What does it take to be a moral leader?
Can you imagine being part of a community that experienced a shocking tragedy? Can you fathom the emotions you would feel knowing that one person was the perpetrator of the events? Now, can you see yourself including this person in a memorial to the victims of the violence?
At Virginia Tech, one courageous student took this rare step of honoring the gunman who killed 32 others at the school before committing suicide. Katelynn Johnson, a senior sociology-psychology major, added a stone to represent the gunman in a memorial for those who died during the April 16 rampage.
My family did not raise me to do what is popular. They raised me to do what is morally right.
~ Katelynn Johnson
As reported by the Associated Press, Johnson wrote a letter to the Collegiate Times as the person who placed a stone in the memorial for Cho (the gunman). She wrote, “My family did not raise me to do what is popular. They raised me to do what is morally right. We did not lose only 32 students and faculty members that day; we lost 33 lives.”
Cowardice asks the question—is it safe? Expediency asks the question—is it politic? Vanity asks the question—is it popular? But conscience asks the question—is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.
~ Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I’m grateful to Ms. Johnson for standing apart from others who took the popular and safe paths. Though I cannot grasp what could have led Cho to do what he did, my soul knows that he too suffered. I believe that when we choose to omit the perpetrators of violence from our prayers we lose part of our humanity. We all commit acts of violence in our lives–whether in harshly uttered words, righteous judgments, tightly-held resentments, or withdrawal of our love and support. While I know many would argue with me that these “minor” acts have no comparison to outright murder and physical violence, I disagree. There may be differing levels, yet an unloving act is an unloving act, no matter its size or scope.
For us to create a different world than that which we’ve brought into being today, we must forgo the popular and the safe route. We must believe, speak, and act out of love. . . no matter how irrational that love may seem. We must have the courage to be moral leaders, like Ms. Johnson chose to do. We must choose to follow our better nature, that part of ourselves that knows that no matter what it may look like on the surface, we are one. We must see that even in our pain, our judgment, our confusion, or our fear, we can choose a higher road. For it is this road of love, courage, compassion, and truth that will lead us to a new tomorrow, toward a peaceful, mutually-beneficial co-existence that we’ve been yearning for since we came into this world.
Want to change the world? Unite with others in common cause
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
~ Margaret Mead
Melissa, who posted the video at URTH.tv wrote this: “We are the World featured the mega music stars of the time and ultimately raised $50 million for famine relief in Africa. The artists were famously asked to ‘leave their egos at the door’ in an effort to come together, raise consciousness and jumpstart action to reach out to those in need.”
Do you remember this song, this video, and the way this collective undertaking affected you?
The Secret teachers speak about wealth with Ellen DeGeneres
If you’re new to The Secret or haven’t heard of the Law of Attraction, you can learn a bit by watching the video from the Ellen DeGeneres show (6:28 minutes long). In the clip, guests, Bob Proctor and John Assaraf, both men of much success, talk about aspects of The Secret. Specifically they discuss:
- Debt and the Law of Attraction
- Outside world vs. Inside world control
- Seeing “more” — all we need is available to us right now
- Focusing on what you want (Read about how I’ve brought more money into my life than ever before by using The Secret.)
- Gestation period of our thoughts
- Taking inspired action
- Current reality is the result of past thinking and actions
One of my favorite moments from the video clip is when Bob Proctor shares one of his affirmations.
“I am so happy and grateful now that money comes to me in increasing quantities through multiple sources on a continuous basis.”
~ Bob Proctor
Click the “play” triangle in the left corner below the image. Make sure you have your speakers or headset turned on too.
While I cannot predict the future (though I once had a premonition about an earthquake), I can unequivocally say that the Law of Attraction and the principles taught in The Secret have been producing the results I’ve wanted to create in my life. You can call it luck, coincidence, or a fluke it matters not to me. I’m enjoying the abundance and giving thanks that I now know The Secret.
If you want to learn more on your own, you can check out The Secret DVD or the book version of The Secret.
Thanks to Steve Celmer for putting several resources about The Secret in one place.
The money I’ve earned proves that The Secret is no joke
The Secret has worked for me, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you’ve read Newsweek lately or if you view the “Today” show regularly, you may be having your doubts about The Secret and the Law of Attraction. Whether these naysayers actually don’t believe in the Law of Attraction or they’re too greedy to share the goodies with others, I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m a believer because I’ve seen it work in my life in the one area that was once a frequent challenge — money, finances, and material wealth.
The financial goals I have focused on
When I worked in the corporate world (I left in December 2004) I made approximately $3,500/month and I hadn’t earned near that amount since going out on my own. Starting after I attended the phenomenal Millionaire Mind Intensive event in Atlanta in November 2006, however, I’ve focused on earning “at least $5,000 or more each month.” I did NOT busy myself with “figuring out” how I was going to earn this amount, I simply put my attention on what I wanted.
The financial bounty that has resulted from my focus
Since putting my focus on what I wanted–though this includes other things, I’m looking specifically at the monetary desires–all manner of awesome things have happened.
- Out of the blue, through NO solicitation of my own, a $5,000 engagement came my way. In one fell swoop I reached my goal! I was giddy with excitement to see how abundance came looking for me.
- Three people have approached me for coaching without my lifting a finger (except to answer their calls or reply to their emails). So far, one is a new client and the other two are in the process of deciding.
- Over 100 people registered for a free blogging teleclass I offered and several have become clients. Current income from this (all these people got special pricing) = $1,200 with more on the way.
- A teleclass series that hadn’t met it’s minimum registrants, climbed over that threshold, so we’re now “all systems go.” Net income here = $1,800 spread over a couple months.
So the total to date for March (and we’re just at mid-month) is $8,000 and though I’ll owe taxes on this, it’s still my most profitable month ever! Add to all this an A+ in my first graduate school class, an amazing “out of the blue” opportunity to do an Outward Bound course in the Linville Gorge area of North Carolina, and great health (I did have bronchitis for 4 weeks prior), I am living proof that the Law of Attraction and the other teachings of The Secret do apply to me and work in my life.
I’d love to know what you think about The Secret. Have you practiced these principles? Are you skeptical? Drop your comments into the mix and let’s see if I’m “just lucky” or if others have also been creating powerful results using the Law of Attraction.
Check out The Secret yourself and make your own decision. Get the book or DVD version.
Conversations with God. . .coming to you
“This movie is a marvelous illustration of how a life can transform from something so seemingly hopeless to something miraculously good.”
~ Marianne Williamson
If you enjoyed the Conversations with God books, I’m confident that you’re excitedly waiting to see the film based on the books (I am). Well, in February you have a chance to own a DVD of the Conversations with God. This great offer is for anyone who becomes a new subscriber to The Spiritual Cinema Circle, a “club” that provides you with heartwarming, inspirational, and touching movies (that you keep) each and every month. I wrote about the Circle back in December.
New members of The Spiritual Cinema Circle will receive the Conversations with God film as part of the February 2007 DVD which also includes three outstanding short films, plus an additional special bonus DVD (you pay a nominal shipping fee), SOULMATES, which features 6 short films about the magic of relationships and the healing ability of an open heart.
“Brilliantly and poignantly illustrates how life’s greatest gifts can arise in our darkest hours.”~ Debbie Ford
The film Conversations with God details the dramatic journey of a down and out homeless man who inadvertently becomes an unlikely and highly acclaimed bestselling author and spiritual messenger. Adapted from the books by Neale Donald Walsch that inspired and changed the lives of millions worldwide, Conversations with God tells the true story of Walsch who, at his lowest point in life, asks God some very hard questions. Based on the internationally acclaimed book series that has sold over 7 million copies and been translated into 34 languages, Conversations with God is now a major feature film.
Join The Spiritual Cinema Circle in February. Pay just the minimal shipping fees with your subscription and have your very own copy of Conversations with God. (These are affiliate links. The main website is spiritualcinemacircle.com.)
What if anything was possible
I love to share things that inspire me, restore my sometimes faltering faith in humanity, and kindle the spirit of love, joy, trust, and compassion in me. I found this music video at YouTube and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It’s from songwriter/singer Terra Naomi and you can read the moving story about how this video was made at Terra’s website.
Here’s one verse of “Say It’s Possible,” so you can sing along:
Don’t wait act now
This amazing offer won’t last long
It’s only a chance to pave the path we’re on
I know there are more exciting things to talk about
And in time we’ll sort it out
Even though none of us can be in this video, I invite you to use the comments area to answer the same question Terra posed to her fans.
“What would you do or want if anything was possible?”
Simple wedding tips coming to a TV near you
You may or may not know that I am a published author. My two books are:
The Marriage Vow Workbook I coauthored with my phenomenal husband, Bruce Mulkey. We now use the book to coach couples through the writing of their wedding vows and preparing for marriage (a healthy, happy, fulfilling marriage, of course). Of course we do workshops for couples, relationship teleclasses, book signings and media appearances. Many of these events are regional, so you likely haven’t met us yet. Well now is your chance . . . because we’re going to be on a television near you as we make our
national television debut!
So, if you’re looking for free, inspirational, and practical ideas for your wedding, be sure to watch the Simple Weddings episode of Simple Living with Wanda Urbanska. It’s a PBS show televised in most markets nationwide. It is due to air sometime between January 15 and January 22. To find out when it airs in your town, click here.
Here are some of the wedding resources you’ll find on the show:
- Be inspired by the wedding of Eddie McGee and Anna Nixon. This couple involved friends and family in creating their wedding ceremony. Their vehicles of choice after the reception were their bicycles.
- Marriage experts, none other than yours truly, Shonnie Lavender and Bruce Mulkey, share insights on how to write your own wedding vows and plan for a successful marriage right from the start.
- Get tips from wedding experts on creating a ceremony that is green, meaningful, and even low cost.
Please pass the word along to any friends who are engaged and looking for ideas on creating a meaningful, unique, and magical wedding. Feel free to stop by our blog after the show and let us know what you thought.
Closer to millionaire than you think
The title of Steve Pavlina’s recent post, 5 Wealth Lessons From 20 Percent of a Millionaire, really caught my attention. He’s got lots of great ideas (way more than 5 really) about how he shifted his consciousness about wealth, which is something I’ve been actively working on since attending the Millionaire Mind Intensive in November 2006.
What wowed me with Steve’s post was when he wrote that his cash net worth (excluding assets like his highly-profitable blog; $40K/month) was $200,000, therefore he sees himself as 20 percent of a millionaire. As of January 6, 2007 our (my husband, Bruce, and me) net worth was over $238,000 so that means we’re nearly a quarter of the way to being a millionaire couple. Woo Hoo! We rock!! What an awesome realization to have (Thanks for the spark, Steve!) Heck, even if I divide that in half, I’m 12 percent of a millionaire. . . little did I know.
So, my invitation to you is to do the math. If one of the dreams you have for yourself is to live a rich, abundant life–financially and otherwise–start off 2007 by figuring out your current net financial worth. Though it might be lower that what you want it to be, if you start to see yourself as already on the path to becoming a millionaire, arriving at that destination is bound to get a lot easier from now on!
