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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

PROSPERITY CAN BE YOURS



Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have all the luck? It is not a matter of luck. It is a matter of applying spiritual principles to your life. Yet many people don't even know that's what they're doing. To them, prosperity just comes naturally.


Prosperity doesn't just refer to financial abundance. It applies to abundance in all areas of your life. This can include loving relationships, rewarding jobs, good health, in addition to money. Blessings will flow your way when you appreciate what already is. That will attract more of what you are seeking.

This has been the case with me. It is an example of faith. Instead of focusing on what I don't have or what displeases me, I shift my focus. This may be easier said than done, but it works. Gratitude is a good starting place, but truly appreciating what is present in your life is the pathway to prosperity.

As Esther Hicks would say, it all begins at a feeling good level. When you feel “good,” goodness naturally flows to you. That is why it is paramount not to let anything take you from experiencing consistent moments of joy.

Okay. Here is the normal starting point. You may experience a certain lack of abundance and that will normally make you want what you don't have. From that point, as Esther would say, you shoot off a rocket of desire. The thing is that you don't want to stay stuck in the problem. That will only attract more of what you don't want in your life.

You must necessarily accept that whatever is manifesting at present is for your best. Focus on being grateful and then allow yourself to feel deep appreciation for your blessings. You may not think you are blessed or that you are worthy. Don't stay stuck there. Instead, think of everything in your life that is good.

Without good health, you would have no quality of life. Hopefully you have that form of abundance present in your life. Use that as a starting point. Do you have shelter? Do you have adequate food? These are blessings many of us might take for granted. Allow yourself to feel that appreciation flow into your being. Continue to focus on whatever small or great blessings you may already possess. You will be amazed to realize how prosperous you already are. That is a wonderful starting point.

Shift your focus from anything that is negative. If you don't do so, you will attract more things about which will make you feel “bad.” Focus on that pathway to joy. If you can't feel it now, begin to climb the ladder to the next best feeling that will lead you higher and higher. Eventually, you will reach the place of joy.

Then be sure to practice awareness of anything that might take you from that place. Do not allow it. Surround yourself with positive people, places, and things that will assist you in feeling that joy from within.

Joy doesn't come from anything outside yourself. You can appreciate something like a beautiful sunset, but that is not what is making you happy. What is doing that is that you are connecting with your inner sense of wonder.

God, or what Esther would call Source, only wants the best for you. It is only you that can block yourself from experiencing prosperity. Practice affirmations. I am worthy of love. I enjoy and deserve to make money. I deserve a good job. I enjoy using my talents. I am a creative expression of the divine.

These are just some examples of affirmations. It's more important that you create your own. Practice them whether you believe them or not. Just try to believe. That is a good starting point. The more you practice affirmations, the closer you will come to believing them. Practice makes perfect. You are already perfect whether or not you realize you are. Prosperity is your birthright and it will be yours if but you only believe.


Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Guest Blog Post of Author Davis Aujourd'hui with Barry

When I first started finding out about today’s guest and his books, first thing that caught my eye was his name, rather pen name… Davis Aujourd'hui remembering my French, Aujourd'hui means “today, which in the case of Davis is a good name. The author himself has gone through demons, and his book "Putting the Pieces Together” is an anthology of a gay man's journey toward self-acceptance. It is a poignant and intimate book chronicling recovery from mental illness, sexual addiction, and alcohol. But what of Davis…today. His wonderful delve into the world of Holiness “The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude is a satire with a spiritual message.

Take a trip to the Have A Heart convent in Bucksnort, Wisconsin. There, you'll meet a nun you're not likely to forget - Sister Mary Olga Fortitude. Sister Mary Olga is an irreverent nun who has some unique spiritual views that differ from those of the Pope. She's a great believer of "to each, their own." She also loves her Marlboros and her bourbon. Just don't let the Reverend Mother in on her secret.

In Bucksnort, you'll meet a zany cast of all-too-human characters. There's a lot of secret-keeping going on here, but Sister Mary Olga will be sure to deliver the goods in order to provide you with good and bad examples of holiness.

The Reverend Mother is a former prostitute. The convent's chef is a gay cowboy. Priscilla Bunhead is the town busybody who opens some other closet doors. She, along with the other folks on Dinkledorf Drive, serves up examples of what not to do.

One thing's for sure. These characters will lighten your load and help you to not take life so seriously. Get ready for non-stop laughs.

This first book has been followed up by “Babes in Bucksnort”, where you meet t the Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus. There is as we learned a third book currently in the editing stage.

Davis told us during the show that he already has twelve books written and the ideas just keep flowing, so you know this series that will have you laughing out loud, will soon be filling people’s book shelves.

So listen to an interesting and hugely entertaining show as I spend thirty minutes sharing "A Book and a Chat with Davis Aujourd'hui".

Barry

Sunday, July 17, 2011

A Book and a Chat with Davis Aujourd'hui on Blogtalkradio


If you missed the show you can click on link to listen:

Davis Aujourd'hui outrageously funny book entitled “The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude". With a title lihke that you know there are bound to be plenty of laughs during the show. I hope we also learn about his two under production books "Babes in Bucksnort" will be the next book in the series to be published followed by “Have A Heart.”


A former social worker, having worked for Adult Protective Services in New York State for nearly twenty years. Davis developed the characters within his books in order to entertain a colleague of his using the gift of humor.

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortute"
Paperback Book: $13.95 Purchase here
Kindle Format: $3.99 Purchase here

"Babes in Bucksnort"
Paperback Book: $13.95  Purchase here
Kindle Format: $3.99  Purchase here
Do not forget you can send a Kindle as a gift to anyone that has an email address!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Book and a Chat with Davis Aujourd'hui - Keep Saturday July 16, 2011 Open


RADIO SHOW:


 “A Book and a Chat with Davis Aujourd'hui”


Saturday July 16th – 11:00am EST

Listeners can call to speak directly to Author Davis Aujourd'hui 347- 237-5398


Barry Eva (Storyheart)

Author of "Across the Pond"

Radio Blog: http://abookandachat.blogspot.com
Humor Blog: http://laughithoughtmytrouserswouldneverdry.blogspot.com/
Across the Pond Blog: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Blog Talk Radio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Book Site: http://across-t-pond.com/

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS



Every month should be used for raising awareness of those who are mentally-challenged such as myself. While I have been in remission from serious mental health problems for some time, I have the ability to empathize with those for whom the challenge goes on. It is no laughing matter.

Did you realize that, on an annual basis, over one-quarter of the population suffers from some form of mental health challenge? Highest on the list are those who suffer from clinical depression. This is a serious condition, lasting more than two weeks and up to months. It affects a person's ability to function on a daily basis. Women are more susceptible than men. It is a condition that can affect any age group, but is less prevalent among those over sixty.

Nearly six percent of the population suffers from a debilitating form of mental illness that prevents them from living a normal life. People with mood disorders such as a bipolar disorder involve about four percent of the population. The most serious form of mental illness – schizophrenia – affects approximately one percent of the population.

A host of other disorders makes up for the rest. These include anxiety disorders such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Other problems include attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, autism, and personality disorders.

Slightly under half of those who are mentally ill do not accept or receive adequate treatment. This leads them to suffer lives whereby they are deprived of realizing their potentials. Many of those who resist treatment end up on our streets as part of the homeless population. What a sad life for them!

Not only does the illness affect those who are afflicted, but it affects the family and friends of the mentally-ill as well. This has far-reaching implications on those who are affected, directly and indirectly. Mental illness affects a large percentage of our population.

What makes matters worse has been that health insurance companies have not treated mental illness like other physical illnesses. They have placed limitations on their coverage. This has led those affected to lose coverage for things like psychotherapy which provides a measure of relief. It's time that we wake up to the fact that an illness that affects the brain is as much of a physical illness as any other illness.

Awareness of the problem is the first step. Any of you can help to raise the consciousness of the larger whole. Like everything in life, compassion is the key. No man is an island. It is up to each of us to support our brothers and sisters. Without that support, people become isolated and disenfranchised. Nobody truly wants or needs to do it alone. Step up to the plate and be a friend to those in need.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Some helpful places if you find you need some help, need how to handle a situation or even just someone to talk to:

Never give up! There is help out there!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

ACCEPTANCE



I believe that one of the greatest life challenges for most of us, is to come to a place acceptance. It's a matter of putting our lives into perspective with the greater whole. It's a means of coming to realize that acceptance is the answer to all of your problems or challenges for today.

How many of you tend to blame life's circumstances for your own? This can come in the form of blaming relationships, your job, your geographic location, your lack of money, lack of education, not to mention a host of other situations.

To accept, means to realize that everything in life – good and bad – happens for a reason. Because of this, it's so very important to forgive yourself for anything which you have been holding onto from your past.

Likewise, it is important to forgive others. Otherwise you will simply hold onto a toxic residue which will bring you no happiness. Whatever has happened has brought you to your today. And you're right where you're supposed to be in the cosmic scheme of things.

Life simply is. It's up to you to accept life on life's terms. It is also a matter of realizing that every choice you have made in your life has manifested in your own circumstances. You can't change the past, but you can chart a new course for your future by making right choices.

Amazingly, everything starts at the thought level. Whatever desire you send forth into the universe will necessarily manifest. Like attracts like.

When you put out a negative, it will eventually show up. The same is true for whatever positive energy you send forth. That's why it is so important to remain aware in the present. Even your thoughts are chosen.

Why would anyone choose something negative? What would be the reward? It would only spell out some form of human misery. Life is good and is meant to be about joy. That is a good starting point.


Follow your thoughts that lead to joy and that will become your experience. Take care not to judge yourself if you don't do it perfectly. After all, you're only human. By realizing this, you can give yourself a break.

Accept the grace that flows to you and share it with others. It will only increase your joy.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Monday, July 4, 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

DETACH WITH LOVE



Life is a matter of attaching and learning to let go. To attach yourself to anything or anyone will keep yourself as a prisoner. Do not allow yourself to be a victim. Let go of the attachment and detach with love.


What are some examples of persons or things you can attach yourself to? You can attach yourself to abusive relationships or to relationships with addicts. You can attach yourself to various addictions: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, workaholism, compulsive buying, compulsive religion, or compulsive exercise to name but a few.

Now comes the big question. How do you detach? It will be a challenge. It will involve making a difficult choice. Perhaps it will mean having to leave a relationship. Perhaps it will mean giving up an addiction. It will involve an unfamiliar road and that can lead to fear.

The important thing to remember is that you are the only one who can do it. Do it as an act of love. You are the only one who can take care of yourself and you are worth it.

We are all given free will in this life. Everything we think or do is a matter of choice. We can do no wrong. Whatever path we follow is the right one for ourselves. This is why it is so important to forgive ourselves when we think we have made a mistake.

The point is that we can make choices that will lead us in a positive or negative direction. The question is, what would you prefer? Do you want to keep repeating the same mistakes or do you want to move forward to freedom?

The first key is to practice awareness. Focus upon your emotions. Anything that doesn't feel good will be an indicator that you would prefer to head in a different direction. Likewise, good feelings will indicate that you are moving in the matter of what would be your preference. Follow your joy and leave the rest behind.

Letting go is not an easy thing to do. It's human to attach yourself to anything outside yourself. The point is to follow what is the desire of your spirit. It will never lead you astray.

Practice prayer and/or meditation. Try journaling. Talk over your situation with another. Get professional help, if necessary. Join a support group. Any or all of these things will be helpful. It's up to you to reach out for help. No one has to do it alone, nor should they try. We can easily rationalize, make excuses, or get caught up in delusional thinking.

Take a leap of faith and let go of whatever is bothering you. Make the choice that only you can. Move forward and don't look behind. Just, whatever you do, do it with love.


Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Friday, July 1, 2011

EGO VERSUS SPIRIT



You are all spiritual beings having a human experience. Only spirit is real. It will never lead you astray. On the other hand, being human means to discern when your ego is getting in the way. In order to do so, you must practice awareness.

The ego is a trap of defensiveness that leads you to do some of the following things: It convinces you that you're right and someone else is wrong. It can lead to comparisons and judgment. It can lead to conflict and discord. What would you prefer? Would you rather enter into conflict or remain in a place of peace and joy?

It has been said by the great spiritual author, Anthony DeMello, that there are only two states. One is love. That is the spirit. The other is fear. That is the ego talking.

Jesus, himself, preached the message of love. He also said, judge not lest you be judged. Whether or not you can see it, when you judge another, you are simply judging a part of yourself that you have not been able to accept.

Before his time, there was an emphasis upon judgment which led to conflict. That's the ego talking again. When that happens, it's time to wake up. When you recognize someone else is in a place of ego, that is when it's time to turn the other cheek and walk away.

The Course in Miracles also maintains that there are only these two states. When someone is in a place of fear (ego), that is an opportunity for you to offer love. Sometimes that will simply mean to detach. Not everyone believes they are worthy of love. This is the sad truth. When someone practices love (spirit), it will attract more of the same.

To find your way to your spirit, you must follow the pathway of joy. Esther Hicks maintains that you should let nothing take you from that place. That is of the utmost importance.

When you can remain in a place of joy, all blessings will begin to flow toward you. When you are stuck in a place of ego, negative consequences will be attracted.

She maintains that we live in a vibrational universe. This all starts at a feeling state. In order to attract the abundance that Spirit wants for you, you must appreciate what is. That is simply a matter of accepting that it is all good.

To dwell upon the negative only draws more of the same to you. Conversely, maintaining a positive attitude will attract those things that you desire.

The spirit is the source of all positive energy. The ego is connected to that which is negative. Just remain aware and follow your joy. It's a challenge to be sure, but it's worth the effort. Whatever you put out will return to you in kind. The choice is yours.


Author Davis Aujourd'hui