“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”  -Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart

You are the only you in this world. This quote speaks volumes to my heart because there is something only YOU can do, so when you find that ‘something that lights you up’—follow it, begin to know every detail of why it breathes energy into your existence, see what it is that makes you come alive. Once you find something like that…you can never let go or fear your own personal betrayal to yourself and the world.

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”  -Howard Thurman

I heard a beautiful metaphor yesterday about taking ideas and philosophy from all areas of life, the variety of people and religions we encounter, the beauty we see, the emotions we feel and metaphorically stringing them all together into a string of beads that symbolize the meaning of your life. So, as I read the above quote I instantly saw a visual of putting beads on a string, so I envisioned the end of this quote as allowing other people to string the beads of your life. Although, after reading it again, I understood it as being a puppet on a string. I am going to envision it like this…I will be stringing the lessons and beauty within my own life to my soul chain, instead of allowing others to pepper my life chain with what they think I need.

IMAGINE…taking a little bit of wisdom from EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING…the wisdom of the Tao, embracing a story from Buddhism, understanding some of the beliefs of Desmond Tutu, feeling your heart sing to the teachings of Marianne Williamson, enjoying a Soul Pancake, loving the Inspiration of Dr. Wayne Dyer, adding Louise Hays movie to your collection, learning a new prayer every day, seeking guidance in the lessons nature has to offer, raising your children in a variety of beliefs, getting grateful with Sarah Ban Breathnach, and looking for the good in all things each day.

String all those beautiful things as beads on your own soul chain & imagine the beauty your soul will seek throughout your life. See, explore, be open to so many beautiful things.

A Inspired idea for the HAPPY SOUL: Find something that you can literally add beads to: key chain, piece of leather, chain, necklace, bracelet, phone charm, something to hang from your car mirror, etc. Go to a craft store and find some beads that may symbolize something for your life (charms, beads that have a particular color, pattern, texture, etc).  Decide what you would like to focus on at this point in your life. Do you want to find someone to love–maybe find a red bead that can symbolize the love you desire to have. Maybe you want to find more spirit within your life—maybe you are drawn to a bird charm, a white pearl bead, a peace sign, etc. Maybe you want to focus on your kids more each day—find something playful that symbolizes your family. Begin to string these beads to create a symbolic soul chain for your life, your daily reminder of what you would like to focus your attention on. Put it somewhere to look at each day & look at each one with a prayer in your heart to put more attention on the specific areas.

-Happy Soul Day!