Today I want to remind you that our old, outgrown thought patterns might not serve us anymore. We established them over years and years of taking in impressions and beliefs, wrong ideas and hurtful experiences. We can agree that we have many good habits, but also some that need a mental house cleaning.

These old habits are dangerous only, because we are no longer conscious of how our mood changes. The alterations are that subtle. It’s like eating or breathing; it just happens without our consciousness being aware of it. Repetition will intensify the patterns and, just like any addiction, even if we are aware of them - become harder to break and correct.

How do we break such a strong habit? Just as we repeated these habits over and over again over the years, so must we repeat our new mind model over and over again until our sub-conscious goes to the new thought automatically. It takes patience, but we can accomplish this new and improved mind-set little by little.

Try it and you will see a change in your experience, your relationships and your happiness. Wishing you all the goodness in the world!
​#thoughttheories
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​What is one of the most difficult thought-errors to correct? A mistake each of us has been guilty of? A weakness of character that is so detrimental to the soul that it causes serious illness? I can assure you this unholy vice is resentment.

The reason resentment is so tough to correct is the fact that we justify our actions. We think we are right. We think others have wronged us. We think that we have been treated unfairly and we certainly are convinced that we would never do to anyone what they did to us. Think about this for a minute!

Maybe, what happened in your life has been unfair, maybe you didn’t deserve being laid off the job or you didn’t get the promotion you desired. Maybe you resent a relative’s behavior. Maybe you despise the ex-spouse for the breach of trust inflicted upon you. But here is the deal: Resentment will cause you to suffer. You are the one that will experience the aches and pains of inflexibility, sore muscles, stiff bones, and excruciating discomfort. Why? Because a stubborn and stiff mental attitude will cause exactly these afflictions. Our experiences reflect our thoughts held in mind for a long period of time. We need to take this mental disposition called resentment seriously.

Resentment is a feeling; a feeling of dislike, anger, bitterness and offence, which can (and will) turn into hate eventually. Don’t let that happen! This angry bitterness will eat away at our core and deprive us of our daily happiness. It will limit us in everything we do. We might think that we have solved the issues with the other person, but please let us look deep inside of ourselves and listen carefully.

Do you still twitch when you hear the other person’s name? Do you feel your stomach turn when you look at old photos of the perpetrator? Do you avoid the company of the person? What about the family members who constantly are asking for a hand-out, or the other side of the spectrum, are always bragging about their good fortune? People who have taken more than they give…

Forgiveness is the healer. I’ve heard someone say: ”I can forgive, but I will never forget!” Let me tell you something. As long as we haven’t “forgotten” the incident that caused our resentment, we have not forgiven. Because, if any time a feeling comes to light that is lesser than good, we are still suffering from “not letting go”.
It’s not worth it, I tell you. You are better off to let go and move on. Today is a brand new day with new hopes and aspirations, a day that can be shaped into whatever you want it to be – by you! Resentment has no place in a happy and fulfilled life and by letting it go we will restore our health, loosen our stiff bones, get rid of our arthritis and our bodily pains caused by our stubbornness and un-forgiveness.

Be good to yourself! 
#thoughttheories
www.modernthoughttheories
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​Here is something fun to brighten your day: Let’s explore some of the meanings and effects colors have on us.

The sun, the symbol of energy and love, with its life-giving warmth and its bright Yellow or Orange glow, invigorates us. It is a well-established fact, that regions with a lack of sunlight have a higher depression and suicide rate. Baskin in the sun’s light will release endorphins, which are known to stimulate good feelings in the brain. Light bright colors tend to make us feel terrific and lighter. ‘Light’ is always associated with the positive, and ‘dark’ with negative emotions and moods. You have heard the expression ‘he/she is a dark person’.

Here are some interesting, known, fun facts I found in my research:

Red stimulates our emotions and passions. This powerful color is intense and makes us feel excited. Red is the warmest of all colors and is most often chosen by extroverts and one of the top picks of males, especially when purchasing a car. In China, red is the color of prosperity and joy. On the negative side red can mean hot temper or anger. ‘I saw red when I heard this’ or ‘He makes me see red’ are common expressions.

Red and Yellow have been known to stimulate appetite. Yellow is also the highest attention getting color due to its high reflection of light. Why do you think the colors of McDonald’s are Red and Yellow? Most fast food chains have these colors incorporated into their logos.

Orange means vitality. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. I thought orange would also show playfulness- but no mention of this thought found in my research.

Yellow symbolizes wisdom, joy and happiness. People of high intellect tend to favor yellow. Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: On the negative side, yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. On the positive, the yellow-orange combo imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.

The color Blue, studies show, is preferred by men (most likely right after red?). It stimulates calmness, serenity and tranquility. People seem to be more productive in blue rooms. Looking around me, I realize that my office and writing space is painted a light blue and a pretty aqua. (This article was first written before my move to Palm Springs. Interestingly, with my change of life style my colors have changed. Now my workspace is also my creative space and is painted a deep orange and beige)

Blue is an orderly color- but it can also be related to sadness. Remember the phrases ‘I’m having the blues’, I’m blue without you’ or ‘Blue Monday’? Blue has also been found to be the least appetizing color; there are not many blue food items. Blueberries…what else?

The color Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection. Light Blue is accredited with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness.

Purple is the color of good judgment and is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation. It is the color most favored by artists. Purple has been used to symbolize magic and mystery, as well as royalty.

Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility and is also the ‘lucky’ color. Green is favored by well-balanced people and symbolizes the master healer and the life force. It was believed green was healing for the eyes. Old drawings show that Egyptians wore green eyeliner. Studies show you should eat raw green foods for good health. Abundance and health also fall under the color Green (money), with Olive green being the traditional color of peace.

Brown is the color of the earth and is associated with the material side of life. Brown is a mixture of red, blue and yellow and can be a stabilizing color. Brown gives a feeling of solidity, and allows one to stay in the background, unnoticed. Some shades of brown create a warm, comfortable feeling of wholesomeness, naturalness and dependability.

Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be loners or narrow-minded. Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol for security (uniforms), responsibility, conservative practicality, maturity and dependability. Think about other examples that show how colors are used in language: ‘Do you have a green thumb?’ ‘Once in a blue moon’ and ‘You look red-hot tonight’- quite interesting isn’t it?

​What are your colors?
​#thoughttheories

A few months ago I was asked this question: What if you were 22 again, what would you tell yourself, knowing what you know now...​
 
It’s interesting to imagine yourself younger, less experienced, and still at the beginning of your adult life. Not easy, I admit, not easy at all!
 
I am in my early sixties, never thought I would say that out loud, but now that I have reached maturity, I realize it’s something to be proud of. I earned everything I have, including wisdom, friendship and love.
 
My dreams were many at a young age; most of them included leaving the tiny village where I was born. My parents didn’t have any money and sent me to work in a customs declaration office at the age of 15. By the time I was 22 I was a singer traveling with a Top 40 Band all over Europe. I was fearless and eager, the wild child that did what she wanted when she wanted it. Freedom had priority in my life; a career was not on the horizon. With little education, during a time in Europe when woman were still considered to be better off at home with the children, I couldn’t phantom that this limited type of life style could be my destiny. Fortunately I had a quick mind and learned easily, and my gig with the band allowed me to see other countries and experience cultures, languages, and develop my distinct personality.
 
By 29, life’s circumstances had brought me to Los Angeles. I fell in love with the diversity and creativity of the city. My love affair with the City of Angels hit me quick and hard. This is what I wanted I thought - this is how life should be. All pieces fell together quickly and easily. I met some of the right people and some of the wrong, I made mistakes but I also made helpful connections, which allowed me to make a decent living. I was doing what I wanted to do. No force, no restrictions, but hard work for sure.
 
Life went on. I married and had a son. My ex-husband and I owned a real estate development company and opened a restaurant (one of my many dreams) but the marriage didn’t survive and neither did the business. With not much left I packed up and moved with my son closer to the city. Again, the Universe dealt me a card of chances and opportunities which I quickly recognized and used to my benefit. One of my best trades was, and is to this day, that I love to learn a new thing every day. I am a quick thinker and make decisions easily. You have to be fearless at times, especially in the business world.
 
I was hired by a major Motion Picture Studio as a hostess for their commissary. I had learned a lot by this time, especially about the business side of restaurant management. I worked myself up the ladder one step at a time. I worked hard and I worked many hours, always focusing on bigger and better things. Within a few years I had paid my dues and graduated to the Special Events Department where I excelled. I loved what I did and I couldn’t imagine anything else that would have suited me better. However, the one thing I did in my spare time was to study metaphysics. I had found my true passion, but it wasn’t the time to give up the big job for passion!
 
About 4 years ago, once again, the time came when I was pushed into a new direction. I took the opportunity with both hands and a full heart. I finally had the time to write and teach and write some more. I published 4 books and I am continuing to write for many magazines and other publications. I am teaching workshops and I delight in the progress of my students. I am free again to do what I wanted to do for all these years, and no one can take it away from me. No one.  
 
You asked me: “Are you where you thought you'd be?” The answer is a simple “yes”. I am further and beyond – I am at a stage that I never dreamt of. In this stage of my life I cannot imagine anything else giving me the satisfaction and joy I am experiencing. But, remember, things change. Stay fluid and open-minded. What you think is the ultimate job doesn’t always turn out to be it. Leave yourself open to new opportunities, and allow the Universe to guide you and keep your heart filled with love.
 
What do I know now that I wished I’d known then? Maybe to be more selective in the people I associated with, and not to fall for the smoke and mirror at times. Perhaps it could have been an easier ride if I would have known that I had a choice in everything and that I was in control of my thoughts and feelings at all times. But I didn’t know then, and it really doesn’t matter now. What matters now is that I love, respect, and accept who I’ve become. Keep this self-love, self-respect, and acceptance of self, in mind on your journey!
 
So, #IfIWere22 I would tell myself – keep striving for the dream. Do the best job you can, no matter where you are at the time, because it will lead to greater things. My advice to you dear friends, entering the working world today, is simply to choose a vocation that is in line with your desires. Maybe your first working experience is not the exact dream job, but it can be the stepping stone to what you think you want to be when you grow up, and trust me no one grows up until after they celebrate 50!
Remember, you can change your path at any time, but if you like what you do stay focused, persisted, honest and true to yourself, – no matter what. You might rise at a slower pace but it’s a steady and sound growth that will last for many years. Do what you love, don’t sell yourself short. Be true to yourself. Know that you can, just “…because you can!”