On Having a Bad Day

"Could be worse, not sure how, but it could be."  

Winnie the Pooh

Observing what triggers our emotions is a vital step in developing intuition. Living in and through our emotions will ultimately mean experiencing life through "our story". In this essay I  continue the conversation around the opportunity for growth our emotions offer. 

"I"m having a bad day!" she frowned, firmly entrenched in her perspective while all around her there was laughter and light.  "I'm so sorry, I hope it gets better soon." I said. 

We all have bad moments, bad days and times in life when suffering can seem to stretch on and on. A bad day is a great opportunity to ask yourself what perceptions or expectations were not met? What reaction within you triggered your feelings?  What caused you to deem an entire day bad? A day that you had not yet even finished experiencing!  Who or what did not do or be what you wanted?

Next time you find yourself "having a bad day" stop and acknowledge no matter how deeply buried, there is a gift to be discovered. Then find it. Explore without blame of judgment.  Ask who is hurting inside? Question what is being triggered? Uncover what button was pushed? Then step back. Throw that innocent day a lifeline by listening to who is hurting inside. 

Having a bad day is emotionally exhausting when we won't let go of it. Muster your courage to move forward into the present and leave the story of the past behind. Listen to your inner knowing and loving voice and be determined to engage with the creative spirit that lives within you. 

Let go and love.

Nora

norahooper.com

norahooper@gmail.com

7 Truths to Live By

We all need a little help from our friends to aid us in getting back on track, releasing sadness, getting over a breakup, or loss, refocusing our energies and feeling loved.  I hope this list of " 

7 Truths to Live By" helps you be the best you can and love bigger and better.

Devotion to self growth and mindfulness is a life long journey, one that offers many blessings along the way. It takes courage to make the commitment.  There is no magic formula for inner transformation. Each person's journey is a beautiful roadmap unique to them. 

The steps to self love and self expression are simple yet profoundly challenging. I wanted to share some "truths" I have learned along the way. I return to them again and again, forgetting one week and remembering the next. When I stumble I go to this list to remind me of what is important and redirect  my mind and heart to what is truly important, the creating and sharing of love.

As I change my thinking, my life will change.

My reality is shaped by how I choose to interpret events in my life. Holding myself responsible for how I feel enables me to live life through love and grace rather than fear and worry.

Worry is a waste of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energy.

My physical chemistry  transforms when I worry.  Cortisol levels rise which can boost blood sugar. Worrying is living in future fear.

I need time for me.

Taking time out for myself heals me. I refuel when visiting friends, spending time doing art, listening to music and enjoying the out-of-doors. Discover what you love to do and do it!

My power comes from love and joy.

When I am connecting with another in the purest form it is through love. Love ignites joy.

Being able to say "I was wrong." is a freeing experience.

Admitting when I am in error stimulates forgiveness and harmony.

Appreciating that most people are doing their best leads me to compassion. 

Judging others can be sticky business. When I begin to observe others with an eye for compassion I open my heart. 

Gratitude feels good.

When I am grateful I open my heart and mind for more. More love, more flow and more grace. Life feels good.

I leave you with a playful quote by one of my favorite authors... Dr. Suess

"I've heard there are troubles of more than one kind; 

some come from ahead, and some come from behind. 

But I've brought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see; 

now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

Love and light,

Nora

When We "Do a Bad Thing"

"We're not bad people but we did a bad thing."

A recent show on Netflix ended with the line above. It stayed with me the following day as I examined my own actions and reflected on recent events in the lives of my clients, family and friends. Haven't we have all done something we regret, something thoughtless, mean or cruel? Each and every one of us has acted in a way that has been hurtful to another. By recognizing ourselves in the statement above we initiate forgiveness. Through atonement we begin to understand ourselves as well as absolve others. Only then can we be free to love.

Part of forgiving ourselves is to recognize that we have made choices and hold ourselves responsible for them. When we blame others for our actions we become victims. Unforgiving judgement fuels a culture of contempt and self-hatred. What if we chose to rejoice in our mistakes? For aren't they truly the anvil on which our wisdom is shaped and formed? Never miss an opportunity to learn from them.

As we stumble so do we grow. Forgive and be free from painful thoughts that lead to living in the past. Cultivate profound healing and love through forgiveness. 

"Was it you or I who stumbled first? It does not matter. The one of us who finds the strength to get up first, must help the other."

Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration