“Every thought we think is creating our future.”
―Louise L. Hay
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Everyday Miracles Abound
Everyday miracles abound.
Are you living in the present moment and able to see
all the beauty and miracles that surround you?
~Valerie Rickel, Founder of SoulfulLiving.com
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Worrying is Like Praying for What You Don’t Want
“Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.”
—Unknown
Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend!
I’ve created a Visual Inspiration for you today in keeping with our theme for the month of November — “Positivity.” I remember how I felt the first time I heard these words: “Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.” I was startled because the words rang so true. I had never thought about “worrying” like that before and vowed from that moment forward to monitor my thoughts and try to always keep them positive. Of course, it’s nearly impossible not to worry, but, I must say that I worry a lot less than I used to, and when I catch myself worrying, I quickly switch my focus to a positive outcome — on what I do want in my life. I hope you’ll join me today in vowing to focus on the positive — what you do want, instead of what you don’t.
I’ve paired today’s inspirational thought with a photo I captured at sunset several years ago among a beautiful, historic grove of oak trees in Upstate NY in late November. I love the way the image conveys the essence of today’s words. The sun seems so hopeful and positive — something to focus on…
Enjoy ♥
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments! Please scroll down and leave your comments below.
Wishing you a positive and worry-free day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel
Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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The Universe Speaks to Us in Every Moment
The Universe speaks to us in every moment of every day.
Are you listening?
~Valerie Rickel, Founder of SoulfulLiving.com
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Let Go and Let Life Flow
Let Go and Let Life Flow
~Valerie Rickel, Founder of SoulfulLiving.com
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Letting Go Gives Us Freedom
“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom
is the only condition for happiness.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend!
I’ve created a Visual Inspiration for you today featuring a favorite “letting go” quote by Thich Nhat Hanh and one of the beautiful Finger Lakes of New York State in peak autumn color as a backdrop. Enjoy!
This week, we are wrapping up our topic of the month, “Letting Go.” Thank you to all our readers who provided ideas for next month’s topic last Friday. The votes are tallied, and I will be excited to announce it on Nov. 1st!
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with much freedom and happiness ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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You Can Only Lose What You Cling To
“You can only lose what you cling to.”
—Buddha
Good morning! I hope you’re enjoying a great week! Today, I offer you a favorite quote by Buddha as a Visual Inspiration for our topic of the month, “Letting Go.” Enjoy ♥
I would love your input on our topic of the month for November. if you have a moment, please visit our Facebook page and submit your favorite subject. I would appreciate your input very much!
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a beautiful day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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My Destination is No Longer a Place
“My destination is no longer a place, rather a new way of seeing.”
―Marcel Proust
Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed a beautiful autumn weekend!! Today, I offer you a Visual Inspiration to help start off your week with a new focus! Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a beautiful day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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Video: Four Ways of Letting Go with Ajahn Brahm
“In the process of letting go
you will lose many things from the past,
but you will find yourself.”
–Deepak Chopra
Happy Friday! I’m very pleased to to share today’s Daily Soul Retreat with you. It’s a wonderful lecture presentation at YouTube of Theravada Buddhist Monk Ajahn Brahm discussing “Four Ways of Letting Go.” It’s an hour-long video, so set aside some time to watch. Some parts may feel more aligned with you than others, but it’s worth it to watch it all. Ajahn Brahm is a storyteller and shares some very meaningful insights, sprinkled with a little humor, that will certainly help you learn how to “let go.” Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love to have you leave a comment below.
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a beautiful and mindful day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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In the End, Only Three Things Matter
“In the end, only three things matter:
how much you loved,
how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go
of things not meant for you.”
―Buddha
Good Morning! I felt deeply inspired to create another Visual Inspiration for you today.
I’ve been coming across this quote with some frequency recently, and since it is so fitting with our theme of the month, I knew I needed to share it with you!
It is such simple yet profound wisdom. Truly beautiful.
Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a grace-filled day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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The Grace of Letting Go and the Power of Moving On
“Let today be the day you learn the grace of letting go
and the power of moving on.”
—Steve Maraboli
Happy Monday! I came across this wonderful quote by author and speaker Steve Maraboli over the weekend and knew immediately that it would be today’s Visual Inspiration!
I agree wholeheartedly with Steve. It is my prayer that we may always know “grace” as we let go and feel the “power” in moving forward with our lives.
I took this photo last year in the lovely Adirondack Mountains of NY. I was on my way home from visiting a friend there and spotted a kayaker out on the water. I pulled off the road quickly, as I thought the scene would make for a wonderful photograph. And, as I stood there, watching the kayak move further and further down the river, I recall how the feelings of “freedom, courage, and a desire to move on with my life” washed over me like the powerful current of the river. I had the answer to a question I was seeking, and I was very grateful.
I hope that today’s Visual Inspiration inspires a “grace” and a “power” in you to let go and move on…
Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a joyous day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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People Have a Hard Time Letting Go of Their Suffering
“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering.
Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”
—Thich Nhat Hanh
Happy Thursday! I found this very powerful quote by Thich Nhat Hanh and knew I needed to create a Visual Inspiration with it.
I took this photo last autumn, right around this same time of the year, when the leaves were at their beautiful peak, in the Central Leatherstocking region of Upstate New York — A gorgeous area filled with quaint towns and villages, a lovely lake, loads of charm and history, and baseball, too! Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame are not far from where I took this photo.
I hope that today’s Visual Inspiration brings you the courage to let go of any “familiar” suffering you may be enduring, and may it offer you strength to move forward and step into the unfamiliar and wonderful world of the unknown… Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a courageous day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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Moving On. . .To What You Want
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
― C.S. Lewis.
I’m very excited to share a guest article with you today on the topic of “moving forward” — one of my favorite subjects… and an important aspect of letting go!
Today’s article, “Moving On… To What You Want,” is by Suzanne Zoglio, PhD, executive coach, speaker, and author of “Recharge in Minutes : The Quick-Lift Way to Less Stress, More Success, and Renewed Energy” and “Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul: Finding Peace, Passion, and Purpose.”
I hope you enjoy her article as much as I have! ♥
“Moving On… To What You Want”
By Suzanne Zoglio, PhD
Whether life hands you a bucket of stuff that you’re anxious to get rid of, or you find yourself sitting on life’s sidelines but longing for something more, the dilemma is the same. How do we get the push we need to move on?
It’s that old approach-avoidance thing that keeps us stuck. Our hearts say, “Go,” but our feet won’t move. Our friends say, “Move” and we dig in our heels. One foot firmly placed in what we know; the other poised to take us to what we truly desire. It all seems so simple, intellectually. We want something different, so why don’t we just move forward with all the gusto we can muster? As a psychologist and coach specializing in life transitions, I have seen two primary roadblocks to moving on: resistance and fear.
“Resistance,” you’re probably thinking, “what planet is she from? You bet I’m resistant. Who wants to lose a mate, get fired, and get diagnosed with hypertension?” Or perhaps you find yourself in some other equally uncomfortable place. So what’s resistance got to do with moving on or drowning in misfortune?
Imagine you are standing by the ocean’s edge. For balance, you dig your heels into the sand. But each new wave just knocks you down. Finally the undertow drags you out to sea. If you try swimming back against the tide, you’ll exhaust yourself and drown. If you do as water safety experts tell us–swim parallel to shore until the powerful current subsides–you’ll likely survive. Therein lies the first secret to moving on…don’t waste energy resisting what is beyond your control.
It is impossible to move in two directions at the same time. As long as you fight against what you don’t want, you will make no progress toward what you desire.
So, consider this. The next time you experience a loss, face real disappointment, or have a streak of bad luck, by all means kick and scream and whine and weep…for while. You hate the fact that this or that happened. You expected things to go along as they had before. It’s okay to ask, “Why me?” or “Why can’t my life just be the way it was?” For a while. Then it’s time to shift gears and start accepting what is. You may be feeling that your situation is unfair, but in reality, it just is. So instead of railing against what is, try to embrace any good that might be hidden in it. Have you learned something? Did someone else benefit? Have you received love and concern? Has it strengthened your faith? Once you have mourned your loss, and acknowledged any good, shift your focus to what you want next. If you’re sick, how do you want to feel? If you’re sad, what change would make you happy? If you’re angry, what would open your heart again? Facing forward, squaring your shoulders to the future, envision all that your soul desires. Allow yourself to dream again…of how you want to feel, who you want to share your life with, where you want to live, what you want to contribute, and when you want to move on. Then, you’ll just have to get your feet to follow your heart…
Click Here to Continue Reading “Moving On… To What You Want”
Copyright Suzanne Zoglio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on today’s Daily Soul Retreat! Please scroll down and leave your comments below.
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a peaceful and serene day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie
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When I Let Go of What I Am
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.”
—Lao Tzu
Happy Tuesday! I’m very excited to share a Visual Inspiration with you today, featuring a wonderful quote about “letting go” by ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu.
These simple, yet profound words are so meaningful… Letting go creates spaciousness in our lives… space for being, Truth, miracles…
I took this photo in the gorgeous Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York in mid October 2010. This 150′ tall waterfall pours down the side of high hill and meets Main Street in the sweet and unassuming village of Montour Falls.
I recall that later that same year, I was treated with the opportunity to drive the bridge above the waterfall to visit a Christmas tree lot to buy my holiday tree. I love Upstate New York so much! There is astounding natural beauty, found around nearly every corner, to set your heart a flutter.
I hope today’s Visual Inspiration brings you some autumn joy and the courage to “let go.” Enjoy ♥
If you’re feeling inspired, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with our community ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a beautiful day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie Rickel, Founder
SoulfulLiving.com
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Letting Go is Knowing That There’s a Future
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past;
letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
–Daphne Rose Kingma
I enjoyed creating this Visual Inspiration for you today — in keeping with our theme of the month, “Letting Go.” It features one of my favorite quotes by Daphne Rose Kigma, author of many best-selling books, including “True Love,” “Loving Yourself: Four Steps to a Happier You,” The Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart,” and “When You Think You’re Not Enough.”
I’ve paired her quotation with a favorite photo of mine taken a few years ago, in the lush, rolling hills and valleys of the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York.
I hope you enjoy it ♥
And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up your special package of inspirational goodness exclusively for our Daily Soul Retreat Newsletter Subscribers — a “Soul Retreat Gift Pack” filled with over $300 worth of Ecourses, Ebooks, Audio Workshops and Meditations, donated by our awesome SoulfulLiving.com authors. If you aren’t already subscribed, click here for all the details. If you are already subscribed, watch your Daily Soul Retreats for all the details.
Wishing you a beautiful day!!
Soulfully,
Valerie
© 2013 Valerie Rickel. All Rights Reserved.
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