Celebrating Happiness- Do You Do It? Lessons from The Chimp Paradox

Happiness is in fact a choice. And for the most part I have always thought that I WAS happy. I mean- it's one thing to be "happy" when things are going good. I think most of us have that part down pat. It's another thing to choose to be happy even when our outward reality looks like crap. And in the past few years, I certainly worked on THAT!! And pretty much feel like I have been doing a good job at being happy despite outward circumstances. 

Even with the ups and downs in life, there are those who CHOOSE to be happy among even the tough times; and these are the people I chose to emulate.

But the other day I read through the Chimp Paradox book and it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, I was doing something wrong. Maybe I was missing a huge piece of this puzzle. This is a fantastic book that deals with our mindset. And more importantly, how we can take better control of our mindset!

You see, the book stated that pushing to do too much can actually push us to want even MORE "things" to bring about happiness. In other words, we focus so much on the goals, the end result and the "steps" to that ultimate goal; that we are essentially conditioning our minds to always WANT. So what happens is that when we finally do reach that "ultimate goal", we are UNABLE to truly have happiness with it. 

Consider this example from the book: 

An athlete who never celebrates the "smaller" accomplishments on the way up to getting that Gold medal, will likely not feel that happiness she is expecting when she does get the gold. She'll want to move to the next potential win.

When I read that, I realized that this was something I had been doing for a long time now. I never truly celebrated the moments in life that I should have. (All those stepping stones to that ultimate goal). When I got my Associates degree, I was happy on the inside. But, at the same time, I immediately began to focus on the next goal... the Bachelor's degree. And so on and so forth. Each time, I realized that I had never truly celebrated each accomplishment and allowed myself the experience of being and expressing happiness. And then when I finally reached that final goal, it wasn't quite as sweet as it could have been. 

So, from this point forward, I will allow myself to CELEBRATE the wins. I will bask in the FEELINGS of happiness with each success. And I challenge all of you to do the same! Forget being humble and not wanting to "brag"! Share your successes! Share your moments of happiness! And bask in that happiness for each of those precious moments in your life! 

Try this exercise from the book... I've added a few things to it!

Make a list of all the things in your life that you believe that you need to be happy. Next to this list, write down how you can bring those things into your life. Next you'll want to work that list. Bring those things into your reality. And finally- be sure to celebrate each success! 

Manifesting and Acceptance... And how to screw that shit up!

As many of you know by now, I am a big believer in manifesting. By this I mean that I strongly believe in the power of positive affirmations, aligning your emotional experience and vibration to that which you desire to manifest in your life, and trusting in the universal response to acknowledge my desires and formulate them into my reality. 

Sounds totally crazy to anyone who isn't familiar with the whole manifesting process... but I've seen it work. Not just once, but many times over. And not just in others, but in my own life as well. 

Now, I've written about manifesting in the past and tried to explain the process in the easiest way I could at the time. I prefer that concepts... any concept... be broken down to the simplest format possible. In this way, it makes it easier for just about anyone to comprehend and master. 

Part of manifesting is using positive affirmations. But those alone will not get you what you desire. I can state every day that I have a million bucks, but that statement alone isn't going to cut it. I need to add substance. That substance is in the form of our emotions. I need to feel it. Feel what it WILL feel like when I have a million bucks. Feel it so deeply and so clearly that I KNOW that feeling and am comfortable with that feeling. And certainly we want to express gratitude to the universe for what we are manifesting... because we KNOW it IS coming. 

Now, as you simmer on that part of the manifestation process for a bit... let's take a look at some of the other parts. Some of the parts that can fuck up the whole process.....  
Because as much as I am able to manifest in my life... I am equally as good at fucking that shit up royally! 

The first way that I tend to screw up my manifestation is when I don't TRUST!
Let's look at this in this way... say I give someone a job to do... and then, before they are even finished, I take it back because maybe I feel like they aren't getting it done fast enough or maybe I'm just a control freak. Either way, I haven't even given them enough time to show me that they CAN get the job done! It's much the same with the universe. We have to trust that the universe CAN get that job done! And then give the universe TIME to actually do the work! 

The next big way to screw up the manifestation process is to allow FEAR to set in... Oh, not you, eh? Let's just see... 

How many times have you tried to manifest a loftier goal... only to have an option present itself that scared the shit out of you? Or... you've been working on manifesting something kind of lofty and an opportunity presented itself... and you went with it... following through... but all the while had this nagging sense of inadequacy and fear that kept creeping in?

It's said that there are really only two emotions: love and fear. And it's that fear that rears its ugly head in the form of anxiety, nervousness, shame, guilt and so many more of the "undesirable" emotions... 

It's so important that we face that fear, acknowledge it and push through it! "hey, fear... thanks for showing up... but you're not needed at the moment!" GTFO FEAR!!!

We can't deny it exists. But we can choose how we respond to it. And since it comes from within US... we can send it to the back seat! Now... even if you push through the fear... we can't let it linger even a little bit. Say you are going to do a TEDx talk. You realize the universe granted you this amazing opportunity! You've prepared for this and now the time has come. Of course fear decides to step up to the plate. Well, you know you're going to push through it and get on that stage anyway. BUT... if you let that fear linger even a bit... it could sabotage your whole speech! Your nerves and anxiety may show through in your words or your lack of enthusiasms. Because when you're focusing on fear... you aren't focusing on your objective. 

The third way we can screw up our manifestations is when we don't have a clear objective. Putting it out to the universe that you want a "good life" is too broad and too subjective. A good life to one person may be a simple cottage by the sea with a wood burning stove and herbs hanging from the ceiling. A good life to someone else may be more along the lines of a Mercedes in the driveway and a ten bedroom house. We need to explain a little bit more when it comes to manifesting. 

But, with that being said; we don't want to be SO specific that we limit the options that the universe has to bring us those desires!  If I wanted to manifest $5,000; I would have better luck simply trying to manifest that money without putting limitations on HOW that money is to come. In other words, I may choose to AVOID saying "I will manifest $5,000 from my job" because that would limit where that money comes from. 

What are some of the ways that YOU tend to mess up YOUR manifestation process? It's okay... you can share them here! Throw them in the comments below!

Don't forget to check out my web page at www.ravenhaze.com for some freebies and amazing deals on readings and healing classes! And be sure to connect with me on Facebook! (Raven Haze Fan Page) and (Raven Haze Group)

Got Haters?? Good for you!!

Haters... we all have them! Even if you don't really KNOW you have them... it's most likely that you DO have at least ONE! 

For the most part, nobody likes the haters! We'd much rather surround ourselves with our tribe... our fans. Those are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin. They support our endeavors and encourage us to keep pressing forward. Those are our PEOPLE! 

But what of the haters? They make us feel crappy. They are completely un-supportive. They just lurk around, checking out what you're up to, so they can pass judgement. What can possibly be good about THAT?

Well, let's look at what's good about having a few haters! 

For one thing, haters love to see what you're up to! This means they are watching your videos and checking out your posts on social media! How does that help you? Well, they are actually increasing your view counts and helping to improve your analytics! Rock on haters!! 

Another way that those haters will help you is by sharing your stuff! Oh, now we know their intention is to share it with people they know to say "hey, look at what this psycho is up to now!"; but they are SHARING none-the-less! 

And what happens when they share? Well, the people that view THEIR shares are going to see YOUR posts and YOUR videos! And, they may be haters too! But they too are helping to improve your view counts and analytics! 

And sometimes, someone a hater shares to will take a look and think differently than the hater. Sometimes, that friend of the hater will be pretty impressed and wonder why the hater has so much hate. And that person will become an unknown ally; possibly a client. 

I know this all sounds pretty simplistic and easier said than done. The fact is that when a hater makes a negative comment or post directed towards you, it hurts. It's as though old wounds are opening and vinegar is being poured over them. It leaves a sting and that sting can send you crawling back into your hole filled with shame and fear of putting yourself out there again. 

But what if we changed our perception a bit? 

What if, instead of allowing those words from the haters to pierce the old wounds and re-open them; we altered our thinking and trained our brains to see them in a positive way?

What if we conditioned our minds to equate hateful comments with growth instead? Purposefully thinking, each time we encounter those negative people, that they are instrumental in our spiritual growth. So that rather than giving in to that "sting" we are able to push through it easier and in the process we become stronger. 

I challenge you to make a conscious effort to train your brain to associate the sting of a haters comment to personal growth and success. After all, we are in control of our mind and thus our emotional responses to our thoughts. So, take control! Run that "brain factory" the way YOU want it to be run... for YOUR highest good! 

Share your experiences in the comments below! Got Haters? That must mean you're on the right track!

Check out my web page at www.ravenhaze.com and find me on Facebook HERE! Make sure you check out my closed Facebook Group for more discussion! (Closed Group Raven Haze HERE!)

Manifesting when you're in a HOLE

How can I manifest when I am so deep in this hole??

I recently began to re-read the book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza. I feel like many of the books dealing with manifesting and changing our reality are all pretty similar. This one resonates well with me though because it really broke it down into how it is in fact scientific. The first chapter or two talk a lot about neurons and stuff. I originally skimmed through that to be honest! So, after reading a bit, I did some channeling last night and connecting with my spirit guides. I feel like the message I got is shareable to others.

Trying to dig yourself out of a hole

When we are struggling it's like we are in a hole and trying to get out. I was given the image of being in a deep hole with no visible way to get out of the hole. No ladder, no rope, nothing to be seen that would indicate a "plan of attack" to dig myself out. I heard the message that we keep asking about the same shit- how do I get out of this hole? What do I need to do to get out of this hole? And as such we are always manifesting stuff related to that hole. Never beyond it. Because that hole is where our focus is. That hole could be anything in your life. Financial struggle, emotional struggle, and even a mental struggle. It could be very different for each of us.

Rather than focusing on the hole and getting out of it- we should be focusing on 'already being out of the hole'. Moving and acting as though we are already out. In chapter 3 of Dr. Joe Dispenza's book, it talks about how Gandhi was acting as though there were peace in India for years before there was in fact peace. He made that his mental reality until it finally manifested into the physical realm. DESPITE our circumstances. Despite the existing reality. My existing reality may seem pretty shitty when looked at by any "normal" person. But in my mind- it's so different. And eventually that has no choice but to manifest. When I channeled I got the message from my spirit guides - why do you keep asking about finances? We got this! - My guides basically shut me down. As if to say 'don't you trust us?' "Move forward" stop focusing on the lack and start focusing on what's to come. That immediately brought a sense of peace that I literally felt deep in my gut. (And I've learned that I NEED to trust my gut as that is my clairsentience kicking in!)

But what about the HOW? How do we get out of that hole?

That was my question too. Always has been. And the answer I got was to never-mind the HOW.

I feel like it's a control thing. I am used to lists and taking control and managing shit. It's not easy to give up that control. I like to have a plan of action. But I need to release that control of the HOW to spirit. Imagine that you are already OUT of the hole. Without imagining how you got out. Skip that part of the story because that's already being taken care of by the guides.

Sounds crazy, I know! But that's the message I got. So I'm going with it for now. I'm not worrying or even really thinking too much about HOW I'll pay the rent or pay the car payment. I am trusting my guides that I will be able to. And it makes sense in a way because the more we focus on that HOW the less we are giving spirit the opportunity to take control. And the more we focus on it- the more we think about our circumstances as they currently ARE thereby reinforcing the same crap.

Top 5 Reasons Why I Just CAN'T

When it comes to procrastination or spewing out reasons why I can't do something... I've got lots of them. Lot's of reasons.... er, excuses I mean. Because let's face it, they aren't really "reasons" but rather "excuses". 

Here are some of my most frequently used excuses. Some of them I tend to apply to various different issues. Others may only be used once in a while. But the bottom line is... they are EXCUSES. And excuses inhibit PROGRESS!

1. I don't have the money. This is one of my "reasons" for LOADS of stuff! But the fact is, when it comes right down to it... when I DID have the money, chances are I just used one of the many other reasons. Sure, I know money can certainly help with many things... but there are also so many things that can be done without money. And it always seems like when I DO have the money, then I don't have the TIME... or ENERGY.. or pick any of the other reasons... 

I've learned from Tony Robbins actually, that what is more important than the RESOURCES is the RESOURCEFULNESS within myself. I've had to change my own mindset. When I go clothes shopping or furniture shopping, I like to go to Thrift stores and places like that. (even when I have money). Do you know why? Because to me, finding a deal is like a game. When I can find the same or similar trendy clothing in a consignment shop for 1/10th of the cost, it makes me feel as though I've "won" in some crazy way! So, I've begun to apply that same concept with other things- like expanding my business, or doing family activities.  

2. I'm not that outgoing. Recently, I was advised by my reader to put myself "out there more". More specifically, he told me to get out and meet with two specific groups of people in order to expand my business offerings. As soon as he mentioned that, all the "red lights" went off in my head! How could I possibly meet these people? I'm not outgoing. I'm not even that friendly! It was easy for him to say! HE'S outgoing! HE'S friendly! 

But once again, it's just an excuse. Let's face it; I CAN be outgoing... and I CAN be friendly... it just requires some stepping out of my comfort zone to do so. I know I wasn't given these gifts just to keep them hidden within myself. They are meant to be shared with others and used for the highest good. Wallowing in this excuse is actually quite selfish. Well, that's what I tell myself anyway. I am training my mind to view and equate being outgoing and friendly as being UN-selfish.

3. I'm too tired. Well, cry me a river... Aren't we ALL tired?!?! Yes. Most people are tired. Oh, but don't let my cry of "tiredness" fool you. It is not for lack of sleep. No, this "tired" feeling actually comes from stress. Digging further, my stress is often a result of "struggle" and "lack of money". So, does that make it valid? Nah. Not really. Sure I can sit in that emotional state and vibrational state for all of those reasons. But, if I sit there, I'll only get more of the same thing coming back at me! 

So, I do rest when I'm tired. But, I really try to get back up on the horse as soon as possible. Breaking this down helps me to see that raising my own vibration will help to manifest more money into my life. How you say? Well, for one thing, like attracts like. With a higher vibration I am able to be more outgoing and friendly... and in that way I can make better connections with people... people who may one day BE clients or want to REFER clients. 

4. I just don't have enough time. It's true. I've got to clean, cook, take care of kids, and so much more. Where would I ever find the time to do that "thing"? The fact of the matter is that we are each given 24 hours in a day. It's up to us to use them for our highest good! Yes, I still have to do the mundane things in life. But, if I apply my "game" technique to it, I can challenge myself to get those mundane tasks done in less time. 

The other thing that helps me manage my time better is to create lists. It's old school but it works for me! Some days I have to carry over tasks that didn't get done. Trust me when I tell you that after a while, I get sick of seeing that 'task' on my list and that's when I make a more conscious effort to get that "thing" OFF my list!!!

5. I may not be well received. What will people think of me? Oh, this is a beauty!! Classic bull-shite right here! It is correct that nobody likes rejection. It hurts. It makes me shrink back into my proverbial hole like some kind of tortoise. 

But, do you know what I realize when I reflect on this "reason"? The people that I meet and come into contact with .. the ones who are the MOST flamboyant and outspoken and WEIRD... are ABSOLUTELY the people I am the most attracted to! The people who are different and authentic and put themselves out there... those are the people I resonate with! And if I resonate with them, and others resonate with them... then surely there will be people who resonate with me. Me as my "different", authentic and WEIRD self!

What are some of YOUR "reasons" (AKA excuses!) that seem to pop up in your life? What are some ways that you make conscious efforts to blast through them? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Find me on the web at www.ravenhaze.com and on Facebook Raven Haze 
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How I Manifested $5,000 in 3 Weeks!

So, I'm going to share a story with you that I hope will inspire you today to manifest in your own life!

About a month ago, I set out to manifest the sum of $5,000 in three weeks time. I chose the amount at random and intended for this money to come from "out of the blue". So, this would be over and above our "regular" income. 

How did I go about it?

The first thing I did was verbalize my intention out loud to the universe as though it had already happened! "I received $5,000 in three weeks from out of nowhere!" (Yeah, I probably sounded like a crazy person... but I was alone at home so I only seemed crazy to the dog and cats!) I also said it out loud to my little Ganesha statue actually!

Next, I wrote it down. This solidified it for me! But I didn't put this statement on the frig or anywhere I could see it. I just wrote it down on a piece of paper and put it aside. In fact, hadn't even looked at it after that! 

Then I took a bill from my Ancestor Money (fake money) and stuffed that inside a clear, blue cup. This was to represent that the money would come out of the "clear blue". 

I set out my Hotei Buddha facing my front door, instructing him to bring money INTO our home and set up my little frog facing inward, instructing him to keep money IN our home. 

So, How did it work??

Well, that first week I ended up with several unexpected readings that brought in about $500. I was ecstatic at that point... mostly thinking about how my business was growing! But it didn't end there! 

In the second week my husband ended up coming home with an extra check in the amount of $4,000. When I asked him what it was from he explained that the bank had funded additional money for their project and this was his portion of it. This was weird, and definitely "out of the blue" because this bank has been notorious for UNDER funding if anything! I counted this as another WIN! So, it had been two weeks and we had successfully manifested almost all of what I had originally intended! At this point I was just thrilled that I was able to manifest THAT! 

In the third week we ended up getting a check in the mail from an old insurance policy that was closed; netting us another $1,200! (Almost didn't even check the mail that day either!)

The Power of Manifesting

So, you see, the power of the mind and our ability to manifest is so strong!  I was able to manifest even more than what my original intention was for! What was the key? I set the intention, verbalized it, wrote it and then LET IT GO. I didn't even think about my little manifestation plan for that month! Totally forgot about it... (until the second week anyway!)

Share YOUR manifest success stories in the comments below!!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook or follow along in my closed group at Raven Haze Group

And don't forget to subscribe to my blog!! 

Love and Light and all that!!

~Heather

Push Through the FEAR... Like a 9 Year Old!

For the past several MONTHS... (yes, you read that right... MONTHS) I have vacillated about doing LIVE videos in my Facebook group Raven Haze Healing and Divination Group. I seemed to have some sort of blockage or fear about doing it. I've been told that really there are only 2 different emotions that everything else stems from: FEAR and LOVE.

This fear really had no basis. I have no idea where it came from or why it decided to manifest in that way. You see, I had already posted videos in the group that were pre-recorded and I had already done live videos in one of my other groups for addiction recovery. So, why this mental blockage kept me from going live in this particular group was beyond me! 

Then, one day after I had posted a pre-recorded video to the page, I had a newer member ask me if she could share it. And it seemed that the only way she could share the video was if it were posted to YouTube first so she could embed the link. Well, I'll be honest, she caught me off guard! But, I didn't even give myself TIME to think about it! I just went and quickly uploaded the video to my YouTube account and sent her the link. 

So, since I had just "put myself out there" by posting a pre-recorded video to a public forum; I knew it was time to move forward and get that live video done! (And I did!) 

What really intrigued me though was that when my 9 year old daughter came home from school that day; I told her that I had uploaded a video to YouTube. Now, this child has been harping on wanting to be a "YouTuber" for about a year now and I've been putting it off for just as long! Well, since I had just uploaded my own videos, I told her that I'd upload a video for her that day if she wanted. 


Without batting an eyelash, she ran to the table, set up the iPad and began recording herself! No Fear!! No preconceived ideas of rejection ever entered her mind! Like the Nike commercial says... she "just did it!" 

My personal mantra for the past several months has been something along the lines of "Push through the fear, because on the other side is SUCCESS". And that day my own 9 year old embodied that affirmation right before my eyes. 

But How Do We Do It??

It isn't an easy thing to do by any means. I think the most important way to push through the fear has got to be to just dive right in! Try not to even think about the "what if's". You'll have plenty of time to do that afterwards! 

Something to consider on the flip side. By letting those fears get the best of you; essentially you're allowing yourself to be controlled by them. You're giving the fear the power! And I don't know about you; but I want to be in control of myself... I don't want to allow some emotion to be the one in control!

Another way to help overcome the fear is to use certain crystals. Carry them with you, stick them in your pocket or bra, or if you're like me; stick them in the bun on the top of your head! Let yourself be guided to stones that are red in color as a general rule; such as Carnelian or Ruby. 

Share an experience you've had where you've PUSHED THROUGH the fear and found success on the other side!!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook. Looking for more discussions and interaction? Check out my closed Facebook group then: Raven Haze

Are You Attracting The Good You Want into YOUR Life?

Manifesting Shmanifesting!! Why can't I get what I want?!?!

Well, let's start with these two questions to break this down a bit...

1. What sort of things do you WANT in your life?

and then...

2. What sort of things are you actually GETTING in your life?


If these two answers are not the same, then "Lucy, you got some splainin' to do!"

You see, the things that you WANT in your life, should most definitely be the things that you GET in your life! After all, you deserve it. And even more than that; we have the POWER to achieve it! 

The fact is, it's all about energy, thoughts and emotions... all combined in a delicate balance...

We are all familiar with the concept of positive affirmations. Think positive thoughts and positive stuff will flow your way, right? Wrong. There's a bit more to it than that. Positive affirmations are wonderful, don't get me wrong. In fact, we should most definitely have our set of positive affirmations that we ingrain in our minds regularly. Our "mantra's" if you will. This is only a part of the equation though. 

What you need to go along with the positive affirmations (brain work) is the emotional component (heart work). This means that you need to really feel what it is like as though you already have that which you desire. 

So, here is where some visualization begins to come into play. Close your eyes and really visualize that you already have this thing/quality/etc. Consider what it would feel like if this were already true in your life. Think back to a time in your life where you HAVE experienced it and bask in that feeling for a bit. Own that feeling.

Don't even know what that might feel like? Maybe it's something that you truly have never experienced in the past. Well, you'll have to use your visualization techniques a little bit harder then! Imagine how you will feel. But when you do, don't imagine it as something happening in the future. Imagine it as something that has already manifested!

The third part of the equation has to do with energy. This is something that is two-fold. On one hand, it relates to the physical energy that you will put out into the universe in order to manifest your dream. This could mean, putting the energy into applying for particular jobs that get you closer to your goal; or taking whatever steps in the mundane world that you know will bring you that much closer. 

On the other hand, it also speaks of spiritual energy. And in this way I am speaking of taking time to meditate and focus on your goal. Lighting a candle, using incense, holding certain crystals or stones... really making a ritual experience out of your time. You are basically doing the spell work needed to help manifest your desire. Putting your desires out into the universe and allowing the elements of earth, air, water, fire and spirit to do what needs to be done!

What are some of the other ways that you have been successful in manifesting what you desire into your life? If you've had a difficult time with it in the past, I encourage you to follow this formula and share your results! If you have any questions, I'm only a click away!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook!

You can also check out my "closed" Facebook group for more discussion at Raven Haze Closed Facebook Group! 

Until next time!

~ Heather

Women: Take Back Your Power! 5 Steps to Empowerment

There's a buzz word going around and it is "empowered". Now as a woman and small business owner, I have had many different experiences of being and feeling empowered. And that got me thinking... were these experiences just random? Or are there specific things I can do in my own life to feel empowered all the time? (Or at least MORE of the time!)

Let's take a look at some of the best tips for feeling empowered! Ladies, it's time we took back our power and lived in that reality!!

1. Set your boundaries... and KEEP them!

This one is something I've been working on lately myself. Oh, I am pretty good at setting my boundaries, but keeping them and sticking to them is another story all together! So, what this means is figuring out what you will and will not accept from others. We know that we can't change someone else, but we CAN change our response to other people. That's what is important. This means knowing when you need to say "no" to other people. Knowing what behaviors and actions from other people that you will or will not accept. The harder part of this, for me anyway, is sticking to these boundaries. What this involves is really standing up for yourself. Being able to verbalize that you are not able to do the thing that may be asked of you; and knowing that you don't owe anyone an explanation as to why that is!

2. Surround yourself with other people who appreciate and respect your boundaries.

What this means in a nutshell is - surround yourself with your tribe! These are the people that support you. The people that treat you as an equal and not as someone lesser than they are. And on those occasions when you do meet someone who tries to treat you "less than"; you'll have the backing of your tribe for support and to help you to feel more empowered. These are the people that will cheer you on in your endeavors!

3. Treat YOURSELF like the Queen that you are!

You are beautiful and powerful! But that doesn't mean a damn thing if YOU don't believe it! It's important to realize your own worth and value. Accept that you are gorgeous in your own rite and own that! Take time during your day to work on YOU. That means taking time to become the best version of YOU that you can be. Maybe that means working out a bit, taking a course, or even just taking the time to relax in a quiet, soothing tub. Whatever you need to do to treat yourself the way you would expect a queen to treat herself is what you should be striving for here! You are worth it!!

4. Be your own best cheerleader!

We all have those negative thoughts that creep into our heads on a daily basis. "I can't do that because XYZ", "I'm just not that good yet", and so on. It's normal. But those thoughts don't define us and we don't want to dwell on them. Make a conscious effort that when those thoughts enter your mind, you'll replace them with a positive thought. For example: when the self defeating thought of "I can't possibly do a live video recording" pops into your mind; you'll want to recognize it as a self-defeating thought and replace it with a positive thought such as "I have worked hard and that training has absolutely equipped me with the knowledge and confidence I need to do a live video recording!". You control your mind! 

5. Know your truth... and OWN it!

What does it mean to know your truth? Well, that simply means that you accept who you are, what you do and what you hold true and dear. It means living authentically without concern for other peoples expectations for you. It involves being comfortable with those things and you won't feel guilty about what your truth is!

What are some other ways that you've stepped into your own empowerment? If you've done any of the things mentioned above; what were your results? Share your success stories in the comments below!

~ Heather

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook

4 Myths About Manifesting

We talk a lot about manifesting the reality that you desire; and we've even discussed some steps to take to implement the process of manifestation into your life. But what happens when things don't seem to be coming to fruition? 

Well, lets talk about some of the myths about manifesting today!

Myth #1: You always have to be thinking positively... 

Well, no.... not exactly. In fact, it's probably highly unlikely that you can even possibly be thinking positively at ALL times. We will all face negative thoughts during our day. Sometimes these thoughts can seem self-defeating. The trick here is to acknowledge the negative though, try to determine where that thought is coming from, and move on from it. We don't want to dwell in that thought pattern. It's normal to have them, but often times we tend to sit and linger in that negativity for a bit longer than we should. Recognize it. Search your mind and heart to determine what place this thought is coming from... most likely a place of fear. And finally, set it aside. Move forward from it. 

Myth #2: We can manifest whatever it is that we want... new car... new relationship... new job.... 

If this statement were true... we would all be driving brand new, fancy cars; be in fabulously perfect relationships and have that dream job making $1000 per hour working one hour per week! It isn't enough to just "want" something. The truth is that we have to "believe" in it. Part of the concept of manifestation is that we have to fully embrace the "thing" as though it is already reality. Knowing it in our minds, feeling it in our very being and experiencing the very emotions that we know we will have, with such reality that it's as if the "thing" is already a done deal. It is more than just a fleeting desire. It is more than a visualization technique. 

Myth #3: Manifesting is self-serving and egocentric.

For the most part, we are manifesting for our own lives... and this may seem self-centered and selfish. But, really, we are only really in control over our own lives. It's not our place to manifest for someone else as we can't truly know where their desires lie. My oldest son lives in Hawaii and works and lives in a small farming community. His lifestyle is primitive in my eyes. He is never online, never checks email, rarely uses his phone.. and has poor service there anyway! Most we look at his situation and wonder why I wouldn't want to manifest a great, high paying job for him. After all, doesn't every parent want their children to be successful? Well, the fact is, in his eyes he has found success. He has found his niche and place of happiness. If I were to successfully manifest something like that for him, he would undoubtedly be miserable! Instead, I could focus on manifesting in my own life, things that I would be able to offer him- giving him the option to accept or not. 

Myth #4: We must keep our vibration high at all times.

This myth goes hand in hand with the myth about remaining positive at all times. It is unrealistic. Our vibrations will fluctuate throughout a day, a week and so on. I don't think I have ever even known someone who has a "high vibration" at all times. It's human nature to have low periods. But much like the positive thinking issue, the point is not to dwell in that place! Furthermore, not all things being manifested necessarily require a super high vibration. In fact, I have (whether inadvertently or not) manifested many things in my life that I did so in a less than high (but not necessarily low) vibrational state. You need to be at the vibrational frequency of that which you desire to manifest. For my son to realize his dream of living off the land in Hawaii, he didn't need a super high vibrational frequency for that to happen! 

What are some other myths that you've found with the laws of manifesting in your life? 

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and click here to follow me on Facebook

Are Your Ducks in a Row?

Do you have you're ducks in a row?

People seem to always say things like.. "you've got to have all your ducks in a row." Well, sadly (maybe), all my ducks are rarely in a row. In fact, they seem to be like little duck ninjas just rambling all over the place most days! 

Oh, sure, there are those days when I manage to make a list and actually check everything off on it by the end of the day... but those days aren't typical by any means. In fact, many days I seem to be operating in a more "aimless" fashion.

Getting into a routine

I've found that when I try to keep a routine it seems to help me to "keep those ducks in a row" a little bit better! 

But what kind of routine, you ask..

I start my morning kind of early; getting up to get the kids on the bus. And I have always hated waking up like this. Waking up abruptly to the sound of an obnoxious alarm clock. It makes me crazy! If I am dreaming, this makes it really hard to remember the dream and write it down. So, I've gotten in the habit lately of going back to bed for a few hours. 

So, when I wake up from my "second sleep" ;) I am able to focus on any dreams and start off with a meditation. This keeps me grounded and centered for the day ahead. This isn't anything long, drawn out or even guided... just a simple meditation that I do myself before getting out of the bed. 

The next part of my morning ritual that I've found helps make my day more productive and keeps those ducks in check; is setting my intentions for the day. For me, that means writing it down. I suppose this is like a list... but for me; if I don't write it down I'll forget all about it. When it's written in front of me; even on a piece of scrap paper; I am looking at it frequently during the day. Much like a mental mantra. 

All that is good, but now I need to make sure I've got the energy and motivation to work that intention! The best way I can do that is to raise my vibration. And the way I do that is by listening to uplifting music. There are lots of other ways to raise your vibration but that one seems to be most effective for me. Another way is by exercising... but I'm not a fan. I will, at times, do my sit ups really quickly to get a vibrational boost... but at this point it's still more of a chore in my mind than something enjoyable! 

Doing these three steps helps me to keep my ducks in a row, get things accomplished during my day and keep me focused on the bigger picture. And on those days when my ducks are just not cooperating; that's okay... I take those crazy days and allow my soul to rest. I let my mind have the day off. 

What are some of the ways that you keep your ducks in a row everyday? Do you have a routine or morning ritual that helps you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook