Friday, October 26, 2012

Dealing With Rejection

I saw the email in my in box and my breath caught in my throat. I was expecting a response from a major publishing company about the book. A “thumbs up” would be the catalyst for an exciting new path in my writing and speaking career. It would also be a dream-come-true for my co-author Jackie.


The first couple of sentences were complimentary, “clearly written, stories that excellently illustrate your points, something that would prove of benefit to the general reader etc.” But the bottom line was no.

I had to remind myself to breathe. I could feel my chest tighten. My throat seemed to shut down, as if words trying to form there would no longer be able to escape. I looked out the window and the gentle rain seemed to be a substitute for the tears that would not fall from me. I come from stoic stock and crying just gives me a headache. I find it best to move on.



This letter was one of many rejections I’ve received in my life, but this one hurt more than most. I notified Jackie, who I knew would be disappointed as well. I sat for a moment and thought about what I would do. I pulled out my sample query letter and book proposal, searched the internet for another publisher and sent a revised letter off to someone new. I still didn’t feel better so I queried a couple of literary agents as well.

For a moment I felt like a failure, but then I realized the situation was the perfect opportunity to practice what I preach and take steps to erase my own negativity. Step one is acknowledging the negativity and deciding to do something about it. That comes automatically to me now so I skipped off to step two, erase and replace. I searched for new publishers and agents and set a new course. I didn’t beat myself up for being rejected, I concentrated on what I could do – try again. The third tip I tell folks is to smile. I took a shower instead.



No one likes rejection, but rejection and a smelly body are a bad combination. After my shower I started to dress. The closet doors in the master bedroom have mirrors. I stared at my reflection and gave myself a cheesy smile. No, I didn’t feel like it, but I did it anyway. As I dried my hair I thought about what really keeps people in a funk. I think it is loss of hope. There are any number of disappointing things that can happen to us, but as long as we can hold on to a glimmer of hope, there is the prospect of a better outcome in the future.

Even though I have written, lectured and coached folks on erasing negativity, I am only human and have bouts with personal negativity. But, with practice, I have learned to employ tactics to minimize the amount of negativity I allow into my life. And you can do the same.

If you would like to watch a you a short you tube video on Three Tips to Erase Negativity, go to

http://youtu.be/208XAm-x3R8

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have queries to write, people to call and smiles to fake until I can generate an authentic one of my own. Ha! Just writing about fake smiles made me laugh, a little laugh, but a laugh all the same. And the rain stopped.

I’m feeling more hopeful already.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Shifting Into Happiness

This week's blog is from my friend and fellow author Cynthia Sue Larson.



Her books are awesome and this one is no exception.

What’s so special about this book?

Reality Shifts is the only book that addresses the what, why and how regarding the way consciousness–in the form of our thoughts and feelings–literally changes the physical world. Most of us have experienced garden variety types of reality shifts, such as missing socks when we do the laundry, or wondering why our keys or wallet are not where we know we put them–and sometimes, we also experience shifts in time. What few people realize is that the very same types of “spooky action at a distance” that physicists expect to see at the quantum level of reality also occasionally occur on the large-scale level in our daily lives. People and things have thus been witnessed to appear and disappear, transport, and transform... which is what Reality Shifts is all about.

How Can Reading Reality Shifts Improve My Life?

Reality Shifts helps you reassess your assumptions about reality and consciousness in ways that positively shift your ability to envision and manifest much more positive experiences in your life. Whether you read through the book sequentially, or open and read pages at random, Reality Shifts opens doors to new thought and elevates you to a higher level of consciousness than you were before.

Read Reality Shifts and learn how to:

Live lucidly to create a life you love
Positively influence the future and the past
Transform sabotaging beliefs into strength
What are People Saying About Reality Shifts?

“When I hand this book to people, people are hooked. You read it, and it puts a giggle in your heart! It brings you to a higher level of frequency than where you began. This book… you have to have it on your shelf!” — Tazz Powers

“Cynthia Sue Larson helps restore a sense of majesty and wonder to our everyday world.
If you think science has explained away the magic of existence,
you need seriously to read this book.” — Larry Dossey, M.D.


“Ever wondered where that missing sock went when you last searched the clothes dryer? Thought about why those keys you so carefully tucked into your jacket pocket suddenly disappeared only to be found underneath the cushion of your favorite television sofa? If so then you have experienced what Cynthia Sue Larson calls a Reality Shift. In her book of that title subtitled When Consciousness Changes the Physical World, she explains in clear and unambiguous language just what these reality shifts are, why they occur, and how they can be used to influence and change your life for the better. Larson even goes into how the latest ideas from quantum physics can help us understand these shifts and most importantly believe in them as part of our reality, not just our imagination.” — Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D.


“Modern science has now addressed the problem of consciousness. We each experience consciousness every day, in some of the myriad and fascinating ways described in REALITY SHIFTS. But no one yet quite understands why this is so. Speculations, theories and experiments from quantum science have now been entered into the debate which suggest that our world is far more mystical, complex, interactive and even humorous than the sterile, mechanistic dogma of classical scientific thought. Read, enjoy, be amazed, ponder REALITY SHIFTS” — Edgar Mitchell, D.Sc., founder of Institute of Noetic Sciences


When You Purchase Reality Shifts Today -- October 24, 2012

Dozens of Cynthia's friends and colleagues are offering some very special bonus gifts when you purchase a copy of Reality Shifts during this book launch event. Thanks to these amazing special offers, you can receive bonus gifts from and involving such notable luminaries in the field of consciousness research as: Eldon Taylor, Lynn Robinson, Rebecca Skeele, Dr. Laurie Nadel, Hunt Henion, Jennifer Urezzio, Anisa Aven, Monique Chapman, Alexis Brooks, Joan Schaefer, Trish LeSage, Beyond the Ordinary Radio (featuring bonus gift interviews with: Dr. Joe Dispenza, Adam the healer, Stanton Friedman, Linda Evans, Amit Goswami, Dean Radin, William Tiller, John Perkins, Eldon Taylor, Fred Alan Wolf and dozens more from over 12 years of archives), Tom and Bobbie Merrill, Barbara Cox, Claire Papin, George E. Green, Sally Marks, Carolyn North, Gene Krackehl, Bill Sweet, Marcus Himelstein, Marilyn Jenett, Ann Davis, Marta Williams, and Kajama.

To learn more about this book launch, please click here: http://www.realityshifters.com/pages/rsbonusgifts.html

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Happy Feet

I tromped around the house, looked down at my new shoes and smiled. I felt like a little kid. It makes no sense, but new shoes – and even new socks – make me feel happy. Maybe it goes back to the days when my dad would sing a version of patty cake with Yiddish (or maybe Polish) lyrics. The translated words are something like, “clap your little hands with joy. Papa’s gonna buy the baby a new pair of shoes.”

My new togs (actually I bought two pair) were not a sexy set of Jimmy Choo’s or stylish Louis Vuitton’s.

My acquisitions were of the New Balance variety. One was an all-purpose number in tones of muted grey and blue. They are comfortable (not an easy task in my size) water-proof, and sturdy. I have been inclined to buy flimsy tootsie coverings that feel like a slipper when I put them on, but are absolutely exhausting after a couple hours of wear.

My friend and podiatrist, Cathy McCarthy,

warned me about the evils of fragile footwear so I have been trying to mend my ways. Before I purchase a new pair of shoes, I turn it over and see if the sole bends. If it does, the shoe is too flexible for everyday wear. My little blue and grey number passed the test.

However, the purchase that really had me smiling was my chestnut brown, light-weight (but solid) hiking shoes.



My old pair of hiking boots is probably 15 years old. They have held up well, but they feel like an anvil on my feet. If I ever confront a bear while hiking I could take one of these puppies off, hit the bear on the head and render her unconscious for an hour. If she awakens and smells the offending boot, that would knock her out for the rest of the day.


But my goal is not to don footwear as ammunition. I want to travel lightly along the trails rather than slog grudgingly forward with a shoe that feels like an anchor. I’ve ramped up my outdoor activities lately. In an effort to keep up with my fleet-of-foot and nature-loving spouse, CB, I thought a lighter shoe would add a little spring to my step. Unfortunately I have experienced disastrous love affairs with others togs. The footwear may feel fine in the store, but after walking a bit they bite and nip at me like a cranky terrier. No wonder people call feet “dogs.”

To reduce my chances of a painful journey, I’ve been breaking my shoes in by wearing them in the house. Incidentally, Dr. McCarthy says you should always wear shoes when you’re on your feet, even in the house (I can hear the collective gasp of mothers everywhere.)



By the way, you can read Dr. McCarthy’s advice in more detail at http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-feet-hurt-top-ten-things-relieve.html

If you live in Arizona this is especially important because you can also squish scorpions. Now this may result in a dirtier carpet (wearing shoes and smashing a scorpion) but it’s easier to clean a bug in the rug than to develop plantar fasciitis or get stung by an arachnid.

Oops. I digress. Let’s get back to my happy feet story.

My pleasure at finding the right type of shoes may sound shallow to some. It really isn’t about the rapture of engaging in retail therapy (although I do like to shop.) It’s about gratitude. I found shoes that will help me enjoy nature, step a little faster so I can keep up with CB, as well as protect my feet, ankles and legs from unnecessary strain. The fact both pairs were deeply discounted also makes my pocketbook sing. Now that IS shallow, but hey I have to save money where I can.

But let’s get back to my point about gratitude. All of us own “things.” While it may seem more enlightened to cast off earthly desires, it is virtually impossible to do this and survive. However, we can take a step up on the spiritual ladder


by taking a moment and appreciating the food that nourishes us, the clothes that protect us and the people who love us. It’s easy to take these things for granted. But when we make a conscious effort to feel and express our gratitude, we operate on a higher plane.

Everyone has something to be grateful for. Here is an excerpt from Chapter Two of Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within.

Since David was angry much of the time, gratitude wasn’t really something he had given much thought to. However, one experience really hit home.

“We were at a meeting and everyone had to say one thing they were grateful for,” said David. “One guy was living in a half-way house. He had been living on the streets. When it was his turn to share he said he was grateful that he had a clean pair of socks in his drawer. And he wasn’t kidding. Having clean socks was a luxury to this guy. It really made me stop and think about how many things I have in my life to be grateful for.”

The simple act of donning shoes and socks is something most of us take for granted. However, I would like to suggest the next time you engage in this simple task, take a moment and feel a sense of appreciation for your footwear. It’s a simple act that is (pardon the pun you know is coming) good for the soul (sole.)

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Soaking With The Stars

I sat in the hot tub and gazed at the stars above me. I smiled to myself as I thought how the celestial globes DID look like diamonds in the sky, just like the lyrics in Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.



I savored the water jets as they pummeled my aching neck and shoulders. I relished in the simple pleasure of a quiet evening sitting, soaking and star gazing. “So what is the big deal about that?” you may ask. Certainly I have thought the same thing at times. I’ve had a hot tub in the backyard for several years. The stars have twinkled before my birth and will go on sparkling long after I’m dust. However, what was unusual about this encounter is not that I enjoyed myself, but why I hadn’t regaled in this experience more often?

When my spouse, CB, is home, the hot tub is not an overlooked box of water and heavenly bodies are never taken for granted.


However, when my nature-loving spouse is traveling and I’m alone, I generally find something else to do rather than partake in the pleasures that exist in my own backyard. I thought about this odd behavior and decided that I cheat myself out of this available indulgence because ...

1. CB isn’t there to enjoy it with me.

2. My muscles aren’t sore so why bother?

So why did I finally enjoy the tub and stars? Did I have some magical moment of insight? Unfortunately I slipped into the tub because my muscles were sore and I was out of IB Profen. But the bigger question is why do I feel have to wait until I have a good reason to enjoy myself in my backyard haven? Is there some Puritanical edict that declares the hot tub is off limits if my muscles are not bound up in knots, my cupboards are stocked with pain reliever and my spouse is out of town?

Of course not.

However, somewhere in my misguided psyche I felt like I had to earn this luxury out of either medicinal or marital need. However, while I have the misguided notion that I have to “deserve” to sit in the hot tub, I do feel that I am free to enjoy a happy life. This has not always been the case. Just as I rationed my smiles and laughter, in the past I put limits on my happiness as well.

Fortunately, I learned that happiness is something we can all enjoy. There are no stipulations. We may put a few self-imposed restrictions on our happiness, but these are restrictions of our own choosing. There is no law that we have to punish ourselves first in order to experience joy in our daily lives.

That is not to say that you should quit your job, refuse to clean your bathroom and simply do what you want regardless of the consequences. Happiness isn’t about a life of hedonistic pleasure and debauchery. It’s about enjoying what there is to enjoy and reducing the unnecessary attachment to negativity that eats away at our souls.

So to reiterate, the first tip in this article is to debunk the notion you have to do the emotional equivalent of 50 pushups before you can smile, laugh or be happy. You earned the right to happiness when you took your first breath. Happiness is your right.

The second roadblock to a more cheerful existence is immersing ourselves in negativity. That is why my friend and co-author Jackie and I wrote Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within. Remember, you wouldn’t cuddle a cactus, why would you want to hang on to negativity for dear life? Let it go. If you must hold onto something, embrace happiness.

For more tips, please visit our website, EraseNegativity.com or buy the book through Amazon. If you can't afford to buy it, ask the library to carry it. You can also enter “erase negativity” and find us on you tube. We will be posting a video very soon on simple tips on how to erase negativity from your life.



But enough happiness tips for now. There are stars and a hot tub calling my name and I’m ready to enjoy a starry, starry night.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Battling My Sugar Addiction

I’m a product of the Pepsi generation. I can still hear the lilting advertising jingle, “Pepsi, for those who think young.”

Ironically, I haven’t had a Pepsi for a month and I find my mind and body feels a lot more youthful now that I’m not riddling it with high fructose corn syrup, sugar, phosphoric acid, sodium and caffeine.


In fact, I’m going to write a story about sugar and the brain, but that’s not what this blog is about. The focus of this tale is about my addiction to Pepsi.

It has not been an easy battle. I not only enjoyed the taste of this, and other, soda pops, I have an emotional attachment as well. At one point I went to one of my clients, a naturopath, who hypnotized me to help me overcome my addiction. We started with a discussion where I listed the many reasons I drank Pepsi and then my reasons to quit. After listening to my laundry lists of pros and cons, my red-haired physician said he had never heard such a creative list of reasons for consuming a beverage.

I understand the reasons I should quit and I won’t belabor you with them (at least not in this article.) However, let it be said they were based on reason. My choice for drinking pop is emotional. And the roots burrow deep into my childhood.

When I was a young girl my dad worked in a saloon in Chicago. He saw the effects of alcohol on his customers, so he rarely drank liquor. But he loved soda pop. He quenched his thirst with Coca Cola and other carbonated beverages.



My father understood how satisfying it was to drink a bubbly treat and would occasionally indulge me and my siblings at ball games and other outings. But my mom did not approve of daily consumption of sugary beverages. She wanted us to have strong bones and teeth so we drank gallons of milk a week.

My father often worked the night shift and would return home late at night. I was a light sleeper and would wait until I would hear him come in. Seconds later I would hear the familiar psst sound of carbonation escaping from a freshly opened bottle of Pepsi or Coke. I would pad down the hall, climb onto his lap, chat with him about the day and bum sips of pop while mom and my brothers and sister slept.

In 1961 my family moved to Arizona. Unfortunately my dad could not find employment and was forced to return to his old job in Chicago. The rest of us remained in Arizona. Dad sent mom checks, but my late-evening pop-bumming days were gone.

Money was tight enough as it was, so we rarely asked for anything extra from our mother. Plus, she thought good teeth were more important than almost anything else, so treats were few and far between. But my addiction to Pepsi was acute. My brother, Terry and I would scour the alley near our home in search of empty pop bottles that we could turn in for the 2 cents a bottle deposit. When we collected enough bottles we bought a candy bar and soda pop.

However, we didn’t want to spend all of our precious days in search of booty, so bubbly soda pop remained an infrequent treat. And in defense of my mother, all five of her children have, to this day, strong bones and beautiful teeth.

When I was able to earn a living as a waitress, my love of drinking pop had no boundaries. Soda was free. After a couple of weeks I no longer wanted a Bob’s Big Boy hamburger, but my thirst for Coke, root beer and Seven Up showed no signs of diminishing.

I married right after high school. Big bottles of Pepsi became a family staple. I saw Pepsi packaging change from bottled six packs and large, glass, quart-sized containers to the big, plastic liters. Sometimes it was more practical to buy cans, but the glass bottles were always my favorite.

As I described my love of Pepsi to Dr. Potter, I regaled him with images of bubbly effervescence, tangy, sweet goodness and glorious sparkling caramel color. I reminisced about quenching my thirst at my brother, Dennis’ little league games, trips to the movies, and staking forbidden sips of pop while I sat with my daddy when he came home from a hard night’s work.

Somehow the promise of increased longevity and the risk of diabetes and other maladies didn’t seem as compelling. I quit drinking pop for 10 days or so. I would make exceptions when I was eating pizza. Nothing tasted as good with a pizza as a nice, cold Cola. Pretty soon I was drinking Pepsi with all pasta dishes (my favorite.) Needless to say, before the month was over I was back to my old ways.
I realized that I couldn’t just quit drinking Pepsi, I had to fall in love with another drink. It’s the old “erase and replace” method I describe in the first chapter of my book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within.


I fell in love with Pelligrino water. Sometimes I drink it plain. Other times I mix myself a little cocktail by adding a splash of juice or a wedge of lemon or lime. The slender green bottle looks graceful and refined. I’ve been told Pelligrino adds


an alkaline element to our systems which is preferable to an acidic one. My new beverage of choice comes from Italy. I love almost all things Italian. And what could be a better complement to pizza than Italian water?

Sometimes I will sit outside with my bottle of Pelligrino and imagine I’m sipping my sparkling water in Florence or Rome. Leonardo DaVinci is reported to have consumed water from the same source where Pelligrino is bottled. And good ole’ Leonardo was no slouch. In fact, now that I’ve switched from Pepsi to Pelligrino I swear my mind is clearer and new waves of creativity are swirling through my brain. I haven’t exactly drawn blueprints for a new invention, but I have come up with a few ideas for stories, scripts and songs.

The point of this tale is that all of us have negativity we would like to erase. It can be a bad habit, unkind thoughts or negative behavior. Abolishing it creates a vacuum, and nature abhors a vacuum.

I believe you will fare better if you replace the undesirable trait with something more affirming. I outline this technique of “erase and replace” in the first chapter of my book, as well as in my you tube video. I hope you will have fun with this technique and give it a try.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take out a chilled bottle of Pelligrino and enjoy it in the imaginary setting of my choice. I’m going to invite my deceased parents to join me as well. I think both mom and dad would approve. Vi auguriamo una buona salute.