Is Their Life Really Better Than Yours?

On occasion I'll hear someone compare his or her life with someone else's. The comparison usually occurs when the individual sees his or her life as inferior to the other person's.

These individuals allow themselves to become sad or depressed over what they feel is lacking in their own lives.

This "grass is greener" effect seems to have become an epidemic with the evolution of social media, which allows our friends and colleagues to share details of their lives with us. I'm reminded of a movie in which a married woman with children wished for a life other than the one she was living.

Her fantasy soon became reality and one day she woke up married to a wealthy man. Suddenly, she had no kids and spent her days shopping and traveling. Eventually she realized she was in a loveless marriage. Her husband was involved with another woman and wanted a divorce.

Being trapped in another existence helped her appreciate the love and warmth of her family. Make a mental or written note of how many times in a day you compare yourself with others. For each thought you have, remind yourself you are UNIQUE and that no matter how much better someone else's life may seem, your journey is your own.

The more you accept your uniqueness, the more you live in this truth. You experience more JOY knowing that your path, while different, offers the same opportunities for peace and happiness. Allow the gifts and TREASURES within to rise to the surface.

As you share your gifts with others you discover that the better life which seemed to belong to others also belongs to you.

A Commonly Overlooked Place For Solutions To Life Challenges

One evening a radio talk show caught my ear as I coasted down a busy Las Vegas freeway. A caller seeking advice from financial expert Dave Ramsey explained that she was experiencing challenges with her personal finances.

Dave asked questions, listened intently, and gave his expert opinion as the caller explained her mortgage situation.

She added that her husband seemed hopeless and indecisive about their life and financial dilemma; more so since his mother’s passing.

After extracting more information from the woman, Dave eventually responded with “I don’t know what to tell you… your problem is a spiritual one.” Her husband had lost hope for his future and the desire to move forward.

 "Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." ~ Carl Jung

When we experience life challenges, whether it is financial, business or relationship, we tend to look outside ourselves first for solutions rather than starting within.

Because we are all on a spiritual journey, experiences are presented to us so we may learn, evolve, and move forward on our path. As Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck explains:

Life always gives us exactly the teacher we need at every moment.
This includes every mosquito
 every misfortune,
every red light,
every traffic jam,
every obnoxious supervisor
(or employee),
every illness, every loss,
every moment of joy or depression,
every addiction,
every piece of garbage,
every breath.
Every moment is the guru.

When you experience life challenges, reflect on your situation and consider what you may be learning from that experience. Be grateful for your experiences because “every moment is the guru.”

When you feel uncertain about the situation and the lesson, Ask God/Higher Power/Universe for guidance and clarity. As you may know, a lesson will continue to show up until it is learned.

Understand that you possess the power, courage, and inner strength to move beyond your situation.

However, start by looking within. When you do, you awaken. You evolve. Ultimately, you discover the lesson and the GOOD it brings you.

How has looking within helped you overcome life challenges?

How Well Are You Moving Forward in 2013?

If you hold the vision of a bright future for yourself, you've probably set a series of goals in 2013 designed to make your vision a reality.

As with any goal setting process, you've most likely measured your progress to determine how well you are moving forward.

If you find you are not progressing as quickly as you'd like, one behavior you may consider implementing is the act of letting go. While there are many techniques that allow you to move forward, letting go of emotional baggage is one that's often overlooked.

For example, you may be holding on to past hurts such as being betrayed by a spouse or not feeling loved by a parent or child. Living from this emotional space can slow your personal and emotional growth.

"As I walked out the door toward my freedom I knew that if I did not leave all the anger, hatred and bitterness behind, I would still be in prison." ~ Nelson Mandela

Letting go frees you to live in the moment, opens the door to new opportunities, and allows you to move forward.

The act of forgiveness does not mean condoning the wrongdoer's actions, it means freeing yourself from emotional baggage that weighs you down. After all, how well can you fly when you're tethered to baggage?

Begin by forgiving the person you believe hurt you in some way. This may be challenging at first; however, it becomes easier over time.

Several ways you can practice forgiveness and letting go is to journal your thoughts and feelings about the person. You may also hold a 'pretend conversation' with the person. Speak with the individual as if s/he were there. Then pretend s/he is responding to what you're expressing. It also helps to focus on positive aspects of the person rather than just his or her negative behaviors.

Remember, ill feelings consume energy that can otherwise be channeled to a more positive place.

For more on forgiveness and letting go, check out this article by the Chopra Center.

A Powerful Secret For Achieving Your Goals

While there are many techniques for setting and achieving goals, here is a powerful secret for mastering your goals for 2013 and beyond:

 Create a Clear Vision… From the Heart

Achieving your goal starts with a clear vision. That means answering questions such as: what specifically does accomplishing my goal look like? What does achieving my goal really mean for me and/or for others? How will I feel when my goal is accomplished?

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” ~ Carl Jung

The real magic for establishing a clear vision occurs when you look into your heart for the authentic answers. When you do, you awaken to your truth.

Looking Within For Authentic Answers
Looking into your heart is not about telling yourself what you want to hear. Rather, it involves looking beyond the surface and listening for the authentic answers.

For example, if your goal is to earn more money in your business or career, your immediate vision may be one in which you are able to pay your bills and enjoy the finer things in life.

While there is nothing wrong with this vision, when you look within and listen, a different and clearer vision may emerge.

Some ways in which you can look within is through meditation, reflection, journaling, and spending time in nature or the outdoors.

Engaging in these activities temporarily takes you away from your daily routine and environment, and draws you closer to the Universe and center of your heart. The answers may come to you quickly or over time.

Not only do these practices help you discover your answers, they yield moments of peace and contribute to your personal growth.

How To Become An American Idol… There’s Still Time

The hit reality TV series American Idol is currently wrapping auditions for Season 12 and thousands are showcasing their talent for a shot at stardom.

A solid piece of feedback judges offer some contestants is: bring an authentic voice or unique style to the competition.

Without a unique voice or presence, it becomes challenging for contestants to stand out and they may not be valued as marketable stars.

Being a Superstar
Similarly, being an American Idol or superstar in your own life - whether in your business, career or personal life - means bringing your authentic brilliance to the forefront.

Your authentic brilliance is what allows you to achieve new levels of success in your life.

Authentic Brilliance... What Is?
 "How is it possible to achieve new levels of success in my life?" you may ask. It's simple: your authentic brilliance is your divine right and privilege. When you live it, you are living who you are meant to be.

Your authentic brilliance is comprised of the unique gifts, talents, style, and abilities with which you come into this world. It is what differentiates from others allowing you to stand out and be the star you are meant to be.  

It's Written Upon Your Heart
Living your authentic brilliance is about expressing what's written upon your heart. Some Idol contestants receive feedback that they're unsure of WHO they are.

For example, they may flip-flop between genres (like choosing country songs and then rock songs) although rock and roll is what's really written on their hearts.

When Oprah Winfrey switched from a confrontational-style talk show to an empowering and uplifting format, she expressed what was written upon her heart and lived her authentic brilliance.

Choose to live your authentic brilliance without fearing judgment from others. Instead of copying a co-worker's presence or a business owner's brand, express your unique style or message.

There's always time to start living a life true to who you really are, so choose to start today.

Complaining Is Never The Answer; This Is

Recently, I have been mentoring a high-achieving young woman as she works toward becoming a top-performing athlete.

Her accomplishments have earned her sponsorships that make it possible for her to fully devote her time to training -- a golden opportunity many young women only dream of achieving.

Yet, a pattern began to emerge... a pattern of complaining.

She complained about her trainers, her training schedule, the commitment involved, and the way her parents interact with her throughout the process.

Her focus shifted from her talents and the opportunities she had received to what she didn't like about the experience. Similarly, many of us shift our focus from the gifts and opportunities in our lives. We soon take them for granted rather than expressing APPRECIATION.

As you reflect on achieving your goals, consider this: I have never heard anyone say, "I complained my way to success."

"The act of complaining, which some of us call 'venting' rarely makes us feel good; it just contributes to more complaining and more negativity," explains author Mike Robbins.

Instead of complaining, choose the path of GRATITUDE, and take these powerful words with you:

"There are two words that when spoken, have the most unfathomable power to completely change your life. Two words which, when they pass your lips will be the cause of bringing absolute joy and happiness to you. Two words that will wipe out negativity. Two words that will bring you abundance in all things. Two words which, when uttered and sincerely felt, will summon all the forces and vibrations in the Universe to move all things for you. The only thing standing between you, happiness, and the life of your dreams is two words... THANK YOU!" -from The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne

With gratitude,

Christine Ferguson

I AM Movie Asks "What's Wrong With the World?" Special Screening August 10 in Las Vegas

“Amazing…” –Ellen Degeneres

You are invited to attend a special screening of the distinctly powerful documentary I AM (as seen on OPRAH) at the Center for Spiritual Living in Las Vegas on Friday, August 10.

I AM Documentary

As a Spiritual Coach, I embrace the opportunity to host the screening and share the film's inspiring message.

About I AM
I AM is the story of a successful Hollywood director, Tom Shadyac (LIAR LIAR, NUTTY PROFESSOR, BRUCE ALMIGHTY) who experienced a life threatening head injury, and his ensuing journey to answer two very basic questions: What's wrong with our world? and What can we do about it?

With a film crew of four, Tom visits some of today's GREAT MINDS, including authors, poets, teachers, religious leaders, and scientists (Howard Zinn, Lynn McTaggart, Desmond Tutu, Thom Harmann, Coleman Barks) searching for the fundamental endemic problem that causes all of the other problems, while simultaneously reflecting on this own life choices of excess, greed and eventual healing.

They started by asking what's wrong with the world, and ended up discovering what's right with it.

Special Screening on Friday, August 10
The screening will be held at the Center for Spiritual Living from 6:30 PM to approximately 8:30 PM -- this includes a post-screening Q&A which provides an opportunity for you to share your takeaways from the film and how you will incorporate them into your life to make a difference.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the Center for Spiritual Living bookstore in Las Vegas and at the door.

Praise For I AM
"Amazing..." --Ellen Degeneres

"Everyone needs to see this film!" --Bruce Cohen, Academy Award Winning Producer (American Beauty)

"Entertaining and enlightening. The I AM Documentary is a spark of light and a work of love." --Marianne Williamson, New York Times Best Seller

Click here to purchase the I AM DVD.