Empty Elevators

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday February 17 2009

Good there all and welcome to this very fine Tuesday.

I got a bunch of mail yesterday about Monday's reader from folks who were lamenting that they were not currently in a relationship, and therefore had "no-one" to share their lessons and awareness's with. I mentioned to a couple of them that the whole "relationship" thing can also be an amazing time of growth for them as unique individuals, and for setting in the practices that they will carry with them into new relationships. I got mixed responses! :-)

So, I'll turn to another new contributor for an offering that will undoubtedly speak to almost every single one of you. You like what Chris has to share.

Empty Elevators

by Chris Brandt

I got a call from an old friend this morning, informing me that his aunt passed away. She was a lovely woman -- generous, kind, and funny, and I hadn't seen her in many years. I went to the wake and was transported back into a crowd of people I'd known in my early 20's. I saw gray hair and bald spots, pot bellies and wrinkles, and smiles that hadn't changed one iota.

I ran into "Sue," whose sister and I were best friends in high school. The sister and I had a falling out over 20 years ago, and Sue briefly updated me on her sister's life. When I asked about her brothers, Sue mentioned that she'd had words with one of them, and they don't speak. I saw a guy whom I'd met at a retreat run by a gifted and soon-to-be-troubled man back in the late 80's. Mr. Gifted/Troubled now lives in Arizona and speaks to only one of his five children, after divorcing his wife of many years. I also learned why I hadn't heard from a friend who became more of a "Christmas card acquaintance" in the last few years; she'd died of a sudden aneurysm one morning about two years ago, and her husband hadn't called to tell me.

It was strange, this filling in of blanks I didn't even realize were there. I was given a lot of information about the people of my past, who'd somehow not stayed with me along my journey to where I am today. It was bittersweet; I wondered what it would have been like to have stayed in touch with some of these folks, all the while knowing that I wouldn't have the life I have if I had. And, I was hearing how others and some of the people they'd been close to had gone their separate ways, too.

It reminded me of the "empty elevator," a term coined by Martha Beck. She says, "It's the period when you are climbing from one level of life satisfaction to a higher one, leaving behind any relationship with people who disagree with the change you are making. The good news is that the empty elevator always drops you off in a new place with new people who are living the life you dreamed about."

Sometimes, the elevator-emptying isn't obvious or dramatic. While there's the occasional falling out with someone, where you agree to go your separate ways, it's often more of a drifting away, until only the holiday card is written, or you can't remember the last time you spoke with so-and-so. There have been periods where my life has felt more devoid of good friends than I would like, and there have fortunately been more periods of great abundance. I'm learning to be very grateful for the lonelier times because they have more to teach me.

Elevator-emptying is a necessary part of growth and change. As we become more of who we're meant to be, we often "shed" possessions, stories, wardrobes, beliefs, traditions, behaviors, and yes, even people. While in some cases it might feel sad to think of those we don't see any longer, there's always the opportunity to connect with those who better fit with the people we've become. And, sometimes, we find ways to re-kindle a connection, as I suspect I could do with someone I saw today. Even if it doesn't happen, I'm grateful to have talked with people who were important to me a long time ago, because they reminded me of where I've been and where I'm headed, and I'll hold the memory of their smiles wherever I go.

About the Author:
A Certified Life and Career Coach, Chris is dedicated to connecting people with possibilities -- expanding opportunities for creating a life they love through one-on-one coaching, teleclasses, and workshops.

Having left a successful career as a human resources executive to pursue her heart's desire, Chris has made the journey her clients take. She is their inspiration, supporter, and guide as they step out of their comfort zones, answer the question "What's Next?", and are awakened to new possibilities for bringing satisfaction, purpose, and joy to their personal and professional lives.

To learn more about how Chris can help you, go to http://www.christinabrandt.com. Your life is waiting....

10 Ways to Grow a Relationship of Mutual Personal Development

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday February 16 2009

Good day all and welcome to shiny new week.

I do sincerely anticipate that you had an outstanding Valentine's weekend, and you've started the week with a "quiet grin". :-)

We had an exceptional time here and we're blessed to have a regional holiday here today, so the flavor of the weekend continues. One of the subjects that came up for us over the weekend was our individual, and mutual, personal development, and what is the next part of our journey. We both subscribe to the philosophy that "growth is the only evidence of life" and that our commitment to life-long learning is the stabilizing rudder of our relationship.

So, to share some of that with you, we turn to a new contributor to share with you a perspective we believe will speak loudly to all of you who share your journey with a partner, and to those of you who are working at your primary relationship.

10 Ways to Grow a Relationship of Mutual Personal Development

by Tupelo Kenyon

Personal development happens one person at a time. Nobody can do it for you and you can’t do it for anyone else. Either it’s a fundamental urge springing forth spontaneously from deep inside . . . or not.

If it’s there, it’s irresistible. If it’s not, it’s irrelevant.

Even though the way of discovery and personal growth is a one-lane road, it sure is nice to be able to share stretches of it with someone else.

Naturally, something as intimately personal and private as your own personal evolution of consciousness can’t be comfortably shared with just anyone. With what kind of person could you share something so profound?

That’s the first question that comes to mind. If having this kind of life partner is important to you, maybe a better question is, “How can I be that kind of person?”

1. Do you have your partner’s own best interests in mind? Do you really want to help create what is best for your partner, as well as what is best for you? The real magic happens where your own best interests overlap. You enable your partner to be their best, and they do the same for you. This creates a powerful bond, a rare kind of teamwork that is bigger than the sum of its parts.

2. Can you respect and honor your partner’s direction even if it’s different than yours? Isn’t it amazing how different we all are even though we have so much in common? No two people think the same or feel the same or react the same. It’s important to remember this. If you were both exactly the same, the team would be weaker. One of you would be extraneous.

3. Are you willing to step up to the plate and do the things you are able to do best with the confidence that your partner will do the same? We all have different natural abilities and different learned skills. A good team evolves naturally so that each person uses their talents and knowledge to benefit the team. A good team player on a good team knows if they focus their attention along the lines of their strengths, their teammate will do the same. Again, the team is stronger that the sum of its parts.

4. If you have nothing to offer, stay out of the way. Every choice and every activity will not involve you both. This is a good time to remember the importance of having some “alone time”.

When you work alone, it helps you stay in touch with your inner core. Solo activity strengthens and vitalizes the unique person you are. Then you have something more to offer your partner for the activities that better support your teamwork.

5. Can you allow your partner to be right? Can you walk away from a potential argument in order to preserve the peace? Sometimes, who’s right doesn’t really matter. Why pollute the air and strain relations for some nebulous, irrelevant egotistical reason? It’s not worth it. Would you rather be right, or would you rather be at peace?

6. Can you celebrate your partner’s personal accomplishments even though they don’t involve you? Remember the importance of supporting and encouraging your partner’s endeavors. Personal solo accomplishments are often made possible by this fertile foundation of mutual encouragement. A strong support team often makes it possible for individual team members to do things much easier than if they didn’t have someone cheering them on.

7. Can you celebrate the partnership without clinging? All partnerships are temporary. It may last a year or a hundred years. If it works, it’s beautiful. If it’s stifling and suffocating and getting in the way of your personal development, it may be time for a change. We come into this world one at a time, and we leave one at a time. It’s important to continue to grow your own personal strengths and allow the evolution of your own individual consciousness while celebrating the gift of togetherness.

8. Are you committed to communication? After a while, some couples enjoy unspoken communication that comes from years of experience together. That’s a satisfying experience, but there are still times when old-fashioned talking is best. Your partner needs to know how you feel. They can read your mind and your emotions to a certain extent, but it’s up to you to fill in the gaps with words.

If you are feeling some negative emotion, that’s a sure sign the predominate thoughts you’ve been thinking recently are not in sync with your deepest sense of personal direction. You are drifting off course, and this is your chance to allow your partner to help. Express how you feel. Trust that your partner is dedicated to your mutual goal of personal development and may be able to offer insight you have overlooked.

9. Don’t expect your partner to change their behavior for you to be happy. Your happiness, contentment and joy must come from deep inside rather than from anywhere on the outside. When you both know how to tap into your own inner springs of well-being, the joy is multiplied exponentially by your togetherness.

10. Express gratitude. Of course your partner realizes how much you appreciate everything they do to make your teamwork special. Tell them anyway.

Everyone enjoys feeling appreciated and loved. This is a simple thing with profound effects . . . a little positive reinforcement to help keep you on track together. Why not express this in the most direct way possible? Everyone loves to hear that familiar phrase, those three simple words, “OK, yes dear.” (Just kidding.) “I love you.”

P.S. It’s appropriate that this is #11 in a list of 10. A sense of humor is one of the most important ingredients of any strong relationship. Laugh together. Love together. And grow together to be the best each of you can be.

A perfect relationship may only exist in Hollywood’s romantic comedies, but these points can make a dramatic difference in the quality of your relationship. My wife, Janey, and I have been together since 1978, and we both care about personal growth. We are very different people with different styles, but we are both dedicated to supporting and encouraging each other in our own unique journey of personal discovery. We share what we can where our interests overlap, and we also encourage and support each another’s solo endeavors.

As in any real relationship, there are fabulous victories as well as things that require working out. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. If you feel that deep glow pulling you in the direction of your own personal evolution of consciousness and you’d love to share more of it with someone special, try this: Be the kind of person you would like to share your journey with.

Tupelo Kenyon, is a full-time learner and part-time teacher of personal development. Since the early 70’s most of his “teaching” has been through his original songs with themes of personal growth and discovery. His personal mission is to continue learning while attracting others of like mind, and to offer helpful ideas for their own unique process of personal growth. You can get to know him, his mission, and his music at: http://www.tupelokenyon.com

A Special Note to our West Coast friends

A special note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Valentine's Weekend.

Hello good folks, I know you're not used to hearing from me on the weekend but this is important for any of you who hail from the Vancouver B.C., Seattle WA, in fact the whole West Coast.

Our friend Jan Janzen just informed me that there is a great event taking place in Vancouver B.C. on the 19th, 20th and 21st of February. Yes, next weekend!

Here's the scoop.

On Thursday Evening (the 19th) four of the planet's distinct "Peace" luminaries are holding a Prayer, Song, Drumming, and Dance event in Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver (See attached Poster). James Twyman, Rev. Michael Beckwith, As-Sayed Nurjan Mirahmadi, and Leonard Howell are going to invoke your deepest love for the planet in an amazing way.

On Friday, Feb. 20, 7:00 pm at The Unity Church 5840 Oak Street, Vancouver, the wonderful James Twyman will hold The Peace Concert.

This is one of James most awe-inspiring activities and one that has been performed all over the world in pursuit of peace:

In 1995, James Twyman traveled through war torn Bosnia and Croatia performing The Peace Concert in refugee camps, on national television, and in the streets of Sarajevo, inspiring thousands of people to begin building a new reality for themselves based upon the ideals of non-violence.

In 1998 he was invited by the government of Iraq and Saddam Hussein himself to perform the prayers of peace at the Iraqi National Theater in Baghdad.

In 1999 he joined with leaders in South Africa, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in celebrating the end of Apartheid. While there Twyman performed a concert for the most infamous and violent gang leaders in Cape Town, initiating a dialogue that helped inspire peace in the townships.

You now have the opportunity to experience the Concert as millions of other people have.

And on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10:00 am – 6 pm at the Masonic Hall, 1495 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC you can experience an amazing workshop: Fulfill your Soul’s Desire and Learn to Manifest from the Soul with World Renowned Author, Film Maker and Musician, James Twyman.

The Moses Code Workshop, is based on his New York Times Bestselling book and film, and is the way to truly manifest what your soul desires.

Through exercises, chants and group practices you will not only learn the fundamentals of The Code, but will be inspired to serve the world in ways you would never have before imagined.

Just some of what you will take away on this Awe Inspiring Day:

• Discern the difference between the powers of manifestation present in the ego and the vastly more powerful manifestation process of the soul
• Learn to Shift Attention from the Ego to the Soul when Manifesting
• Experience practical tools to attract into your life your soul’s longing for peace, compassion and love
• Join James in Chants and Song, using the 12 Peace Prayers of Major Religions of the World to Gain Universal Perspective on Peace and Unity
• Apply all of the above learnings and experiences to become a Powerful Peacemaker in the New World

By registering for The Moses Code Workshop, you receive James’ Peace Concert, performed world wide for millions of people, absolutely FREE!

Reserve your place for the workshop on February 21st and the concert on the evening of the 20th. Register Today at http://www.soulpower.ca/

I strongly recommend that if you are Vancouver next weekend you'll want to attend these events. Have fun all and if you attend share back with us what your experiences are.

You Say It Best....

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 13 2009

Hello there good folks and welcome to the end of the typical week, and the beginning of Valentine's weekend.

Whatever you have going on in your celebrations this weekend, our request is quite simple. Celebrate you first, then take that wonder of you and share it with everyone you touch. Take the idea of possibility with you in every action, every step, every touch, in fact, everywhere you venture.

Enjoy our video offering. We appreciate you.

You Say It Best...

See you on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

How Valentine's Day Started!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday February 12 2009

Hello there good people and welcome to Thursday.

Well, if my e-mail is any indication, my little "personal" note yesterday certainly hit some spots. Fortunately, the "supportive" ones by a country mile, outpaced any "reactionary" ones. What a hoot it all is folks.

So, we're now just two days away from this years Valentine's celebration. As much as I appreciate that you'll be expressing love and adoration for your significant other, It's been my intention this week to have you celebrate "you".

"YOU" my dear friend, is that one that must be celebrated the most. For as you celebrate who "you" are, you quietly give everyone you touch permission to celebrate who "they" are. Now that's magic.

So, I bet you want to know how Valentine's Day started. Read on.

How Valentine's Day Started!

Every February 14th, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

We’ve found 2 different legends ... Enjoy!

The first legend, and perhaps the best known, began in Rome, when the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome!

The good Saint Valentine, who was a priest in Rome, in the year 269 A.D., together with his friend Saint Marius, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. But while in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death on the 14th day of February, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed

" From your Valentine"

In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

Another legend says that Valentine's Day started ...in ancient Rome, on February 14th, a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. Then, the following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. In those days, the lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate.

However, on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now ... well .. you know the rest....

Grand, yes?

Your Trump Card: Self-Love

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday February 11 2009

Hello to you fine Valentine folks and welcome to the midweek point.

I've been having a hoot this week preparing for an upcoming speaking engagement, getting new stuff ready for the website, debating with some folks who seem locked to their downward spiral, and I'm still able to look forward to some fun stuff this Valentine's day.

I've been an unswerving advocate for home-based businesses for over three decades, and now this new economy is serving to prove correctly what I've been trumpeting for all this time. The home-based business industry is a safe bastion for what are going to be thousands of people who's "secure" positions have evaporated. This is unquestionably an industry who's "time has come". And for you folks who have "held the space" for honorable home businessess for now over sixty years, you have my heart, my admiration, and my love.

Now, and I know this is personal, but for all you folks who sneered at, diminished, put down, insulted, and generally looked down your nose at the home-based business entrepreneurs, get this ----Pphhhttt.

Now back to our theme of the week. "You"

Your Trump Card: Self-Love

by Hara Estroff Marano

Dig and and honor yourself—self-love is the first step to lasting change.

Having a glowing vision of the future helps you tackle the core beliefs about yourself—such as doubts about your own worthiness for success—that have held you back until now. So as you peel back the curtains around your core self, you become ready to tap the source of all change and success—self-love, and forgiveness for past failures.

Self-love doesn't happen by luck or the grace of God. You have to create it. These are among the most important elements of it.

• 
  Honoring yourself and who you really are. Love is your birthright. As Teilhard de Chardin said, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
• 
  Telling the highest truth, which is that we are powerful beings capable of creating joy and success or pain and suffering in our lives. We are not destined to be victims. We have the power to choose, and this power is both the greatest responsibility we have and the greatest opportunity.
• 
  Honoring who you are becoming. Self-love involves recognizing that you are constantly evolving and growing to become a more powerful and more loving being.
• 
  Honoring your feelings and responding to those feelings. Remember, feelings are important signals, and even the so-called negative feelings of anger and fear serve the important purpose of alerting us to the obstacles in our life.
• 
  Recognizing that the universe is literally made of love. "If we will just open ourselves to receive, like flowers opening to the sun, then everything is possible," says Ti Caine, hypnotherapist and life coach based in Sherman Oaks, California.

When things go wrong or goals don't materialize, most people blame their past, their parents, life in general or God. We are even encouraged to do this by friends and family who are well-meaning. We also devote a great deal of energy to settling for what is, without recognizing what we can become.

All the great wisdom traditions speak of the unlimited power we have within us. Both quantum physics and psychology offer proof that our thoughts create our reality. Yet, Caine points out, many people strenuously object to the truth that we create our own reality.

"They argue that it's not loving to tell a sick person they had anything to do with creating their illness," he says. "Yet, by not owning their power when they are sick, they are consigning themselves to a life of being a victim of any virus or circumstance that comes their way. This powerlessness is the source of most depression, and it leads to more illness and problems such as overeating."

He insists it is more honest and even more loving to gently help people recognize the power they have to create their reality, including failures. Once we do that, then we must forgive ourselves for the painful experiences we have previously chosen in our lives. "I don't know all the parts of me that are creating the failed relationships, but I am willing to learn about them."

Only by seeing how in the past we have allowed problems to control us, and forgiving ourselves, can we really change and be free to go forward in life feeling more powerful, able to create the success and happiness we want.

Forgiveness, says Caine, is not only a form of self-love, it is completely an inside job. First you have to own your mistakes. Here is how.

Imagine a future where you totally love yourself and have totally owned your power.

Reach for an understanding of why you would choose limitations in your life. We are often taught by family and life experiences that being weak, sick or helpless is the way to get attention or help. Look at your own and other peoples attempts to get acceptance, attention and love. Ask yourself, what was I taught about being lovable? About being powerful and responsible for my life?

Then forgive yourself for having made mistakes. Imagine how your future self would forgive you for a mistake.

Then you can consciously create better methods for getting the acceptance, attention, love and success that you want.

And that's a great thought for this midweek day.

The Path of Authenticity

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday February 10 2009

Hello there folks and welcome to this fine Tuesday of "YOU" week.

And yes, it is all about "you", the real, actual, authentic "you".

To help with that today, I have engaged another new contributor to share an offering that, if you spend time with it, will propel you to a whole new awareness of the delightful "you".

You'll like what Melody has to share with you.

The Path of Authenticity

by Melody Larson

What does it mean to live authentically? Authenticity holds a power that is almost mystical in nature. It's magnetic and we long for it now more than ever. Why? My view is that authenticity opens the doorway to a life of spirit. What does the path of authenticity look like? Let's explore the seven stepping stones that lead to a life of freedom and joy.

FIRST STONE: Be happy for no reason. There's nothing you need to become, nothing that needs to happen, in order for you to be happy. Happiness is simply a choice. Let go of the 'when/then' game: When I lose 10 pounds, then I'll be happy. When I'm in that perfect relationship, then I'll be happy. Here's the deal: Happiness doesn't come when you've achieved your goals--it's what allows you to achieve them. The happiness that you seek is not the reward waiting for you at the end of your journey. It's what makes the journey possible in the first place.

SECOND STONE: End the blame game. Do you blame others for the way your life has unfolded or is unfolding? Is it the fault of your childhood, your spouse, your boss, or the current state of world affairs that you are not happy? Are you giving away your power by seeing yourself as a victim? To become empowered you have to take responsibility for yourself and for the way your life is going. No person or event can determine the shape of your life unless you allow it. You allow it when you choose the safety of powerlessness over the risk of self-determination. The only failure in life is not choosing for yourself how you're going to live it. When you choose responsibility, a glorious thing happens: You stop living life in half measures and your life blooms in all its richness.

THIRD STONE: Simplify. Authenticity has a very hard time flourishing in the weed-strewn soil of complexity. You must pull out the weeds and make space for your soul desires to flourish. Simplifying involves ridding yourself of materials, activities, and people that drain or scatter your energy. Clutter is the most visible sign of an overgrown life. Go through your stuff and clear out everything that you don't use or that doesn't please you emotionally. After you've cleared some physical space, see if you can free up some time. Without time to slow down and connect to your heart, you won't be able to hear its whisperings. Finally, you've got to rid yourself of people who are toxic to you, who weigh you down instead of uplifting you. When you've cleared a clean, fertile space in your life you can plant the seeds of your authenticity and cultivate your passion.

FOURTH STONE: Relish being selfish. Oh no, I used the 'S' word! We've been told for so long that being selfish is bad. If you stop to think about it, anyone who says so is probably saying it out of a selfish desire for you to follow their rules! If you want to live freely you have to become selfish. There is nothing wrong with serving the Self. You have to put your own needs and desires above everyone and everything precisely in order to serve everyone and everything. It's exhausting to try to be all things to all people. You were never meant to apply your energy in this scattering way, but to concentrate your energy into the singular expansion of your own genius and uniqueness. Selfishness in the highest sense of the word is about being yourself so fully that you can share yourself fully with others.

FIFTH STONE: Do your healing work. Healing work is about confronting the habits, hurts, and fears that keep you living small. When you allow the fullness of who you are to step into the light, healing happens. The need for escapism, cures, and self-destructive habits diminishes. When you let go of any guilt, pain, anger, or unworthiness that you're experiencing you open up the channel of effortless being. Universal Energy can flow through and you become the instruments of spirit you were meant to be. There are many practices for doing healing work, from therapy to EFT to prayer. Find what works for you and commit to shifting any beliefs or feelings that are holding you back.

SIXTH STONE: Cultivate compassion. Compassion is a profound human emotion. It pulls us out of egocentrism, enabling us to experience oneness with another and with all things. This is another facet of authenticity because compassion removes the ego's false gods of competition, morality and judgment from their thrones. It allows us an expanded view of the world--as spirit sees it. There is nothing more freeing than allowing others their choices, than supporting them instead of trying to change them, or than honoring their own ability to guide themselves.

SEVENTH STONE: Hand over your keys. We've all heard the adage of surrendering to a higher power, of "letting go and letting God." The key here is to realize that this higher power is not something outside of you, it's within you. Surrender, then, is not powerlessness. Surrender is about turning over the driver's seat of your life to your soul--to the full, intelligent, powerful, creative being that is the true you. It's about freeing yourself from the reckless driving of your personality that keeps crashing you into one dissatisfying conundrum after another or that keeps speeding you right past all those lovely, magical roadside attractions. When you let your soul guide you, you surrender to the need to reach any destination, knowing that wherever you are in the moment is perfect.

The path to an authentic life is a journey inward to our inner being instead of outward into the world. It's about claiming the power within us instead of seeking our power externally. Authenticity means honoring the self, not the self-image. It means listening to soul rather than to ego. It allows our hearts, so long shushed by our intellects, to finally speak.

Melody Larson is an inspiring author, teacher, presenter and Soul Purpose Guide whose mission is to awaken people to the spiritual potential that lies within them. She's the author of 2 books: the newly released Delighting the Soul and the highly popular The Beginner's Guide to Abundance. For free book excerpts, free online learning forums, and more--visit Melody's website at Delighting the Soul.