by Ligia Houben | Jul 17, 2019 | Blog US
New beginnings can be promising. New beginnings can be scary. It all depends on our perspective and attitude. Every beginning involves change and most of us like what is familiar. Many of us do not welcome change. Still, everything changes. Life changes. Things change. People change.
So, what happens if our life is confronting a major change? How do we respond to it? Are we excited with the idea of a new beginning? Are we afraid of the unknown? Do we dwell on the pain this change is causing to us, or do we open our hearts to find ways of growing, enjoying, and transforming?
Furthermore, in many instances, we need to make decisions which involve change and we delay them because of fear of the unknown. We may limit ourselves to new possibilities because we do not trust in our ability to embrace new beginnings. If you are facing a transition in your life, take a pause and reflect. How are you handling this experience? Are you afraid or courageous? Are you enthusiastic or dispirited? Do you have faith or lack of hope?
As you evaluate your attitude, remember that you may not have control over some changes that happen in your life. Nevertheless, you still have control over how to respond. It all starts with acceptance. Know in your heart, you can choose how this change will impact your life.
If you need to take some time to meditate and connect with your inner self, do it. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to share with others how you feel, do so. Do not deny your emotions; validate them. Focus on how you want to feel, and make it happen.
You never know if this change will make the greatest difference in your life.
Embrace it with an open mind and an open heart.
Remember…Your life has meaning!
Ligia M. Houben
by Ligia Houben | Jul 10, 2019 | Blog US
If you are one of those persons who constantly state,
I am so stressed out!
I do not have time for anything!
Life was more relaxed before!
I feel so overwhelmed!
What price are you paying for feeling this way, in your personal relationships? Your health? Your job’s performance? The quality of your life?
Many people feel they are victims of what is happening to them.
Do you feel you are one of them? What are you doing about it?
Do you expect things will get better by themselves or are you taking action?
It all starts with our mind. It all starts with our attitude. It all starts with our commitment.
I once heard a wonderful audiobook by the world-known speaker Jim Rohn, where he said these wise words:
If you want to be successful, study success!
If you want to be happy, study happiness!
I tell you….if you want to be relaxed and calm….learn techniques to be calmer and relaxed.
Many people say to me: How lucky, you do not have problems!
Well…I do face many challenges in life and what I do is, I choose to respond instead of reacting.
You can also learn how to do it!
First, I have learned to choose my vocabulary. I do my best to avoid using the word problem (sometimes it slips, but I correct myself immediately!).
I choose to use the word, challenge. And then, I transform it into opportunity. Just with that slight change…my whole perspective changes.
Just like you, I face difficult situations. However, I do not allow them to control my life. As I stated before, If it is something under my control, I solve it. If it is something, I can not control, I cope with it in a mindful way, and turn into gratitude for the beautiful things I have in my life.
I’ve been through difficult life transitions. I do have challenges in my life.
Still, I have learned to handle them in a positive way.
If I can do it, so do you!
Remember your life has meaning!
Have a beautiful day,
Ligia M. Houben
by Ligia Houben | Jun 29, 2019 | Blog US
Fear is an emotion that influences our actions and behavior. Its purpose is to protect us from danger. Too often, however, we humans respond fearfully to false perceptions of danger. I love the definition of fear by American author, salesman and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar: False Evidence Appearing Real.
Because fear is innate to our emotions, we all experience it. What we need to evaluate is whether or not it supports us or limits our potential for living a more fulfilling life. Maybe this would be a perfect moment to reflect on how you have lived the first half of 2019. Is there a fear you experienced that has prevented you from being happier, more successful, or more peaceful?
If you had overcome that fear, how would you be today? What would you be doing? With whom would you be? If you keep this fear in 2019, what will you bring into your life? Do you want to perpetuate a situation based on fear?
There are different kinds of fears, such as:
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of failure
- Fear of abandonment
- Fear of success
Take a pause and see if you have a fear that is limiting you. Evaluate what kind of fear it is, reflect on the possible reasons as to why you have it, and start keeping a journal of your thoughts about it. Make a list of the pluses and minuses of avoiding the fear, and then make another list imagining that you have overcome your fear. Which one is more beneficial to your life? Is overcoming the fear of value to you? Based on your answers, make your decision….and take the first step. Keep in mind…you have choices!
Remember…your Life is Meaningful!
Ligia M. Houben
by Ligia Houben | Jun 13, 2019 | Blog US
Do you find yourself regretting things you didn’t do or achieve or keeping grudges for past hurts or disappointments?
Do you feel stuck because of this huge weight instead of living with joy and hope?
Many times in our lives we go through situations which may cause us pain and instead of letting go of this pain, we keep it in our heart.
Well, as we keep it in our heart and continue feeding it, instead of lessening the pain it becomes bigger, stronger, and more powerful. It may even control our moods, our interpersonal relationships, and the quality of our lives.
Do you want this to happen? Do you want to perpetuate this feeling in your heart? Or, do you want to let go of past losses and/or regrets? It depends if you want to live a happier life, or if you want to remain stuck, bitter, and upset.
In the guided meditation on forgiveness, I offer at The Center for Transforming Lives to private groups, we enter a peaceful zone where we prepare ourselves to let go of any emotion that disturbs us and embrace joy and peace into our hearts. As we do this, we give ourselves the opportunity to be in control of our emotions and choose what is more beneficial. It is not for the other person (the one who may have hurt us…) it is for us.
As we let go of past grievances or regrets we become a free person with unlimited possibilities.
Do you want to be this person?
Let’s get together for a meditation class and embrace the practice of meditation for a happier, healthier, and more joyful life.
I wish you a beautiful day,
Ligia M. Houben
by Ligia Houben | May 15, 2019 | Blog US
I like to explore the issue of Taking Care of Yourself. In this post I want to elaborate on the issue of caregiving. Some time ago, I was recently interviewed for a TV documentary on caregivers. In that particular case, the program was on Caregiving at the End of Life, but the principles can be applied to any caregiving situation.
The main message has to do with paying attention to our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, even if this means asking for help. Being a caregiver myself, I know how necessary it is to have our “me time” in order to recharge and be filled up with beautiful energy. We do not need much time, but it is essential in order to give the best of ourselves. The following suggestions can help you find balance between your role as a caregiver and the other aspects of your life.
First, prioritize. What are the most important issues in your life now? Now, how do you manage your time? Is it too overwhelming? If this is the case, ask for help. Talk to other members of the family, or close relatives, so you can plan some time for your own necessities. Now, let’s talk about your physical needs:
Eat a balanced and nutritious diet and do some kind of exercise. This will give you a sense of wellbeing and it also helps as a stress-relief.
When possible, get enough sleep. I know that as a caregiver, sometimes it can be challenging, but pay attention to this need, even if this implies asking for respite.
Your emotional needs are also important. Share with others how you feel. Write on a journal or record your feelings in a voice recorder. There are also support groups that may be a source of help, but please be careful these support groups do not focus on complaining but on transforming.
Lastly, be aware of your spirituality. Meditate, pray, and/or read inspiring books. Engage in activities that can nourish your soul. And above all embrace Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Love. These are the three spiritual tools I have explored in principle III of “The 11 Principles of Transformation®” because I believe that if we do more of these three things….any difficult situation can be transformed into an experience of personal and spiritual growth.
Have a beautiful day,
Ligia M. Houben
