Shining From Within

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
~Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the most difficult tasks that we face in our lives is that of picking ourselves up when we are down. We attempt to fill ourselves up with things from the outer world. We try to manipulate circumstances and hope things will change in the outer world. We hope for something "better than this." We tell ourselves that if we could just change the circumstances of our lives--have a better relationship, a better job, more friends, more money--that we could finally feel happy. But what would happen if we shifted our inner world--our thoughts, emotions, and individual actions--first? How might that not only impact our emotional state, but also, shift the outer world?

About a month ago, a client of mine was in a very challenging space (shared with client's permission)--needless to say, she was feeling stuck, backed into a corner by the circumstances of her life and unable to see the way out. Manipulating the outer world seemed nearly impossible and she was, rightfully, feeling tremendously sad and nearing a state of hopelessness. The amazing thing about this woman is that despite her sense of hopelessness, she was still willing to try new things and take the steps needed in order to shift her perspective.

At the end of our session, I invited her to ponder and take action on the following question: "What would happen if you woke up tomorrow morning and stated to yourself, 'I am going to shine today?'" I invited her to try this on and observe what happens throughout the course of her day. "What does it mean for you to shine? How do people react to you when you come from that shining place? What are the new opportunities that present themselves in that space?" I can't tell you how excited I was to connect with her the following week and hear all of the goodies that came out of her experience. (Have I mentioned that I love what I do? :)

Sure enough, she called me the following week, and her energy had shifted about 180 degrees. She had decided to practice "shining" every day of the week before, and despite the fact that she did not like her job, she was struggling with money and a multitude of other difficult factors, she found herself discovering aspects that she enjoyed about her job, she discovered new strengths that she possesses, and she saw hidden gifts in all of her encounters. She shifted from being backed into a corner and wanting to be ANYWHERE else to being open to possibility and grounded in the present. When she chose to be the best that she could be and come from a place of love in all of her interactions, she was blessed with joy, love, and possibility in return.

Shortly after my session with that amazing woman, I found myself reaching a low. I was heartbroken and struggling to get out of bed. I wanted to shut my mind off and make the pain, and the world, go away. I managed to pull myself out of bed and head downtown to sit and read at my favorite cafe, but once I got downtown, I didn't want to be there either. Then I remembered the strength of my client and I asked myself the question, "What does it mean for ME to shine?" I decided that I was going to strike up a conversation with the cafe barista, I was going to smile at those whom I passed on the street, and I immediately started visualizing all of the opportunities that I wanted to flow into my life.

As I was walking, I got the idea to go to a different cafe--one that I had only visited once before. By the time that I got there, I could already feel myself more connected to possibility, smiling from the inside out, more ready to face the day. On the corner of my eye, I saw someone who looked familiar. After peering out at him several times from the window (I was bordering on creepy stalker, for sure :), I discovered that the person sitting right outside of the cafe was a dear friend from college that I lost touch with 4 years ago. Despite several attempts to reconnect with him, I had been unsuccessful until that moment. Neither of us had anywhere to be for nearly 2 hours, so we shared a cup of coffee and a great conversation that reminded me of our college days.

I believe whole-heartedly that had I not made the choice to "shine" that day, I would not have remembered that cafe and run into my long-lost friend. I walked away from that encounter feeling empowered and magical. It is not to say that I wasn't still coping with my tender heart, but I realized that life is constantly waiting for me to grasp ahold of it around every corner. If I face the day choosing to create my own happiness, then I realize that I am never alone, and constantly being supported on my journey. It is a wonderful gift to know that I have this tool and can pull it out of my toolbox at any moment, and guess what?! You have it, too! Tell me, how are you going to shine today?

Would you like someone to help you shift your thinking so that you can create your life from a place of joy and possibility? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the magical life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.