Turn Down For What

READY…  “Not merely an absence of noise, Real Silence begins when a reasonable being withdraws from the noise in order to find peace and order in his inner sanctuary.”  ~ Peter Minard

AIM… Turn Down For What is the title of a popular song by Lil Jon and DJ Snake that ended up being the 7^th best selling track of 2014.  With its catchy dance beat and synthesized groove, you can’t help but turn UP the song in your car when it’s on the radio.  However, this song title also makes me think about all the “noise” we allow in our lives that inevitably drowns out the things that matter most.  All that extra noise causes stress, discontent and anxiety. 

So, why should we turn down the outside influences and eliminate all the distractions that capture our attention?  Let’s face it, we can all admit there are things in our world that cause us to focus less on our priorities and more on nonsense.  Agreed?  Need a few examples?  100 extra unsolicited email advertisements, vacation promotions and coupon offers in your inbox; every day.  Video games and gaming apps.  200+ cable or satellite TV stations (and still nothing worthwhile to watch.)  Facebook.  Instagram.  Twitter.  Google +.  Tumblr.  Snapchat.  Get the idea? 

When was the last time you left your phone at home (without feeling naked) and stepped outside to listen to the wind whisper through the leaves in the trees or the birds welcoming spring with their sweet songs?  Just that thought, brings a sense of serenity and peace to my soul.  So why in the world can’t we turn down the noise?  It’s a choice.  It’s the new phenomenon called FOMO - fear of missing out. What in the world are we afraid we are going to miss; Sweet Susie’s meatloaf dinner picture or an episode of Modern Family?  We must choose to disconnect and turn down or turn off the things that cause us stress and strife, and choose to plug into the means that enable us to feel joy and peace. 

Shhhh, listen!  It’s the sound of silence.  Ahhh…..

FIRE!  This week, choose one area where you can turn down the noise in your life.  Make a commitment to delete something unnecessary.  You will feel relieved and free, guaranteed! 

Be Excellent!

Lori 

Illumination

READY… “And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4 NLT

AIM… I’ve been sensing a stirring deep in my being lately. A stirring about the dark corners of your soul; the place where you keep your innermost secrets and silent fears. Yes, I’m not just talking about me, I’m talking about you. I’ve been sensing that you need to bring some of those secrets and fears out of the dark and into the light. There is freedom to be experienced, along with peace and relief, by illuminating your spirit with the release of unpleasant memories, petty grudges and bitter unforgivenesses. Allowing those areas of your life to be let go of just might stir up some difficult conversations or a few uncomfortable feelings. However, how on earth are you ever going to grow, mature and move forward in life if you continue to allow those secrets and fears to hold you back? I know this message may have you squirming in your chair right now. That’s good. That means you know you have stuff to address and issues to be faced. We all do. Let’s agree, together, that we aren’t going to live one more day in bondage to those things that control us without our permission. Are you with me? I didn’t say it was going to be easy or pain free. I do know, without a doubt, the initial sting will be worth the long-lasting benefits and freedom you will experience. I believe in you, my friend. Shine brightly and be free!

FIRE!   Lord, I ask for blessings of guidance, wisdom and grace to be with my dear friends. Give them the courage to step out in faith and face their fears and those dark secrets that they might experience the freedom and relief of letting go. I thank you for the strength, support and love of trusted friends and family members as they grow brighter in your light. And may their paths always be illuminated by the love you show us freely and unconditionally. Amen.

Be Excellent!
Lori

Clutter Chaos

READY… "The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are." ~ Mother Teresa

AIM… There it is…the looming pile of mail, papers, magazines and STUFF on your dining room table or kitchen counter. What is it that makes those areas such clutter magnets? Sure, there are other places where clutter piles up, but because the kitchen is normally the central hub for us, that’s also the location where we drop our junk. Why do you think every house has a junk drawer in the kitchen? Because that’s the place for items that don’t seem to have a place anywhere else in the house! Typically, we endure the mountain of clutter because once it starts to accumulate it becomes an overwhelming task to tackle. You simply have to pick a starting point, give yourself a time limit, and start sorting through it a little at a time. Trust me, inch by inch it becomes a cinch!

Professional organizers will tell you there are simple steps to decluttering your home. Check out this link for a few truly helpful ideas: http://www.oprah.com/home/Clutter-Control/1.

Just like our homes, we let our minds and souls get cluttered with too many thoughts, crazy gossip and unnecessary worries. We need to take time and declutter ourselves as much as our kitchen counters. What things are you storing up inside yourself that you can let go? Most days, this is easier said than done. I realize that. However, as the musical group En Vogue sang “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.” It’s true. When your brain isn’t overcrowded with junk, you feel better, you act better and you smile more often. Evaluate what you’re personally holding onto and start letting it go. Your life depends on it.

I’m excited for you and can’t wait to see and hear about your decluttering stories. Don’t wait another day; free yourself from being imprisoned by STUFF!

FIRE! Set a timer for 15 minutes today. Clear out as many things from your office, computer desk, or kitchen counter as possible. Make 3 piles: keep, throw away and donate. I just know you can do this and believe me, you’ll feel GREAT!

Be Excellent!
Lori