Gratitude and Our Ability to Attract

"By focusing on the things that you actually have, the things which allow you to fulfill your purpose, opens the doors for even more blessing to come, as our ability to attract is directly related to our state of gratitude." -Dr. Nick Campos

I read this quote earlier today in a newsletter that was sent to me via twitter this morning. It spoke to me, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you instead of writing them down in a journal.

By being grateful for the things that you already have, you attract more gifts into your life. Tony Robbins, who I mentioned yesterday on my blog, said that you can't be angry and grateful, or frustrated and grateful, etc. at the same time. If you switch your thoughts to one of gratitude then it is impossible to feel anything but grateful. Not only are you getting rid of painful feelings such as anger, frustration, boredom, guilt, jealousy etc., but you are allowing yourself to receive more. When the flow of energy is open...anything can happen! :)

Five things that I am grateful for at this moment are my husband, two beautiful boys, my family for their ongoing support and guidance, my amazing friends and the friends that I've been fortunate to get to know through my writing, and for being able to share this post with you. You can be grateful for something as simple as breathing - even though breathing is definitely not trivial since we need to breathe to survive. Even if you feel that you have nothing to be grateful for, at this moment (which is really all we have for sure), you're alive and breathing.

Thanks for stopping by. I'd love to hear what you're grateful for.

XOXO,

Taryn

A Personal Story About My Journey To Live My Life's Purpose

Hello my friends,

This is probably the most vulnerable post I've ever written, but I felt that by writing down my thoughts, I could maybe connect with at least one person who has felt the same. Over the last few weeks I've had the urge to dive back into my "spiritual learnings." Now, I'm not talking about religion. I'm taking about the connection to myself and what I already posses inside. For a lot of my life I've been a "spiritual" person with the desire to be the best person/human being that I can. I realized that I've been working so hard lately that I've forgotten to put into practice everything that I've learned. By stressing and pushing myself to the limit, I am actually cutting off my connection to the universe. In other words, I'm cutting off the flow of energy from myself to the universe. Because truly, we are all made up of energy. I'm sure you've heard the term, Karma - what you put out, you get in return. If you want love, then give love. If you want abundance, then give to others. If you want respect, then give respect, etc... It's also called The Golden Rule.

One night I was watching Oprah's Next Chapter and found myself captivated by the episode. I had never heard of the man on the screen, or his seminars before, but I found his words and message so inspiring. His name is Tony Robbins. He is a motivational life coach who teaches people how to live their best lives and to live with purpose. I immediately went onto my Kindle and downloaded one of his books, Awakening the Giant Within. I devoured the book, and from there, sparked an overwhelming need to focus more on living my life's true purpose. I believe all of use have a purpose and a unique gift to share with the world.

Over the last week I've read three books by one of the most famous spiritual teachers, Deepak Chopra. One of the teachings that really grabbed me, from both Tony and Deepak, was...Expectations & Judgement. Many of us have a preconceived vision of how things are "supposed" to go or how other people are "supposed" to react. I know that I do - even though I am working to change. This especially rings true when it comes to my husband. Tony Robins said something that really stuck with me, "Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world will change with you." I realized that when my husband would do something or say something that didn't meet my expectation I became frustrated. My expectation led to pain. Then, I also realized, who am I to dictate how anything or anyone reacts, including my husband. This is a job designed for a being much higher than myself.

This past weekend my husband said something to me that would have otherwise made me irritated, but I decided to change my thinking and in return changed the outcome. He needed time to work on his graduate work over a very busy weekend. Before the start of a hectic day he said to me, "I need you to give me time to do my work." Feeling overwhelmed and stressed my first instinct was to snap at him. Instead, I changed my pattern of thinking and in return changed his. In a comical voice I said, "I am the oh so powerful keeper of time," and bowed as if I were getting ready to grant him three wishes. I don't think this was the response he was expecting because he just stared at me like I had three heads. Then, after the shock wore off,  in a playful tone he said, "I request five hours." With that, I responded, "Granted." We then broke into laughter. It was wonderful. Instead of arguing, we were laughing. Suddenly, a day that seemed packed with responsibilities a few minutes earlier, was no longer weighing on me. Instead, I was excited to venture into the unknown and go with the flow - because, "What you have is this moment with the people you love. Live every moment without assuming that there will be another moment. Then you are living on purpose." -T.D. Jakes

We fear not having control, but in truth, we can't control the future, only live in the present. If we are always looking to the future we will never really have a present.

Thanks for letting me share an experience from my personal life. As I learn I will continue to share my learning put into practice on my blog for anyone who is interested in my journey. It is my hope that by sharing my experiences I can help someone else. I believe it is important to give and show gratitude. I am so thankful for you *hugs*.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love to hear your comments/experiences/thoughts. We can learn from each other.

XOXO,

Taryn

DARK RETURN Sneak Peek #2

As promised, here's another sneak peek into Dark Return, due for release at the end of the year. The sneak peek is a flashback to when Kai was a Daychild. You may not want to read the excerpt if you haven't read Dark Seeker. I don't want to spoil anything. (This work is not finalized and is still in draft form.)

The old warehouse did nothing to hide them from him. The concrete room reeked of mildew and rotting wood. Crates lined the walls, left over from the previous owners, before it was condemned and left to inhabit the undead. Kai grasped Leah's hand and led her through a chained door to the outside. They stepped down into the alley. It wouldn't be long until Tavares found them.

"He knows we're still together," Leah said, throwing herself into Kai's arms. Although a seemingly desperate gesture, Kai knew her well. She would follow their king anywhere. Even the screwed-up "love" they shared was no match for the undying devotion she felt for Tavares. In a way, Kai figured it was love that she felt for their king. Only it stemmed from a place of obligation, not feeling.

Kai embraced her, running his hands through her blonde hair. Things were so different between them now. As high school sweethearts they were inseparable, but the loss of their humanity had turned their relationship into one of necessity, as if losing their souls had also bound them together. What was once just innocent teenage love had become twisted into a possessive game.

"We'll fight him together," Kai said.

Leah pushed back on his chest. "But how? He's our creator. If he wants me, he'll have me. We have no other choice."

Pounding erupted behind the metal door.

Kai shoved Leah behind him. "I'll deal with him."

Leah stepped away from Kai and planted her boots firmly on the asphalt. "I will not fight him. He's our maker. We owe him our loyalty."

"Loyalty. How can you be loyal to someone who is forcing you to be with him?"

"That's how you would see it," Leah snapped. "I don't know what's wrong with you lately. It's like you're developing a conscious or something. We don't love like humans, but you, you've changed." Leah's look of pity twisted around inside of him. Kai knew he'd changed, that the kill was no longer his endgame. Even for their soulless race, there had to be something more than brutality.

  

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek into Kai's past.

 

DARK RETURN Sneak Peek & Giveaway Winner

First, I want to thank everyone who participated in the Dark Return Sneak Peek & Giveaway Event. You were absolutely amazing spreading the word and I am so grateful! HUGE thanks *hugs*! You rock <3! :)

The winner of a signed copy of Dark Seeker and Dark Return (once it's released) is Candace Hawkins from Lovey Dovey Books. Congrats, Candace! E-mail me your mailing address and I will send you Dark Seeker - tarynbrowning@hotmail.com.

I promised you more of Dark Return. Look for another sneak peek tomorrow on my blog! Thanks again for participating in the event! 

XOXO,
Taryn :)

Redheads are Soulless by Heather M White - Cover Reveal

Description:

High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama. 

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.

Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

Thanks for stopping by to check out the Redheads are Soulless cover. I'm so excited to be part of the reveal. Heather Robbins, from SupaGurl Books, did an amazing job designing this cover. It is absolutely breathtaking. Based on the cover and description, this book is definitely going on my TBR list! :)

Heather M White's Blog: http://heatherstiara.blogspot.com/

Mark Redheads are Soulless to-read on Goodreads:

Whispering Hills Book Trailer

Hi Everyone! Here is my Whispering Hills Book Trailer. Hope you enjoy! :)

I'm giving away an e-copy of Whispering Hills to one random person who leaves a comment on youtube. Please leave your e-mail and preferred format in the comments section of my blog below so that I can get a hold of the winner. Also, please tweet/facebook about this giveaway! Thanks :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6X0eZoGDwk&feature=relmfu

I will also give away an e-copy of Whispering Hills to anyone who posts the trailer on their blog. Again, leave the link to your blog in my comments section below so that I can send you your copy of Whispering Hills. 

Here is the embedded code:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y6X0eZoGDwk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

My New Favorite Show & TV Boyfriend

Yes, I know, Game of Thrones is into its 2nd season, which I am recording. Last year, I missed the first few episodes of season 1 on HBO (this was before you could watch it on demand, of course), so I decided to wait until it came to Netflix. Then I could watch the whole season without missing an episode and be ready for season 2. Yeah, that plan didn't work so well since it took Netflix FOREVER to release it. 

This brings me to now. I just finished the first disc (with only 2 episodes - not happy about this). OMG, I'm in love - with both the show and a character, lol. I am dying to see the next episode, but of course I have to mail the disc back in and I won't get the next disc until probably Monday! AHHHH! I can't wait that long. I might just have to go to Target this weekend and buy Season 1. 

Okay, back to my new TV boyfriend - Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington. I love his character. Haha, and  he's HOT! I can tell I'm going to really like him throughout the seasons. Here is a photo.

Okay, I'm done ranting & raving. Thanks for listening. I'd love to hear your thoughts, but no spoilers please - I'm only 2 episodes into Season 1. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Taryn :)