When I was growing up I was taught that the way to do life was to work from goal to goal, ever advancing yourself to make more money. I worked that way for about 37 years before I discovered that I was on the wrong path. Money doesn’t float my boat. Yes, it’s a necessity for survival in our world, but it’s a commodity, a tool, not an end in itself. How sad that we’ve come to define life success in terms of our net worth rather than our true contribution to humanity–the quality of our character and our efforts toward a greater good.

We value achievement and financial success over integrity, making a difference and loving behavior. How sad and limiting.

I’ve not been a financial “success.” I have been successful in many other ways, but not for success sake. I’ve been on a journey, guided to evolve from a clueless soul in need of love to a strong wise woman who can love and be loved, who walks through this world guided by the intention to be a loving source of energy in all encounters.

I have goals and accomplish many of them. But my goals are just steps on a path that is my life, my journey. I don’t figure everything out before taking action. I’ve learned that it’s more important to just take the next right step. When I do, what I need to know is revealed to me. By doing things that way I rarely stay hung up in indecision for long.

Don’t get me wrong. Life has not been a piece of cake for me. I’ve not wandered easily from step to step. But, even in those difficult moments of uncertainly when clarity seems impossible, if I wait and remain aware of all that is going on around me and in me, the answers come. Living life this way has made my life more of an interesting adventure than an arduous journey.

Would I like to generate more money from my business? You bet! Does my success as a human being depend on it? No way! As long as I am learning and growing and moving forward with a curious, loving attitude in everything I do, I am a success.

Like attracts like. If you want more peace in your life, create peace in the physical arrangement of your belongings in your home. If you want more clarity, create a clutter free home environment. If you want a Pug, get a statue or a photograph of a Pug and display it in your home.

Want a new job? Write the job description and post it in your home office where you see it often. Be sure to list the salary and other specifics you are looking for in just the right job.

Want a new relationship? Cut out magazine photos of people to whom you find yourself attracted. Put the best one in a frame and place it where you see it every day. Or, write a list of the characteristics you want in a life partner. Read it often.

When you create what you really want in physical form in your home, you are setting your intention to attract it into your life.

“Thoughts become things.” Those are the words of Mike Dooley, inspirational speaker and author, well known for his Notes from the Universe at www.tut.com. In the past few years it seems that many influential leaders like Jack Canfield, Ekhardt Tolle and Wayne Dyer are advising us to become more aware of our thoughts because thoughts directly affect beliefs and attitudes. And, beliefs and attitudes affect what we attract into our lives. Keep your thoughts positive and you’re more likely to get more of what you really want from life. Focus on the negative and you’ll have more negative experiences.

I believe our thoughts really do direct our lives. What I have observed with my clients, particularly those who have chronic issues with organizing their homes and offices, is that their thoughts are influenced by the condition of their spaces. They may intend to keep their thoughts as positive as possible, to look for the good in their experiences. But, their messy environments filled with negative energies make it impossible to keep their thoughts positive. Negative attracts negative!

Feng shui teaches that everything is connected. Clearly thoughts and environment are connected. If a space is organized, clean, comfortable and lovely, it’s much easier to sustain positive thoughts. If a space is disorganized, dirty, cluttered and grim, thoughts will tend to slip from positive to negative. If you’re not judging yourself harshly, you’re more likely to be reactive and judge others harshly.

Want things to be better in your life? There is much we cannot control in our world today, but we do have control of our thoughts and the condition of our living and work environments. Work to lift the energy of both your thoughts and your space from negative to positive and you’ll be amazed at the joyful life you’ll be able to create.

© 2012 Clearing Clutter for Good Online Program | Debbie Bowie

“Author, Organizing Expert and Feng Shui Practitioner, Debbie Bowie, is a leading authority on clutter clearing to attract more of what you want in life. If you’re ready to clear clutter and move your life forward, get your FREE TIP SHEET, “Feng Shui Tips for Instant Success” at www.letcluttergo.com.

“Hello!” I looked up with a start at the greeting that had torn me from my thoughts and prayers.  There was the man with his Border Collie. My first thought was, “I wonder if he heard me praying?” You see, I pray as I walk my dogs in the dark each morning. I pray out loud, not loud, but my prayers are audible. Then I thought, “Oh, well. Let him wonder. . .”

I have been praying as I walk in the morning for a long time. It helps me start my day with the right perspective, the right connection to the source of my personal power. Once I have that gentle conversation I am better able to deal with the realities I encounter each day in my work. 

Recently a trusted advisor suggested I start my day by first listing things I am grateful for, then stating my intentions for the day, and finally ending with specific requests of God, spirit, the Universe, my Higher Power. I’ve been doing that for several weeks and find it a nice, balanced way to pray.

My prayer might go like this: I am grateful for all my wonderful clients, Bob’s love, these sweet, faithful mutts. Today I intend to be a grounding, positive source of help and support for my clients. I intend to look for opportunities to rest and have fun. I ask that Mark (my disabled brother) and Mom and John (my step-father) be safe. I ask for more clients who want feng shui or feng shui organizing services.

It’s amazing how good I feel after my morning walks!

Some people really hate the Christmas holiday season. I love it! Why? It is such a nice break in routine from my day to day life. I’ll admit, Bob and I have our own little rut–go to work, come home, watch TV, go to bed, repeat the next day with small variations and many things to do crammed in here and there. Weekends are spent recovering from the week with occasional fun times with friends.

During the holiday season I enjoy special music I’ve heard for over five decades. I eat foods that are prepared only during the holiday season. I visit friends just because it’s the holidays! And, the decorations! I love the lights on trees, decorating front porches and seen through the windows of houses. Christmas tickles the little kid in me!

It seems to be the “in” thing to grouse about how commercial Christmas has become. If I focused on that I’d miss the all the special sensations, sounds, sights and experiences of the season. Who cares! So what if it’s commercial! People have to make a living and the Christmas season can been a boon for retail. So what! I choose to focus on the blessings of this season, and turn down the volume on any commercial annoyances.

Many years ago I separated from my first husband. It was a sad disturbing experience. When the holidays came around I was still grieving, but I decided that there was no way I was going to let that ruin my Christmas. It was an important decision. It was the first time I consciously realized that I have a choice about how I feel. Christmas was so important to me, had always been a high point in my year. I was not going to forsake that joy, even in the midst of grieving a major loss. I decided that I could enjoy Christmas on my own. I decorated my own little apartment. I listened to Christmas music. I reveled in all the holiday celebrations at work. Sure, I had sad moments, but I didn’t give up on enjoying the pleasure of the season.

And, here we are again at the edge of another joyous Christmas season. Yes, the economy is in rough shape. Many of us have lost big bucks from our nest eggs because of the ups and downs of the stock market. We can focus on that or we can turn our heads toward the lights, smells, sights and sounds, the red, green, gold and glitter of the season and give thanks for those blessings and all those special people who give our lives meaning. We have a choice. I hope you choose joy!

© 2012 Clutter Clearing Community | Debbie Bowie

“Author, Organizing Expert and Feng Shui Practitioner, Debbie Bowie, is a leading authority on clutter clearing to attract more of what you want in life. If you’re ready to clear clutter and move your life forward, get your FREE TIP SHEET, “Feng Shui Tips for Instant Success” at http://www.clutterclearingcommunity.com.