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Gregg Braden: Your Life Will Unfold Depending on Your Core Beliefs
I attended a seminar at the “I Can Do It Show” in Toronto, Spring 2008, in which Gregg Braden said that depending on your fundamental core belief that you hold it will determine how your life unfolds.  He was referring to the core beliefs: Do you believe in a world where we are all equal and one; that we are all connected OR do you believe in a world of duality: good vs. bad, light  vs. dark, right vs. wrong, etc.?

There is no right answer. In fact you may begin your journey believing one thing and along the way have an awareness and discover your core beliefs have changed. That is what happened to me.

YOU CANNOT BELIEVE BOTH: YOU NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE
As I said before there is no right answer — it is what is right for you.  In order for you to be in alignment with how you think and feel you really need to make a choice and then be it. For me, as I said, there was a time when I was an intellectual snob. I only wanted to be surrounded by people who were educated, travelled, lived and worked in a certain social and economic strata .. then my journey of self-awareness began and I discovered that many of the beliefs that I held were not my own and I did not resonate with them. I let them go and I did a 360 degree turn around.

I no longer believe that I am better than or worse than any other human being. I believe that we are all equal. Through my various studies, one being The Course Of Miracles, I came to understand that we are all one.  This does not mean that I connect with every single person. I does allow me to understand that each person is where they are meant to be and I can have compassion and understanding while still speaking my truth and setting boundaries.

One misconception is that we are striving to be more spiritual. This is not so.   Every human being is spiritual; some are just more aware than others.  We are a spiritual being having a human experience.

You may find that you choose to behave and believe in one way and your child chooses to believe in another.  Again, this is ok. You need to honour both — Be who you are however understand that your child is on their own journey and they may choose to follow another path. It does not mean that you take away from your own personal experiences and knowledge; honour that, however perhaps you may  want to challenge the way you think about certain things.  Does this serve you and the world we live in today? The answer lies within, in your heart. Listent to your heart and follow it – be true to yourself.

There are big shifts happening all over the world in many countries.  We are seeing in some countries where one group of people have ruled using “bullying” or dictatorship-like tactics. The young people are rebelling and saying, No I am part of this world, I am human and we are all equal. The shifts are happening. I am very fortunate to live in such an enlightened country, Canada. This country has a chance to “lead by example” and show the world that you can honour and celebrate the cultural differences while still feeling and being one with this country – I AM CANADIAN.

Which ever path you choose just know that it where you are meant to be and if YOU FEEL that something is not “right within” than you can choose to change this! There are many people here to support you on your path.

Enjoy it!  Be in the MOMENT.

All my love,

Sandra

How Do You Think You Will Feel Watching Your Mom Follow Her Dream?
I just watched three children be there by their mother’s side, Terri Klein, while she launched her book, Life Unwrapped; a book of poetry so beautifully written – inspired by her mother’s illness and death.  This book not only transformed her life however it impacted so many of her family and friends’ lives.
I loved that the daughter introduced her mother,  the author of her first self-published book! The words of prasie and kindess were so heartfelt that you knew the daughter was saying to us all, “Look at my mom, isn’t she amazing – she followed her dreams and she did it! I am so proud of you”.  And then Terri talked about her son, who was filming the event so that she can continue to learn from this.  She said it was the son who gave her the title of her book. Life Unwrapped. I love the title.

Terri is a source of inspiration and empowerment to her family and friends around her and now to the world.  If your mother or father is not your inspiration or guide that’s ok.  Our parents only know what they know.  Perhaps it is your journey to break a cycle.  I know that is my role with my parents.

Find the person who you resonate with and together watch your dreams unfold – support, guide and empower one another.

We are not too old nor too young to have our dreams unfold right in front of us. Just believe and yes, Terri, life is a gift!

All my love,

Sandra

After I wrote my first article about my core beliefs surrounding finances, I knew that I must lead by example here and really start to investigate where I stand financially.

HOLDING THE MIRROR UP TO ME

I have a team of people who work together that I deal with – one person deals with my insurance and mutual funds, Warren, and the other, Jeff, does my investments – stocks, bonds, etc.  I also have a locked in RRSP (like the 401K in the US) from working many years ago.  I first met with Jeff and we started to talk.  He became very passionate about certain topics: knowing exactly where your money is, the type of investment it is in, how it is performing, the fees charged (mutual funds charge a yearly fee).  We will get into products later this is still just figuring out where I stand (and you of course!).

He became so passionate that at one point I just looked at him and I said, “I really don’t know the answers to some of your questions”, or “ I am not sure what type of mutual fund I hold?”  Did I feel stupid, a little however I know that I am on the path of awareness.  I had to run out at one point to put money in the meter for I thought our meeting will only take one hour and lasted nearly 2 hours. I didn’t realize it but I just missed the parking police by a few minutes and I got a ticket!!!!!!!!  I feel like this is a “reminder” by the universe (unfortunately not my first parking ticket) to keep it moving … with my dreams and vision!

EMPOWERING MYSELF

I appreciate(d) his enthusiasm and that he cares how my money does, I asked Jeff if I can gather my information and we will get back together.  Well I had some work to do. I went to my basement where all my financials are kept and I ploughed through old statements (I shredded them) until I found what I needed.  I gathered this along with some other pertinent information. I am waiting for my June 30^th statements to come out.  In the meantime Jeff, Warren and I sat down the other day and talked.  We went over the financial information and I felt really good that I had a better idea where I am at financially.  I reduced my fear completely by taking back my power.  I am also taking responsibility for my actions and decisions.  I am part of the decision making process.  I have decided to change the course of saving and investing that I have been doing putting myself on a different path. I am excited.

TAKE THE BABY STEPS….

I challenge each and every person to do what I did, really begin to figure out where you stand.  It is my firm belief that there is no issue or financial mess that you cannot get out of. It begins with making a decision to wanting to know, second taking your responsibility and accountability in being part of the “mess” and then being part of making it better and work for you.  Maritza and I will be there to cheer you on.

All my best,

Sandra
——————

MARITZA:  IN THIS PROCESS OF KNOWING YOUR FINANCES BETTER – YOU STILL NEED CREDIT!

To continue on the topic of credit cards I would like to briefly talk about why we need to maintain our credit.
For the past year and half the financial market has taken a bad roller coaster ride. Many of us are frieghten and are becoming fearful of loosing our jobs. For some of us the financial market has created tremendous panic; some of us are afraid to spend and afraid to use our credit cards. My opinion is  not to let fear take your power away.  We need to use our credit card to built our credit and to maintain a healthy economy. Yes, we should not live above our means, thats a lesson  we all learned. We should use our credit system wisely.

Maritza Beltre

These are words that I feel need to be eliminated from our vocabulary — mine included.  I am very careful what I say and sure enough it still seems to creep up into my conversation.
I was leaving my Tao Te Ching study group and I was talking to this amazing angel, Marilyn, and I was telling her I am ready to really meet someone and let them in at the initimate level. I told her “I could not have done this before for I was not in a good place”. She looks at me and says,”It is not that you could or could not it is that you were unable”.  This really made me stop and think and YES SHE IS CORRECT, I made a choice based on my own beliefs, mostly about myself, experiences, understanding and awareness level.
I need to give myself permission to know that I only knew what I knew.

I AM MORE KNOWING AND AWARE
I understand that in my past I did not love and honour myself as I do today. I have taken back my power and know that I am worthy of receiving unconditional love.  It also means I need to trust and open my heart to let someone in.  It is so clear to me ..  a little scary in an exciting way… the more I open my heart chakra and unconditionally love and honour myself, the more I will vibrate this energy and what will come into my life is my mirror, the partner who will love and honour me in the same way.

A new friend, Michele, has written an article about her journey of love. I am excited to share her work — know that wherever you are in your journey there is hope — a light at the end of the tunnel.

MICHELE’S STORY:

Contracts….

What if’s….

Connection….

Divine Intention…

This is what this story is about.

Each one of us has contracts with many souls.  I am no exception.
What started off as a “double date” approximately 30 years ago has turned
into a “twosome”.

When I was seriously involved with my ex-husband, a friend asked if we would
double date.  Of course, we said yes.  Our friend and her date did not
remain connected.  However, I remained connected with her date.  Her date
and I became quick friends.  To make this story short, we attended each
other’s weddings and kept in touch over the years.   Ironically, our
children all went to camp together and eventually worked together at camp.

On one particular camp bag pick up, I informed “her date” that I was no
longer with my husband.  I proceeded to talk about a women’s group I was
involved in and gave him a card for his wife.  She was not interested and so
he filed the card.

Months later, I received an email from “her date” informing me that he had
separated and was now on his own.

“Her date” now became “my date”.

After our first date, we discussed our past connections and concluded that
there was always a strong connection between us.  We also talked about “what
if” we had gone out when we first met.

I don’t believe that there are “what if’s”.  Everything that happens is
exactly how it should be.

It was divine intention that provided us with the paths we were on and the
one we are on today.

My boyfriend and I are extremely happy, love each other, respect each other,
and enjoy all the time we spend together.  We share the same birthday (one
year apart) and are experiencing an indescribable connection with each
other.

There are many adages I could use.  The best to describe our relationship…

A Match made in Heaven; and,
Good things come to those who wait.
Counting my blessings every day,

Michele

I was watching the movie Hairspray with my six year old and at the beginning there is a comment about how we need to “white the world”.  My son said, mom what does that mean? I said, at one time in history — unfortunately not too long ago, there were some that believed that white people are better and smarter than black people.  He just stated in the calmest voice, we are all humans and that doesn’t make sense. I was driving and I just turned my head when I had the opportunity and I said YES WE ARE ALL HUMAN AND ALL EQUAL, NEVER FORGET THIS.

The world is a changin’ — I received this email from a friend of mine about Zimbabwe, formely Rhodesia, and she said:

See the amazing website below of Morgan Tsvangirai,  the new Prime Minister  of Zimbabwe!!!!!  Bill Clinton said in a speech that the world is getting better and that more and more democracies are developing throughout the world.   There are still many people living under oppressive dictatorships but when you look at the changes that are starting to happen in Zimbabwe and the incredible strength of the Iranian people who have said “enough” and are standing up for their rights and freedoms-it gives me hope that one day (hopefully in our time) the world will be a place where all men, women and children will enjoy the amazing freedom that we are so priviledged to enjoy in this wonderful country called Canada.

http://zimbabweprimeminister.org/

I am so excited to see what is going on not only in Zimbabwe however in Iran as well!  It is you, the youth, that will bring about changes in this world; a world where all are equal and treated the same.

All my best,

Sandra

My Discovery/Awareness This Week: I need to back off!
I am so grateful for the experience, humbling as it was, that I experienced this past week with my older son. I always say that my children are my mirrors and teachers.  This week I learned that I can actually care too much and do too much and enable too much. The experience was surrounding baseball and I kept pressing an issue with my son and finally he said to “zip it” and he didn’t want to talk about it any more.
I attended my study group of the Tao Te Ching and the verse of study was #34. The topic brought about a conversation on Control – as parents we sometimes end up being too controlling even though the intention is to assist and help and protect.   Women shared their views of how they have learned to stop giving advice to their children for they realized that their children are on their own path and need to make their own choices and decisions and mistakes and have their own learning and awareness.

I just wanted to cry for I realized that this is exactly what I was doing. I was caring so much that I was smothering my child and I needed to back off and just let him be — figure it out. He needs to know and does know that I unconditionally love him and support him however I can show him this from a distance, if need be. This week at the baseball game I brought a book to read (which I did not — the game was too exciting) and before the game I just turned to my son and said, “just have fun and I love you”.  That was it. Well he did great and he really enjoyed the game.

What is the Role of A Parent?
I can ask this question to every parent I meet and I will undoubtedly get a different response.  Part of this is conditioning, how we were brought up for people continue patterns, good, bad or indifferent.  Does that make one person’s way right and another wrong. No. In fact, I feel that as parents we are just guides to our children and that we do not own our children and perhaps we will help to shape them or not, this depends on what the child chooses for his or her life.  I do know that we are not responsible for our children’s path. I want to share a poem that was shared with me:

Poem by  Kahlil Gibran:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

What I will Do With My Awareness
I had another experience today during a one-on-one with a woman who is facing this issue. She is my mirror. I also see how I have the opportunity to change my way, my thinking and feeling around this and shift the pattern.  It will be baby steps however I am determined to let my children be. That does not mean I will not guide them, however I will do my best to hold off on imposing my views and advice and wait for them to come to me and better yet, empower them — encourage them to find their way. I am excited to work with this woman for she can shift her energy and in turn shift the relationship she has with her children.  It is never too late to do so!  It means that you become that “baby again learning to walk”.  I am excited to see how this all unfolds for both of us.

I will love to hear your comments on this.

All my love,

Sandra

My Mom’s 65th B-day

Last weekend me, my sister and sister-in-laws threw a “women’s only” celebration brunch for my mom’s 65th b-day. Around half way through we gathered the women and did a toast to my mom.  We then asked her friends to share stories or words about mom.
It was very interesting for me hear stories about my mom and the wonderful things that they had to say about her.  I do love and appreciate her — it’s not that it’s just that I have my own experiences with her and my view of her and I really had to separate myself and look at my mom almost as the observor.  It was really nice to see her in this light.  We sometimes forget that our mother, mom or whatever it is you call her — are different things to different people, including her children.
It was so nice to see my mother as the centre of attention and enjoying her moment. She is not one to take compliments well and receive and that day was no different. I am just glad that I was able to see her in a totally different light from a different perspective.

All my best,

Sandra

It was exciting to receive an email from Tamar Nandul, Chief Branding Officer of POIZE Magazine.  This is a womens’ empowerment magazine with the mission:  The mission of the magazine is to reconstruct and empower women in the media, by recognizing all efforts of women in the world and inspiring them to achieve more. 

I said yes without even knowing what exactly we will be doing. I feel that we are aligned and want to work together with like minded-people.

She provided me with a letter to share with you. In many ways we do and want the same thing. If I let my ego come into play than it would be easy to say, she is my competitor for we want the same thing.  Competition, as such, is part of the old world and way of thinking. My work is built on collaboration, sharing, coming together and yes, while still running a business. I believe that by empowering one another in both our personal and professional lives the “pay back” by the universe will be tremendous — not just my personal abundance however the world around me.

I am excited to share this letter with you:

Subject: POIZE Magazine

Dear Reader, The mission of the magazine is to reconstruct and empower women in the media, by recognizing all efforts of women in the world and inspiring them to achieve more. By that, Poize Magazine will feature stories of women around the world that will encompass everything from a little girl walking a senior across the road, the challenges of preparing a family meal, through to an established female enacting new laws for the nation in which she lives. Poize Magazine wants to critically empower women around the globe by providing them with information and resources they need to succeed. Poize magazine would work towards embracing the grace, intelligence, and sensuality of women, versus the non intelligent and sexual persona that has been portrayed in the past.

Poize Magazine will bridge the gap between the various social, economic, and political issues that often divide women around the globe. An internationally sold magazine available worldwide through online subscription; Poize Magazine will feature active women who continue to change the communities we live in. The purpose of this selection, is in our efforts to motivate women around the globe to follow in the footsteps of these highly inspired women.

We created this magazine because we recognize the desire for women to unite, in a time when our world seems to be falling apart. Poize Magazine believes in the fundamental notion, that when you make an observation; you have an obligation. Therefore, we have taken it upon ourselves to cater to this very important demographic and we invite you to join us in our movement.

Thank You, Comfort Sakoma Founder and Publisher of Poize Magazine

I turned on the tv and saw a preview for a show with Suze Orman – the question for the Americans was “Can we Afford it … house, mortgage, trip, etc.”.  We have been an entitlist continent (I include Canada) – North America — in that we believe that we NEED IT NOW.  I am in my early 40s and when I grew up my father was a big believer in only buying what you can afford. Saying that, there were times in his early years with my mother that I am sure they lived beyond their means. However, as they started to accumulate wealth, money and assests, they made wise decisions to invest their money.  
I see with my friends and those slightly older than me that some,  not all, live somehow beyond their means.  This is likely true at certain times of our lives. Keeping that in mind, there comes a time, forced by the economy or just a personal decision when you need to know where you are at financially and are your making wise decisions. 
The time to stop doing this, living beyond our means, is RIGHT NOW.  If we are to teach our children to make good choices and decisions we need to lead by example.  We cannot expect our children to do more or better if we ourselves are not willing to do so. It may take a while however it is my belief that all financial situations (goes beyond to include everything in your life) can be turned around.  It may take years however it is about baby steps and taking the accountability and responsibility.

On that note I asked Maritza to start with questions regarding CREDIT.  This will likely continue to more questions and as she states, we are open to all sorts of questions. While this info may perain to the US it will be something similar in your country.
MARITZA: 

 1. What is a Fico Score?

A FICO score is a credit score derived from the credit model developed by Fair Isaac Corporation. The FICO score is the best-known credit score in the United States, and a version of the FICO score calculated by all three of the major credit bureaus from reported information. A higher FICO score indicates better credit 700-750, and a FICO score below 600 is considered poor.

Your credit card score influence the credit that’s available  to you and terms (interest rate etc.) that lender offer you.  It’s  a vital part of your credit card.

 Shopping for a credit card

Do all credit card charge a annual fee?

No.

Get a credit card that is 100 percent free. To shop for good  cards deals go to www.bankrate.com and www.cardweb.com

What grace period should I look for?

Look for at least three-week grace period. The grace period is the time between the end of your monthly billing cycle and when your payment is due.  Not every card has a grace period, so make sure it does and that if you pay your payments on time you won’t get charge any interest.

What is the best rate I should shop for if I can’t get zero annual rate?

Ideally your permanent rate should be 10-12% or less. With a good FICO score you should be able to get a low-rate credit card.

What is a fixed rate?

A rate which is permanent for the life of the loan. But beware, don’t fall for it; this is just one of endless ways credit card issuers love to confuse consumers. No matter what you hear, there is no true fixed-rate credit card. A credit-card issuer need only notify you thirty days in advance of any change to boost your interest rate.  Another tricky card game is how the interest on your balance is calculated. If your card issuer uses the two-cycle billing system and you tend to have an unpaid balance from time to time, you can end up paying a lot more than you anticipate.

If I find a better rate, is it a good idea to transfer the balance to the new card?

Absolutely. If you are paying 10 percent APR(Annual Percentage Rate) on your present credit card balances, transfer all the funds to a new card that charges you a lower APR. This is known as a balance transfer. Many card issuers will offer you an initial APR on a balance transfer that can be as low as zero percent for the first year.  To search for balance-transfer credit card deals go to www.find-cards-now.com . Word of advice, don’t use this card for any new purchases because the great zero percent rate or low rate you are given on transfers often does not apply to new purchases you make with that card. The same card that charges you zero percent on the money you transfer often will charge you 18 percent or more on new charges. The best thing I would do is to not use this card just use it to pay off your balance and get another credit card with low interest rate for your new purchases. 

If you have any questions regarding credit cards please feel free to send us your questions.

Sources I used to find the best answer to the above questions were from Suze Orman new book Women & Money.

Maritza Beltre
“You Become What You Think About, Your Thoughts Become A Reality”

 **On behalf of 2bempowered Inc. it is noted that the articles, thoughts and expressions are the opinions of the contributor(s) with the intent of providing guidance and breaking things down to the more simple. This site is not a site for financial planning per se. We suggest that you contact your financial planner, bank or the party that directs your money/estate.

This is a trailer for a movie that was sent to me and it is fascinating. If you are considering Western Medicine as a future practice or you are in the midst of it, please take a look at this — open your mind, like a parachute …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS5kCjmCQ44 - THE LIVING MATRIX