One thought and feeling at a time

Do you ever feel jealous or envious of others? Do you think that they have or are experiencing something you would like, and yet you aren't? What do you do with that feeling?

I know, for me, I used to just get angry. I'd get angry because I thought, "life is unfair!" The victim would come out full force. Ultimately, I would recognize an old message -- I must not be enough as I am or that would be happening for me. There must be something wrong with me.

Now when I feel those feelings and hear those thoughts, I recognize them as an opportunity to heal and grow. They represent mistaken ideas I have about myself -- that somehow I could be more or have more than I do right now. In reality, I know we all are everything already because our essence is pure love. That includes me. Any lack I am experiencing inside myself is of my own doing. I might not know how I'm doing it because I'm not aware of those beliefs or ideas, but I am.

So, I feel my feelings and let them speak to me. I forgive myself for thinking negative thoughts about myself, and then I choose to act, if action is called for. What can I do to create happiness in my life now? First, I can decide to be happy, no matter what. I can decide to enjoy my life because this is it. I used to think that wasn't possible -- that somehow only if external circumstances changed could I be happy. Now I know that most of the time, I can come to a place of peace at any rate. Then, I look at what I would like to create and how I can go about doing that, and I set some things in motion. Right away, I feel better. I am no longer the victim. I choose to see myself and the world through eyes of love.

I'm not saying this is always easy. But the old saying, "pain happens, suffering is optional," comes to mind. More and more, I am choosing peace and love. I am replacing those old ideas, beliefs and actions with those that are more in keeping with someone who loves herself and the world, not someone who experiences lack.

If we are to create a world where love and peace reign, each of us needs to become responsible for our own consciousness first. When something shows up in your world that doesn't feel good, maybe that's a good time to look inside for an opportunity to heal and grow. That's where we start -- one thought and feeling at a time.

Love,

Andrea