"To give and to receive are one in truth." This affirmation from A Course in Miracles is in my awareness of late.

I am a giver. In the past I have been an over-giver. Giving was, and is, a core value in my family. While I am so grateful that being open-hearted and generous of spirit was part of my upbringing, I am now having to integrate the truth that in order to give we need to know how to receive.

Two years ago I received a message from my higher self that I needed to develop a sense of "energetic entitlement" around receiving. The visual was a template located at my solar plexus that needed expanding.

Since that time, I have actively worked on my ability to receive, not only spiritually and emotionally, but materially. Just as unpleasant emotions flow on the same current as pleasant emotions, giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. We cannot fully do either, unless we can do both.

As my life continues to unfold, I am aware that giving and receiving are one in truth - with receiving now supporting the giving instead of the other way around.

I recently received a newsletter that shared a story of a man giving hugs in Australia. He would go to a mall and hold up a sign that said, "Free Hugs." All day he would give hugs to people who were willing to receive them.

Some time later the hug-giving man lost his grandmother and became very sad. His musician friend who had taken a video of him giving hugs decided to put the video with a song and post it on the internet as a tribute to his sad friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

So many of us desire to bring more love and light into the world. Giving goes on and on... What if we could see the never ending extention of our small acts of kindness?

I received a make-over on TV today... I was worried to say the least. It was arranged one day when I was on as an energy coach and the producer and stylist started talking about what a good candidate I would be - who knew I was outdated! Denial is a beautiful thing.

I tried to get out of it at the last minute, but the universe obviously wanted this to happen. The producer did not receive my email and arranged it all while I was thinking it was cancelled.

Turns out I needed it... What convinced me was a comment the stylist made when he was done, "You just got rid of all the old energy in that hair..." All it took was the word energy and I was sold!

Not only do I look like a 70's rock star with a modern flair, I've managed to shed some old energy and make room for the new.

"Stop this train... I wanna get out and go home again, I can't take the speed it's movin' in.." - John Mayer

I'm not sure if you have heard this song - and if so, if you've been able to listen to it without crying. He talks about not wanting to see his parents "go" and how he is "one generation's length away" from fighting life out on his own.

He spoke to his father who said, "Don't for a minute change the place your in..."

The song speaks of the bittersweetness of life and how, despite how heart wrenching it can be, we need to be in it - right where we are.

If you get a chance, grab a tissue and have a listen.


My folks driving away from my 42nd b-day party in my dad's restored pick-up.

Today I feel refreshed. It is Saturday. Last Saturday I gave a workshop and then had a busy week, so today I'm not working at all (except for this, which is fun!)

What I've noticed is that the magic in my world has faded a bit this week. Life is good, I'm happy and blessed - but have not had as many insights or inspiring moments as I usually do.

My conclusion? Being too busy is magic squashing. Someone a blog or two ago asked for suggestions on how to decrease stress and increase bliss, here's one: Do less.

A four day work week seems right to me. It gives us enough time to take care of personal business and then to nourish ourselves. I realize that a four day work week isn't possible for all of us, but perhaps there are other things we can cut out... There's no formula here - down time gives us a chance to connect with our essence and feel ourselves - Fun, Fun!

I'm off to see my daughter play soccer. Happy weekend!

Check out the changes to my website. I've added a page on Energy Coaching and an Energy Assessment (PEI) so you can find out how energized you are!