“When you forgive, you in no way change the past — but you sure do change the future.”— Bernard Meltzer

I’ve discovered that the single most effective way for me to be unhappy is to refuse to forgive – in other words, to continue to be upset after the thing that made me upset has already happened. I am one of those super-duper sensitive people – my feelings get hurt all the time. Tailgate me, upset. Low in the bank, upset. Speak to me in that tone, upset. But forgiving isn’t easy if I’m not spiritually fit. By doing my daily inspired reading, writing and sharing in the morning, I’m less sensitive, less reactive, and forgive more easily. This makes me happier, and when I’m happy ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Today I’m devoted to giving love to everyone and everything no matter what is said or done.” – Until Today

It’s so hard to be loving and kind when I’m upset. Or if someone says something I don’t like. Or if someone wants me to do something I don’t want to do. Or if I’m in fear. Or when I’m tired. Or when I’m sick. There are so many reasons why sometimes it’s really hard to be kind and loving. But I know one thing: when I do it anyway, I’m happier than when I don’t. So, although my first reaction may not always be so nice, I’m learning to take contrary action and just try to be loving no matter what. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s one more reason why ILML!

– JamieQ

“I am a Divine, Magnificent Expression of Life, and I deserve the very best”. — Louise Hay

My daughter Annie shared the page from that quote with me the other day. It made me realize that self-love really is at the epicenter of life loving, because once love is shining in our hearts it expands outward, radiating everything around us including people, places and things. And it’s magnetic, attracting others who want to give and receive love – this filling our lives with more love. Being in the problem, angry or feeling like a victim is boring. When I choose to love myself fully and to express my love towards others, ILML!

— JamieQ

“… to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.” – AA pg. 64

Why do we do and say things that hurt us or others? Why don’t we do and say more things that help us and others love life? For me, the answer lies with the knowledge of how my mind works. There really are two competing voices in there, one that pulls me down and one that rises me up. The pulling-down voice blocks me from loving my life by convincing me to focus on my problems. Today I’ll take contrary action to that negative voice and choose to focus on all that is good because ILML!

— JamieQ

“Whatever is happening… it’s just perfect.” — Simply Being Meditation App

While listening to my guided meditation I noticed these words and thought to myself, ‘She is right. How wonderful this is.” I am here in Wellesley, Massachussetts, sitting in Starbucks, drinking my Chai Latte.  I am at one with myself, my higher power and all those I love. In acceptance I see each problem as a gift of opportunity. And my purpose is to be responsible, loving and kind to others and myself. I rigorously work a great program each day and thus I have a great life – it really is that simple. ILML! 

– JamieQ

“When we habitually try to manipulate others to our own willful desires, they revolt… We develop hurt feelings…” — 12&12

From the time I was little, I became a great manipulator. I cried, someone came and fed or changed me. I yelled, I got attention. But as an adult, other adults are not so tolerant. When I manipulate others to get what I want, I am eventually found out and pay the price. But when I put their well-being on par with mine, and come from a loving place, the relationship always turns out the best it can be. And, at the very least, I can be proud of my motives and behavior, so that ILML! 

— JamieQ

“Worrying about what’s going to happen is a negative contribution to our future… staying in the present is the best thing I can do for my future.” – The Language of Letting Go 

This reading starts out with “What’s going to happen?” With that tiny sentence I can be led off into a fear-filled fantasy that actually helps to manifest the worst possible outcome for my future. Doesn’t sound like fun, does it? Instead, I prefer to make the statement “Great things will be happening!” In this way I can both focus on doing the footwork in the here and now while simultaneously inviting abundance into each moment to come. Just one more way that ILML! 

— JamieQ

“This is my great task, to find peace and aquire serenity… No matter what fears, worries, and resentments I may have…” – Twenty-Four Hours a Day 
Life often presents unexpected situations which my dis-ease would love to interpret in a way that allows me to be disappointed, angry, confused or feel like a victim. But I’ve made the decision that I’m more interested in feeling good, regardless of what’s going on with people, places, things , situations and outcomes in my life. I choose to be in gratitude – and I do my daily rituals to keep me in that place. By doing so, no matter what comes my way, ILML! 

“Know that the discomfort will not be permanent… A new feeling is on the way.” – The Language of Letting Go 

I happen to be in a great place today, loving life, open to abundance, grateful to be home with my amazing wife, to be able to show up strong for my family and friends, happy for a successful trip to Maui. Of course I always have things I can worry about and problems that could be solved,  but these are all opportunities to evolve into a better me. And each time I have experienced deep pain, depression and sadness, it has always passed. Knowing that provides me with the hope I need to keep going, when the going gets rough. This is why no matter what I feel (happy or sad), or what’s going on (smooth sailing or rough seas), ILML!

– Jamie

“… get into the stream of goodness in the world.” – Twenty-Four Hours a Day

That’s my favorite place to be – in the goodness. One day I was doodling and noticed that the word ‘good’ was close to the word ‘God’. Since I don’t have a religious higher power, this resonated nicely with my understanding of God. So I began to envision that, as my goodness multiplies, the GOOD becomes so prevalent in my life that the O’s join together, and – poof – ‘GOD’ is present and once again, I’m happy, joyous and free. Goodness, Gracious, Godness… ILML! 

– JamieQ