feather & foundation

This week's WOW word came from an elementary talent show.... fortitude.  Not a commonly used word today, but what an uncommon word- that displays strength, courage, and bravery.  You'll hear of an inspiring young singer (I'm not giving away the plot)...so check out the episode.  Also, think on where in your life have you been pulled up by the bootstraps of Fortitude.  Celebrate your resolve and resilience.....and why not share this episode with a friend?

If you are a member of THE FLOCK (faithful listeners) you've heard me talk about "matches".  From the match game of selecting 3 random things in your day and see how they show up for you.  I love seeing how many "matches" occur in my day and I'm always amused on how they are delivered.  We ask with hopeful expectancy, and need to be open to the matches finding us.  I believe it's  spiritual and scientific.  We have an awesome God who loves his children and like any good Father loves giving good & perfect gifts.  We are reminded, we have not because, we ask not.  You'll hear my story of my feather obsession and every time I find a feather (which I do!) it's like a love note from God- he sees me and loves me.  I can also share so many of my friends end up taking pictures of feathers they find and sending them to me.  It's also scientific with our amygdala (a structure in our brain) that works on primal instincts (protection of keeping us safe and fear and danger) and is also linked to behavior, emotional control and learning!  That's a lot of things to manage and  you can see how they could be in conflict with each other.  You'll hear how matches scientifically.  I love that both spiritual and science are both part of the magic of "matches".  Why not play the match game and see what happens!!!  Thank you for sharing, liking, commenting and following.  It's a "match" that you joined in on this episode.  #positiveexpectancy

Get ready for some smiles and laughter in this episode.  This episode was inspired by the snuggle, giggle fest with my grandaughter - isn't the sound of babies and little children just one of the best sounds.  You can't help but giggle or laugh.  Laughter has a way of connecting folks and souls together.  It brightens days, it's a mood lifter.  You'll discover so many health benefits that happen when you laugh.  I hope it brings up great laughter memories  and puts a smile on your face.  Spread those smiles and laughter- the world needs more of them.  

We take on our discussion of grief this episode, which is a different direction of our typical podcast.  It's a difficult and personal topic that everyone experiences in life.  The road of grief has no handbooks, guidebooks, "how-to's" or cliff notes as you travel down the road in a road you didn't want to take.  It's a solo journey.  You'll hear about the 7 stages of grief.  Grief is like a giant tsunami that knocks us out- we are stunned, shocked and filled with disbelief that it really is real.  As you navigate through grief- you find the waves still come with no warning....a memory, sound, song, smell, or even thought can trigger a response.    You will hear some ways to cope, and honor your loved one.  We never get over grief- because we don't get over the loss of someone we love.  Grief is the price we pay for loving someone.  Please know if you are in the beginning stages of dealing with grief, or further along in the road- know you are  seen and will be okay- there is no right or wrong way in dealing and figuring out how to handle grief.  My prayers and hugs are with you.  Thank you for listening to this very special episode that  is dedicated to my Aunt Paula (like my big sister) as I remember her homegoing to heaven- 5 years ago today at 58 years old.  Her impact, memories and love are gifts of her legacy & life. With great love my angel-  Paula Dawn Shaffer Samselski  

Loneliness is consider at an epidemic level.  How  can we be around so many people and still feel lonely? What if we worked at making connections with people.  The people in our life that we know are acquainted with, to those that may be around us as we go about our day.  We let the fullness of our lives keep us from having connections and making connections with others.  It takes effort, it takes creating a space and with intentionality to connect.  Valuing people goes a long way. Seeing people so important.  In a previous episode I shared about putting heart stamps on people's heart as you move about your day, and at the end of the day- you can see your heart stamps (kinda like passport stamps).  You'll hear about the amazing idea of the white envelope.  Connecting with others means creating time, space, being a good listener, asking questions.  Everyone has a story and people love to talk about themselves.  You'll be amazed at the connections and things you have in common.  This week- take 15 minutes a day to connect face to face with people- make the phone call, make the lunch date, make some plans.  Your heart & health will be over flowing with joy.

Speaking of connecting- we are celebrating our 50th episode!!!  Please join THE Flock by liking, commenting and sharaing with others- we want to connect and add more Faithfuls to The Flock!

We often strive for balance in our life, and it leaves us unbalanced, feeling guilty or stressed.  What if we learned to swap out balance for harmony?  Harmony creates a kinder measure.  We can achieve alignment when our priorities are working together.  When our car is aligned- it's smooth sailing.  When the car is out of alignment- it's a rough, bumpy road.  When we look at our priorities in our life like tires- each pair are attached by an axel for optimum efficiency.  If those tires are out of sync- the car isn't performing at the highest level.  Much like us & our life.  If we have priorities linked together that don't support each other- we are out of alignment.  When we select the right tires - goals- Physical, Job/Career, Spiritual, Financial, Goals/Dreams, Relationships, and Personal and pair them up with the right partner- we are in alignment.  As we go along in the road of life- we will get flat tires- we learn to patch it to move on, we also must rotate the tires for the best performance, and sometimes we just need to replace them.  Hear some questions that will help you achieve Alignment so you may keep moving down the road of life, in your best adventure in your God calling.  Be sure to like, comment, share, & follow here at Feather & Foundation. 

Spring it popping and I love how we go from  the drab, dreary gray of winter to technicolor of spring.  Thought winter looks dead and nothing is happening outside- the roots below the earth are getting prepared for spring renewal.  A great reminder as we go through the dark days, that work is being done in our lives, even if we can't see it.  What is your specific God assignment that you are to be picking up and doing?  That assignment is given specifically, uniquely to you with your gifts and talents.  What is the impact  you can make in your home, family and even bigger?  Allow yourself to bloom!  Don't dig up in doubt, what was planted in faith.  Share, like and love how you are planning to bloom.  What is your God assignment that only you can fulfil.  When we shrink back, stay in status quo- the world misses out.  Let's Bloom!  

Ever notice how someone can walk into the room and you feel them even before they speak?  On the other hand, ever notice someone who shows up (almost like the proverbial black cloud of their head)- and the air seems like it's sucked out of the room, and again they didn't say a word.  It's their electromagnetic field that you are feeling.  What level is your magnetic field vibrating?  How do you protect your energy around energy vampires? Listen to some tips, and also how you can protect your energy.  Your vibe creates your life and your tribe.

Be sure to like, comment and share.  Thank you for listening and special shout out to the new listeners and to "The Flock" the regulars!!! I'm grateful and I hope this blesses you! 

Frustration can be a little reptitive thing that builds up or it can be a big smack us in the face incident.  Situations, or people can be frustrating to us.  Discover a few tips that can help mitigate frustration.  The frustration is one part, but the story or energy we attach  to it becomes even bigger.  We all experience frustration- we can learn to protect our mind and peace.  Remember- frustraton often proceeds growth- so if you are in a frustrating season- get ready!!!  Join us at Feather & Foundation as we tackle our WOW word of frustration this episode.

FOCUS- easy to say, hard to do in our busy, chaotic, loud world.  You'll hear how many text messages an average adult receives in a day; and then be blown away on the amount teenagers are bombarded with daily.  Then add in social media time daily - it's no wonder we lose our focus even more frequently than ever before.  Discover six tips that can help you improve your focus.  Plus what you focus on multiplies (abundance versus lack).  FOCUS- follow one course until successful.