The WonderMar Foundation

Awareness

2011-11-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Are you aware? I mean, are you really aware...of everything? Are you aware of everything that goes on around you? Are you aware of all your thoughts? Now there are two all-encompassing areas of awareness. Let's look at them one at a time.

Being aware of everything that's going on around you. Now why should you? Why would you? Good questions. Here's what I believe.

First of all, if you happen to see somebody who needs some help, then you're being aware - you're recognizing the experiences of somebody other than you. And that's a wonderful thing, because then you can help that somebody even before they ask for help. Perhaps they were shy about asking for help. Perhaps they were too proud. But the fact remains that they needed the help and you gave it to them. So being aware has brought joy to all - to the other person because they got the help they needed, and to you, because of the satisfaction one receives from helping others, especially when they're not expecting it.

Now here's the second awareness I mentioned - awareness of our thoughts. That's a tough one. Our thoughts are based on our belief systems, which have been formed from our experiences throughout our lives. But if we're not happy with those thoughts based on the past - if you want to change those thoughts - then being aware will help you to "stand porter at the door of thought" (quote by Mary Baker Eddy). That means taking a step back and looking at your thoughts, almost from a third party standpoint. You're seeing your thoughts from an objective rather than a subjective point of view. And through this thought process, you can realize and understand which thoughts work for you and which thoughts don't. Remember, it's not about what's right or wrong - it's about what works for you and what doesn't.

So if you're aware of everything you do and think and say, then you'll be in total control of your life. You'll be confident that everything you do works for you (and for those around you) because you've become aware of everything and you've examined everything and thrown out what doesn't work, keeping what does work. And if everything you're doing is working, then you're on the path of joy and peace and love. And isn't that what life is all about?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

I've developed my awareness through practice, inspired and motivated by the writings of Neale Donald Walsch. Check out the first of his books:

Control

2011-09-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

Many of us, at one time or another, have witnessed a scenario such as the one is this picture - a severe thunderstorm! This particular one, earlier this year, was very violent. So how did you react in the face of this storm? How do you react in the face of any storm? It seems that we're are the mercy of Mother Nature and we have no control over what happens.

Control is something that we have total control over. Now that sounds a little ambiguous, but if you think about it, it's really quite true. We can't control what comes to us in our lives, but we can definitely control how we react to it. Or, as I like to say, how we respond to it.

Here's my philosophy on control. I never get upset over something I can't control. Why would I? What good will it do me? Will it change anything? No! Not if it's something beyond my own control. So I go through life, observing what happens around me and to me - taking out the judgement...taking out the decision of "Is it right or wrong?".

And what's the result of this for me? It's fabulous! It's tremendous! It's wonderful! It's Life. I'm able to go through life without getting upset - about anything! Think about what that would look like in your life. Wouldn't it be more peaceful? Wouldn't it be happier? Of course it would.

So why not just make the decision to not get upset about anything you can't control. All that'll leave in your life is joy! And that is what Life is all about! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Check out our new website: www.inspirationbywondermar.com

And here's some recommended reading to help you to stay in control of your life: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

Circle of Synchronicity

2011-08-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

Good Day to All,

Today I'd like to talk about synchronicity. Merriam-Webster defines synchronicity as "the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality". So to me, it's defined as so-called "coincidental" events occurring in a positive progression.

In my own life, synchronicity is playing a major role. Every day, events occur that have me saying "Thank you." To whom? To The Universe. For The Universe is actively working to provide me with things I need or desire. Take the photo above for an example. Notice how all the elements of the shot come together to create a pleasing result? Notice how the timing of the seagull sitting on the stacked rocks provided the perfect foreground for the beautiful Toronto skyline? That's synchronicity!

And another example: many of you know that I drive for a living. As I drive around the city, traffic seems to part for me. Over and over again, I find myself in a situation where it appears at first that there's no way through the traffic. Then, all of a sudden a lane opens up, or another vehicle turns, or something happens that allows me to continue in a positive flow toward my destination. I like to relate this to Moses and his parting of the Red Sea. It's the parting of the Paved Sea, as I call it, by God.

Now some of you may think this is rather extreme. But I believe that this is what's happening in my life. I believe that I will it to happen. I believe that whatever I desire will come forth and manifest itself. And it's happening repeatedly!

So my life is filled with synchronicity. The more good that comes to me, the better I feel. And the better I feel, the more good comes to me. That's how good is attracted - by feeling good! I call this my Circle of Synchronicity. And it's a wonderful circle to live in.

So if you want to start a Circle of Synchronicity in your own life, just find ways to feel good. Find good-feeling thoughts and focus on them...dwell on them. The better you feel, the more good will come to you. Try it...you'll like it!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you want to become a Master of Manifestation, learn from The Master himself, www.DrWayneDyer.com

Inspiration

2011-07-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

Once again, I've been inspired by another author's writing, so I'm posting this for you all to enjoy. I hope you get the same inspiration as I did. Thanks, Bob, for the motivation to use my God-given gift of creation. Here's Bob's story:

YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT
by Bob Perks

Earlier this evening I was inspired by this thought as I  listened to a minister speak at the annual Red Cross  dinner my wife and I attended. As usual I made a few quick notes to keep the thought alive and help me to remember exactly what I wanted to share with you.  I tucked it away in my suit jacket with plans to write this  "tomorrow sometime."

I was driven out of bed. It's 12:23 a.m.

Picture in your mind the most incredible thing designed  by mankind that you have ever seen. Perhaps the Empire  State Building, the Shuttle built by the technicians at NASA,  The Golden Gate Bridge or even the intricate detailing in a  painting you've seen.

What name comes to mind when I say the words "creative genius?"

Who do you think of when I mention God-like compassion,  caring and loving?

What author's name do you think of when I mention "poetry,"  "drama," "mystery," "fiction," and "comedy?"

What do you see when I say "strength," and "stamina?"

Finally "winner," "successful," or "role model?"

I'll bet you a Kids Meal at McDonald's you never saw yourself  in any of those images. And yet...

Look at your hands.  Are they not the same as the hands of the skillful  artist, architect, mason, or technician?

If you were to x-ray your skull, would you not find the same  brain matter that takes up the space between the ears of  Einstein, Plato, and Disney?

Hold your hand to your chest. Can you feel the beat of a  heart capable of paining for the homeless and starving?  Have you not the same heart that beat in the chest of Jesus,  Gandhi, Mohamed or the thousands of missionaries around  the world?

Look at your fingers. Are they not like the fingers of Frost, Churchill, Stevens, Wilder and King that held tightly the pens  that wrote the words that shaped the world?

Look at your feet. Show me the difference between yours and  gold medalists of the Olympics or the rescuers who carried the  people out of the rubble in Taiwan's tragic earthquake.

Finally. Close your eyes as you stand in front of a mirror and  picture in your mind that man or woman who you think of as a  success, a winner and role model. Open your eyes and explain  to me the difference between you and that person.

There is no difference...except in how you perceive yourself.

You have the mind, the hands, the feet, the fingers, the heart to be exactly what you want to be. The only thing that is stopping you is the person you see in the mirror.

You have all that it takes.

It's 1:18 A.M. I can sleep now. The rest is up to you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob's signature story, "I Wish You Enough," has circled the globe via the internet. His inspiring true stories are based on the people he meets in his travels. In the mall, the airport, the park, or sitting in a restaurant, a simple word or phrase will often catch his attention, hook onto his heart—and from it a story blooms. Bob's unique perspective on life makes him "the philosopher of everyday moments."

http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
perksblog@hotmail.com

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Just as I received this gift from Bob, so do you all receive gifts, for every moment is a present. For a wonderful gift to give to others, try this book: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay

What If There Were Only Love?

2011-05-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

What if there were only love? Have you ever thought about that? If you have, the images would probably boggle your mind! Really??!! Only love??!! Well, let's take a look at some of those images and we'll see what we come up with.

If there were only love, there would be no war.
If there were only love, everyone would know and understand that we are all One.
If there were only love, everyone and everything would be free, because we would feel no need to hoard - only a need to share, because we would all know that in sharing, we'd have everything we need.
If there were only love, there would be no need for drugs and alcohol, because we would all be content with the peace and joy of life.
If there were only love, there would be no competition, because nobody would feel the need to be better than their brother.
If there were only love, we wouldn't need money, because the only value we would be interested in is the value of our brothers, expressed in the sharing of love.
If there were only love, science would work towards finding ways to better our way of life, through the wise use of our wonderful natural resources.
If there were only love, our natural resources would be appreciated and managed with respect, constantly replenishing and renewing.
If there were only love, there would be no need for jobs, because everyone would happily do their part, knowing that their reward would be imminent.
If there were only love...if there were only love...what a wonderful world this would be!

So why not do your part...do everything you do with love. Be everything you are with love. Cherish everything you have with love. It's been said for centuries that love conquers all, and those who said it were right. Have love. Do love. Be love. And then you'll enjoy all that love has to offer - all the joy and abundance that the Universe has waiting for you.

Just waiting for you...to love!

Cheers,
Gareth

Do you think you can't express and experience love at that level? Well, you can! And here's a wonderful guide to help you change your self-defeating thinking: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

Unbelievable!

2011-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

A joyous good day to you all! Today, I'd like to touch on the subject of our words. Our words are messengers to the Universe; the Universe returns them in like kind.

With that in mind, I'm trying to eliminate negative words from my vocabulary. The word "hate" is the first one I wanted to work on. Now this takes practice, just like anything else. We can get very efficient at anything we want to if we practice diligently. So that's what I did with the word "hate". I practiced changing it whenever it popped up in my head. For instance, many people use the expression, "Don't you just hate that?", or "I hate it when..." If you put the thought of hate out into the Universe, it'll come back to bite you - every time! So now I just say "I can't stand it", or "I don't like it when..." It gets the message across without such a harsh word, don't you think?

Recently, I've begun working on eliminating another word from my vocabulary - "unbelievable". Now this can have either a negative or positive connotation, depending on the context. If somebody cuts you off as you're driving (which occurs regularly with me because I drive for a living), then I used to say "Unbelievable!". But I don't get upset; I just laugh at the person for being out of control of his life, or at least of his driving habits. Being in control will be the subject of another upcoming blog.

"Unbelievable" can also be used in a positive context, such as "The sunrise today was unbelievable!" So why am I eliminating such a positive word? Because I now believe that nothing is actually unbelievable. Some things are awesome. Some things are fantastic. Some things are fabulous, tremendous, and any other description you can offer. But that doesn't mean they're unbelievable. In fact, they're more than totally believable - they're fact, along with some positive emotions.

So now, when my past habits lead me to say "Unbelievable", I either change the word before I say it, or I correct myself, if I haven't done so in my mind, and change the word to some other positive response.

So my message here is, take the unbelievable and impossible aspects out of your life and out of your vocabulary, and focus on positive words. Substitute the more believable words. Remember, you can do anything with practice. All it takes is a desire to change.

So what words do you want to eliminate in your vocabulary?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you'd like some sage advice on how to lead your life in a positive direction, with both thoughts and actions, make sure to read The Vortex

Relationships

2011-03-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Relationships...what a world! A world where we interact with others. A world where we counteract with others. A world where we come to the realization that we're required to respond to others, every day, in every way. How are your relationships?

Are you comfortable with the relationships that come and go in your life? Are you at peace with the people you come into contact with throughout your daily activities? These are questions that some people think of, and some don't. But the relationships you create and develop in your lives are the foundation for your growth. Do you understand that? I believe it's worth repeating. The relationships you create and develop in your lives are the foundation for your growth.

Life is all about expansion. The Universe in constantly expanding and you, as part of that Universe, are also constantly expanding. Every thought you have moves you forward...hopefully. Because some of our thoughts don't move us forward, but actually retract us from the natural flow of goodness that is our inherent right. And when that happens, we feel uncomfortable. We feel uneasy. We feel unhappy.

So here's the deal, as I see it. As you go through your daily lives, experiencing all your movements and actions, how you feel gives you a direct indication of whether your relationships are working. Whether it's a relationship with a life partner, a co-worker, a friend, an acquaintance, or even just a casual meeting with perhaps a cashier in a store; this is the time when you decide whether you're going to make this relationship a positive one or a negative one. Here's where you decide if you want to fill your environment with love, or fear. And that's all it takes - your decision.

We all find ourselves in situations that challenge our patience, probably at least once a day. So how do you want to handle that situation? Do you want to establish a positive relationship with your positive attitude and friendly smile and conversation? Wouldn't that be an ideal choice? Sometimes, that's not so easy to do. But the effort it takes to make every situation a positive one is surely worth it, don't you think? Wouldn't you rather be contributing some positive energy into what may be a volatile situation? Wouldn't you feel better if you'd made somebody else smile and forget their impatience or anger? That's such a wonderful thing to give!

When you talk about relationships, I believe I've seen the best and the worst of them all. Through my experience, I've learned that the best way to approach a relationship is with absolute respect. And that's accompanied by a total absence of judgment. Nothing ruins a relationship like judgment. Acceptance is the key.

Take my relationship with Suzanne, for example. We don't agree on everything. But we respect each other's opinions and the bottom line is, as it should be with any and all relationships, we let each other be Who We Really Are. That's the key. That's what works.

So if you find yourself in a relationship, whether long-term or short-term, look into your heart and find the love to make it work. Find a reason to express the joy of living that you experience - the joy that someone else might be having a difficult time finding. Find a way to give...unselflessly and completely. That's what will make all your relationships work.

So just enjoy your relationships. Because they're all gifts. And don't we all love getting gifts?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Throughout my relationships, I've found a tremendous amount of guidance and direction from the writings of Abraham, as expressed through Esther and Jerry Hicks.

Set your goals in cement - your plans in sand.

2011-03-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

Life is all about change. Every moment, every second, everything changes. So we need to be ready. We need to be prepared. We also need to be aware...always aware of what's going on around us. Then we'll always notice the changes, and we'll be able to adjust on the fly.

If life is about change (and it is), then life has to be about adjustment. That's why, when we set our goals, they need to be firmly entrenched in our minds. So we set our goals. And then we create and develop our plans that are going to take us to our goals. OK, we're all set. We're ready for action!

But then, all of a sudden...whoops!...Life throws us a curve - a change. Now we're off course. We're pointing in a different direction. So what now?

Now the path to our goals has to change. Our plans have to change. Well, the solution is really quite simple. We activate our creative minds, directed by our personal GPS.

When you enter an address in your GPS, it tells you how to get from where you are to where you want to go, street by street, turn by turn. Where you want to go is your goal. Now, if something changes (and it will), then your route changes. But you're still going to end up at your goal. You're just going to take a different route.

And that is why I'm hereby renaming the GPS. My GPS stands for Goals and Plans System.

So get your own GPS and plug it in. Plug it in to our ever-changing world and turn it on. Set your goals. Make your plans. Start your journey.

And if you believe, and if you take action, you'll eventually reach your destination, no matter which route you take.

And aim high!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you want help setting your goals, without excuses, then check out Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it."

2011-03-06T05:24:00.000-08:00

This quote of wisdom is from William Arthur Ward. How true that is!

We all go throughout our lives, wanting and wishing for good things. Things that will bring us happiness. Things that will bring us peace. On a deeper level, things cannot really bring us peace and joy - that can only come from inside us. As my favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch says, "If you don't go within, you go without."

But on a more superficial level, we absolutely can have the things we desire. As long as we don't focus on the lack of the things we want, and, instead, focus on the belief that we can have those things, then we've set the wheels in motion to achieve our desires.

The process begins with the imagination - that world of wonder where we can go to think of the way we'd like life to be for us and for those around us. If we first imagine what we want, and feel (and feeling is a very key element here) what it would be like to have what we want, then the mind will start seeking out opportunities to give us what we want. It's all based on The Law of Attraction. And, as I mentioned, feeling the way we will feel when we've achieved what we want to do or have, will attract it to us that much faster.

So go ahead and dream. Go ahead and imagine it as if you already have it - right here, right now! And it definitely will be there!

May all your dreams come true!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you'd like some help making your dreams come true through the Law of Attraction, be sure to check out The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

We Are All One

2011-03-02T04:39:00.001-08:00

Here we all are...the diversified and multi-sided Marples family. As mentioned in a previous blog, we're united with a strong bond of love and respect. In essence, we are all one. Who we are is who we are being.

But in reality, too, we are all one. And not just the Marples family, but every family - every individual, every human being. My favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch says, "We are all humans, being." In that aspect of life, although we're individuations of the whole - God - we're also all equal parts of that whole.

We Are All One. Our outside appearance is different. Our cultures are different. Our lifestyles are different. But be that as it may (and it only appears to be that way to the human mind), we are all one.

If every human mind understood that, there would be instant and eternal peace in our world. Everyone would recognize and understand that we are here to express God's attributes of kindness, creativity, beauty, love, expansion, abundance and receptivity. A further study into these attributes can be found in Wayne Dyer's book, The Power of Intention. Highly recommended reading!

So remember, as you go through life, as you see people you love, and people you don't like so much, in reality, they're all equal. The only difference is that they've made different choices. If you choose love, you choose Oneness.

And that's all there is.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

And if you're looking to share your love through an uplifting and spiritual gift, check out Experience Your Good Now! By Louise Hay.

Change is Good

2011-02-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

Yet another beautiful sunrise! What a wonderful way to start a day, watching the sun poke it's blazing head over the horizon, sending out its warming rays of sunshine to brighten our day. This particular picture was taken from my "backyard", since we live only steps from Lake Ontario.

I find it interesting, perhaps even fascinating, how the position of the sunrise moves slowly on its journey from east to west, and back, every year. That greatly affects the way I take my sunrise pictures, because throughout most of the year, I can lean out my solarium window (we don't have a balcony) and take shots of the Toronto city-line, the lake, the sailing club harbour and, of course, the sunrise. But during the winter, if I want sunrise pictures, I have to go outside...in the cold. And I don't really like the cold! But getting that perfect sunrise shot is always worth it.

And speaking of the movement of the sun, it reminds me that the world around us is forever changing. Change is what life is all about. Everything is always changing. And that reminds me of a book I read by my favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch, called "When Everything Changes, Change Everything". I found this book fascinating and related the wisdom to my own life. If you want to do the same, check out Neale's website: http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/index.php?p=Doc&c=changes
Many people don't like change. In fact, it's been often said that it's human nature to fight change. Perhaps that's true, but think about this: If change is inevitable (and it is), then why not go with the flow, roll with the punches, and come out on top, with a clear understanding and a feeling of peace, knowing that you're adaptable to whatever circumstance life presents you.

I love change. Sometimes it's a challenge, and I welcome it. Sometimes it's a miracle, and I welcome it. Sometimes it's a Godsend, and I welcome it.
What you resist, persists. So adapt to the changes in life. Don't fight them. Change is good.

Have a perfect day, and a perfect week!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If the change you want to make is weight loss, check out this great program by Marianne Williamson: Get "Favorite Things" A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson at HayHouse.com!

A Happy New Year of Togetherness

2010-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

This blog is directed at the most special people in my life, my immediate family. I wanted to post the picture taken of all of us at Justin's wedding in West Vancouver, which included all eleven of us, which is a rare occurrence. But, unfortunately, my computer knowledge didn't allow me to post the picture I wanted to.
So, instead, I've posted the picture featured on the front page of the Vancouver Sun, picturing my Dad, greeting us at the Vancouver airport on Thursday, March 19th (not sure of the date). But that's the beginning of our life in Canada. Since then, we've kind of spread out. And that's to be expected when there are eleven of us, split up among various regions of the country. We miss those who had departed from this plane when this picture was taken, along with those who have since departed. You'll always remain in our hearts.

You know, there's one thing that the Marples family has always enjoyed, at least in our adult lives, and that's a common bond of Love. We don't agree on many topics. We don't see eye to eye on many subjects. We don't share the same beliefs and views. But we've all learned in our lives that the strongest bond is Love, and that Love surpasses any and all disagreements.

So I'd like to take this opportunity to reach out (with my long arms), across the miles, and touch each and every one of you. And I'd like you all to feel the appreciation and gratitude I have for each and every one of you.

I've come to know that Love is all there is, that We are All One, and that all we ever need to do is to Be. That's all...just Be. So thank you all for Being you.

My wish for 2011 is that our bond becomes even stronger, if that's even possible. And I'd like us to shine our Light of Love on everyone we come into contact with, so that they, too, may experience the bliss that comes from knowing Who You Are, and from knowing that you'll always be loved...unconditionally. Thank you all for your unconditional Love.

May you all experience all the abundance and joy that is your natural right.

Happy New Year!!

Love,
Gareth

I am Entitled to Miracles

2010-08-23T18:37:00.001-07:00

Today’s message comes from “A Course in Miracles”, published in 1995 by the Foundation for Inner Peace. We all seek inner peace throughout our lives, don’t we? But what is inner peace? And how do we achieve it? Those seem like really deep questions but, really, the answers are quite simple.

First of all, we have to find out what makes us happy. What are we doing when we’re feeling inner peace? What activity gives us the most joy? When you discover that – and you’ll find it within yourself – then you’ll know what true joy and inner peace are!

I was talking to a good friend the other day. Her name is Lucy Arcuri. She’s one of the most loving, caring and dearest people I know. In light of my wife, Suzanne, starting up her own concierge business (Concierge by WonderMar), we were discussing the merits of doing what really makes you happy. When you’re tied to a job, if you’re like most employees, you feel limited in what you can do and how far you can go in your current situation.

But have no fear! There’s hope! There’s hope in finding out what activity makes you happy. And there’s hope in knowing that there absolutely is an opportunity waiting for you to open the door and greet with a hearty, “Come on in! I’ve been waiting for you!” There’s hope in the fact that you are entitled to miracles.
There’s no doubt about that fact. It’s a fact, and it’s been proven millions of ways by millions of people throughout the ages. You can be, do and have anything and everything that you want. The only secret (and if you’ve watched the movie or read the book, “The Secret”, you’ll understand what I’m referring to) is that all you need to do is be quiet – be still – and listen. Listen to your Inner Being. Listen to the Voice of Opportunity. It’s right there, inside you – right here, right now.

Enter into your silence with an open mind and an open heart and listen for the guidance that is rightfully yours. Enter into your silence knowing, without any doubts or fears, that you are entitled to miracles. And then, as those miracles begin to manifest in your life, you’ll feel the joy that is inherently yours – the joy that is your natural state. And that is what brings true and total happiness.
You’re entitled to miracles – enjoy them!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
- Mary Baker Eddy

So are you ready to experience your highest good - that one thing that brings you the most joy? Louise Hay can show you how: Experience Your Good Now! By Louise Hay

The Looking Trap

2010-08-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

This is my grandson, Evan. He's 2 years old. Look at the joyous abandon he's displaying! Do you remember what that feels like?

I've taken the liberty here of using the words of my favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch, in an essay he wrote on February 25, 2005. It struck me as reflecting the joy and freedom a child experiences, and it led me to wonder what clouded that over. Here's some insight on what could be the answer.

Looking at the Looking Trap

It is amazing how many people are caught in the trap of being deeply concerned with how things are looking to others. Keeping Up Appearances has become, for some, an obsession. Many of us will even give up our own happiness (or our chance at it) in order to keep "looking good" in the eyes of others. This is beyond sad. It is tragic.

It is tragic because all we have is the Time of Our Life. It is the essential gift. It is the treasure of treasures. And it is not infinite, but finite. Indeed, it could run out at any moment.

During this Time of Our Life we should be having the time of our lives. Instead, many of us are living lives of dulled acceptance - and some are even living lives of quiet desperation. Waiting, waiting, for what, we know not. Just something, anything, other than what is going on right now, or at least richer, fuller, grander. Because there's something missing, and we dare not name it, or the name itself will do us in.

It is, of course, love. We are lacking in love, and we are dying inside. We are lacking in someone TO love, and we are lacking in someone loving us. And who we are lacking in loving us is, in the supreme irony, ourselves.

Not finding it possible to love ourselves exactly as we are and exactly as we would like to be "showing up" if we could do whatever we wanted, we do, instead, whatever "others" want us to do, in order to acquire the love for which we so desperately yearn. We pay utmost attention to how we are looking.

I call this The Looking Trap. In it we are so confined in our thinking, so caught up in our appearances, so imprisoned in our outlook, that we have no outlook at all. We cannot look out for our Selves. We cannot look out of our own self-made prison. We cannot see over the walls of our own need for approval.

The Looking Trap binds people to the rigidity of what others would choose for them. It ties them down, limits their choices, dramatically alters their course, and all in the name of pleasing others even as the self is never pleased. Meanwhile, Time-that most precious of all life's treasures-is running out.

You will never see this day again. You will never again see this week, this month, this year again. You will see this time only during the moment you are living it. Be sure, then, that you ARE "living it." Try very hard not to be killing it. There shall be time enough after death to experiencing dying. It is time now to experience living. It is time now to spring free of The Looking Trap.

Spring free, my soul! Spring free, spring free!
And give me back, right now, to me.
I shall not see the time I took
To fret and stress o'er how I look.
I shall not have these days again.
For this is Now, and that was Then.

What's gone is past, yet all's not lost.
I'll seize this day, forget the cost.
I'll seize this time, forget the price.
I'll seize this Now, and throw the dice!
My gamble's won before the toss,
For now I have become the boss!

My life's my own, my choices, mine.
I'll take a stand, I'll draw the line.
No more! No more I'll give to you
The power to influence what I do.
No more! No more I'll keep from me
The very things that set me free!

This day I claim again my choice.
This day I give myself a voice.
And how I look to you is not
Of my concern, and so you've got
No more power to wield o'er me.
My God, it's true! I've set me free!

I couldn't have said it better myself! Have a wonderful, joyous week! :)

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
- Mary Baker Eddy

If you want to put aside all your excuses and reclaim that freedom and joy that is inherently yours, turn to one of the experts, Dr Wayne Dyer: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

Our Challenges are Gifts

2010-08-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

Our challenges are gifts! Have you ever thought about it that way? What's your first reaction to your challenges? Do you react...or do you respond? I like to try to stay on the positive side of the coin and respond to all my challenges with the knowledge that I'm being sent a gift.

Many of you may be thinking how hard that would be! Well, it doesn't have to be. Of course, when an apparent negative situation presents itself to us, most of us probably tend to think of it as a nuisance, an interruption to the flow of our daily lives. But look back at that last sentence. See how the word "presents" is used? Doesn't that signify a gift, or a present?

What life presents us, whether it's a challenge, or whether it's a wonderful experience that we welcome with open arms, is always something we've chosen. And we choose these events and circumstances in order to remember Who We Are - to get back to our true nature.

Look at the snail in today's picture. He's faced with many challenges in his life. But he just keeps slipping and sliding along, totally focused on what's ahead of him, and totally oblivious to what's behind. Things get in his way, but he changes direction, or just climbs over his obstacles. There's quite a lesson to be learned from the snail.

Slowly, but surely, we accept every challenge that confronts us in our lives. And we say, "Thank you" to The Universe for the opportunity to grow, and to become closer to Who We Really Are. And doesn't that feel wonderful?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings"
- Mary Baker Eddy

Now that you've accepted your gifts, how about an inspirational e-card to go with them: Hay House e-Gift Cards

Growing

2010-08-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful to watch flowers and plants growing? To see the progress of a miraculous program of budding and blooming? All we have to do, wherever we are, in whatever season, is to put our busy lives on pause and stop to appreciate the wonder of growth - natural growth.

That's what we, as humans, are also experiencing as we progress through Life. One of the most important lessons I've learned through my personal growth is that We Are All One. And within that One, we are all individuations - that is, individual parts joined to the whole - of All That Is. I'll give Neale Donald Walsch (my favourite author) the due credit for the word "individuations". I love it! It describes us as each one being so unique, yet at the same time, so unified in our sameness.

As we grow on our life journey, we continually come closer to Who We Are. And who are we? We are individuations of the Universe, continually attracting whatever we send out into that Universe. If we send out hate, we get hate, If we send out love, we get love.

And that reminds me that we are all Good. But how could we know if we're "good" if we hadn't experienced "bad"? That's because there's an illusionary world that was created to give us a point of relativity. It works like this:

I've felt poverty, so I know when I'm experiencing abundance.
I've felt anger, so I know when I'm experiencing peace.
I've felt depression, so I know when I'm experiencing joy.
I've felt hate, so I know when I'm experiencing love.

If we didn't have the experience of the negative, we wouldn't know what the positive is. In other words, to experience the presence of "what is", we have to have knowledge of "what is not". Otherwise, we would only know what is, if we had first experienced "what is not".

Are you confused by all this "what is", what is not" jargon? Well, first of all, I can't take credit for that, either, and, again, I give full credit to Neale Donald Walsch for the ideas. It's just plain and simple to me that as I meet life head on, and decide and choose how I'm going to respond to each situation (remember in my last blog, "react vs. respond"?), them it's easy for me to choose what works best for me, based on my experience of what doesn't work.

You've probably heard this many times before: There are no mistakes, just lessons. So that's how I grow in my life. I learn my lessons (some harder than others) by noticing and remembering "what is not", so that I may make the simple choice of "what is".

Does that make it easier for you? If not, I'd love to hear your comments. Don't hesitate it give me your feedback and input at the bottom of this blog, or of any of my blogs, for that matter.

Thanks for sharing your time with me and we'll be together again soon. In the meantime, have a blessed day and a perfect week!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

"For those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
- Mary Baker Eddy

Brian Tracy is the leading authority on personal and professional success. I've garnered many a wise word from him. Check out his material here: Brian Tracy Audio Programs - Now all are FREE!

I'm Blessed

2010-07-25T06:27:00.001-07:00

I'm blessed...so blessed! And I'm grateful for all my blessings. I'm blessed to be able to wake up every morning, walk to our solarium, and look out onto a panorama of beauty such as the one in the picture above. Wow!

And that's just one of many, many blessings that are bestowed upon me day after day, week after week, in an eternal flow of goodness. This is what Life is all about!

When people greet me with the usual question, "How are you?", I've always answered with my standard, "Perfect!". People have become so used to hearing that from me that I've been nicknamed Mr Perfect.

But now, I'm taking that to a different level. My answer now is, "I'm blessed!" I can't take full credit for that answer. I heard it in an interview with Cory Boyd, the Toronto Argonauts young running back. When asked how he was doing, he immediately, and without hesitation, answered, "I'm blessed!" I liked that so much that I decided to adopt it into my greeting to everyone.

"I'm blessed" is such a wonderful fact of Life for me. Yes, I'm still perfect. That hasn't changed. I always was perfect, and always will be; that's the way I was created and nothing can change that. But now, in gratitude for my perfection, I declare that "I'm blessed!"

Try that on for size. I didn't make it up, but I'm using it. And you can, too. Just try it. You'll feel so good about your life, and that's what attracts more good into your experience.

So thank you, Cory Boyd, and thank you, God, for all my blessings. I truly am blessed!

Cheers...and blessings,
Gareth Marples

Would you like to feel and experience the blessings that are always waiting to flow into your life? Try this: www.angeltherapy.com

React?...or Respond?

2010-07-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

This is what appears to be a psychedelic view of downtown Toronto. That view was created solely by my camera, not by me. I snapped the shot...the camera did the rest. So how do you think I felt when I saw that photo come out of my camera? Was I upset? Was I shocked? Was I amused?

These are the types of questions that arise every time we're confronted with any type of situation in our daily lives. What do we do - react...or respond? And what's the difference between reacting and responding?

The way I see it, everything that life presents us is an opportunity - an opportunity to choose - to choose the positive or the negative. What do you usually choose? Does it depend on what kind of mood you're in? Does it depend on circumstances outside your sphere of influence? What's your governing factor?

Let me offer you what works for me. My governing factor is always the positive. And that's what I call a "response". It takes time to respond. It isn't automatic. It's based on your belief system. I choose to take the time to think about the circumstances presented to me, and to think about what works for me and what doesn't. That's what I call a "response".

On the other hand, a "reaction" is something that happens automatically, without much outside control. A reaction is triggered by a catalyst - something that works to create something else when the two are joined, irregardless of any other contributing factors. And that situation leaves you totally out of control!

So when you're faced with any of life's challenging circumstances, take the time to "respond", not "react". Take the high road. Express the positive. Do what works best for you and for those around you. The main difference between "react" and "respond" is time. So take that time. Take the time to choose what's best. And I guarantee you that you'll be happy with the results! Enjoy!!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

And now that you have your thoughts in the right place, make them work for you: Making Your Thoughts Work for You by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer; Byron Katie

Appreciation

2010-07-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today, and every day, I so appreciate the beauty around me. Every morning, I get up and go straight to our solarium...and I see views like this! My darling wife, Suzanne, and I are so blessed to have a view like this one. It brings us so much closer to Who We Are. We really appreciate it!

What do you appreciate in your life? Not sure? Well, I'm sure many, and hopefully, most of you, appreciate your family and friends. That's where the love is, and there's nothing more worthy of appreciation than Love.

After the obvious things in your life that you appreciate, try to find some of the more obscure things. For instance, how about appreciating your health. And how about appreciating your job. And how about appreciating every little thing that you take for granted on a daily basis - like your clothes, your food, your means of transportation. And how about appreciating - yes, that too - your enemies. And if you have no enemies (and good for you!), then you could appreciate those who sometimes just annoy you or upset you! Yes, appreciate them, too, for they bring lessons to your life. They bring reason to your life. They bring the opportunity for you to react...or respond.

I'll talk about the difference between reacting and responding in my next blog. But for now, just be appreciative...of all that life brings you. Because, and I've said this before, everything that life brings you is a gift...that's why they call it The Present.

Have a perfect day...for you were created in perfection, and nothing can change that.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

The more you appreciate what's around you, the more you'll experience your good now. Check this out to find out how: Experience Your Good Now! By Louise Hay

The Four Agreements

2010-03-11T04:48:00.001-08:00

I just finished reading a wonderfully inspiring book and I thought I'd share it's message with you. Hopefully, it'll motivate you, as it did me. The book is called "The Four Agreements" and is written by Don Miguel Ruiz. Here are the four agreements, encapsulated in short form, summarizing the message of the book. As you read these four agreements, why not take stock of your own thoughts, and see how this message could possible lead you in a positive direction.

"BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just with one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret."

As you consider these agreements and how they could fit into your life, focus on the Now of the present moment, and how this wonderful gift can light up your life, as well as those around you. And have a perfect day!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

For more inspirational books like these, check out Hay House: Save 20% on New York Times Bestselling Books Everyday

P.S. I welcome all comments! Don't hesitate to share your thoughts. I'd love to know them, as I love knowing you.

Happy Anniversary; Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

Today is Suzanne and my 8th Wedding Anniversary. Being the romantic I am, I insisted we get married on Valentine's Day. And being the romantic I am, I wrote a short story about the events leading up to our marriage.
This is a lot longer than my other blogs, but it's also long on love, so enjoy it:

"The Moment - A True Story

The moment – that moment! A life-changing moment. A totally consuming moment. A moment indelibly written in the pages of time. A moment that lasted just a moment – yet an eternity. And, ah, the feelings of that moment. The emotions. The total, overwhelming involvement in just that one moment. “But what could be so?” you ask. Could it be a historical moment? Could it be a moment of fame and fortune?

Oh no, it was none of those. It was a moment of love, reaching to the depths of two souls. It was a moment that sent energy of the highest frequency, vibrating into the Universe, exciting every being. And every being returned that energy from whence it came. Then that energy was multiplied a hundred-fold. And when it hit the two souls, it surrounded them, enveloped them and consumed them. It created a peace and a joy never before experienced by the two souls. What a moment!

“But what brought this about?” you wonder. “What could be so wonderful to create such a fantastic moment?” Well, let’s start at the beginning.

I came to this city, “The Big Smoke”, not really knowing why, except that I needed a change. I’d had so many failures in my life, including three divorces. I thought a change of scenery would bring about a change of “luck”. Well, don’t we all create our own luck? That’s what they say. And change is what I was determined to find, to accomplish, to substantiate and manifest in my life.

Have you ever gone for a walk, without really knowing where you’re walking? That’s how I felt when I landed here. Why was I here? Where was I going? What was I to do? Questions, questions, questions. What I needed was answers. And where were the answers? What were the answers?

The only way I knew of to find answers was to just be quiet and listen. Listen for guidance. Listen for wisdom. So listen I did. And answers came. They came one at a time, slowly but surely, each answer leading to another question. Each question leading to another answer. Progress. Little success after little success. And then bigger successes. Bigger questions. Bigger answers. Progress again. This was exciting! The exhilaration of getting somewhere. The joy that comes from satisfaction from a job well done. The peace that comes from faith in the future. The happiness that comes from that little voice inside that persists in saying, “Way to go!”, “Good job!”, “Now you’re getting somewhere!”

So all these little answers, all this guidance, led me to a job – a fairly good job. Hard work, but not bad money. I felt satisfied. Well, satisfied with my work, anyway. But throughout my days of sweat, throughout my hours of throwing myself totally into my work, I had this nagging notion that I wanted to find a wife. That’s right! It was as simple as that! I actually asked almost every girl in the office if she wanted to marry me. Of course they thought I was kidding. And I guess I was, really, although I didn’t really know it at the time. I mean, you can’t find a wife by just asking every girl in the office…or can you?

There was this one girl (or should I say woman) Suzanne, who showed absolutely no interest in me – or any other man, for that matter. She had this invisible – yet very clear! – sign across her forehead that read, in big capital letters, “GET LOST!!!” Her hair was pulled back hard, giving the impression of a stern librarian – and don’t you dare speak above a whisper! She was attractive – not a gorgeous beauty – but a classic beauty. Her class sneaked past her rigid exterior, exposed only to one who was special – me! But she wore a wedding ring, so I naturally assumed she was married. And that meant definitely “off limits”.

Wow! What a surprise! I talked to one of the girls in the office – Stella. I’d developed a subtle friendship with this girl. She was one of the girls I’d asked to marry me. She understood me. She understood my desires. She knew what I wanted. And so she suggested I talk to this classic woman, Suzanne.

“But she’s married,” I stated, resigning myself to the inevitable – the repetitive rejection I expected.

“No she’s not,” I was told.

“But she’s wearing a wedding ring.”

“She’s not married,” Stella assured me. The words rang in my ears, circling my mind, creating a vortex of emotion that culminated in a decision. Then I’ll ask her out!

But how? My level of confidence didn’t allow me to just boldly approach her. And what about the picture she’d painted for all the guys she worked with? It was definitely a “HANDS OFF” picture. Didn’t that include me? And why wouldn’t it? Why would I be different? Questions. More questions. So I knew, from my recent experience, that answers were forthcoming. And come they did.

The answer: a letter. Wait a minute – a letter? But I’d learned not to question the answers. Accept them as guidance. Have faith in them. They’ve been truthful and helpful so far. Why would they change now? So on I wrote:

January 25, 2000

Dear Suzanne,

I’m writing you this short note because I can’t seem to find an opportunity to talk with you at work. I understand you’re busy and need to concentrate on your job.

At the risk of making a fool of myself, I’d like to ask you if you’d like to spend
some time with me, with the aim of getting to know each other better. I originally thought you were married, but Stella tells me you’re separated. If I’m out of line in any way, just ignore this letter and we’ll carry on as we were. If, however, you’d like to get together, may I be so bold as to ask you to phone me at home – 905-793-2634.

Well, there it is! I’ve taken a somewhat brash step forward; hopefully it will become a marathon.

Very sincerely,
Gareth

I gave the letter to Stella and asked her to give it to Suzanne. So when Suzanne arrived at work, Stella could hardly contain herself. She soon found the opportunity to approach Suzanne and whisper to her that Gareth had left her a letter and that she’d put it under her keyboard on her desk. Suzanne was a little shocked. This wasn’t what she’d expected in here routine job. Hadn’t she been giving signals? Hadn’t she made it clear that she wasn’t interested in relationships? But here was someone who’d totally ignored the message. To go that far, this must be important. So she picked up the letter, put it in her purse, and went to work. But work wasn’t foremost in her mind. Who was this guy who’d had the nerve to leave her a letter? What did he want? These questions couldn’t remain unanswered any longer.

So Suzanne took a break. She opened her purse and took out the letter – so carefully folded. She just as carefully unfolded it. Little did she know she was opening a whole new chapter in her life. She read with nervous anticipation, then with increasing excitement. Excitement borne of something different, something new. She’d never had a letter like this written to her before. She wasn’t sure how to take it, how to react. With work to return to, the letter was returned to her purse, there to remain until she got home that night.

Now what to do? Should she phone him? Was he serious? She’d recently left a long hard relationship. Could she start another? Was she ready? Questions, questions, questions. But no answers. So she decided to phone a good friend, Richard. She read the letter to Richard and asked him if he thought she should phone Gareth. His advice was sound. It came from not only a caring for Suzanne, but from an almost unknown message that loudly proclaimed, “This is a good thing!” So phone him she did.

In the meantime, I’d been sitting in my living room, beside the phone, waiting for it to ring. And, oh, what anguish I’d put myself through! What a twisted melee of thoughts I’d been experiencing. Will she phone? Did I really make a fool of myself writing that letter? Would she think I’m just another man trying to get into her pants? Had I made a mistake? Could I face her the next day at work? Oh God, what have I done?

It’s 9:30 now and she hasn’t phoned. Oh well, I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I’ll just carry on, working hard, being myself. Something is bound to happen sooner or later…sooner, I hoped!

But then…RRRIIINNNGG! It’s the phone! Oh my God, could it be her? It would have to be. Nobody else would phone me. So, with my heart in my throat, but still doing my best to sound calm and relaxed, I answer, “Hello?”

Suzanne introduced herself. The rest of the conversation is a bit of a blur. Only the result remains in my brain, in my heart, in my soul. We talked for about two hours. We chatted. We conversed. Whatever you want to call it, we communicated. Wow! This was something so relaxed – something so real – something so natural. And we made a date. We made a date! I had a date with a woman who, in all respects, judging by my past experience, was way out of my league. But we had a date! Saturday night, we would get together. I didn’t even know what we were going to do. She was the native Torontonian. She knew the places to go. But I was confident that we’d find the right place to be.

And we did! She knew of a place called Grossman’s. It’s a little tavern on Spadina Avenue. They have a jazz band there on Saturday afternoons. Good home-town jazz. Great jazz! And we arrived there just in time to get a little table in the back, by the window.

We ordered a pitcher of beer, two glasses. Romantic? Not really…not at this point. We had no idea of what was really to come. I had no idea of anything except how nervous I was. I was like a teenager on his first date – confident, yet unsure. Yes, unsure – that was the word. Unsure of where this was going. Unsure of what the date would be like. Unsure if I’d be liked. Questions, questions, questions. Ah, here we were again – questions. But hadn’t I found the answers before? Hadn’t I been led when I listened? So I listened. But it was hard to hear over the noise of my confusion.

So we sat at our table. I pulled out her chair for her – I was determined to be a gentleman, to show her that I knew how to treat a lady. I sat down beside her and settled in for some good music and perhaps some good conversation. The conversation had already been abundant. We’d talked after out initial phone call for two to three hours each night, really getting to know each other and finding out about each other’s background. So by the time we went on our date, we’d already become quite familiar with each other, although you’d be surprised by the way I was acting. Was this the thing real? Where was it going? Would she like me? Would we further bond through time together? Again – questions, questions, questions.

But then the answer came. An answer that was stronger than any answer I’d ever had. An answer so convincing that I had no doubt that I was in the right place, with the right person, at the right time. This was really the answer. Here’s what happened: Suzanne sat beside me and we settled in our chairs – close, but not too close. Suzanne was on my left. I sat back in my chair, comfortable with the woman I was with. I was looking forward to a fun night of jazz. I love jazz, especially live. Being a musician all my life, I appreciated the quality of music filling the tavern. I was getting ready to let the music envelop me when something else caught my attention…caught my attention?! – it totally consumed me!! Suzanne gently and subtly leaned against me, settling her shoulder into my chest.

That was the moment! That was the moment I became totally distracted from the goings-on in the room. I was totally involved in the feel of Suzanne’s warm shoulder on my chest. I was totally consumed by the fact that she’d actually done that! When she leaned against me, the doors were opened. The floodgates were let go. The rainbows shone. The birds sang. The angels rejoiced. Everything was wonderful. Everything was good. Everything was perfect! What a culmination of events. What a crossing of the finish line. What a winning goal. What a joyous success. What a moment!

This was the moment I’d waited for all my life. To meet the person who’d love me for me. To join souls with the one who’d accept me, support me, encourage me – do whatever was necessary to fill my life with her. This was the moment I’d always envisioned. I felt so relaxed, so comfortable, so wanted, so loved, so…so…so…just right!

And so this was the beginning – the beginning of the joining of two souls. Two souls who’d brought themselves through trials and tribulations. Two souls who’d experienced the wrongs, so they’d know what was right. They knew what was good for each other. They knew how to love each other. They knew they were eternally inseparable. They knew they were true kindred souls.

And from the time that Suzanne leaned into me, I knew I’d found my true partner – forever. I knew that everything I’d done throughout my life had led up to that moment. I knew all the lessons I’d learned as I grew up had needed to be learned in order for us to be ready for each other. I knew that, from that moment on, I’d never be the same. I’d never be unsure. I’d never be unloved. I’d never be alone. I knew the importance of that single second of rapture, that single moment when all the world disappeared, leaving only the beauty and wonder of a relationship made in heaven.

And all these things – all this wonder, all this joy, is now ours. All because of that one moment when Suzanne leaned against me and let me know that she was the one – that that was the moment!"

Well, that's all folks! Ok, now go and give your Valentine a hug and a kiss and tell them that you're grateful for every moment they give you.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Do you want to attract that special someone? Then check out The Law of Attraction In Action DVD Series by Esther and Jerry Hicks

Imagination

2010-02-07T05:03:00.001-08:00

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” Albert Einstein said that, and I agree.
First of all, knowledge is merely what we know. And what we know really means nothing unless we put it into practice. To take the next step, we need to turn knowledge into wisdom. And we do that by using it; by experiencing it.
And then we come to "imagination". Aahh, the places we can go with imagination! We can be, do, and have virtually anything we want within the confines of our imagination.
But why stop there? Why let ourselves be limited by what we think we can't do. Henry Ford once said, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." So whatever you believe in your mind, and can feel in your heart (and feeling is the key), then you can achieve it.
So let your imagination run free. See yourself doing whatever you want to do, being whoever you want to be, having whatever you want to have. Start with your imagination - and soon you'll know for sure! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Stretch your imagination and make your thoughts work for you. Here's a program to help you do just that: Making Your Thoughts Work for You by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer; Byron Katie

Let Your Light Shine

2010-01-31T05:38:00.001-08:00

Did you know that you're a Bringer of the Light? Well, you are! Everyone is! Unfortunately, at times, most of us let our light be covered with clouds.
"How", you might ask, "am I a Bringer of the Light? My life isn't going too well right now and I don't have anything to bring light to anybody." The answer is simple - give something. You always have something to give, no matter what your current circumstances and environment.
One thing you always have to give is your smile. And a smile brings light. A smile brightens up a room. A smile is a frown turned upside down. And best of all, when you give a smile, it not only lights up the world of the person or people you give it to, but it also lights up your own face, and better yet, your own heart.
So be a Bringer of the Light - the Light of a smile. Make someone's day...and you'll surely make your own!
Have a happy day!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Learn to be a Bringer of the Light and attend the "I Can Do It" Conference in Toronto: The most highly recommended weekend conference I CAN DO IT!

"Age is one of my favorite things about you."

2010-01-19T23:10:00.000-08:00

Today's blog is dedicated to my wonderful wife, Suzanne (WonderWife, for short). The quote above, "Age is one of my favorite things about you." is from the delightful and very funny movie we just watched, "It's Complicated", with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. (Recommended viewing for all!)
That sentence stuck with me as soon as I heard it, and it made me realize how much I appreciate the wisdom and experience of age that Suzanne has brought to my life. Some people think of age as just getting old. I think of it like a fine wine - improving with age. And Suzanne continues to improve - and continues to improve my life because of it.
When I look at Suzanne, I see age in the timeless sense of beauty and love, gathering historical moments, forever expanding with the Universe, forever giving, forever caring. That's what age is to me. And that's what Suzanne is to me.
Age can be seen as physical, or it can be seen as mental - but more from the heart than the mind. I choose to see age as the accumulation of wisdom, the continual unfolding of the heart, and the constant expansion of the soul.
Suzanne brings all those things into my life. And that's why age is one of my favorite things about her.
Thank you, Suzanne, for being the ageless, timeless beauty you are. And thank you, God, for sending me my Ageless Angel.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you'd like to take your life higher with the help of your loving angel, check out www.angeltherapy.com

A New Beginning

2010-01-12T02:25:00.000-08:00

My Dear Readers, today I'm going to wax poetic, so relax and bear with me.

A New Beginning

A new beginning; the time has come
For all to start – and start as one,
To bridge the chasm that seems so wide
And look for the love that’s deep inside.

A new beginning, the one we choose
To overcome the times we lose,
When things go wrong and seem so bad
We hang our heads and feel so sad.

A new beginning is what we need
To start our days with joy, indeed;
To claim the light of shining stars
And bring it home where it is ours.

A new beginning, throughout the ages
Has brought more joy in various stages.
Nights of wars and days of battle,
Explosions made our psyches rattle.

A new beginning is what was sought
With hope for victory when we fought.
Now’s the time we’ve earned the joy –
Smiles for every girl and boy.

A new beginning can start today,
Winding its path and wending its way
Towards the goal of life so grand
There’s nothing in its way can stand.

A new beginning – 2010,
Let’s not look back, for that was then
And this is now with all its promise,
So let’s not be a doubting Thomas.

A new beginning is what we choose,
And life’s for winning, not to lose.
So start your new beginning today
For joy and abundance is here to stay.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

There are no excuses for not choosing a new beginning. Adopt Dr Wayne Dyer's "Excuses Begone" paradigm here: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!