Sedona Hutton's Blog

Living Together as Brothers & Sisters

 

Our world is on the cusp of change.

The Earth’s energy is shifting and lifting aswe collectively raise our vibration to transition into a new age. The Age of Aquariusis expected to usher in peace, inner growth, harmony, and great love.

Yet humanity is still plagued with conflict anddivision. Around the world, deep divisions occur related to politics,healthcare, religion, cultures, work, and many other aspects of our lives, makingus wonder how we can shift to a time of peace and harmony when there is somuch discord.

In his fable, “Four Oxen and the Lion,” Greekstoryteller Aesop states, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Thiswisdom is as true today as when it was written in the mid-6thcentury BC.    

“We must learn to live together as brothersand sisters or perish together as fools.”—Martin Luther King Jr.  

My beautiful mother passed away last September.She was a role model in so many ways, including how she didn’t judge others andthe way she could find goodness in everyone.

One of Mom’s favorite questions was, “What’s itmatter?” By posing this question, she helped us put any situation intoperspective.

Over the years, this question made me pause andcontemplate before getting wrapped up in irritation or frustration over whatwas often something trivial.

I began asking myself whether the situation athand would matter in a week, a month, or a year. Most of the time, the answerwas a resounding “no.” With that wisdom, it was easier to move forward insteadof getting caught up in drama and distress.

In our society, we’ve been taught to holdstrongly to our beliefs, which can be a positive, yet it can also be adetriment.

We are all unique, and because of this, we havedifferent approaches, styles, and preferences. What if instead of digging ourheels in and focusing on our differences, we attempted to consider otherperspectives? If we take this a step further and consider what we truly want,we can find common ground.

Deep down, we all want the same things—love, kindness,joy, peace, ease, grace, etc. It’s the approach—how we get there—where wediffer.

There are so many different ways to solve any givenissue. Considering this, why not allow others the space to try their approachand see what happens? Or we could join forces, brainstorm together, and developa creative, enhanced idea or solution.

As we move into a new year and a new age, Iinvite you to join me in reflecting on my mother’s wisdom, “What’s it matter?” Insteadof focusing on our differences, let’s rally around our common values and desires(peace, love, kindness, joy, etc.) and create the world we want by nurturingand expanding these inner qualities and reflecting them into our outerworld.

Photo by Steve Leisher on Unsplash.

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TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TOFIND MYSELF by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everythingI owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story aboutfinding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like thePhoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma,sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds trueinner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller!Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR.

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CLOUD WHISPERS by Sedona Hutton: A novel offamily and forgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gaveaway. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully wovenstory filled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of thereader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story arespiritual awakenings and life lessons, which help to clarify many of the whysin each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, italso feeds your spirit and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel areunforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS Awards: IPPY Bronze medal winnerfor Visionary Fiction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Visionary Fiction, andOfficial Selection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchaselink: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.

How to Consciously Create Your Reality

 

Consciously or unconsciously, we create our ownreality, every moment of every day.

If you aren’t familiar with the spiritual laws ofvibration and attraction, do some research. When you understand that yourthoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions have a frequency or vibration thatattracts more of the same, you can create anything you desire.

At a high level, the Law of Vibration states thateverything in the universe consists of energy in motion, including us. Everythought, word, action, and reaction emits a particular frequency or vibration.The Law of Attraction states that we attract experiences, emotions, events, andpeople into our lives that match our inner vibration.

Knowing this, it is beneficial to increase yourawareness of what you focus on, how you respond to various situations, and how youfeel.

How can you do this? Throughout the day, pay closeattention to what you are focusing on. With each new thought, determine how itmakes you feel. Do you feel good or bad? Is your body relaxed or tight? Are youfeeling in the flow, moving with ease and grace, or are you meeting resistanceand obstacles at every turn?

If you feel good, relaxed, and in the flow, continueto focus on the same (or similar) things. If you are feeling sad, angry,constricted, and/or meeting resistance, consider whether you want to give yourattention to that particular topic or if you wish to respond in the samemanner.

When you feel good, you raise your vibration andattract more of the same. On the flip side, when you focus on things that makeyou feel bad, that’s what you attract. Therefore, it’s advantageous to becomeconscious of where you put your attention. With this awareness, you canrecognize how you are feeling and connect the dots to what you are focused on.When it doesn’t feel good, simply shift to a different thought, conversation, orTV channel. Or go outside and connect with nature, take a walk, or engage in anyactivity that nurtures your soul.

These days, we have countless distractions that can suck us into autopilot. A few examples are mindless TV, scrolling throughsocial media, and streaming drama shows.

There are times when less-than-positive topics captureour attention. For example, you may watch a video of a war-torn area highlightingthe devastation and people suffering. In these situations, instead of spendingexcessive time absorbing the destruction and being drawn into it, look for waysto consciously contribute. You can pray for peace or send love, light, andcompassion to all who are involved.

Our minds often shift to the negative. We observe somethingthat doesn’t align with our values, we find ourselves judging others, or webeat ourselves up over how we handled a particular problem. When this occurs,take a deep breath and let it go. Forgive yourself and others, and then move onby shifting to a new, empowering thought.

A great exercise is to ask yourself if ‘X’ serves yourhighest and greatest good. ‘X’ may be whatever you are thinking, saying, ordoing. Ask this question continually throughout the day. Tuning into how youfeel and asking yourself if it serves you is a great way to bring consciousawareness into your life.

The more you focus on negativity, doom, and gloom, themore you’ll manifest it in your reality. However, if you focus on what nurturesyour soul, makes you feel good, and raises your vibration, that’s what you’llmanifest.

When you remember that where your attention goes yourenergy flows, you can consciously offer your vibration through your thoughts,words, and actions and, over time, create the reality you truly desire.

Wishingyou peace, love, joy, and an abundance of blessings – Chris/Sedona  

 

Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash.

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TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FINDMYSELF by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything Iowned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about findingstrength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like thePhoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma,sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds trueinner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller! Purchaselink: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR.

*

CLOUD WHISPERS by Sedona Hutton: A novel of family andforgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. Thefamily she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven storyfilled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of thereader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story arespiritual awakenings and life lessons which help to clarify many of the why’sin each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, italso feeds your spirit and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel areunforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS Awards: IPPY Bronze medal winner for VisionaryFction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Visionary Fiction, and OfficialSelection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.

 

What Would LOVE Do?

 

Sometime ago, a trusted mentor suggested I approach life by asking, “What would LOVEdo?” She went on to indicate that this includes everything in my life—big andsmall, extraordinary and mundane, challenges and blessings.

 

Atfirst, this advice was perplexing. But over time, as I began contemplating and askingthis all-important question, positive changes followed, and my life evolved forthe better.

 

I lookedat the basic qualities of love. Love is kind, generous, and compassionate, so Ilooked for more opportunities to express those qualities. I found this was easywhen things were going well and challenging when the going got tough. Yet evenduring difficult times, with awareness and intent, I could respond to anysituation with a smile, kindness, honesty, an offer to help or simply listen, whileholding the love question in my heart.

 

As I continued asking,“What would LOVE do?”, my perspectiveshifted. I’ve always looked for the positives, but I began looking for even moregoodness, hope, and silver linings and expecting loving, win-win outcomes.

 

Whenone listens to their heart, the need to blame and judge lessens and the desire toforgive increases. Life becomes easier and smoother. Of course, one will stillexperience issues (we all do!), but even when challenges arise, greater easeand grace are available along with the ability to move within a divine flow.

 

Icontemplated what love really is, who we really are, and how love flows to us andconnects us through the ether. God is love, the Universe is love, Mother Earthis love, and as a part of Creation, each of us are love, both individually andas a human collective. 

 

Ourtrue essence is love... it’s really that simple and that profound!

 

Thinkabout the power and privilege of representing love, exemplifying love, and offeringlove. What would the world look like if every single human embraced their trueessence of love?

 

Howdoes one go about embodying love? It entails loving and accepting yourself asyou are and showing up as your true self.  

 

Embodyinglove is about being your authentic self despite what others may want or expectfrom you. It’s about finding your talents and passions, and your unique way toserve others. As Yoko Ono said, “Youchange the world by being yourself.” Standing in your truth andfinding your own path takes courage, self-appreciation, and self-love. 

 

Formany, self-love is a hard concept, in part because we aren’t taught to loveourselves. We are usually taught the opposite—that loving ourselves isegotistical or selfish—but nothing could be further from the truth. If we don’tlove ourselves, it is difficult to fully love others, to embody love, and tolive in alignment with one’s heart.

 

Hereare 3 quick and easy ways to love yourself more:

1.      Recognize that you are doing your bestin each moment and appreciate that you are on your own life journey and arenot meant to look like, talk like, or respond like anyone other than beautiful,unique you!

2.      Practice forgiveness—of yourself and others!

3.     Whenyou make a so-called mistake, look for the gift (what can you learn or how canyou do better next time?) then forgive, release, and move on! 

 

“Listen to the inner light; It will guide you.

Listen to the inner Peace; It will feed you.

Listen to the inner Love; It will transform you,

It will divinize you; It will immortalize you.”—Sri Chinmoy

As this quote soeloquently states, living from your heart changes everything!  

As 2023draws to an end and we embark on a brand-new year, I invite you to join me infocusing on self-love, living from your heart, and asking, “What would LOVEdo?”

 

I wishyou peace, love, joy, and an abundance of blessings in the New Year 💖–Chris/Sedona  

 

*

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FINDMYSELF by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything Iowned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about findingstrength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like thePhoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma,sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds trueinner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller! Purchaselink: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR.

*

CLOUD WHISPERS by Sedona Hutton: A novel of family andforgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. Thefamily she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven storyfilled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of thereader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story arespiritual awakenings and life lessons which help to clarify many of the why’sin each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, italso feeds your spirit and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel areunforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS Awards: IPPY Bronze medal winner for VisionaryFction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Visionary Fiction, and OfficialSelection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.

It Comes from Within

 

Everything comes from within. 

Our thoughts, emotions, and actions have an energetic frequency or vibration, which creates our individual and collective reality. Therefore, we must look within to change our world and our experiences. 

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of heaven is within.”

The Egyptian Book of the Dead, thought to have been written thousands of years before the Bible, states, “The kingdom of heaven is within you. And whosoever shall know himself shall find it.”

Everything—individual and collective—starts within us. Given this, we can consider:

- Are we carrying peace and love...or division and anger?

- Are we expecting positive outcomes...or something negative to occur?

- Are we looking for joy and fun...or for the proverbial shoe to drop?

- Do we see the world through rose-colored glasses...or through a gray, murky haze?

The answers to these and similar questions create our reality and also contribute to the whole of humanity. 

The good news—if you don’t like your current reality, you can change it. Do this by changing your thoughts, your perspectives, your expectations, your actions. It doesn’t have to be an overnight, 360, turn your life upside down kind of change. But each small step—adding more joy into your life, cultivating peace within, giving someone the benefit of the doubt, helping a person in need, finding beauty in yourself and in the world—will make a difference. 

And it will impact everyone around you. 

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”–Scott Adams

When we find peace, love, and joy within, it has a ripple effect that spreads to others. This is the root of the expression, ‘joy is contagious.’ Your peace, joy, beauty, and other positive vibrations ripple out to the collective, benefiting all of humanity. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Be the peace you wish to see in the world.”

Imagine what the world would look like if we all had peace in our hearts and joy in our spirit. What if every single human being had a mindset of celebrating and embracing our differences and learning from one another? Of sitting around the table to work issues out with dignity and respect toward one another and peace in our hearts? 

Simply put, the world would be a better place. 

Each of us contributes to one another and to humanity as a whole more than we can imagine. 

“Every loving word and action create far-reaching ripple effects – like the waves of the ocean.” – Swami Dhyan Giten

Photo by Sean Oulashin at Unsplash.

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TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FIND MYSELF by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything I owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever! 

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about finding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like the Phoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma, sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds true inner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller! https://amzn.to/3RawJBR

Blossoms of Insight from Spring

 

As Spring approaches, the world comes alive. Daffodils bloom a cheery hope, and the grass transmutes into a happy green. Trees bud, birds chirp, and animals of all species give birth as nature begins its cycle of regeneration.

On March 20th the Vernal Equinox ushers in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere resulting in longer and warmer days. There is so much we can learn from nature and springtime is no exception. In this blog, I reflect on five key insights—Finding Balance, Embracing Change, Infusing New Spirit, Strengthening Hope, and Opening to New Blooms.

Finding Balance

As a balance takes place between light and dark and the light begins to increase, we can see the same changes happening within us. We are shifting from an introspective time into a time of birthing the new. As we reconnect with our immediate environment, we can look for ways to find greater balance in our lives.

To create balance in your life...Know your priorities and make time for them; set personal boundaries and say ‘no thanks’ to anything that isn’t a priority; and don’t forget to schedule ‘you’ time!

Embracing Change

Spring is a reminder of how beautiful change can be. As daylight increases, birds and butterflies migrate north, following the path of the sun. Longer days bring warmer weather, and Mother Earth calls out a warm welcome to her tribe. People venture outside more, soaking in the sun and all of its benefits.

While change can be difficult and scary, Spring shows us that it can also be beautiful. We can use nature as an example and look at the changes in our own lives as having the potential to be beautiful. “Be realistic: Plan for a miracle.”—Osho

Infusing New Spirit

Spring infuses a new spirit, a new perspective, and a new longing into our lives. Mark Twain captured Spring’s essence beautifully: “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

Welcome this new longing, this inspiration...it is a creative spirit yearning to flow through you. As Piet Mondrian said, “The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel.” And remember that we are all artists in our own beautiful, unique way!

Strengthening Hope

Psychology Today indicates, “Spring and hope are intertwined in the mind, body, and soul.” This is associated with increased light and sunshine as well as more serotonin, which enhances one’s mood.

Hope is one of the most important characteristics in our lives. Hope can help us move through difficult situations and give us a glimmer of something better. In our day-to-day lives, hope and positive expectations can be the difference between doom and gloom and a happy, cheerful perspective.

Hope is something we create from within, and it must be nurtured to keep it strong. There are many ways to create and maintain hope...some of my favorites are finding times of silence throughout the day (even if it’s five minutes here and there); avoiding people and things that create fear (this includes the news,) and instead spending time on that which uplifts and inspires you; helping someone in need; and spreading kindness like flowers!

Opening to New Blooms

With spring we are given the opportunity for rebirth. As flower petals open, we too can open our hearts toward something new. Springtime (and really each new moment and each new day) brings the opportunity to release old habits and old ways of doing things in order to create space for something new, something better.

“The spring wakes us, nurtures us and revitalizes us. How often does your spring come? If you are a prisoner of the calendar, it comes once a year. If you are creating authentic power, it comes frequently, or very frequently.”—Gary Zukav

Spring is a time of new beginnings and new growth. It’s a time of looking forward and taking positive actions toward a bright and beautiful future.

This Spring, I invite you to join me in learning from our wise Mother, who calls us back to nature, to awaken from our introspective slumber. With Spring, we experience a rebirth—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—it’s time to awaken and transform!

This blog was written by Chris Clifford/Sedona Hutton, bestselling author of stories with inspired ideas and uplifting themes.

Photo by Dorota Dylka at Unsplash.

 

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Transformed by Fire—Rising from the Ashes to Find Myself by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything I owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about finding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like the Phoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma, sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds true inner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller! Available now: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR

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THE PERFECT LAP by Sedona Hutton: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?

Reader Review Excerpt: “It’s sweet, inspiring, and a love story about two people and three children that find hope, their own voice and realize that family doesn’t have to be blood related.”

THE PERFECT LAP is an Amazon Bestseller and aReader’s Favorite Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Available as eBook, paperback, and audiobook. Purchase link:  https://amzn.to/3Hx86w4

 

10 Ways to Love Yourself More

During the month of February, thoughts turn to love. It’s delightful to be in love with that special someone, especially when spring is around the corner and love is in the air. Yet having a significant other and being in a relationship isn’t the only way to find love.

Loving yourself is much more important!

Self-care is a buzzword these days, but few people talk about self-love, perhaps because we aren’t taught to love ourselves. In fact, we’re taught the opposite—that loving yourself is selfish.

But nothing could be further from the truth. Loving yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself! When you love yourself, you have greater self-confidence, a higher sense of self-worth, and you are able to experience greater grace, peace, and joy in your life.

So, what exactly is self-love?

Self-love is fully accepting yourself, treating yourself with patience, kindness, compassion, and respect. It’s nurturing your personal growth and overall wellbeing. Self-love is knowing that you’re doing the best you can and thinking about yourself in a positive and loving way.

It’s making sure you nurture yourself first, so you have the time and energy to be there for others. The relationships in your life are a mirror of your relationship with yourself, so loving yourself enables you to love others more deeply. 

10 Ways to Love Yourself More:

Practice positive self-talk.Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes; instead, think of them as learning opportunities.Remember you are doing the best you can.Leave the past where it belongs—in the past.Forgive yourself.Give yourself permission to say no.Make time for what makes you happy.Notice and appreciate your efforts...and remind yourself of your worth.Cultivate self-acceptance...love yourself just the way you are.Don’t compare yourself to others...instead embrace beautiful, unique you!

On this Valentine’s Day (and this week, and next week, and the next...) shower yourself with all the love you deserve. You deserve it...remember, there is only one beautiful, unique you!

“You have within you more love than you could ever understand.”–Rumi

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This blog was written by Chris Clifford/Sedona Hutton, bestselling author of stories with uplifting themes and inspired ideas.

Photo by Averie Woodard at Unsplash.

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Transformed by Fire —Rising from the Ashes to Find Myself 

by Chris Clifford :

Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything I owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about finding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like the Phoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma, sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds true inner peace.”

Amazon Bestseller! Available now: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR

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THE PERFECT LAP by Sedona Hutton:

His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?

Reader Review Excerpt: “It’s sweet, inspiring, and a love story about two people and three children that find hope, their own voice and realize that family doesn’t have to be blood-related.”

THE PERFECT LAP is an Amazon Bestseller and aReader’s Favorite Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Available as eBook, paperback, and audiobook. Purchase link:  https://amzn.to/3Hx86w4

Trust Your Deep Inner Knowing

 

Have you ever experienced a deep inner knowing that you couldn’t explain? It may have gone against data, logic, or what other people said. Yet in your heart and soul you knew otherwise. That deep knowing is your inner voice or your intuition.

Sadly, we aren’t taught how to tap into this amazing capacity that we all have. I used to push my inner voice aside, instead, prioritizing facts, figures, and logic. Don’t get me wrong, I still love data and research, but there is a time and place for it just as there is a time and place for tapping into one’s intuition.

Why is it so important to listen to your intuition? Because it connects you with God/Source/Universe/Your Higher Self. It is a sacred dialogue that enables you to tune into your own inner knowing and it guides you toward what is right for you. 

Developing one’s intuition and learning how to consistently listen to one’s inner voice takes time and practice. If you don’t know where to start, begin by creating space in your life to listen. It is easier to connect with your intuitive self in stillness, regardless of whether you find your quiet time sitting under a tree, during meditation, or simply by taking a few deep breaths in between meetings. 

Learning to listen to divine whispers, nudges, and that deep sense of inner knowing is a key theme in my new book, Transformed by Fire—Rising from the Ashes to Find Myself: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR.

5 Ways to Align with your Inner Voice/Intuition: 

Your First Thought—My inner voice is usually the first thought I receive after praying or asking a question in meditation...it arrives before all of my so-called logic rushes in with challenging questions and conflicting ideas!Inspiration—When the response comes later, I recognize it as the idea or solution that feels highly inspired.Deep Knowing—When I experience a hunch that stays with me or a sense of deep inner knowing, I recognize this as my inner voice and I go with it, even when it’s unexplainable.Monitor Your Feelings—Our feelings are like an inner compass. They tell us when we are on a path that is in alignment with our Higher Self and when we are going astray. It’s as easy as observing whether you are feeling positive and happy or negative and unhappy. Feel the Body—Maharishi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, regularly told his disciples to “feel the body,” regardless of the complexity of the issue they brought forward. Our physical bodies are closely aligned with our intuition which is part of the spiritual body. Feeling the body gives clues as to when we are out of alignment. Consider whether your body feels tight and constricted or open and relaxed. What stops us from tapping into our intuition? Some of the most common hurdles are our logical minds, overthinking, the ego, trying to please others, and receiving a nudge we don’t want to address. 
I have experienced all of these obstacles at one time or another. I’ve learned that when I don’t listen to my inner voice, the nudges become bigger and bigger until eventually, I have no choice but to pay attention. 
Tapping into your intuition unites you with your Higher Self and allows you to connect with a higher, deeper knowing that transcends the limitations of our minds. “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.”— Albert Einstein
This blog was written by Chris Clifford/Sedona Hutton, bestselling author of non-fiction and fiction books that highlight inspired ideas and uplifting themes.
Photo by Jen Theodore at Unsplash.
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TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FIND MYSELF: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything I owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever! 
Reader Review Excerpt:“...a true story about finding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like the Phoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma, sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds true inner peace.”
Amazon Bestseller! Available now: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR*
THE PERFECT LAP by Sedona Hutton: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?
Reader Review Excerpt: “It’s sweet, inspiring, and a love story about two people and three children that find hope, their own voice and realize that family doesn’t have to be blood-related.”
THE PERFECT LAP is an Amazon Bestseller and a Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Available as eBook, paperback, and audiobook. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3Hx86w4

Envision a Bright & Beautiful 2023!

Another holiday season has passed, and a new year is approaching.

Over the last several years, I’ve made New Year’s resolutions, set personal intentions, and tossed rocks to release that which no longer serves. But this year, I feel the nudge to do something different. Something bigger and more meaningful; something that will benefit not only me, but all of humanity.

In prior blogs, I’ve written about vibration, about like attracting like and how we are creators of our own individual world and that of the collective.

Visualizing is a powerful process that leverages the laws of attraction. Research has shown that the human mind doesn’t know the difference between a real or imaginary thought, event, or action.

What one imagines affects one’s life—positively or negatively—it’s your choice!

If your mind can’t tell the difference between a real or an imaginary event, why not put your attention on the things you want in your life? And while you’re at it, why not consider the kind of world you wish to live in?

Studies have demonstrated the positive benefits and increased effects of people praying, meditating, and/or visualizing individually within the same timeframe or together as a group. Given this, what if we all envisioned the world we want to live in? Imagine the impact if each of us take time at the end of this year (or in early January) to imagine a new, beautiful world!

What would this world look like? How would we feel? What would be new? How would the world be different? 

My vision for 2023 is....

Inner peace Peace in the world around us Endless hope and faithCompassion and care toward one anotherClean air, food, and water in every corner of the worldHealing, including new technologies to naturally heal cancer and every diseaseUnity and embracing / celebrating our differencesAbundance and prosperity for every person on EarthReverence, connection, and care for Mother EarthLove—unconditional and everlasting—seeping into all that we are and all that we do

I invite you to create your own vision and contribute toward the collective creation of a bright, beautiful, and unified world in 2023!

Happy New Year!

Peace, Love, and Joy,

Chris / Sedona

Chris Clifford (non-fiction books): https://cyclifford.com/

Sedona Hutton (fiction books): https://sedonahutton.com/

Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

**Important note to Sedona Hutton followers**: In 2023, I will be combining my Sedona Hutton blog with my Chris Clifford blog. If you want to continuing receiving blogs delivered to your email address every month, please sign up at: https://cyclifford.com/. For legal purposes, you need to opt into this website in order to continue receiving emails after I consolidate. Thanks for joining me on this journey...I wish each of you boundless blessings and miracles in the new year!

 

COMING SOON : TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FIND MYSELF, by Chris Clifford: Shocking devastation left her questioning her purpose. Can this workaholic climb from the rubble and embrace her true self?

 

THE PERFECT LAP by Sedona Hutton: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?

Reader Review Excerpt: “It was a heartfelt, sweet, foster child romance that gave me all the feels! Through it, we see how people can rise above past mistakes and that is a beautiful message!”

THE PERFECT LAP is a Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Available as eBook, paperback, and audiobook. Purchase link:  https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

Cluttered Space = Cluttered Mind: 14 Tips to Simplify, Organize, and Declutter

 

A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind!

Too many knick-knacks, scattered belongings, and overflowing drawers may seem harmless, however, research indicates clutter in your physical environment creates clutter in your mind.

 

A cluttered space sends signals to your brain suggesting there is too much work to do which triggers a stress response in your body. Ongoing images of disorganization—in your home and workspace—can drain your cognitive function, reducing your ability to focus. In addition to higher levels of stress, clutter can make one feel anxious, cause difficultly sleeping, and even lessen one’s satisfaction with life. 

 

Here’s the irony about clutter…whether its piles of books in your bedroom, excessive clothes in your closet, or papers strewn across your desk / digital desktop, even if you do nothing with these, you’ll expend energy on them.

 

If you don’t organize or complete these, you will still think about them (as in “I really should have done ‘X’…,”) and / or you’ll feel guilty because you haven’t taken action or because you have been meaning to clean up that messy space.  Jack Canfield says, “Your physical environment should inspire you, not expire you.”

 

Given that you expend energy on your stuff anyway, why not channel your energy in a positive manner and clean up your messes? If you don’t know where to start, below are 7 helpful tips to declutter your home space and 7 tips to simplify and organize your workspace.

 

7 Tips to Declutter Your Home Space

 

The first three tips noted below are from organizing consultant and author of “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” Marie Kondo.  Kondo’s simplification methods have become so popular, they’ve spawned a cult-like following of fans who call themselves Konverts.

 

Keep only what “sparks joy.”Discard anything and everything else.Assign a place for everything in your home.Donate any clothing you haven’t worn in the last year (unless it’s a special occasion outfit.)Follow the “One In, One Out” rule—when you bring a new item into your home, get rid of something else. Be selective with new purchases—don’t buy something just because it’s on sale or just because you might need it one day. As an added bonus, this tip is great for your budget, too!Use storage boxes, bins, and containers for quick organization, and label them for easy retrieval.

 

7 Tips to Simplify and Organize Your WorkSpace

 

To efficiently work through stacks of paper (or overflowing digital folders,) use the “4 D” process: Do the task; Delegate; Delay (put it in a read folder and read it within one week); or Dump.Take action on each item that touches your workspace—paper or digital—even if said action is to put it in your “read” folder. This removes the item from your desktop or inbox and eliminates rework. Reduce visual clutter by hiding or clipping together your monitor, computer, laptop, printer, phone, and charger wires.Don’t get discouraged...follow Lao Tzu's wisdom: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Each day organize one file, one shelf, or one drawer, and before you know it, you’ll see a material difference in your workspace! Label your files, folders, cabinets…label everything! It will save time later.Use a whiteboard to keep critical tasks, projects, inspirational quotes, and/or affirmations in an organized, front of mind manner. Declutter and organize your computer desktop—delete folders, apps, pictures, and anything you don’t use. Organize individual items into folders and use digital sticky notes.

 

Use these tips to clean and organize your personal and professional space. When you clear clutter from your physical environment, you open space in your life for new opportunities and experiences.

 

“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.”

—Louise Smith

 

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This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary and romantic fiction sprinkled with spirituality.

 

To sign up for my Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.

 

CLOUD WHISPERS: A novel of family and forgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven story filled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of the reader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story are spiritual awakenings and life lessons which help to clarify many of the “why’s” in each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, it also feeds your spirt and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel are unforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS Awards - IPPY Bronze medal winner for visionary fiction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for visionary fiction, and an Official Selection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. CLOUD WHISPERS purchase link:https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.

 

 

Recommended Reading :

 Life Changing Magic of Tidyingby Marie Kondo: https://amzn.to/3dqM1hY

 The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

 

Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash.

 

5 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded in the Now

 

Many people throw out the term “Focus on the now!”…which is sage advice. But what does this really mean—isn’t everyone living in the now?

Living in the now or being truly present is when you live fully in each moment, aware of what you are experiencing in the here and now, without dwelling on the past or being fearful of the future.

When you’re persistently thinking about the past, you give your energy to people, events, situations, feelings, and thoughts from the past. Often, these aren’t situations you want to repeat. Yet thinking about them and giving them your energy creates more of the same. Remember, the Law of Attraction states, “like attracts like.”

In my novel, Nora’s Promise, Nora’s beloved grandfather offers this wisdom, “When you dwell in the past, you give away your personal power to create what you want in that moment because your energy and point of leverage is all directed in the past and on what has already happened, so you keep creating new versions of the past. If you’re overly focused on the future, you’re living in a time that doesn’t yet exist.”

If this is the case, how does one plan for the future? You can be focused on the present moment while taking actions that move you toward your desired future. The key is to trust your inner voice (you and only you know what you want and what steps will move you in the direction of your desires.) Also, move in flow with the universe and be flexible to change.

Wayne Dyer addressed this concept eloquently, “Present-moment living, getting in touch with your now, is at the heart of effective living. When you think about it, there really is no other moment you can live. Now is all there is, and the future is just another present moment to live when it arrives.”

Eckhart Tolle offers a simple exercise to help us return to the present moment. Ask yourself, “Am I breathing?” and shift your attention to your breath. You will become aware of your inhale and exhale, and even if it’s just for a few seconds, you will enter the state of presence. 

5 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded in the Now

Focus on your breath.Do whatever you are doing consciously (whether it’s taking a sip of tea, washing your hands, or driving to work…use all of your senses – draw in the scent of vanilla, gaze at the water, feel your hands grip the steering wheel – and remain fully conscious in that activity.)Practice yoga, Qigong, or any other mindful exercise.Take breaks throughout your day. Go for a walk, watch the sun rise or set, stand barefoot in the grass, sit under a tree (in other words—get out in nature!) Set the intention to “catch yourself” when you drift into autopilot. After you catch yourself, you can shift from unconscious to conscious activity. 

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now. And that’s a revelation for some people: to realize that your life is only ever now.” —Eckhart Tolle

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction sprinkled with spirituality.    

 

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NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears?

Reader Review Excerpt: “Chemistry that just sizzled off the pages...Amazing and lovable characters...A wonderful story of love and spiritual journeys.”

NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA is the first standalone novel in the Racing Hearts of Serenity romantic fiction series. small town family sagas, stories with second chances and a touch of magic, you’ll love Sedona Hutton’s captivating tale.

NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA was awarded the Bronze medal in the 2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance category and was a Finalist in the 2019 NIEA contest. Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2OktquX

 

CLOUD WHISPERS: A novel of family and forgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven story filled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of the reader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story are spiritual awakenings and life lessons which help to clarify many of the “why’s” in each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, it also feeds your spirt and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel are unforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS was awarded the IPPY Bronze medal winner for visionary fiction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for visionary fiction, and an Official Selection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc. 

 

To sign up for my Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.

 Photo by Elia Pellegrini on Unsplash.