5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Countdown to Your Next Level of Living

GOOD-BYE, ADIOS, AU REVOIR, SIGE 2012!!

Hello for the last time of the year 2012. I have had a wonderful time this year sharing with those who read my blog. I hope that each reader of FromMe2U has been inspired and empowered and activated to discover the purpose hidden inside.

For me, this has been a year of hard-truths. I had to own the truth that both families (origin and created) would never be the same again...and that's ok. I had to own the truth that fear creeps into my heart and cripples me from doing what the Lord instructs me to do...and that's not ok. I had to own the truth that I am a loner and need to socialize more...especially with family. I had to own the truth that I am my son's full-time parent...and it is what it is. And the owning of truths list goes on and on...

What has this year been a year of for you? Has this been a year of triumph or turmoil? Has this been a year of lessons learned or lessons earned? I encourage you to reflect on this question and, as you come to your answer, begin to think how the answers can propel you into 2013. Tonight, we will begin a countdown in our hearts to our NEXT LEVEL of LIVING.

2013 will be the year that we all need to take the way we live to our next level. No more staying in the status quo of life. It's time to dream a little higher, aim a little higher, reach a little higher and Live at the next level. I know this may sound like a Self-Help Guru Mantra but it is the truth that I have learned as a Christian. The lessons I have been taught and learned is that when you are down in the pits (spiritually, financially, etc), you do...not...stay...there. You examine your heart and soul and allow for the truths to be told. Once they are told, you seek wise counsel and get to gettin'. Get to work on reaching a higher level of living because the Enemy of our Hearts does not want to see God's created people living in the Glory that was created. Living in Glory on Earth does not mean Perfection but it means Peace.

Tonight, as you begin the countdown to another calendar year, countdown in your heart to when you will begin your Next Level of Living.

Be Blessed and Safe Tonight,
Aurellia Anderson

FromMe2U: The Personal Blog of Aurellia Anderson: #HaveCourage to Say "No"

FromMe2U: The Personal Blog of Aurellia Anderson: #HaveCourage to Say "No": Hi Readers! I don't know about you but I hate, let me repeat, HATE, being told "No." Yes, I just expect everyone to say "Yes" to me and give...

#HaveCourage to Say "No"

Hi Readers! I don't know about you but I hate, let me repeat, HATE, being told "No." Yes, I just expect everyone to say "Yes" to me and give me what I want. I mean, why not? I say "Yes" to others' requests easily. But I think that is where the problem lies. Others have no problem with saying "No" while I will rearrange my LIFE in order to accommodate the request to which I have said "Yes". Well, this is the time for me (and you) to #HaveCourage to say "No".

Not having the ability to say "No" has gotten people into debt because they don't have the courage to not spend, spend, spend. Not saying "No" has allowed for men and women to be misused and abused over and over again. Saying "No" should be an easy word to roll off the tongue. However, it is not. For various reasons we accommodate others at the expense of our own comfort. This must stop. We must #HaveCourage to say "No" to others and risk not being popular. We must #HaveCourage to say "No" to our own indulgences and risk being temporarily uncomfortable.

Get ready for the best of the rest of your life by mustering up the courage to Say "No".

Blessings,
Aurellia

#HaveCourage to Dream

Hello everyone! I hope you're being inspired and encouraged to #HaveCourage this month to step into the new year a new you! I know I am.

Today, I want to encourage you to #HaveCourage to Dream. I know it sounds so simple but there are those of us who can't allow themselves to dream again because dream after dream has not come true for them. If you are that person, let me encourage you to #HaveCourage to Dream again. I know it may appear that your dreams have not happened but your life isn't over yet. There is still time.

For those of you who have not dared to dream because fear of looking stupid, let me encourage you to #HaveCourage to Dream. So as a person thinks so shall they be.

Dream...about your wants. Dream...about your needs. Dream...about the world. Dream...about your community. Dream...Dream...Dream.

#HaveCourage to Dream!

Blessings,
Aurellia

#HaveCourage to Let GO!

#HaveCourage to Let Go

Confession: I do... not...like change. I abhor it. I get comfortable in my ways of living and any sort of change throws me off. So you should assume that I have had (and still do) a hard time letting go of things, people and relationships. It took me years to let go of old relationships and bad memories. And I learned the hard way that in order for me to have the best and grow to be the best of God, I must #HaveCourage to let go. 

Yesterday I posted on Social Media the #HaveCourage for the day. It was #HaveCourage to Let Go. The first post was about letting go of old material things. Did you know the starting point of decluttering is psychological? We have to admit to ourselves we are emotionally attached to certain possessions and will hold on to them even if they are broken or worn out. The dresser with the broken legs needs to go! The stained shirt needs to find its way to the dumpster! Television shows like Hoarders have trained counselors speak to the hoarder because they know that keeping a tight grip on material possessions even when they no longer serve their purpose for us is a mental issue. But we must #HaveCourage to Let Go. 

The next #HaveCourage post was about letting go of relationships that no longer serve their purpose in our lives. Now I am not talking about marital relationships (that's a whole different can of worms) but the relationships that began with a different expectation and end up being broken and worn out. There are those friendships we have that are no longer friendly but are actually destructive to our moods and self-esteem. There are those romantic relationships that are no longer adding to our love-factor and find itself being abusive. Seriously, these relationships are no longer serving the purpose with which was the starting point. #HaveCourage to let go. 

Letting go does so much for our environments-living and psychological. It allows for the air to be cleansed from all that is toxic and harmful. It allows for our spaces to be empty so they can be filled with the good that is God. Believe me, when I do some purging, purification automatically comes along because clean just feels so good (and I also mean with relationships). 

My friends, do the hard thing and ask yourself, "What/Who do I need to let go?" When you come up with the answer, #HaveCourage to let go!

Blessings,

Aurellia

#HaveCourage to Love

#HaveCourage to Love

I know this #HaveCourage is cliche but it is so true. Over the course of time, many times (or maybe one bad experience) made us afraid to love others. We have been hurt or have seen others hurt from giving themselves in love and decided not to Love. But I want you to know that you will never experience love if you don't allow yourself to #HaveCourage to Love. 

Loving others requires sacrifice. It will require being selfless. It will demand that you leave offense at the door. So, yes, it takes Courage to Love. There is a vulnerability you experience when you make up your mind to Love someone.  But nothing is worth winning if you don't risk losing. 

I have loved and lost. I was afraid to love again because the pain of other losses changed my perception of love and relationship. But after a period of time, I made up in my mind that I would #HaveCourage to love again. It didn't work out but I was proud of myself for attempting to love again. 

So #HaveCourage to Love. It will be worth it.

Blessings,

Aurellia

#HaveCourage to want New

#HaveCourage

Hi Everyone! As you may remember, December is the month I have dedicated my blog to encourage readers to #HaveCourage. Courage is not the absence of fear or absence of obstacles, but it is the "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty" (Merriam-Webster). Our actions are only courageous when there is a presence of fear or an obstacle.  

I have a list of various actions, behaviors, and feelings I want to encourage you to #HaveCourage for and I don’t know where to begin. I feel like the items should be in some kind of order but, if you know me, you know I am very indecisive. So I think this series of #HaveCourage blogs will not be in any particular order but as I am led by the voice of God and the cry of the people…

Today, I want to encourage you to #HaveCourage to want something NEW. That’s the thing about the ending of one calendar year. At the stroke of Midnight, it is the ending of the old and hopefully a step into what is new. But truth be told, we cling on to what has been and what is practically worn out and old instead of getting excited for what is new that lies ahead. It takes Courage to actually desire to have something new because the old is so comfortable and so familiar. We know what to expect with the old; the New is foreign territory and may be inhabited by lions, tigers, and bears…oh my!

This December, I want you to #HaveCourage to want something new in your life. This new may be finally looking for a new job or a new place to live (because you know that you really are tired of the job you currently have). New for you may be a new romantic relationship because the relationship you are in is going nowhere fast. Ask yourself, What do I want to be NEW in my life? Whatever answer you admit to yourself, let that be your priority in the New Year to achieve.

Blessings,

Aurellia

#HaveCourage



 Happy Day Bloggers!

I'm excited about this month. I'm always excited about December. Yes, it is the Christmas season that is marked by angels and baby Jesus and trees and decorations and family and gift-giving. But it is also significant because it is the symbol of one year lived ending and preparation for a new year full of hope and expectations. I love having the option of starting over and getting a chance to get it right. (lol) But none of this "change" will occur if COURAGE is not present.

Courage.

Definition of COURAGE (Merriam-Webster) : mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Origin of COURAGE: Middle English corage, from Anglo-French curage, from quer, coer heart, from Latin cor — more at heart

If we were to unpack the definition of Courage, it would take more than just one inspirational blog post. It would take a book (hmm). But this month, I would like to encourage you (along with myself) to #HaveCourage to risk some things, live some ways, address some situations.

The world is filled with victory stories of new treatments and possible cures for diseases and new companies beginning creating jobs for many. On your block, there are dances and tears of joy for new wedding engagements, babies being born, books written, college acceptances. The present moment for some is great and will require us to #HaveCourage to do what's necessary to see it through.

This world is also filled with so many controversial situations these days. At present, America is talking about falling off imaginary cliffs and NFL players are committing homicide-suicide. Down your street, there is worry and fear, loss and grief about jobs, finances, family, relationships. The present moment for many of us is not all that great and will require us to #HaveCourage to take the next step into our forevers.

Over the month, follow the FromMe2U blog posts and be inspired to #HaveCourage to walk into a new year ready to see the Greatness that is God.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Photo (c) by Jennifer Enright

Thankful I'm No Longer a Basket Case!

Thankful I am no longer a Basket Case

Happy Thanksgiving All! I am reading on Social media all the things people are most grateful for and I am delighted to read them. It is heart warming that people realize the bountiful blessings they have in their lives. So I decided I better post what I'm most thankful for before it looks like I'm not into the Gratitude Circle. So I started to think. I mean really think. I cant post just any ol' feel good thing. i gotta be real if I'm going to talk about gratitude! I had to be  honest with myself (and the world I serve): I am most grateful that I am not an emotional basket case. I am emotionally stable and at peace with the way life is for me. 

See, there was a time not too long ago where I couldn't deal with the losses in my life. I had a sense of prolonged grief. And for those of you who don't know, prolonged grief turns into serious depression and can affect not only your mood but your physical health. I literally was a closet and functioning emotional wreck!  I could work life publicly but went home miserable. I can joke about it now, but living it was painful (and for my closest friends and loved ones). But I can say today that I am no longer a basket case. 

Yes, I have my moments when I pout, when I cry, when I vent, but the losses are not the definition of my existence. I have had to deal with rejection and losses since the BIG loss but it doesn't consume me to the point of no return. 

So that is what I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving Season. That is what I can shout about and say I have victory over! 

Blessings on this Thanksgiving Day 2012,

Aurellia

What Do You Know For Sure?

Proceed in the direction of what you know for sure. I remember when Oprah Winfrey came out with her Magazine "O". In the back of each edition she wrote a personal page titled, "What I know For Sure." This always intrigued me because a woman as successful as she had to know many things for sure. But the title spoke volumes in that it pointed out the fact that while we may "know" many things, there are those things that we know "for sure".

I myself know many things about my life but there are few things that I know "for sure". Those truths that we know for sure have to be what guides every step and the direction we take in our life. I know for sure that the school I chose for my son to attend is the right one for him (and us) and our life choices will be made around his school. See how what I know for sure should guide every decision? Simple concept but hard to follow, I know.

But we should make life that simple. We have to know for sure some things and allow it to be our truth regardless of what the hens in the coup say.

So I ask you, "What do you know for sure about your life?" Proceed in that direction.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Life Support

I am a hospital chaplain. I love my job but I will admit that it has some really tough days. Some of the toughest days are the ones where I see hope ceased. There will be a family who is hoping for the miraculous turn-around of a family member who is on a ventilator, or life support. They have hoped that the patient would be able to breath on their own but after many unsuccessful attempts, the patient is not able to be weaned, or come off of the life support machine. They then have to make the decision to have a tracheotomy placed in the patient (permanent life support) or allow the patient to die a natural death and remove the life support. Those days are tough because it has such a spiritual component that we all can relate to.

While we may not all have to make a decision to sustain one's life by hope and artificial means, we all can relate to holding on to hope of a situation in our lives turning around for the better. We have experienced a relationship (personal or professional) that is essentially dying (or even dead) and we hold on hoping for it to "live" or "live again". And then eventually, we will have to decide to remove the life support-all those things we are doing to sustain the "alive-ness" of the relationship and allow for it to die. Unfortunately, like some families, we decide to keep relationship "alive" by artificial means until eventually it dies on its own. For example, a job that we know has died but we will continue to put all our energy into it with no seemingly beneficial results. Same goes for a friendship, romantic relationship or business. Sometimes, we must discontinue the life support in order for their to be comfort and peace.

The Death of a thing is not easy. It requires true assessment of the situation and understanding of the purpose and goals of whatever it is we are holding on to. Sometimes something will die on its own, but more likely than not we are given the opportunity to discontinue life support. Ask yourself, am I continuing unnecessary suffering because I have reasonable hope or is it because I fear the outcome removable of the "life support" will bring? Whatever the answer you receive allow it become real in your life and I pray you have the strength that I didn't have to remove the "life support". 

Blessings,
Aurellia

Photograph by Jennifer Enright (c)

Eye of the Tiger

Hi Bloggers! I have a dear sweet sister-friend named Jen. Jen is a competitive horse rider (or shall I say equestrian) who took the time a while back to teach me to ride. I loved it! I new I was a nature girl but I didn't realize how much I was until I got on her horse, Dolly. Dolly was so patient with me. She handled my newness with ease. I never fell off of Dolly but there sure were times when I thought I was going to fall. But she steadied herself which in turn held me on.

Over the past few days I have felt the steadying of life when I was sure I was going to fall off. The bumps and the rough ride of life can have us thinking that we are going to fall off. But we won't if we just trust that we are not going to fall. Our thoughts will determine our behaviors...

In that same time, I began to get distracted by the bump and the seeming change of a new season or a different course my life was going to take. The hurt of the change or the pain of the withdraw of a constant can distract us from our goals. We must have the eye of a tiger and not get distracted when the seasons change...

Change can be the hardest thing we have to deal with in life. I know for me I don't do change very well. I like consistency. I like knowing what to expect with the two that matter is things change. Seasons to change. And change they must...

The atmosphere has a way of letting the weather know how to behave in a particular season. This season has to change so that growth can continue. Our lives are just like this season. Our lives change: people come, people go, jobs come, jobs go, experiences come, experiences go...

We must embrace the changing of seasons. Yes, our hearts may be heavy and tears may well open our eyes but also there may be those who are excited that the season is changing. Embrace the season that you're in with expectation that it will change. You may not know when it will change but it will change.  So let your hearts be lifted.

Blessings,

Aurellia

(c) Photos by Jennifer Enright

Work That Faith!

Hi there! It's been a bit since I've blogged but, gosh, I have to tell you life has been craaaazy! There have been so many changes happening in my life and in the lives of those around me. I also have lots of decisions to make in the near future. (Doesn't it seem like I'm always having to make major decisions?)

Well, I'm blastin J.Moss's song "Work that Faith"! O...M...G!! This is like my anthem. It should be yours. "...I'm a do it" "Work that faith" "Won't be down anymore...bound...sad...had anymore". This is our anthem...Time to work our faith...walk in what we believe. If it's impossible, then we believe and KNOW it is possible. Period. The End. Come on, join me. "Work that faith." What good is faith if we don't work it??

Only you an limit your expectation. Seriously. It might take blood, sweat, and sure enough tears but it is possible. Timing may not be according to your schedule but we're not talking about "right now miracles" but what's possible.

Come on, let's spend the next 30 days believing and working our faith.

Love you,
Aurellia

Go through THIS to get to THAT

Hi My Fabulous Gems!! It's been a while since I last shared with you from this blog. Things have been great in my life and the life of my company Hidden Gem. But I have to admit that during this "great" time in my life, there have been some weeds, thorns and thistles. And I have fought against having to experience the pain of walking through that environment. But the Word of God came to me this morning and said, "You have to go through this to get to that." Immediately my mind went to an image that drove the point home.

It's like when you're walking along a path in the forest and you notice something beautiful in the distance that you'd like to get closer to see and experience. As you begin your journey to get to that "beautiful something", you notice that there is a patch of dry grass filled with thorny stickers and weeds. You look for other places along the path to step but there are none. Only this thorny, painful part.

That is our journey sometimes. We are made aware of our own beautiful something in the distance-career achievement, better relationship, financial prosperity, weight loss, advanced academic degree. But along the journey there are issues that must be dealt with-applications to complete, self-control, closing doors, sacrifice, healing. We must go through these things (and more) in order to get to those things. Painful as it may be, sometimes we must go through THIS to get to THAT.

Sisters, Go through this time of pruning and refining, this time of hard work and difficulty, this time of tears and frustrations, grief and depravity so that you can get to that place of victory, that place of restoration, that place of joy, that place of prosperity. YES!!

"Nobody told me the road would be easy..."

Blessings,
Aurellia
www.HiddenGemCo.com

Sometimes We Just Don't Get It Right

Sometimes we just don't get it right.

Today I had one of those days where I just didn't get it right. Perfection was not my friend today. Here I was thinking I was being great at marketing my company and all by posting to my Alma Maters Group on Facebook only to find out that the group had restrictions against such postings. #FAIL. Reading is so fundamental. I saw follow up posts about how rude it was to post things for marketing purposes and personal advancement. Once again, #FAIL. I should have read the description. Immediately I apologized and removed my posts. I felt utterly embarrassed. I don't like messing up.

And then comes work. I seemingly messed up again. I say seemingly because I didn't really mess up but there were nurses who were mad at me for something they thought I did. (Really tense environment these days.) But in my mind, once again, #FAIL. I just couldn't seem to get things right today.

I was ready to run from it all, quit it all, get away from it all, but I had to remind myself that we always don't get it right and some days we will not be perfect. Quitting is just not an option. It just isn't. You get back up again. You clean up your mistake and you make precautions so not to make the same mistake again...and you keep it moving.

Trust me, I will make sure I read all instructions/descriptions on Facebook Groups from now on. ;-)

Happy Friday!

Blessings,
Aurellia

The Voice of God

Happy Sunday everyone! I have had the most fun (and exhausting) weekend. It started off with a friend of mine's official launch event of her clothing brand, Church Chick. I was at the table with my friends and just laughed. Then Saturday I had a photo shoot for myself for my company Hidden Gem with the help of my cousin's online store, Closet Keepsakes. Then went to Worship Team rehearsal (I love worship music). I ended my day by making from scratch a Chicken Pot Pie. And today will be our Pop Warner Football Game (I coach and my little cousin cheers). So a busy weekend indeed. Not to mention I think I'm coming down with a sinus infection/cold (ugh!).

But nevertheless, I'm enjoying myself. I will say, that in the midst of all this busyness, I am feeling the presence and hearing the voice of God clearer than I have in the recent years. Maybe it's because I've quieted all the other voices (you know, mine's, theirs, world's). Maybe because I've been so desperately wanting and needing to hear God's voice that I am tuned in to hear.

I can say that the shift in my inner and outer world is taking place and even though I may not like what is taking place, God's presence and hand is ever so near. Without a doubt.

Without a doubt.

So, FromMe2u: Listen/ obey to what God is speaking to you (the first time) and TRUST that what you hear is safe; will not harm you but is for your good.

Blessings,
Aurellia

StepBoos and BabyBoos

Last night my oldest stepson came to visit me and his brother before he left to go back to college. My heart was overwhelmed at the energy in the room. There he and his best friend were playing with my son (his youngest brother) and having a good ol' time playing as boys do. After they left and my son went to bed, I just reflected on my experience of that interaction. What did I come up with? I love family. I am a family girl. I love family and I love being a mother. It doesn't matter who birthed a child (and my stepson's mother is WONDERFUL!), I know I can love unconditionally and care for a child with open arms and open heart. And even though our family isn't a unit any longer, I still consider him my son.

I loved being in their presence. I just sat back most of the time on the couch and watched them play. We laughed, we played, we talked grown-up (my stepboo as I call him is so spiritually enlightened now-*tear). And my heart was overwhelmed with joy. Today, I smile.

Blessings,
Aurellia

The Defining Moment

Hi Bloggers! I am so excited to share with you today what has been on my mind/heart for the past couple days...

There has been, is, will be a defining moment in your life that has, is, will set(ting) the stage for the rest of the best of your life.

This moment will define EVERYTHING that is your life. This moment may or may not be pleasing to the senses BUT it will be a moment that everything becomes clear to you. This moment will change your life and place in the correct direction for you to walk in. Pay attention.

My defining moment? I believe I have had a few defining moments but I will have to be honest that my defining moment is happening right now. It has been happening for a while and is not complete but I KNOW it is my defining moment when I will rise to the level of grace and peace that only can come from the Creator. It is the moment in which I will know exactly who I am and who God is. It is the defining moment for my personality and character.

Pay attention to your defining moment. Let the Spirit speak...

Blessings,
Rell

Hidden Gem is rolling out new blog (and company) changes...

Good Morning All! I am listening to Dara Maclean's "Yours Forever" and I am just amazed at how these song writers can pin the exact thoughts and feelings I am having...and they don't even know me. But that is the wonderment of the human soul. There are so many of us and so many types of personalities and souls that we are bound to have similar experiences and feelings. This lady pinned my Soul's Journey to the "T". And she ends the song with "...I'm yours forever my love."

Hidden Gem Blog Followers. There are lots of changes happening to the Hidden Gem Company. Or maybe I should call them upgrades. Either way there will be some new aspects of the company rolling out within the next few months. One of these changes will be the blogs "Hidden Gem" and "Mommy World." In an effort to meet the needs of the readers (and to truly express the truth as I am experiencing it), the layout and the "voice" of the blogs will be different.

The Hidden Gem Blog will now be titled, "From Me to You." It will be the Personal Blog of Aurellia Anderson. This is not meant to be the end all be all voice of reason or advice, but it is to provide a sense of personal connection to the world-both men and women. It's purpose is to reach those in the world and provide encouragement, inspiration and increase consciousness in small ways through the written word.

The Mommy World world will continue with the same title but will consist also of article and book reviews, tips and tricks, and the same words of encouragement and inspiration not only from me (Aurellia) but from other Moms and Mom-Types out there in the world. The goal is to be of support to those mothers (especially working mothers).

We hope that you will continue to be blessed by what you read on my/our blogs.

Till next time,
Aurellia Anderson

Are You Listening?

Sometimes there are no words to describe what goes on in our hearts. Sometimes there are only those silent questions, silent cries, silent sighs. Who hears them? The Spirit of God hears them and responds. The silence speaks…are you listening?

Can You create the life you want?

Good morning!! As I sit waiting for my jury duty badge number to be called, my mind wanders to something I've been thinking about for some time now. Can we really create the life that we want? Some friends of mine, like myself, are living a life that we wouldn't choose for ourselves otherwise. There are illnesses and accidents, break-ups and dissolutions, debts and bankruptcies-none that we would like to experience. So, from the modern thought, we are told that we can create the life that we want by simply "making it happen". Can we really? In theory, yes. We can act and do. We have the power to buy and make. We can persuade and manipulate. But creating the life that we want just may in fact involve the will of others and that, my dear friends, we can not create. I believe creating the life we want has to do more with concepts than anything. We want to be happy, we can create an environment that consists of the things that make us happy (i.e. flowers, cooking, shopping). We want peace, we can remove the worry and the doubt from our minds, rid our space of chaos, etc. We want a family, it may mean restructuring our definition of what family is to us. Creating the life we want may mean living in another reality other than the one we see in our minds. It requires you getting in touch with your truest self and allowing your soul to speak to you. It will tell you what is your heart's desire and it is then you act and do accordingly. Blessings, Aurellia

All the Single Ladies...visit Hidden Gem's Online Bookstore and check out Single Sisters Setting Boundaries-a book designed just for YOU!

Moms and Mom-Types...visit Hidden Gem's Online Bookstore and pick up your copy of No One Ever Told Me- Witty,Practical & Spiritual Truths about Motherhood!

SAVE THE DATE!

Gratitude

I just finished Spirituality Group at work and gosh, I am overwhelmed. The topic for the group was “Gratitude”. I decided to facilitate a group because of my own sense of ungratefulness lately. I have been disgruntled over the past couple of weeks because of the “lack” in my life. Lack of partnership, lack of resources, lack of this, lack of that. All of my focus on my own “lack” lowered my joyful spirit. It definitely was related to an anger spat I had earlier this week. So this morning I was intentional about changing my mood. You must realize that in order to change your mood, you have to change your attitude. Once you change your attitude, your behavior will follow.

So, in today’s group, our activity was to make a list of all that we are grateful for. I encouraged the group to think about EVERYTHING that they are appreciative they are able to experience in their life. From the minute to the grandiose-everything. Out of confidentiality, I will leave their comments out of this blog. I will share with you my experience during this exercise. I became overwhelmed and thought, “Wow!” I felt warm in my insides like when I drink something warm. I really do have some great experiences and if I spent time meditating on these experiences that I am grateful for, sadness would be far and few between.

So Ladies, I encourage you to complete the following exercise and see if it doesn’t lift your mood by lifting your way of thinking about your life.

Blessings,

Aurellia

Gratitude Exercise by Aurellia Anderson, M.Div.

Materials needed: Paper, Pen or Pencil, Journal


1. Get in a quiet place and space.


2. Relax your body, mind, and spirit.


3. Write down on the piece of paper all the items and experiences in your life for which you are grateful for (thankful, appreciative, like, love, excited about, etc).
Even if there is something that comes to mind that you think is so mundane and normal (being alive/breathing), write it down anyway.


I encourage you to spend at least 30 minutes giving yourself to this activity even if you can’t think of anything to write. You will be surprised at what else may come to your mind.


4. After you have completed your list, sit for a moment quietly and ask yourself, “How did writing this list make me feel?” (Ex. Happy, sad, mad, etc.) Journal the answer to that question.


5. Now, read the list you just wrote. Take time with each item and really experience it in your body, mind, and spirit.


6. After you have finished reading the list again, ask yourself, “How did reading the list make me feel?”Journal the answer to this question.


7. In order to keep the attitude of gratitude, place this list in a location where you can be reminded of all that you’re grateful for. It can be life changing.

Something more...and deep breathing...

There is always so much going through my mind...all the time. Lately, I have been thinking about my own call. I am excited and interested in helping others discover their purpose and call in life but lately I question if I am walking in all that I was created to do.

Ever have that feeling that you know you are walking (working) in the right direction but still there is more to all that you are to be? Burning inside is a deep seeded desire to do something but you just can't put your finger on it? Well I have been feeling that lately. So what does one do with that? My suggestion is that you get quiet.

My doctor told me just today to do some deep breathing and meditation when those feelings of anxiety come upon me. In other words, get quiet. Relax. Get quiet. Listen. It will come to you whether you are in the right place and space or direction or not. You will hear the Spirit tell you if you just need a little patience to see the seed sprout or if you are planting in the wrong field.

It's important to live your life on purpose. No use in spinning your wheels in the wrong career. No use. There is a destiny with your name on it. Get quiet and listen.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Happy Monday Morning!

Good Monday Morning Ladies! Gosh, what a weekend. For me it was a quiet weekend at home, de-cluttering, organizing and the likes. I was simply excited and happy at what is to come. I know I am to be happy with what is but while I am happy for what is, I am ecstatic about what my future holds. I have some big dreams and goals that I want to see happen. I am praying and believing in faith that they will come to life. I am doing my part in making those dreams come true. At the same time, I am trying not to get discouraged as I see the seedling still sit in the soil. But I am still excited nonetheless.

On another note, I must say that I am just too inspired by all the women in life I know. They are some amazing women-Mom-types, wives, business owners, Senior Executives, Teachers, mentors, etc. All you ladies inspire me to forgive, to love, to live, to dream, to risk, to enjoy, to laugh, to believe.

On this Monday morning, the start of a brand new week, Love someone. Forgive someone. Let go of someone. Trust someone. Honor someone. Remember, do unto others...

Blessings,
Aurellia

www.HiddenGemCo.com

You Matter

Hello Ladies!! Let me first put a disclaimer on this post: I believe that we all are to have a good portion of humility and stay away from selfish ambition and vain conceit. Now that this is said, let me tell you this: "You Matter." Lately I have been faced with a lot of young adults with serious issues and my spirit was sad. A gunshot wound. A suicide attempt. And a lot of them. To these individuals I just have one message, "You Matter." They look at me with there big eyes filled with some wonder at my words. I ask myself if they hear that phrase often, if at all. I know I was never really told that phrase. I was shown it by people's actions but never really heard it said to me. Something about hearing it said out loud...

Imagine what the world would look like if people actually lived their lives knowing that their presence, their existence actually mattered in the grand scheme of things. Would they make different choices? Would they carry themselves different? I'm not talking about superficial and materialistic actions and behaviors but the downright meaningful, intentional ways of being in the world. Life and death choices.

There would be less killing-homicide and suicide. More grace given to themselves and others. Love all around would be shown because souls would be hungry to learn what it really means to love.

Tell someone (especially a little kid, a teen, girl, boy), "You Matter."

Blessings,
Aurellia

Life without Limits at Comedy Night

Tonight was a night I will never forget. I did Stand-Up comedy at this dive bar's Comedy Amateur Night for my birthday celebration. I know the host and when I told him what I wanted to do, he said "Sure. Let's do it." What did I want to do? Was I actually trying to add one more job to my resume? Was I having another Pre-Mid life crisis (check out my book for the details...www.HiddenGemCo.com)? None of the above. I just always wanted to do a standup comedy act...and I told myself why not just do it.

I was so nervous. There were all sorts of people telling me to not go up on stage because I would embarrass myself. I thought to myself, Well maybe but I'm not doing it for the approval of others. When I arrived and I was watching the other comedians before me I really started to second guess my presence there. I felt that I had no business being In the line up because I didn't have the same type of act that made the audience laugh. But you know what? I shook off all that fear and nervousness and reminded myself why I was there...to live my life without limits. And that is what I hope my life can model for others. Don't be afraid to go after your dreams.

Now don't get me wrong...I don't mean live a life without boundaries or consciousness. See, my dream didn't hurt anyone or violate the laws of human kindness and respect. Simply, live beyond the limit of fear and doubt. If you want to leap, leap. You want to jump, jump. Only you can choose who's voice you listen to. The lion or the lamb.

Happy Birthday to me...and happy living to you.

Muah!
Aurellia

February is Here

Hi Ladies. I absolutely LOVE the month of February. This month there is so much for me to celebrate. February is the month that the United States honors the History of African-Americans in this country. February is the month that America (and other parts of the world) celebrate Love and Loving. February is also the month that I was born. This month is near and dear to my heart.

Celebrate with me all month.

I am going to celebrate mostly this month my birth. I have planned some great and wonderful things...to be continued...

Blessings,
Aurellia

Calling and Gifts

Good Morning! Rarely do I ever talk about my job publicly but today I am. Yesterday was an indescribable day. I am a hospital chaplain. In the Emergency Department there were a few tragedies that I was privileged to be a support to families and staff. Two sudden deaths: one a hanging, the other a car accident. Both died on the scene. I was present with the bodies when the doctor called their time of death. How was I feeling? Normal. It was tragic yes but there was a certain assurance I had while being present in the room. When the families arrived and I attended to them, that same assurance came over me. How was I feeling? Heartbroken for them but normal for me. Why? Because of the assurance in my call and gift to minister to the sick, dying, dead and grieving. It is all about calling and giftedness.

Each one of us has gifts. These are not learned, they are given to us during our creation in the womb. Funny but I have had doctors who even say to me, "I don't know how you do it." Doctors. (lol) It's not about skill; it's about gifts.

What gifts have you been given to heal the world? Yours may be a gift to process crazy amounts of information and disseminate that information to others in such a way that they understand better (Teaching). Yours may be uplifting people regardless of how down you may feel (Encouragement). In this New Year where we make New Year Declarations and Resolves, find out where your gifting lay. And whatever your gift, give it to others. It is very true...To whom much is given, much is required.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Hidden Gem: Everything there is a Season

Hidden Gem: Everything there is a Season: Good Morning! I hope this year is starting off the way you hope it would. If not, well, we are only 4 days into it so there is time to turn ...

Everything there is a Season

Good Morning! I hope this year is starting off the way you hope it would. If not, well, we are only 4 days into it so there is time to turn it around.

How many of you are like me and can get discouraged by what is seemingly happening in others' lives? Is your hand raised? Well, both of mine are. Sometimes when I look at Facebook or see the feeds on Twitter, it seems like everyone else's lives are so much better than mine or moving in a forward direction while mine is at a standstill. I constantly have to remind myself to stay in my own lane and move in the direction that is designed for my life. While God may be blowing the wind of speed someone else's way, God may be saying for me "Take it slow".

What God has for you is for you. God knows the plans that were designed for your life. For such a time as this...

Remember, your life is your life...the ups, the downs, the halts, the stops. Prepare yourself during the slow time because when it is time to speed up and race, you will need to have all your ducks in a row.

Blessings,
Aurellia

NEW

Happy New Year everyone! Aren't you excited? I am! I am very excited about 2012. Why? Because this is the year of NEW! New EVERYTHING!

As I have been reflecting and anticipating the turn of a calendar page, I couldn't help but think about all that took place in 2011. I definitely was ready to leave it behind and walk in NEW.

Ladies, what NEW are you ready for this year? New mindset? New heart? New love? New dwelling? New environment? New atmosphere? New respect? New joy? New vision? New passion? New desire? New goals? New car? New home? New outlook on life? New health? New attitude? New thoughts? New success? NEW!

Over the course of January, Hidden Gem will address the NEW in your life...how to discover it, how to pursue it, and how to obtain it. NEW!

So let us know on our website what your NEW for 2012 is and we will address it. Visit our website www.HiddenGemCo.com and go to the Contact Us page. Leave your NEW there.

Blessings and Happy New Year,

Aurellia