminated.

My mind is not stuck on my bills. Instead of thinking about my finances, I am confident that I am managing my money wisely.

Thinking about bills and money does not help in any way. It only hinders me from making more money and enjoying my life.

I forgive myself for any poor decisions I might have made in my past. I accept the things that I cannot change and I work to change the things that I can. Armed with a plan, I know that I am headed for prosperity.

There are so many better things in life for me to think about. I enjoy thinking about my family or my hobbies and I do not give negative thoughts the opportunity to develop in my mind.

When worries try to overtake me, I remind myself that I am not alone. I can learn how to relax and trust that all my needs are taken care of by someone much bigger than I.

Money is not my source of life. My source of life is much greater than anything money can buy.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.When is my designated time and place to review finances?
2.Do I carry financial burdens into other areas of my life?
3.What other things can I think about besides my finances?