Sedona Hutton's Blog, page 3

Power to the People

 

We are a divided country.

But we don’t have to be.

The power is with the people.

We have the power—and the responsibility—to choose our responses to the world and the people around us. Instead of focusing on our divisions and our inherent need for rightness, we can choose peace. We can choose forgiveness. We can choose love.

Regardless of your political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other polarizing factors, you can choose to see that which unites us instead of that which divides us. You can choose kindness by listening to your neighbor or colleague even if his beliefs differ from your own. You can make a meal for someone who is shut-in, even if she holds radically different political beliefs. You can forgive someone who has ‘wronged you’ by remembering he is doing the best he can.

We can work together, play together, and live together peacefully despite our differences. We can choose inner peace by not allowing others to create waves of anxiety in our ocean of calm. We have the choice to respond to any situation with composure, understanding, and love.

I’m not suggestion we shouldn’t have an opinion or that we should blindly accept and walk away. I am suggesting that we embrace one another’s perspectives and engage in respectful conversations. I’m suggesting we look beyond politics, religion, sexual preferences and all other dividing factors. When we take the time to look deeper, we begin to see our connections.

When we are continually bombarded with negativity, it’s easy to get sucked into a lower vibration, which results in stress, agitation, and even depression. Once again, we have the power to change this. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, end the conversation that’s spiraling into a negative vortex. Use your free time—even if it’s just a few minutes here and there—to ground yourself. Focus on your breathing, take a walk, gaze at the sunshine, pet your dog.

Always remember that you are in charge of your response and you can change your response at any moment. Changing your response in a positive way increases your energy vibration. When you raise your individual energy vibration, you contribute toward raising our collective vibration.

It’s time for peace, love, and unity…and we the people have the power to usher it in.

“Power to the people, power to the people, right on!”—John Lennon

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

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? Kindle: https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.

 

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? Kindle: https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv. Audiobook: https://adbl.co/2WAsOnp.

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Contemporary Romance Bronze winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? Kindle: https://amzn.to/384lB1f. Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2OktquX.

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

 

Recommended Reading :

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

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 Wylly Suhendra on Unsplash.

Expect Miracles

 

Miracles happen every moment of every day, but only appear to those who are open to receive them.

Have you experienced times in your life when the exact thing you wanted showed up unexpectedly? A friend appeared when you needed him or her the most. Or you desperately wish for something and it emerges out of the blue. This happened to me over the weekend when my windshield wiper split apart while I was driving in a heavy rain. I wished for an auto parts store and one appeared in the next bend.

You can consider these incidents sheer luck or random coincidence, or you can look for a deeper meaning. Deepak Chopra writes about coincidences in his bestselling book, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire. Chopra says, “When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities. This is when the magic begins!”

When you look for deeper meaning and give gratitude for the magic that occurs in your life, these experiences begin to occur more frequently. C.G. Jung coined these phenomena as ‘synchronicity,’ or “the coincidental occurrence of events that can’t be explained by conventional mechanisms.”

I touch on synchronicity in my contemporary romance, Restart in Bristol. Below is a brief excerpt:

Deep in thought, Holly sank onto the sofa in the hotel’s lobby. She wondered if fate had brought her to Chicago or if it was a coincidence that Nora had asked for Holly’s help with a rescue cow at the same time Davey had asked for Curtis’ help testing cars.

Last night, Skye had suggested the answer was obvious. But she wasn’t the best person to ask because she didn’t believe in coincidence. According to Skye everything—the good, the bad, the ugly—happens for a reason. Even though Holly wasn’t completely sold on Skye’s philosophy, she had to admit it was a little fluky that she and Curtis had ended up in the same city at the same time.

The next time one of these unexpected coincidences occur in your life, ponder whether it was a random event, or if it was a small miracle in your life. Better yet, begin looking for—and expecting—ongoing miracles!

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

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? Kindle: https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.

 

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? Kindle: https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv. Audiobook: https://adbl.co/2WAsOnp

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Contemporary Romance Bronze winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? Kindle: https://amzn.to/384lB1f .Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2OktquX.

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

 

Recommended Reading :

 The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

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 Kristopher Rolleron Unsplash.

8 Ways to Stay Sane in a Crazy World

 

There are times when this crazy world can get the best of us. There’s COVID and unemployment, business shut-downs and shelters-in-place, political clashes and divisiveness, wars and poverty. If you need a break from it all, read on for 8 great tips on how to stay sane in a crazy world!

8 Ways to Stay Sane in a Crazy World

Carve Out “You” Time—Taking as little as 15 to 30 minutes a day for yourself is a game changer! Use this time to take a contemplative walk, meditate, pray, exercise…to do whatever brings you peace and joy. If possible, take this “you time” first thing in the morning to start your day in a calm, grounded, and peaceful manner.Practice Gratitude—Throughout the day, focus on the positives in your life. Include everything that is going well and anything that brings you joy. Your gratitudes can be big, like a job promotion or a bucket list vacation, or as small as a warm cup of tea. Studies have shown when you’re feeling genuinely grateful, it’s impossible to at the same time experience any negative emotion (including fear!) As an added bonus, researchers have found that gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness.Do Something Fun—Most of us don’t take enough time for play. Our days are filled with things we ‘have’ to do—go to work, attend a workshop, cook dinner, clean the house, help the kids with homework—the list goes on and on. Those things may be important, but taking time to disconnect and do something that makes you happy is equally important. Having fun brings joy into your life and can help carry you through stressful times. Perform a Random Act of Kindness—This is a time when many people need help. There’s opportunity for kindness in every encounter, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive to make a difference. Sometime a smile, a kind word, a kind deed is exactly what’s needed. You could also bake cookies for a friend in need, pick up groceries for someone who is unable to get out, and support your colleague’s new idea. Your act of kindness could make all the difference in someone’s life…and it will make you feel good to boot! Stay Positive—Yes, it’s possible, even in today’s crazy world! How do you achieve this positive mindset? By looking for the positives in every situation. Sometimes they are easy to find; other times it takes some digging. When you encounter a negative situation, turn it into a game to look for a positive. For example, if you are feeling restless from too many months spent inside, think about the positives the situation created. Have you completed home projects, accomplished more goals, and/or connected with family and friends on Zoom? Indulge in a Hobby—Research indicates hobbies are beneficial to your mental health. So indulge in a current hobby or find something new that appeals to you. Read a novel or learn how to cook an exotic food. Go hiking, biking, or kayaking. Learn to knit, bake bread, or make wine. Finding an activity you enjoy will boost your mood, increase your contentment, and lower your stress levels. Turn Off the News—There’s nothing new to hear! These days the news is an incessant repeat of fear-based information. Everyone knows the media sells based on fear, however, nothing good comes from a steady dose of distress. As the beloved Star Wars character Yoda said, “Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” So turn off the TV, put down your phone, and use your newly found time to complete one or more items from this list. Make Wellness a Priority—When things get crazy, it’s easy to push wellness aside. Who has the time for yoga, cooking nutritious meals, and getting extra sleep? It’s a Catch-22 because crazy times are when you most need to prioritize wellness. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise of virtually any kind can help relieve stress. If you don’t have time to cook, try a super-food smoothie. And don’t forget about sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to function effectively. Sleep impacts mood, immune function, metabolism, memory, and other vital functions. Making time for wellness will help you feel your best—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Finally, be sure to check in with yourself every morning. Ask what it is that you need to feed your soul…and make sure you listen to your inner voice!

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

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? Kindle: https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—

Just One Person's Opinion

Living in a world of comparisons and competitiveness, everyone experiences doubt at one point or another.  If you’re currently having doubts about any goal (or anything) in your life, this story is for you!

As a teenager, Catherine Lanigan was frequently told she was a gifted writer. She loved writing and eagerly entered college as a journalism major. During the second semester of her freshman year, she was selected to participate in a creative writing class, taught by a visiting professor from Harvard.

Catherine jumped at the opportunity to participate in a class that was usually reserved for seniors, and enthusiastically wrote her first short story. After she submitted it, the professor called her into his office and told her, “your writing stinks.” Devastated, Catherine asked him if there was anything good about her writing—the plot, the characters, the dialogue. He responded with, “nothing.” The professor went on to tell Catherine she would never make it as a writer and it was a waste of her parents’ money for her to continue as a journalism major. Because she had a 4.0 GPA and didn’t want to fail the writing class, the professor made her a deal—if she promised to never write again, he would give her the gift of a ‘B.’

She accepted his offer, and didn’t write for 14 years.

Years later during a trip to San Antonio, Catherine came across a group of journalists and writers talking by the pool. She gathered the courage, approached them, and admitted she’d always wanted to be a writer. One man asked why she wasn’t. She told him she had it on good authority that her writing wasn’t any good.

The stranger said something that changed Catherine’s life, “It’s just one person’s opinion.” He gave her a business card and told her if she ever wrote anything to send it to him.

With new enthusiasm, Catherine went home, wrote a book, and mailed it to him.

The rest is history.

Catherine’s first book, Romancing the Stone, not only became a bestselling novel, it also became a blockbuster movie starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Catherine’s follow-up novel, Jewel of the Nile, also became a hit book and movie. Catherine continued to pursue her dream of writing, penning and publishing 33 books.

The next time someone tells you you’re not good enough or you’re not cut out to be, do, or have something you passionately desire, remember it’s just one person’s opinion. And, the next time you experience self-doubt, think about Catherine’s story and remember it’s not what others think that matters, it’s what you think…Always believe in yourself!

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

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Now available in audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.  

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—

A Positive Life Philosophy

In my contemporary romance, Restart In Bristol, Skye shares her positive perspective on life. When I created Skye’s character, her outlook grew out of her bubbly personality and non-judgmental approach. Skye’s philosophy is to be happy and to surround herself with happy people. To practice non-judgment and to help others, and in doing so, she attracts similar joy and support in her own life.

Skye’s philosophy aligns with the Law of Attraction which is built on the belief that the universe and everything in it is vibratory. If you put out positive energy, you’ll attract positivity in your life. If your thoughts and actions are negative, you will attract similar negative energy in return.

I love how Skye’s philosophy is both simplistic and complex. It’s simple in what one needs to do, yet more complex when applying it in day-to-day life. It can be a challenge to stay positive when things aren’t going your way. When this happens in my life, I go “back to the basics.” I focus on my breathing, on being mindful (like reminding myself I’m well in that moment,) and on finding things to be grateful for, even if it's something small like a warm cup of tea. These actions give me a lift and help me make my way back to happy.

What are your thoughts on Skye’s perspective? Add a comment below to share your views...and read on for an excerpt from RESTART IN BRISTOL.

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Excerpt from RESTART IN BRISTOL:

He chuckled. “It would be nice if life was always that simple.”

Skye turned toward him. “I think it is.”

When he raised a brow, she shared her philosophy. “I think you get what you contribute. I try to help others, and in turn when I need help, it shows up.” She flapped her palm between them. “Case in point.”

His eyes lit with understanding, pleasing her.

“I like being happy, so I surround myself with happy people.” She batted her eyes. “Or I figure out how to make the people around me happy.”

Rob didn’t take the bait. Instead, he gave her a look of disbelief. “You must have setbacks and disappointments.”

“Of course. Everyone does.” She took his hand. “When I do, no matter how hard the situation may seem in that moment, I try to remember it happened for a reason and that the universe will take care of me.” She traced hearts on the top of his hand. “And I remind myself that maybe something even better is in store for me.”

He gave her another look, and this time she couldn’t decipher it.

“It works,” she said, her voice full of confidence. “My last hardship is the reason why I moved here.” She put her palms on his chest and slowly kneaded his rock-hard muscles. “I think here is a pretty good place to be.”

“I can’t argue with that.” He cupped his large palms around her face. “You’re one special lady.”

*

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

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Now available in audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.

 

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—

This Is One Moment In Time

We are living in uncertain times. Technology and the tools we use every day are changing at a pace that can make our heads spin. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily routines. Our jobs are changing, too, with a record number of people now working from home instead of going into the office.

Embracing the unknowns in our lives can be scary, especially when our minds are wired to see the negatives first. But we can change this through conscious thoughts and choices. So, don’t let your mind trick you into thinking this is how things will be forever. This is one moment in time, a moment we can and should embrace, but it’s only one moment out of a lifetime of moments.

The future can be whatever you want it to be.

That is, if you believe. You can choose doom and gloom or you can choose to think positively. You can believe in yourself and the future you desire or you can believe that you are a victim of whatever comes your way.

These different mindsets deliver radically different results.

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—

Forgiveness—An Overlooked Practice that Delivers Significant Benefits

Forgiveness is a common theme in my novels because it’s an often overlooked practice that delivers great benefits.
When someone we care about hurts us, it’s natural to feel angry and resentful, and to carry a grudge against the offender. However, these upsets can leave lasting impressions of bitterness that impact our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Ironically, if you don’t practice forgiveness, you are the one who suffers the most.
Embracing forgiveness allows us to experience peace, love, joy, and hope. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you agree with whatever occurred or that you want to make up with the person who caused you harm. It does, however, provide you with a sense of peace that allows you to move on.  
How does one go about forgiving? A model by psychologist Robert Enright outlines four steps. The first is to identify your anger and any ways you have avoided your emotions. The second step is to simply make the decision to forgive. A good place to begin is by acknowledging that ignoring or muddling through with the offense hasn’t worked and that forgiveness is a path forward.
Third, develop compassion for the person who hurt you. Ponder whether the act was due to ill intent or whether it was due to beliefs, circumstances, and/or conditioning in the offender’s life. Finally, release any lingering harmful emotions and consider how you may have grown from the act of forgiveness.
According to the Mayo Clinic, letting go of grudges and bitterness can create improved overall health and peace of mind. Benefits of forgiveness include:
·        Healthier relationships·        Improved mental health·        Less anxiety, stress, and hostility·        Lower blood pressure·        Fewer symptoms of depression·        A stronger immune system·        Improved heart health·        Improved self-esteem
While forgiveness isn’t always easy, it brings about significant health benefits and a sense of peace that helps you move forward in your life.“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.”—Marianne Williamson
  Forgiveness Excerpts from the Racing Hearts in Serenity Series:
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From Restart in Bristol:
Holly leaned back in her chair, pondering Skye’s wisdom. If Skye could forgive Brad, maybe it was time for Holly to forgive, too. She had a lot of forgiveness to contemplate. Maybe she needed to forgive her parents for not understanding her needs as a child and for not giving her more security. She needed to forgive both Curtis and herself for the deep hurt they had caused each other. If they could move beyond the pain of their breakup, maybe they would create space for something new.
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From The Perfect Lap:Last week in church, Ella’s minister had talked about forgiveness. Pastor Sue had indicated that holding onto hurt and resentment harms the person holding the negative feelings more than the alleged violator. As a believer in the Law of Attraction, Ella understood that when she felt angry and resentful, she was putting out negative vibrations which attracted more of the same.It was time for her to let go of her bitterness toward Dierks. He clearly hadn’t been the man for her, so why was she wasting her precious energy on negative thoughts and feelings toward him? She supposed it was a long-held habit, but she was ready to let go of the toxicity.
*This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.  Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b
The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkvNora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Contemporary Romance Bronze winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ …No spam—ever!

Recommended Reading : The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
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.

Dance in the Rain!

In my contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap, Ella’s aunt teaches Ella to “dance in the rain!” I love this concept and the images it invokes of a child gleefully skipping through puddles and of a couple adoringly slow dancing through a spring rain. In The Perfect Lap, Ella’s parents are perfectionists. As a child, no matter what Ella did, it wasn’t good enough for her mom and dad. Ella could have responded with depression or by berating herself, but her aunt taught her a better way. Whenever Ella would complain, her Aunt Mindy would guide her to, “dance in the rain.”In this simple phrase, Ella learned to look for silver linings in every situation. This phrase popped into my mind earlier this week, perhaps because it has been raining in east Tennessee or maybe it’s associated with the coronavirus. Even though I’m currently at home and practicing social distancing, I pressed myself to find the silver linings and came up with a list of positives. I’m being less wasteful by using dishrags and cleaning cloths instead of paper towels, and I’m reusing and recycling whenever I can. I’ve finished many tasks on my To-Do list that felt impossible to complete a couple of months ago. I am meditating and exercising more often. I’m practicing present moment awareness—listening to the birds sing, marveling at the sun casting shadows on the mountains, enjoying my dog’s joyful wiggle-jiggle—and I’m finding time to just be. I plan to continue these positive practices even after the coronavirus runs its full course. How about you…can you think of ways to “dance in the rain” at this very moment? Maybe you have home renovations you haven’t had the time to complete. Or you’ve wanted to learn a new language or take an online class. Perhaps you’ve found time to reconnect with an old friend or you’ve begun painting again. Despite the ongoing chaos in our world and the doom and gloom in the news, Spring has ushered into our lives, offering beauty and a sense of normalcy. Brown grass has transformed into a beautiful Kelly-green, trees are budding, flowers are blooming.As Spring reminds us of new beginnings, let’s remember to look for the silver linings...and let’s join together to dance in the rain!This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of women’s fiction and contemporary romance blended with new age spirituality.  ***Now Available on Audio!***The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://adbl.co/2WAsOnp
***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)
Recommended Reading : The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
 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 Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

30 Inspirational Things To Do Without Leaving Your Home

Many of us are staying at home these days because of a ‘stay in place’ regulation or to support social distancing. Being at home can feel stifling or it can be exciting…it all depends on your perspective! Choose a positive mindset and look for the opportunities this situation creates. Below is a list of 30 activities sure to inspire!
30 Inspirational Things To Do At Home
Watch the sun rise or set.Create a gratitude journal.Take a walk.Visualize your perfect future.Meditate.Write in a journal.Practice yoga.Watch an inspirational video.Check out the free resources at Calm: https://bit.ly/2WzJdbWMake a vision board.Make a list of 101 goals you want to achieve in your life.Find your muse—write a song or short story, or paint or draw.Visit a museum virtually. Try the National Gallery of Art : https://www.nga.gov/.Commit to one new daily activity that will improve your life (exercise, meditation, journaling, pre-day planning, visualization, walking, etc.)Listen to uplifting music.Watch clouds float across the sky.Think about your most important goal and write down what it would take to achieve it.Gaze at the stars.Put your phone down and have a real conversation with a loved one.Visualize world peace.Read a book or listen to an audiobook.Call, text, or video chat with someone who could use a lift.Sit on your front porch or look out your window and watch the world.Create affirmations and read them daily.Listen to an inspirational podcast.Take a nap.Take a bubble bath.Tell someone special something you appreciate about him or her.Look at yourself in the mirror and say something positive.Watch the moon rise. This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. 


***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b 
The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv
Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)
Recommended Reading :

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
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 Sincerely Mediaon Unsplash

It's Time to Shift our Focus & Energy

With our country focused 24/7 on the coronavirus, let’s take pause to think about all of the good in our world. Even though it’s not covered by the media, peace, love, joy, and goodness is all around us.
Last night’s news showed an actual fight over a pack of toilet paper. Yet today in my grocery store, I watched a young couple offer the last pack of Charmin to an elderly woman. On my car radio, I heard an endless list of cancellations—schools, sporting events, concerts, committee meetings, community gatherings—even church. At home, I scanned through Facebook and found an equally long list of people offering support—daycare for those impacted by school closures, people swapping groceries and supplies, others extending an empathetic ear.
Even though we’re bombarded by constant doom and gloom, yesterday someone paid for my drink at Starbucks. My daughter sent a video of my 3-year-old grandson ‘calling’ me on his baby monitor, and a friend I haven’t talked with in months gave me a call.
People can use a lift now more than ever, so consider what you can do to spread a little kindness and cheer. Bake cookies for your neighbor. Offer to babysit or host a small gathering for friends who are itching to get out. Call your mom. Send your niece a care package.
While we should absolutely take preventative measures and use an abundance of caution to stay healthy, it’s time to shift some of our focus and energy away from the virus. Otherwise, as country superstar Luke Bryan states in his smash hit, “Most People Are Good,” “I believe if you just go by the nightly news, your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose.”
Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, let’s shift our attention to the generosity and goodness that abounds in our communities and our world. And let’s show our appreciation by passing it on!
Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction. The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.
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Recommended Reading :
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
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 Joshua Earle on Unsplash