Spirit Rising Ministries

Personal growth books have played an important role in my life for a long time. As I was thinking about what I wanted to share with you this week, my mind kept straying to the title of one of my favorite books. I kept trying to ignore it until I realized that the book is one of many I would love to tell you about. It’s called, Joy is my Compass, by Alan Cohen. In it he says, “If you are at an important crossroads in your life, you are being challenged to make the all-important choice between what others want or expect you to be, and who you are. Love yourself enough to make yourself happy, and you will always be grateful you followed your path with heart.”

I even love his dedication. It says, “To Mary, who has shown me the light of my soul by reminding me that playing is as important as praying.” So I would encourage you to check out this book and, over the summer, remember to play often and let joy be your compass.

Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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I just received a call from someone I haven’t heard from in many, many years – the wife of a couple my husband, Roger, and I met on our honeymoon in 1973! We spent a few evenings with them back then and have only spoken with them three or four times in the past thirty-nine years. She wasn’t aware that Roger had passed on six years ago. It’s been a long time since I’ve recounted the story of his passing to someone who knew him. It made his memory more alive for me than ever. I had to smile when the caller said that her ex-husband now lives in Russia. Roger was fascinated with that country and had even begun learning the Russian language.

When our call ended, I realized that there wasn’t a single person on the planet who knew or would care about our connection with this couple. There was no one I could turn to and say, Guess who I heard from today!

But, then again, maybe I can. I know Roger was with us in spirit during that call. And, many people are alive who knew him well. If you’re one of them . . . Guess who I heard from today!

Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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I’m watching a program on Home and Garden TV showcasing Outrageous Backyards. From castles and tree houses, to mini golf courses and roller coasters, people have created some pretty wild and crazy spaces. Some I thought were ugly, some ridiculous, and others pretty cool. But, like them or not, they were all clearly expressions of someone’s unbridled passion.

I couldn’t help but get excited over the uninhibited creativity displayed. It made me ask myself, If I really let go, what would the full expression of my life look like? What would I do? I’m not quite sure yet. 

I just hope I dare to make it outrageous.

Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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I recently saw a television commercial featuring a service to help small business owners get started. It showed a man interacting with individuals in his company, but they all had his name and looked remarkably like him. The commentator said that when you start up a small business, initially, “It’s all you.”

There’s more truth than jest in those words. I no longer have any doubt that we are all One. We may appear to have separate bodies and separate thoughts, but we all originate from one mind. That’s why helping someone feels so good! We are really helping a part of ourselves.

As I go about the small “business” of my daily life, finding myself tempted to judge someone instead of helping (loving) them, I hope I remember the commentator’s words. With each and every encounter, I need to remind myself. It’s all you, Paula. It’s all YOU!

Let your spirit soar!                            
Paula

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