THE MIRACLE IS YOU

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday.  Can you believe Chanukah is 5 days away and Christmas only 8?  As soon as December comes around the countdown for the holidays begins with parties galore beginning mid month.  Whether you participate in revelry or not we all understand the miracles that brought about these celebrations.

Sacred oil lasting for 8 nights instead of only 1 and the birth of a child who would lead the way for Christianity.  Two oldies but goodies ranking high among the ancient miracles in different religions, each deserving equal attention.  You know what else is a miracle?  You!  That's right.  Each and every one of you reading this right now is a miracle.  The very fact that humans can create more humans is  a miracle that never ceases to amaze.

Being lucky enough to be here on this earth is a miracle and a gift.  Recognize that you are here for a reason whether you realize it now, later or knew it from the second you were born.  Your parents knew it the moment they laid eyes on you but it is rare we see ourselves this way.

Today's quote is, "You are nothing short of a miracle and a masterpiece."  I believe that about all of us.  We are a creation from our parents and the Universe.  We are not here to take up space but to enhance our lives and the lives of those around us by performing everyday miracles.  And what are these miracles you ask?  Easy stuff like smiling at a stranger and holding a door open.

Walking on water is indeed a miracle but so is a caring nod of recognition to someone having a horrible day.  These are the small miracles that add to your masterpiece.  We don't have to make gargantuan gestures and create monuments to be miraculous.  

I would like to take take this time to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.  These next two weeks are for rejuvenating my spirit and soul.  I plan to do that on the beach in Miami where I will be with my family for a much needed rest.  My quotes and blogs will resume on Tuesday, January 7th.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to read them.  I am forever grateful!   My hope is that they touch you, move you, inspire you and encourage you.  My next facebook live will be on Friday, January 10th at 6:00 on reiki_withamy where I will offer everyone watching a loving dose of Reiki!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

ORDINARY MOMENTS

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  As you all know, (or maybe not), I am a creature of habit.  I get up the same time during the week, complete my morning routine, drive to work and arrive at my job by 7:30.

Until it is really freezing, my breakfast of choice is been yogurt, peanut butter powder and granola.  Yes peanut butter powder!  Try it!  It's delicious.  So delicious that its the highlight of my morning.  I'm not kidding.  I look forward to my morning break when I can sit quietly and enjoy my breakfast.  Such a simple pleasure.  Not every thing you do or every decision you make will be earth shattering and life changing.  A moment of least complication can be truly satisfying.

Today's quote is, "A moment of insignificance is still a moment in one's life - acknowledge it as you would any other."  I acknowledge my breakfast with delight.  For goodness sake, it is a container of yogurt and granola but it makes me so happy!  This moment of eating breakfast is the beginning of my day and is acknowledged with gusto, joy and gratitude. 

This moment makes me grateful that I can buy the food to make my breakfast and nourish my body.  Perhaps not the most significant part of my day but one that needs to be acknowledged as you would any other.


Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

FIND THAT PASSION - FIND THAT JOY

 Good morning everyone!  Happy Thursday.  Hope you are all well.  In our day to day lives and very busy existences we not only ignore ourselves, we downright neglect ourselves.  Putting the needs of others before our own is sometimes necessary and so there we are sit... on the back burner.

We may even forget why we exist at all but we need to remember we are all capable of having fun, finding joy, experiencing happiness and remembering our passion.  This is the food that feeds our soul.  This is what it means to be alive.  The time to put yourself front and center is now.  Today's quote is, "Resurrect your passion and recapture your joy."  

Tired and busy are those intruders that like to overstay their welcome.  It is up to you to show them the door and let them out.  Life gets in the way while you are busy making plans.  John Lennon said that and he was right.  There will always be something you need to do, to start, to finish and continue but first and foremost remember what brings you joy and passion!

Remember that you have so much life to live.  Don't eschew your responsibilities or ignore the important people in your life but learn the importance of balance, the key to your success in finding peace and joy.  Learn to balance your obligations and find time for you and your happiness.  Light that flame inside you and remember what you were passionate about.  Whether its cooking, eating, creating, bird watching or a million trillion other things you love, let that passion rise to the surface and joy and happiness will be sure to follow!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

REACHING FOR PERFECTION

Good morning all!  Happy Tuesday.  Mornings can be rough.  It's been so dark now for the past few weeks and will continue to be dark until April.  In other words, a long time from now!  Getting up early is a bummer.  Getting up in the dark unable to see your hand in front of you is even more of a bummer.  Coffee coffee!  Must have coffee! 

I love flipping the on switch on the coffee pot and listening as it pours into the pot.  As soon as that first sip touches my lips I'm usually pretty good.  BUT if my coffee is too strong or too weak I'm not a happy girl.  The BEST coffee I had was in California at Ernest's Cafe.  It was DELICIOUS!  The perfect strength, temperature, just the right amount of milk and of course the quintessential pretty design.  

Food makes me happy too.  Food is so important to me that there are few restaurants my husband and I will patron.  When we do go to our favorite haunts we know we will dine on a meal cooked to perfection.  I've been wearing the same sunglasses for years.  The first time I put them on I knew I had to have them.  The look?  Perfect!  I'm partial to a brand of pants.  They are French and made oh so well and fit me to a T!  

Got the theme yet?  Perfection!  We love that perfect cup of coffee, the freshest bread and when our clothes fit as though they are made for us.  Things can be perfect BUT guess what will never be?  US! 

Today's quote is "Realize perfection is not attainable in the human experience."  Its not entirely true.  Perfection IS attainable but in things and in objects.  Perfection is attainable in what is tangible.  We are far from it.  While there are those who indeed think they have reached Nirvana, I can assure you that it isn't true.  Perfection means you've learned nothing.  Perfection means you have no where else to go.  

I for one have lots of places to go and I bet you do too.  No, we're not done yet.  There is so much more I want to do and learn and experience.  Perfection says "finished!" but I feel like I am just beginning.  Let's all put on our running shoes and meet at the coffee cafe for a perfect cup of coffee!  There is SO much we have to do!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

OUR INNER VILLAIN

Good morning everyone.  Happy Thursday.  When you make a mistake, how does the script go?  You know what I mean.  What are the first words you utter to yourself or are you one of the few who easily let things go.  When you get dressed do you admire yourself or give more attention to the one hair out of place?  Are you easily discouraged when things don't go as you planned or as you wanted then blame yourself when they don't?

Yep.  I could go on and on and on but I won't.  I think you get the gist.  What I am getting at is all the self-defeating things we do and say to ourselves.  How can we possibly move up if we are always putting ourselves down?  It's hard to run when your shoelaces are tied together.

Today's quote is, "The enemy is not always out there but most often within."  What?  We are supposed to love ourselves.  We are supposed to give ourselves encouragement but instead we nit pick and find fault with what is both real and imaginary.  Guilty as charged.  I'm no different than you.  I see that hair leaning left instead of right, that tummy bulge after eating too much pasta.  When I've misplaced something I get annoyed with myself.

It has taken time and practice (Meditation is a HUGE help! Just sayin!) but I have learned to let things go.  Perfection is a hard place to reach and perfect according to who?  I'm not saying to lower your standards.  Absolutely not!  What I am saying is be kinder and gentler to yourself.  How can you rise up with weights on your feet.

Be the one to remove those constraints, not make them tighter.  Let your hair blow in the breeze and enjoy your rigatoni.  Most importantly take each day as it comes.  One at a time.   That place where you want to be is in reach.  Support yourself all the way to the top with strength, encouragement and most importantly, self-love!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

WALKING AT YOUR OWN SPEED

Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday.  I have an odd question for you and if any one of you remember what I am about to ask, please please let me know!  Do you remember when you started to walk?  I certainly don't but I also don't remember crawling.  I just know that one day I must have stood upright, put one foot in front of the other and forged ahead.

I have 3 children.  Each one of them began walking at different ages.  One walked at 15 months, one at exactly 1 year and the other one at 17 months.  I was never worried.  Even when a horrified expression was followed by, "he's not walking yet?"  I still was never worried.  I knew that my children would one day stand up and go.  I also knew that they would do this not with my coaxing but when they were good and ready.

There are some things in life that cannot be taught but rather figured out and done in their own time.  Today's quote is, "Walking is not a skill that is taught - we all do it at our own time and our own pace."  Just like I knew they would, each one of my children walked when they were good and ready.

There are some things in life that are simply not teachable.  We all learn by different methods.  We all have our own way of doing things.  As a morning person I am up and posting quotes and blogs at 4:30 am.  While some might wonder how in the world I can get up at that time, I wonder how someone can stay awake until 2 in the morning.  We all roll in different directions but what matters is we all get there when it is our time.

You may have the best advice in the world but if that advice isn't ready to be heard you may as well talk to yourself. You can show someone what to do, you can tell someone what to do but until they are ready to do it themselves, it won't get done!

Whatever you do, have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

WEAR YOUR OWN CLOTHES

Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday.  How are you going to dress on this chilly November morning?  Will you wear something warm enough to protect you from the cold?  When I was in college my mother had given me her old mouton coat to wear. 

For those of you who don't know what mouton is, it is the French word for sheep.  So yes, I wore a fur coat.  Please don't judge me here.  That coat was old and is long gone!  Sorry for the interruption but you needed to know.  OK, where was I?

Ah, yes.  I was talking about wearing my mother's old coat.  I loved that mouton coat.  I loved the feel of it, the look of it and the smell of it.  It was my mom.  She was very much alive (and still is) when she gave it to me. When it was on me I was immediately brought back to my little girl self seeing my hand in hers and remembering how I would rub her arm to feel her and the soft fur. 

It is amazing how an article of clothing can transport you to a different time.  Admiring myself in it I even looked like her.  But I wasn't her.  I was me.  I still am me with a mixture of influences from both my parents as we all are.  BUT...I am my own person.

Today's quote is, "The cloak of your mother and father have been worn and handed down - will you wear their's or your own."  It takes a long time to become who we are.  We are influenced by our caretakers; our parents and grandparents but we aren't them.  We certainly take bits and pieces from them.  We take their morals, their values and their beliefs but as we get older, we form morals, values and beliefs of our own. 

We must do this to be independent beings.  I saw my mom and God as one, their commands intertwined.  I prefaced every sentence with, "my mother said." One day I just stopped as I shed her thoughts to create my own.  The voices of those who raised you will always be in your mind and part of your being but that doesn't mean you become who they are.  Keep what you want.  Shed what no longer serves you and find who you really are.  

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!  AND have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving.  My next blog will be Tuesday, December 3rd.  Enjoy the long weekend~
~Blessings and Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

WE NEED THE SUN BUT THE RAIN AND SNOW TOO

Good morning everyone!  Happy Thursday.  We all love when the sun shines.  We love beautiful days with crystal clear blue skies but we need rain too.  We need storms of all types from gusty winds, pelting rains and heavy snowfalls.  Think of a blustery, Autumn day.  The wind clears the air and blows the leaves.  Rain washes away those leaves and snow blankets the ground creating a clean cover.

In our lives we are the creator of  our own personal storms.  They may start small and slow before the crescendo of thunder and lightening but after that things slowly return to normal and to a place where we can start over and start fresh.  Today's quote is, "Storms are there to wash away debris and clear away all obstacles that caused you to trip and fall." 

I use the word storm as a metaphor to describe the tumultuous times in our lives.  Smooth sailing is what we hope for but a brilliant sunny day could change as quickly as the flutter of a hummingbird wing.  Even if we keep our eyes on the skies and our ears tuned to the weatherman, Mother Nature will always do exactly what she needs. 

The hurricanes we create are sometimes crucial to creating change.  You must remember that as much as we like to think change is gradual, beautiful and easy, it can also be sudden, ugly and difficult. 

We create storms by ending relationships, friendships, moving, and changing careers to name but a few.  A friend of mine recently quit her job after being verbally abused by her boss.  She didn't go to work thinking, "today is the day." 

She went to work on a Tuesday and changed it from ordinary to extraordinary when she walked into Human Resources to say, "I quit."  Only after she quit did she realize she will no longer have a paycheck.  Scary?  I'd say.  But this was the necessary storm in her life to allow a welcome change.  

Leaving a job that provides you with income is scary.  We get comfortable in our misery until we can't take it anymore.  Conjuring up a storm is sometimes our only way out but it is also what is needed to wash away all that gets in the way of our desired success, whatever that may be!


Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy
  

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

TURN DOWN THE SOUND

Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday.  Rarely do I need my alarm clock in the morning. My body is programmed to wake up at the same time every day but on those days when I'm really tired, the beeping of that tiny clock is deafening!  Another deafening sound we hear is the one inside our own minds telling us to give up. 

Stop that train right now.  Today's quote is, "Lower the volume on the voice of defeat."   The voice that says "yes" is always so much lower than the one that says "no."   Once we go down that road its difficult to find our way back.  We continue to spiral and list all the things we can't do rather than celebrate our successes.

I will reiterate this sentiment until you shed those beliefs like a snake sheds its skin.  You've DEFINITELY heard this from me on several occasions and I'll keep repeating myself until you believe not me, but yourself.  It doesn't matter if someone thinks your idea is crazy or may never work.  It matters that you believe in yourself.  

Let me tell you a secret.  There are more people out there hoping you fail rather than succeed.  Envy? Jealousy? You bet, with a little "misery loves company" thrown into the mix.  The biggest way to defeat yourself and break your eardrums is to share your desires with the wrong person.  If you really need to tell someone talk out loud and tell yourself.  OR!  Tell me!  I am here for you all.  

The right time to jump ship from your routine might not be now but it is time to build that dream brick by brick.  

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy



To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday.  For those of us who like routine its good to know that Tuesday follows Monday no matter what else is going on in the world.  I for one love routine and structure.  It helps me to organize my day.  As varied as it may be on a Friday I take comfort knowing that Saturday is hours away.

Our routines may change but our day always begins when the sun rises and ends when it sets.  Within any given day we may feel confusion, struggle, enthusiasm, frustration and a million other emotions but we are still the same person in the morning as we are at the dinner table and while our appearance may certainly change, our inner being at 14 is the same at 40.  What changes is the way in which the lighting hits our perspective.  Growth is not just in height and width but in compassion and understanding. 

Today's quote is, "Transformation of a wave is constant yet it is still a wave."  As children we are under the influence of our parents, in unison with their beliefs but as we age we begin to question those antiquated convictions and form our own opinions.  This is all part of the growth process that turns us from children into adults with thoughts and beliefs of our own. 

If we were children who feared thunder, hated liver and loved puppies that child most likely still lives within us today but the child who was taught to hate and to hold grudges hopefully grew to understand and have compassion.  Like a wave in the ocean that is constantly moving, we ourselves continue to grow and transform to become better versions of the child we once were.  

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

LIGHITNG THE FIRE WITHIN

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  November always seems to signal the beginning of winter even more so than December.  The days are definitely shorter and darker and my morning walks with Mia require wearing a down jacket.  November is also the perfect time to throw in some logs and get the fireplace going.  I love watching the flames in blue and orange grow until the entire space is illuminated.  

I enjoy listening to the crackle of the wood when those roaring flames die down knowing that if I want to get it going again I just need to add another log.  Our passions sometimes run like those flames.  They start out small, rise to a crescendo then peter out when we think we can't possibly live the life of our dreams and pursue what really sparks our own personal flame.  

Two questions that need an answer is why did we lose confidence in our abilities and when did this happen?  Perhaps someone made a comment that was taken to heart and over time we agreed with their negativity.  This is why I say never listen to anyone but do listen to your inner voice, the one that knows you like a book, read and re-read many times.  

Today's quote is, "Embers from a flame take time to extinguish and are easily reignited."  Life may get in the way of many things that take precedence at the moment like driving to the soccer field, cooking dinner and figuring out that excel spread sheet but never allow it to get in the way of your passion.  Your passion is still there!  It's just that its been dormant, simmering below the surface waiting for you to reignite that flame!  


You have one life to live, live it to the fullest with passion and with joy!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amykaufman.co

THE POWER WITHIN

Good morning all!  Welcome to Thursday.  Every day we start again.  Sometimes with sleep still in our bones while other mornings find us in touch with our inner Wonder Woman and Superman~Its nice to know that coffee can take you from sleepy to stupendous but if that doesn't work for you try reaching into the depths of your being because all the power you need is right there!

Today's quote is, "Awaken to the power within - its there."  This may be one of my simplest quotes yet but also one of the most powerful.  We don't always tap into our own inner strength because we either forget or misplace it while doing a hundred other things for everyone else but ourselves. 

How can one do for others when one neglects oneself?  It is time to find that inner power that's been lying in wait and not rely on a catastrophe to arouse it.  Luminous yellow is the color that coordinates with our third chakra and is located right in the center of our bodies.  Our gut is the place that holds our inner strength and courage.  

During my Guided Meditation classes I have my students visualize luminous yellow, bright as a golden sun feeding you courage, strength and power.  I am offering you all your own personal class right now!  Reach inside yourselves and feel that beautiful bright luminous yellow color surge within you to awaken the power I know you have, its there waiting for you to turn it on!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone~ Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

WORDS CANNOT COMPARE TO ACTIONS

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday and happy November.  I happen to be a rather clumsy person.  I've walked into the corner of the dishwasher more times than I've stubbed my toe on the bedpost.  The dishwasher has been in the same spot for ten years, the bedpost - twenty.  Each and every time I do that my husband will make a joke as I writhe in pain.  
I have to admit that sometimes I am a funny site even though I would prefer to hear kind words or have an ice pack handed to me. 

If someone dear to you is having a rough time, words are mere platitudes that don't offer much aside from momentary comfort, if anything.  Genuine care and concern is demonstrated through what we do, not what we say.  Today's quote is, "Soothing words cannot compare to soothing action."  This is simply a new play on those old words we've heard all our lives.  Actions speak louder than words. 

Actions do speak louder than words.  Why is it that we always wait for a tragedy to strike to offer comfort and assistance?  Texting is so prevalent these days that hardly anyone bothers to make a phone call but how nice is it to have a real conversation!  Actions don't have to be big and grandiose.  A phone call, a smile, a hug.  Such small things yet so incredibly meaningful.  

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy  

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

EXPLOSIONS THAT BRING RELIEF

Good morning all.  Happy Thursday and of course Happy Halloween.  Last year on this exact date I was at a funeral so it didn't feel at all like a fun holiday.  I could hear that collective sigh from all of you and I appreciate your concern but the passing of this person brought an enormous amount of clarity from a very old situation.  How unfortunate that clarity and peace was only found after this person was deceased.   

We all want endings to be pretty.  We all want them to be beautifully wrapped packages with ribbons and bows and fond farewells but the truth is sometimes endings aren't pretty.  Sometimes they are ugly, explosive and gut wrenching yet somehow when it is over we are able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Today's quote is, "It needed to blow up in order to work out - you just didn't know it."  In a Tarot deck you will find a card that reads: The Tower.  The tower is a castle with flames shooting out of the windows and people jumping out.  You must be wondering how in the world this would ever be a good card to receive so allow me to explain. 

The people jumping out of the windows are escaping not just the flames but the turmoil they are going through.  The destruction of the tower needs to happen in order to clear out the old and make way for the new.  

There are times in our lives when the only way we can let go and move forward is through a necessary disaster.  Take a moment and think about a time when that has happened to you.  Its not a fun or pretty thing to experience but when you step away from those flames wow do you feel great!  Always remember that endings lead to beginnings no matter how horrible they may be and always always remember what you find at the end of a tunnel...light!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy



To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

SEEK NOT OUTSIDE YOURSELF FOR FORGIVENESS

Good morning everyone!  Happy Tuesday.  One of the things I talk a lot about are mistakes.  I talk about making mistakes, admitting them, owning up to them and apologizing for them but I haven't spoken about forgiving yourself for making them.  A glass blower must create a perfect bowl otherwise it will be sold as a second at a faction of the cost.  In this case perfection is required because no one is going to pay full price for anything less.

Perfection is important when you are creating expensive objects whether it is a vase, a piece of furniture or an item of clothing.  We human beings are not objects.  We are thinking beings who sometimes don't think carefully or thoroughly enough.  We make lots and lots of mistakes from little oopsies to big uh oh's.  Nine out of ten of us will berate ourselves for being careless or stupid leaving few who will simply move past, offering up some self forgiveness.

There are those who believe that only God has the power to forgive.  Well, forgive me for saying this but if that is your belief I do not share it with you one bit.  God is not there to punish or condemn.  We do that all by ourselves.  Today's quote is, "One does not need to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness comes from within."  If we are the ones making mistakes, blunders and poor choices  why bring God into it?  Why ask forgiveness from an outside party?

If you are alive you have and will continue to make mistakes.  Whether small enough and not deserving of a second thought or really complicated and life changing, what's done is done.  You can't go back, you can only go forward but if you don't forgive yourself you can't move anywhere.  Deep down I know you are all good people and good people make mistakes.  Look not outside yourself for forgiveness but in your heart and say out loud, "I forgive you."

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

THE WAY YOU CHOOSE TO WALK

Good morning everyone.  Happy Thursday.  As you all know I love taking walks with Mia.  The morning walk is always a quick one.  In order to be on time for work I have to leave fairly early but I always make sure my girl has an adequate amount of sniffing time.   When I return home in the afternoon she doesn't always want to walk but she loves to run around our beautiful yard and is always up for a game of catch the stick.

Mia is not one to be ignored. If I try she will bite my shoes.  She doesn't need words to tell me what she wants. Those soulful eyes of hers say it all.  So that my shoes remain intact, I find the nearest stick and throw it.  She catches, I chase her, and on and on and on.  This is a simple activity that requires participation by 2 otherwise there is no game.

Whether I want to play catch with her or not, I do it so that she can get some fresh air and I know how happy it makes her especially when I have been away all day.  We tend to do lots of things we don't necessarily want to in order to make others happy because that's what friends do.  Friends can argue but still be friends.  You don't need to agree with everything said by one another but then again there are people who can't look the other way in a disagreement and have to be right.

Today's quote is, "Walk together in understanding or alone in your own convictions."   People have disagreements and differing view points but can still be friends.  Politics is a biggie these days and unfortunately it has also broken up many friendships but if a person is important to you you must find a way to put those opinions aside and see the true human being that you care for.  If that is not possible there will be many wandering lonely souls. 

It is for you to decide what is best.  To hold onto friendships and the people who mean something to you or to be right.  Being right doesn't always work out.  When you know you will never see eye to eye on certain topics with someone you still care for then drop that topic.  Let it rest and remember what brought you to your friendship in the first place. 

 Life is better with friends.

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy


To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my
https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

CHAOS, UPHEAVAL AND THEN PEACE

Good morning everyone!  Happy Tuesday.  Our day to day existence is taken up by our day to day stuff.  That stuff is our life!  Job life, home life, family life and hopefully some me life in the mix.  There are times we forget that we want more out of our lives because we are too busy doing.  When we are too busy doing we don't even remember what it is we wanted or wanted to change.  Wouldn't it be lovely if we could snap our fingers and say "now!"

Nothing works that way.  Change can be swift or gradual and something you have been working on.  The thing about change is that it happens when you are tired of  your present situation.  It is when you begin to think of what it is you would really like to be doing in your life.  The other type of change happens due to something completely out of your control.  When you think you couldn't possibly be ready.  

Let's say you go to work every day.  Might not be your dream job but there you are and one day, just like that, you get fired!  Let's say Prince Charming is not so charming after all.  Hmmm.  Let me tell you a story about a Reiki Practitioner named Amy.  One day at the studio where she worked, Reiki was not very well understood so she was asked by the owner what else she could do.  The owner and Amy decided that she could lead Guided Meditations.  These classes became so popular that word got out about Amy and another studio came calling.  

Well the owner was not happy.  She thought she not only owned the studio - she thought she owned Amy.  When she confronted Amy to ask her if she was teaching classes elsewhere, Amy said yes.  OK everyone!  Enough of that BUT the story is not over.   The owner was so outraged that I would dare to expand my practice (very spiritual right?), that she demanded the keys back and threw me out!

I was stunned.  I was floored and naturally I was upset.  I assumed I would lose my students and be bad mouthed all over town but that didn't happen.  The other studio flourished and my students followed me.  Other doors continued to open all because of getting the axe!

Today's quote is, "Messes create chaos and upheaval - sometimes the necessary force to propel you forward."  That certainly applied to me.  Had I not been asked to leave where I was, I would have stayed and continued to be abused, accepting it because I thought there was nothing else out there.  There are those who are complacent and prefer to stay put in their misery.  There are those who get change thrust upon them due to upheaval completely out of their control.

It doesn't matter what causes your shift.  Not everyone sails into change.  In fact most of us are resistant to it and only do something when catastrophe strikes.  Whatever works is what I always say.  If you are the latter in my description and disaster if  your boost for change, celebrate the fact that something lit a fire underneath you and propelled you forward.  

The very word chaos sends shivers down our spines but I am here to tell you to look at chaos as a catalyst, the very one to create the change in your life!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman

  Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

Good morning everyone.  Happy Thursday.  Being here before.  Reincarnation.  A pre-determined destiny.  These are all topics I have written about before.  Do I really believe in this stuff?  Yes I do.  Do you think I'm crazy?  I can't answer that but if you read my blogs you probably think I'm onto something. 

What I know for sure is that we are all here fulfilling a destiny that was pre-determined by our past life experiences.  We are here to correct the mistakes we have made in the past, once, twice or too many times to count.  BUT!  We are not destined to be prisoners of a life we no longer want.  The key to changing that pre-determination is awareness.

Our conscious and subconscious minds need to remember the crazy stuff we did and more importantly, remember the end result.  Those deja vu moments?  Yea.  Memory.  Those times when you think to yourself, this looks familiar or this sounds familiar.  Yea.  There's a reason for that.  The reason it is familiar is because you've already experienced it.

Today's quote is, "Our story began before we arrived."  Our story did indeed begin way before we were flesh and bone but the intended ending doesn't have to be realized.  There are always choices you can make.  Make a left or a right?  Take the long way or the short cut?  Go to the party or stay home?  Take the elevator or the stairs?  Fly on a Monday or a Tuesday?  These are not gut wrenching decisions.  These are not ones we takes days agonizing over yet they could easily be the ones to change the course of our lives.

I met my husband through a personal ad in New York Magazine many years ago.  Yes really!  As I went to mail the letter I debated whether I should throw it in the trash can or in the mailbox.  The two of them were right next to each other.  I literally had my hand hovering over the trash can but in a split second decided to mail the letter.  

For twenty seven years the recipient of that letter has been my husband.  Had I thrown it in the garbage instead, my life would be completely different.  The smallest change you make could end up being the biggest and the one that changes your path completely!  And by the way, thanks for all the smiles.  I fee the love!


Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

PLANT THE SEED AND WATCH IT GROW

Good morning everyone!  Happy Tuesday.  This time of year is beautiful.  The leaves are no longer green but a variety of red, yellow and orange.  An open windows lets in the crisp, clear air, the blue jays are vociferous and every day is a good hair day.  C'mom, you know how you feel when your hair is on fleek!

The last of my geraniums are still holding strong outside but soon the night temperatures will prove too cold for future blooms.  I'm not a green thumb kinda gal, more of a black one which is why summer is perfect for me (and them).  I buy my plants, put them in pots and let them do their thing which is grow and beautify my deck.  When autumn comes along I no longer pay much attention to them nor do I bring them in the house.  

I let them live out their lives outside and do it all over again next year.  Summer plants do fabulously well outdoors especially when we have summers like we just had.  Brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures and not too much rain.  With the proper amount of care and surroundings we too can blossom and bloom.  Today's quote is, "A planted seed requires the right conditions before it can blossom and flourish."  

It seems so simple right?  But what happens when we have a hot, steamy summer and you forget to water them?  You can practically hear them screaming for refreshment never mind looking at them wilting in exhaustion.  Each and every day you must think of yourself and treat yourself like the blooming flower that you are.  Hear your inner voice and listen carefully to its call.  You know exactly what you need whether it is more sleep, a bigger breakfast, a solitary walk or a new life.  

Whatever it is you desire can come to fruition as long as you put yourself in charge.  You, not anyone else are the master of your destiny.  Treat yourself with loving kindness however it looks and recognize yourself as the beautiful bouquet you are.


Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

ETERNAL BEINGS

Good morning everyone and a happy Thursday to you all.  I write my blogs during the day sitting on the same chair and typing on the same computer.  I much prefer a desk top as I can't seem to get the hang of a laptop.  Its just my personal preference.  I limit my writing to weekdays so that when I write it could be any day of the week.  Often times I sit down and feel like I never left.

Did you ever get that sensation of Deja Vu?  The feeling that you have done something before and have been somewhere before?  Scents and sounds can bring us back to a memory and sometimes to an exact moment.  Its actually pretty cool.  I remember it happening quite frequently when I was a kid and then less and less as I got older.

Whether you have these moments often or can't recall, it does not change the fact that we have all visited this place before and many years down the road, we will be here once again.  Today's quote is, "We are eternal - we are past - we are present - we are future and we shall return."  We strive to learn and to do better each and every day.  Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail.  Sometimes we are quick learners and sometimes repetition is needed.  

When someone leaves this Earth much sooner than we would like it causes sadness and heartbreak.  Telling you that you will see each other once again brings no comfort in times of loss.  What can bring comfort is knowing that a breeze on a summer day, a rainbow after a storm, a feather on your path or a familiar perfume is that person's way of communicating and being present once again.  

Death is not sad.  Loss is sad but keep in mind this will not be our first prom.  And by the way, I do hope you had a great time!


Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

REACH FOR IT ALL - YOU NEVER KNOW

Good morning everyone!  Happy Tuesday. About a month ago I was scrolling through my phone looking at Facebook.  Hardly an unusual activity since approximately 2.7 billion use it.  What stopped me in my tracks was a photo of a woman who died suddenly at a very young age.  

I was compelled to read her obituary given her appearance which was that of a healthy and attractive woman.  Not one who looked at all sickly.  It was said that her death was sudden and that she was surrounded by her loved ones.  Sudden.  That was the word that struck me.

Of course she died surrounded by her loved ones.  It was a Sunday morning and she should have been in the kitchen making pancakes for her kids.  Instead she was in her bedroom under the covers from a sleep she would never awaken from, unable to hear the pleas from her family to start breakfast.  

You can obviously see this touched quite a nerve inside me.  I didn't know this woman.  I didn't know her friends, her family or anything about her.  All I knew was that she died without warning, without explanation and without any good-byes. 

I was sad for her family but distraught over this stranger.  A woman I did not know but one who had so much more of life to live and like most of us put her interests aside due to other obligations. When is the time to put ourselves first?  The truth is there never is a right time but it should be sooner versus later.  

Today's quote is, "The impermanence of life justifies reaching for all it has to offer."  We hear the expression, "you never know" but a what a true statement.  Do you actually know if you will wake up

tomorrow?  We all assume we will.  There is simply no way to be 100% sure of anything.  Now of course I'm not for being reckless and irresponsible but I am for living your life to the fullest.

I am for enjoying small moments and big ones.  I am for trying new experiences and tasting new foods.  I am for living your best life possible because as the saying goes, "you never know."  Now go eat that donut you've been craving and enjoy every sugary bite.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy 

To learn more about what I do, visit my websit:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday.  When we are engaged in something we love the time seems to fly by as opposed to when we are doing something that is unfulfilling and boring.  Its as though time stands still and all you can do is wait for the next minute to pass.  If I am describing you then you need to find a new line of work.

What's that you say?  You can't?  And why not?   Huh?  I'm waiting.  If this sounds at all familiar because you've had this conversation with yourself way too many times I am here to tell you that you are not stuck or destined to a life of monotony and why is that?  Read below!

Today's quote is, "Be open to the possibilities that are there - that are real - that exist and are endless."  When we are wearing cement shoes not only are we unable to move forward but we feel as though options were not meant for us.  But here's the thing.  If we are the ones who put those shoes on then we are the ones who can also take them off unless of course we have convinced ourselves that there are no other shoes in our size.

Sometimes it is us who are our biggest obstacle.  "I can't" is so ingrained in our minds that we become paralyzed and don't even bother trying to move forward.  Stop limiting yourself!  Visualize what you love and actually see yourself in action.  Do this over and over.  Visualization leads to manifestation.  It really does.  Just try it.  We do this in the negative all the time so why not go for the positive?  Just remember possibilities are numerous, they exist and are out there waiting for you!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

THE RISING TIDE

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  I think we will all be happier when hurricane season is over.  One month to go.  Water is so necessary but can cause such damage.  Hurricanes mean strong winds and pelting rain.  When the storm ends, water that has risen subsides, recedes and finds its original level.

People in our lives are similar to the many levels of water.  Some are beneath us in vibration and so we don't understand each other.  Some are higher than us not allowing us to see eye to eye but when we come into contact with just the right ones, our eyes lock and we comprehend one another without a single word being spoken.  That's how we know who can be our friend, our lover, our partner and confidant.

Today's quote is, "Water continues to rise until the highest level is met."  All of us are that water that continuously rises until we are on equal footing.  It is what we are all aiming for.  To be on that high level together.  We have enough going on in our lives without needing to entertain storm surges and gusty winds.  Allow for the natural order to occur in your life without force.  The ones that are meant to be there will flow your way like peaceful waters in the calmest stream.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

THE GREATEST STORY IS YOURS

Good morning everyone.  Happy Thursday to you all.  How will your story begin today?  How you are going to conquer the world or are you just happy you didn't spill your coffee on your favorite shirt this morning!  Every day is a new beginning.  I know,  soooo cliche!  But truly it is.  If you screwed up yesterday you get to start all over again today.  Sometimes we screw up for days and days in a row and then like a giant light bulb going off in our heads we see the light with intense clarity.

It doesn't matter what has past, what is now and what will be because we are continuing on so many levels.  We continue to learn from experiences and from the numerous characters who play a part in our stories.  Revelations can come from the least likely places.  Ideas, theories, feelings and emotions spring up like flowers pushing through the earth that want to be seen, heard, felt and noticed!

Wherever your journey takes you just follow along.  Can you change it and decide to go in another direction?  Of course you can because your story is still being written. Today's quote is, "The greatest story ever written is the one of your creation along with the song sung in the perfect key."  Well I don't know how well you sing but I can tell you that in the shower, I am a rock star!

You know the quote from Yogi Berra right?  "It ain't over till its over."  How right he was.  We all have those setbacks that make us think we will never get past go.  The old saying, one step forward two steps backwards but sometimes you need to go backwards to go forwards.  If it sounds crazy it isn't.  Think back on a time in your life.

I remember being asked to lead Guided Meditation classes at a local yoga studio.  I was so excited. The owner seemed nice or so I thought!  YIKES!   It was absolutely great until it was absolutely awful.  Fear paralyzed me into staying in a very unhealthy situation.  Where else can I go?  Who else will have me?  The only reason I left was because I was thrown out.  Yes, really!  Me!  Can you imagine?  Turns out being asked to leave that place was a blessing.  Something new and wonderful opened up for me almost immediately.

Is this part of my story?  You bet it is because it is mine, it is part of my journey and let's face it.  It adds some drama to it too, don't ya think?!  The greatest story will be yours and who knows.  It might just become a best seller!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

LEAVE BEHIND YOUR FOOLISH PRIDE

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  I love that I get to say good morning to you all.  Everyone reading this has become part of my life. We human beings have many relationships. People who are our forever peeps and those who come and go.  Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, past lovers, friends and co-workers.  Our goal is to get along with all these characters that play a role in our lives but sometimes disagreements take a starring role.  That is totally normal.  How can you not have disagreements from time to time.

The issue today is what do you do when someone takes a different view point than you?  How do you handle the one who is ALWAYS right no matter what?  Is that you?  We all have our own perspective and view point but when we let things like pride come before an apology, what is it that you have gained?

Today's quote is, "When pride stands in the way love is lost."  I believe that 100%.  It is sad that some actually choose pride over love or friendship.  If the prize for being right or seeing things only through one set of eyes is a day or night spent in solitude I certainly don't want to win.  Speaking your mind is fine.  You should never pretend to be something you aren't or say something you don't believe but if the person opposite you is someone you care about then listen with an open heart and an open mind.

You may never agree with your friend, spouse or co-worker on everything but you can move forward and not let that foolish pride tag along!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

THE VOICE OF REASON WILL ALWAYS BE HEARD

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday.  Can you think of the last time you had an argument with someone.  Do you even remember what it was about or were you so busy being right and standing your ground that you feigned deafness with the person standing before you.   In the heat of an argument rarely do we listen to the other side because what we have to say is way more important!

If this is the way we handle arguments how in the world can anything be resolved or understood?  A circle has no beginning and no end.  Without listening to others, arguments and disagreements are just like that circle.  Today's quote is, "All voices need to be heard without disparagement and contempt but compassion and understanding."

We all know the best place to get ice-cream, haircuts and peace of mind.  Those are the fun arguments to have.  Who wouldn't want to try every ice-cream store in a 10 mile radius!  What?  You don't like ice-cream.  Oh, OK .

SEE!  Wasn't that easy?!  But you know these are not the arguments I am speaking of.  Passionate arguments regarding serious life events or situations are the ones we fight with all our might. If a differing opinion comes into play, listen.  Listen to the other side.  We have all been raised with different parents, siblings and circumstances.  Our arguments are a reflection of a myriad of events.

Agree or disagree but do it with compassion, understanding and love.

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about wha:https://amykaufman.co
t I do, visit my website
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

DEEP AND WIDE IS THE VORTEX OF SELF PITY

Good morning everyone.  Happy Tuesday to you.  When things go our way and the sun is shining boy oh boy do we feel on top of the world. Then there are times when we are just having a really crummy day, nothing goes right and bad to worse is merely moments away.   One unpleasantry can easily be brushed aside but when all seems to go in the opposite direction we kinda lose it, however, the distance and length we take it is entirely up to us.

Today's quote is, "The vortex of self-pity is deep, wide and difficult to free yourself from - use your strength to rise above the current."  A rip tide may kill you but if you know how to swim at an angle you will safely make it to shore.  Think of self-pity as a rip tide pulling you in and trying to drown you.  Its so easy to get sucked in and not fight because it tires you out and all you want to do is give up.

Self-pity does the exact same thing.  It tires us out, takes away our will and drowns us.  As human beings there will absolutely be times when we will feel sorry for ourselves due to loss and emotional pain.  There is no one who enjoys or wants to feel that but how long do we want to be wrapped in a blanket of misery and sadness.

If you experience profound loss you have every right to feel sorry for yourself but you also have an obligation to give yourself love, compassion and more love so that you have the strength to rise again to find joy, happiness and peace.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co

WHEN LIES EQUALTRUTH AND TRUTH EQUALS LIES

Good morning all!  How are you on this Mondayy?  Just checking to see if you are paying attention.  I know today is Thursday.  Do you ever look at the scale in the morning and pretend to see a number that's not really there or perhaps lean a certain way so that indeed that number is there?  I think we all do that and to be honest who cares.  If it makes us feel better that's one little lie that won't get us in trouble.

We can make up all sorts of white lies to make ourselves feel better.  Those pants aren't THAT tight.  I'm too busy to..... but what about the lies we tell ourselves that cause damage to our esteem and to the goals we wish to achieve?  What happens when we say we aren't good enough at this or that or anything?  What happens when we tell ourselves, "we will never....."  Said often enough we believe every word.

Today's quote is, "Lie to yourself often enough and it will become your truth."  If you are constantly berating yourself about yourself how what is the motivation to change?  How can you possibly motivate yourself to push forward towards your goals?  You can't.  And you can't because you begin to believe all the awful things you've said about yourself.

Does that mean walk around and say, "look at me everyone, I'm fabulous!"  Yes it does!  You thought I was going to say no and I thought I was going to say no but as soon as I looked at that sentence I thought why not!

Here's an idea.  Throw out those damn pants. The ones that are too tight.  The ones that cause you anxiety every time you open your closet.  The ones you never liked anyway and buy ones that flatter you, fit you and make you feel like a rock star!  There is nothing that can stop you on your way to Goal Street as long as you push those old lies aside.   Turn down the volume of defeat and turn up the swag and if I pass you on the street, I may just ask for an autograph!

Have a fabulous Thursday everyone! ~Love, Amy

To learn more about what I do, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co
To schedule an in-person or remote Reiki session with me, visit my website:https://amykaufman.co/private sessions OR email me at amy@amykaufman.co