Love Notes - Friday 12/31/10

On this last day of 2010, we are wishing you a safe and happy New Year's Eve and all the best in 2011.  We're looking forward to a year full of possibilities!

Remember to leave a comment here, if you want to be entered in the giveaway. 

In your comment, let us know your facebook and/or twitter name so we can find you.  We'll announce the winners on Monday.

 Take these quick reminders into the new year with you!



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Affirmations for Starting Over

The new year is upon us, and this is the season where many people make lists of "resolutions" or things they will change in the new year. The problem with these resolutions is that few people actually keep them. After a few weeks or months, they fall completely off-course, abandoning the changes they resolved to make.

You'll find that we don't address the idea of "New Year's resolutions", as we do not embrace this idea in its entirety. We are of the belief that, while the new year provides a beautiful metaphorical starting point for changes and new beginnings, the day to start taking right actions toward the change you want to see in your life is always today--THIS day, moment or hour. Waiting for a specific box on the calendar, or tick of the clock to move toward our goals and dreams is often a trick of the ego to cause us to procrastinate, and to continue to live in fear. This is not to say: do not reflect on the lessons of the past year and make decisions on what to change going forward; but it is, instead, to encourage you to be in a constant state of reflection, and to honor yourself by being aware of what steps you need to take daily to reach your goals.

We encourage you to accept that your best life has already begun, and to carry these affirmations with you into the new year:

I know that the best time to start over is always right now.

My life is dynamic--in a constant state of change--and I embrace change as the catalyst for growth.

I evaluate myself continuously.

Each day, I align my actions with the intent of achieving my goals.

I walk the path toward my dreams diligently and without deviation--no matter how tough the terrain.

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Wrapping up 2010 with Giveaways!

"There are two ways of spreading light;

To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

~Edith Wharton

As the year winds down, we hope that we have helped you in some small way to escape from negative thinking, embrace your individuality, and believe in your authentic worth and purpose. 

Giveaway #1: Available as a magnet or mousepad

We aspire to be a source of comfort and rejuvenation when your spirit needs a boost.  You can use our search feature to browse the archives for posts on everything from sadness and depression to visualization and goals.  In the coming year, we look forward to more growth and interaction with you.

Giveaway #2:  Available as a laminate

To show our appreciation of your readership, we are giving away hard copies (magnet, mouse pad or laminate) of the affirmations above to serve as visual reminders for your office, cubicle, bedroom, or wherever you see fit to post up some motivational goodness.

In order to enter this giveaway, we are asking that you 1) follow us on twitter or like us on facebook and 2) leave us a comment telling us something you've learned about yourself in 2010.  The drawing will close on 12/31/2010 and we'll randomly select two winners that will be announced on 1/3/2011.

We have many more giveaways planned for 2011, so stay tuned! :)

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Friday Love Note - Happy Holidays

As we enter this season of love and giving, we would like to take a moment to express our love and gratitude for all our readers. Whether you subscribe and read regularly, stop by occasionally, follow us on twitter or fan us on Facebook, connecting with all of you has been a beautiful experience and we are extremely grateful!

We hope that you take pause from all the hustle and bustle of this season to fully recognize and enjoy the important people in your life. The holiday season is about giving—but not always those gifts that can be purchased; it is more important to give of ourselves. The gifts of time, love and affection will last much longer in the hearts of those we share with than anything that can be bought. The holidays should be about being with those that we love—not how much we can do for them. Instead of swallowing the commercial meaning that has been attached to the holiday season, let’s create our own individual experiences of love this season that give it true meaning for us.

Happy Holidays,
Kim and GG

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Pretty Things: Sustainable Jewelry

Monique Pean has turned the jewelry industry on its ear with her socially and environmentally conscious pieces. The 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner garnered the nod with her non-traditional baubles, including a bridal collection, made completely of recycled and sustainable materials. She routinely partners with organizations that draw attention to global issues, like Charity: Water (which seeks to aid in bringing clean water to impoverished nations), draws inspiration for her collections from the issues these organizations seek to draw attention to, as well as donates portions of her proceeds to their causes.

Buffalo Horn Earrings at Barneys New York

Fossilized Walrus Ivory and Diamond Necklace at Barneys New York



Pink Tourmaline Bib Necklace at Barneys New York

Of note, are Pean's engagement rings, formed from recycled platinum and gold, as well as repurposed industrial diamonds that are normally discarded as trash.



Photos:
Refinery 29
TheGloss.com
Kaboodle.com

I would be highly inclined to wear an engagement ring made of sustainable materials, and I find these to be both exquisite and unique. Is this idea appealing to you, or would you rather go the more traditional route?

It's fantastic to wear jewelry that makes you look beautiful, but Monique Pean's gives you the opportunity to feel beautiful inside about what you're wearing as well. While her jewelry is not currently at a price point that would make it widely affordable, the effort and the work behind creating these items--and the attention it draws to the issues surrounding some of the gleaning practices for precious metals and stones--is admirable and inspiring.

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The Spirit of Money - Part 3

The wise who are trained and disciplined
Shine out like beacon lights
They earn money just like a bee gathers honey without harming the flowers
And they let it grow as an ant hill slowly gains in heights
With wealth wisely gained
They use it for the benefit of all.
~Digha Nikaya

Two weeks ago, we began this series with a reality check intended to help us discover and acknowledge our financial patterns.

Last week, we talked about some practical ways to change those patterns and replace old habits with new ones.

This week, we want to share a vision with you. Financial freedom is not just about personal security and wealth. When we see the connection between our purpose in the world and the spirit of money, our financial goals can reach beyond personal gain into a context that includes our families, our communities, and the world. In other words, our financial maturity creates the capacity to be fulfilled and give back. Thinking of it this way, helps us to see a bigger picture and a compelling reason to keep building.

Sounds good, right? Well, in order for this perspective to actually play out in our actions, we must internalize this thinking and develop the conviction to support it. Conviction is our constant reminder of why we are doing something. So when temptation presents itself, we can zoom in on that bigger picture - that vision of our calling and the abundance we could share with the world. We can become aware of the role money plays in our lives and put it to work for meaningful activities.

Reflect and save these affirmations to keep your mind and spirit focused on abundance.  Click here to print out a copy for your inspiration board.  Just click on File, then Print (PDF).

Money is simply energy that I exchange for what it is that I need.
There is plenty more where that came from.
My understanding of the connection between money and soul can bringer deeper meaning to my financial life.
I have abundance of all good things in my life, including my finances, because I believe that I am abundant.
I honor myself when I stick to my financial goals.
I recognize that I confuse the Universe when I ask for something, but do not take the necessary steps in the right direction.
I deserve prosperity.
I have plenty of time and money.
The Universe showers abundance upon me.
As I express my needs, they are met.
As I give, I receive, receive and receive.
There is limitless supply and it is mine.

Did you find this series helpful? Share with us in the comments, connect with us on twitter, or tell us about it on facebook.

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Love Notes - Friday 12/17/10

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