Gaia Community: DivineSpark's Blog

Supported Within the Web of Existence

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:16:10 GMT

So divinely is the world organized that every one of us, in our place and time, is in balance with everything else. ~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Welcome to Ignite Your Voice Coaching!

I am so very blessed to live near a nature preserve where I love to go walking before sunset. Tonight my breath was taken away by this world within our world--green-bellied geese floating atop a waterbed of algae, their beaks in search of buried treasure; frogs in frog heaven skipping across the pond; a bounty of bunnies darting as I passed; mosquitos buzzing; flowers in bloom; the sun shining through a patch of trees; ecosystem upon ecosystem--each one a gift in the Divine order of things.

It became very clear to me as I was walking that just as everything within that small wonder was connected in an intricate web of cause and effect, just as my body is constantly working to preserve homeostasis, the entire Universe is in a constant state of flux, ebbing and flowing with every breath, with every speck of dust that moves within infinity. Within this clarity, my consciousness had only but to ask: At what point does the frog stop and the water begin? At what point in this sparkling web of existence do you become you and I become me?

At this very moment each one of us is infinitely supported by every thought and every action existing in the Universe--your thoughts and feelings are touching me just as I am touching you. No matter what you are doing, thinking or feeling, at every moment, you are part of the whole, constantly cradled by the ebb and flow of existence.

Next, I could invite you to surrender to this Universal flow, but I won't. I won't invite you to resist it, either. Whatever you are experiencing in this moment is in perfect alignment with everything around you. There is nothing to do. Nothing needs fixing because NOTHING is wrong. As the Universe dances its mysterious dance of impermanence there is nothing to do but be exactly what you are--a unique expression of the infinite One. I invite you to take a deep breath................now slowly release it................. Another deep breath...............and let it go. Ahhhhhhh.....I am so very glad that you were born. :)

As always, if you would like support in embracing and celebrating the many beautiful aspects of your being, contact me for a free sample session: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com. I look forward to getting to know you!

Love and Light,

Melissa Simonson
Inspirational Speaker, Joy Coach, and Spiritual Astrologer
www.igniteyourvoice.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspirational Speaker, Joy Coach and Spiritual Astrologer, Melissa Simonson sees it as her life's work to be an authentic expression of her inner truth, and to assist others in being the same. Melissa creates a space of fun and acceptance as she invites her clients to discover the extraordinary within their everyday lives. By asking powerful questions and bringing the spiritual down to earth through her own stories, she helps individuals realize that joy and abundance are not impossible to obtain, but rather a birth-right that we can realize at any time. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.

Tags: Oneness, Divine, Balance, Flow, Surrender, Nature, Universe

Woman In Love

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:18:53 GMT

Love was not made to be kept secret or caged.

          It was made to skip atop tin roofs,

                                       causing neighbors to stare, their dogs

                                                           smiling as you dance. You are unaware.

                    You could really care less about the attention you elicit.

Afterall--you are simply a woman in love.

©2009 Melissa Simonson

Tags: love, poem, dance, joy, woman, sharing

Creating Joy Through Gratitude

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:41:40 GMT

Article: Gratitude--A Light Amidst The Darkness

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." ~G.K. Chesterton

As we travel amongst this season of shorter days and longer nights, it can be a challenge, at times, to find the light within the darkness. The holidays are fast approaching and some of us might not feel the abundance of joy at this time of year that we would like to, some of us might be struggling to pay our bills as the world economy is rapidly shifting, for some it might be a reminder of loss, and for some it can merely be a stressful time filled with too many expectations and not enough sunlight.

This time of year challenges us to turn inward. It is a time of reflection and renewal--a time to discover our own unique source of light. The clearest, simplest way for us to make that light shine brighter, to fuel our joy, is through our ability to be grateful for even the smallest of things, the tiniest of moments, including those things that challenge us or create feelings of pain.

People often wonder what comes first, gratitude or joy. It is easy to feel grateful when we are feeling happy--the world seems to be one big toy store filled with all we could ever ask for; the more joy we experience the more grateful we feel. Yet, it is truly our gratitude that fuels our joy. When we find ways to be grateful for even our struggle, seeing the opportunities those challenges create, the growth, we plant seeds of joy that sprout in even the coldest and darkest of places.

I invite you to ask yourself, "What do I have to be grateful for in this moment?" Pay attention to the air that is feeding your lungs with oxygen, the shelter around you, the clothing on your body, the fact that you are here to breathe-in this moment in the first place. That in itself is a miracle. Now think about the relationships in your life, the loving ones and even the not-so-loving ones--what blessings have you received from all of those connections? Whether or not you are in a time of challenge or ease right now, in what way is the Universe loving you at every moment? What is the gift of this time? If you really allow yourself to answer these questions, the gifts that you discover will be infinite.

I have most certainly felt the impact of the current state of our economy--my own clients getting laid off from jobs and less people choosing to invest in their own personal growth at this time of year, and yet, I feel more abundant than ever. The true gift of this time is that despite my inability to splurge on pretty things and travel adventures, I am happy. I am seeing how full my life is, that I ALWAYS have what I truly need, no matter what. As I prepare for a busier coaching season ahead, my relationship with my finances is clearer and healthier than ever. This awakening would not have been possible without the opportunity I've had to experience having significantly less. I feel very loved by this time because I now know how to better manage my money--that is clearly a life long lesson that will only bring me more!

In what ways are you being prepared for the life that you want for yourself? How might you turn times of struggle into opportunities for joy? As you discover the myriad of ways in which you have to be grateful (the list is endless--I promise!) you will discover a light to carry with you in even the darkest of times. The miracle of this season is not in the sparkling lights or our ability to top last year's presents, it lies in our ability to ignite that light of thankfulness within our hearts and shine it so that others might benefit from our joy. I invite you to dig deeply into even the darkest of spaces and delight in what you find.

Would you like some assistance in seeing the bigger picture and finding all that you have to be grateful for? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful 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.

Tags: Gratitude, Joy, Struggle, Miracle, Opportunity, Challenge, Growth, Money, Winter, Holiday

Writer's Block

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:50:15 GMT

I wrote the following poem shortly before beginning an article that has an upcoming deadline. It came as a result of asking myself the question: "Why do I always get so freaked out and get myself all worked up before I start writing--something that I truly love to do? This flowed out very freely within minutes, and I'm choosing to keep it unedited because it really explains the truth of that moment. Blessings. :)Melissa

Writer’s Block

White page staring back at me,

if you could speak, you would

ask me how I could think I am

smart enough to post my art

upon your skin.

How could I possibly know

what to write as I drown

within the depths of your

opaque disapproval? You

reflect back to me all

the fear that harbors at the shore

of my imagination—my

inadequacy stuck to you

like glue. I am not to be

included on this page.

So I write about nothing

related to the assignment

at hand, but rather a topic for

your approval. The Truth.

that I am terrified to be

exposed.

Tags: inadequacy, fear, writing, writer's block, poetry, poem, approval

Article: Life as a Playground--Is It Time For Recess Yet?

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:47:23 GMT

"Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all..." ~ Dr. Seuss

Have you ever heard the saying, "Experience is the hardest teacher, it gives the test before the lesson?" Here's another doozy for you that I found when researching for this article, "Out of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger" Friedrich Nietzsche, The Twilight of the Idols (1899). While I understand and appreciate the sentiments illustrated in these theories about life, I am here to offer a very different outlook. I don't know about you, but I don't want experience to be the "hardest teacher," and I definitely do not want to go to a "school of war." Frankly, when I was in school, I always just preferred the playground. Didn't you?

Experience is a great teacher, and it is not untrue that we can often feel very tested by our lives. I went full-time with my business in May, and I must say, that this experience has been one of the most challenging experiences in my life, thus far. All of the sudden, I went from working 28 hours a week at a day-job and squeezing clients and marketing in wherever I could to just coaching everyday, and boy, have I learned A LOT about myself. The main thing that I realized is that somewhere along the way, I forgot about the fun. I started to feel constantly tested, but worse, I was beginning to judge myself as a failure. Oh yeah folks, Life Coaches do that, too. :)

I was finding myself in a constant state of judgment--thinking that I wasn't working hard enough, I wasn't responding to emails fast enough, I wasn't doing enough marketing, and then I started judging myself for judging myself! Sound familiar? All of these beliefs were spinning around in my head (I had a lot of sleepless nights) and ultimately feeding the belief that I am not enough. I was feeling punished left and right, at times wondering, "When is life going to get easier?! When am I just going to learn whatever the heck it is that I'm supposed to learn?!" What I didn't realize is that I was the one punishing myself. I was being the most critical, unforgiving, nasty teacher you could ever imagine. Who learns from that kind of teacher? I know I don't.

Ta-Da! I had an epiphany. This whole "life is a school" thing is all fine and dandy--we certainly are constantly learning; but the one BIG difference between school and life is that unlike tests in school, in life, there truly are no right or wrong answers, right or wrong choices. Though it may feel like we can get WAY off track at times and even that life is punishing us, we are always on track. Our souls just LOVE the scenic route through life, and so we choose this way and that way; but all roads lead to the same place. All roads lead to ourselves.

You maybe someone whose house is in foreclosure. Your relationship may be in turmoil, your job. You may be struggling with an addiction. You may even have gone to jail. Society will do whatever it can to put life in black and white terms of RIGHT vs. WRONG, but on a soul level, you chose this path. You chose the discovery route through life. Maybe you haven't been listening very well to the calling of your soul, but the Universe/God/Spirit/Source is ALWAYS listening. You are always provided with exactly what you need at the perfect, right time--it doesn't always feel good in the moment, but it is never TRULY punishment. You're heart will open to receive that love, to see the growth opportunities, at the perfect, right time. No right. No wrong. You are always exactly who and where you need to be.

I invite you to imagine being on a playground at recess time in school. Just like in the classroom, there is a lot to learn on the playground--how to play kickball, hopscotch, all of the fun ways to swing on swings, how to play fairly with the other children. You aren't thinking about being right or wrong, you are just thinking how fun it is to learn how to play this game, how fun it is to play with your friends. You feel free and happy. You feel like you can be yourself.

I am happy to say that the playground is much more the arena of life than the classroom. Life is about stretching and growing, seeking the adventure around every corner and getting messy in the process. I got plenty of bruises and scrapes and experienced my share of bullies out on the playground, but when I look back at recess, I just remember the fun; because that was the goal. Fun can also be the goal of your life.

In what ways are you putting limits on yourself, judging your choices as right and wrong? In what ways are you judging the consequences of your choices as punishment for making "wrong choices"? How would it feel to release the belief that you can make a right or a wrong choice and simply choose the path that feels the most joyful? How are you being loved and cared for even in this moment?

I can say that I've been through a tough couple of months, but at the perfect, right time, I was able to open my eyes and see the way in which I have been loved this whole time. I'm already feeling gratitude for the experience, and I am being MUCH kinder with myself. Now that I kicked the nasty, judgmental teacher out of my mind, I'm swingin' on swings and having a grand old time! Yes, we are always learning, but how about we ditch the "school of war?" Folks, I'm ringing the bell. It's time for recess...all the time...starting.....NOW!

Would you like some assistance in releasing self-judgment and bringing the fun and playfulness back into your life? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful 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.

Tags: Fun, Play, Learning, Growth, Opportunities, Punishment, Judgment, Joy, Freedom, Permission

Transforming Limiting Beliefs

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:19:21 GMT

Article: Beyond Black and White: Transforming Beliefs That Limit Us

"You have a belief about what is beautiful and what is ugly, and if you don't like yourself, you can change your belief and your life will change. It sounds simple, but it isn't easy. Whoever controls the belief, controls the dream. When the dreamer finally controls the dream, the dream can become a masterpiece of art."
~Don Miguel Ruiz

When I was in high school, I had the privilege of taking a 2-dimensional art class. I had always loved drawing as a child and after watching PBS on Saturday mornings, would attempt to paint "happy little trees" like Bob Ross. I was excited to create and expand my skills as an artist, but I had no idea at the time the depth of understanding that would come out of one simple art class.

We began our lesson by making charcoal drawings of various found objects. The teacher darkened the room and shined a light on the cloths and lamp posts and vases and our job was to accurately depict the shadow and light being cast on them. At first, I remember being challenged by this assignment. I had a difficult time understanding that there are no true lines in art--that what we perceive as lines are merely concentrations of shadow and light creating the illusion of 3-dimensionality on the page. Once I understood and applied this concept; however, I was exhilarated. I wanted to draw everything in sight! (what can I say folks...when I get excited, I go all out. :)

Our final project of the semester was an acrylic painting--we had to choose a photograph and paint what we saw. I chose a photograph of two white ducks looking upon a newly hatched duckling. At first glance, I was overwhelmed. It appeared that the primary colors in the image were white and black. How was I supposed to create an interesting painting out of that? I approached my teacher trying to wrap my mind around this concept when he asked me a question that shifted my world view in more ways than one. He asked me to look at a shadow formed on one of the ducks. "What are all of the colors that you see within that shadow?" It had never occurred to me to see black and white in terms of color! I painted those ducks with so much passion, taking into account every nuance of color--I'm pretty sure my mom still has that painting. :)

Just as I struggled to see the relationship between shadow and light, and the color existing within black and white, it has become clear to me that we all struggle to see beyond the rigidity of our own belief systems. When I opened my eyes to see the world as it truly is, I was overwhelmed by the beauty that exists in all of its subtlety. When I look within my being and truly experience the thoughts and emotions that are flowing through me, I am equally amazed.

My main job as a coach is to be an art teacher for the soul. My clients come to me seeing the world in a very specific, and often limiting way, and it is my job to help them expand those perspectives to see that the world is not merely black and white, light and darkness. Life is not simply about good and bad, failure and success, joy and sorrow. Sadness and pain are not always "bad," and success doesn't have to mean how much money you have in the bank, and you can certainly fail a single task without being a failure. My job is to shine a light on all of the limiting beliefs that the ego creates in hope to protect us, and my client's job is to see and create life as it really is.

Does being a success really mean that you have to work your butt off? Are you truly a failure if you walk away from a relationship that is no longer working? What are the gifts that come from honoring your sadness? What are the opportunities that you create for yourself AND others when you follow the path of your joy?

I invite you to close your eyes and feel the complexity of emotions that exist within you. Do you notice how joy can exist within your sadness, how calm can be present within your anxiety? Just like shadow fades into light and vice versa, our emotions often contain nuances of one another. As you allow yourself to feel your emotions as they truly are, I invite you to feel the joy that comes out of that awareness. To see and feel the world as it is is true freedom. Today, I invite you to paint your life from this place--what would happen if you step beyond rigid lines and black and white thinking to create what you really want for yourself? I look forward to discovering the masterpiece that you create!

Would you like some assistance in stepping outside of your stuck beliefs in order to create from a place of openness and possibility? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful 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.

Tags: limiting beliefs, transforming, perspective, openness, clarity, art, life coach, changing beliefs

Shining From Within

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:02:43 GMT

Article: I Am Going to Shine Today--Creating Joy from the Inside Out

"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.

Tags: Joy, Creating Joy, Happiness, Shining, Struggle, Depression, Sadness, Empowerment, Possibility, Visualizing, Smile

The Power of Self-Acknowledgment

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:03:14 GMT

Article: A Flower Within a Weed--The Power of Self-Acknowledgment

"If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.” ~Andrew V. Mason

I can still remember when I thought dandelions were simply BEAUTIFUL flowers. My friends and I would pick them at recess and give them to our moms when we came home from school. Sometimes we would sit under a tree and make wreaths of them and put them in our hair. I made many a wish while blowing those cottony seeds and watching them float about my head and journey off toward what HAD to be a magical place.

Over the years, I learned that many people did not like dandelions and considered them to be a nuisance. I never really stopped thinking that dandelions are beautiful; however, knowing that they were considered weeds took away some of their magic. Eventually, they became ordinary in my mind and I stopped picking them. I no longer make dandelion wreaths or make wishes while blowing on their seeds (although looking out this cafe window, I'm getting the itch to go out and do so...:)

As we become "grown-ups" this phenomenon happens more often. We get caught up in the function of the various things in our lives, the roles that we play, and we struggle to see the essence of our experience, the hidden beauty, the flower within the weed. Meanings become black and white, and beliefs become more fixed in our brains. "I am bad if I do____. I am a success if I do____." We can always be better and more. If we do not have a dandelion free lawn, what on earth will the neighbors think? :)

Something that I believe we all struggle with as we become more fixed in our lives is the ability to acknowledge ourselves. It is easy to be proud of ourselves when we land that new job, experience money flowing in, take a risk and have joyful results; but what about the periods in our lives when we are struggling to pay the bills, we took a risk and we have hit a roadblock? It is during those difficult times that we need to see the good within ourselves the most, but it can seem nearly impossible.

One thing that I have many of my clients do on a regular basis is make a list of all the ways that they would like to acknowledge themselves. "How would you like to acknowledge yourself despite the struggle that you are now in? What might be the gifts or hidden opportunities on this new path? In what ways are your efforts working? In what ways are you already 'enough?'" At first, it can be a challenge to see the good amidst the negative feelings. You might think, "I messed up, and that is that." Perhaps you have hurt someone or you are hurting because of your choices. Perhaps you cannot possibly imagine that your efforts will ever be enough.

This is when I challenge you to get creative. Your sadness or frustration in itself indicate that you are a thoughtful person, you are someone who asks more for your life, you care about yourself and others, you had the courage to take a risk despite the possible consequences...the list can go on and on. There are SO MANY beautiful things about you. Keep digging honey!

It is a challenge to see the good amidst the struggle or to see the courage and inspiration in decisions that we make everyday, but when we can do this, we transform our struggle. We are no longer the BAD person that we are labeling ourselves. Everybody else's lives are not WAY more interesting. When we can acknowledge ourselves and the ways in which we ARE love, we ARE goodness at all times, then we have the power to bring magic back into our lives.

Dandelion seeds might not blow off to the kinds of "magical" places that I was thinking as a child, but I can now see that the earth is a pretty magical place in itself. When you can begin to shift your mind to see this magic within yourself and your own life, no matter what your current circumstances, you are are able to see yourself as so much more than a "weed." You become a blossoming flower.

Would you like someone to help you shift your thinking and see the positive within your struggles? By golly! That's one of my specialties! :) 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

Tags: self-acknowledgment, struggle, goodness, magic, child, childhood, gratitude, beauty

27 Today

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:46:22 GMT

In three minutes and counting, it will officially be my birthday. I just got done reading an eCard from my sis that had two little sisters swinging on swings giggling away within their own little world. The joy, the simplicity, the contentment--I was balling in no time. The first line that she wrote was, "Hi Lissy! It's true, the times we spent together growing up were truly special (when we weren't fighting, that is!)"

She and I have had a rough rode together that has recently been illuminated, given my recent choice to stop communication with my father. Growing up with a father struggling with mental illness often had us pinned against each other, trying to survive and craving something that we couldn't have. He projected his own childhood wounds onto us, and we found ourselves unconsciously resenting each other, unaware of the roles he had us playing. We are now trying to write a new chapter that is filled with greater understanding and acceptance. We are dusting off our sisterhood, cleaning off the swings, and ready to fly beside one another as we rediscover the children we once were.

This is the first birthday that I will probably not receive a card or a phone call from my father. My daddy. Father's Day commercials splattered on the sidewalks, on buses, on the sun--These little reminders poking at my pain and pointing to a need to acknowledge myself for the deep healing I have begun. This growth is bittersweet--a time of grief and adventure. I'm discovering the ways in which I grow without a weed about my neck. I'm beginning to realize and delight in the big plans that God has for my life. As I release my earth father, I'm embracing a much larger entity that fills me with more love each day. I am no longer a stunted flower but rather, a woman in full bloom, and better yet, the child who I never got to be.

26 was the best year of my life so far--A year of claiming my power, turning on the light and cleaning out the cobwebs, of joyful single-hood, of blossoming. I have felt more joy than I ever thought imaginable, and I am facing and feeling my pain in a way that I didn't know needed to happen at this point in my life. That is the blessing I've received for discovering my soul-path. I've discovered Truth, grungy, glorious Truth. And it hurts. And it feels good. It feels damn good.

I am ready for another year of richness beyond my imagination. If my calculations are correct, 27 is gonna blow the pants off of 26, and I say, bring it on.

I'm nothing but grateful for every minute of it.

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Tags: Birthday, Healing, Sister, Father, Blossoming, Gratitude, Growth, Pain, Woman, Childhood

Upcoming Workshop in Monona, WI

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:53:59 GMT

ASTROLOGY: DISCOVER YOUR SOUL PURPOSE
With Melissa Simonson

Saturday June 14th, 1:00-3:30pm
$40 Limited to first 10 paid and registered participants
Location: The Professional Centre
6320 Monona Dr., 3rd Floor, Monona, WI 53716

In this workshop, Melissa Simonson, Spiritual Life Coach and owner of Ignite Your Voice Coaching, will lead you on an Astrological Journey of self-discovery. By looking at your birth chart, she will share insights with you regarding your soul path and provide answers to the questions: What are the attributes I am meant to develop in order to bring the most joy to myself and others? What are the core limiting beliefs that are trying to hold me back? What are the primary challenges I am meant to overcome over the course of my life? In response to these discoveries, she will create a safe space for participants to uncover the many tools that they possess and discover the hidden gifts that exist within their challenges so that they are empowered to move beyond their fear and lead a life of joy and fulfillment. Please bring knowledge of your birth date, exact time, and place in order to receive the maximum benefit from the workshop.

What people are saying about Melissa and her workshops:

"The beautiful and divine way about Melissa's coaching style is that she allows whatever needs to visited be visited, in its own way, for everyone involved. Her words were like little messengers/angels saying: hey, over here; check this out, leading me exactly where I needed to be?" St. Petersburg, FL

"Melissa's reading of my signs, Astrology, has inspired me to 'follow' my true path." Madison, WI

"I love how Melissa respected everyone and made the entire workshop a learning experience. She has a gift." Madison, WI

"Melissa has a passionate connection with people." Madison, WI

To Register, contact Melissa: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com or call 608-216-9845

Click to learn more about Melissa and her Spiritual Astrology Coaching.

Tags: Astrology, Spiritual Astrology, Soul Purpose, Challenges, Workshop, Life Coaching, Spiritual Coaching, Birth Chart

Article Published in the Clinton Chronicle, Hell's Kitchen, NY

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:57:56 GMT

Meet Melissa, A Spiritual Life Coach

When first asked to write this article about Spiritual Life Coaching I was honored but also nervous. When I think of newspapers, I think of politics and business, the buzz and hum of daily living, the successes and tragedies of the day. While I am certainly a political being and I live within the day-to-day, my gifts lie within the ineffable realm of the human spirit—that part of us that endures, that is conscious of it all, that knows who we are, and what makes us happy. I thought, “How could I possibly write a newspaper article about that?”

Then it occurred to me. It is so easy for all of us to compartmentalize our lives in this very way—to see our political life as separate from our work life, our work life as separate from our relationships, and all of this as separate from our spirituality. We say, “There is a war happening over there,” or even, “There is conflict within my own nation;” but is there not a war happening within our own minds, within our own hearts? Every day that we rise, we are faced with a challenge to do the “right thing” to be a “good person.” Amidst this challenge, we are barraged by thoughts regarding what we should do and an inner voice telling us what we want, thoughts of what we should believe and an inner voice telling us what we know to be true. How on earth do we create peace out there when there is such conflict within our own being?

As a Spiritual Life Coach and owner of Ignite Your Voice Coaching, I believe that through discovering what brings us peace and joy and then, creating that within our lives, we can bring peace and joy to the world. At the root of my philosophy lies the simple principle that all we are here to do on Earth is to show up and be completely ourselves—not the person who our parents, spouses, bosses, or even children want us to be, but rather, the person who we are at our core. I also believe that the best indicator that we are on track is our joy. The more joy that we feel, the more we can know that we are living a fully expressive life.

So often, the obligations of the day win over that which brings us joy. By working with both individuals and groups, in person and from a distance, I help them peel back these many layers of ought’s and should’s in order to reveal the joy that is at their essence. By continually revisiting those joy experiences, my clients learn to listen to and make choices that feed that joy. Relationships change for the better. Work becomes more enjoyable. They feel healthier. Their lives begin to blossom, and they touch the lives of those around them. Inner peace becomes outer peace.

It is a new year and an abundance of possibility awaits you. Are you living a life of joy and peace?

Tags: Joy, Clinton Chronicle, Peace, War, Politics, Spiritual Life Coaching, Compartmentalization, Inner Peace, Being, Article, Obligation

Burial Ground

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:18:00 GMT

Sweet Sanctuary, thank you for cradling me.
enveloped in green, tropical trees, ants building
homes on my body, I cried. I sat, and I cried.
and like the loving mother that you are, you
held me there, breeze blowing through my hair.
everything will be alright.

Daddy, I release you. I release the need to save you
from invisible fears and monstrous choices. with
each tear, I let you go. memories pouring from
my body to bury themselves in the earth. perhaps
a flower will bloom from the thoughts left behind.

and now it rains. no resemblance of my tears
remain as my pain becomes the same water
that washes the dirt on this path. I am the only
person that I can save. I know that now as I
step out into the world, equipped with the earth's
blessing to love with my whole being.

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Tags: Release, Surrender, Forgiveness, Love, Poetry, Poem, Mother Earth

Point of No Return

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:58:28 GMT

Beautiful soul, I set you free--
   free to dance and laugh as

       you have never known.
          free to float beyond the

horizon to cross the point
   of no return.

       I will return to this moment,
          right here, to the honey

in this moment of mystery.
   sweet love pouring from my

       veins as I step toward the
          purple edge of existence.

perhaps I'll meet you at the tip
   of the sky as we fly toward

       something higher
          and discover something

greater than our wings could
   create alone.

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Tags: Poem, Surrender, Love, Horizon, Fly, Moment, Mystery

Addendum to "Vacuuming as a Spiritual Act?"

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:10:20 GMT

Shortly after writing and sharing this article, a friend of mine lovingly told me that the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (the man whose quotation I chose for my article) performed some terrible acts in Oregon and wreaked havoc within a community. She was, of course, concerned with my choice to quote and thus, in a way, align myself with someone who could cause so much harm. I am grateful for her insight.

With that said, I've chosen to keep the quotation in the article. The words inspire me and do represent my path as a Spiritual Coach. I also believe that part of being a spiritual leader means that I understand the rich and complicated nature of human existence. I do not condone the poor choices of this man, but I do condone the fact that beauty can come from even the darkest of places. I choose to embrace these words as a thing of beauty in their own right and as a reminder that true joy resides when I can live while holding both the light and the darkness.

Much Love,

:)Melissa

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Tags: Light, Darkness, Beauty, Human

Vacuuming as a Spiritual Act?

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:43:08 GMT

" I am here to seduce you into a love of life; to help you to become a little more poetic; to help you die to the mundane and to the ordinary so that the extraordinary explodes in your life. " ~Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

Welcome to Ignite Your Voice Coaching!

Well folks, it is STILL winter in Madison, Wisconsin. It is currently 11 degrees and we now have over 80 inches of snow on the ground--Madison has NEVER seen this much snow. Don't get me wrong--I'm actually only partially complaining. All this snow makes me want to go outside and build a tunnel or a snow fort! :) It is energizing and reminds me to see the snow through my kid glasses--it truly is a magical, wintry kingdom out there! Nevertheless, those of you living in warm climates...GET READY! I'm coming to stay with you! :)

No matter what time of year it is or what type of climate your are living in, it is easy to fall into a rut in which one day starts feeling just like the next and living with passion seems out of reach. It is especially easy when we start seeing the different areas of our lives as separate from one another--our work life as separate from intimate relationships, which are separate from our physical surroundings, which are separate from our spirituality, etc. In actuality, this separateness is merely an illusion. Every choice that we make is coming from the same source; the same being is operating in every situation. So how do we connect these various aspects of our lives and make passion a part of our daily existence?

A loaded question indeed, but there are some ways in which we can shift our thinking in order to kick-start our passion. One way is to start seeing all of the mundane tasks that "have to be done" as acts of self-care (and care of those around you). Every time you do the laundry you are performing an act of love--unless you like wearing dirty clothes, that is. :) Every time you get up to go to work, you are creating the opportunity to be of service to others, to make money so that you might feed yourself and perhaps others, and invest in what you value. Even running the vacuum cleaner is an act of self-care--you are choosing to put your time into something that will benefit you and those around you. When we consciously remind ourselves that every action that we take can be perceived as an act of love it is profound how much more easily daily life flows. We infuse the spiritual into the mundane.

Another very powerful way to infuse passion back into our lives is taking 5 minutes a day to visualize. Try it when you are doing the dishes or walking the dog--a person who I connected with recently likes to call them "virtual vacations." Where is your heart taking you? What makes you feel alive and free? What kinds of things would you be doing in that free and joyful space? Let your imagination run wild--anything that gets you excited. For example, things that trigger my excitement are receiving a $90,000 book deal, or 10 new clients in 2 weeks, or traveling to new places and soaking in the sun and waves at an exotic beach....Whatever fuels you, I invite you to go there. Since making this a daily practice, I have experienced money flowing in, beautiful souls hiring me to work with them, and traveling to exotic places is on the horizon. So, what have you got to lose? (aside from fear and a passionless existence, that is. ;)

Struggling to know how to implement these ideas? Have a hard time connecting to that which brings you passion? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the things that are of utmost value to you and feed that fire within 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: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

Many blessings to you,

Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
http://www.igniteyourvoice.com/

P.S. Stay tuned in the coming months for information on new teleclasses, group coaching opportunities and some fabulous editions to my website. My creative juices are flowing and I can't wait to share the wonderful growth opportunities that I am cooking up for you!

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Tags: Passion, Purpose, Spiritual, Mundane, Visualization, Self-care, Astrology, Connection

Flow: An Archetypal Poem

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:21:54 GMT

Flow

"Ease, Please." she says
          as she floats through
                 the afternoon.

buses stop to let her
          pass. she is invincible.
                 Infinite in her poise.

something like laughter
          rumbles through her
                 heart as she sings it

loudly and it rings in the ears
          of passers-by. she is
                 love. abundance

that rumbles in your belly
         and peaks at your finger-tips
                 and toes. no limits.

no hard lessons to be learned.
          the miracle exists in her "yes,"
                 in her ability to know

that this, right now, is it.

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2007

Tags: Flow, Poem, Abundance, Love, This is it

Joy in the Midst of "To Do" Lists

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:40:11 GMT

"...He has thrown himself into shoveling snow as if it were the purpose of existence, as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway you could back the car down easily and drive off into the vanities of the world with a broken heater fan and a song on the radio..." ~Billy Collins, from Shoveling Snow With Buddha

Welcome to Ignite Your Voice Coaching!

As I look outside my window, it is a frigid 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is something close to 20 inches of snow on the ground. I have no doubt that Wisconsin will experience a White Christmas this year. As far as I recall, the last time that we had this much snow in December I was 9-years-old, and school was cancelled for 3 days. (Wahoo! Three snow-days in a row!!! :) My mom couldn't make it into work either, so we all stayed in and made Christmas cookies together--sugar cookies shaped like Santa's, bells, and candy canes covered in colored frosting. Nearby, there was a large parking lot, and when the plows came, they shoveled all of the snow to one side of the lot so that to my little eyes, they had created a snow mountain. I would bundle up in my snow suit, mittens, hat, and boots and spend hours on that mountain pretending I was a snow queen, and it was my castle. The magic and joy of that time still overcomes me to this day.

Now, of course, there is a whole new layer of experience surrounding this time of year that doesn't necessarily make me feel very magical. It is amazing how difficult it can be to hold onto that feeling when there is shoveling to be done, cars to be cleaned-off, gifts to buy, cookies to make, cards to write, oh and yes, bills to pay. For many, 'tis the season to be jolly, but for some 'tis also the season to be stressed out--so much to be done, so many traditions to be preserved, and people to please. Whatever religious beliefs that you hold, in whatever climate that you live, chances are pretty good that you are feeling some of the stress of this holiday season, too. With that said, many of us may be wondering what the heck we can do to have some peace-of-mind at this time of year.

First, let me begin by telling you what I am not going to do. I am not going to give you a list of "5 ways to stay sane this holiday season" or "4 things to ensure this is the best holiday season ever." I've seen enough of those around in newspapers and magazines, and I don't know about you, but those lists give me heartburn and make me feel like I have even MORE to do then I did before reading them. The only thing that I will ever invite you to do is to listen to yourself. In the midst of this season that is rich with ought's and should's, do's and don'ts, what is your heart telling you? (And no, I do not mean Aunt Judy's voice in your head telling you that she'll be so disappointed if you don't come home for the holidays this year.) I mean your own voice--the one that wants to rest, or play, and can't stand writing out holiday cards?

As hard as it is to believe, no matter how many voices inside of your head are telling you otherwise, the only task that you ever have to complete, the only one that truly matters, is responding to your own inner voice. The joy of this season does not lie within what we do or do not do, give or do not give--it lies within our own experience. What is it that you would really like to do this holiday season? What new and exciting traditions might you be able to create this year to honor that? Who knows what magic that you will create simply by listening to yourself!

If you would like support in listening to and honoring your inner voice amidst the limiting beliefs and chatter that may surround you, I would love nothing more than to assist you in that process. As always, you can contact me for a free sample session in order to explore the many gifts that my coaching has to offer you: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

Much Love and Happy Holidays,

Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2007

Tags: Holidays, Stress, Christmas, Being, To Do List, Listening, Inner Voice, Joy, Winter, Snow, Tradition

Looking Back...With Gratitude

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 03:57:44 GMT

In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices. ~ Elizabeth Gilbert, from Eat, Pray, Love

Welcome to Ignite Your Voice Coaching!

As I write, the rain is dancing on my roof and tapping against my windowpane, multi-colored leaves are being tossed about by the wind--Autumn is working her magic in Wisconsin. She is also doing a number on my allergies...which is why this month's letter is a little late in coming. Man do I have a whopper of a Sinus Infection!!! (Think of the allergy commercials with the woman in the beautiful meadow complaining about itchy eyes and a sneezing, runny nose, and you'll have me pegged at the moment. :) Seeing as how I'm feeling a bit tired and somewhat overworked this week, I am going to feed myself a dose of the "medicine" I often prescribe to my clients and take some time to share my gratitude for the many blessings in my life. I'll let you know how I'm feeling by the end of this letter...:)

Next month (November 15th, to be exact) marks the 1 year anniversary of Ignite Your Voice. I'm actually referring to it as my 2nd Birthday--for one thing, it gives me a chance to have another big hoopla :), but on a deeper level, it marks the birth of living a life in alignment with my soul. It was my "coming-out" celebration. It was the day when I stood in my power and let my joyful voice be heard. Take joy and multiply it by 58 and you will have an inkling of what that day means to me. I had no idea, then, the kind of joy I would have the opportunity to experience over the year to come--I am talking about crying in my car and shouting, "I LOVE MY LIFE! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" joy. I used to be merely the crazy driver singing at the top of her lungs. Now I am the crazy driver singing at the top of her lungs AND shouting out "THANK YOU!" to invisible (but oh-so-present) forces . That's what following your dreams does, folks. :)

Every person who has connected with me in a sample session, every client, every random person that has let me talk a mile-a-minute about the work that I so love has been a gift on this journey to living the life of my dreams. One opportunity to dance in the moment with another soul can feed my spirit for days. It is for those sweet moments (that happen EVERY DAY!) that I find myself overwhelmed and crying for joy. I became a coach in order to help people get to the core of who they are, access their joy and share their truth with the world. I guess I didn't realize it would ACTUALLY work! :)

In all seriousness, I want to take a moment to honor every person who has made this year the gift that it has been (that includes you, dear, lovely reader). I stand in awe of the beauty and wisdom that resides within each person whose life has mingled with mine over this past year. Thank you for making this important work possible. It is my job to help others blossom, but it is each and every one of you that has caused such a blossoming within me. I thank you with all of my heart.

If you would like support in shifting your focus to the many gifts in your life, in rediscovering your inspiration and moving in the direction of your dreams, I would love to travel with you on your journey. As always, you can contact me for a free sample session in order to explore the many gifts that my coaching has to offer you: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Much Love and Gratitude,

Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
http://www.igniteyourvoice.com/

P.S. Perhaps I am just delusional from all of the sinus pressure, but all of this gratitude has me feeling pretty darn good!

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2007

Tags: Gratitude, celebration, anniversary, thank you, joy, Universe, life coaching

Let it OUT!

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 03:53:50 GMT

Don't bother me. I've just been born. ~ Mary Oliver, from One or Two Things

Welcome to Ignite Your Voice Coaching!

I've recently had the opportunity to spend some time with a teeny, tiny 3-week-old baby boy. In an effort to give his amazing mom some much needed relief (the poor little guy is just as colicky as he is cute), I've been hanging out with him while she steals a couple of hours away from home to fill herself up again. (For all of you ladies out there who have been there and done this, I bow to you. It takes so much strength and courage to be a mother!) Needless to say, my friend is relieved and appreciative for these moments to herself, and I get to hold, smell, kiss and sing to a tiny baby. It's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me!

Recently, a kind woman addressed me with a very thoughtful question: "Can unexpressed anger turn into anxiety?" My answer to this question is an unequivocal YES. Any unexpressed emotion, for that matter, can turn into anxiety, which leads me to turn my focus back to that little baby and his brave mama. That little guy doesn't have any problem expressing himself! He's got good reason and he is going to let it out!

Lets just take a trip through his baby booties for a moment: Only three weeks ago, he (we'll call him Jeffrey) was nestled away in the calm, controlled environment of his mother's womb, and BAM! All of a sudden, he was thrust into this noisy, smelly environment, and it feels weird and scary when he isn't being held, he isn't being fed automatically, and he keeps getting these darn things called hiccups! Wouldn't you be mad?! All of this new stuff is challenging and he is not afraid to show it.

As we were slow dancing around the room, me whispering sweet nothings into his ear, him screaming for all the world to hear, I thought of his dear mom and the fact that she has been thrust just as deeply into this scary, unknown territory as he has been. (Again, I bow to all the mothers out there!) Along with only the love that mothers can know, she is also having the "What the heck am I doing and how do I get myself out of this?!" thoughts that new mothers can also experience. She just wants to sleep, have a moment of peace, and man, he is making those simple tasks next to impossible. At this point, both mom and baby are feeling frustrated and exhausted.

The difference is that while Jeffrey is wailing away, my poor friend is judging herself as all adults do. She is feeling guilty for every negative thought, and in this case, for every moment that she is not completely in love with this new person in her life. Of course she is. Like any good mother, she wants to be in love with her child all of the time, know how to meet his every need, and have endless patience for his process. Also, like any good mother, that ideal only reflects her experience part of the time.

Jeffrey, on the other hand, is probably wailing away as I write, and I guarantee that he doesn't feel an ounce of guilt about it! He wants to eat! He doesn't like poopy diapers! He doesn't like being alone in his bassinet! He can't stand those darn hiccups! All he knows is his experience in the moment--he doesn't have an ego yet to mislead him into thinking that his feelings are wrong.

Just as I held that baby and whispered to him to "let it all out...," I hugged my friend and whispered the same thing: "It's okay to be mad. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to feel guilty. Just let it out, girl...let it out."

In what ways have you found yourself overwhelmed in the unknown? In what ways have you judged yourself? What is it that you really need in those moments?--To cry? To have a good yell? A hug? To laugh at yourself? Whatever it is that you need, I encourage you to ask for it, and to express it. Let it out! You'll feel so much better. Just ask Jeffrey. :)

If you would like support in igniting your voice, and expressing what you truly feel inside, then I'm your gal! As always, you can contact me for a free sample session in order to explore the many gifts that my coaching has to offer you: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

Much Love,

Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
http://www.igniteyourvoice.com/

Tags: new mom, motherhood, acceptance, releasing, let it out, unknown, expression, encouragement

If you had to lose your vision, what would you look at today?

http://igniteyourvoice.gaia.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:34:29 GMT

I would peer into the eyes of loved ones (including my kitties!)...I would look out at the beautiful blue sky and the sun as it highlights the reds and golds of the Autumn tinted trees...Heck! I need to get my butt in gear and stop staring at this darn computer screen! I'm off to enjoy the day, dear ones. Much Love, :)Melissa

Tags: QaR, vision, beauty, eyes, seeing, eyesight