I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were [...]]]> This past weekend I went to the IDFA Posing Clinic with Dr. Kevin Ashby and Dr. Wendy Carvalho-Ashby.

I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were lurking there, but I pretended they didn’t exist.  I am, after all, The Queen of JOY you know.

You know…things like this:

99% of everyone here is younger than me.

Everyone’s hair is done up! All I see is my skunk line. I really need a cut and a color.

Look at all their nice clothes. I’m wearing a baggy t-shirt to cover my pooch.  I don’t see a pooch on anyone else here.

We have to “strut” in front of everyone? I haven’t been in heals since the summer of 2009! This is NOT going to be graceful, and everyone is going to look at me.  I can only imagine what they’ll be thinking.

Then I heard the whispers.

Are you serious? In front of everyone? Now? No way. (From the lady sitting beside me who looked incredible.)

I was tired of everyone telling me my legs needed to be smaller.  I figured I’d try something where I would be accepted for my size.  (From a young lady who figure skated and had the most incredible legs!)

I looked around and noticed things too.

I wasn’t the only one who slipped doing the T-walk. 

I wasn’t the only one waiting until the last possible moment to go up and practice.

There was a young man who was quite slender and looked out of place next to the bigger men there.  He had the nerve to get up there and pose, and had fun doing it.

Everyone clapped like mad for everyone else.

My goal is the October 2011 competition here in Calgary.  I can do the training.  I can do the nutrition.  I just have to figure out how to do the walking out on stage with confidence and flair.  I’ve got some time.  And there’s another Clinic at the end of summer too.  I’ll make sure I register for that.

Yes.  I’m still scared.  I’m stepping waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  But I’m excited.  I’m really excited.  That’s how I KNOW this is something for me to do.  That Excitement.  The thing is, I used to get that feeling for healing workshops.  Weird I’m getting that same feeling for a Fitness Model Competition!

Hmmmm…different kind of event, but I’ll bet this will be a healing experience for me.  I’m always cared for.  Something new to heal and grow with.

How does your Spirit speak with you?  Do you get that excited feeling like I do? Will you follow the Guidance your Spirit is giving you?

Go for it!  It’ll be a rocking Journey!  You’re going to love what you experience, and what you will see on the other side!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Got a GREAT interview on tap for you tomorrow.  Joan Borysenko is on Welcome Changes Radio tomorrow.  We’ll be discussing her book, “Fried: Why You Burn Out and How to Revive”.  You won’t want to miss it!

We make our decisions based on the choices before us…the choices we THINK are available to us…the data we’ve allowed into the Thinking.

For a number months now I’ve been following Divine Guidance and doing web designing and other work around websites in [...]]]>

Image via Wikipedia

Choices and Decisions

We make our decisions based on the choices before us…the choices we THINK are available to us…the data we’ve allowed into the Thinking.

For a number months now I’ve been following Divine Guidance and doing web designing and other work around websites in order to take care of the financial aspect of my experience.  I fought this for probably a year before I finally settled into actually doing the work. 

I fought it because I thought it was in no way related to my Path…the Path as I interpreted it.  How was web work related to my radios show? How was web work related to public speaking, coaching, training, or any of this?  I couldn’t see the connection.  It was stupid and completely unrelated.

My income streams continue to shift until I finally threw up  my hands in the air in surrender to what was before me—the web work.  And this wasn’t a peaceful surrender.  I complained and moaned for quite some time.

Wisdom and Faith

I was playing with “Do I really have FAITH in what I believe my Divine Path is if I’m doing something completely unrelated?”

The truth is, it’s not as Cut and Dry as that.  If these action steps of web designing are right in front of me, flashing like a strobe light, why wouldn’t I take that particular action?

Why would I possibly think that Wisdom and Faith don’t walk hand in hand?

It’s wise to do something…anything…to pay the bills.  We live in this physical world, and we do need to take care of business.  There was something right in front of me to do that.

By taking that action I am not turning my back on  my Divine Path.  I’m actually keeping it alive and possible.  I certainly cannot follow my Divine Path as easily in a cardboard box!

What if I had the faith that no matter where I am, or what I am doing, I am on Path.  Divine is guiding me there always, even when it may not look like it.  My perspective can be limited, and I won’t always see how things connect.

Choices and Decisions

The New Year has begun, and I have found myself face to face with more choices and decisions.  I’m not happy with the perceived options again.  I’m not happy with the choices I made. Yes, I began complaining and moaning again.

The thing is, all this complaining doesn’t solve a thing, and honestly, I can’t complain about the decisions—I made them.  No one else did.

I can’t complain about the perceived choices. The choices were only limited by me, and how I looked at things.

Over the past two weeks, I was supposed to have a radio shows, but I didn’t follow up properly with the guests, and it got missed.  I’ve been angry with myself for the past couple of weeks.

I didn’t get this done because I HAD to do the web work I committed to with others.  That’s my excuse.  Everyone else was more important than me and my radio show.  I put them all there.  I couldn’t see any other way, so I just went ahead with the decision, and complained about it. 

The choice was still my responsibility.  No one else made it.  No one else listed the choices for me.

OK…I accept responsibility.  I saw my choices through limited eyes, and I made the decision.

All the while I was complaining abut the Decisions in front of me, and the Decisions I made, I was forgetting all about the most important thing.

Faith

Where was my Faith? 

Where was the trust in myself? Where was the trust in Divine Guidance? I didn’t even check in with Divine Guidance when I made these decisions.  I made them from my Limited Mind, setting myself up for some loud and whiny complaining.

Mind and Spirit

Our Mind and Spirit tend to work Separate from each other.  We grow dependent in the intellect to resolve so many things.

Many of discover our Spirit, and then look to it solely to resolve things, and then wonder why things don’t work out.  We were so sure!  “I just KNEW that my Divine Purpose was…”

The Truth is, our Minds and Spirits are Partners.  When they work together there is no stronger partnership.

The problem is, when we get locked into Mind, we don’t ask our Spirit for any help on things the Mind cannot see or does not understand.

And yet we cannot interpret and bring into this World what Spirit offers without our Mind.

Seems like a Catch-22, but it isn’t.

When our Mind trusts Spirit, the communication stream opens wide.  We begin to understand more and question less.

I have built more trust between my Mind and my Spirit. I have come a long way over these past 9 years of chosen growth. And yet, I still falter from time to time.  I still question the obvious steps in front of me because of how they look.  I still forget to ask my Spirit for more information when the choices before me seem limited.

Choices and Decisions

Right back to the beginning of Choices and Decisions, only this time I’m bring Spirit and Faith into the equation.

I’m asking more questions.

What would it take to have Welcome Changes Radio’s processes run more smoothly?

What would it take to grow Welcome Changes Radio into what I see and feel in my heart and soul?

What steps can I take right now to begin moving in that direction?

Who can I meet that can help me with this?

What resources may be available to me that I don’t see right now?

These are just a few of the questions I’ve put into my Joy Journal.  I’ve already received a couple of answers, including a better email system, and automating a couple of the processes.

I also stepped into creativity to allow my Spirit to take over a few things from my Mind—an active Meditation I suppose.  I had some help redesigning Welcome Changes Radio.  Go take a look!  I like the tweaks! (Would love to her your thoughts.)

Next week we’re back on track with Welcome Changes Radio.  There will be a show on Tuesday, with Deborah DeNicola.  I’ll have more info on that in a day or two.

Until then, what questions can you begin asking to open up the line of communication between your Mind and Spirit?

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ I opened up a profile on http://dighu.com.  I’m Queen of JOY on there of course. I think this link will bring you there.  http://www.dighu.com/profile.php?id=268  Go check it out! People are sharing random acts of kindness, generous acts and more. It’s a pretty amazing place! I met the couple that started it last night, and am hoping to bring them onto the show soon!

Thought the information may be of value to other people, so I’m sharing it here.

These are more than just to support you with a worry.  [...]]]> I posted at one of my favourite forums today.  Someone was asking for affirmations they could use when they were worrying about someone else’s need for a manifestation.

Thought the information may be of value to other people, so I’m sharing it here.

These are more than just to support you with a worry.  They should and easily could be part of your daily processes. 

Enjoy!

All is well.  And it always is.

Things always work out for me.

Look for evidence in your life where things HAVE worked out.

Do kind things for yourself.

Write 5 Gratitudes per day.

Take 5 Deep Breaths.

Thank the Universe for working in the background for you.

Choose a celebration for when [fill in the blank] happens.

Laugh more.

Remember…managing your energy is not complicated.    Simple works GREAT!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Mike Dooley from the Movie The Secret is on Welcome Changes Radio tomorrow (November 23, 2010)!  Just a reminder, the show time has changed for this one show to 6PM Eastern. 

There are no coincidences.  I’ve heard this time and time again.  You probably have too.  It’s okay to accept this when the “coincidence” is [...]]]>

“Everything has a purpose. There are no freaks, misfits, or accidents. There are only misunderstandings and mysteries not yet revealed to mortal man.” ~ Marlo Morgan, Mutant Message Down Under

There are no coincidences.  I’ve heard this time and time again.  You probably have too.  It’s okay to accept this when the “coincidence” is in our favour, but what if it isn’t?  What if what happened is scary or doesn’t feel good?  There is no comfort in “There are no coincidences.”

This is where I find the second part of Marlo’s quote from her book so valuable.  “…mysteries not yet revealed”.

Often we cannot see what’s on the other end of the experience.  It’s a mystery, and because we can’t see the whole story, the part we experience grows and takes on a terrifying visage.  The dust bunnies under the bed become a monster.

We think that what we don’t know can hurt us.  More often than not, what we make up hurts us more than the reality to come.

The worry creates sleepless nights, ulcers, upsets with our loved ones, body tension, headaches, and more.  Our relationships and our bodies take the hit for our over-active imagination.

We think we have no control over our thoughts.  They scream on like a run-away train on a circular track.

You do have control—more than you are aware of.  The circular track is the neuro-pathway that has burned into place through habitual thinking.  The train’s speed is the brain’s familiarity with that neuro-pathway.

There are three powerful words you can use to shift your train off the circular track it’s so familiar with. 

These three words will pull the brakes for your train, allowing you to move slowly forward onto a different track.

You may be moving into unfamiliar territory, but to be honest, your circular track is taking you nowhere, and it’s damaging your body, your emotions, and your spirit.

These three words are:

What’s the Truth?

The Truth is you don’t know what’s in the future. 

The Truth is not emotionally attached to the present facts.

The Truth is not your past either.  Memories are past facts, not present facts.

When we are riding the train on the circular track, the chances of noticing opportunities and solutions are minimal. 

It’s not until we ask “What’s the Truth” and return to the Now that we can see our next step.

The Mystery is revealed and the value received when we can surrender to the experience, be in the Now, and be open to taking the next step—one step at a time.

***

Velma Gallant, The Queen of JOY! is an author, speaker, teacher, and healer.  As the host of “Welcome Changes Radio, she has interviewed over 100 personal growth and development experts.  Between growing up, raising a family, and building her business, she’s come to the conclusion that life is a continuous series of events and transitions.  There were times when she felt lost, broken, and confused, until she realized she wasn’t defined by these events and transitions.  Velma has stopped defining herself by what she does and the events of her life, and invites you to do the same!  JOY comes from within, and has been there all along, waiting to be rediscovered.

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Then, as we get busy in our lives, the distractions come in. Perhaps an unexpected bill came in. Someone in the family got sick, so that [...]]]> When we first Vision, we get excited. We set goals and intentions. We see some of how we can get from here to there, and we begin moving.

Then, as we get busy in our lives, the distractions come in. Perhaps an unexpected bill came in. Someone in the family got sick, so that grabbed our attention.

Before long, our Vision has been pulled off of our Vision, and we are back in the humdrum of everyday living.

Weeks, months, and perhaps even years pass by, and all of the sudden we realize that we did not achieve our Vision.

That can be frustrating, and it can upset you enough to abandon your Original Vision, if you let it.

What do you do about it?

We’ve all heard about the 80/20 Rule. This Rule also applies to The Law of Attraction, and The Law of Deliberate Creation.

Spend 20% of your time noticing what’s not working and what you don’t want.

Spend 80% of your time noticing what IS working, and what you do want, and taking action from that place.

You’ve noticed that you’ve been distracted from your Vision. Great! Noticing where you are allows the course change. 20% done.

Now begins the 80%.

Step 1 ~ Assess

What was your Original Vision? How much of this still applies?

What else did you learn during your recent Distraction Phase? A Distraction is never invaluable if you take away great information from it.

Step 2 ~ Re-Vision

Keep those pieces of your Original Vision that are still important to you. Add in new details that you learned from your Distraction Phase.

Sometimes these Distraction Phases occur to give you more clarity than you had before. You may have new desires. Old desires may have shifted or lost their meaning.

Step 3 ~ Adjust Your Course

With the new details provided with your Revision, you’ll find that new Action Steps come to light. The Distraction Phase may have also provided you with new resources to achieve your Vision as well. Often new knowledge, mentors and connection come in through the Distraction Phase and provide you with much needed information and inspiration.

Once you notice you’ve been nudged off course by the normal experiences of life, don’t worry. You haven’t done anything wrong, or missed any important opportunities. You likely have gained valuable information and insight to support you with the next phase of your Adventure.

It’s simply an opportunity for you to Re-Vision.

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Velma Gallant, aka The Queen of JOY, is an author, international speaker and Lazer Clarity Coach. She hosts her highly acclaimed internet radio show, Welcome Changes Radio where she interviews exciting and dynamic guests such as Neale Donald Walsch, Mike Dooley, Joe Vitale and many more. Velma coaches Executives and Entrepreneurs to live joy-filled lives by connecting to and honouring the True Essence of who they are. Velma can be contacted through her website, WelcomeChangesRadio.com.

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Permission to reprint is granted provided the article is reproduced as is, without changes or additions, including the author biography.