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    <title>paula-swope5884d0bd</title>
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      <title>The Missing Curriculum</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-missing-curriculum</link>
      <description>The Missing Curriculum by Paula Swope</description>
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           Stop teaching kids how the world was broken—start teaching them how to use what God gave them so they don’t break themselves. How about teaching them to use their anatomy to manifest the best life possible instead of spending an inordinate amount of time educating them about the past? 
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           Worrying is the same thing as praying for what you don’t want. When you feel worried, fearful, angry, irritated—or all of the above—for an extended period of time, those emotions compound. What you carry, you strengthen. This is what kids need to learn as early as possible. Instead, we’re taught way too early on how to destroy ourselves using what God intended for us to use to heal. The nervous system is innately designed to heal, but humanity uses it to create sickness by staying in fight-or-flight mode. 
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           Don’t make kids fearful of pursuing their dreams. Make them aware of the cost of living in low emotional states for too long. Those patterns don’t just affect the mind—they affect the body.
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           Right now, youth is wasted on the young. So many people spend their time being miserable during the very years when their physical health is at its peak. That misery doesn’t just disappear—it shows up later. Chronic emotional stress has been shown to increase inflammation, weaken the immune system, and contribute to long-term disease. 
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           Within the past 24 hours, I’ve learned about two people who have cancer. Hearing that absolutely infuriates me. Our bodies are designed to heal. So why are so many people getting sick? I’m convinced it’s because people spend their lives doing things they don’t want to do. They live in cycles of worry, pressure, and dissatisfaction. Most people can’t forgive because they were never taught how. Most people can’t access happiness because they've never been shown what it actually looks like in practice.
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           And that’s the problem—we are never taught how. I sure as hell wasn’t. 
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           If I had control of the K–12 education system, the following content would be part of the mandatory curriculum (in addition to math, science, reading, and health):
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           Kindergarten
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           Kids learn daily affirmations and simple conscious creation techniques. These practices become part of their daily routine. Time is set aside for daydreaming. 
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           First Grade
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           Children learn to read using self-empowerment books written specifically for them.
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           Second Grade
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           Meditation is introduced in multiple forms to support different learning styles. Students meditate twice daily. Breathwork is taught, and children learn how to use their breath to regulate their emotions and mental state.
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           (Even simple breathing techniques have been shown to reduce stress and improve focus in children.)
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           Third Grade
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           Kids learn that their emotional states have real physiological effects. They are taught how chronic worry and fear impact the body and overall well-being.
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           (Research consistently shows that prolonged stress increases inflammation and disrupts immune function.)
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           Fourth Grade
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           Conscious creation is formally introduced. Basic brain science is taught so students understand how thoughts and habits shape neural pathways and behavior.
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           (Neuroplasticity shows the brain can be rewired through repetition and awareness.)
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           Fifth and Sixth Grade
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           Students begin integrating everything they’ve learned.
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           This replaces the traditional history curriculum as it is currently taught. Memorizing past trauma without context for empowerment does little to help a child navigate their own life. What can a middle schooler realistically do about the Vietnam War? More importantly, what are they being taught about themselves?
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           Instead, middle school education would focus on:
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            Conscious creation and manifestation 
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            Nervous system regulation 
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            Reducing inflammation through lifestyle awareness 
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            Emotional resilience 
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            Energy awareness 
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            EFT tapping, breathwork, and meditation 
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            Communication skills 
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            Practicing gratitude in real, tangible ways 
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           By high school, students would already have a foundation most adults never receive.
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           Ninth–Twelfth Grades
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           Students deepen and apply these practices in real life.
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           Each day begins and ends with meditation. Sound healing is available, and students learn to use tools such as sound bowls, handpans, gongs, and tuning forks to regulate their state of mind.
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           Instead of focusing on memorization or outdated practices, students develop high-level emotional intelligence.
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           They learn:
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            Empathy 
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            Gratitude as a daily practice 
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            The impact of language and thought patterns 
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            How to consciously become who they want to be 
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           (Higher emotional intelligence is strongly linked to better mental health, stronger relationships, and improved life outcomes.)
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           To graduate, students complete a field study. For example, they spend a year documenting their judgments. Every time they judge someone, they write about it and then challenge their perspective. If they feel jealousy, they are taught to interpret it differently—not as something negative, but as a signal. Jealousy often points to something they desire but don’t believe they can have.
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           Instead of criticizing, they learn to:
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            Study what they admire 
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            Act with kindness toward that person 
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            Practice empathy 
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            Reflect on how their perception evolves 
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           (Reflective practices like journaling and perspective-taking have been shown to improve self-awareness and reduce reactive behavior in adolescents.)
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           Teaching emotional intelligence would change the world. I am more certain of that than almost anything I’ve ever said. This is something we actually have control over. Emotional intelligence can be learned. It can be strengthened. IQ is relatively fixed—but self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy are skills. Learning how to use what God gave you is the key to a lifetime of health and happiness. When a person can regulate their emotions, they are less likely to live in chronic stress, and chronic stress is one of the most well-documented contributors to illness in the body.
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           Kids are not taught this. Most adults don’t know it either. But if they did—if this became foundational—everything would change. I truly believe chronic disease rates would drop significantly. Because we wouldn’t just be teaching kids how to survive the world. We would be teaching them how to live in it. 
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           I wrote this without much thought or agenda. If it changes one person’s mind, my knee-jerk reaction to learning two more people I know have cancer was worth it. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:20:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-missing-curriculum</guid>
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      <title>Emotional Healing Outside Therapy</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/emotional-healing-outside-therapy</link>
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           You don’t need anything external to have a psychedelic experience.
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           I know that may sound bold, but I’m saying it from lived experience—not theory, not trend, not hype. Full disclosure: I have no point of reference when it comes to psychedelics. I’ve never experimented with them. What I have experimented with is breathwork—and it has taken me into trance-like states that changed my emotional life in ways I never expected.
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           When I enter those states, I feel deeply connected to what I call God—others might call it higher self, source, or consciousness. The label doesn’t matter. The experience does.
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           Why Breathwork Surpassed Meditation for Me
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           I’ve meditated daily for years. Meditation is powerful. I will never dismiss it.
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           But breathwork? Breathwork is next-level powerful.
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            As the years passed—and as I stumbled, failed, rebuilt, and evolved in my work as a self-help coach, author, and podcast host—I realized something important: meditation calms the mind, but breathwork
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           changes the state of consciousness
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           .
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           If I need to relax, regulate my nervous system, or settle my body, I use nostril breathing.
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            If I need to release emotional residue, access insight, or receive information from my highest self, I use
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           mouth-breathing
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           .
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           The difference is profound.
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           When we consciously control our breath—when we breathe with intention—we shut down the mental madness. Carbon dioxide levels drop. The prefrontal cortex slows. The endless loops of overthinking, self-judgment, and rumination lose their grip.
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           And when that mental noise subsides, something else steps in.
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           When the Mind Gets Quiet, the Truth Speaks
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            When my mind quiets through breathwork, my higher self doesn’t whisper—it
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           shows up and shows off
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           .
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Breathwork has taken me into emotional territory I couldn’t access through talking alone. I’ve cut karmic cords with people who haunted my mind through painful memories. I’ve forgiven what once felt unforgivable. I’ve entered states where I felt guided to transmute healing energy toward others.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Did I “heal” anyone? I honestly don’t know.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But in those moments—connected, surrendered, and deeply present—I felt love and gratitude at a level that surpassed anything I’d known before. And that love didn’t stay in the session. It came with me. It altered how I showed up in my real, physical life.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           That matters.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Why I Didn’t Teach Breathwork—for a Long Time
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Here’s the part that surprises people: I was trained and certified in breathwork
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           years ago
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , but I didn’t teach it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Why?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Because I didn’t think it was as important or as effective as meditation.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I was wrong.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I underestimated breathwork because it doesn’t always look “quiet” or polished. It’s visceral. It’s physical. It can be intense. And intensity often makes people uncomfortable.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But transformation isn’t always comfortable.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jimmy Fallon once joked that if he could invest in anything right now, it would be breath. I couldn’t agree more. If breath could somehow be monetized into stocks, that’s where I’d put my money.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           It’s the only thing that’s foolproof.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The One Thing We Can Always Control
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            I grew up hearing people say,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “God gave us everything we need to solve any problem or accomplish anything we want.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           For a long time, that statement frustrated me—especially during hard seasons of life. It felt dismissive. Vague. Almost cruel.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Now I understand it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your breath is the only internal system you can consciously control. Heart rate, digestion, hormones—those operate on their own. Breath does not.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           God doesn’t make mistakes. There’s a reason for that.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           We’re meant to work with our breath. We’re meant to use it as a bridge between the body and the soul, between the conscious and the subconscious, between survival and truth.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your breath will show you who you are.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your breath will show you what you really want.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           But only if you’re willing to surrender to it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            And I can show you how.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/virtual-breathwork-classes"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Find out more here.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/iStock-1791787173.jpg" length="236666" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:26:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/emotional-healing-outside-therapy</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Signs You're Ready for Change</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/signs-you-re-ready-for-change</link>
      <description>Signs You're Ready for Change by Paula Swope</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Change+image.jpg" alt="Signs You're Ready for Change"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           God communicates in mysterious ways—and rarely in an audible voice. The Divine doesn’t speak the way humans do. Instead, guidance often arrives through signs. Subtle ones. Persistent ones. Signs that are easy to overlook if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           One of the clearest signs you’re ready for change is that you no longer enjoy the same old things. Maybe you spent years barhopping with the same group of friends, and now it feels like a chore instead of fun. Nothing is wrong with those people or those routines—you’ve simply outgrown them. What once energized you now drains you.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alongside that disinterest, you may feel a quiet pull toward learning something new. It’s not loud or urgent—it’s more like a gentle nudge. You find yourself curious about a subject, hobby, or path you never considered before. That pull matters. It’s not random. It’s often the first breadcrumb leading you toward your next chapter.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Another sign? You become disenchanted with close-minded people—especially family members or longtime friends. The mindsets you once admired or tolerated now irritate you. Conversations feel repetitive, shallow, or restrictive. Even the physical environments you’ve always occupied may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Nothing changed externally—you did.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your tastes start to change, too. Food, clothing, movies, music, restaurants, travel destinations—almost everything. This isn’t superficial. Taste reflects identity. When your preferences shift, it’s often because your inner world is reorganizing itself.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sometimes, when change is imminent, trouble seems to follow you. Things don’t work out the way you plan. Life feels chaotic. You feel unsettled, dissatisfied, and far from peaceful. This phase can feel discouraging, but it’s often a clearing process. Old structures begin to crumble because they can’t support who you’re becoming.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Then come the lifted veils. You start seeing people and situations clearly—sometimes painfully so. Patterns you ignored are suddenly obvious. You feel called to step away from dynamics that no longer align with your values or your nervous system. And for the first time in your life, you actually have the guts to walk away.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You may even begin planning an “escape”—not in a reckless way, but intentionally. You start envisioning a different life and quietly preparing to bring those visions into reality.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If people, places, and things that never bothered you before suddenly bother you now, and you can’t quite explain why, this is likely why: you’re evolving—and your environment isn’t.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This isn’t uncommon. We are meant to evolve over a lifetime. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the memo.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This season can be challenging. It can feel lonely, confusing, and uncomfortable. But as long as you don’t turn on yourself—don’t numb, abandon, or betray your inner knowing—there are rewards waiting on the other side. Change isn’t punishment. It’s initiation.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           And if you’re feeling these signs, you’re not broken. You’re becoming.
           &#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Change+image.jpg" length="317393" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:57:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/signs-you-re-ready-for-change</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Change Feels Hard</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/why-change-feels-hard</link>
      <description>Why Change Feels Hard</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Easy+Hard+Image.jpg" alt="Why Change Feels Hard"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Change feels hard because everything in us was trained to resist it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I know this because I lived most of my life doing exactly what I was taught to do — even when it made me miserable. I was socialized early to believe I wasn’t in control of my life. If an adult told me something, I believed it. If authority figures said “this is just how it is,” I hunkered down and accepted it. I didn’t know any better.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           What I didn’t realize at the time was that those beliefs quietly ran my life for decades.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Change feels hard because we don’t just change habits — we have to challenge the lies we were taught about ourselves. I was raised to believe some people are lucky or blessed and others are destined to struggle. Since the people around me felt like they were on the “destined to struggle” side, I assumed successful, confident people were somehow better than me. That belief followed me into jobs, relationships, and friendships where I constantly felt inferior and over-accommodating.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           So when the desire to change finally shows up, it doesn’t arrive gently. It threatens the entire identity you’ve been operating from.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Another reason change feels hard is because fear disguises itself as responsibility. I stayed in jobs I loathed because I thought that was what adults did. I tolerated unhealthy relationships because I didn’t trust myself enough to walk away. I said yes when I wanted to say no because I thought being agreeable made me safe. People-pleasing nearly robbed me of my peace — and eventually, my health.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           And yes, health is part of this conversation. By my early twenties, my blood pressure was already dangerously high, and my lifelong struggle with obesity was in full force. Years of feeling bad — emotionally and mentally — manifested physically. I learned the hard way that staying in toxic environments doesn’t just drain your energy; it makes you sick. Change feels hard because your body knows the truth long before your mind catches up.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Saying no was one of the hardest changes I ever made. I was a fully rehabilitated people-pleaser, and letting go of that identity felt terrifying at first. But here’s what I know now: saying no isn’t rude. It’s protective. If someone treats you poorly because you set a boundary, that’s information — not a failure on your part.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Change also feels hard because it forces you to stop conforming. Conforming is fear-based living. Every time I reluctantly conformed just to survive, it felt like I cut off my own air supply. Nothing good ever came from it. Refusing to conform went against everything I was taught, but it was the beginning of my freedom.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           What I’ve learned is this: change feels hard because it asks you to trust yourself instead of the conditioning. It asks you to listen to your intuition instead of outside noise. It asks you to believe you have power — even if no one ever told you that you did.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But on the other side of change is peace. And peace is worth everything.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Easy+Hard+Image.jpg" length="62832" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:20:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/why-change-feels-hard</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Do Vision Boards Really Work?</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/do-vision-boards-really-work</link>
      <description>How Conscious Focus, Belief, and Repetition Turn Vision Boards Into Reality</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           How Conscious Focus, Belief, and Repetition Turn Vision Boards Into Reality
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Vision+Board+Blog+Image.jpg" alt="How Conscious Focus, Belief, and Repetition Turn Vision Boards Into Reality
"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           What if I told you I manifested money, homes, a wonderful relationship, my own business, and perfect health using vision boards?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Would you believe me?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            About twenty years ago, my life looked nothing like it does now. I had no money, no support system, no self-reliance, and I was deeply unhappy. If you’ve read my book
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/thought-snob-book"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Thought SNOB
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , you know the story. I was exhausted—sick of being miserable, sick of being surrounded by people who didn’t love or respect me, sick of never getting what I wanted.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            One day, I hit my breaking point. I threw my hands up and said,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “God, show me what you’ve got, because I can’t do this anymore.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            I surrendered. I stopped trying to force solutions and started using what God gave me—my mind.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I began envisioning the life I wanted. Each day, I imagined myself feeling good, looking good, living freely, and not checking price tags. When intrusive thoughts appeared, I redirected my focus back to those visions.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Around that time, I heard about vision boards on a daytime talk show. They were utterly foreign to me, but I was willing to try anything because my way clearly wasn’t working. I made a vision board and placed it beside my bed so I could see it when I woke up and before I went to sleep. After a few days, I noticed a change in my mood. Looking at the life I was meant for gave me hope, and I hadn’t felt hopeful in a very long time. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Every single thing on that vision board eventually showed up in my physical reality. Twenty years ago, I created the life I’m living now.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Here’s why vision boards work.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            You don’t attract what you
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           want
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            —you attract what you
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           are
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . When I started this work, I wasn’t aligned with health, abundance, peace, or opportunity. I aligned with lack, chaos, and fear because that was my belief. Vision boards helped me consciously replace that belief system with a new one.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Manifestation requires believing you have something before you see it. Vision boards make that possible by forcing sustained focus on what you want instead of what you don’t want. They invite you to dream, play pretend, and feel excitement. That emotional charge accelerates creation. Worry does the same thing—it just creates outcomes you don’t want.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            A vision board is like a GPS for the Universe. Each image and word is an address. I recommend placing a
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           recent photo of yourself
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            at the center of your board—not a past version, but who you are now—so your subconscious associates you with the life you’re calling in.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            When you look at your board, say,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “All of this is mine,”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and feel gratitude as if it already exists. And don’t attach time limits—the moment you demand when or how, you reintroduce resistance. Let timing be God’s job. Excitement speeds up your manifestations—impatience stalls. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           There are no rules. You don’t have to finish your board in one sitting, and you can add to it anytime. Your mind is already creating your life—vision boards simply teach it where to go.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Need some more help on starting your vision board? I'm hosting the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/spa-retreat#CapricornNewMoonVisionBoardExperience"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Capricorn New Moon Vision Board Experience
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on January 18th! Space is limited, so
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://portal.paulaswope.com/hs/payments/QkFzyQXV4QwcGpy?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           sign up today
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           !
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Vision+Board+Blog+Image.jpg" length="128699" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:18:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/do-vision-boards-really-work</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Vision+Board+Blog+Image.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Moon</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/release-before-you-receive</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Release Before You Receive
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/New+Moon.jpg" alt="New Moon"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Don’t make your vision board yet.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Just because we’re wrapping up 2025 doesn’t mean you’re energetically ready to create one. Maybe you are—but if you aren’t, starting too soon can actually slow down your alignment with what you want.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           One of the biggest blockers? Holding on to old, stagnant people, places, and things that no longer serve you. Not only do they drain your energy—they often make you miserable.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You must let go of what doesn’t work to receive what does. That’s not philosophy—it’s mechanics.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sometimes energy is on your side, and sometimes it isn’t. Right now, it is.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The New Moon on
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           December 19th
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            arrives just days before the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Winter Solstice on December 21st
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           —the darkest point of the year and the moment the light begins its return. Nature doesn’t push forward during this time. It clears. It rests. It releases what can’t move into the next cycle.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I’ve experienced this rhythm in my own life for over 20 years. Every time I held on—whether to a situation, a belief, or a person—I blocked what I was asking for. And every single time I finally let go, something I had been wanting had room to arrive.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Letting go, releasing, and clearing can be uncomfortable. But the truth is, you already know what needs to go.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pause here for a moment and ask yourself: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What do I need to release?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           For most people, the answer is obvious—and it’s probably been weighing on you longer than you’d like to admit.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Winter Solstice reminds us of something important: the light doesn’t disappear forever—it returns when space has been made for it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           How to Work With the New Moon &amp;amp; Solstice Intentionally
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This isn’t about forcing belief or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about clearing the signal—then choosing what replaces it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           December 19th – New Moon (Release)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           On December 19th, write down what you’re releasing. Say it out loud a few times throughout the day—not to convince yourself, but to acknowledge completion.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           December 21st – Winter Solstice (Receive)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           On the day of the Solstice, write down what you want as if you already have it. Then say it out loud a few times throughout the day, allowing your nervous system to register the shift.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Here’s a simple example using family dynamics:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           New Moon (Dec 19):
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            “I am releasing old family patterns and relationships that drain my energy and rob me of happiness.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Winter Solstice (Dec 21):
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            “Loving, supportive people surround me, and I love the peaceful world I live in.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Release first. Then receive.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ritual-Like Ways to Finalize Your Release on December 19th
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Letting go isn’t just a mindset shift—it’s an action. Ritual-like acts help the brain and nervous system register finality. Use what resonates. Ignore what doesn’t.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you’re clinging to an old memory, person, or situation that still haunts your mind:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Find a photo of the person or situation and burn it safely. If you don’t have a photo, draw one or find an image online that resembles it. As you burn it, acknowledge what it taught you—and release it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you’re holding on to an old car that constantly breaks down because you’re afraid to spend money:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Clean it out as if you were taking it to the car lot to trade it in. As you clean, thank the car for serving you, but clearly state that this chapter is complete. Find a photo of the type of car you want next and place it somewhere visible inside your current car. Each day, when you see it, express gratitude for the new car as if it’s already on its way.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you stay connected on social media to someone out of history, obligation, or guilt—but they irritate you every time you see them:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            On December 19th, delete them. Then, on the Winter Solstice, say something like: “I released (name) because I am ready to welcome people into my life who bring peace, joy, and opportunities.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you’ve been dealing with the same unresolved health issues for years and nothing is changing:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            On December 19th, contact your healthcare provider. Tell them you’re done with the status quo and ready for a new approach. Clearly outline what you’re releasing and ask for a new treatment plan. If you aren’t heard, seek a second opinion. On the Solstice, express gratitude for finding solutions and support that truly help you heal.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           These actions aren’t symbolic fluff. They signal readiness. They tell your subconscious—and the Universe—that you are done tolerating what doesn’t work.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Why This Matters Before You Create a Vision Board
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Clarity doesn’t come from wanting more. It comes from making space.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This is why I don’t rush straight into goal-setting or vision boarding in December. When you clear first, what you want becomes obvious—and alignment happens faster.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you’re ready to move into the new year with intention, clarity, and a clean energetic slate, this is the work that comes first.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Release happens in the dark. Receiving begins when the light returns.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I’m hosting IRL vision board classes throughout January. If you’re interested in attending, email me – paula@paulaswope.com. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/New+Moon.jpg" length="11823" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:06:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/release-before-you-receive</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/New+Moon.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/New+Moon.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Your Manifestations Aren’t Working (and How to Fix It)</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/why-your-manifestations-arent-working-and-how-to-fix-it</link>
      <description>Why Your Manifestations Aren’t Working (and How to Fix It)</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Manifestation+Blog+Image.jpg" alt="Manifestation Blog"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Manifestation isn’t something you do.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Manifestation is what you are.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           It’s a gift — a built-in power source you were born with. The ability to consciously create the life you want is miraculous. But here’s the catch: you can also consciously and subconsciously create a life you don’t want. You're manifesting 24/7. You were manifesting at birth, and the process has never stopped.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            If you think you’re “not good” at manifestation, take a look at the things in your life you
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           don’t
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            want. You manifested those, too.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Two golden rules control this entire process:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Golden Rule #1: Like attracts like.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Golden Rule #2: You become what you think you are.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Seems simple, right? But this stuff gets confusing fast, especially when you're doing all the things…
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Vision board? Check.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Affirmations? Check.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Meditation? Check.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scripting? Check.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           And yet your life doesn’t look any different. Why?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Because none of it works if the dominant tone of your emotional world is off.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The 80% Rule No One Talks About
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Your manifestations follow
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           how you feel 80% of the time.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you hate your job and feel irritated most of your waking hours, you are broadcasting irritation — and irritation is a powerful frequency. Despite being low vibe, it magnetizes quickly.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           What does irritation attract?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head colds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mistakes
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Car problems
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Chaotic mix-ups
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Unexpected expenses
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Petty arguments
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Relationship friction
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Anything that makes you want to scream into a pillow
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Now imagine you feel good 80% of the time.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Not perfect —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           just good.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Feeling good most of the day pulls in:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Good health
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Unexpected money
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Helpful people
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Peace
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ease
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Serendipity
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            “Random” blessings you swear are luck
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But luck is not random.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Luck is created by feeling good most of the time.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           So Why the Vision Boards, Affirmations, and Meditation?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Because those practices help you
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           feel good
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , which shifts your internal frequency — and science backs this up.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Neuroscience Behind It
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Your brain and subconscious believe whatever you repeatedly tell them. Neuroscientists call this
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           neuroplasticity
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on repetitive thought and emotional conditioning.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Your subconscious controls
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           over 90%
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            of your daily behaviors. Those behaviors create the quality of your life.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Affirmations, visualization, and meditation:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Calm the amygdala (the fear center)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Increase prefrontal cortex activity (the decision-making center)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Strengthen neural pathways associated with confidence and worthiness
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Prime the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to look for opportunities that match your beliefs
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Energetics Behind It
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Quantum-style explanations tell us that emotions carry measurable electromagnetic signatures. When you maintain a certain emotional baseline, those signatures align you with similar frequencies in the physical world.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           In short:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Feel bad → attract bad.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Feel good → attract good.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Subconscious Beliefs: The Silent Saboteurs
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Most people don’t even realize they’re carrying subconscious beliefs that poison their manifestations.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lose your confidence somewhere along the way?
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Never developed it in the first place?
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Then your energy is radiating insecurity — and insecurity always manifests settling, disappointment, resentment, and chaos.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You start to believe everyone else gets what they want, while you never do. Over time, that belief becomes a script your subconscious runs without your permission.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This is how people end up living the same year over and over.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In my book,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://a.co/d/0D9ccjW" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Thought SNOB: The Modern Spiritual Playbook for a Better Life
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , I walk you step-by-step out of this hole, but here’s an immediate crash course to get your energy moving in the right direction.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your Crash Course for Fixing Your Manifestations
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            There are
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           two critical windows
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            every day when your brain is most open to reprogramming:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           1. The moment you wake up
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2. The moments before you fall asleep
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            These are the times when your brain is in
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           theta
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — the subconscious sweet spot.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Let’s rewire it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Morning Routine: Seal Your Fate
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The moment you open your eyes,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           look at natural sunlight
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — even for 30 seconds.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Research from Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman shows morning sunlight resets the amygdala and stabilizes the nervous system.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           As you look at the light, say:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           “Today is a lucky day. I am aligning with people, places, and things that give me a better life.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Say it.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Think it.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Write it.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Repeat it while you get ready.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Then think of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2–3 things you are genuinely grateful for.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gratitude is scientifically proven to increase dopamine and serotonin — the “feel good” chemicals that raise your emotional frequency.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gratitude is also shown in MRI studies to activate the brain’s reward pathways, making you
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           more receptive
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            to positive outcomes.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           During the Day: Don’t React (This Is the Hard Part)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           When something stressful happens — and it will — resist the instinctive reaction.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Go straight to the mantra:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           “Today is a lucky day. I am aligning with people, places, and things that are giving me a better life.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           You’re not ignoring reality. You’re rerouting your energy.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your happiness is determined less by your circumstances and more by your reactions to them. This mantra interrupts your old pattern and reroutes your subconscious toward the outcome you want.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Nighttime: Program Tomorrow
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Before bed, say:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           “Tomorrow is a lucky day. I will align with people, places, and things that give me a better life.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If racing thoughts come in (and they will), gently shift your focus back to your mantra.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            You're not forcing yourself to think positively — forced positivity is toxic and unrealistic. You're simply giving your brain a
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GPS destination
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           And just like a GPS, once you enter the address, the route forms.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Your thoughts, words, emotions, and actions work the same way in the Universe.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           They program your path.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Final Thoughts
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Manifestation isn’t about forcing anything.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            It’s about
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           feeling good most of the time
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , communicating clearly with the Universe through your emotions, and understanding that your subconscious beliefs shape your reality far more than your conscious wishes.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If your manifestations aren’t working, the problem isn’t your vision board.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           It’s not your affirmations.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           It’s not your meditations.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            It’s the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           internal weather system
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            you’re living in 80% of the time.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Change that… and everything changes.
           &#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Manifestation+Blog+Image.jpg" length="133779" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:40:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/why-your-manifestations-arent-working-and-how-to-fix-it</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>5 Powerful Spiritual Signs that Your Conscious Creation Efforts Are Working</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/5-powerful-spiritual-signs-that-your-conscious-creation-efforts-are-working</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           5 Powerful Spiritual Signs that Your Conscious Creation Efforts Are Working 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/iStock-917652908.jpg" alt="5 Powerful Spiritual Signs that Your Conscious Creation Efforts Are Working "/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Transitioning from a Thought SLOB to a Thought SNOB will present its fair share of challenges and “Dear God, help me” moments, but when you are aware of these five signs, you’ll be more likely to trust the process. Before you dig into the five signs, I’ll briefly explain what a Thought SLOB is compared to a Thought SNOB; although, I’m sure you don’t need this explanation because you’ve read my book. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           SLOB stands for Self-Loathing Overrides Better. Thought SLOBS make decisions that block them from attracting what they want, because they choose loathing over a better life. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           SNOB stands for See New Objective Beliefs. Thought SNOBS, however, won’t settle for anything less than better. Every decision they make is strategic and has an intended outcome that results in something better. They’re constantly elevating while the SLOB is continually stagnating. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Back to the five signs. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The list of five powerful spiritual signs is not in any particular order. Each one is of equal importance, and each one will happen. I experienced these five things within one year to give you a reference point. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sign #1 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Your world falls apart. Completely dismantled. Everything. You may feel like you've hit rock bottom, or if it isn't rock bottom, you might think, "What in the hell is happening here?" Relationships end. Jobs end. Sickness might surround you. Legal troubles. Financial troubles. You name it. Shit hits the fan. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sign #2
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You lose interest in people. These people are the ones from whom you have craved attention in the past. Maybe you have been involved with someone who wouldn’t commit, but you hung in there, hoping for a loving, stable relationship. Hopelessly devoted. Then, one day, you wake up and aren't interested in them anymore, but they're suddenly interested in you. The tables turn when your manifestations are close. When they come to fruition, the books are balanced. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Along with this, you lose interest in doing things you've always done. Those things don't interest you anymore. You seek new things to do, and you can't really figure out why you've lost interest in the old, but you have. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sign #3 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You don't relate to the people around you like you used to. When those people tell you their sad stories and drama, you feel different as they talk. You don't want to talk to them about that shit, and not only that, you’re able to see why their life is so dramatic. As they talk, you know the answers to their problems, but if you say what you want, they'll get offended. So, you find yourself drifting away from the people you've always hung around. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sign #4
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You have an inner calling that you can't ignore. It won't go away. It appears in some form every day. For me, it was helping people. Opportunities to give kept popping up, and I acted on them. I wanted to help people, and I wanted to do that without any expectation of a reward. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sign #5
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You view people differently. This is a sign of a significant, pivotal inner transformation. You see people as an extension of yourself, even the people you don't like. And let me tell you something: just because you're elevating energetically and creating an abundant life for yourself does not mean you have to like everyone. Don't even put that pressure on yourself. Period. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Slight rant… 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Being a spiritually enlightened person doesn’t equate to liking everyone. People get that all messed up. Give yourself permission to spot the energies that are wrong for you and stay away from those people. You don’t have to like someone to love them. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rant over. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You see people through a more compassionate, empathetic lens. Let's say someone cuts you off in traffic. If you used to have road rage during those times, you won't have road rage anymore. Instead, you'll wonder if they've had a bad day or are sick. You’ll also consider that you’ve been guilty of cutting people off in traffic. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This fifth sign is paramount because reaching this level of consciousness and awareness means living with empathy. Empathy leads to gratitude and forgiveness, and those emotions completely cancel out manifestation blockers like fear, hate, doubt, and resentment. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           When you think this way, you have reached a higher level of consciousness. With that glorious consciousness, your vibration latches on to what you want. Elevating your energy to this magnitude also delivers strong emotional intelligence, and managing your emotions healthily is the key to consciously creating wealth. If there is a “secret” to manifestation, that’s it. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thank you for reading my blog. If you made it this far, you gave me your most precious asset: your time. I am grateful for that. If you haven’t read my book, go to Amazon (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://a.co/d/ja1pVNm" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://a.co/d/ja1pVNm
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ), buy it, round up some Kleenex and chocolate, and dig in! 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Also, it’s available in three formats: paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. The audiobook is stealing the show. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/iStock-917652908.jpg" length="290645" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:30:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/5-powerful-spiritual-signs-that-your-conscious-creation-efforts-are-working</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>When Sleep Plays Hard to Get…</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/when-sleep-plays-hard-to-get</link>
      <description>When Sleep Plays Hard to Get…</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56484; When Sleep Plays Hard to Get…
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Insomnia+Image+.jpg" alt="&amp;#55357; When Sleep Plays Hard to Get…"/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           One of my biggest motivators for starting my own spiritual retreats was to help people sleep better by learning to regulate their emotions, calm their nervous systems, and reconnect with themselves in a deeper way.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Want to live a long life? Sleep.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Want to prevent disease? Sleep.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Want a stronger immune system? More joy? Less inflammation? The answer is still:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           sleep
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Holistic retreats like the ones we offer at SPA have been shown to improve sleep quality by addressing the root causes—emotional, physiological, and mental. According to a 2024 report from The Center for Advancing Health, 40% of people with insomnia also have a psychiatric disorder. That’s just one of many disturbing stats.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ➡️
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           1 in 4 women
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           1 in 5 men
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            suffer from insomnia.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            ➡️ Insufficient sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, diabetes, obesity, and more.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The good news? Most of these conditions are preventable—and the most powerful prevention tool we have is simple: getting 7–9 hours of high-quality sleep every night.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Which brings me to a very personal story...
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you’ve ever tossed and turned at 2 a.m., praying for sleep to come, this one’s for you.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Insomnia is like that rude, uninvited guest who shows up banging on your door without warning—and then overstays their welcome. If I’m honest, if there’s any hatred in my heart, it’s for insomnia.
          &#xD;
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           Sleep Is Sacred
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           Sleep isn’t a luxury in my world. It’s a necessity. It ranks above everything else, because without it, I can’t show up for myself or anyone else. It’s when we heal, when we process our emotions, and—yes—when we receive spiritual guidance from the Divine.
          &#xD;
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           Although… if some of my dreams are messages from above, then God definitely has a sense of humor.
          &#xD;
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           I’ve had dreams where I was best friends with Machine Gun Kelly. Another time, I was on tour with Bruno Mars, and I was genuinely disappointed to wake up. That one felt personal. &amp;#55357;&amp;#56836;
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           I’ve Tried It All (Almost)
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           Like most people struggling with sleep, I’ve tried everything. Herbal teas. Warm baths. No screens. Magnesium. Lavender oil. Melatonin. Meditation. You name it. Some helped a little. Most didn’t help at all.
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           But a few months ago, I stumbled on something surprisingly simple that actually worked.
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           The Visualization That Put Me to Sleep
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            One night, wide awake and frustrated, I imagined myself walking down a staircase—step by slow step. With each step, I silently repeated,
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           “I am going into deep sleep.”
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           Each step took me further into a calm, gentle darkness. Not the scary kind. The peaceful kind. The kind that feels like floating. Before I knew it, I was out.
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           And I’ve used it ever since. It works more often than not—and it’s free, easy, and available any time.
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           Give It a Try
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           I’m grateful that post menopause and hormone replacement therapy have made insomnia less frequent for me. But if it ever returns, I know how to find my way back to rest, one step at a time.
          &#xD;
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           Try it tonight. It might just work for you, too.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Insomnia+Image+.jpg" length="75321" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:42:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/when-sleep-plays-hard-to-get</guid>
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      <title>How to Activate Your Body's Innate Healing Powers</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-activate-your-body-s-innate-healing-powers</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           How to Activate Your Body’s Innate Healing Powers
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           “To live a long, healthy life, you need to stimulate the vagus nerve.” I nervously glanced around when Deepak Chopra said this because I had never heard about the vagus nerve until I started studying at the Chopra Center. I’m embarrassed to admit that I knew very little about my anatomy, and that is not how a Thought Snob behaves. I had to get my shit together because my number one goal is to feel good. If I feel good, everything falls into place. 
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           I created the Thought Snob method to help you feel better by teaching you how to approach life with mindful awareness and emotional intelligence. When those two things are present, you are a master of your thoughts, emotions, actions, and words, which trickles down to heavily impact your health. Why is this important? Because like attracts like. If you feel good 95% of the time, you’re a magnet for all things good. However, if you feel bad 95% of the time, you’re a magnet for all things bad. 
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           It's that simple, yet so complex. 
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           What Is the Vagus Nerve?
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           The vagus nerve is the most important part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s the longest cranial nerve in the body, connecting the brain to the organs. It’s often referred to as the 'healing nerve' because it regulates our involuntary functions, including our subconscious mind. Our memories, karmic imprints, and desires reside in our subconscious, shaping our interpretations of the world. Understanding the vagus nerve's function deepens your self-awareness and enhances your ability to relax and heal.
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           Why You Should Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve Daily 
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           Let’s face some truths here. Living in America is fast-paced. We’re conditioned from birth to push ourselves to the limit to achieve anything. If we rest, we’re lazy. Programming to associate rest with laziness is ridiculous and sets us up for self-sabotaging. Rest is the most productive thing we can do! The American way is to let the mind run the show, and that’s wrong. It’s the body that tells us everything we need to know. If we neglect our bodies, our bodies neglect us. Then what? 
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           I think you know the answer to that question. 
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           A fast-paced lifestyle often results in chronic stress. Daily stressors accumulate and eventually turn into chronic stress. If chronic stress isn’t interrupted, it is highly likely to manifest as inflammation in the body. Since inflammation is the root cause of nearly every disease known to man, you need to steer clear of inflammation. Each time you activate your vagus nerve, you turn off your sympathetic nervous system (i.e., fight-flight-freeze response) and turn on your parasympathetic nervous system (i.e., rest and digest response). Turning on your parasympathetic nervous system alleviates inflammation and activates your body’s innate healing powers. 
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           I invite you to watch an episode of Thought Snob Live!, my weekly show on TikTok that airs each Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST. A few weeks ago, I conducted a workshop about activating the vagus nerve. Watch this video and learn techniques you can use TODAY without spending one penny. 
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    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/gpLh5iaGoMs?si=FvW9d4V-4dDwjyIS" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://youtu.be/gpLh5iaGoMs?si=FvW9d4V-4dDwjyIS
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            ﻿
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/iStock-1178516547.jpg" length="225196" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:10:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-activate-your-body-s-innate-healing-powers</guid>
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      <title>Prepare. Don't Overshare: Outsmarting Nosy People and Oversharing Triggers</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/prepare-don-t-overshare-outsmarting-nosy-people-and-oversharing-triggers</link>
      <description>Prepare. Don't Overshare: Outsmarting Nosy People and Oversharing Triggers</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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           Have you ever walked away from a conversation and thought, “Good Lord, why in the hell did I say all that?” If so, you’re not alone. It’s called oversharing, and it’s way more common than you may think. The good news is I can help you break this habit that stems from (guess what?) trauma. Are you surprised? I’d say you aren’t. Most of our bad habits stem from unprocessed trauma. 
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           Oversharing isn’t just “talking too much.” It’s a coping mechanism. It typically stems from a deep-seated need to be accepted or a fear of rejection. We spill everything, hoping it’ll bring us closer to someone… but often, we walk away feeling exposed, stupid, and regretful. Or, if you’re like me, humiliated out of your mind! 
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           It’s a kind of self-abandonment. We cross our own boundaries, hoping to be liked, only to betray our own sense of peace. Usually, in the moment, we're unaware of what's happening. We don't realize what we've done until we finally shut the hell up. I still do this from time to time, but I'm much better than I used to be. I’ll share the technique I used and still use in just a moment. 
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           When you overshare, people become accustomed to it, and they expect to be entertained by your stories. People love sad stories, and when you overshare, is the information usually good? Not usually. Back in the day, I revealed things about myself that were downright demeaning to make the other person laugh. WTH? Total trauma response. I should’ve just opened every conversation with this: “Hi. I have deep insecurities, and you make me nervous, so will you stand there and listen while I defile myself?” The more I overshared, the more humiliation trauma I brought upon myself. 
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           Does this resonate deeply with you? Keep reading if it does, because here’s the thing: you can prevent it, and you can learn from it. 
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           One of the most powerful tools to prevent this is Preparation. 
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           Prepare your answers for situations that tend to make you overshare—such as nosy relatives, your work environment, awkward social events (which was always my trigger), and even first dates. When you rehearse calm, clear responses ahead of time, you reclaim your power. You’re way less likely to be caught off guard. 
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           Think about situations where you tend to overshare. When I thought about these situations, I identified three: awkward social events, conversations with someone who has no personality, and being asked about my father. Identifying my triggering environments created an awareness, and as you know, awareness is the foundation of all change. Become aware of what causes you to say too much, and you’re ten steps ahead of the situation. 
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           So, start here: Identify the spaces that cause diarrhea of the mouth. Then, think about the people who always pry and the questions they tend to ask. List their typical prying questions one by one and come up with new answers, answers that won’t make you hate yourself later. 
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           I go into these situations with prepared, rehearsed answers. I don't get caught up, and I feel so much better afterwards. The last time I was really caught off guard was at a wedding a couple of years ago, when several people asked me about my relationship with my father. It was a bunch of freaking nosy people who didn't give a damn about me or how I was doing, and thank goodness I caught myself within a millisecond of spilling my guts. From that moment on, I started preparing instead of oversharing. 
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           So, the next time someone asks something that makes you feel flustered or triggered, you’re not caught off guard—you’re grounded. You’re in control. It’s entertaining to watch those nosy ones squirm when they don’t get what they want from you. 
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           Remember: you don’t owe anyone your life story just because they asked a question. People will fish for information. Don't let them catch you. And always keep in mind that if they’re fishing, they’re repeating. Unfortunately, not everyone is nice. 
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           Your peace is sacred. Protect it. Prepare. Don't overshare.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Embarrassed+Woman.jpg" length="67405" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:36:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/prepare-don-t-overshare-outsmarting-nosy-people-and-oversharing-triggers</guid>
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      <title>How to Know What God Wants You to Do</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-know-what-god-wants-you-to-do</link>
      <description>How to Know What God Wants You to Do</description>
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           How to Know What God Wants You to Do
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            ﻿
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           I saw this topic was trending in Creator Search Insights on TikTok, and the minute I saw it, I thought, “How can anyone miss messages from God?” That was a rhetorical question. I know the answer. In this article, I will explain why you miss messages from the Divine and how you can start getting them. Receiving messages from God is essential because most human beings don’t know jack shit if they don’t know how to access their inner wisdom. If you don’t access your inner wisdom, the words that come from your mouth are nothing more than subjective opinions and criticisms, which mean nothing. 
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Why You Miss Messages from God 
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           You miss messages from God for two reasons: You think you’re separate from God and stay in the noise too much. I’ll start with the first reason. 
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           You think you’re separate from God, but you aren’t. The moment you were led to believe there was a separation between you and the Divine was when your problems began. Society and organized religion personify God. Hell, they’ve even assigned a gender to the Divine, which is hilarious! God doesn’t have a gender, an ego, or a punitive policy handbook. God is a Divine entity that gave you life and an eternal soul. God has always and will always be within you. 
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Moving on to the second reason. Society is noisy. You won’t be able to access your inner wisdom if you’re always in noisy environments. Silence is where infinite possibilities exist and the only place where you can tap into your inner wisdom. Your inner wisdom is the only source of information that is correct. Again, most human beings don’t know jack shit, especially when it comes to you. Don’t seek advice from unenlightened people. You don’t need their advice or their opinions. Use my technique to access your inner wisdom so you can receive messages from the Divine:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/z9Yb0Ua2iGk?si=B9xmENDM9x8-Csvv" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://youtu.be/z9Yb0Ua2iGk?si=B9xmENDM9x8-Csvv
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           . 
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           I’m not suggesting you become a monk. In modern society, it would be impossible to stay in silence 24/7. Always abide by the 80/20 rule. In this case, you would dedicate 20% of your time to silence and the other 80% to noise. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           How Does God Communicate? 
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           God doesn’t communicate audibly like human beings. I have heard some people claim they received clear, audible messages from God, but this is rare. God communicates through emotions, visions, intuition, and burning desires. People are programmed to be guided by habit and convenience rather than relying on their inner wisdom. Living this way drowns out internal signals because you rely solely on external ones. The technique that I just shared with you gets your energy flowing and opens the portal to your inner wisdom. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Here are some prompts to help you think critically about how you have ignored internal signals (i.e., messages from God). Please think through them without any judgments. The purpose of doing this is to enhance your awareness and expand your consciousness, not to judge yourself. 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           What happened when I continued a relationship with someone I knew was terrible for me? 
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           What happened when I remained loyal to a boss who made me livid? 
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           What happened when I said “yes” when I desperately wanted to say “no?” 
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           What happened when I listened to everyone’s opinions except my own? 
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           Take a breather. Again, don’t judge or criticize yourself. Show yourself compassion just as you would your closest and dearest friend. Suppose you had an epiphany when you thought through the prompts. In that case, you’re about to break a lifelong habit of relying on external sources for guidance that will change your perspective forever, so self-compassion is merited right now. You just reached a level of enlightenment that most people never get. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Entering Your Inner Wisdom Era 
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           Before you grab your phone or talk to anyone each morning, rest in silence and ask, “God, what’s your plan for me today?” Ask without judgments or expectations, and see what happens. You might find that challenges appear in a new light. Novel solutions may emerge effortlessly. Each time you go inward instead of outward, you expand your perspective and identity and raise your energetic frequency to match the vibration of the Divine. 
          &#xD;
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           Sound woo-woo? If so, let’s make a deal. Use my technique daily for one month, and then tell me if you still think it’s woo-hoo. If you didn’t experience any results, I will continue to provide free techniques for you to try until you find one that works. And, hey, if your way isn’t working, why not try mine? 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           If you made it this far, thank you. I appreciate you giving me your most important asset, your time. I have created many free resources to help you obtain the life you want and deserve. Surf around paulaswope.com and explore the various techniques and content I designed for YOU! 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:57:15 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>My Transformation from ‘Slob’ to ‘Snob’— and Why I Wrote It Down</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/my-transformation-from-slob-to-snob-and-why-i-wrote-it-down</link>
      <description>My Transformation from ‘Slob’ to ‘Snob’— and Why I Wrote It Down</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           My Transformation from ‘Slob’ to ‘Snob’— and Why I Wrote It Down
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            To read Paula's article on Women Writes, Women['s] Books, click
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://booksbywomen.org/my-transformation-from-slob-to-snob-and-why-i-wrote-it-down/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           !
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
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      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:26:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/my-transformation-from-slob-to-snob-and-why-i-wrote-it-down</guid>
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      <title>Paula Swope Of The Thought Snob Podcast: How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/paula-swope-of-the-thought-snob-podcast-how-i-reinvented-myself-in-the-second-chapter-of-my-life</link>
      <description>Paula Swope's Interview With Wanda Malhotra: How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Paula Swope Of The Thought Snob Podcast: How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
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           An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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           You’re going to make some tough decisions, because you cannot elevate your energy in a toxic environment surrounded by toxic people.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            To read Paula's interview with Wanda Malhotra, click
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://medium.com/authority-magazine/paula-swope-of-the-thought-snob-podcast-how-i-reinvented-myself-in-the-second-chapter-of-my-life-aa19bbfefa55" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           !
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:15:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/paula-swope-of-the-thought-snob-podcast-how-i-reinvented-myself-in-the-second-chapter-of-my-life</guid>
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      <title>Annoying People Begone! 5-Step Method to Eliminate People You Can’t Stand</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/annoying-people-begone-5-step-method-to-eliminate-people-you-cant-stand</link>
      <description>Annoying People Begone! 5-Step Method to Eliminate People You Can’t Stand</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Annoying People Begone! 5-Step Method to Eliminate People You Can’t Stand
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           Image Credit: Liboiron, M. (2013). “Bibliography on Noise Pollution.” Discardstudios.com.
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           As I write this, I’m wearing earplugs. For three years, I have endured unreasonably loud noise from my neighbor. This person executes capital construction projects that take place between April through November of each year. I have been patient, understanding, and kept hoping the projects would subside, but I hit a breaking point last week after enduring the sound of saws for 10–11 hours daily for several weeks.
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           I work from home. I am a meditation instructor, author, and empowerment coach. Can you imagine what it’s been like trying to run my business while saws are full throttle 30 feet outside of my office window?
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           Last Friday, I lost my shit. My shit was lost. I came to myself screaming obscenities at Mexican construction workers who don’t speak English. Plus, they couldn’t hear me anyway. The saws drowned me out. At that moment, I knew I had to get a grip; otherwise, I was going to allow my neighbor to drive me mad and rob me of my peace and happiness. I can’t allow that because I rely on my thoughts, words, actions, and emotions to create my physical reality, and I’m not looking to create a house that sits on a property in hell on earth.
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           As I write this, those saws are full throttle right outside of my home office, but I’m not coming unglued. Over the weekend, I took advantage of the much-needed silence and got in tune with myself. I used my years of professional training coupled with primary and secondary research and developed a 5-step method to help anyone dealing with an annoying person. We cannot allow an annoying person to block what we want to attract, and that’s what they do IF we allow it. The emotions they evoke by provoking us to wrath are the emotions that attract toxicity.
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           Sounds Have an Impact on Our Emotions
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           It is well-documented in the scholarly literature that sound has a powerful impact on our physiology. Sounds can activate healing or drive us mad. Loud noises cause stress, and stress causes inflammation in the body, and inflammation causes chronic disease.
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           What happens when we don’t feel good? Our energy matches people, places, and things that resemble how we feel. It’s quite dangerous to feel agitated and annoyed for extended periods.
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           Most of us have struggled with managing our emotions. We might drive ourselves mad during challenging times, forcing ourselves to think positively because we don’t want to attract something bad. That never works. It makes things worse. For 17 years, I have used spiritual tools to increase my emotional intelligence, release trauma, and manage my emotions healthily. After all that practice and dedication, I still lost control because I was provoked into wrath.
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           When I came to myself screaming at people that didn’t speak English out my front door, I knew I had to get a handle on myself. I can’t control what my neighbor does, but I can control what I do. Over the weekend, I got some much-needed respite from the noise and remembered who I was. Silence brings me great clarity, and I used that clarity to design a 5-Step Method to help us handle annoying people so that they do not get the emotional upper hand.
          &#xD;
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           5-Steps to Peace Amidst Annoyance
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           Step 1: Be aware of what emotions actually are.
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           Emotions are thoughts in the mind associated with some kind of sensation in the body. That’s why they are called feelings. We feel those sensations, and those sensations cause us to act out.
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           Last Friday, the saws had been going for about eight hours straight, and I opened my front door and screamed obscenities at the workers. I had felt rage for so many days in a row because of that maddening noise, and that feeling (for me) is associated with screaming and cursing. If I had practiced mindful awareness, like I usually do and like I’m trained to do, I would’ve reminded myself of this and caught myself before I had a battle with my ego.
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           Step 2: Love and Accept Yourself
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           Acting out like that caused me to criticize myself. I got mad at myself for allowing my neighbor to rob me of my peace and happiness. I didn’t beat myself up long because I reminded myself that my feelings were valid. I just needed to accept myself and love myself regardless of how I had behaved. Even though I felt ridiculous and defeated for how I had reacted, I forgave myself. After all, we are spiritual beings having human experiences, and feeling irritated and livid is part of the human experience.
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           Step 3: Write About the Situation Objectively
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           Writing about anything that has caused you to lose your shit is powerful. I wrote about my neighbor objectively, so I didn’t include how I felt. I kept the feelings out of it. I stated facts. This helped me tremendously because it made me more aware that the story around the situation is what has made me “crazy.”
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           We tend to attach stories to particular events, which often stirs debilitating emotions when the stories are attached to unpleasant events. Writing about my situation objectively put me in the position of the witness. The purpose of positioning yourself as the witness is to become aware that you are not the emotions associated with an event. You’re just feeling something at that moment, and you always have the choice to react or not.
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           Step 4: Write About the Situation Subjectively
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           Now it’s time to write about how you feel. After I wrote about the facts, I wrote about how I felt, and with each sentence, I chipped away at the emotions that were causing pain and suffering. I didn’t judge the emotions. I owned them. I admitted them. And set an intention to let them go because they weren’t serving me well.
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           Journaling is a data-driven strategy for releasing negative emotions. The more we write about how we feel, the grip low-vibe emotions have on us loosens. When we mindfully release those emotions, we don’t get stuck in them, which means we are less likely to develop an illness. On that note, always, always, always remember that stress causes inflammation in the physiology, and inflammation is the root cause of nearly every disease known to man.
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           Step 5: Envision the Ideal Outcome
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           Envisioning the outcome has never failed me. Never. Over the weekend, as I sat in silence, I asked myself, “What is it that I want to happen with this neighbor?” The answer came right away. I want him to move because I don’t think the construction will ever stop.
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           A few years ago, when I lived in my hometown, I had a neighbor that threatened to kill my dog because she believed he had pooped in her yard. She picked up the poop she believed was his, threw it on my front doorstep, and rubbed it all over my back deck. My dog wasn’t the one pooping in her yard, but that’s the beside the point.
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           I envisioned her moving, and she did. She moved to Canada about two months after that happened. So, I didn’t hurt anyone in that situation like I wanted to. Instead, I used my mind to create a solution and then bring that solution to fruition. I am doing the same thing now.
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           I am holding a vision of a for sale sign on display in the capital construction yard. I spend a few minutes each day envisioning that the house is for sale. I take the vision a step further and see him moving out. Then, I see new, quiet, respectful neighbors living there. And, you know what? Those visions make me feel better, and that’s the goal. Right?
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           I hope you’ll try this method the next time you feel a lose my shit episode coming on. My 5-step method is not something I simply made up. My primary and secondary research backs it, and the strategies have been empirically shown to reduce stress and manage emotions effectively. I packed it so that it’s user-friendly. That way, no one has to deal with a learning curve. You can jump right in and use it right away.
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            If you’ve made it this far, thank you for giving me your most precious asset, your time. Visit
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            sometime and signup for my monthly newsletter while you’re there. It’s always full of spiritual tools that are effective, free, and easy to use.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:01:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/annoying-people-begone-5-step-method-to-eliminate-people-you-cant-stand</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Be Stingy With Your Silver Platters: How to Spot a Person that Doesn’t Deserve Your Help</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/be-stingy-with-your-silver-platters-how-to-spot-a-person-that-doesnt-deserve-your-help</link>
      <description>Be Stingy With Your Silver Platters: How to Spot a Person that Doesn’t Deserve Your Help</description>
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           Be Stingy With Your Silver Platters: How to Spot a Person that Doesn’t Deserve Your Help
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            ﻿
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           Helping people is essential to living a healthy, whole, and complete life. I firmly believe that. I also believe that those of us who have an innate burning desire to help people are meant to. However, we need to focus our efforts on people who appreciate our help. Sometimes we don’t realize we are constantly helping an ungrateful person until we’ve wasted inordinate amounts of time and money. So, how do I spot those people, you might ask? Ungrateful people have five distinctive qualities that grateful people do not exhibit.
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           Strap on your seatbelt. It’s soapbox time! Here are the five signs to look for when you suspect you’re dealing with an ungrateful person.
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           First Sign
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           They lie. They lie to you about wanting advice for the sole purpose of getting your attention. They have no plans of taking your advice. Advice is not what they’re seeking. Attention is what they’re seeking, or something tangible.
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           Second Sign
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           It’s never about you. It’s always about them. Every conversation is about them and what you can do for them. They never ask how you’re doing because they don’t care. You’re a resource and nothing more. This may sound absurd, but they probably don’t even know what you actually do for a living. Ask them.
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           Third Sign
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           They bring drama and chaos. When they walk into your space, it’s suddenly corrupted with a strange energy that interrupts your peace. You begin to dread seeing these people because they bring down the whole room’s energy, and they never know this because they have zero self-awareness.
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           Fourth Sign
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           Boundaries are violated. These people feel entitled to your energy. When they approach you, they bark orders instead of being polite and asking how you’re doing.
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           Fifth Sign
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           They might say “thank you” out of pure obligation. They might apologize for using and abusing you, but their apologies are like them, fake. Apologies mean nothing without changed behavior.
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           Be Stingy With Your Silver Platters
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           If you hand someone a silver platter, and they say, “Just sit it down over there. I’ll pick it up later,” politely excuse yourself and give it to someone who appreciates it.
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           The Law of Giving and Receiving is real. The more you give, the more you receive, but when you focus on giving to an ungrateful person, you risk two things happening:
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           Someone that really needs help and would appreciate it misses out. Helping someone who is grateful for your help has the power to change the trajectory of that person’s entire life.
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           Helping an ungrateful person will eventually cause you to feel resentful. Harboring resentment for extended periods will eventually manifest in poor health, such as physical ailments and disease.
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           So, don’t be handing out your expensive silver platters like bologna sandwiches at a picnic.
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            I wrote this article for those of us who deal with askholes, and I hope it helps bring awareness to these people. And if you made it all the way to the end, thank you. Please visit
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    &lt;a href="http://paulaswope.com"&gt;&#xD;
      
           paulaswope.com
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            sometime and signup for my newsletter while you’re there.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:45:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/be-stingy-with-your-silver-platters-how-to-spot-a-person-that-doesnt-deserve-your-help</guid>
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      <title>Why I Rejected Organized Religion</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/why-i-rejected-organized-religion</link>
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           Why I Rejected Organized Religion
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           I fully anticipate being called the anti-Christ, but I have to get this off my chest. Before you plot my demise, hear me out.
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            ﻿
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           Ten-Year-Old Me: “I want to be so rich one day that I don’t have to look at price tags.”
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           My Family: “You’re not supposed to want that. Bible says it’s harder for a rich man to enter the gates of heaven than it is for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle.”
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           Ten-Year-Old Me: “What the hell?”
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           Hearing this type of bullshit used to piss me off. As young as ten, I rejected it. Some ridiculous excuse shot down every dream I had, and misinterpretations of the scripture were usually at the core of it. Those misinterpretations and archaic belief systems were and still are driven by good ole’ fashioned fear.
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           Although I am unsure of how old I was, I remember this vividly. I had laid a magazine down on top of a Bible. My mother found it and came running to me. “Paula, you can never lay anything on top of the Bible. God will punish you for that.” I was scared to damn death forever over doing that because I had been socialized to believe that God would throw me into a lake of fire for deviant behaviors. Looking back, my fears were ridiculous and a complete waste of my energy.
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           I’m not beating up on my mother. She truly believed that, and I respect her beliefs as I do anyone’s. But that does not mean I have to comply or conform to beliefs I consider to be ridiculous. God gave me free will so that I can decide what’s right and wrong for me.
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           If you go to church, and it feeds your soul, that’s wonderful. I’m not lashing out at you. This article is for those who rejected organized religion and feel like they have nowhere to go. Rejecting organized religion and dismissing the beliefs I was taught about God is what led me to spirituality. If you’re like me and you’ve rejected organized religion, I want to give you a new perspective and a new set of commandments to live by. We can believe in God without participating in organized religion.
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           I don’t know what religious beliefs you were taught, but if they resemble mine, I’d love for you to read my article in its entirety. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve watched organized religion cause wars, drive people mad, and divide us all. Even though I always believed in God, and right now, I believe in God more than ever, I never accepted any ideals that came out of organized religion, and here’s why.
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           My Beef with Organized Religion
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           Each denomination claims to be right and condemns other denominations for their beliefs. Have you noticed that?
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           Have you ever gone to a church where everyone argues all the time or was cliquish?
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           Have you ever gone to a church that mandated that you look a certain way?
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           The Holiness denomination heavily influenced my upbringing, and their beliefs are outlandish. For example, they require women to have long hair. The women aren’t allowed to cut their hair. They claim you can’t get into Heaven if you are a female with short hair. Did you know that?
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           That’s absolute insanity. Do you remember Casey Anthony? She killed her daughter. She had long hair.
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           Take a look at the people in the Catholic church. Women wear their hair in many ways: short, long, bleached, straight, curly, and so on. Same situation with Methodists, Baptists, and various other denominations.
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           And think about this one… the Church of Christ forbids musical instruments in the church. So, are the Methodists, for instance, wrong to have a full choir backed by an orchestra?
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           My question has always been, “Who is right?” No one can answer that question.
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           The Bible: Hell, Hair, and Havoc
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           What gets me is that each denomination gets its playbook from the Bible, and they claim that’s where the truth comes from. How can it be the truth when it has been interpreted differently by everyone who has read it? Have you noticed that? The Holiness and the long hair mandate for women came from scripture that says a woman’s hair is her glory. I interpret that as we can wear our hair any way we want.
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           I mean, how do you interpret that? I would really love to know.
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           I was taught to fear God. The God I was raised to believe in was revengeful, jealous, and punitive by nature because if I didn’t behave a certain way, I would be thrown into a lake of fire to burn for eternity. And if I loved something too much, God would take that away from me because I was not to put anyone or anything above “him.”
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           Yes, I thought God was a white man throughout my entire childhood.
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           But the same people that believe in hell will say, “God is good. God is good all the time.” That doesn’t even make sense. If you think that God will throw you into a lake of fire for wrongdoing, how can you possibly love “him?” That’s not love. That’s fear and hatred. Love and fear, and hate cannot co-exist. So, do these people who conform to organized religion love or fear God? I think that question merits some serious pondering. I used to fear God, but now I am overwhelmed with love for God.
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           Now, I can keep going. I could write about this for days on end. I am talking to you about this because my new book is based on my original Thought Snob (Search for New Objective Beliefs) concept, and many of you are familiar with it by now. The book isn’t published yet, but it will be soon.
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           Thought Snobs search for new objective beliefs because the beliefs instilled in them have either ruined their lives or greatly hindered their growth. My parents always told me that it was harder for a rich man to get into heaven than it was for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. So, I grew up thinking that a person had to be poor to get into heaven. And that was based on actual scripture from the Bible.
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           Based on the teachings of my socialization, rich people don’t have much need for God. That’s some judgmental shit right there. I thought we weren’t supposed to judge.
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           Whatever. It hurts my head to even think about it.
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           I’ve known poor, rich, and wealthy people, and the only thing I base my beliefs on about their characters is how they treat me and others. Either you have good intentions, or you don’t. The amount of money you have has little to do with the color of your soul. And when natural disasters happen, who comes to the rescue? Who starts foundations to help the underprivileged and the underserved? The wealthy do because they have money.
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           And I’m here to tell you that the wealthy do not have to give anyone anything. Those who choose to do so do it out of kindness, compassion, and empathy. By giving money to improve the lives of the less fortunate, they act like God. In my opinion, that’s what we are supposed to do. If I show up with a large check that removes thousands of people from poverty and homelessness, would it matter what my hair looked like?
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           The answer is NO!
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           Thought Snobs and the Ten Commandments
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           Through being a Thought Snob, you basically reverse everything to escape havoc and reach sustainable happiness. Notice I said sustainable, not fleeting happiness.
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           Writing this book caused me to reflect deeply on organized religion because I couldn’t disagree with it more. So, during my research stage of the writing process, I pulled out the Ten Commandments and read through them. I wrote a new one for each one, and the ones I wrote make more sense to me. They make more sense because of these three facts:
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           1. God gave us free will. We wouldn’t have free will if we weren’t supposed to make choices.
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           2. The Ten Commandments from the Bible are rooted in fear, not love.
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           3. The Ten Commandments are written in a way that separates us from God, and that makes no sense because we are God. None of us are separated from God. Period. We’re all from the same source, so why are the Ten Commandments written this way?
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           I believe the Ten Commandments are a source that divided everyone from the beginning. Division has always, in my opinion, been the problem. Unity is the solution. Moreover, life isn’t black and white. There’s a significant grey area.
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           One of the Commandments states that we should honor thy father and thy mother, but what if our parents don’t honor us? People stay in abusive relationships with their parents because they believe they have to based on that commandment. This is why I say organized religion drives people mad because situations and relationships aren’t black and white.
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           This inspired me to write a new set of more loving and less punitive commandments. As you read each one, think about how each one coincides with the Ten Commandments written in the Bible.
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            I am God, so I will act like God.
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            I will love everyone even if I don’t like them.
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            I will be keenly aware that my words create good and bad karma, and I will always try to speak from a place of love.
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            I will treat every day as a gift.
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            I will associate with respectful people and care for them as they do me.
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            I will view myself as a loving being that is not disconnected from my Source.
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            I will embrace loyalty and receive the rewards of being loyal.
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            I will use my innate manifestation abilities to obtain anything I want.
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            I will practice gratitude daily.
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            I will honor my intuition and pursue any burning desires my intuition communicates.
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           If I had been presented with these statements early on in childhood, I wouldn’t have been so confused and wouldn’t have made fear-based decisions. Frankly, the Bible scared me to death, but I can’t think of one spiritual book that ever scared me.
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           Since my newest concept is based on objectively seeing things, the facts are that the spiritual path has never scared me. Ever. It is where I found the real God and felt the most profound love and forgiveness I’ve ever known. I never got that from organized religion because it removes the power of the individual and separates the individual from its source.
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           For those of you who left organized religion and feel like you have no place to go, you’re who I am speaking to. I hope this helps you gain clarity and confidence with your decisions. Look at the facts and get in tune with how YOU feel versus allowing scripture to dictate your lifestyle.
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           Let go and let God. The best way for us to do that is to see organized religion for what it is. If your heart is in the right place, you can worship God anywhere. You don’t have to be on the Amen Row every Sunday. If a person only acknowledges God on Sunday, well, that’s a conversation for another day.
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           Thank You
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           If you made it all the way to the end, thank you. I appreciate you giving me your most precious asset, your time. Please visit paulaswope.com sometime. I have a free monthly newsletter that thousands of people enjoy. Sign up for it while you’re surfing around.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:42:32 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Transcendental Meditation v. Primordial Sound Meditation: A Comparative Analysis from Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor, Paula Swope</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/transcendental-meditation-v-primordial-sound-meditation-a-comparative-analysis-from-chopra-certified-meditation-instructor-paula-swope</link>
      <description>Transcendental Meditation v. Primordial Sound Meditation: A Comparative Analysis from Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor, Paula Swope</description>
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           Transcendental Meditation v. Primordial Sound Meditation: A Comparative Analysis from Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor, Paula Swope
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           After many years of being hopelessly devoted to Transcendental Meditation (TM), I switched to Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM) in February 2023. I started studying under Deepak Chopra in October 2022, and one of the main focal points of his curriculum is PSM. So, I thought, “If I’m going to teach this, I need to try it.” I almost felt a twinge of guilt for cheating on my TM practice, but after one week of practicing PSM twice daily, I was hooked.
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           I got many questions when I introduced PSM to my social media followers. I thought addressing all of those in an article would be beneficial. If you’re curious about PSM and TM, you’ll be glad you found me. Consider this article as a one-stop shop for information about both meditation practices.
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           What is Transcendental Meditation?
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           Commonly referred to as TM, Transcendental Meditation is a simple silent mantra meditation that produces the best results when practiced twice daily in twenty-minute increments, so you meditate for a total of forty minutes each day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. TM was developed by an Indian spiritual master named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
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           Meditators use a mantra to get in the gap. The gap is where you access a field of infinite possibilities. By getting in the gap twice daily, you experience a relaxed state of awareness, stress release, and access higher states of consciousness (tm.org).
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           What is Primordial Sound Meditation?
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           Like TM, PSM is a form of silent mantra meditation where you use a personal mantra based on the time and place of your birth to help you reach a heightened state of awareness and further connect with your truest self; the place filled with joy, peace, and infinite possibilities (chopra.com). Deepak Chopra revived PSM. He worked with Vedic scholars in India and America to package it and make it accessible to anyone that wanted to use it.
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           Imagine meditating with the sound the universe was making when you were born. Can you think of a better way to connect with your true nature? The way the mantras are selected is the only significant distinction between TM and PSM, but the mantra is powerful! The selection process is explained in the next question.
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           Your personal mantra is your vehicle to help your mind experience expanded levels of awareness to help you slip into the “gap,” which is the stillness between your thoughts and where that beautiful feeling of peace and calm exists. When you repeat it silently during meditation, you achieve a state of deeper awareness, which supports whatever intentions you set for your life — from healing and personal growth to inner awakening (chopra.com).
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           Like TM, PSM is best practiced twice daily, but Deepak Chopra emphasizes the importance of meditating for 30 minutes each time. With TM, I meditated for about 40 minutes daily, but now I’m meditating for about an hour. A best practice, however, is to meditate for however long feels most comfortable. A little bit of meditation is better than none at all.
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           How are mantras assigned?
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           I participated in a three-day, in-person workshop when I was trained in TM. On day one, I filled out a questionnaire that was mainly filled with questions about my lifestyle habits, goals, and strengths and weaknesses. Based on my answers, I was assigned a mantra.
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           My PSM training did not take as long, and it was done virtually. PSM training can be completed in about four hours. I was instructed to provide my birthdate, place of birth, and exact time of birth, and that information was used to calculate my mantra. The Universe makes sounds, and my mantra is the sound the Universe made at the time I was born. How cool is that?
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           PSM uses Sanskrit mantras that have magical powers because the vibrations of the sounds of the mantras actually cause things to manifest.
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           TM and PSM are silent mantra meditations; therefore, you never say your assigned mantra aloud. The mantras are designed to take you within, away from the outside world’s noise, so if you repeat the mantras aloud, you weaken them. With both practices, you treat your mantra as if it is sacred. You don’t share it with other people. It’s yours and yours only.
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           How much does it cost?
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           The fees vary with PSM, but an average price is $300-$500 per person for the condensed training and $1,000-$1,500 for the full training.
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           TM pricing is standard. I paid $1,200 to be trained in 2017. Grants are available through tm.org.
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           There are payment plans available with TM. It is at the discretion of the PSM instructor if payment plans are offered. I offer payment plans and reduced rates for certain individuals and groups. Plus, there are two versions of PSM instruction, a condensed version, and an extended version, and the version you choose determines pricing. As far as I know, a condensed version isn’t offered for TM training.
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           What are the benefits of these meditation practices?
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           The benefits of TM and PSM are well-documented in the scholarly literature. Both practices have the potential to impact the entire physiology positively. Some common benefits are:
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           · Lower blood pressure
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           · Reduce and/or elimination of inflammation in the body
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           · Better sleep
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           · Increase emotional intelligence
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           · Higher energy levels
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           · Heighten awareness
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           · Higher states of consciousness
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           · Less stress
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           · Create inner peace
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           · Improved relationships
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           · Awakened intuition
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           · Reduce anxiety
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           · Less judging, more wisdom
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           · Reverse aging
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           There are more documented benefits, but these are the most common. I can honestly say I have experienced all of these, but my experiences are even more astounding. The next section discusses what has unfolded since I started practicing PSM.
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           PSM v. TM and My Experiences
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           As I write this, it is May 30, 2023. I started practicing PSM in February 2023, so I’ve been using PSM for roughly four short months. Some of the changes have been subtle, but others are not so subtle. Frankly, some of the changes I’ve witnessed are difficult to explain, but here I go.
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           Let’s start with the most profound change — My Personality.
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           Personality
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           I know this may sound odd, but TM dulled my senses. It gave me superhuman strength, but I drifted away from my true self and wasn’t as clever and lighthearted. TM made me very serious, and I wasn’t as funny as I had always been. I stopped focusing on having fun and was shy about speaking my truth and being myself around certain people. Was I able to work 60 hours per week and then climb Mt. Everest on Sundays? Yes, I was, but I wasn’t myself, and I could feel it.
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           Within one week of practicing PSM, I felt more alive, and that’s when I realized that my senses had been dulled. I started speaking my truth again and was unapologetic about it. Over the past few years, I have become embarrassed easily when speaking in front of certain people, but that embarrassment is gone. I am more confident than I think I’ve ever been, and that fiery spunk I’ve always had is BACK! My fiery spunk has gotten me into trouble a time or two, but it’s who I am. I have always loved my fiery spunkiness.
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           Interstitial Cystitis BeGone!
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           Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a rare bladder condition that debilitates most women. I was diagnosed with IC in 2016 after a long, weird battle with bladder pain. Since 2016, I have managed the condition with proper diet and medication. It’s been a royal pain in the ass, but I’ve never been debilitated by it.
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           About two months ago, I noticed I wasn’t symptomatic anymore. For the past six and a half to seven years, I have taken a medication called Prelief before I eat or drink anything that is highly acidic because acid triggers painful flares. I am no longer taking Prelief because I don’t seem to need it. PSM has reduced the inflammation in my body that was causing the IC and all of the symptoms that go along with IC.
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           Solutions to Problems Naturally Emerge
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           This is true. If a problem presents itself, all I have to do is acknowledge the problem, and an answer finds me effortlessly. I experienced this benefit with TM, as well, and that was a miraculous benefit. It’s even stronger with PSM. Here is one example to demonstrate how this works.
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           Although TM provided exceptional benefits that raised my quality of life, I still struggled with bouts of insomnia. Insomnia has reared its evil head consistently in my lifetime and is linked to anxiety. When I was trained in PSM, I was taught to make an intention list to read silently to myself before my meditations. So, being the good student that I am, I did that, and each day before I sat down to practice PSM, I read my intention list. The number one intention on my list was, “I want to experience deep sleep each night.”
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           I had been practicing PSM for about a week and saw an ad on TikTok for a product called Shilajit. Typically, I would scroll past an ad like that, but it captivated me upon sight. Without giving it a second thought, I ordered the product and started using it the moment it arrived. Within one week, I was experiencing the deepest sleep that I can ever remember.
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           PSM enhances intuition, and my Shilajit story is a prime example of how we can make excellent, fast decisions based on nothing but gut instinct. My intuition led me to a product that solved a lifelong problem.
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           Other benefits I have noticed include:
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           · Heightened intuition
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           · Increased energy levels
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           · Better comprehension and retention of information
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           · Improved memory — COVID greatly hindered my memory, but now it’s as strong as it’s ever been.
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           · Articulate my thoughts more effectively
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           · Less introverted — I became slightly introverted when I practiced TM, but PSM has brought me out of that. I want to socialize more than I have wanted to over the past few years.
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           · Improved communication skills overall — Verbal and Listening
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           · Increased productivity and fewer mistakes
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           Reverse Aging
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           Reverse aging is a documented benefit of TM and PSM, and I have definitely experienced this; however, I started noticing that I looked younger a few years ago. I am convinced that TM contributed to that. I haven’t experienced any new benefits within the aging realm since I’ve been practicing PSM, but reverse aging is inevitable because I am reducing the inflammation in my body daily. When we release toxins and stress, we are more prone to youthfulness and longevity. So, I’ll keep you posted on that one.
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           Closing Remarks
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           TM and PSM have made my life better in more ways than one. The key to incorporating meditation into your daily life and sticking with it is to find a practice you love. I have tried about fifty different meditation techniques over the past seventeen years, and all of them have benefited me in one way or another. As long as you practice some form of meditation daily, and it can be as simple as gazing into the flame of a candle for a few minutes, that’s all that matters.
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           If you’re interested in being trained in PSM, email me at paula@paulaswope.com. We go way deeper into the benefits during training. Please know that when you are trained, it’s for personal use, not to teach it to others.
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            Thank you for giving me your most precious asset, your time. Please visit
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           www.paulaswope.com
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            and signup for my free monthly newsletter.
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           Namaste
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      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:49:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/transcendental-meditation-v-primordial-sound-meditation-a-comparative-analysis-from-chopra-certified-meditation-instructor-paula-swope</guid>
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      <title>I Spent the Day with Matthew McConaughey, and This Is What I Learned about Fear</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/i-spent-the-day-with-matthew-mcconaughey-and-this-is-what-i-learned-about-fear</link>
      <description>I Spent the Day with Matthew McConaughey, and This Is What I Learned about Fear</description>
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           I Spent the Day with Matthew McConaughey, and This Is What I Learned about Fear
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Fear+and+Faith.JPG" alt="I Spent the Day with Matthew McConaughey, and This Is What I Learned about Fear"/&gt;&#xD;
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           Have you ever wondered what the difference is between fear and faith? On Monday, April 24th, I was with Matthew McConaughey for about 6.5 hours. Yes, THE Matthew McConaughey, alright…alright…alright! I attended his Art of Living event. He talked about the difference between fear and faith, and the conversation resonated. It resonated because fear ruled my life for about 32 years, and I was cluelessly unaware of it. I didn’t realize I lived in fear because I was raised to live in fear. Fear was my norm. Had I only realized the following things, I would have saved myself much unnecessary worrying, and worrying is the same as praying for what you don’t want.
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           Fear is fake. Faith is real. Fear is an undirected imagination. Faith is intentional. The way to overcome fear and live with faith is to feel what you want instead of what you face. I learned this from Matthew on Monday, and I can assure you that he was not dazed and confused. But you might still think this is hogwash. This morning, one of my TikTok followers asked, “How can I not be fearful of something real?” That’s a legitimate question, but most of the things we think are real aren’t. Furthermore, fear comes into play (usually) when we anticipate something happening that we don’t want that hasn’t even happened. That’s not real.
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           To gain some clarity about where you stand with fear, ask yourself these questions.
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           Has fear ever served me well?
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           What happens when I expect defeat?
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           Do I anticipate worst-case scenarios?
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           Did someone teach me to be fearful?
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           The last question is significant because your fear was born at some point. Where I come from, fear is a family tradition. It shapes behaviors, personalities, and ultimately career paths, social status, health and well-being, and relationships. Fear is instilled in childhood; if it isn’t interrupted, it eventually takes over and spreads like poison oak. Faith works the same way but to a person’s benefit. For whatever reason, fear is easier to believe for many people than faith. This is an illusion and a product of socialization.
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           Fear takes you down. Faith takes you up. Fear lies to you. Faith tells you the truth. So, why is the fearful option so much easier to accept? In my case, I was raised to expect defeat, so fearful options were my norm and what I thought was true. Succeeding was never an option, and that mindset was what I was used to for over three decades. Looking back, I succeeded at many things, so my fearful mindset wasn’t real. I decided to choose faith over fear, and I’ve never looked back.
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           I want to share the strategies I used to conquer fear in hopes that I can help anyone who is debilitated by a fearful mindset. You can practice these techniques right away without spending one penny.
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           · Do something each day to go inward.
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           *I highly recommend meditation.
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           · Change your inner dialogue.
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           *Stop criticizing yourself.
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           *Start asking yourself these questions: Who am I? What do I want? What is my purpose? What am I grateful for?
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           · Get the fuck out of your comfort zone NOW.
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           · Become more self-involved.
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           · Do not seek advice from other people.
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           *Bad advice always results in fear.
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           · Give more than you receive.
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           · Only control what is in your control.
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           *Stop watching things on television that cause you to worry. What you see on the news is out of your control, so it doesn’t deserve your attention.
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           · Practice mindful awareness.
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           · Be more present.
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           *Stop living in the past.
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           *Stop worrying about the future.
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           · Focus more on what you have instead of what you don’t have.
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           I will never understand why these lessons aren’t taught as early on as the first grade. When we are born, we are perfect, but then fear creeps in and steals our true essence. Fear is what makes life miserable, and it’s not even real.
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           Things that make you go hmmm….
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           I’m grateful for Matthew McConaughey because he approached the topic of fear with unwavering confidence. Fear is easy to avoid in conversations because people don’t want to admit how fearful they are. We need to talk about it more.
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           Thank you for giving me your most precious asset, your time. Please visit www.paulaswope.com. If you like my style, sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re surfing around.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Fear+and+Faith.JPG" length="128586" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/i-spent-the-day-with-matthew-mcconaughey-and-this-is-what-i-learned-about-fear</guid>
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      <title>Three Ways to Let Go of Bad Memories &amp; the People that Created Them</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/three-ways-to-let-go-of-bad-memories-the-people-that-created-them</link>
      <description>Three Ways to Let Go of Bad Memories &amp; the People that Created Them</description>
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           Three Ways to Let Go of Bad Memories &amp;amp; the People that Created Them
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           Not everyone is nice. You are not an energetic match for everyone. All of us come from the same source. We are spiritual beings having human experiences, and those human experiences take us away from our true essence. That’s when we stray from our internal power and rely on external sources for strength. It happens to the best of us. Society is a real bitch sometimes. As kids, our little undeveloped brains were conditioned to believe so much nonsense that stuck with us through adulthood. Unfortunately, some people never become aware of that, so nonsense lives comfortably in their subconscious, controlling their behaviors for a lifetime.
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           It only takes 12 seconds for our minds to store a bad memory permanently. Did you know that? But it takes much longer to store a good memory. Maybe that’s why it’s easier for you to believe the bad over the good. Who knows! Each person is different, but forgiveness is the same for everyone. Those bad memories you have more than likely involve people, and those memories are directly related to how you feel about those people. If a bad memory eats at you, that’s a strong indicator that you must work on forgiving the person associated with that memory.
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           Do you need to forgive?
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           Ask yourself the following questions to determine if forgiveness is something you need to do.
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           What is the first thing or person I think about when I wake up? Does this thought make me feel good or bad?
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           What is the first thing or person I think about before sleep? Does this thought make me feel good or bad?
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           Whom do I dislike most? Why do I feel this way?
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           Whom do I talk about negatively most?
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           Which memory makes me angry to the point that the memory eats at me?
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           Who humiliated me? Do I think about this moment often?
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           Do I think about revenge? Who do I seek revenge against? Do I envision carrying out revenge?
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           Your answers will reveal whom you need to forgive most. Here’s a hint. The person you think about immediately when the words dislike, angry, and revenge come up is the person you need to forgive most.
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           How do you forgive someone that did you so wrong?
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           You practice empathy. I forgave the unforgivable through practicing empathy. I call it “Activating Your Empathy Button.” Here’s how you do it.
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           Wait a minute. You need to know something first. FORGIVENESS IS FOR YOU. Forgiveness isn’t for the a**hole that created the bad memory. Refusing to forgive those wrongdoers gives them enormous power over you, but forgiveness takes away their power.
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           Ok…onward and upward…let’s take away their power.
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           First, view your enemies from a different perspective. See them as your greatest teachers because that’s really what they are. Think about this. What lessons did you learn from dealing with the person you dislike most? Are you stronger because of that person? You can’t put a price tag on wisdom, so be grateful for the wisdom from the bad experience. Keep this in mind. Let go of the past, but learn from it. Use the lessons you learned in the past to create your future. If you want to know your future, take inventory of your thoughts, actions, and emotions now.
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           Second, activate your empathy button. You can do this anytime as long as you are aware. Think about your wrongdoer’s situation. Why did they choose to hurt you? What’s their story? Who hurt them? A person’s behavior is determined by how they feel about themselves. If someone hates themselves, they cannot love you. They inflict hate on you because they hate themselves. Don’t take it personally. Do reflect on how you reacted to their wrongdoing.
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           Third, focus on yourself. Forgive yourself. Work on forgiving your past and anyone in it. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you continue to associate with the person you dislike. It means you forgive them but don’t have to associate with them. Sometimes physical distance is the only way to forgive and break the cycle of an abusive pattern. Remember that an unwillingness to forgive creates bad energy and will return to you. It’s called the Law of Karma. Every energy we put out there comes back to us in like kind. So, ask yourself, “Is harboring anger toward this person worth attracting in things I don’t want?” The answer will be no every time.
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           Forgiveness is the solution to most problems.
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           My unwillingness to forgive caused financial problems, health issues, weight gain, toxic relationships, violent encounters with others, binge drinking, and fear. Once I understood the true reason for forgiveness, I listed everyone I harbored anger towards. One by one, I went through my list and slowly worked my way to forgiving each of them. This was over one decade ago. Flash forward to now. Financial problems, health issues, weight gain, toxic relationships, violent encounters with others, binge drinking, and fear cannot find me because I am no longer an energetic match to self-sabotage.
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           I understand that each person’s situation is different, and some are worse than others. I understand that some of you have gone through traumatizing experiences, and those experiences are going to take more time, effort, and empathy. Ease your way into forgiveness by being open to it. When you’re ready, move forward with the three tips above. You didn’t accumulate negative energy overnight, so don’t pressure yourself to let go of it overnight. Start slow. Small changes lead to big changes. I guarantee you will never regret forgiving someone.
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           I am grateful to you.
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           Thank you for giving me your most precious asset, your time. When I write an article, I always intend to provide information that will change and greatly enhance your quality of life. I’ve been through it. The best advice comes from those who have lived in hell on earth and moved to heaven on earth. Forgiveness will get you to a better zip code.
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            ﻿
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           Like my style? Please visit 
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            sometime and sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Forgiveness+.JPG" length="60448" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:12:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/three-ways-to-let-go-of-bad-memories-the-people-that-created-them</guid>
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      <title>Looks Matter, Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Different</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/looks-matter-dont-let-anyone-tell-you-different</link>
      <description>Looks Matter, Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Different</description>
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           Looks Matter, Don't Let Anyone Tell You Different
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           Looks matter. Before you start envisioning how to decapitate me for saying that, I am not making an argument for vanity. I am also not making an argument for obtaining physical beauty based on society’s definition of beauty. What I’m doing here is I am arguing for the people who have been made to feel guilty about wanting to look a certain way. I am arguing for the people who have been bullied for not looking the way people think they should. Plus, I know that a person’s physical appearance can damage their mental state if they are unhappy with their appearance.
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           Why do looks matter?
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           Our outer appearance is directly correlated to how we feel on the inside. Think about this for a moment. Think about the celebrities that came to an early demise, such as Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, and Whitney Houston. When they first started, they looked healthy and vibrant, but as their demons took the driver’s seat, their physical appearances changed dramatically. The changes were not good because the changes reflected how they felt on the inside. Pay close attention to someone whose physical appearance changes dramatically, which could signify a serious problem.
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           A happy, healthy, grounded, and abundant person glows on the outside. The person may not fit society’s definition of beauty, but when they walk into a room, everyone still turns around to take a second and probably third look. A highly energetic vibration is associated with feeling and looking good, whereas a low energetic vibration is associated with feeling and looking bad. Whatever is going on internally will eventually surface on the outside, so there is a way bigger picture here than good old-fashioned vanity.
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           Physical appearance and its relationship with karma.
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           Everything we put out there to the Universe comes back to us in the form of like energy. I want to tell you a personal story to help you understand where I am coming from.
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           When I was 18, my parents divorced. It was brutal. Looking back, I was definitely depressed and traumatized, and I flat-out didn’t know it. I wasn’t raised to believe in therapy; no one had ever discussed self-exploration with me. Anyone who went to therapy was considered “crazy” and “weak.” I never thought about therapy, but I desperately needed help.
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           By the time I was 22, I had put on 80 pounds. I went from a size 6 to a size 16 and was headed towards an 18 when I finally canceled the remaining dates on my self-sabotage tour. Looking great had always brought me joy, and it wasn’t about vanity. It was about taking pride in my appearance, and being 80 pounds overweight was not me.
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           I was humiliated beyond belief when I weighed 204 pounds, my peak weight. I tried to camouflage the excess 80 pounds for a long time, but I was not fooling anyone. People made cruel comments when I went out in public, which was horrifying. My father was the worst. He told me how good-looking I used to be and made remarks about installing a bigger door to the house so I could get through it. My ex-boyfriend called me “Free Willy in Sequins,” which was his way of connecting my style of dress to my new physique and the animated whale.
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            Before going to a family function, local bar, or restaurant, I became physically ill from the expectation of humiliation. I dreaded going out in public because I feared the verbal abuse that was bound to happen. The fear turned into shame, and the humiliation trauma was fully in charge of my actions. It was the unhappiest I had ever been. I was grieving over my parents’ divorce because it uprooted my whole life as I had known it, and I was also grieving over losing me.
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           Instead of dealing with my emotions, I buried them in extra-large pizzas and copious amounts of alcohol. I didn’t look the same because I didn’t feel the same.
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           Between the ages of 18–25, the emotions that dominated my subconscious were shame, anger, humiliation, resentment, bitterness, jealousy, and insecurity. If I ever felt calm and safe, it was fleeting. Those emotions didn’t stick around long enough to attach to similar energies; therefore, I filled my karma bank with health issues, toxic people, and financial trouble. Something irreversible would have happened if I hadn’t gotten a grip.
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           Be unapologetic about how you want to look.
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           Do not let anyone tell you how you should look. You need to look the way you want and the way that makes you feel your absolute best.
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           When I got a grip, I was about 25. I started with the outside to strengthen my inside. Each time I shed ten pounds, I put a higher vibration out to the Universe. As my body shrank, my soul healed. My health issues subsided, so I felt good again. Instead of insults, I got compliments. And what I thought was bad luck wasn’t bad luck at all. What had happened was that my wallowing in self-pity attracted what appeared to be bad luck.
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           Losing the weight did not stop the scrutiny and criticisms altogether because my haters disapproved of my restoration of beauty. I looked a little too good and felt too good for some people to handle, and I was accused of taking drugs to lose weight. I had not done that. People also said that I was seeking attention, which was my sole purpose for losing weight. I had not done that either.
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           The moral of my story is that it doesn’t matter how you look as long as you are happy with your appearance. You will be judged no matter what, so look how you want to, and be unapologetic about it.
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           If you want plastic surgery to correct something that makes you feel bad, do it.
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           Want a more curvaceous body? Gain weight if that’s what you want.
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           Want a thinner frame? Lose weight if that’s what you want.
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           If you want to wear sequins to a fucking picnic, wear them.
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           Don’t like the lines on your forehead? Get Botox if you want to get it.
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           If you prefer being a plain Jane, then be a plain Jane.
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           Don’t like trendy clothes? Then don’t wear them.
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           If you want to look a certain way, do whatever you want to do to reach your physical appearance goal. When someone calls you names or criticizes your appearance, you tell them your self-worth does not rely upon their acceptance. I love to say that to haters. It throws them for a loop.
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           Feeling good should be everyone’s goal because how you feel creates your physical reality. Do not let anyone tell you any different because the moment you believe that you aren’t in control of YOUR life is when you start putting sadness into your karma bank.
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            ﻿
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           Changes in physical appearance can signify trouble if the changes aren’t good. Do not dismiss these types of changes in someone you love. My younger self would have given anything if someone had shown me empathy and compassion, but no one did. A caring, knowledgeable person would have been nice to have around, and the right person could have shined light on why I felt the way I felt. Ultimately, I turned out all right, but not everyone does.
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           Your Five Takeaways
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           1. Looks matter because they reflect how you feel on the inside.
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           2. People will judge your physical appearance no matter what.
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           3. Do not allow anyone to shame you for wanting to look a certain way.
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           4. Feeling good is your number one priority.
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           5. Being ashamed of your physical appearance for long periods will eventually attract things you absolutely do not want.
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           Thank you for reading my article. I hope it helps you in some way. Please visit my website — 
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            — if you like my style. Sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there. It’s free and jam-packed with easy-to-use spiritual tools to help you keep that karma bank full of joy, perfect health, and abundance.
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           Namaste
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      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:08:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/looks-matter-dont-let-anyone-tell-you-different</guid>
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      <title>Elvis Presley Has Always Been Alive at My House: Here’s Why He is King</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/elvis-presley-has-always-been-alive-at-my-house-heres-why-he-is-king</link>
      <description>Elvis Presley Has Always Been Alive at My House: Here’s Why He is King</description>
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           Elvis Presley Has Always Been Alive at My House: Here’s Why He is King
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           A fan handed this crown to Elvis at the end of his “Aloha From Hawaii” via satellite concert, and he kept it. It’s now on display at Graceland, and I snapped a photo of it during my most recent visit in October 2021.
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           Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS has sparked a new interest in the King of Rock and Roll. A whole new generation of fans has suddenly realized what I have always known, Elvis Presley was a Godsend.
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           I was at a holiday party this past Christmas, and someone approached me to chat about the King. They had heard I was a huge fan and wanted my opinion about the movie. As I explained my take on Luhrmann’s portrayal of Elvis, the person said, “I am obsessed with Austin Butler. The way he sings and dances and moves…oh my God!” I had to reign in my ego with the quickness. Although I agree that Austin Butler is something else, he can’t hold a candle to the real thing. I stood there opposite a person who was gushing more over Austin Butler than Elvis and said, “Listen, you need to watch the real thing.” When I said that, their reply was, “Why was Elvis coined as the King of Rock and Roll, anyway? Why not Ray Charles?” As our conversation turned in this direction, my eyes grew the size of the King’s belt buckles.
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           I am beyond proud that a whole new generation of Elvis fans has been born and bred, but there are some things they need to know.
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           Elvis’s Impact is Unprecedented
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           No other entertainer has had an impact on the world like Elvis Presley. Let’s touch on the Ray Charles comment. Artists like Ray weren’t given this title because they did not have the impact on the world that Elvis did. Elvis Presley wasn’t named the King of Rock and Roll because of the music. The music was only a tiny piece of this puzzle. There is no other entertainer that has ever had an impact on people the way Elvis did.
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           Allow me to elaborate…
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           Did you know that Frank Sinatra and other artists staged fainting women at their concerts? Elvis never staged a damn thing. He didn’t have to! When Elvis Presley walked on stage, it was an event. His presence was so magical and overwhelming that men and women were consumed by it. The tears shed by every audience member that eventually fainted were all real. His connection with his fans was a once-in-a-lifetime type of connection that no other entertainer has accomplished, to the point that it’s pretty mysterious. It’s bizarre because his fans are still crying, and he’s been gone from the physical world for 46 years. I am one of those fans.
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           Elvis drew the largest crowds. Every single concert he played throughout his career was sold out. Look it up. Elvis sold more records than his contemporaries. The man died on August 16, 1977, and he is still outselling artists that are alive. In the ’50s, acts like the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Fats Domino, among others, could sell out concerts as a group but not individually. Elvis didn’t need an opening act. He sold out every show he played on his own. He also played in large venues like stadiums and Madison Square Garden. In 1972, Elvis became the first entertainer in history to sell out four consecutive shows at Madison Square Garden. He was scheduled to perform three concerts, but the tickets sold out so fast that he agreed to add on a fourth show. This paved the way for artists like Harry Styles, who had a 15-sold-out-show stint at the Garden in 2022.
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           Elvis’s Popularity
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           Elvis is in a league of his own. Elvis earned the prestigious title of King of Rock and Roll because of his popularity. No other entertainer (still to this day) has ever been as popular as Elvis Presley. His influence cannot be ignored. John Lennon described it, “Before Elvis, there was nothing. When I first heard Elvis’ voice, I just knew that I wasn’t going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss…Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.” Elvis was not a man that conformed to society’s definition of popularity, so he was and still is a cultural icon. I bet some cavemen don’t have internet and televisions that know “Hound Dog.”
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           Let’s keep going. Like Elvis’s influence, his talent cannot be ignored, but for some reason, critics want to point out that Elvis did not write the lyrics to his songs. They are correct, but what he did do was produce the music. Baz Luhrmann did an excellent job showcasing that in the movie, especially during the Vegas Rehearsals scene. Many sources have labeled Elvis as the most underrated producer of all time. When we listen to some of his most outstanding vocal performances, such as “What Now My Love,” “Don’t,” and “It’s Now or Never,” Elvis himself is responsible for that sound. It’s a sound that has never been replicated. It’s a mixture of opera, orchestra, gospel, rock and roll, country, rhythm, and blues. Pair his orchestra sound style with his one-of-a-kind voice and good God; you have a miracle before you.
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           Speaking of his one-of-a-kind voice, music commentators and critics have been mesmerized by his range since the beginning. Like his influence and popularity, his vocal range is unprecedented. No other singer can do what Elvis did with his voice. No other singer has ever had the versatility Elvis had with his voice. Elvis can be called a lyric baritone, but he was such a genius with his voice that he could hit exceptional high notes and shocking rich low ones. At any given moment, if he wanted a song to sound a certain way, Elvis had the ability to be a tenor, baritone, and bass simultaneously. His pitch was considered perfect, but he often sang off-key notes when he felt that’s what the song needed.
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           If anyone ever doubts the miraculous range Elvis had, listen to his performance of “What Now My Love” from the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii via satellite concert that reached 1.5 billion viewers. At the end of the song, Elvis goes up three octaves. I have watched this performance probably 500 times (maybe more), and each time I watch, it’s like the first time. I can’t contain myself. The performance gives me cold chills, and I watch him in bewildered awe. No other performer has ever impacted me like that, and I am not alone. I invite anyone to pull that performance up on YouTube. After you listen to him sing “What Now My Love,” you tell me if you care who wrote the lyrics to the song.
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           Looks Matter
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           Whether a person wants to accept this fact or not, looks matter. No one has ever or will ever beat Elvis in this department. It’s not possible. His overall appearance was captivating, which played a significant role in the popularity contest between him and other performers like Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jerry Lee was an exceptionally gifted piano player, and his style distinguished him from other entertainers. With his heavy left hand, Jerry Lee’s innate talent set him apart from other entertainers, but he still did not have what Elvis had. Jerry Lee knew that! He was notoriously jealous of Elvis and even went to Graceland one time with the intent to shoot the King.
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           What Elvis had was something special, something unusual, something people have never been able to explain. The way people responded to him was love in its purest form. If you have never watched him walk on stage, pull up the footage from his opening night in Las Vegas on YouTube. Those broad shoulders thrown back coupled with his legendary strut, flawless face, high cheekbones, smirky smile, and slender physique, Elvis Presley was not your average, ordinary human being. He was so good-looking that he made it impossible to compete with him.
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           Popularity, Precedent, Philanthropy, and Paula
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           It is estimated that Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide, which is more than any other artist in history. Numbers like this matter. Plus, 40% of these record sales are outside of America. Elvis is one of the few internationally acclaimed artists of his era. Moreover, his historic television guest appearances changed music forever. His physical gyrations shocked and offended so many people that he was filmed from the waist up. Elvis took the heat and caused controversy, resulting in entertainers being allowed to perform as they pleased. He set one precedent after another in the music business.
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           Elvis was also a philanthropic God, and I wish Baz Luhrmann had highlighted Elvis’s God-like generosity. He gave away as much as he made. Elvis gave to numerous organizations, such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the University of Memphis, the American Cancer Society, and the USS Arizona Memorial. He was known for paying off mortgages and medical bills for loved ones and strangers. He made significant donations and did not write them off as tax deductions.
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           I can keep going, but I will stop here to give you a moment to think, “Is Paula actually related to Elvis or something?” No, I’m not, unfortunately. I am just one of the unquantifiable fans he deeply impacted. He earned the title of King for more reasons than one. I must point out his humility about this title. He is quoted as saying, “I’m not the king. Jesus Christ is the king. I’m an entertainer.”
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           Austin Butler’s Oscar nomination and the death of Elvis’s only child, Lisa Marie Presley, inspired me to write this article. I watched Austin Butler win the Golden Globe, and I was holding it together until they put the camera on Lisa Marie. When I saw her, I fell apart. I have watched her my whole life, and although I didn’t know her personally, I could still sense her broken heart. Her heart was broken permanently when her dad died, and ultimately it was her demise.
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           Thank you for taking the time to read my writing. I am a self-help author specializing in the Law of Attraction, so you may think it strays from my usual topics, but it doesn’t. Elvis Presley is the best example of what a person can accomplish with the Law of Attraction that I can think of. He saw his way out of the most profound poverty imaginable and became the most famous person to walk the planet besides Jesus Christ.
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            ﻿
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           Check out 
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           www.paulaswope.com
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            sometime and sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:21:30 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Narcissists &amp; The Law of Attraction</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/narcissists-the-law-of-attraction</link>
      <description>Narcissists &amp; The Law of Attraction</description>
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           Narcissists &amp;amp; The Law of Attraction
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           Of course, narcissists can manifest. They might even be better at it than we are.
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           I was conducting a live workshop last week about the law of attraction, and someone chimed in and asked this question:
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           Can narcissists manifest? Does karma ever catch up with them?
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           Best. Question. EVER.
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           Here’s the lowdown from my perspective, and my view is based on personal experience and primary research. I am not qualified to diagnose anyone with anything, but I can speak on narcissism and manifestation from an informed standpoint. Narcissism can be studied, but if you do not have direct experience with a true narcissist, you may never fully understand how dangerous they are to your health and well-being. It’s the same as going to college for a degree in construction management but never stepping foot on a job site. Until you’ve been in the boxing ring with a narcissist, you’ll never know how they can make you feel.
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           The unfortunate piece of this is that narcissists have the power to get anything they want but rest easy. There’s not a light at the end of their twisted tunnel.
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           Narcissists are excellent manifesters.
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           Don’t shoot the messenger. If you’re tangled up with a narcissist, you must be aware of their powerful mind. Narcissists are master manipulators, and this finely tuned manipulation tactic works wonders with their ability to manifest what they want. Narcissistic people are usually chameleons, which means they can adapt to any environment quickly. Narcissists do whatever they need to do to get what they want.
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           Adapting to any environment involves becoming what you desire to be, possibly even a different version of yourself. This innate talent makes others believe you are what you want to be. Narcissists are pros at this. They lie without remorse. They plot way ahead of time. They stay in character until the job is done. Narcissists know how to use emotion to get what they want, which is a foolproof manifestation strategy. Their entire lifestyle is one big manifestation tool. And they get what they want.
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           They get what they came for, but they rarely keep it.
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           Narcissistic people have shaky self-confidence. Their confidence is often contingent on their environment and how outsiders view them. Narcissists are notorious for caring more about what outsiders think of them than their own families. This is often their motivation for molding their images to match the audience they are in front of. For instance, they show up at an event wearing a $75,000 Rolex, and their confidence weighs on that watch. The Rolex makes them feel superior, but when they look over and spot someone wearing a $250,000 Patek Philippe Nautilus, they instantly feel lesser when moments ago, they felt like the most important person in the room.
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           These energetic ups and downs equate to split thinking in its finest form. Split thinking is no more than good ole’ fashioned doubt, and doubt is a surefire block to our manifestations. Well, let me rephrase that. We are always manifesting. It’s a natural act. We get into a danger zone with manifestation when we fail to realize that; when we fail to realize how this works, we manifest things we don’t want. With the energetic highs and lows that embody the narcissist, they stay in a danger zone with manifestation. They successfully get what they want, but they can’t sustain it.
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           If you know a narcissist, take a look at their relationship history if you don’t believe me. You’ll quickly discover a pattern of ill-fated relationships.
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           Karma steps in.
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           There is a negative connotation associated with karma, but there shouldn’t be. You see, karma comes in two forms — good and evil. A core concept of the law of attraction is that we get back what we put out there. Like attracts like. It’s that simple. If we do good things, we become magnets for good. However, if we operate with bad, malicious intentions, the paybacks are wicked because we position ourselves to match energies that attract bad, nasty things and people.
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           Karma is the reason most narcissists eventually go down in flames.
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           When a narcissist is nice to you, it’s not authentic. Their niceness spawns from a hidden motive. They are after something and zone in on people they know can help them retrieve whatever they desire. Once they retrieve what they came for, poof! They’re gone, and you’re left scratching your head and piecing your broken heart back together. Hurting others will manifest horrible things at a rapid pace because of the intense emotions that are involved with this process. Intense emotions manifest into tangible things very quickly.
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           Here are some observations I’ve made.
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           For anonymity, I will not reveal the person’s identity. Just know that this person played a significant role in my socialization. I always knew something was off-kilter with this person, but I didn’t figure out what it was until it was too late. The damage to my mind, body, and soul had already been done. Although I severed ties with this person, I was able to forgive them through empathy and by being grateful for the lessons they taught me. Over the course of 35 years, here is what I witnessed with my own two eyes out of a textbook narcissist.
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           Riches
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           To sit back and watch from afar, it appeared as though this person couldn’t lose financially. Raised in the most profound poverty imaginable, this person escaped, beat all the odds, and became a millionaire. Although this person still possesses the riches, holding on to them has not been easy. Situations that have been bizarre repeatedly occurred out of nowhere, and each situation chipped away at those material possessions. Some recent examples include:
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           · Buildings burning down — The last fire resulted in a loss of over $3M in assets.
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           · Home invasion
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           · Thieving employees — Too many to count.
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           · Properties destroyed by natural disasters — This person owned an office building located in a complex with about 250 other buildings. A tornado hit, took the roof off of one building, and never touched the others. Who do you think owned that building?
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           · Failed relationships, which include five expensive divorces and a chain of abusive relationships.
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           · Arrests — Numerous assault charges and driving under the influence
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           · Vandalism — People vandalize this person’s property a lot. Circumstances have been unbelievable to watch. This person would buy a $100,000 car, and someone would vandalize it the next day. It was the oddest thing ever because it happened so frequently.
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           · Fake Friends — Numerous instances of people latching on to steal from this person.
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           · Chaos — Between constantly fighting with others and a string of stressful business ventures, there is no peace in this person’s life.
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           · Health Issues — High blood pressure, Alcoholism, Bleeding ulcers, Hardening of the arteries, Hemorrhoids, and Digestive issues
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           We actually reap what we sow.
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           There has never been a more accurate statement. Science even backs this claim up. Through quantum physics, we know the law of attraction is real. Everything is energy, and that energy always manifests into our physical reality. So, in conclusion, here’s the deal.
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           Anyone, including you, can manifest anything they want through their thoughts and emotions. Anything excludes nothing. The Universe doesn’t discriminate. That’s why I refer to it as an equal-opportunity employer. However, since like attracts like, and science shows that is how it works, narcissists are magnets for energies that match disaster, sadness, and turmoil. Even though it might seem like a narcissist has it all, please take a closer look at their affairs. I guarantee it won’t take you long to find a burning building, or ten.
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            If you made it this far, thank you! I appreciate you spending your most precious asset with me, and that’s your time. Please visit my website at
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            if you haven’t already, and sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there. It goes out on the 15th of each month. My newsletters always contain personal development tools that you can use immediately to enhance your spiritual practices and manifestation abilities.
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           Inspiration
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           Narcissism
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           Law Of Attraction
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           Self Improvement
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      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:01:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/narcissists-the-law-of-attraction</guid>
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      <title>Is It the Real Deal? Five Ways to Tell</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/is-it-the-real-deal-five-ways-to-tell</link>
      <description>Is It the Real Deal? Five Ways to Tell</description>
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           Is It the Real Deal? Five Ways to Tell
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           Women and men are incredibly different. We process information differently. We do NOT think alike. Frankly, I’m in awe that women and men live under the same roof for decades and continue to love each other. HOW do we do it?
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           Take my husband and me. He loves noise. I need silence like I need food and water. He loves sports. I hate sports, and everything that goes along with any kind of competition that involves a ball. He loves family time. I can do without it. He snores. I don’t. He’s an extrovert. I’m an introvert. He’s laid back. I’m high strung. He eats dinner at 10 pm. I eat dinner at 5 pm.
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           HOW do we do it? I know the answer. Relationships that last have five defining characteristics.
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           #1. Unwavering Loyalty
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           Both parties have been abused and disrespected. They are sick of disrespectful, untrustworthy people, so they cherish a partner who is faithful, respectful, and trustworthy. No matter what happens, both parties remain supportive of one another. They can say what they want about each other, but no one else has that luxury.
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           #2. Maturity
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           Both parties have strong emotional intelligence, and they do not set unrealistic expectations for the relationship. Needs change over time, and they are wise enough to recognize when that happens. Neither party is an attention-seeking junkie; therefore, equal respect and admiration is felt and practiced by both people. The more flawed you are, the more intrigued the other person becomes and they continually want to know more about you. Getting to know you better is one of their favorite things to do.
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           #3. Individualization
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           Co-dependency does not exist. A couple spends a healthy amount of time together, but both parties branch out and do their own things regularly. Because trust is at the core of the relationship, there is no worry or jealousy during these times. Both have hobbies, friends, and work, and it is understood that these things don’t always have to go together. There’s a time to be together, which is most of the time, but there is also a time to be apart. The relationship has a healthy balance of time together and time apart. However, time apart rarely involves a bar.
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           #4. Equality
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           One person does not do all of the work. Both parties contribute equally to the relationship. When two people respect each other enough they are always on equal playing ground. Worn out gender roles do not apply when true equality is present. Furthermore, the relationship is not a competition. One person wins, the other helps them celebrate, because the relationship is free from jealousy and comparisons.
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           #5. Easy
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           The relationship is easy even during times of turmoil and challenges. The two of you lean on each other, which makes the relationship stronger. You don’t worry over each other’s whereabouts because your lives are intertwined. Being together is a natural fit, so no one tries hard to make the relationship work. It flows effortlessly. Hard times come and go, but the relationship itself remains easy. The bond you have is so powerful that even the hard times don’t seem so bad. Being together is easier than being apart, and it is mutually beneficial in every way. Your lives are better combined.
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           I was in the dating world until I was 35. That’s when I met my husband. I had sworn off relationships and was happy being on my own living in my fancy little townhome with my Pekingese. He showed up when I least expected him. I was 38 when we married. On December 25, 2022, I turn 45, so I’ve had many years to compare my past relationships to my present one. Here is what I know.
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           There are five sure fire signs of failure that are highly transparent when you’re in the wrong relationship.
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           #1. Put Up a Front
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           You cannot be yourself around this person. You do not communicate how you really feel, because you don’t want them to see you as anything but super sexy and super fun. If you have a problem, they don’t know about it. As a matter of fact, they are the last person you go to for help. Your approach is not even realistic, but you continue to live a lie.
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           #2. People Pleasing
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           You find yourself doing A LOT of shit you don’t want to do, but you keep a smile on your face. Sometimes you feel exhausted after being around the person you’re romantically involved with. They often cause your energy to bottom out and you don’t feel like yourself. You say stupid things, and although you have a great sense of humor your typical wittiness is dormant. People who know you best say things like, “You don’t act like yourself around him/her.” Deep down you think the person won’t like you if they see who you really are.
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           #3. Relationship is Hard
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           You worry because your partner’s whereabouts are unknown a lot. When you inquire about where they have been, an argument ensues. Instinctively, you know the person isn’t trustworthy, but you don’t have any proof. This inner knowing manifests into a lump in your throat and the knot in your stomach runs off the butterflies. As time goes by, the relationship gets even harder because they heavily criticize you and you end up mimicking their behavior. Overall, nothing is easy, peaceful, or loving. No matter how much time you spend in the relationship, a commitment is never established.
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           #4. Superficiality
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           No matter how much time is spent with this person, the relationship remains superficial. They keep you at arm’s length. You do not really know who this person is, and they do not really know you. Heartfelt conversations are completely absent from the relationship. Quality time is rare, if ever, and the two of you do not ask each other personal questions.
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           #5. People Warn You
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           If more than three people warn you about someone, you better listen. The Universe sends messages to us through other people. When you start dating someone new, pay close attention to what other people tell you about them. If you hear the same negative thing more than three times, you need to take a step back and do some digging before you invest real emotions.
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           One thing I know for absolute certain is this. It is better to be alone than to be with someone who doesn’t love you. Being in a relationship with a person who doesn’t love you is the same as being alone. You have reached the highest level of emotional growth when you can be alone and be happy. You’ll be a stronger, wiser person because of it. If you are alone, enjoy that space in time. Learn to love yourself. Learn to love your own company. One day, when you least expect it, your equal will show up, and life has you know it will be over. You’ll look back and you’ll be glad you chose to spend so much time with the person you love the most, and that should be YOU.
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           Relationships are not the focus of my work, but manifestation is. The qualities of the people around you are a direct outcome of how you feel about yourself. We manifest what we think we are, so if you’re in a relationship that has those five sure fire signs of failure you better start seeing yourself in a more flattering light.
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            Like my style? Visit
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            for tons of helpful resources. Sign up for my newsletter while you’re there. It goes out on the 15th of each month.
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           Thank you for reading my article. Please drop any comments or questions you have. I LOVE to hear from you guys!
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            ﻿
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      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:13:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/is-it-the-real-deal-five-ways-to-tell</guid>
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      <title>How to Accept Your Awards from the Universe: Eight Easy Steps</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-accept-your-awards-from-the-universe-eight-easy-steps</link>
      <description>How to Accept Your Awards from the Universe: Eight Easy Steps</description>
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           How to Accept Your Awards from the Universe: Eight Easy Steps
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           I am always coming up with new manifestation techniques for you to try. This one is super simple and super fun! You are going to write an acceptance speech for the purposing of claiming what is yours. Below I outline how to do this in eight easy steps.
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           Are you ready? Good. Let’s roll!
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           First Step: Plan Your Life Out Five Years in Advance
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           Think through everything you want to manifest. Create a 2027 version of yourself. Hold that image in your mind. You’ll see other images will latch on to that image of your ideal self. Capture those images, write them down, and be very specific with the details. Pay attention to what comes to mind, because that’s your intuition talking to you.
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           Second Step: Watch Your Favorite Acceptance Speeches
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           Personally, I have been moved by some of my favorite celebrities’ acceptance speeches at famous award ceremonies, such as the Oscars. Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Foxx come to mind immediately when I think about the most heartfelt acceptance speeches. These speeches inspired me to create this manifestation technique! Search for some of your favorite speeches and let the inspiration flow through you.
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           Third Step: Notice How People Speak
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           Everyone that delivers a compelling acceptance speech has one thing in common. They speak in the present tense because everything they are thanking people for has already occurred. That’s exactly how you will write your acceptance speech. You will thank the Universe in the present tense as though everything you are expressing gratitude for has already shown up in physical form.
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           Here’s an example of what this might look like. Let’s say you want to manifest a dream home. You might say something like this…
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           Universe, as I stand here before everyone that helped me get to where I am today, I want to express my unwavering gratitude for my beautiful home in (state geographical information here). I live in a (insert square footage) home with a view of (insert desired view here). Each day, I enjoy the luxury of having (insert desired amenities here) right in the comfort of my own home. Not only did you give me the power to manifest my dream home, but you also arranged for me to buy it at a price that was way lower than market value! I am in bewildered awe of everything I have accomplished, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you! Let’s keep our relationship thriving.
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           Fourth Step: Write Your Speech and Deliver It
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           Use the specific details of your 2027 self and write your speech. Once you’re satisfied with it, deliver the speech in front of a mirror. Better yet, if you have a manifestation buddy (everyone needs one of those) deliver it in front of that person.
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           Fifth Step: Record Your Speech
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           When you are completely comfortable delivering your speech, record yourself and listen to it throughout the day. Do this until you feel as though you already have your most wanted desires. Speak your truth and listen to it until having that manifestation feels real and natural to you.
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           Sixth Step: Let It Go
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           At some point, if you do this spiritual exercise the way I am telling you to do it, you will become completely delusional. You will feel like you already have that manifestation in hand. As a matter of fact, your actual reality will seem strange because you will already be living in the reality you created in your speech. Once you feel this way, let it all go. Assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled (as explained by Wayne Dyer) means you have surrendered everything, and you are allowing the Universe to do the dirty work for you.
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           Seventh Step: Express Gratitude in the Present Tense
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           Every single day, dedicate time to sitting in gratitude for your intended manifestation. Thank the Universe in the present tense as though you already have the manifestation. This is a very important practice, because it helps to deter split thinking (aka DOUBT).
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           Eighth and Final Step: Take Divinely Guided Action
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           Act towards bringing your intended desires to fruition. Ask the Universe to guide you towards taking the right actions. You’ll find yourself mingling with the right people at the right time and in the right place. Be open to new people and new opportunities during this process. Things that seem out of the ordinary will probably happen. Roll with it. Trust the process. Ask the Universe to help you to live in faith.
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           Whatever you want you can conjure it up IF you believe you can have it. The mind can work miracles. Unlike your physical body, your desires are ageless. Keep this in mind during moments of self-doubt. All you must do is work on elevating your energetic vibration to match that of the things you want and deserve.
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           Right now, stop what you’re doing and say this, “I am deserving.”
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           If you need support with getting to where you need to be energetically, consider joining my 30-Day Manifestation Challenge. There hasn’t been one person that has gone through the Challenge that hasn’t loved it AND experienced results. Get signed up right here — 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Paula Swope | Self-Help Author
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           . I’m offering a discount code between now and January 8, 2023. Use the code MANIFEST5 at checkout and you’ll receive $5 off your $37 registration fee. I promise it will be the best $32 you ever spend.
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           Last, but certainly not least, thank you. I appreciate you giving up your most precious asset to read my article.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:59:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-accept-your-awards-from-the-universe-eight-easy-steps</guid>
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      <title>Want to Change Your Life? Stop Talking on the Phone!</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/want-to-change-your-life-stop-talking-on-the-phone</link>
      <description>Want to Change Your Life? Stop Talking on the Phone!</description>
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           Want To Change Your Life? Stop Talking on the Phone!
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           Flashback to my pre-enlightenment days. Each evening between 6:00 pm and midnight, I talked on the phone. Hands shaking, mascara running, red lipstick everywhere but where it should have been, cold beer in one hand, death grip on my phone with the other, I paced and talked, paced, and talked, drank beer, talked, paced, and talked, and paced and talked. And cried. And yelled. Only time I shut up was when I needed a deep Marlboro Light inhale and exhale.
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           My conversations consisted of two things: How badly my dad had treated me and how badly my boyfriends had treated me. Occasionally, I’d switch it up and zone in on everyone’s faults. If I felt really dramatic, I’d offer up stories about my mother’s depressingly sad upbringing, which was something that had taken place forty years prior. As I discussed these topics, I could feel the hatred coming to the surface. It was like an adrenaline rush, and when I felt that hatred taking me over my phone performances became quite theatrical. Entertaining while getting sympathy fueled my fire, but the horrible things I manifested from consistently reliving the worst times of my life put that fire out.
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           Speaking things into existence is real. Everything we think, do, and say manifests. If you doubt this, look up “quantum physics.” I didn’t make this up. There’s science that backs the claims I make.
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           Our conversations are attached to energetic vibrations, like everything else. Talking to a friend about an exciting new opportunity matches the energetic vibrational frequency of good things. On the contrary, talking to a friend about a heart-wrenching incident that happened to you matches the frequency of things that match the heart-wrenching incident. The more you talk about heart-wrenching incidents, the more you increase your odds of attracting in more heart-wrenching situations.
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           Think about this. If our conversations, day in and day out, are focused on problems then we conjure up low energetic vibes and those vibes manifest into things we don’t want. Back in the day, going into my phone conversations, I may have been in a relatively good mood, but that good mood didn’t last long once I started reliving the past. Within an hour, I had conjured up the emotions I felt when whatever past event I was talking about happened. Through my drama-ridden phone conversations, I brought the past to the now.
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           My favorite hobby was reliving the past and convincing everyone that I was a helpless victim of circumstance. I was raised to behave that way. Everyone around me behaved the same way. They told sad stories to get attention and sympathy, and I thought that’s what everyone did. Frankly, I don’t remember ever hearing any success stories from anyone, but I can recall fifty stories I heard about infidelity, poverty, abuse, and sickness. Even more alarming was being told to not share stories of our good fortunes because that was considered bragging. Stick with the bad stuff and people won’t have any reason to be jealous or feel inferior.
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           Okie dokie.
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           Each time I talked about my string of unfaithful boyfriends, I felt the rage and the humiliation wash over me just as it did when I found out about their indiscretions. I kept those low energetic vibes alive, and they lived for free in my subconscious mind for decades. But I ended up paying a large price for housing those negative emotions. Let me tell you something. My subconscious mind housed a shit storm of emotions that eventually manifested into misery.
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           Talking about past events resets our progress and takes us back ten steps. I did not realize this at the time, but it’s crystal clear now. You see we don’t manifest what we want. We manifest what we are, which means we attract in people and things that match how we feel. Those phone conversations stirred up emotions that matched toxic people, financial woes, health issues, vicious arguments with people, car trouble, and outright complete and utter chaos.
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           Whatever we want to attract in our words, actions, thoughts, and feelings must match it. I am here to tell you right here and now that you will never manifest what you want unless you are keenly aware of how powerful you are. Everything you say and do creates your physical world.
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           So, let’s pretend that I actually know what I’m talking about. Ask yourself this question:
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           What do my daily conversations consist of?
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           Take inventory of what you talk about most often and then think about how you feel when you talk about those things. If your conversations are rooted in despair, you better switch up your language. In the event you realize you are talking about your problems more than you talk about anything else, take a look around you. I bet you realize you are manifesting things you do not want. If your thought and speaking patterns aren’t interrupted, manifesting misery becomes the norm.
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           Good news is you can interrupt a bad thought or a negative comment with the quickness.
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           Bad news is your phone buddies probably aren’t interested in your happy stories. I know mine weren’t.
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           When I realized the damage I caused from talking excessively about my misfortunes, I started making excuses to get out of talking on the phone. I knew I didn’t have the emotional capacity and the willpower to stay away from talking about things that drastically lowered my energetic vibe, so I did what I had to do until I became more emotionally intelligent. Moreover, I certainly didn’t feel comfortable telling the truth. I can only imagine how people would have responded to the truth. “Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you tonight because our conversations lower my energetic vibration and talking to you is destroying my life in more ways than one.” A comment like that would have resulted in social suicide in my small-minded town.
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           Giving up this lifestyle was hard, and I missed talking on the phone. Giving up self-sabotaging behaviors is sometimes like losing an old friend. Plus, my relationships with my regular phone buddies suffered, but I felt so much better so quickly that I was motivated to stay away from this lifestyle completely. After about three months, I was ready to give it up for good, and I did. I am over a decade clean from self-sabotaging phone conversations.
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           I wrote this article for the same reason I write everything — To help people become aware of mindless, daily behaviors that destroy their chances of manifesting an ideal life. Making a small, incremental change eventually leads to a major miracle. Try it.
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            Like my style? Visit
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           www.paulaswope.com
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            sometime and signup for my newsletter while you’re there. If you’re reading this article, thank you. I greatly appreciate you giving up your most prized possession to engage with my work. You are appreciated.
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           Now, go talk on the phone about something wonderful that has happened to you!
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      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2022 20:30:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/want-to-change-your-life-stop-talking-on-the-phone</guid>
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      <title>Middle Fingers in the Air to Imposter Syndrome</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/middle-fingers-in-the-air-to-imposter-syndrome</link>
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           Middle Fingers in the Air to Imposter Syndrome
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           We spend an inordinate amount of time obtaining education and credentialing to work in a field that is interesting to us. Years and years are spent garnering the experience we need to earn a living. So, why do we feel like we aren’t good enough to do what we have spent hundreds of thousands of hours on learning and honing the skills? Doubting ourselves after years of preparation and study is ridiculous, but we still do it.
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           Society does a number on us. One minute we feel confident and then one little thing happens, and our confidence vanishes like a piece of beef jerky in front of my Golden Retriever. For whatever reason, we doubt ourselves and that is a choice that places a huge undue burden on us. What in the hell do we get from this? I’ll tell you what we get — Imposter Syndrome.
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           Here’s why you need to put your middle fingers in the air to Imposter Syndrome.
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           You’re Meant to Have It
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           Do you feel compelled to do something? What I’m referring to here is burning desires. Our intuition speaks to us through burning desires. When we feel very strongly about a certain line of work then we are meant to carry out that work. Bottom line is if you want something badly, you’re meant to have it. It’s OK if someone has it, too. That doesn’t mean you can’t.
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           Comparing Yourself to Others
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           The only reason you feel like an imposter is because you are comparing yourself to people that you view are better and/or smarter than you. Society has a hierarchy, and our agents of socialization love to decide where we belong on that hierarchy. Screw that hierarchy. It has absolutely nothing to do with our capabilities because all of us have unlimited potential. God, the Universe, the Divine, whatever you want to call it, does not bless some people more than others and there is no such thing as luck. We are what we think we are.
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           Comparing yourself to others is a self-sabotaging behavior. Plus, you absolutely do not know what that person you’re assuming is better or smarter than you is going through or has gone through. Focus on your strengths and improve your weaknesses by observing those you admire versus comparing yourself to them. Trust me. Those folks you view as better than, they have failed, too. They have been hurt, too. They have Imposter Syndrome, too.
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           Celebrities are Great Teachers
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           Halston had a burning desire to design the perfect dress. His burning desire started at an early age, and it never went away. Do you know why? Because he was meant to be a clothing designer.
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           I have never had any desire to design clothes. I just wear them. But Halston’s burning desire was his, not mine. Writing and helping people are my burning desires, and those have been with me since childhood. I am meant to do this work, and so are millions of others. I kicked Imposter Syndrome by realizing I bring something to the table that’s missing in my field, and that’s a genuine authenticity that comes from my willingness to be vulnerable. That’s how I help people.
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           Think about Dolly Parton. When she was a small child, she pretended like she was on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. She stood on her front porch, used a broom as a microphone, and she sang to the farm animals. They were her audience at the Opry. What made her do this? I think we all know the answer to that question. Dolly Parton was meant to be Dolly Parton. You are meant to be who you want to be, as well.
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           Your Burning Desire
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           If you have an inner calling (aka burning desire) and you have acted on it, you are carrying out your life purpose; therefore, there is no need to ever feel like an imposter. You have a burning desire for a reason. Others may be doing the same work as you are, but I bet you bring a uniqueness to it that fills a void. I also bet you know exactly what that uniqueness is. Keep that in mind when Imposter Syndrome creeps in.
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           To recap, this is how we kill Imposter Syndrome:
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           · Remind ourselves that we are meant to do the work we are doing.
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           · Stop comparing ourselves to others who are doing similar work and start learning from them.
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           · Listen to our intuition instead of society (aka other human beings).
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           · Think about celebrities like Halston and Dolly Parton for inspiration.
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           Lastly, what are we going to do? We’re going to put our middle fingers in the air to Imposter Syndrome.
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           Are you doing it? I am.
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            Like my style? I invite you to visit
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            and consider signing up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there.
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           Thank you for taking the time to read my article. My articles are one way I am carrying out my burning desire, because I write them to help people.
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            ﻿
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      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:17:04 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Things I Wish I'd Known Before Now: Real Talk, No Mood for Bullshit</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/things-i-wish-i-d-known-before-now-real-talk-no-mood</link>
      <description>Things I Wish I'd Known Before Now: Real Talk, No Mood for Bullshit</description>
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           Things I Wish I’d Known Before Now: Real Talk, No Mood for Bullshit
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           As I write this, I am 44 years old. On Christmas Day, I’ll turn 45. In my 44 years and about 11 months of living, I have learned some serious life lessons. Here is what I wish I had known straight out of the womb.
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           My Power
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           I was socialized to believe that I was a victim of circumstance, which led me to believe I was not in control of my life. From as early on as I can remember, I hunkered down to authority. If an adult told me to do something, I did it, whether I wanted to or not. I listened to adults that were completely screwed up and allowed their ideologies to seep into my subconscious mind.
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           Well, ideologies, my ass. I was told straight up lies. What I didn’t know back then was those lies became my truth, and those lies controlled my behaviors until I figured it all out. Now, I know that everything I thought, said, felt, and did between the ages of early childhood through roughly 30 years old, created my physical world.
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           Instead of forcing me to work in jobs I loathed, the people that were responsible for my socialization should have told me about quantum physics and the law of attraction. Instead of teaching me to be afraid of everything and to worry, they should have warned me about the dangers of living in fear, but they encouraged it. Instead of telling me I couldn’t pursue my dreams, they should have built me up so that I could have. Instead of feeding me fast food, they should have taught me about the importance of nutrition and living a long, healthy life.
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           I can keep going, but the main takeaway here is I was disempowered. No one ever told me about my power. Ever. Thank God, I figured it out on my own.
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           No One is Better than Me
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           In my household, there was a hierarchy. I was raised to believe that some people are blessed or lucky and others are simply destined for disaster. Since I was raised by people who felt like they were on the destined for disaster side, I viewed people who had wealth and success as being way better than me.
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           Before I became enlightened, any job I ever had there was a hierarchy, a strict, rigid hierarchy. So, before my brain was fully developed, I felt like I had to hunker down to people that were higher up on the hierarchy. In childhood, I took this very seriously, and my teachers gave me great anxiety because I felt incredibly inferior in their presence. I behaved this way in my platonic and intimate relationships, and this resulted in me getting involved with low-energy people that did not have my best interests at heart.
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           Instilling those types of belief systems is ridiculous, and I might piss you off with what I’m getting ready to say here. People should not entertain the notion of bringing kids into this world if they can’t do a better job than that. What we learn and how we feel in childhood shapes our entire perception of ourselves and the value we place on our being. Facts are if we don’t love ourselves, we cannot love anyone else, and I believe that should be a parent’s number one priority. Make sure your children love themselves.
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           I never had any children of my own. Frankly, if I’m being completely honest and I’m in the mood to do that right now, I didn’t want them. Still don’t. I’ve never regretted that decision. But I have two stepchildren. I have told them repeatedly that no one is blessed more than another. Every single person has equal power to mold and shape their physical reality the way they want it. I tell them that every chance I get.
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           Love yourself. Put yourself first. Don’t believe anyone that tells you it’s wrong to be selfish. If you take care of yourself the way you should then you’re selfish. Be selfish. It’s one of the keys to happiness.
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           Perfect Health is Happiness
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           On Sunday mornings, there I sat, fat as a little hog waiting on my biscuits and gravy cooked in lard and drizzled in bacon grease. I can still see my nine-year-old self sitting there at the table with the worst perm ever using my biscuit to sop up the gravy. By the time I was 22 years old, my blood pressure was 150/110 and my lifelong struggle with obesity was in full force. To this day, I am still paying for the unhealthy eating habits in more ways than one.
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           If this is your first time reading my articles, you may not know that I am an expert in the law of attraction. I used it to completely revamp my entire existence. I call my transformation going from havoc to happiness. The number one goal of anyone that lives on purpose is to feel good. When you don’t feel good, your energy matches up with other things that resemble not feeling good. It becomes a dangerous cycle, because before you even realize what has happened you are unhappy. Everything around you are toxic and chaotic, and you cannot seem to make anything work in your favor. Feeling bad for extended periods of time will destroy your life.
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           What I know now is those years I spent feeling bad manifested into financial struggles, humiliation, abusive friends and boyfriends, toxic work environments, and various health issues. As a matter of fact, I have Interstitial Cystitis (IC) because of enduring abuse for so many years. Health issues do not pop up without a reason, and I’ve learned that external factors such as closely associating with toxic people make us physically sick.
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           Lesson learned here is do whatever you have to do to feel good. Combine modern medicine (if you need it) with spiritual solutions and you should have the cocktail for perfect health. Eat the gravy and biscuits but keep it to a minimum. Be kind to that toxic person, but don’t let that asshole into your home. If your body tells you something is off, don’t ignore that. Get to the bottom of it.
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           Fact! You cannot be happy if you do not feel good.
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           Saying No Isn’t Rude
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           Fully rehabilitated, former people pleaser here. I can speak on this. Because I was raised to believe I was at the bottom of the hierarchy, I felt like I had to constantly prove myself and that involved saying “yes” to everything. People pleasing is bullshit and it is an action that robs you of peace. I consider peace and happiness to be interchangeable terms because you cannot have one without the other.
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           Insecure people are people-pleasers. Insecurity makes us feel like we have to say “yes” to everything for people to like us and accept us. What I know now without a shadow of a doubt is this. The right people will like you and accept you no matter what. If you say “no” to someone and they treat you poorly, that’s your sign to keep that person at arm’s length or do not associate with them at all.
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           Saying “no” to things that make me miserable is essential to my happiness and to my physical and mental well-being. Saying “no” to things you don’t want to do is an effective strategy to protect your feel-good energy. You cannot put a price tag on your feel-good energy, and if you knew how big of a role those feel-good vibes play in what your day-to-day world looks like you would never jeopardize your feel-good vibes.
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           Saying “no” doesn’t cost one dime. Our time and our energy are the most valuable things in this world. It’s our responsibility to guard those sacred gifts at all costs. We cannot allow just anyone to infiltrate our precious energy space. Sometimes the simple act of saying “no” is a cure-all.
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           Do Not Chase After Anyone
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           Intimate relationships can get really complicated, especially when one person is in love and the other one isn’t. Here’s the deal.
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           Relationships that are meant to be are easy. Relationships that aren’t meant to be are hard.
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           Read that sentence again.
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           If you haven’t heard from someone in this day and time, that means they do not care enough to contact you. Between smart phones, email, and social media, there is absolutely no excuse for the silent treatment. The only forgiveness for the silent treatment is in the case of emergencies. If the person you are dating or married to doesn’t answer your call or text on a regular basis, do not make excuses for them.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           I am a heterosexual female that was in the dating world for roughly 20 years, and I am here to tell other heterosexual females this…
          &#xD;
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           DO NOT CHASE AFTER A MAN.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Men want to do the chasing. The more you chase the more unattractive you become. Sorry, not sorry, it’s true.
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I do not care what year it is or how progressive this world has become. Never drive to meet a man, especially if your relationship is new. Set the bar for who you are right off the bat and make him pick you up.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Giving it up quickly, and you know what I’m talking about, demystifies your whole being. Make him wait. Sustain the mystery of your essence. View having sex with you as you would a trophy. We must work for trophies. We must prepare to win a trophy, sometimes for months.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Trust is the key to any healthy relationship. When you’re dating someone, you know right away if they can be trusted. If you cannot trust them, do not even think about marrying them. There’s a test if you doubt someone’s trustworthiness. Does he leave his phone in highly visible places or does he keep it close to his chest? The phone is the cheater’s haven. If his phone is concealed, watch your back.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rely on Your Intuition
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Intuition tells us everything we need to know. Asking other human beings for advice is counter-productive, especially if you’re asking someone who knows you well. There is no way they can give you an unbiased opinion, so go straight to your source. When in doubt about someone or a situation, go within and pay close attention to how you feel. For instance, if you get an icky feeling about someone, do not ignore that. Steer clear of that person.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Meditation strengthens our intuitive abilities. I practice Transcendental Meditation. Check out tm.org if you’re interested in learning more.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Conforming is Living in Fear
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Do you work in a job you hate just to make enough money to get by? That’s conforming. When we conform because we feel like we must, we are living in fear. Anytime I reluctantly conformed, I cut off my air supply. Nothing good ever came from it. Refusing to conform was the best thing I ever did for myself, but it was the opposite of what I had been taught. It took years to figure out the key to happiness, and that’s the law of attraction. When I realized I could see my way out of misery, I was unstoppable.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Don’t conform if you don’t want to. You can create any type of lifestyle you want by daydreaming about it consistently. Seek a spiritual solution if you’re unhappy with conforming, and daydreaming is a spiritual tool that has powerful cumulative effects. Daydreaming about what you really want is more effective with getting what you want than working in a dead-end job punching a time clock each day making someone else’s dream come true. Make your own dreams come true. The money will flow.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            I designed a 30-Day Manifestation Challenge that will help you navigate through the process of becoming a non-conformer. Check it out right here —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/30-day-challenge"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Paula Swope Manifesting Challenge | Say It IS So.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            I hate to see people suffer when they don’t have to, and that’s why I do the work that I do. My upbringing nearly destroyed me, but I overcome it. You can, too. If you like my style, consider visiting
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and sign up for my newsletter while you’re there. Also, I was recently published in the “Law of Attraction Magazine,” and I would love for you to check that magazine out! Here’s the link to the Winter 2022 publication —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.flipsnack.com/jewelsloa/nov-_dec-2022-law-of-attraction-magazine/full-view.html" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Nov._Dec. 2022 Law of Attraction Magazine by Jewels — Flipsnack
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This is a lengthy article, so I appreciate you taking the time to read it. If anything I wrote helps you in some way, I would LOVE for you to drop a comment, clap, highlight, or all of the above. Thank you.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:35:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/things-i-wish-i-d-known-before-now-real-talk-no-mood</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Life Syllabus: 25 Things to Live By</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/life-syllabus-25-things-to-live-by</link>
      <description>Life Syllabus: 25 Things to Live By</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Life Syllabus: 25 Things to Live By
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           Invest in yourself
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Pay for high quality education and coaching that increases your emotional intelligence. Strong emotional intelligence is worth its weight in platinum. It will take you further than anything else.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Be selfish
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           You were not put on this earth to people please. Say “No” to anything that disempowers you. Say “Yes” to everything that empowers you.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Kill that Jealousy
          &#xD;
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           Jealousy is an interchangeable term with hate. It drags you down and lowers your energetic vibration. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you’re tempted by envy, make the shift to empathy. Think about the struggles that person has gone through. The beautiful ones have trauma, too.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Master the Art of Manifestation
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Make manifestation work for you instead of against you. Then you can create enough wealth to say “No” to everything you don’t want and “Yes” to everything you do want.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Look Good
          &#xD;
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           Looks matter. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Looking your best will take you far in this life.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Feel Good
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           Do something that makes you feel good every day until feeling good is your norm. Feeling good is the only way you can attract in miracles.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Smell Good
          &#xD;
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           Ever heard the saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness?” Well, it’s true.
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           Hold Off on Marriage
          &#xD;
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           Do not get married until your brain is fully developed. Therefore, don’t even consider it until you’re at least 25 years old.
          &#xD;
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           Rely on Instinct
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Base your decisions on what your intuition tells you to do instead of what your friends and family tell you to do. Your intuition is never wrong, but humans are. This strategy has another added benefit. You aren’t telling people your business.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Allow Burning Desires to Guide You
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           If you want something really bad, you’re meant to have it. That’s why you want it. Your burning desire is your intuition’s way of telling you this. When something is meant for you, the burning desire will never go away until you act on it. A burning desire is significantly related to your life purpose.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Tap Into the Law of Attraction
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Use your five senses to do this. Whatever you want, attract it to you through seeing it, smelling it, hearing it, touching it, and tasting it.
          &#xD;
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           Be Happy Alone
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Learn to be happy alone. When you enjoy your own company, you’re never alone. That way, when you meet the right person, and you settle down your happiness isn’t contingent on them.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Have a Pet
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Love an animal. Take care of an animal and provide a great life for it. Nine times out of ten we only experience unconditional love from animals.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Achieve Self-Reliance
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Live on your own. Pay your own bills. Be savagely independent. Make your own rules and live by those unapologetically. Be self-reliant. THEN join forces with someone else.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Find Value in Your Enemies
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Instead of hating your enemies, see them as your greatest teachers. You’ll forgive them easier this way.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Be Keenly Aware of How You Feel
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pay attention to how you feel about everything and everybody. Most answers lie in how you feel. If you get a bad vibe around someone, pay attention to that. When something feels off, it’s off. When something feels right, dive in!
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Forgive Easily
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Practice forgiveness and know that forgiveness is for you not the abuser. Holding grudges will eventually make you sick, which means your abuser has massive power over you. Don’t allow that.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Limit Your Time in the Sun
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Don’t let anyone tell you that your complexion causes you to be immune to skin damage and melanoma. That’s a lie. Enjoy the sun, but don’t overindulge. Invest in excellent sunscreen and use it religiously. Fun can be had in the shade, too.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Eat Healthy
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Feeling good should be a top priority, and the foods you eat have a profound impact on how you feel. Eat something green every day. Keep driving past the Popeye’s. Don’t stop. View fast food as toxic waste. Consume alcohol and sugary foods in moderation. And for God’s sake…don’t binge drink.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Break a Sweat Daily
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Engage in some type of physical exercise daily. Find a physical activity that you love and do it as often as possible. You’ll feel better and you’ll look better. Exercise is the best way to reverse aging.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Practice Meditation
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Until you meditate daily, you probably won’t raise your energetic vibration to match that of your greatest desires. It’s very difficult for your dreams to find their way through the thousands of racing thoughts that do not serve your highest good. Meditation eliminates those significantly and helps you to stay calm even in the face of disaster.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Relax More, Work Less
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Relax and have fun more than you work. If you can relax and have fun while you work that’s the key to having it all.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Feel Grateful
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Find something each day to feel grateful for. Gratitude raises your energetic vibration to match that of miracles and abundance. Gratitude also counteracts feelings of worthlessness, self-pity, and disappointment.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Don’t Waste Time and Energy Trying to Change Someone
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           You can’t change anyone. Don’t try. Don’t beg them to change. Instead, help them grow. In the event they won’t grow with you, let them go. Be selfish. If you see that someone doesn’t have your best interests at heart, walk away gracefully and with your dignity fully intact.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Avoid Developing Feelings for a Narcissist
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Narcissists are not on every corner, but if you encounter one do not invest any real feelings or attachments to this person. They do not genuinely love you, and you will end up getting hurt if you choose to love them. Spend your time and devote your precious love to people who love and respect you.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Bible.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you like my style, I invite you to visit 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . Sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there, so you can receive free, easy to use spiritual tools that greatly enhance the quality of your life.
           &#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2022 20:08:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/life-syllabus-25-things-to-live-by</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>The Truth About Manifesting Love</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-truth-about-manifesting-love</link>
      <description>The Truth About Manifesting Love</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Truth About Manifesting Love
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/1_b-NLga7HOc2aCgdfyNZ23w.jpeg" alt="truth about manifesting love"/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           A vast majority of the information floating around on social media about manifestation is absolute bullshit, especially those posts that promise they can help you manifest a specific person (SP) in a ridiculously short amount of time. Yesterday morning I was scrolling through Instagram and saw (at least) three posts about “How to Manifest a SP in 72 Hours.” These fake promises and absurd guarantees have pissed me off, because they set people up for disappointment. The disappointment leads to believing the law of attraction isn’t real, so I am here to set the record straight. I’m also here to tell you the truth about how to use the law of attraction to manifest love.
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           Believe Me or Not, It’s True
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           The law of attraction IS real. You CAN manifest love, but it’s not an overnight quick fix.
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           FACT
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           You can manifest an intimate, loving relationship. You absolutely can. I did it. But manifesting a legit relationship in 72 hours is almost as unlikely as winning the Powerball.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           LIE
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           No one can guarantee that you will manifest a life partner in a designated timeframe.
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           This may not be what you want to hear but telling you the truth will spare you a lot of heartache and disappointment. Good news is I am here to tell you how to do it the right way, because I want to see you get what you want and what you deserve.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Energy
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           Manifestation is all about energy. Whatever you want to manifest the frequency of your energetic vibration must match your intended desire. Hypothetically speaking, below is an overview of what this looks like in real life.
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           High Energetic Vibration
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
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           and Quality of Relationships
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           High (Full of gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, happiness, enthusiasm, and kindness)
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Relationship (Easy, fulfilling, loyal, loving, respectful, supportive, healthy, peaceful, and happy)
          &#xD;
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           Low Energetic Vibration and Quality of Relationships
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           Low (Full of hatred, jealousy, resentment, guilt, shame, worry, and fear)
          &#xD;
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           Relationship (Hard, draining, disloyal, hate, disrespectful, unhealthy, chaotic, and sad)
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           Truth
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           If you fall under the category of low energetic vibration, do you really think you can clean all that up in 72 hours? Clearly, this is a rhetorical question because I know the answer. The answer is a big fat NO. I can speak on this with complete confidence, and here’s why.
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           First, I have lived this. When I started my spiritual journey sixteen years ago, I fell under the low energetic vibration category. The men I was involved with reflected my low vibe. Hell, they were a direct result of it! But I didn’t realize I had manifested those men, because I was clueless about manifestation.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Second, I did the work to clean up my energy, and it took about five years before I was ready to meet my life partner. Not implying it will take you that long, but our energetic vibration doesn’t bottom out overnight; therefore, it cannot be cleaned up overnight. It takes time, due diligence, faith, and unwavering dedication.
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           Solid Advice
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Here is a step-by-step guide for you to follow if you want to manifest someone who is perfect for you.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           1. Figure out where you stand energetically. This gives you a good idea of how much work needs to be done.
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           2. Start practicing gratitude and forgiveness every single day.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           3. Make a list of what you want in a partner, and be very, very specific.
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           4. Envision your life with your ideal partner. Spend (at least) 15 minutes per day doing this.
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           5. Forget about time.
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           6. Forget about how this person will find you.
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           7. Clear out space for this person in your home.
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           8. Buy a wedding band or engagement ring and wear it on your left ring finger.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           9. Express gratitude for your loving, healthy, respectful, loyal relationship as though you already have it.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           10. Do things that make you feel good. Make feeling good your number one priority.
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           Meditation
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           Meditation will help you execute the ten tasks listed above with complete fidelity. If my list feels overwhelming, meditate. Meditate each day until you feel ready to tackle this list. Choose a meditation that’s right for you. It can be as little as two minutes daily. Two minutes is better than nothing, and eventually two minutes will turn into ten minutes and then twenty to thirty minutes.
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           It’s All Worth It
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Anything great is worth fighting for. To attract in someone wonderful you must be wonderful. My list will get you there because each exercise raises your energetic vibration. Being in unfulfilling, dead end, abusive, toxic relationships significantly lower the quality of your life because the low energies trickle down and infiltrate every aspect of your world. Being alone is healthier. After all, you’re already alone if you’re committed to a toxic partner.
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           Something to Ponder
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           In my case, I was repeating a pattern that started with the women in my family decades ago. The women in my family settled for a less than mediocre life and that sucky life involved one abusive man after another, which resulted in a vicious cycle of women never getting what they wanted. It took almost thirty years for me to realize that all men are not abusive, and that emotional torture is not normal. If your relationships are like something out of a horror flick, think about what beliefs are buried in your subconscious mind about intimate relationships. Ask yourself these questions:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            What did my upbringing teach me about relationships?
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            How do I feel about intimate relationships?
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Do my relationships have a pattern of abuse?
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Am I deserving of someone wonderful?
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            What are my beliefs about love?
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Until you get to the bottom of the problem, you cannot find a solution. For instance, if you answer “no” to the fourth question, you have some inner work to do before you can attract in the right person. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to manifest a wonderful person in a short amount of time. The inner work must be done first, and you’ll never regret doing it.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Don’t Give Up
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           If you feel like my article speaks to you, don’t give up. Stay the course. My website is an excellent support system. Visit 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and sign up for my monthly newsletter. It has tons of FREE and EASY spiritual tools you can use right away to raise your energetic vibration to match that of your greatest desires, including loving relationships.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:22:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-truth-about-manifesting-love</guid>
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      <title>The Poverty-Invaded Mindset: Five Actions to Get Rid of It</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-poverty-invaded-mindset-five-actions-to-get-rid-of-it</link>
      <description>The Poverty-Invaded Mindset: Five Actions to Get Rid of It</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Poverty-Invaded Mindset: Five Actions to Get Rid of It
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            ﻿
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/PIM+Image+.JPG"/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The most beautiful, demented, misunderstood piece of artwork to ever be displayed — The Poverty-Invaded Mindset (PIM) — the real silent killer. Let’s talk about it.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Those of us that were raised in poverty-mindset dominated environments were brainwashed before we even knew what was happening. Poverty infiltrates the subconscious mind like a virus invades the brain. The subconscious mind becomes “ill,” and the carrier doesn’t have a clue, because they can’t feel any real symptoms. But the symptoms are EVERYWHERE.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           At any angle, poverty can be seen. You can see the despair, the scarcity, the disease, addiction, obesity, hunger, suicide, domestic violence, and outright sadness. I lived with PIM for almost 30 years, and my mindset caused a lot of unnecessary heartache. But like most people with PIM, I had no clue what had happened to me. My subconscious mind was filled with trash, and the old beliefs were manifesting at a rapid pace creating a less than pleasant world to live in.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           I was surrounded by poverty. I didn’t have enough of anything, tangible and non-tangible, my whole world was lacking in abundance, love, perfect health, and happiness. The ideas that were planted in my subconscious mind during childhood grew and by the time I became an adult my subconscious mind was buried in bloodroot.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The subconscious mind cannot distinguish between the truth and lies. It believes whatever you tell it to believe. If you feel like you have PIM, there is a simple solution. Change your narrative. Start telling your subconscious mind a different story, a story that serves your highest good. Here is a list of actions you can take right now to start the process of cleaning up your subconscious mind.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           1. Start journaling before bedtime but take a different approach. Journal in the present tense about how you wish your day had gone. This is fun, and it puts you in a better mood. Doing this each night has cumulative effects. The more you do this the quicker you’ll rewire those old beliefs that are holding you back. Before you know it, those mock journal entries become your truth.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           2. It only takes 68 seconds of pure thought to ignite the manifestation process. Design a mantra that reflects what you want to manifest. Say that mantra (at least) 3x before noon, 3x in the afternoon, and 3x at night. Use my video if you like until you come up with your own mantra: 
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           Paula Swope (@pbswope111) TikTok | Watch Paula Swope’s Newest TikTok Videos
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           .
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           3. Meditate. Works like a charm. I am a devoted practitioner of Transcendental Meditation. If you don’t have a meditation practice, check out tm.org.
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           4. Choose to see things differently at least once per day. For instance, find beauty in something you typically define as ugly. Compliment someone you’re a little jealous of. Resist the urge to argue. Stop getting offended. These small actions lead to monumental changes.
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           5. Refrain from talking about your problems to anyone. Bite your tongue. The repetition of talking about your problems every single day is how you manifest people and situations that you don’t want. Plus, complaining nourishes PIM, and your goal needs to be to starve it out.
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           Each of these actions is quick, easy, and free. You can start using these tools right now without spending one penny. This is a situation where the best things in life are free, because these five actions have potential to revamp your entire existence.
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           My life purpose is to help you find your life purpose. Check out 
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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            and sign up for my monthly newsletter. On the 15th of each month my newsletter goes out and it’s filled with spiritual tools just like the ones above. Free. Easy-to-use. Effective. No bullshit.
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           I appreciate your interest in my work. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my article.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:18:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-poverty-invaded-mindset-five-actions-to-get-rid-of-it</guid>
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      <title>68 Second Mantra for Creating a Life Changing Manifestation</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/68-second-mantra-for-creating-a-life-changing-manifestation</link>
      <description>68 Second Mantra for Creating a Life Changing Manifestation</description>
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           68 Second Mantra for Creating a Life Changing Manifestation
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           When you can hold a pure thought, which is an uninterrupted thought, for 68 seconds you build enough momentum to create a miracle. Here’s how this works.
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           After 17 seconds of thinking about something without interruptions, a shift in energy happens. Momentum builds. This is where repetition is significant. When you hold a pure thought for 17 seconds, another thought joins of the same vibration. Do this another 17 seconds and another 17 seconds and you have built enough momentum to match the vibrational frequency of a major miracle.
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           Whatever you are thinking about right now is your point of attraction. Hold your point of attraction for 17 seconds, and the law of attraction kicks in. This is when combustion happens. Do it again and do it again and do it again. In 68 seconds, you have moved enough energy to create a life changing manifestation. Repeating this causes the manifestation to take hold. You need to practice this as much as humanly possible. Every single day you need to be doing this, and before you know it pure thought thinking becomes your norm.
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           It’s all about raising your vibration to match the vibration of miracles. Doing this for 30 days cleans up your vibration so much that you may not even recognize yourself. You’ll notice magic happening around you and people will treat you differently. Usually, they treat you with more respect and admiration. When I started doing this a long, long time ago, people started giving me gifts. I couldn’t understand why, but now I know.
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           Abraham Hicks taught me how to do this, and now I’m teaching you! There is a clear vibrational variance between people who have outrageous abundance and those who have nothing. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s their mindsets. Those who have outrageous abundance vibrate at a frequency that matches greatness. Those with nothing vibrate at a frequency that matches disaster. Distinctive differences between all of us, and there’s a reason for that.
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           I created a 68-second mantra for you to experiment with until you come up with your own language. This is my gift to you.
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           Universe! The frequency of my energetic vibration is so high that it matches the energetic vibration of miracles. Abundance loves me. Wealth loves me. Perfect health loves me. Optimal health, wealth, and abundance flows to me effortlessly all day every day. I am connected to Source, so miracles find me. I receive money from unexpected sources all the time! I love money and money loves me. I am wealthy and my wealth trickles down to benefit others.
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           The people I attract to me reflect who I am. They are kind, loving, respectful, healthy, and wealthy in mind, body, and spirit. Those that surround me want what’s best for me, and they help me level up.
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           My thoughts, words, and actions are rooted in love, and I have an unwavering faith in my manifestation abilities. People are in awe of my life because abundance flows to me! I am a Miracle Magnet. I am beyond grateful for (insert your desires here and speak about them in present tense). Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!
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           Say this mantra out loud at least three times daily. Write the mantra down. Write it over and over every single day. When you are twiddling your thumbs at work, use that downtime to manifest a miracle and write this mantra down. No one will know what you’re doing. It can be your and the Universe’s little secret.
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           I conducted a workshop about the power of holding a pure thought for 68 seconds. Here is the link if you would like to watch it: 
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           https://youtu.be/m_Oxm_Jyf8Y
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           .
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           If you like my style, I invite you to visit 
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    &lt;a href="http://www.paulaswope.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           www.paulaswope.com
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           . Sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there, and each month on the 15th you’ll receive tons of free spiritual tools and information that will help you to not only raise your energetic vibration but sustain it, as well.
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            ﻿
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      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:46:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/68-second-mantra-for-creating-a-life-changing-manifestation</guid>
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      <title>The #1 Goal of Every Master Manifester</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-1-goal-of-every-master-manifester</link>
      <description>The #1 Goal of Every Master Manifester</description>
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           The #1 Goal of Every Master Manifester
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           The #1 Goal of Every Master Manifester
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           No, it’s not positive thinking. It’s not being a goody two shoes either. The number one goal of any Master Manifester is to feel good. Viewing how you feel through the lens of manifestation requires you to think about everything in terms of energy. You attract what you are, so if your energy is rooted in shame, guilt, and anger that’s what is attracted to you. On the other hand, if your energy vibrates at the frequency of love, gratitude, and peace then you attract abundance and all that word entails.
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           Manifestation is all about energy. When you think about manifestation, think about it as energy.
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           So, you’re probably asking, “How do I improve my energetic vibration?” The list below contains several energy-enhancers that when used repeatedly over time will raise your energetic vibration to match the good things you want.
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           Meditation
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           Meditation has remarkable health benefits, and anyone who has mastered manifestation meditates. Find a meditation practice that works for you and forget about sitting a certain way or breathing a certain way. Meditation should not be complicated. It can be as simple as daydreaming about your greatest desires for a few minutes each day.
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            I designed some simple, super easy guided meditations. If you want to experiment with those, check out my YouTube channel — (4)
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           Paula Swope — YouTube.
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           Stop Talking about Your Problems
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           That friend or family member you talk to on the phone each night for hours, stop doing that if you are talking about your problems. Venting is good and healthy, but vent and let it go. Talking about your problems ALL THE TIME manifests more problems, especially when low energy emotions are attached to your conversations. When you speak about your problems, do you feel yourself getting angry or sad? If so, you’re attracting in people, things, and experiences that you don’t want.
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           Resist the urge to tell your story the way it’s always been. Start talking about how you want it to be. Get excited about the new life you’re creating for yourself. When you turn the tables and stop rehashing what has always been, you’ll see results.
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           Try this. Let’s say you complain about your job and those complaints dominate most of your conversations. The next time someone asks you how your job is going, respond with this:
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           “It’s not my dream job, but I’m grateful for it because it provides what I need now. I am on the lookout for an opportunity that allows me to earn money doing what I love to do, and I know it’s coming for me soon. I appreciate you asking about my job. That’s very thoughtful.”
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           Sleep
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           Whatever interferes with getting excellent sleep every single night rid your life of it. No one can feel good if they are sleep deprived.
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           Gratitude
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           Even though your life might not be exactly how you want it to be, you have things you can be grateful for. Say “Thank You” for those things each day. During challenging times when you can’t muster up the energy to feel grateful, express gratitude for your breath.
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           Forgiveness
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           An unwillingness to forgive attracts in negative experiences. Holding a grudge hurts you and only you. Forgiving a person who wronged you takes away their power and sets you free. Forgiveness is for YOU and only YOU. Forgiving someone does not mean that you continue your relationship with them or that you condone their behavior. It means you have chosen to let go of the low energy emotions you have been burdened by because of this person.
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           Forgiveness is challenging for most of us. For me, it was painfully challenging, because the ones I needed to forgive didn’t give two shits about how I felt. The only way I was able to forgive anyone was through empathy. When you take a person’s past into consideration you often find out they were taught to be abusive; therefore, you can’t take anything they do personally. Activate your empathy button and think about why the person abused you. Monsters create monsters and knowing that your abuser was influenced by another monster makes it easier to forgive their actions.
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           Say “No”
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           Stop people pleasing. Saying “yes” when you really want to say “no” is an absolute feel-good energy killer. Think about it. How do you feel when you sacrifice your own needs and peace to give someone else what they need? You feel miserable. Misery attracts more misery, so be careful with this one. It’s totally OK to be selfish, especially with your time. Saying “no” makes you less susceptible to energy thieves.
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           Feeling good is a priority for master manifesters because we attract what we are, and we protect our sacred energy space at all costs. If you haven’t been able to make the Law of Attraction work for you in the past, it might be because you are doing things that cause you to feel bad. Becoming aware of these behaviors is life-changing because we often operate on subconscious auto pilot. Take a moment to think about the things you do daily that might be lowering the vibrational frequency of your energy and write those things down. Go one by one and find a way to either eliminate those things or keep them to a bare minimum.
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            Everyone needs a spiritual mentor to help them navigate the process of living on purpose. Fortunately, you have me because my life purpose is to help you find your life purpose. If you haven’t visited
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           www.paulaswope.com
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            and subscribed to my newsletter, please do so! I also invite you to share this article as you see fit. So many people are using the Law of Attraction for the first time in their lives, and they need a support system.
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           Thank you for your time. I greatly appreciate it. I LOVE questions, so ask away!
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      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:31:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-1-goal-of-every-master-manifester</guid>
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      <title>Law of Attraction Might Cause Your Life to Fall Apart: Five Things to Know</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/law-of-attraction-might-cause-your-life-to-fall-apart-five-things-to-know</link>
      <description>Law of Attraction Might Cause Your Life to Fall Apart: 5 Things to Know</description>
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           Law of Attraction Might Cause Your Life to Fall Apart: Five Things to Know
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           Those traditional pathways to success failed. You realized what you were socialized to believe about how life works was wrong. So, you found another way, a nontraditional pathway to success, called the Law of Attraction (LOA).
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           You decided to give it a whirl after hearing tons of miraculous stories about how so many people changed their lives with LOA. After a few months of practicing LOA concepts, you notice some minor changes, but nothing major. Then, without warning, your life starts to fall apart. You’re thinking, “What in the hell is going on? I thought my life was supposed to get better with LOA!”
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           I’m being dead serious when I say this. If you are new to LOA, and your world is crumbling, you need to celebrate.
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           Here’s the deal. Your life must fall apart for your desires to manifest. All Master Manifesters experience this. I certainly did. It was the scariest, loneliest time of my life. Now, I look back on that era and smile because it’s abundantly clear how hard the Universe worked to get me to where I am today.
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           If you’ve been using LOA for the first time in your life, and your world seems to be even more chaotic than usual, then everything is going the way it should. Here is an overview of specific things you experience when the frequency of your energy is increasing to match that of your desires.
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           Number Sequences
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           They start following you. You’ll look up at the clock and it’s 1:11. A car passes by, and you see 333 on its license plate. Your groceries are $55.55. When your manifestations are coming to fruition, you see number sequences every day. If you just see a number sequence once, probably doesn’t mean anything. Seeing them consistently is when you know your desires are manifesting and you are on the right track. The Universe is communicating with you to let you know you need to rest easy, because you’re getting everything you want.
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           Synchronicity
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           Be prepared to have your mind blown. Moments of synchronicity are true magic, and the best confirmation you can receive about your alignment with Source. Synchronicity is rare, so pay attention when you think about a song and then hear it. Pay attention when you think about someone and then you run into them.
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           In June 2013, I was deep into my spiritual practices. One of the manifestations I had been focusing on was love. Several months prior, I finally walked out of the dead-end relationship I had been in for seven years and was completely content with my own company for the first time in my life. I wanted to find my soulmate, but I wasn’t chasing him. I was attracting him. I had an inner knowing that this person was going to show up, but I had surrendered at that time. I no longer thought about how long it was going to take. I had learned to be infinitely patient.
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           On my way to work one morning, I thought about the song, “Happiness Was Lubbock, TX in My Rearview Mirror.” Typically, I made my morning commute in silence, but that morning was different. When that song randomly crossed my mind, I reached down without even thinking and I turned my radio on. That song was playing. It knocked me off my feet so hard that I almost had to pull my car over. Before I even had time to digest what had happened, I looked at the clock and it said 8:11. 811 is a powerful angel number for twin flames.
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           I knew something significant was happening, and I was overcome by a feeling of happiness and confidence like I had never felt before. On July 3, 2013, I met the man who is now my husband. Three weeks later, I got a huge job promotion.
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           Life Gets Harder
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           Strap on your seatbelt. Any person you keep company with that does not have your best interests at heart will be removed from your life. If you’re in a situation that makes you miserable, you’ll be forced to step out of it. You will be taken out of your comfort zone like never before because your thoughts have changed. For instance, if you hate your job, but you cling to it because you’re afraid of not being able to make money doing what you love, the Universe is going to force you out of that job.
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           The job example is only one example. With me, shit fell apart in every aspect of my life, and it happened fast. It was a snowball effect that started with a letter I got in the mail. That one letter set me up for the life I’m living today, but at the time I was scared out of my mind. My fear subsided rather quickly, though, which leads to the next topic.
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           Peaceful, Easy Feeling
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           When you sense that your life is taking a turn for the worse, you’ll be fearful at first, but that fear doesn’t linger. Once the newness of the “disaster” wears off, fear turns into confidence and confidence turns into peace and peace turns into infinite patience. It’s near impossible to explain how it feels when it’s happening, but you can feel it. I often refer to it as being on autopilot. Instinctively, you have an inner knowing that everything is OK. No matter how rough it gets, you do not react with your usual frantic energy.
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           Not reacting was a miracle within itself for me, because my typical mode of operation was to respond with anger, desperation, and outright stupidity to anyone or any situation that rattled my cage. After making LOA work for me, I was more present than I had been before, and this gave me power. For the first time in my life, I was able to stop, think, and be aware of what was happening. Behaving this way kept me calm and silent, and those two things expanded into an unswayable confidence about everything that was happening around me. I realized how powerful I was.
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           When you go from feeling powerless to powerful, that’s a key indicator you are in alignment with your Divine Source. You feel powerful even though your life still reflects weakness. At this stage of manifestation, you are being Divinely guided, and that’s where the confidence, and the peaceful, easy feelings come from. During times like these, I feel like I’m being pushed by the strongest force I’ve ever encountered. It’s a force that can’t be stopped, and I feel invincible when it shows up.
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           Pay attention when this happens, and fully embrace that force. It has shown up to take you to the next level. Trust your intuition. Be infinitely patient. Stay true to your favorite spiritual exercises, and the force will keep you grounded while your life falls apart. There’s a miracle waiting for you on the other side of falling apart. Keep your eye on the miracle.
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           New People
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           Anyone who cannot help you get to the next level will exit your life. Anyone who cannot go with you to the next level will exit your life. You probably know who needs to go, but you are attached to those relationships. Let them go. They must make an exit before the right people can make an entrance. You are what you eat, but you’re also who you associate with. Trust the Universe when people start dropping off like flies.
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           LOA is simple yet so complex, and there’s a lot to know. If you’re new to this lifestyle, my article should help you tremendously. Now, you have an awareness of why your life seems to be getting worse when you’ve been trying to make it better. The old saying, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn,” is actually very accurate. That’s exactly how it happens when you start living on purpose.
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           Like my style? Visit www.paulaswope.com and sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there. Please share this article as you see fit. A person that is new to LOA might give up if they aren’t aware of why things are happening the way they are. Keep the Law of Giving and Receiving in motion by sharing this article today.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:42:23 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Snob Life: Why Snobs are Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier than You</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/snob-life-why-snobs-are-healthier-happier-and-wealthier-than-you</link>
      <description>Snob Life: Why Snobs are Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier than You</description>
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           Snob Life: Why Snobs are Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier than You
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           I can feel and see your shock coming through the computer screen, but you aren’t imagining things. I really just said that. It’s true. Snobs are happier, healthier, and wealthier. Before you start planning my demise, hear me out. I’m introducing a new concept about the benefits of being a thought snob. I’m talking about a specific kind of snob that has nothing to do with pretention or anything materialistic.
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            ﻿
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           So, we have our car snobs, fashion snobs, hotel snobs, bourbon snobs, food snobs, and we even have designer dog snobs, for God’s sake. If we are so picky about material things, and the stuff we consume, why do we allow any ole’ trashy thought in?
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           I bet you can’t answer that, because you’ve never entertained the notion of the thought snob concept. Well, I hadn’t either until yesterday, so it doesn’t make you a bad person.
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           Our thoughts are free. We own them. We control them. Our thoughts are what guide the Universe. Think about it this way. Would you take off driving to a foreign place without putting the address into your GPS? Of course, you wouldn’t, because your intention is to get to your destination safely and peacefully. Our thoughts communicate with the Universe the exact same way we communicate with a GPS. Our thoughts tell the Universe where we want to go, and how we want to get there. Why would we ever give the Universe the wrong information about what we want?
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           The answer is simple. We give the Universe the wrong information because we aren’t aware of the power of our most dominant thought patterns. It’s a subconscious act.
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           Research shows we have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, and a large percentage of those thoughts do not reflect what we want. As a matter of fact, most of them are lies. Before I started practicing Transcendental Meditation, I would wake up in the middle of the night stressing over anything from how I was going to style my hair for an event to getting in a car accident. At 4:00 am, I would be in a frenzy over things that were not true. Feeling like this attracted in some less than mediocre experiences, because racing thoughts ruled my world for over three decades.
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           After years of meditation, living on purpose, and reaping the miraculous benefits of the Law of Attraction, I am a thought snob, and a proud one at that! My nose goes straight up in the air at the first sight of any thought that does not reflect what I want. I won’t speak to any thought that doesn’t serve my highest good. And I sure as hell am not hanging out with thoughts that lie and lower my energetic vibration. The thought must be of the highest quality possible before I allow it into my precious energy space.
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           My thoughts are my most expensive asset, so if it takes being a snob to guard my most prized possession then so be it. When you start being a thought snob, look out, because every aspect of your life becomes “snobby.”
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           If you’re interested in becoming a thought snob, here’s how to do it.
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           · Focus on yourself
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           · Meditate
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           · Stop people pleasing
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           · Kick toxic people to the curb
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           · Upgrade your inner circle
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           · Refuse to give any attention to what you don’t want
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           · Turn your nose up at anyone who discourages you
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           · Place 100% of your attention on what you DO want
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           · Daydream more, work less
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           Thought snobs ask two questions when negative thoughts creep in.
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           Is this true?
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           Where did this thought come from?
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           Nine times out of ten the answers are:
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           No.
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           Fear.
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           Lying, fearful thoughts spawn from ego. Once you are aware of this, you will have better control of your thoughts. If you refuse to pay attention to worrisome thoughts that evoke fear, most of them go away after a few seconds. Awareness is key. During times when an obstructing thought keeps surfacing, ask for help. Say this:
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           “Universe, God that is me, I no longer have any need for this thought because it does not serve my highest good. I ask that you fuel me with the Divine wisdom, intelligence, and strength to assist in keeping my thoughts focused only on what I want. I release the need for any gloom and doom thoughts. My energy space is sacred, and I protect it with thoughts of abundance, perfect health, and happiness, because those things reflect who I am. Thank you for being my silent partner.”
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           The opposite of a thought snob is a thought slut. Thought sluts behave differently because they allow any thought in regardless of the quality. You might be a thought slut if…
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           · You have racing thoughts all the time
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           · Worry, fear, guilt, and regret are your best buddies
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           · You always assume worst case scenario
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           · You have little to no control over your emotions
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           · Falling apart is your favorite pastime
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           · You expect defeat
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           · Your inner circle is toxic
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           I am a reformed thought slut, and I can tell you in complete honesty that thought snobs are better. Thought snobs belong to an exclusive club, and there aren’t that many of us in comparison to the number of thought sluts.
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           Be a snob. Get up on your high horse and look down on all of the poor thought sluts as they trip and stumble over their ridiculousness while your snobby ass gets healthier, happier, and wealthier by the minute.
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           Like my style? Visit my website at www.paulaswope.com and sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:36:56 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Demystifying Introversion: The One Defining Characteristic of Introverts</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/demystifying-introversion-the-one-defining-characteristic-of-introverts</link>
      <description>Demystifying Introversion: The One Defining Characteristic of Introverts by Paula Swope, Louisville KY</description>
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           Demystifying Introversion: The One Defining Characteristic of Introverts
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            ﻿
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           We really do love you, but we don’t “need” your energy.
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           As I write this, I’m wearing ear plugs to block out the noise coming from the kitchen. My husband and stepdaughter are baking a red velvet cake, and the sounds of the dishes clashing together make my skin crawl.
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           Introverts, do you feel me? Let’s have a real conversation about the introvert’s personality.
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           “A shy, reticent person,” is how introvert is defined in the dictionary. I certainly do not fit that definition. I do not agree with this definition. And the synonyms are ridiculous.
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           Recluse. Hermit. Narrow-minded. Small-minded.
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           I have a word for the dictionary — BULLSHIT.
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           Other synonyms are lone wolf, solitary, and quiet. I can get down with those, but not the others. Hermit? Narrow-minded? Small-minded? Recluse? No sir!
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           Introverts are incredibly misunderstood. There is a stigma about being introverted, and I’m not sure why. Being an introvert is not a bad thing; however, if a person with zero knowledge of introversion and extraversion read the definitions of “introvert” and “extrovert” I can see why they would consider introverted as a “bad” personality trait.
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           The opposite of introvert is extrovert. Dictionary defines extroverted as “outgoing and socially confident.” When used in a sentence, the dictionary chooses this language:
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           She is extroverted, confident, and gives rousing lectures.
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           I suppose the sentence for introvert would be:
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           She is introverted, insecure, and gives dull lectures.
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           If you know an introvert, or if you are an introvert, it is abundantly clear that there is nothing dull about us. We are deep thinkers that are highly in touch with our intuitive abilities, but that information falls through the cracks.
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           The extrovert is made out to be exciting, confident, and broad-minded while the introvert is painted as a weird person who doesn’t have the confidence to socialize publicly. I have a problem with this, but before I go any further, I want to preface my discussion by clarifying two things.
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           First, there are other definitions of introvert that aren’t condescending. I chose the one stated above because it is more representative of the overall view some people have of introverts.
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           Second, I have zero medical or psychological training. My thoughts about introversion and extraversion are based on personal experiences and secondary research.
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           I was in my early thirties when I first suspected something was off with my energy. During this time, I worked in an office where I shared a small space with four people. My co-workers never shut up. They talked all day, non-stop and very loudly. Although I really, really liked these wonderful, smart, sweet, caring, educated people, the excessive chatter made me downright mad. Not to mention the constant interruptions. By 5:00, I wanted to cry and some days I did.
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           There were days I felt like I was coming out of my skin, and by the time I left that office I felt lifeless, irritable, and discombobulated. It took some time to figure out why I felt this way, but when I figured it out, I quit the job. I knew I had to remove myself from any situation that made me feel terrible. I am a master manifester, and sustaining my feel-good energy is my number one priority in life. I no longer work in busy environments, and that decision changed my life miraculously.
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           Those low-vibe emotions that I felt for years blocked me from manifesting my highest good. Within one year after quitting this job, I lost 30 pounds, my insomnia subsided, I no longer took Xanax, and I doubled my annual salary. The reason for this is I positioned myself to work from home.
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           At 45 years old, I lean towards introversion more than extraversion, and this surprises people that have known me my entire life. They are surprised because I am not a timid recluse that freezes up in social situations. As a matter of fact, I am the opposite, and I’m usually the person everyone wants to talk to. I say that without ego. I say that because I am compassionate, I pay attention to what people say, and I am an excellent conversationalist and public speaker. Those qualities in a person do not go unnoticed, especially in social situations.
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           So, if I’m sociable and have good social and communication skills, why am I more introverted than extroverted? Here’s the answer and the number one defining characteristic of introversion.
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           Too much socializing and human interaction drains my energy.
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           I am a devoted practitioner of metaphysics, and I expect the Law of Attraction to work for me as much as I expect my breath to work. Protecting my energy field against intruders is a lifestyle. I cannot attract in my highest good if I feel bad, so I live on purpose 24 hours per day seven days per week.
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           After careful deliberation and research, I realized these things about my personality.
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            Interacting with people every single day infiltrates my energy space.
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            Unlike an extrovert, I do not recharge from being around people.
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            I am jolted by loud noise and excessive chatter.
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            Nonstop talking makes me irritable.
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            Feeling comfortable in my environment is critically important.
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           Before I figured all of this out, I couldn’t understand why I felt like I had been fighting on the front lines in a warzone after being around people. Now, I know. It’s because I need more alone time than most. My energy is enough, but that’s not the case with extroverts. Extroverts feel energized by other people. Not criticizing either personality, but it’s life changing when you figure out what fuels your energy and what drains your energy. There is a huge reason for both. Shining light on the truths of introversion was my inspiration for writing this article. My intention is to spark the eureka effect.
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           Based on my personal experiences, I believe these are the top five defining characteristics of an introvert.
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           Making Conversation for Long Periods of Time
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           Forcing small talk is an act that robs me of my feel-good energies, especially if I’m making conversation with a stranger. If I’m forcing small talk in a noisy environment, I might have to excuse myself so I can go to the bathroom, regroup, and ask God to give me the Divine strength, energy, and patience to cope.
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           Overcommitting is a Trigger
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           Attending more than one highly sociable event in a week is a bad idea. One sociable event is plenty, and something I enjoy. Two social events will likely throw me into irritable bitch mode. Allowing ample time to recharge is imperative to my overall health and well-being, and the only way I can recharge is through silence and solitude. For me, sociable events include meetings, parties, dinner with friends and family, happy hour, and phone calls.
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           Silence is Needed as Much as Water, Air, and Food
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           Human beings cannot survive without water, air, and food. Introverts require silence as much as they do the bare necessities for survival. I crave silence and solitude.
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           Noise is an Energy Thief
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           Watching television is something I do in small doses. Listening to loud music for long periods of time, especially if it’s music I don’t like, makes me want to scream and claw my face. Want to send me into a tailspin? Throw me in a room where the television is blaring and people are talking loudly over top of it, and I’ll lose my shit after one hour. My shit will be lost.
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           People-Pleasing is My Worst Nightmare
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           If I say “yes” to something that I know robs me of my feel-good energy, I seriously pay the piper. Being miserable is a feeling I avoid because it’s a feeling that drags me down for longer periods of time than it does most people I know. There are days when I don’t feel like making conversation with anyone, so if I accept a phone call to please someone else I do myself a great injustice.
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           Human Interaction is Not Important
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           Yes, I just said that, and I know how it sounds. Don’t get me wrong. I want to be around the people I love, but I am not a person that needs human interaction. The one thing I loved about COVID was the solitude. Within three months of being on lockdown, I knew what I had always suspected. I didn’t need to human interaction.
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           Being Myself is Important
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           When I am totally comfortable being myself, that’s when I thrive; however, I am not comfortable being myself around everyone. Not being able to be myself infiltrates my energy space. If I feel comfortable around you, sustaining my feel-good energy is a breeze. Anyone I feel comfortable with is a friend for life, because these folks are few and far between.
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           My Intuition is My Guide
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           Intuitively, I know what’s good and bad for me. If I ignore my intuition when it’s telling me, “Don’t go to that event!”, I regret it every time. Personally, I think my solitude has strengthened my intuition. When I was a social butterfly, my intuition wasn’t as reliable. I think my feel-good energy was depleted by the exhausting social interactions, and the low-vibe emotions drowned out the voice of my intuition.
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           In the event you feel like you might be an introvert, congratulations! We are a rare breed, but it’s our rare qualities that make us extraordinary. Once you figure out how to guard your energy space, your life improves significantly. Here’s five changes I made to embrace and nourish my introversion.
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            Stopped people pleasing
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            Became aware of energy thieves
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            Limited socializing
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            Avoided uncomfortable environments
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            Relied on my intuition for guidance
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           I highly recommend making these changes if you suspect introversion. Your intuition tells you everything you need to know, so if you feel uncomfortable in any situation there’s a reason why. Don’t ignore those feelings. And don’t let an extrovert tell you you’re wrong or weird or whatever. You’re not wrong. You’re not weird. Your energy simply requires more protection.
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           We cannot allow energies in that make us feel poorly. Our energy is sacred, and it must be guarded. Listen to your intuition if you’re off-kilter.
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           I’ll close with this. Don’t be one bit surprised if you see me at a party, dressed up in my flashiest clothing, enjoying some cocktails, loud music, laughter, and tons of small talk. You might even see me shake a tailfeather or two. However, don’t be surprised if I decline your brunch invite for the next day, despite the fact we had a ball together and felt like kindred spirits as we laughed, talked, and danced the night away. It’s because I know I am going to need peace and quiet the next day. Give me a week or two and I’ll be ready to get together again.
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           Did I spark an a-ha moment? If so, I want to know all about it! I love, love, love your comments, highlights, and claps. If you like my style, take it a step further and sign up for my monthly newsletter at 
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           www.paulaswope.com
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           . My newsletter goes out on the 15th of each month.
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            ﻿
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      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:36:56 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Narcissists Do Not Really Love You: A Roadmap to Discovering ACT (Asinine Character Traits)</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/narcissists-do-not-really-love-you</link>
      <description>Narcissists Do Not Really Love You: A Roadmap to Discovering ACT (Asinine Character Traits) by Paula Swope</description>
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           Narcissists Do Not Really love You: A Roadmap to Discovering ACT (Asinine Character Traits)
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           After spending 35 years of my life with two narcissistic people, I have concluded that narcissists do not really love anyone.
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           My conclusion is based on primary, qualitative research combined with secondary studies. To ensure anonymity, I will not name these people, but know that I was as close to these two people as one can get; therefore, I had ample opportunities to observe their behaviors consistently, and in every venue imaginable.
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           The only initials I have after my name are MPA, which stands for Master of Public Administration. I am by no means qualified to diagnose anyone with a mental illness or personality disorder, but there’s legitimacy in observations of human behavior.
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           Here’s what I’ve learned about narcissistic people.
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           They do not really love you.
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           OUCH! I know that hurts but hear me out. Their so-called love is conditional and contingent. The narcissist “loves” you when you make them feel a certain way about themselves. Their feelings for you develop because they feel powerful, admired, and worshipped when in your presence. Your praise gives them energy, and they thrive off your energy. When you have the narcissist’s full attention, they make you feel incredibly special.
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           It’s all fake.
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           The moment you criticize the narcissist you’re done. Although they may keep you around for a while, your days are numbered. The minute you complain or criticize the narcissist no longer likes you, and they are on the prowl for another person who will make them feel the way you did in the beginning. They’ll become more distant, and they love the silent treatment, especially if you’re begging them to tell you what’s wrong. They love that.
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           What others think of them is more important.
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           I believe this is a significant, defining characteristic. The narcissist wants you to worship them, and those who know the narcissist best don’t. This is prevalent in families. Families know the narcissist best, and the narcissist knows that. It’s like their cover is blown with their kids, spouse, or siblings, so they migrate towards being overly giving and accommodating to strangers. The narcissist will dote on someone they barely know, and they’ll completely ignore and isolate their biological family members.
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           Watching a narcissist operate may lead you to believe they’re a complicated personality, but they aren’t complicated at all. Their reason for behaving this way is quite simple. They are constantly on the hunt for praise and admiration, and when they know they can no longer get that energy from you they search for the feeling elsewhere. Their behavioral patterns are like drug addiction. Your praise, admiration, and longing to please them is what makes them high.
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           They pick fights.
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           You’ve hurt their fragile ego in some way. Instead of talking to you about it, they jump straight into self-preservation because they’ll never ever admit you’ve hurt their ego. And, trust me, it doesn’t take much to do this. In a second, they decide to replace you, but they don’t want to completely burn the bridge in case they need your energy again. So, they pick a fight. They make up a bunch of shit to make you believe you’ve wronged them in some way. Suddenly, the big, confident, powerful person becomes a victim.
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           While they search for someone to take your place, they want you to cry and beg. If you make the fatal mistake of blowing their phone up, they’ll control you for as long as you’ll allow it. Each time they ignore your call or text, they grin from ear to ear. They get great satisfaction from your sadness and worry. Your tears are like crack to a narcissist.
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           Narcissists appear confident, but they aren’t.
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           The only “c” word that describes these folks is coward. The bold, powerful exterior you see is a coverup for deep insecurities. Any confidence they feel is situational and it can be shattered quickly. For instance, the narcissist walks into a room feeling overly confident because they are sporting a new Rolex, but their confidence is drained like water through a sifter when they realize the person next to them is wearing a Graff Diamonds Hallucination.
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           Furthermore, if they aren’t in control of the environment, they don’t feel confident. The narcissist usually stays on their turf, because once they venture out to foreign territory, they risk being subjected to another person’s control. They feel inferior when they aren’t running the show and feeling inferior makes them angry, argumentative, and mean.
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           Everyone is replaceable.
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           Yes, they truly believe this as evidenced by how they devalue human beings and by how they dish out emotional torture.
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           They play people against each other.
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           A narcissistic person tries to turn people against each other, and this is another tactic for personal gain. They try to win your trust by confiding in you about another person. It’s not uncommon for them to tell you someone said something terrible about you behind your back. As childish as this may seem, it often works like a charm.
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           Here’s a typical scenario of what this looks like in real life. Narcissists play favorites. They always have a list of people that are ranked from most favorite to least favorite. When you’re ranked number one favorite, the narcissist tries to pit you against those that are lower on the list. I’ve learned the primary reason for this manipulation tactic is to keep you away from the other people in their world, so you don’t compare stories about the narcissist. If you were to talk to the others on the list, you would catch the narcissist in many lies.
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           Controlling
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           It’s their way or the highway. Plain and simple. The narcissist appears as easy-going, but they are the furthest thing from it. If they can’t control you, they move on to someone else quickly.
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           They are condescending.
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           Their fragile egos rule their worlds. They feel threatened by you, especially if they think you might be successful. After all, they are the only ones that are entitled to success. Confiding in them about your dreams and ideas sets you up for heartache, because they are probably going to laugh. Most narcissists are dismissive of your dreams.
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           On this note, I’ve noticed that true narcissists do not associate closely with people who have more money than they do. Money is power to a narcissist, and they use it to control you. They are notorious for giving and then taking away when you do not behave accordingly.
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           Narcissists are moody.
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           A fragile ego is not sustainable, and that’s why they are so moody. Living under the same roof with a narcissist can be hell on earth because the treatment you receive from them varies day by day. Narcissists are jealous by nature, and they get offended easily, but they’ll never tell you this. Instead of communicating the truth, they cover it up with temper tantrums. They take their frustrations out on you, and make you feel like you’ve done something horrible to them.
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           They are master manipulators, and they love to play the victim. In these situations, their deceptiveness shines. The narcissist lies without remorse, and they believe their lies; therefore, their moods are often dictated by these lies. Narcissists have imaginary friends that tell them truths. Keep this in mind when they pick a fight with you.
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           Self-gratification comes at any cost.
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           Their needs come first. They seek self-gratification 24/7. They please themselves no matter who they hurt in the process. In the event they have even the slightest twinge of guilt, they consult with their imaginary friends. Their imaginary friends never let them down because they justify everything the narcissist does.
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           This said, I’ve never met a faithful narcissist. There’s no way one person could ever feed their egos. It takes at least 2–3 people at a time to nourish the narcissistic ego. Remember they chase people that give them the energy they need to feel powerful and admired. Once the euphoria wears off, you’re done.
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           A defining characteristic of a narcissist is lack of empathy. They straight up do not care about how you feel, and there’s nothing you can do to make them care.
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           Narcissists can ACT like saints.
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           Key word here is ACT (Asinine Character Traits). There’s nothing like a good challenge, and when they are dead set on winning you over, they extend unbelievable acts of kindness. Don’t be fooled. Like their confidence, their good deeds are situational and temporary. If they help you, they have an ulterior motive. Plus, they lack discretion, so they will tell everyone about how they helped you. Bragging is in their DNA.
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           Narcissists are secretive.
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           Secrets are part of their existence, and the only people that know their secrets are their imaginary friends. If you’re involved with a narcissist, I guarantee you there’s something going on behind your back…ALL THE TIME.
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           Facts are you never know what a true narcissist is like until you invest time and emotions into one. Their relationships are exactly like their fragile egos, easily shattered and unsustainable. I see the word “narcissist” being thrown around a lot these days, and the word is getting overused. A person who appears to be selfish isn’t necessarily a narcissist. A person who is controlling isn’t necessarily narcissistic. If you date someone, and they happen to not love you like you love them doesn’t mean they are narcissistic. A vain person isn’t necessarily narcissistic.
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           Although the narcissistic person isn’t complicated, narcissism itself is. My article is a roadmap to discovering a truly narcissistic person. Remember the ACT acronym when assessing a suspected narcissist. Recognizing asinine character traits early on saves you from emotional torture. Enduring emotional torture for extended periods is dangerous because your anguish will eventually manifest into unpleasant things that you absolutely do not want.
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           I sincerely appreciate you reading my article. Looking back on my past, I wish someone would’ve handed me this roadmap. Allowing narcissistic people into my precious energy space was a detrimental mistake that nearly destroyed my life, because the way we feel about ourselves determines the quality of our lives. A narcissist has an innate talent for making you feel worthless. Don’t allow them to have that kind of power over you. Treat a narcissist like the best teacher you ever had. Learn from them and graduate to the next level.
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           Like my style? I’d love for you to subscribe to my monthly newsletter. Visit 
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           www.paulaswope.com
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            today and check out my blog while you’re there.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:34:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/narcissists-do-not-really-love-you</guid>
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      <title>5 Ways to Make the Law of Attraction Work For You</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/5-ways-to-make-the-law-of-attraction-work-for-you</link>
      <description>You control the Law of Attraction with your thoughts, words, and actions, which means you have control over every aspect of your life.</description>
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           5 Ways to Make the Law of Attraction Work For You
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           Two things you need to know that will make your life easier.
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           #1. The Law of Attraction is real.
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           #2. You control the Law of Attraction with your thoughts, words, and actions, which means you have control over every aspect of your life.
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           Too good to be true? No. You see the Law of Attraction (LOA) also has the power to destroy your life, because it cannot distinguish between good and bad. LOA gives you what you think about and talk about the most. LOA gives you tangible and non-tangible “things” that match how you feel overall, and it does not discriminate. Your past doesn’t matter. Your skin color doesn’t matter. Your sexual preference doesn’t matter. That’s why I call LOA an Equal Opportunity Employer. It’s there for everyone.
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           This is tricky business. Until you figure out that your thoughts, words, and actions are the Universe’s instructional manual, you might think, talk, and act your way right into the shittiest life ever. I know I did. This is called unconscious creation. You unintentionally attract bad things to you because bad belief systems are embedded in your subconscious mind.
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           If you doubt LOA, I challenge you to reflect on situations that have been terrible. During these terrible times, how did you feel? Were you consumed by worry, fear, and anxiety? My educated guess is you were consumed by these low-energy emotions for extended periods of time. Am I right?
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           Here’s why I say this is tricky business. Many people are completely unaware of how this works. Feeling worried for extended periods of time is dangerous because worry attracts in more things that resemble worry. For instance, when you worry about not having enough money, what happens? In my case, I used to get unexpected bills and emergency expenses when I worried about money CONSTANTLY. The more I talked about my overwhelming worry with others, I got hit with more financial issues. This was a vicious cycle for 20 years, and I had no clue it was all my fault.
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           Would you take off driving to a destination that you had no clue about how to get there without using your GPS? That would cause a lot of unnecessary stress and confusion when you could simply use your GPS to get there. Thinking and talking about our worries is comparable to not using our GPS when we don’t know where we’re going.
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           View LOA as a GPS device for getting to where you want to go in life. Think about how careful you are when you enter an address into your GPS. You’re careful because you want to make sure you arrive at the right destination on time. You trust that if you put the right physical address into that GPS you’ll get to where you need to go without any trouble. Place the same amount of trust into LOA, but you must give it the right information to get to where you want to go in life.
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           Would it make sense to put the wrong address into your GPS? No, it makes zero sense, and the same goes for LOA. It just flat out doesn’t make any sense to focus on our worries when we know how LOA works. Worry attracts worry. Relief attracts relief. Fear attracts fear. Love attracts love.
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           Whether you realize it or not, you are always manifesting. You’ve been manifesting your entire life. Question is, have you been manifesting what you want, or have you been drawing in chaos? If you’re leaning towards chaos, let me tell you how to get out of this mess.
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           Here are five specific actions you can take TODAY to start reversing any ridiculousness you may have created with your thoughts, words, and actions.
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           Become keenly aware of your most dominant thoughts, actions, and words.
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           Developing self-awareness is the absolute first step to turn things around, so it’s time to take inventory. Do your thoughts, words, and actions represent what you want, or do they represent what you don’t want? Start noticing how you feel throughout the day. What causes your mood to change? When are you in the best mood?
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           This is important. Becoming aware of the time of day when you feel best is highly significant to manifesting what you want. The best time to intentionally manifest is when we feel great.
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           Increase your spiritual productivity.
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           Stop neglecting your spiritual anatomy. We work so hard on the physical aspect of our bodies, and for some reason we neglect the one thing that has more power than any other part of our anatomy. I’m referring to the soul. If you’re not sure how to increase your daily spiritual productivity, start here.
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            Experiment with meditations and find one that works for you.
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            Check out my guided meditations on YouTube: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKbXbC045q4Gd6tsMuFihg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKbXbC045q4Gd6tsMuFihg
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            .
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            Use tapping during difficult times.
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            Tapping is an emotional freedom technique (EFT).
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            I have a tapping demonstration on my YouTube channel, as well.
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            Daydream more.
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            Spend (at least) 15 minutes each day daydreaming about what you want.
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            Doing this before sleep will eventually rewire your subconscious beliefs about yourself.
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            When you envision for the purpose of manifesting, you are consciously creating your world.
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            Speak kindly to yourself and about yourself to others.
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            Do not engage in any self-sabotaging talk.
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            Use positive affirmations. Write these down many times throughout the day. Say these out loud many times throughout the day.
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           True story. I manifested financial freedom by writing “I am wealthy” over and over again. Of course, I vocalized this mantra, as well, but writing it down gave it even more power. When I was bored during a work meeting, I would use that time to write my mantra. Writing “I am wealthy” 500 times per day was my norm for a long time, and it worked to reverse old belief systems I had about wealth. I believed I was wealthy before I was. When you believe you have something when you technically don’t, that’s when you see it.
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           Return your negative thoughts and exchange them for thoughts that serve your highest good.
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           I am not telling you to force positive thinking, but you need a strategy to kick those thoughts out that do not reflect what you want. Play around with the following strategies.
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           Is it true?
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            Ask yourself this question when a worrisome, fearful thought creeps in.
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            99% of the time the thought is not true.
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            Realizing it’s not true helps you live in the now. Living in the past and living in the future does not serve you well.
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            Try this when a negative feeling consumes you. Ask yourself, “Is this true? Am I OK right now in this very moment?”
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            Ask for help.
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            You have no idea how much help is available. Tap into the Divine energy that is always there to help you by saying this, “Universe (or God), I release the need for these worrisome, fearful thoughts. They do not serve me well. I ask that you help me stay focused on what does serve me well. Thank you.”
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            Immediately think of something that makes you happier than anything else in the world.
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            When a fearful thought infiltrates your feel-good energy space, switch it out for another thought of your pet, your favorite memory, or play your favorite song.
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           I don’t know about you but listening to Elvis Presley changes my mood almost instantly. Think about songs and movies that cheer you up, and on those bad days listen to those songs and watch those movies.
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           Practice gratitude.
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           After you finish reading this article, make a list of everything you are grateful for. No matter how bad a person’s attitude is, there is one thing they can be grateful for — Breath. Without our breath, we’re done. Gratitude has an energy frequency that matches the frequency of miracles. When you can feel grateful during moments of negativity, you can master manifestation.
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           View gratitude from this angle. Let’s say there’s someone you’re jealous of. Jealousy is an interchangeable term with hate, in my opinion, because it robs us of so much feel-good energy. Gratitude kills jealousy, so try this the next time you feel jealous of another person.
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            Activate your empathy button.
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            Step into their shoes.
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            Is it possible they are struggling, too?
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            What might you have in common with this person?
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            View them as one of your greatest teachers, because they are giving you an opportunity to invest in yourself.
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           Other ways you can strengthen your gratefulness is through extending kindness, helping someone without expecting anything in return, and pay yourself a compliment.
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           Right now, in this very moment, think about what you love most about yourself. Once you zone in on that quality, decide how you can use that quality to strengthen your relationship with LOA.
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           Loving yourself eventually leads to forgiveness, and the easier you can forgive the better off you’ll be. Forgiveness is for you. People with the highest levels of emotional intelligence forgive easily, and the quality of their lives reflect how they feel. Harboring anger and resentment block your highest good. An unwillingness to forgive hurts you and only you.
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           Say It IS So
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           You control your narrative. Do not allow anyone else to control YOUR narrative, so take back your control right now by speaking differently. When you say it IS so, you’re affirming you have something that you don’t. Saying it IS so is the same as speaking things into existence.
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           Here’s some language to play around with…
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           You hate your job.
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           Instead of constantly affirming to yourself and to others that you hate your job, speak this way instead.
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           I am grateful for this job, because it pays my bills; however, something better is coming along and I am excited about what is in store for me.
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           You aren’t happy with where you live.
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           Complaining about your home is not going to get you in one that you love. Stop complaining and start saying something like this.
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           I am looking forward to living in a happy, beautiful home, and my intention is to find this place very soon.
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           You are sick.
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           Never ever speak about being sick. No matter how tempted you are to complain about sickness, don’t. Change your narrative and say this when you aren’t feeling well.
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           My intention is to feel good, and I know that my mind and body are working together to make that happen. I am on my way to feeling better right now, and I am grateful for my perfect health.
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           You can use the Say It IS So method with any issue you have. Switching up your language is powerful, and you’ll reap benefits quicker than you may anticipate. Remember you must always speak in the present tense when you use this method.
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           Although manifestation is something we do naturally, I believe some people need to be taught. I was one of those people. Before I learned about the mechanics of manifestation, I had no idea that I was the one wreaking havoc on my life.
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           In the event you want to learn more about LOA and how you can strengthen your manifestation abilities, join me this Friday, August 19, 2022, 6–8pm EST, for a virtual Law of Attraction workshop. My goal is to boost the self-confidence you have about your abilities to manifest the life you have always wanted, because you can do that. We’ll be workshopping a customized mantra to use throughout the day and during meditation. You walk away with an invaluable spiritual tool you can use for the rest of your life.
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           The following link takes you straight to registration: 
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            to subscribe. You’ll receive a newsletter on the 15th each month, and it’s not any ole’ newsletter. Yes, I have some announcements, but for the most part I fuel you with tons of spiritual tools that increase your spiritual productivity. When you increase your spiritual productivity, you empower your greatest desires to manifest themselves in physical form. LOA is real, and it’s available to all of us. Might as well take full advantage of it instead of settling for a less than mediocre existence, and the time to do this is now.
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           P.S. Regardless of what you’ve been told, you can obtain the life you’ve always dreamed of. Miracles aren’t reserved for saints. Sinners can manifest miracles, too.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:24:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/5-ways-to-make-the-law-of-attraction-work-for-you</guid>
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      <title>Rich is Not the Same as Wealthy: Real Talk About Self-Worth</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/rich-is-not-the-same-as-wealthy-real-talk-about-self-worth</link>
      <description>Rich is Not the Same as Wealthy: Real Talk About Self-Worth by Paula Swope, July 14, 2022, Louisville, KY</description>
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           Rich is Not the Same as Wealthy: Real Talk about Self-Worth 
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           Napoleon Hill’s "Think and Grow Rich" is one of my favorite books. I always go back to it when I need guidance. However, the more I think about that book, I would have given it a different title – Think and Grow WEALTHY. 
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           A rich person has money. A wealthy person has it all. 
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           A rich person has money, but they may not have happiness, good health, empathy, and a gracious attitude. A wealthy person, however, has the money to go along with the happiness, the health, the empathy, and the attitude of gratitude. 
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           The rich person hoards money and doesn’t use it to serve others. The wealthy person invests their money, and their generosity knows no bounds. The rich person lives in fear of losing their money because they believe there isn’t enough to go around, so they’re always chasing it. The wealthy never chase anything, because the wealthy person lives with an unswayable confidence that there is enough wealth to go around. 
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           Rich is materialistic. 
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           Wealth is miraculous. 
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           The words rich and wealthy should never be used interchangeably because they symbolize two totally different personalities. If you doubt this theory, think about the people who chased money until they finally got it and they still weren’t happy. Each time a rich person buys something, they think that one thing is FINALLY going to do the trick. That one thing is going to give them the happiness and peace they crave so very badly. But guess what happens? 
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           The newness wears off, their unhappiness creeps back in, and they’re back in chasing mode. Rich people chase everything, including people, because they often think a person can make them happy. This mindset results in superficial relationships that don’t last. Contrary to what some believe everything does not have a price tag. 
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           On that note, if a person can be bought, you don’t want that person. 
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           The wealthy person has been happy without the material things. They know the secret. They know happiness is an inside job. The inner work has been done, and they are beyond grateful for the life they have created for themselves. The wealthy get as much love and satisfaction from giving as they do from receiving, and there is an equal balance of these actions in their lives. A wealthy person’s relationships are not self-serving. Their inner circle is small, but mighty, and each person receives mutual benefits making the relationships sustainable. Again, there is an equal balance of giving and receiving. 
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           Rich is not sustainable. 
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           Wealthy is sustainable. 
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           There is a level of confidence a wealthy person has that the rich person never achieves. The wealthy do not compare themselves to others. Instead, they make observations of how others live, and they have an appreciation for the differences in how people choose to live. The wealthy are always learning and growing. Making observations instead of judgements is a learning strategy and way of life. 
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           Rich people behave the opposite. They may have a Bentley sitting in their garage, but they are still envious of their neighbor’s Lamborghini. The newness of any material thing wears off fast, especially when they see someone with something they view as greater than what they have. They make judgments not observations, and these comparisons rob them of true happiness. A rich person’s self-worth is measured by how much money they have. A rich person feels valid when they have on the most expensive jewelry in the room. They may even feel superior, but the moment someone walks in wearing something nicer their superiority crumbles right then and there. 
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           In 2017, I started practicing Transcendental Meditation. That’s when I was introduced to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian who invented this style of meditation and introduced it to the world. He spoke about the true meaning of happiness a lot during his lifetime. When I heard him explain how material things were only a source of happiness, I changed my lifelong perspective about money. I stopped chasing it, and I stopped allowing it to determine my self-worth. Self-worth is something that does not have a price tag. I promise you. It cannot be bought. 
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           Think about this. If a person has zero self-worth, they are not happy. One cannot exist without the other. A person who has self-worth is happy. So, if self-worth can’t be bought, why would anyone focus on accumulating money to buy material things instead of focusing on building their self-worth? Self-worth is free. Plus, no one can take it from you, but they can take your riches. 
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           Rich is not sustainable. 
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           Self-worth is sustainable. 
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           I wrote this article because many of us were socialized to believe that money is the root of all evil, but it’s not. It’s the mindset that’s evil not the money itself. Money is a wonderful asset if it’s placed into the right hands. There’s one question that wealthy people ask that rich people don’t – How may I serve? 
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           Your take-away is the differences in mindsets. The rich person is self-serving. The wealthy is generous. The rich person can go broke. The wealthy person cannot be broken. 
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            Sign up for my newsletter at
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            and receive free guided meditations for achieving a wealthy mindset. 
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           I’d love to hear your thoughts about my perception of rich versus wealthy, especially from those of you that disagree with my theory. You are the ones I learn from most. 
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      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:42:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/rich-is-not-the-same-as-wealthy-real-talk-about-self-worth</guid>
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      <title>There is a Right and Wrong Way to Pray</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/there-is-a-right-and-wrong-way-to-pray</link>
      <description>There is a Right and Wrong Way to Pray by Paula Swope, Louisville KY, June 13 2022, to read more check out Paula's blog posts</description>
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           There is a Right and Wrong Way to Pray
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           Wrong Way to Pray: Begging/Not Confident
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           Right Way to Pray:  Affirming/Confident 
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           I used to beg God to help me. I used to cut deals with God. Didn’t work. Have you ever talked to God and said things like, “God, if you’ll send me some money, I swear I’ll never drink again.” Now, this is only a hypothetical example, but you get my drift. 
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           Before I go any further, I want to prelude this conversation with an explanation. My intention is to help not offend. I fully understand many people garner magnificent benefits from going to church. If you’re a church goer, please know what I am about to say does not apply to everyone. I am writing this blog for those who confuse begging with praying. I also want to point out I use the words God, Universe, Divine, and Higher Power interchangeably. 
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           I know people who are hopelessly devoted to going to church, and they pray, and they pray, and they pray, but still come up empty-handed. They are still sick. They are still broke. They are still unhappy. They are still stuck in toxic relationships. Nothing ever changes and their prayers seem to go unanswered. God does not play favorites, so why does this happen? 
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           Here’s what I have learned. 
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           Certain language doesn’t work when communicating with the Divine. Our language must match our thoughts, intentions, and actions. For instance, if you’re sick, and you beg God to help you, your thoughts, words, and actions are focused on desperation versus perfect health. When you say, “God, please help me. I am so sick,” you are affirming to the Divine that you are sick. Saying “I am so sick” affirms that’s what you are. So, if you don’t want to be sick, stop using that language. 
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           When prayers appear to be ignored, people often get mad at God. I know I used to behave this way, but what I didn’t realize was my prayers were being answered. I received exactly what I had said I was, and this is still the case to this very day. However, today, I receive what I want, because I changed the way I spoke to the Divine. 
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           Switch the language up when speaking to the Divine. Below are some hypothetical examples of sentences you might consider using when speaking to God. 
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            Old Language:
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           "God, I'm so sick. Help me feel better, please. I will do anything to feel better."
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           New Language:
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           'God, with you as my silent partner, I know anything is possible. My intention is to feel good. I invite and welcome any Divine wisdom you have for me. In this moment, I affirm I am in perfect health."
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           Old Language:
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            "God, I am so broke. I can't pay my house payment and I'm scared to death. I promise if you'll send me the money to make my house payment, I'll never ask you for anything ever again."
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            New Language:
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           "God, I am a part of you. I know I am capable of creating miracles. Money flows and arrives on time. My intention is wealth, and I allow it. Today, I ask you to send me Divine wisdom and guidance that leads me to wealth and to my highest good."
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           Old Language:
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           "God, please make this man love me. I am so tired of being mistreated and cheated on. I cry myself to sleep each night. I want to be loved so very badly, and all I get is abuse. Please help me. Please, God, help me make this man love me. If you'll make him see the light, I will do good from here on out."
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           New Language:
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           "God, I only attract in people that serve my highest good. I trust that you'll connect me with loving, respectful, successful, happy, healthy people who love me. I am ready to receive love from my soul partner, and I trust you'll send that person to me. I am loved."
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           See where I am going with this? The old language represents a mindset of lack whereas the new language represents a confident mindset that expects abundance. Old language speaks to what we don’t want. The new language speaks to what we do want. 
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           There’s more to this than language, though. Your thoughts and actions must be in sync with your words. If you ask the right way, you will receive. It’s the law. It’s going to happen. What you need to know is begging produces what you don’t want. When we ask for something, there’s always a gap in time before it appears. Don’t remain idle during this timeframe. In conjunction with the new language, take these steps: 
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            Do good for others. 
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            The law of giving and receiving is always in action. Keep it flowing. Do good, get back. Do good, get back. Give and receive equally. 
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            Envision yourself living in your perfect world. 
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            Spend a few minutes (at least) each day envisioning what your world will look like when your prayers are answered. 
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            Assume the feeling of already having what you want. 
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            If your prayers were already answered, what would you be doing? Go ahead and do something each day that you will do regularly when your prayers are answered. For example, when your soul mate arrives, where will their clothes go in your house? Clean out a space for that person. 
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            Avoid circumstances and people that make you feel poorly. 
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            Along with your prayers, it’s very important that you feel good. Have fun. Be extra kind and forgiving to yourself. Put yourself first. 
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            Say thank you for your answered prayers in advance. 
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            Each day, thank the Divine as if you already have what you want. Say something like this, “Thank you, God, for the abundance of wealth that continues to flow to me. Abundance is all I know, and it’s all I am ever going to know. Thank you!” 
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           Speaking and thinking this way does not come natural for most people. It certainly didn’t for me, but when I realized this everything changed miraculously. I realized that if you’re willing to live in delusion, it won’t take long for the delusion to manifest into reality. Give it a shot. After all, if your way isn’t working, why not? 
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           Sign up for my newsletter while you’re on the website, and you’ll receive tons of free spiritual tools that help with switching up the language you use to communicate with God. My newsletter goes out on the 15
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           th
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            of each month. 
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Pray.JPG" length="53782" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2022 17:29:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/there-is-a-right-and-wrong-way-to-pray</guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Empathy is a Miracle Magnet</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/empathy-is-a-miracle-magnet</link>
      <description>Empathy is a Miracle Magnet by Paula Swope 2022 Louisville KY, Read more from Paula on the Blog Page</description>
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           Empathy is a Miracle Magnet 
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/1ac2dcc7/dms3rep/multi/Website+Photo+3-dc611aa3.jpg" alt="paula swope self help author"/&gt;&#xD;
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           Naomi Judd was my inspiration for this blog post. May she rest in the peace she couldn’t find here on earth. 
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           Flashback to 1985. On one wall of my bedroom, Tina Turner sat on high and looked down low in her black plunging neckline bodysuit. To her left, Prince very seductively gazed upon my pink canopy bed from his purple motorcycle. After I heard “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” Tina and Prince had to make room for two big haired Eastern Kentucky white chicks named Wynonna and Naomi. 
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           I’ll never forget the first time I heard the Judds on K-93. K-93 was our wildly popular country music radio station in Eastern Kentucky. 
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           Here comes that fierce voice out of Wynonna… 
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           Sittin' in the porch swing
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           Listenin' to the light rain
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           Beatin' on the tin roof
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           Baby, just a me and you
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           Rockin' with the rhythm of the rain
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           Slide on over
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           Baby hold me closer
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           Movin' to and fro
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           Just swayin' like a slow freight train
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           Rockin' with the rhythm of the rain
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           So let the breeze keep blowin'
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           And here comes Mama with that soft southern twang… 
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           Rockin' with the rhythm of the rain that's fallin'
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           Night birds are singin' the crickets are callin' 
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           Back to me. 
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           And, oh my heart, was never the same after hearing The Judds, especially when I learned they were from Eastern Kentucky. My love affair with the mother daughter duo began 37 years ago. I loved everything they did, but it wasn’t just their music I loved. I loved their story. I loved the fact they were women born and raised in a poverty pocket that escaped the holler and accomplished massive success. Back then, that was rare, very, very rare for rural women. 
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           Growing up in rural country is difficult for most women, especially for Naomi Judd’s generation of women. Naomi became a mother before she was ready. She concealed abuse. She took it all on because she felt like she had to. She sucked it up like us rural chicks are taught to do. It’s a “get over it” type of mentality. I viewed Naomi and Wynonna as two women who escaped this ignorant madness. They were my childhood role models, and I viewed their lives as being way better than mine. What I didn’t know was they were dealing with internal struggles that far exceeded any problems I thought I had. 
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           Being born and raised in the same part of the country as Naomi and Wynonna, I know how rural women are raised to think. Seeking therapy is not the norm. There is a stigma attached to mental illness, and women are often shamed into hiding their mental struggles. I have sat back and watched the women in my family continuously not get what they want, because they were raised to believe that what others thought of them was more important than what they thought of themselves. The result is the development of an unswayable negative mindset that starts in childhood and plagues the woman throughout her entire life. We are taught to put ourselves second, because putting our needs and wants first is selfish. 
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           When I heard the news about Naomi’s devastating demise, I was flooded with thoughts about her socialization. I knew some of her story and was somewhat aware of her struggles with mental illness. Now, it’s two weeks after her death, and I know a lot more than what I did before she took her own life. Although I don’t understand why she did what she did, and even though I can’t relate to it, I still admire her openness about mental illness. It took a lot of courage to speak out the way she did, and I commend her bravery. 
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           For a woman socialized to believe that mental illness is something to be ashamed of, she was still willing to tell her truth for the purpose of helping someone else. Her vulnerability was evidential proof that she didn’t fall victim to any lies she was told to believe as a child and young adult. She did not keep her struggles a secret, and that is an admirable quality for any rural woman to have. 
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           My work as a spiritual teacher, self-help author, and empowerment coach is to bring awareness to behaviors that kill our manifestation abilities, and one of those behaviors is comparing ourselves to those we perceive as better than us. Naomi’s unfortunate circumstances provide an opportunity to see why we shouldn’t compare our lives to others. Comparing ourselves to another person sets us up to feel inadequate, because we judge another person’s life as being “better” than ours. Facts are none of us know what’s really going on with another person. They may appear to have it all, so we make the fatal mistake of judging. 
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           Clearly, Naomi had it all so to speak. She was the epitome of physical beauty. When I first saw her, I thought she was as beautiful as Elizabeth Taylor. She appeared to be the epitome of a strong woman. She had achieved success on a global scale. She had all the riches in the world. Naomi gave birth to two of the most famous women ever! She was loved by her husband and adored by her fans. One may think, “Why wouldn’t people envy her?” 
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           Look at the human being herself not the country music legend. Clearly, there are aspects of Naomi Judd that none of us would want. Her spotlight shined on the entertainer, not the real woman. Depression doesn’t sparkle quite like sequins do under the bright lights. 
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           Naomi Judd is a prime example of why we should never be jealous of anyone or be resentful of what another person has. We have no idea what their big picture looks like. The inner work I had to do to get to where I am today involved empathy exploration. I had to learn the importance of empathy and the impact empathy had on my emotional intelligence. When a twinge of jealousy, disappointment, or hatred comes over you during times of comparing yourself to another person, activate your empathy button. Think this thought, “They are human, too. They have struggles, too.” 
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           I do not have the proper initials after my name to talk about suicide or to give any kind of advice about suicide, so I am going to stick with what I know and what I’m qualified to provide counsel on. Things aren’t always what they seem. Keep this in mind when you fall into a trap with comparing your life to another person’s. Think about Naomi Judd when you are tempted to judge a person’s circumstances. 
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           Learning how to activate your empathy button raises your vibration to match that of miracles. The more you feel empathy versus a low vibe emotion, the closer you are to your manifestations presenting themselves in physical form. Here’s some helpful tips. 
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           Scenario: 	You see a woman carrying an expensive handbag you want but can’t afford. Jealousy creeps in and you start comparing your life to her life. 
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           Shift:	Shift your thinking. Admire the beautiful bag and consider complimenting her excellent taste in fashion. Extend kindness and be mindful that an expensive handbag is just that. It’s an expensive handbag, and nothing more. The expensive handbag does not mean her life is anywhere near perfect. 
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           Scenario: 	You envy someone’s physical beauty. 
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           Shift: 	Think about how hard that person works to look good. Feel an appreciation for their work ethic and determination. Be mindful of how much effort is put into physical beauty. Do not make assumptions about the quality of a person’s life or their story based on what they look like. The beautiful ones have the same struggles as everyone else. 
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           Scenario: 	You are resentful of someone’s good fortune. Someone won the lottery, and you are resentful of how they acquired millions. 
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           Shift. 	It doesn’t matter how abundance flows to anyone. Abundance flows to all of us in different ways, so put a stop to any kind of thinking that resembles this: 
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           They didn’t work for that money, so they don’t deserve it. 
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           Instead of thinking that way, be mindful of how many people may benefit from their good fortune. Be thankful for the constant flow of energy because that’s all money is. Money is energy and if your energy matches that of money you’ll always have it. Know that the Universe is an equal opportunity employer, and that you can have the same level of abundance. When you view someone as undeserving, the Universe matches that energy. Shift your thinking to a thought that attracts good fortune to you instead of thinking about things that deter good fortune. 
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           Long story short…Small shifts in thinking lead to big miracles. When you become aware that comparing yourself to others is an act that deters miracles, you’ll start activating your empathy button more often. 
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-5825717.jpeg" length="221055" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2022 12:14:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/empathy-is-a-miracle-magnet</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Say It IS So: Chapter 3</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/say-it-is-so-chapter-3</link>
      <description>Say It IS So: Chapter 3 by Paula Swope, Louisville, KY, April 14 2022, to read more check out Paula's blog page</description>
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           Say It IS So: Chapter 3
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            Some of you may know I recently pulled the plug on my self-publishing contract. I am pursuing a traditional publishing deal with a major publishing company. My second book,
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            Say It IS So: Speak Your Best Life Into Existence,
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            is now on hold. I have received tons of questions about
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           Say It IS So
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            and that motivated me to share a chapter from the book! Below you will find Chapter 3. I selected this chapter because it contains a self-reflective exercise about what type of speaker you are. Did you know the way you speak creates both good and bad karma? Well, it does. Keep reading to find out why this happens and how this works in everyday life. 
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           CHAPTER THREE
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           Individualized Assessment of Your Daily Speaking Patterns
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           Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind…what we sow is what we reap.
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           Now, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. The quote above refers to karma, and the Law of Cause and Effect as explained by metaphysics expert, Deepak Chopra. The Law of Cause and Effect is one of the 12 spiritual laws, and you will learn all about those in Chapter Six. Based on conversations with various folks throughout the years, in conjunction with my metaphysics studies, I have picked up on something. Most people refer to karma as what happens to others when they do wrong. Do you realize we can also attract negative karma to ourselves? This is the reason why I was scared when I realized the damage I had caused when I convinced other people about how bad my life was. I created a bank full of bad karma through negative self-talk and trashy language about myself to others. 
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           Cause: Constantly talking about what I didn’t want. 
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           Effect: Getting what I didn’t want became a relentless pattern. 
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           Solution: Developing a self-awareness of how I spoke and changing my language to reflect what I wanted. 
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           “Karma is the eternal assertion of human freedom…Our thoughts, our words, and deeds are the threads of the net which we throw around ourselves.” Reflecting back on how I used to talk, the threads of my net were made of sewage, giardia parasites and throw in some pork tapeworms and brain-eating amoeba. Problem was I was raised to talk this way; therefore, I thought it was normal. Now, I realize using trashy words are just exactly like empty calories. I compare the way I used to speak to eating a bag of potato chips. Becoming aware of the low-energy language I was using is how I conquered this lifelong habit. You are going to do the same thing, so here we go. 
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           First, we need to zone in on what kind of speaker you are. I have broken down the different types of speakers into eight categories. We’ll start with the low energy speakers. 
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            Debbie Downer.
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           Saturday Night Live did a skit about a character named Debbie Downer. Although the skits were hilarious, Debbie Downer was an extremely low-energy person. She engaged in gloom and doom conversations and never had anything positive to say or any good news to report. Her energy rubbed off on anyone she was around, and her friends never felt good or uplifted while being in her presence. Her conversations were about the worst-case scenarios anyone could possibly imagine. She continuously talked about the serious illnesses she had. She focused on death and despair and talked about nothing but sadness and disappointment. If you tell a Debbie Downer your good news, they will attack it with a worst-case scenario. These speakers feel like a sad story is more entertaining than a happy story, and they thrive off negativity and drama. They desperately seek other Debbie Downers to feed off. 
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            One Upper.
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           The one upper brags. If someone tells a story or says they did something, the One Upper comes in and tries to top whatever it is the other person has said. You cannot tell the One Upper anything about yourself without them overtalking you with a way more exciting story. For instance, you tell a One Upper you bought a new pair of shoes. Their response is likely going to be that they bought ten pair of new shoes. You tell the One Upper you are going on vacation to Florida, and they are going to say they are going on vacation, too, but their vacation destination is going to be way more expensive and luxurious than your trip. Everything about the One Upper is bigger and better, and they are controlled by their egos. One Uppers are low-energy, attention seeking people, and the loudest ones in the room. Their inner circle is large. They are not picky about who they keep company with. These speakers do not know self-awareness. They are oblivious to how they behave. 
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            Complainer.
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           The complainer is relentless. They try to convince their listener they are a victim in every situation in their lives. This person rarely has any good news to report. Instead, they constantly talk about how bad their lives are, but take no responsibility for their shortcomings. The Complainer is an energy thief, and they take inordinate amounts of your time talking about their problems if you allow it. Furthermore, if you have good news, they may not say anything. This person will skip right past whatever good news you have and continue talking about their problems. Common conversations usually entail talking about issues at work, conflict with family, and relationship dysfunctions with their significant others. The Complainer rarely inquires about your life. The focus is on them. 
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            Actor.
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           The actor is usually popular and has more friends than the Debbie Downer, the One Upper, and the Complainer. Their downfall is they do not have control of their emotions and the least little thing sets them off. The Actor is associated with a lot of drama and crying over things that don’t really matter. The Actor is like the Complainer, but this person does occasionally have good stories to tell. They will also listen to you when you have something to say and are less likely to diminish your thoughts. However, this person prays on the bleeding-heart personality. They need someone to listen intently for hours about the drama in their lives. Don’t be surprised if the Actor keeps you on the telephone for 2-3 hours while they cry and talk about some drama-fueled situation. True to their classification, the Actor loves an audience. They are attention-seeking individuals that thrive off chaos and drama. They will do their best to pull you in, but they do not intend to hurt you. The Actor is clueless and has no ill will. They simply need you to believe they are an innocent victim forced to endure abuse from everyone around them. The Actor has a large circle of friends. They will let almost anyone in. 
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            Self-Diminisher.
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           Contraire to other types of speakers, this person does not blame anyone for their misfortunes. Instead, they beat themselves up over everything. The Self-Diminisher is associated with low emotional intelligence because they have little control over their emotions. This person always speaks negatively about themselves, and heaven forbid they accept a compliment. The Self-Diminisher never accepts a compliment. When paid a compliment, they give the person giving the compliment every reason to take that compliment back. They repeatedly say things like, “I am not good enough. It’s all my fault. I’m too stupid to succeed. I’m too ugly. No one will ever want to marry me.” The Self-Diminisher stops at nothing to convince their listener that they are indeed garbage, and they are always comparing themselves to others. Their self-worth often relies on another person’s acceptance. 
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           Let’s move on to the higher energy speakers. 
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            Mirror.
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           The Mirror is the person people tend to consult when they have a problem. This type of speaker has all the right things to say and knows how to eloquently frame arguments without hurting the listener’s feelings. The Mirror has an innate ability to give advice based on instinct and this individual is usually wise with a high level of emotional intelligence. They rarely talk about themselves to others, and they do not under any circumstances talk about their achievements. Admirable qualities, no doubt, but the Mirror doesn’t talk about themselves enough. This person is selfless and has no desire to draw attention to themselves. This person wants to provide a safe place for people to vent, and the advice that is given is like holding up a mirror for the person they are talking to. The Mirror tends to put the needs of others first. This speaker is kind and compassionate and has an enormous amount of empathy. This is a positive person to be around, but the Mirror needs to pay more attention to themselves. 
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            Hope-Giver.
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           The Hope-Giver rarely complains or has anything negative to say about themselves or others. Conversations with this person involve uplifting ideas, motivation, and most people feel better after being in the presence of a Hope-Giver. The Hope-Giver is a realist, and they have been through their fair share of tough times, but they have no tolerance for any wallowing in negativity. The Hope-Giver shares their sad stories for one reason and one reason only – To help the other person become aware of something. This person is respected by many, but their inner circle is small. They have learned the more people they allow in, the higher the risk for negative conversations. The Hope-Giver is funny and has a lot of cool stories and experiences to share, but they do not dominate any conversation. These speakers are usually successful, admired, and trusted. They allow no one to steal their energy. 
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            Old Soul.
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           The Old Soul rarely talks when in a crowd, so if they say something listen. This person is wise and has the highest level of emotional intelligence. The Old Soul does not associate closely with large numbers of people. They are close with few, and if they are close with someone it is because that person has proved themselves to be trustworthy. When in the presence of an Old Soul, you feel good, relaxed, safe, and confident. Although the Old Soul doesn’t engage in idle chit chat (they hate small talk), they can sense if someone needs an empathetic ear. They are great listeners and are known for giving solid advice when asked. The Old Soul never offers unsolicited advice. They do not make assumptions about people. It would not be uncommon for an Old Soul to enter a room, and everyone turns around to look twice, maybe three times. This person is charismatic, always looks their best, and they respect themselves wholeheartedly. They have a soothing energy about them that makes people feel good. After speaking with an Old Soul, you want to be a better person. The Old Soul is the quietest person in the room, and often misunderstood. You may think this person is aloof at first, but they aren’t. They are silent until they have something worth saying. The Old Soul chooses their words wisely and they do not engage in cheap language about themselves or anyone else. If you want to gossip and talk trash, go sit by the One Upper or the Complainer. The Old Soul will not welcome you in, and they have an intuition that spots low energy people right away. 
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           After studying the different types of speakers, which category do you fit into? The following questionnaire will help you figure out where you stand. Be completely honest with yourself. No one needs to know your results. Also, if you happen to identify with a speaker like the One Upper, that is OK. I used to be the Complainer, the Actor, the Self-Diminisher, and the One Upper all rolled up into one disguised as a confident, well put together sharp dresser. At 45 years old, I categorize myself between the levels of Mirror and Hope-Giver. I am living proof any negative behavior can be reversed. The only thing in this world that is irreversible is death, so don’t beat yourself up if you fall into one of the more negative categories. This is a self-growth exercise, and you will be stronger for participating in it. 
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            ﻿
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            In conversations, do you overtalk the other person? 		Yes/No 
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            Do you criticize yourself to others? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you engage in negative self-talk? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you associate with large amounts of people? 		Yes/No 
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            When someone tells you good news, do you say something to bring them down? 	Yes/No 
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            Do you graciously accept compliments? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you talk about your problems to others? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you talk about your good fortunes to others?		Yes/No 
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            Do you express gratitude regularly? 				Yes/No 
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            Are you a good listener? 					Yes/No 
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            Do people come to you for advice? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you offer unsolicited advice? 				Yes/No 
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            Are you eager to express your opinion? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you argue with people regularly? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you pay people compliments? 				Yes/No 
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            Are you happy for people with good fortunes? 		Yes/No 
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            Do you get drunk and call or text people? 			Yes/No 
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            If the answer is yes to the question above, do you regret this the next day?  Yes/No 
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            Are you a gossiper? 			Yes/No 
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            Are you a trusted person within your inner circle? 		Yes/No 
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            Do you think of things to say to hurt people? 		Yes/No 
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            Do you think of things to say that are uplifting? 		Yes/No 
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            When you help someone, do you anticipate a reward? 	Yes/No 
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            Do you keep secrets? 						Yes/No 
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            Do you exploit a person’s downfalls? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you have empathy for others? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you set expectations for a person’s behaviors? 		Yes/No 
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            Are you a happy person? 					Yes/No 
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            Are you a sad person? 					Yes/No 
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            Are you a jealous person? 					Yes/No 
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            Do you try to outdo people? 					Yes/No 
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            Are you a loud person? 					Yes/No 
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            Are you a quiet person? 					Yes/No 
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            Do you cry a lot? 						Yes/No 
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            Do you talk on the phone for hours? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you laugh a lot? 						Yes/No 
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            Are you judgmental of others? 				Yes/No 
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            If the answer to the question above is yes, do you discuss your judgements of others with other people? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you interrupt people when they are talking? 		Yes/No 
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            Has someone ever told you that you hurt their feelings? 	Yes/No 
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            If the answer to the question above is yes, has this happened a lot?    Yes/No 
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            If someone tells you they love something, music or whatever, do you attack their opinion? 	Yes/No 
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            If someone tells you they love something, whatever it may be, if you don’t share their love for this thing, are you still respectful during that conversation?   Yes/No 
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            Is your go-to thought pattern focused on worst-case scenario?  Yes/No 
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            Is your go-to thought pattern focused on best-case scenario?  Yes/No 
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            Have you been told you have diarrhea of the mouth? 	Yes/No 
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            Have you been told you are a great person to talk to? 	Yes/No 
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            Do you use positive affirmations? 				Yes/No 
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            Do you believe you are deserving of the best? 		Yes/No 
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            Do you realize your words have power? 			Yes/No 
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            Do you know your words create the world you live in? 	Yes/No 
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            Do you believe the Universe is always listening to you? 	Yes/No 
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            Were you raised in a negative environment? 			Yes/No 
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            Are the people that raised you gossipers? 			Yes/No 
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            Are the people that raised you complainers? 			Yes/No 
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            Do the people that raised you fall into any of the negative speaker categories?    Yes/No 
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            Is your inner circle small? 					Yes/No 
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           Answering these questions honestly should make you keenly aware of what type of speaker you are and how much negativity needs to be reversed. If your answers reflect the characteristics of a negative speaker, odds are you speak this way because someone taught you to speak this way. It’s not your fault. If you didn’t seek change, you wouldn’t be reading this book. My next statement is based on the assumption that you want to become a better version of yourself. If you are disappointed with your answers, great! This means you now have an awareness of how you talk. Reversing this way of speaking starts right here and now, so keep reading. Chapter 5 brings you a step-by-step guide of how to reverse the habit of speaking negatively, but first you must learn the science behind this practice. 
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-733856.jpeg" length="163211" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:18:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/say-it-is-so-chapter-3</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>My Experiences with Number Sequences and What They Mean</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/my-experiences-with-number-sequences-and-what-they-mean</link>
      <description>My Experiences with Number Sequences and What They Mean by Paula Swope, Louisville KY March 11, 2022</description>
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           My Experiences with Number Sequences and What They Mean 
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           Do you see number sequences frequently? When you’re driving, do you see 555 and 333 on license plates? Do you look up at the clock and it’s 11:11? If you experience this frequently, listen up! 
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           Seeing number sequences frequently is a major indicator that you are connected to the source. When we are connected to source, the Universe communicates with us, and number sequences are a medium for the Divine. Problem is most people don’t know what the sequences mean, or why they are always seeing them. 
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           I see number sequences all day, and that is what I mean by frequently. Seeing number sequences once or twice a year doesn’t count. When we open the lines of communication with the Universe, we receive messages all day every day. 
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           Right off the bat I want you to know that seeing any number sequence on a regular basis is a great sign! Each time you see a sequence stop and thank the Universe for communicating with you. Great wisdom and guidance are revealed through number sequences, so pay attention. 
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           Numerous metaphysicians and spiritual teachers have interpreted number sequences, and for the most part I think those interpretations are accurate; however, I have learned more about the meaning of each sequence over the years. Here is my interpretation. 
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           11, 111, and 1111 
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           This is the first number sequence I started seeing, and it freaked me out. I had been studying metaphysics and trying to adopt the living on purpose lifestyle for a few months. Confused and fighting with my inner critic and large ego, I surrendered and asked the Universe for guidance. It wasn’t long after I opened the door for communication, I started seeing 111 and 1111 all the time. 
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           Overall, seeing the number 1 in a sequence means your thoughts are manifesting. Seeing 1111 means your thoughts are manifesting rapidly. The Universe is telling you you’re connected, and to be careful with your thoughts. If you aren’t focused on the good, you’ll attract the bad or what you don’t want. 
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           Seeing this number sequence is a reminder you are in control of what happens to you, and your control comes from your thoughts. 
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           Usually, I see this sequence (at least) once per day, and I’ve learned it’s because I am always manifesting. Us big dreamers see 111 and 1111 all the time. Meditators see this sequence a lot, too. I didn’t see number sequences until I started meditating. 
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           22, 222, and 2222 
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           Took me a while to figure this one out. For the most part, the 2 sequences symbolize a new beginning. This sequence pops up when I am working on a new project. It also reveals itself when I need clarity. 
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           Personally, I believe this sequence appears to send a message that I have what it takes to make things happen. 222 and 2222 signify talent. The Universe has shown me this sequence during times when I wanted to quit to tell me to keep going. 
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           Another observation I’ve made is I see this sequence when I’m doing what I love to do. 
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           33, 333, and 3333 
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           When you see this number, I guarantee you are doubting yourself and experiencing fear. This sequence means support. It means you are supported, and the spiritual guides have your back. 
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           There is nothing to fear. That’s what I have learned. There have been times when I was contemplating a major risk, and the Universe revealed this sequence.
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           In 2015, I resigned from a job that was sucking the life out of me. Without any money, I started my own business because I refused to be fenced in by some ungrateful employer that would dismiss me at any second. I remember turning my work cell phone in and getting my own. Verizon assigned me a new number that ended in 333. I knew right then I had made the right decision. 
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           Seven years later, looking back, oh, I definitely made the right decision. Resigning from that job jump started the life I was meant to live. 
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           44, 444, and 4444 
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           Credible sources claim the 4 number sequence is favored by the angels. I lean towards this being true. 
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           Over the past few years, I have taken some big risks. I have experienced miracles beyond my wildest imagination, and I have lived through some of the toughest times of my life. This sequence appears right before something great is going to happen and when something tough is brewing. Through this sequence, the Universe lets me know the angels are closer than ever. 
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           Yes, I talk to angels. When I see 444 and 4444, I have full blown conversations with the angels, and you should, too. Whatever is happening this sequence shows you the angels are playing a role in your current situation. 
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           55, 555, and 5555 
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           Seeing the 5 sequences means a shift is taking place. Consistently I have seen this sequence during times of transition. Sometimes the transitions are good and sometimes they are not so good, but this number lets me know the transition is leading to my highest good. 
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           Recently, I have been questioning some of my business decisions. Unfortunately, I have learned I was taken advantage of by two of the companies I invested money in. Before I found concrete evidence, the number 5 sequence was literally following me around. I knew information was being revealed to me that would lead to my highest good. 
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           Knowing the meaning of this sequence and knowing why I see it provides bulletproof guidance. I know once I move on from shady business deals, the door will open for the right partnerships, and it will open immediately. This is what it’s like to live in faith. Instead of seeing obstacles, I see opportunities. 
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           66, 666, and 6666 
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           No one wants to see this sequence, right? Historically, the number 6 sequence is associated with Satanism or something dark like the alleged Mark of the Beast. Throw all that mess out. That’s not what it means. 
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           As a spiritual number sequence, this one symbolizes two things. 
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           First, your thoughts are not in sync with what you want. Your energy doesn’t match the energy of the good things you want to manifest. I often see this sequence when I am angry about something, and it’s a nudge from the Divine that I need to get back on track. I am being told there is an imbalance in my energy. 
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           If I make the fatal mistake of watching the news, I tend to see this sequence. 
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           Second, someone needs your help. After you see this sequence, don’t be surprised if an opportunity to serve arises. Make sure you act on the opportunity and lend a helping hand. Remember the Universe sends tests and warnings. 
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           77, 777, and 7777 
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           Your spiritual cup runneth over. The number 7 sequence is associated with luck, and that is somewhat accurate. But us metaphysics practitioners do not believe in luck. That said, this sequence shows up when you are in the best position of your life with your spirituality. 
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           When you prioritize your spiritual beliefs and you surrender, good things flow to you. Sounds like luck, right? It’s actually YOU that’s attracting miracles. Seeing this sequence is a symbol you’ve reached a high level of spirituality and nothing but good can come from your progress and devotion. 
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           I’ve noticed I see the 7 sequences during times of change. I see it when I’m adopting a new spiritual practice or when I’m contemplating taking a risk. I remember seeing the sequence when I was trained in Transcendental Meditation, and as it turns out TM took me to a whole other level of happiness, wisdom, and wealth. Very recently I decided to take another path with publishing my books, and I have seen the 7 number sequence everywhere! 
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           88, 888, and 8888 
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           You are a magnet for abundance! In my opinion, this sequence is one of the best sequences we see. When the number 8 sequence starts showing itself to you, get ready, because abundance is traveling at the speed of light and it's headed straight for you. 
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           You’ve done the spiritual work and it’s time to receive it. That’s the message. The Law of Giving and Receiving comes into play big time. Basically, you’ve given, and you’ve given some more and now it’s your turn to receive. 
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           Make sure you say this out loud when you see the 8 sequence – “Universe, thank you! I am ready to receive it!” 
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           I’ve seen this sequence on rare occasions, but it presents itself when abundance is close. In my world, a significant miracle manifests about once per year. I see this sequence before it happens and then I see it shortly after the miracle has manifested in physical form. 
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           Another profound observation I’ve made is the number 8 will join the number 1 sequence when abundance is traveling towards us at full speed. I see 1811 frequently, and I’ve learned that 1811 is telling me two things. 
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           First, my thoughts have manifested and it’s only a matter of hours or days before I will have what I want. About one week before I met my husband, I saw this number sequence EVERYWHERE! 
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           Second, the sequence assures me I’m making all the right moves even if it doesn’t seem like it. Typically, I am in a state of turmoil when I see 1811, and 1811 reveals itself to let me know the turmoil is happening for a reason. A consistent pattern in my life has been being pushed out of situations, such as jobs, contracts, and relationships. I see 1811 before a long-awaited desire manifests itself into physical form. 
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           Relief is my favorite emotion. I feel relieved when I see 1811. 
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           99, 999, and 9999 
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           Spiritual experts claim this sequence signifies an ending. I have the least amount of experience with this sequence, but I have made some valid observations. 
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           I have seen this sequence less frequently than any of the other number sequences, but I’ve noticed it pops up when I am frustrated. I saw 999 last night, which was significant. All day I had gathered evidence to build a case against a contractor I hired, and the evidence pointed towards an inevitable ending. Although I am disappointed about this situation and feel a little foolish for being taken advantage of, seeing 999 lets me know success is right around the corner. 
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           I needed to learn lessons and terminating my contract with this company is a necessary step to get to where I am supposed to be. Seeing 999 communicates the ending is a great thing. 
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           In my world, the number 9 joins the 6 sequence from time to time, and it makes sense. For instance, I often see 6699. I view this sequence as a warning. Either my thoughts are imbalanced or I’m stepping into a situation that isn’t right for me. 
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           My husband and I bought our first home together in 2015 and the address was 6699. I almost backed out of the contract because of the number sequence but decided there was something I needed to learn. We lived there for six years. Will and I were happy, grounded people, but that house brought some turbulent times. After we sold it, we experienced more peace. 
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           When you notice 6699 popping up, stop and think about what is going on in your world. Are you making an important decision? Have you met someone new? Be aware of what’s happening and know that the number sequence is there to give you a head’s up. I suggest immediately asking the Universe for guidance when you see it. 
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            If you want to know more about number sequences, let me know. I’m happy to talk more about this. Email me at
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           paula@paulaswope.com
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2022 18:35:32 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Living On Purpose Explained</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/living-on-purpose-explained</link>
      <description>Living On Purpose Explained by Paula Swope, February 2022, Louisville, KY, to read more from Paula check out the blog page</description>
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           Someone said something the other night that has been on my mind, and I decided to address it in this month’s blog. I was having dinner and drinks with a friend, and she said, “I feel like using the Law of Attraction takes God out of the equation.” My immediate response was, “Oh no! No, no, no. Not at all!” I was stunned, and in that moment, I knew I had to provide clarity in case others feel this way. 
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           What is living on purpose?
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            Living on purpose is when you use your God-given power to create your world your way. People who live on purpose do not believe in luck or coincidence because they know it is their thoughts, words, and actions that determine their surroundings. Living on purpose means you partner with the Universe to get what you want. Every thought you have is designed to serve your highest good. Living on purpose is the Law of Attraction in practice. 
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            Where does God fit in?
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           Somewhere down the line “God” got personified. God was given a gender, race, and a personality, a quite vengeful personality at that. Facts are God is an energy, and a source of love that humans have trouble comprehending. When I say the word “Universe,” I view that word as an interchangeable term with God. When God was personified, people were taught to believe they were separate from God, but we aren’t separate at all! We are a part of that magnificent energy and it’s there for us to access anytime we want. Remember you are a spiritual being having a human experience. 
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           Since we are part of that Divine source, we are capable of manifesting miracles. You have everything in you right now that you need to create miracles, and the sooner you realize that the better off you will be. You have more power than you think. Your fate is not necessarily pre-determined without you having any control over what happens to you. Granted, the Universe always has a bigger, better plan, but you design the infrastructure for that plan with your thoughts, words, and actions. 
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           No one is blessed more than another. God does not play favorites. All of us are part of this Divine energy, and we have equal access to it. That’s why I refer to the Universe as an equal opportunity employer. Those who appear to have it all are connected to this source, and they expect abundance. They live on purpose. God is not selecting them to be blessed while cursing others. A person’s mindset determines what their world looks like. 
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           Moral of the story…living on purpose puts God at the forefront! When you connect to the Divine source you put God in charge of your life. You use what God gave you to create miracles, heal your body, strengthen your intuition, and to bring about the highest good for the largest number of people. 
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      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:00:40 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>The 12 Spiritual Laws</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-12-spiritual-laws</link>
      <description>The 12 Spiritual Laws by Paula Swope, Louisville KY, January 12 2022, to read more check out Paula's blog page</description>
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            I recently wrapped up my third book,
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            Say It IS So: Speak Your Best Life Into Existence.
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           I am in love with this book because it teaches a nontraditional pathway to success. Most of us are programmed to believe that success can only be achieved through hard work and some luck along the way. This belief is not necessarily true, and there is no such thing as luck. Your success actually depends on how you think and how you speak about yourself to yourself and to others. 
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           We do not attract what we want, we attract what we are. The first time I heard this statement was from Dr. Wayne Dyer, and I didn’t understand what he meant. However, once I stumbled across the 12 Spiritual Laws and studied those, I was clear. At that moment, I stopped speaking negatively about myself to myself and to others. 
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           On January 24th, I am launching a “Say It IS So 30-Day Manifestation Challenge.” The goal of this Challenge is to learn to speak a new language that is designed to raise your quality of life. Using this strategy of speaking things into existence is a foolproof method to get what you want, but it isn’t magic. The inner work must be completed before you can become a master manifester. 
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           For me, understanding the 12 Spiritual Laws brought clarity to how this works. Speaking things into existence is conscious creation. To help you understand how and why this works to deliver a life beyond your wildest dreams, here is a brief overview of the 12 spiritual laws. Before you start reading, I need you to know that understanding the laws is a definite key to mastering life. Each law builds on the other, so try and develop a solid understanding of each law before you move on to the next. 
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           The Law of Divine Oneness 
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           We are all connected. Regardless of your beliefs about creation, we all came from the same source. Knowing this helped me to see others as equal, even the people I disliked. The Law of Divine Oneness teaches us empathy. The love we give comes back to us, but so does the hate. 
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           The Law of Vibration 
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           The frequency of our emotions is directly correlated with the Law of Vibration. Everything on this planet has a vibration, an energy field. Our words have massive power because of the energy they carry, and our words are highly linked to the Law of Attraction (LOA). Anything we want to manifest we can have; however, our energy and our vibration must match that of what we want. For instance, the feeling of doubt (low vibration) is a blocker to abundance. Until you release doubt and replace it with unwavering faith (high vibration) your desires stay in a holding place. 
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           The Law of Repeating Patterns and Correspondence 
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           Your life is the direct result of your patterns. Repeated behaviors create your world. Your patterns and your behaviors are your most dominant thoughts, and this law says our thoughts create our world. The fact our thoughts create our world goes back to the Law of Vibration, because like attracts like. 
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           The Law of Attraction 
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           Speaking of like attracts like, now here we are with my favorite spiritual law – LOA. We get what we want, but we also get what we don’t want. We are in control of that. Our thoughts are our magical power, but we must understand how this law works. If our vibrations are low, the quality of our life is low. Miraculously, however, we have the power to move out of those low vibrations by replacing them with high vibrations. Speaking about things you want and saying positive affirmations will get you there. If your world is dominated by high vibrations, your life will be absolutely fabulous. LOA lets you decide what your world looks like. 
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           The Law of Inspired Action 
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           Speaking things into existence is an example of the Law of Inspired Action. We can’t just think our way into magnificence. We must take action towards our goals, and this is where speaking and thinking positively helps us greatly. Speaking and thinking positively results in changed behaviors, which creates new patterns. New patterns lead to tangible and intangible manifestations. A great example of how this works is what happens when we stop negative self-talk and replace it with positive, loving self-talk. When we love ourselves, everything changes. Our experiences change because the people around us change. Opportunities flow in abundance because we become deserving and open to receive when we love ourselves. All of the spiritual laws are interconnected. See, when we start to think and feel this way versus hating and criticizing ourselves, we get the Universe’s attention. LOA opens its doors and starts matching our vibration. That’s when our manifestations come to fruition. 
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           The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy 
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           Feeling good and having is so important in all aspects of life, but it’s especially critical when you’re manifesting. That’s what the Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy is all about. Using this law is conscious creation, because you consistently (patterns) engage in activities and behaviors that lift your energy levels. Feeling good is imperative when you summon LOA to work for you. Keep in mind it’s all about your energy! 
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           The Law of Cause and Effect 
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           This one is a basic rule in life, in my opinion. Everything about you and how you treat it determines what your relationships and surroundings look like, hence the name of the law – cause and effect. Water a plant and it thrives. Deprive it of water and it dies. Same exact concept with self-care and how we treat the people we love. Your actions determine another person’s reaction. If I do not treat my husband with respect and love, he will react in a negative way. I choose to love and respect him, so he will stay by my side. View this mindset as filling up your positive karma bank. 
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           The Law of Compensation 
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           Ever heard someone say, “Pay it forward?” The Law of Compensation guarantees we will get paid if we are open to creative possibilities, and the Universe has tons of those. Anyone we tip graciously and generously comes back to us. Any work we do we get paid for if that is what we want. Don’t box yourself in. Your compensation does not have to come from a 9 to 5 job. Open your mind and heart to all creative opportunities and you will see the abundance flow. Tip generously, as well, and give money and time to people without them asking for it. 
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           The Law of Relativity and Perspective 
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           The way we view the world and the way we view people is our perspectives. There is great power in perspective because our perspectives are different. The Law of Relativity and Perspective can teach us empathy, because according to this law no one is completely good or completely bad. Once I became spiritually woke, I was able to view the worst people on earth in a different way. Take a serial killer, for example. Serial killers are horrific and none of us want to associate with a serial killer. Am I right? But think about the serial killer’s mother. Think about their kids (if they have any). My guess is their blood relatives have a much different perspective about who they are. 
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           We all view our lives from a certain perspective. For instance, have you ever noticed someone who lays in a tanning bed too much? Their skin color becomes too dark and often has an orange tint. We see that, but they don’t. What this law taught me is to think twice before coming to a conclusion about someone. It has also taught me to be grateful. When I can view circumstances from several logical perspectives, it brings great clarity to who I really am and what my life really feels like. Instead of viewing a person’s perceived power from a jealous perspective, investigate it more. Is the person using their power to do good? If so, they are meant to have that power and they deserve it. This law is an exercise in critical thinking. 
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           The Law of Polarity 
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           One of the first lessons I learned when I started practicing the concept of living on purpose was the power in determining exactly what I wanted. To do that, I had to think about what the opposite of that was. The Law of Polarity is about specificity. Be specific about what you want, and this specificity often derives from the mistakes we make. Learn from your mistakes and use those experiences to bring about your highest good. Before you know it, you will be operating in a way that is the exact opposite of what you don’t want to bring about. For instance, if you fell madly in love with someone not capable of monogamy you learned the characteristics of this type of partner. Learn how to spot this personality and do not even entertain the thought of attracting another person like this in. Go for the opposite. That’s the Law of Polarity in practice. 
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           The Law of Rhythm 
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           No matter how bad or how good something is nothing lasts for eternity, except our souls. There is a time limit on everything, good and bad. If you’re going through a tough time know that it will not last. Some of our greatest lessons are earned during those tough times and they do make us stronger and wiser. Same concept applies to the good times. Embrace it all. Learn from it and keep growing stronger. View your life from the perspective of how the seasons change. We start the year out in winter and then we move into the spring on into the summer and then the fall. Everything changes from season to season. Fashion changes. Temperature changes. Behaviors change. Food and drinks change. This is the Law of Rhythm. Everything is associated with a timeframe, and nothing is ever concrete. 
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           The Law of Giving and Receiving
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            Each of us have a feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) side. Yin and yang have different energies, and each one needs to be balanced. Same goes for giving and receiving. You can’t give, give, give, and never receive and you also can’t receive, receive, receive, and never give. In Deepak Chopra’s masterpiece,
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            The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,
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           he so eloquently explains “the universe operates through dynamic exchange.” What this means is everything must keep circulating. Hoarding money is not the way to go. Pay attention to what Deepak says here: 
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           Because your body and your mind and the universe are in constant and dynamic exchange, stopping the circulation of energy is like stopping the flow of blood. Whenever blood stops flowing, it begins to clot, to coagulate, to stagnate. That is why you must give and receive in order to keep wealth and affluence – or anything you want in life – circulating in your life.
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           It is an absolute fact the more you give the more you receive. I have lived this, and I know it to be true. This is how we keep the abundance of the universe flowing in our lives. Give the big tip. Donate the goods. Keep the wealth circulating (give) and it will come back to you tenfold (receive). We are all connected. When the opportunity arises to help a fellow human being, do not turn your back on it. Remember what this law guarantees and how energy must be circulating. 
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           If you loved this blog, sign up for my newsletter. My newsletter goes out on the 15th of each month. Each newsletter contains a new tool or skill you can use to get one step closer to the life you really want. 
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      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:02:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-12-spiritual-laws</guid>
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      <title>Judgements Versus Observations</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/judgements-versus-observations</link>
      <description>Judgements Versus Observations</description>
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           That word. JUDGE. I feel like women are being judged now more than ever. No matter who you are, it is ingrained in your brain to judge someone at first sight. We don’t even mean to do it! It’s like subconscious creation. The moment we lay eyes on another person and BAM! We sum them up without knowing who they really are. So, how do we stop it? I honestly don’t think we can stop it completely, but here’s an idea to make us better all the way around. Let’s try to be more aware and make observations instead of judgements. 
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           What’s the difference between an observation and a judgement? Well, for starters, judgements are subjective whereas observations are objective. With judgments, we usually don’t have facts to back up our opinion of someone. However, if we take the time to observe the person, we can decide if he or she should be invited into our inner circles. After all, it is not safe to let just anyone in. 
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           Women tend to judge one another quite harshly, and this spawns from outright jealousy. I so wish this wasn’t the case, but it just is. Granted, some women are more guilty than others with their unmerited judgments, but all of us have done it. Society has made women feel so insecure and that’s where those negative behaviors come from. I used to be the world’s worst for doing this, but once I became self-aware and realized what I was doing, I started working to raise the levels of emotional intelligence. 
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           This is what I have learned since I became more aware of my actions. I have learned to make these observations before I make any quick judgements. 
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           Take the time to observe a person and do not under any circumstances base an opinion on outer appearances. 
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            Pay attention to how this person makes you feel when you’re in their presence. 
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            Does this person respect boundaries? 
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            How does this person speak about others? 
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            What does your intuition say about this person? 
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            Do you get a strange sinking feeling when you see this person? 
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            Is your energy drained after talking to them? 
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            Do you feel uplifted and happy after spending time with them? 
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            Is the relationship strained or does it come naturally? 
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            How do other people feel about this person? 
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            What is this person interested in? 
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            Do you trust this person around your spouse or significant other? 
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            Take note of things you have in common. 
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           Because society has beaten women down for so, so long, it is understandable why we fall into the trap of being jealous of a woman that appears to have more than we do. Society’s definition of beauty gets us every time too, right? A beautiful woman walks in that appears to have it all and other women see her and think, “She better get her ass on up outta here!” It’s brutal the way we judge one another, so why not start making observations instead of judgements. 
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           If your observations turn out to be less than favorable, fair enough. You don’t have to associate with that person. But if at first sight you give someone a chance that you might normally be intimidated by or jealous of and you end up caring about this person you have grown tremendously! The key to doing this is to stop comparing yourself to others while making objective observations about a person’s character. 
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           The ball is still in your court without the judgements. You have the choice to associate with who you want to associate with, but a judgmental attitude might rob you of the best friendship you ever had. 
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           Keep this checklist in mind when you meet new people. 
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            Judgment
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           Observation 
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           Subjective                                                         Objective 
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           Comparing                                                       Awareness 
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           Opinionated                                                    Factual 
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           Low Energy                                                     High Energy 
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           Positive or Negative                                  Neutral 
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           Closed-Minded                                             Open-Minded 
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           Women need to build each other up. I know that sounds cheesy and cliché, but it also sounds true. We go through challenges and struggles men don’t have a clue about. Not beating up on men. I think most men are wonderful! The point I am trying to make is that women are in all of this together. The next time you judge a woman for whatever reason, activate that empathy button. Think about how she has a monthly menstrual cycle, too. Consider the fact she may have had a rough upbringing, too. Maybe she can’t get pregnant and longs for a baby or maybe she lost a baby. If she looks great, instead of being jealous of her, think about how much hard work she puts into her appearance. 
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           Turn animosity into admiration whenever you can. Be an advocate for other women instead of an adversary. When that pesky ego sends a twinge of jealousy your way, pay that woman a compliment and see what happens. 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:48:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/judgements-versus-observations</guid>
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      <title>Tap Your Problems Away</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/tap-your-problems-away</link>
      <description>Tap Your Problems Away</description>
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           Let’s face it. Life throws some serious curveballs from time to time. The outcome of these curveballs often lies in one thing – How we react to the problem that is thrown at us. To be the absolute best version of myself, I seek holistic approaches versus medicine when possible; however, I firmly believe in the power of modern medicine and science. A few weeks ago, I was watching a podcast and learned about tapping. Tapping is an emotional freedom technique (EFT) that has been used to solve problems such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome. But what I am realizing is it can be used for anything! 
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           Problems in our bodies occur when our energy is disrupted. Tapping works like acupuncture to reinstate our balance. When I hear the word “acupuncture,” I immediately think of needles. With tapping, needles aren’t necessary, because we use our fingertips to stimulate our meridian points. Some refer to our meridian points as energy hot spots. Our energy hot spots include: 
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            Side of our hands 
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            The area on the outside of our hands below our pinky finger in between our wrist 
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            Top of our head 
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            Eyebrow 
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            The area right in between our eyebrows 
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            On the sides of our eyes 
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            Under our eyes 
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            The bone right under our eyes 
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            The area underneath our nose 
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            Chin
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            Top of the collarbone 
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            Under the arm
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            Right underneath our armpits 
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           At the time, when I listened to that podcast, I had a nasty head cold and my allergies were off the chain. I felt just awful. Over the counter cold medicines never work for me, so I tried tapping. I googled the technique and found I could use it for any problem, so I thought, “Why not try to tap this head cold away?” Here’s what happened. 
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           The first time I used tapping, I didn’t feel much relief, so I did it again. By the third round, I felt better. The next day, I woke up, felt bad, but better. I tapped all day that day. Low and behold the next day, my head cold was gone. This isn’t hogwash. When I get a severe head cold, those nasty things do not go silently in the night. They linger for 7-8 days at a time and sometimes up to 2 weeks. This one went away in record time – 4 days. 
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           Two weeks later, I received my COVID booster. Par for the course, my side effects kicked in about 12-13 hours after getting it. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold chills, body aches, headache, and overall icky feeling. I started tapping. Each tapping session worked to alleviate symptoms. By nighttime, I was OK. Side effects vanished. This was not the case when I got the 2nd shot back in April. I was down for an entire weekend and still felt tired and sluggish on that Monday. 
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            My role as a spiritual advisor is to give you as many tools as possible to help you be the best version of yourself. So, I decided to provide a demonstration of tapping. Click here to see the video:
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           https://youtu.be/A5LUt8JtTSw
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           . 
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           Tapping is a technique that anyone can learn, and it doesn’t cost any money! View this as one more addition to your spiritual toolbox. Tapping can be used daily as a routine spiritual practice, as well. You can combine tapping with any of your daily spiritual practices. It worked for me. It’s worked for hundreds of thousands of others. Give it a try. If it doesn’t help you, it certainly won’t hurt you. 
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            If you have any questions, email me at
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           paula@paulaswope.com
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            .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:57:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/tap-your-problems-away</guid>
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      <title>Staying Grounded in a Pandemic</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/staying-grounded-in-a-pandemic</link>
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           Easier said than done, right? We are in uncertain times, possibly unprecedented uncertainty. We are surrounded by fear, and sometimes it feels like we have no control over this COVID-19 nightmare. But…we do have some control.
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           I admit I have come a long way since the pandemic first reared its evil head in March 2020. At first, I freaked out. When there were only thirty something cases in my entire county, I hoarded up at my father-in-law’s lake house and was fearful to go anywhere. All I watched on television was the news, and I obsessed over the spike in cases every single day. I was petrified to be around my step kids because they were in the public school system. I went as far as to make a COVID-19 manual for everyone in the house to follow. It contained best practices for not spreading the virus.
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           I acted like a damn drill sergeant. I made everybody wash their hands before entering the kitchen. I only allowed one person in the kitchen at a time, and that person had to wipe everything down with Clorox wipes after they fixed their food. I didn’t see my friends or my family. And if anyone got too close to me, I became very socially awkward. No hugs. No parties. No going to the grocery. All of this was in vain. I ended up getting the virus after practically living in isolation for one year. Only explanation for this is I manifested it. I thought about not getting COVID all the time, and BAM! I got it.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           I had to get back to metaphysics basics and remind myself how dangerous it is to live in fear. Living in fear attracts in more fear. After I recovered from COVID and got vaccinated, I had a different perspective about this virus. I changed my mode of operation and am getting back to my normal self. Here are some changes I made, and I feel much, much better and way more confident about surviving this pandemic.
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Stop watching the news.
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            Trust me when I say that watching the news does you no good, only harm. What good does it do to watch or listen to one depressing news story after another? Watching the news is insane. I say this because insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
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            Don’t believe what you see or read on social media.
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            Never ever trust a news story you find on social media. Lady Gaga said social media is the junkyard of the Internet, and she is right.
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            Feel grateful for what you have.
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            Each day practice gratitude. If you are healthy, don’t take your good health for granted. Be thankful for it and express gratitude every chance you get.
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            Have fun.
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            If you have an opportunity to have fun, don’t let it pass you by. Laughing and having fun create high frequency emotions and those emotions cancel out worry and fear.
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            Know that this pandemic will pass.
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            Patience is indeed a virtue. Be patient and know this will pass.
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            Be kind to yourself.
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            Invest in things that make you feel good. Feeling good is so important right now.
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            You are number 1. Take care of your emotional and mental health. If you’re scared, that is OK. Don’t beat yourself up over being scared. We’re all scared to a certain extent.
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            Meditate.
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            Meditation is the key to achieving calmness, peace, and patience. Find a meditation practice that works for you.
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            Exercise.
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            Enjoy the outdoors as much as possible! Take a hike, a walk, do whatever makes you feel lighter.
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            Check out virtual options for yoga classes, toning classes, etc. The Peloton Bike offers tons of options for streaming high quality workouts.
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            Practice empathy.
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            If someone disagrees with your views about the pandemic or the vaccine, try stepping into their shoes instead of attacking their perspective. People are afraid and this is unfamiliar territory.
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            Being kind is another high frequency emotion. When you have the option to be right or be kind, choose peace (aka kindness). If you have no desire to be right, you are impossible to argue with.
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            Focus on perfect health.
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            Worrying over the virus might attract it in. Try to shift your focus and emotions to the present. Do you feel great right now? Focus on that.
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            Use this positive affirmation each day, “I am perfect health.”
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            Watch something or read something that makes you laugh.
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            Movie
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            TV show
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            Standup Comedy
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            Book
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            Magazine
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           I am by no means downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic by telling you to laugh and have fun. Facts are the virus is here and it is here to stay. We must find the best possible coping mechanisms until we achieve herd immunity and worrying is not going to solve anything. Worry and fear only make things worse. No matter what your unique situation may be, you can adopt these practices without spending any money. I will say, however, if you have the financial means to spoil yourself, now is a great time to do that.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:59:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/staying-grounded-in-a-pandemic</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Machine Gun Kelly Gets It</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/machine-gun-kelly-gets-it</link>
      <description>Machine Gun Kelly Gets It</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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           Successful manifestation requires absolute confidence from the receiver. You must banish all doubt about receiving what you want in this life. The more and more you surrender to the Laws of Attraction, the less and less you doubt your ability to manifest ANYTHING. Stay with me here. You won’t regret it. 
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           I love to use celebrities as examples because they are master manifesters. If you have read my book, you know I observe celebrities. Most recently, I have been infatuated with Machine Gun Kelly’s talent. He is a poetic genius, and I am blown away by his work. I have also learned he does not like to be called Machine Gun Kelly, so I am going to respect his wishes and call him by his real name – Colson Baker. 
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           This past July, Colson was interviewed by his high school classmate. The entire interview is about how Colson manifested fame and success despite the fact no one thought he would make it big. The odds were stacked against him, but Colson kept the faith and told anyone who would listen he was going to make it big. Well, the joke is now on his haters because he is one of the hottest tickets in showbiz. 
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           There is one piece of this interview that made me smile from ear to ear and I want to share it with you. Colson’s interviewer made the comment to Colson that most kids who go to space camp don’t end up becoming astronauts. Colson’s reply was: 
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           That's because they didn't come to class in an astronaut suit. You have to be crazy enough to be the editor of the fucking school newspaper to end up growing up and editing in fucking real newspapers, you know what I'm saying? I was like the kid wearing an astronaut suit and everybody was like, ‘Why the fuck would you do that?’ But the universe saw me wearing an astronaut suit and was like, ‘We can give it to all the people who aren't wearing it, or we can just give it to the fucking kid who's wearing an astronaut suit and make him a spaceship.’ 
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           His example of wearing an astronaut suit to school is brilliant. It’s brilliant because that is how you get the attention of the Universe! You take action, and the action is believing and behaving as though you already have what you want. 
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           If you’re living a lie, the Universe is going to keep feeding that lie. Why not live your truth? Moral of the story? Take one action today to show the Universe what you want and who you really are.
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            If you want to read Colson’s entire interview, click here:
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gq.com/story/machine-gun-kelly-wesley-lowery-high-school-reunion" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://www.gq.com/story/machine-gun-kelly-wesley-lowery-high-school-reunion
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           . 
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Machine Gun Kelly On Instagram: @machinegunkelly
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2021 19:16:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/machine-gun-kelly-gets-it</guid>
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      <title>Techniques for Staying Grounded</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/techniques-for-staying-grounded</link>
      <description>Techniques for Staying Grounded</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           I hosted a workshop at a retreat last weekend, and when my talk was over, some hands flew up. Thrilled they had questions, I readily pointed at one of the audience members and said, “Yes, sir!” He said, “Paula, how do we stay positive when we feel awful?” I have not stopped thinking about his question. When he asked me that, I advised him to stick with his positive affirmations and meditations, but there is actually more to it. 
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           Staying positive ALL THE TIME is not healthy or possible. I do not encourage anyone to force themselves to be positive 24/7, because that’s living in denial. We have to face our problems, no doubt about that. The key is to not carry those low frequency emotions with us for too long. When I say low frequency emotions, I am referring to feelings of anger, guilt, frustration, irritability, and all of those feelings that cause us to feel “awful.” 
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           How do we not harbor those feelings? There’s a few tricks to it, because most of us were raised to carry those emotions with us. Hang on tight to that anger and never let it go! This is not the way. This is the way to attract in bad experiences you do not want. During times of difficulty, we must stay as grounded as possible. I have a few exercises you can try during difficult times, whether you are going through a breakup or financial crisis or loss of a loved one or a nasty case of PMS. Whatever your situation may be, try these exercises and at least one of them will help you to stay grounded. Staying grounded keeps us from spiraling out of control. It also helps us to let go and let God much quicker. 
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
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           Meditation Techniques 
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           #1. Weather permitting, do this technique outdoors. Sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Make sure your spine is straight and your shoulders do not slump over. Close your eyes. Take one minute to calm your mind. When you’re ready, breathe in and out for about two minutes. If you have racing thoughts, that is OK! Do not try to force your mind to turn off. Do not try and force anything. Just sit in silence and breathe in and out.
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           After two-three minutes, start imagining your feet are roots, like a tree. See those roots coming from the soles of your feet. Imagine those roots go deep into the earth. Your feet are your anchor and those roots are connecting you to Source (aka the Universe). Stay in this moment for another minute or two or stay in it as long as you want. This meditation only takes about five minutes. It is highly effective in keeping a person grounded during times of difficulty. However, you can use it anytime you want. 
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           #2. The more you say something and think about something the more power you give it. With this in mind, think about something you really, really want. Now, write that something down as an “I am” statement. For example, if it’s abundance you want, write down, “I am wealthy or I am a magnet for unlimited abundance.” Make sure you are specific about what you want. Do not go into this meditation until you are 100% confident about what you want. 
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           Next step requires a quiet place. All you need is a quiet space and a chair or something comfortable to sit on or lie down on. Get comfortable and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths in. This can take as little or as long as you want, but I suggest breathing in and out for about two minutes. This tends to quiet the mind and it relaxes the mind and the body. 
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           Now, see that “I am” statement you wrote in your mind. See the whole sentence. Continue to breath in and out. Envision the letter “I.” See the letter in your mind until it is crystal clear. Take as long as you need to with this step. Once the letter “I” is clear, move on to the word “am.” See the word “am” in your mind. Again, take as much time as you need. Once you see “I am” clearly in your mind, move on to see the other words in the sentence you wrote. For example, if you wrote, “I am wealthy,” you will move on to focus on the word “wealthy.” Continue to breathe and do not rush through this. You might be surprised by how much better you feel after you do this meditation. 
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
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           Gratitude 
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            ﻿
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           Let’s face it. Bad days happen, and some are worse than others. Feelings of gratitude will always, always, always brighten your spirits. When you happen to be feeling just awful, stop for a second and think about the good things in your life. Write them down if you need to. Whatever you need to do to feel grateful. Gratitude is a high frequency emotion that counteracts low frequency emotions. Here’s an example of how this works. 
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           The other day I was feeling a little bluesy. Not sure if it was PMS or pure aggravation that spawned from never being able to get anything fixed in our new house. Nothing terrible was happening. I was just really aggravated. Before I started a pity party, I checked myself, because I am able to live in the present moment. I checked myself and said, “Paula, think about everything you have and how much gratitude you could be feeling right now.” 
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           That one thought, that one realization in the present moment, turned my mood around. I became fully grateful for my body, because it is perfect. I am not referring to physical beauty here. I am referring to the fact I do not have any physical or intellectual disabilities. Then, I took this gratitude exercise a step further when I looked down to see my two dogs sitting at my feet. I feel nothing but love when I see my dogs, which raises the frequency of my thoughts. 
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           Doing exercises like these are effective in helping us to make shifts in our thinking patterns. These exercises are also effective in helping us get control of our emotions. These exercises raised my levels of emotional intelligence significantly. Moreover, making these types of shifts in our thinking greatly enhance our ability to live in the present moment. 
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      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2021 14:55:48 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Connection Between Expectation and Disappointment</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/connection-between-expectation-and-disappointment</link>
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         I think all of us are guilty of setting expectations for how others should act or treat us. For instance, expectations are set about how spouses and friends should respond to holidays and birthdays. If someone expects flowers for Valentine’s Day and does not get them then that person feels hurt and resentful towards the person that did not send the flowers. Expectations often to lead disappointment, arguments, and fall outs with loved ones. The recent Presidential election is a perfect example. 
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          Ideologies are different, and that is part of what makes a healthy democratic society. We are free to choose. Right? Then why do so many people hate another person because of an opposing opinion? It is because of expectations. Because you believe in something you expect your friends and family to share your belief. When they do not share your passion and disagree with you, it causes hatred and places strain on the relationship. 
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          Ego plays a major role here. When being right becomes more important than being kind and loving someone, ego has taken over. In politics, I am not so sure there is a right or wrong answer. How you believe is your opinion and your opinion does not make you right or wrong. It is simply your take on things. Different opinions are part of individualism. If we were all the same, how would the world continue to turn? And how boring would that be if we were! 
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          Because I have witnessed so much hatred in 2020, I felt compelled to shine some light on what expectations can cause. If you expect a person to behave a certain way or believe a certain way you are setting yourself up for disappointment. You are also letting your ego win because you place yourself in a predicament where you defend your beliefs for the purpose of proving that you are right, and the other person is wrong. Facts are neither one of you are “right” or “wrong.” 
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          Sometimes we do not realize we set so many expectations. My goal for this week’s blog is to create awareness around this. Do me a favor. The next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you need to defend your stance on something, consider this. Is being right more important to you, or is peace more important? 
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          Anything that causes negative emotions needs to be avoided. Disappointment, resentment, anger, these emotions are low-energy frequencies, and the more you indulge in these emotions the more likely you are to attract negative experiences into your world. Your good fortune is more important than being “right.” 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:39:11 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Does Your Inner Speech Match Your Intentions?</title>
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         Years ago, I purchased Wayne Dyer’s book, The Power of Intention. Before I read this book, I had no idea how my inner speech was interfering with my life. For instance, I used to only focus on what was missing or what I did not like in my world. Well, focusing on everything that was wrong only attracted in more wrongness! Wayne Dyer taught me how to match my inner speech with my intentions, and taking this action changed my life. Here is how this works. 
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          If you have been following my blogs, you know that many, many years ago I was in a living situation with my mother that made me miserable. During that time, I talked negatively about the situation and was constantly focused on everything I hated about the living situation. I said things like, “I hate this house and I hate this subdivision. I have no privacy.” Day in and day out I thought this way and talked this way and guess what. It got me nowhere. 
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          My intention was to leave that house and acquire a place of my own, but my inner speech was not focused on that goal. On page 65 of The Power of Intention, Dyer explains this simple concept by explaining, “When your inner speech focuses on the way things have always been, you act upon your thoughts of what has always been, and the universal all-creating force continues to deliver what has always been.” You must make a shift in your thinking when you are focusing on what has always been. Here is an example. 
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          Stagnant Inner Speech 
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          “I hate this house I am living in. I have no privacy and I am so sick of sharing a space with another person. I am irritated all the time.” 
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          Inner Speech that Matches to Intention 
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          “I see my new home in my mind, and I see myself happily living in it. I see myself working in the yard and entertaining family and friends in the dining room. With my luck, I’ll get my new home quicker than I anticipated and at the perfect price.” 
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          I am using the home scenario as an example only. The inner speech concept applies to everything in our lives from jobs to relationships to health and our overall quality of life. Moral of this story is stop complaining and shift your words to reflect the life you want versus the life you do not want (aka – The way things have always been). 
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          Your words and your thoughts are two things you have complete control over. Your words and your thoughts can be your Superpower, or they can be your worst enemies. The glorious piece of this puzzle is that the Universe is there waiting for you to decide how your thoughts and words will serve you. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:37:47 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>The Key to Forgiveness is Empathy</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/the-key-to-forgiveness-is-empathy</link>
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         I don’t know about you, but when I am deeply upset about something, I can’t stand for someone to flippantly say, “get over it.” And I get quite irritated when people say, “forgive and forget.” I live in the real world, and it is not that easy to get over it and forgive and forget. Facts are we can get over things, and we can forgive, not sure we ever forget, but it takes time to heal emotionally when a person wrongs us. 
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          Forgiveness is for us, not the other person. If you harbor anger or any negative emotion towards another person those feelings hurt you, not the other person. Here is how it works. Any negative emotion you carry around with you attracts in negative experiences. When you feel bitter towards another person, it is an all-consuming feeling. We are often tempted to get revenge and we play out how we would execute the revenge in our heads. What we do not realize is these feelings and thoughts attract bad things, so that is why I say forgiveness is for us versus the other person. 
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          When you forgive someone, that does not mean you condone that person’s behavior. It sure does not mean you have to associate with that person. Forgiveness sets you free. If you truly forgive someone, you no longer want to get revenge and you do not think about their wrongdoing day in and day out. Have you ever been so mad at someone that you wake up thinking about how badly they did you? Then those thoughts turn into rage and you carry that rage with you all day. These feelings attract in bad experiences, and that is why forgiveness is critical to your ability to manifest the things you want. If you think about rage against another person all day, then rage is what you will get in return. Watch yourself. 
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          Forgiveness is something I did not understand and something I never practiced. I thought forgiving someone was a sign of weakness, so I carried anger and rage with me against so many people. After studying metaphysics, I learned I was doing a great deal of damage to myself because I was not willing to forgive. This was probably 10 years ago. Now, I can honestly tell you I have forgiven everyone that I harbored anger towards. This is how I did it. 
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          First step I took was admitting I was angry with certain people. I made a list of everyone I needed to forgive, and my name was on that list. My top five people were ones I woke up thinking about, the ones I wanted to get revenge against. These were the ones that ignited rage and anger in my soul when I thought about the bad things they did. Making this list was not easy, but it made me face the truth. The truth was I was overridden by negative emotions. 
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          Second step involved empathy, which I consider to be the key to forgiveness. I went through my list daily and took one person at a time. I stepped into each person’s shoes and that helped me to see them in a different light. For example, one person on my list had a harsh, brutal upbringing and through practicing empathy I understood more about why he was so mean to me. When I realized I was not his problem, that it was his inner demons, forgiveness came easy. 
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          With each person on my list, I said, “I forgive you and I let you go forever.” I said this statement over and over until I no longer felt the rage and the anger. My longing for revenge vanished. I also said, “I no longer have the need for anger, rage, and revenge. I choose love, and I intend to feel good.” Again, I said this over and over until it was true. Like anything else, I believe we have the power to speak things into existence, and that includes forgiveness. 
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          Start with one person. Do exactly what I did for several weeks and see how you feel. Be kind to yourself during this process and do not judge any feelings you have. Please know it is totally normal to harbor resentment towards another person, but you are hurting yourself. Learning how to forgive and why you should practice forgiveness is lifechanging. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:36:24 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>New Year’s Resolutions are Bullshit</title>
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         Sorry, not sorry. You know I am speaking the truth. Although I can appreciate the concept of new year, new you, new me, whatever, these resolutions rarely work. Do you know why? Because we set “resolutions” and never fall through with the action that needs to be taken to bring the resolutions to fruition. I have done this, so no judgment here! I want you to learn from my mistakes, and I am going to show you a way to get what you want without setting unrealistic resolutions for yourself. 
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          I have a secret to tell you that will make your resolutions come true in one way or the other by taking one simple action. STOP DOING THINGS YOU HATE TO DO. Let me tell you how to make this happen. Start saying “NO” to anything you do not want to do. If you do not want to talk on the phone to someone, do not do it. If you are tired of cleaning the house, while your family members sit and watch you instead of helping you, then stop doing it. If you are invited out for drinks and you do not want to go, tell your friends “NO.” I can keep going, but you get the big picture. 
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          Each time you engage in activities you hate you sell yourself short of the good things in life. Typically, we do this to please other people. I have learned pleasing other people is a dead-end street. Do you know why? Because people pleasing causing frustration, resentment, and anger, and these are the lowest of the low energy frequencies. Low energy frequencies attract in bad experiences. It is dangerous to your health and well-being to do things you do not want to do continuously. Every now and again we all do things we do not want to do, but when people pleasing becomes a lifestyle you lose yourself and the good things you are entitled to. 
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          Think about this. I personally know people who have been coerced to go to work during this pandemic. Although they did not want to go because they were afraid, they went to please their employer. Many of these people contracted COVID-19, and many of these people landed in ICU for days and weeks and months, and some of them died. If they would have said “NO,” they would be healthy and alive. 
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          Please know that saying “NO” is not being selfish. Putting yourself first is the best action you can take to achieve a new you. And you do not need a new year to start doing this, but now is as good of a time as any. Oh, and one more thing, you do not owe anyone an explanation about saying “NO.” Be as choosy with your time as you are your food. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:35:05 GMT</pubDate>
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         Saying something IS so when it is not is how we speak things into existence. Thinking you are something, and then vocalizing you are that something, is powerful. And before you say, “Paula, isn’t that lying?” Let me clear this up for you. It is not lying when you are manifesting. 
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          For years, I have given my thoughts power through vocalizing what I wanted as I already had it in my possession. For example, every day of my life, regardless of what my bank account looked like, I said, “I am wealthy.” There have been times I said that statement when my bank account was overdrawn, but I continued to say it without any idea of where the wealth would come from. I said it and I said it until it became true, which means my words manifested into tangible reality. 
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          I remember this one instance vividly. Many years ago, my father asked me what I was planning to do with my life as I was a bit of a screw up at the time. Without any reservation, something came over me and my answer was, “I am writing a metaphysics book.” He looked at me like I was the biggest dumbass he had ever laid eyes on. I went on to tell people throughout the years that I was an author. I did this at times when I was unemployed and had never written one word about anything much less a whole book. Well, my first book is being published and it will be on the stands by March. 
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          When I was single, and in and out of toxic relationships with men, I started telling people I had met my soulmate partner. I vocalized this even though that man was NOWHERE in sight. Again, just like my father did, people looked at me like I was crazy, but I continued to repeat that. I told people, “This man I have met is as close to perfect as a person can get.” In 2013, I met him. In 2015, I married him. 
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          My husband and I have done this exercise jokingly for years. We have conversations that are totally fake. We talk about travel plans for my book signings in New York City as if those have already been scheduled. Many of these “fake” conversations we have had have come true. For example, for the past two years, we have talked about our dream home as if we already had it. Guess what? We just bought it. The house is everything we dreamed about and more. 
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          Try this out. Today, I am sure you will have conversations with people. If there is something you really want, work it into the conversation and vocalize it to the other person as if you already have it. Saying you are something out loud is a powerful action step to getting what you want. If you happen to be alone all day and do not have opportunities to conversate with others, play pretend. Have these conversations on your own. Trust the process and have fun with it. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:31:28 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Do You Live by Rules or Ethics?</title>
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         I have never been one to conform, so I have thought about this quite often. Rules smother me, and I feel like I am being fenced in when I am forced to follow unnecessary rules. For instance, who made up the rule that the workday needs to start at the crack of dawn? Absolutely useless rule, and I can think of so many useless rules we all feel like we must accept. Contraire to what most believe, we do not have to accept any rule that makes us miserable. There is a wiser way to live. Live by ethics. 
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          Ethics are what guide my daily life, and the decisions I make versus rules. I do what I feel is right, and what makes me feel good about myself. According to the rules, I am supposed to work five days per week, get up early on those days, and then rest on the weekend. Well, guess what? That schedule does not work for me, so I work when I feel like working. Ethically, producing quality work means more to me than following rules. Getting up early makes me physically sick, and when I am sick, I cannot produce quality work. Makes more sense for me to get the sleep I need, throw the getting up early rule out the window, and do what feels right (ethically) for me. 
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          Living by ethics versus rules helps me to take ownership of my life. If I live by rules that someone else creates, I am not allowing myself to reach my highest levels of self-actualization. Following rules is exhausting (to me) but living by my personal ethics feels natural. I do not have to work at living ethically, but I work and concentrate to follow rules. Frankly, I prefer doing what comes naturally and less stress is involved with that way of life. Thinking about what the Army is like makes me cringe. I would be kicked out after the first hour. 
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          How do you live your life? Are you a rule follower or do you live by your personal ethics? Put your comments in the box below and think about these questions: 
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          #1 	Do you get aggravated when you are forced to follow a rule? 
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          #2	What guides your daily decision making? 
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          #3	Is conformity something you embrace or reject? 
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          #4	Were you socialized to believe in living life by rules or ethics? 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:30:05 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>How to Use Divine Intervention</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-use-divine-intervention</link>
      <description>How to Use Divine Intervention</description>
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         This is a subtitle for your new post
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         If you have a serious problem that you cannot solve on your own, try asking for Divine Intervention. This is how it works. 
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          Say the following statement out loud: “Universe, I am asking for Divine Intervention to solve (insert your problem), and I allow it. Thank you.” 
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          Do not overuse this. Save your requests for Divine Intervention for the serious issues. I have asked for Divine Intervention on numerous occasions and have been relying on this method to solve problems since I was introduced to it in 2009. I have a lot of experience with this, and here is what I have learned. 
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          When you ask for Divine Intervention, things can go from bad to worse FAST. Know that these changes are taking place to get you out of a bad situation and into a better place. Honestly, the first time I asked for Divine Intervention, within 24 hours, I felt like my whole world was caving in. It was not long, however, that I was in a much better place and everything that happened to get me there made complete sense. 
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          Be careful what you wish for. Make sure you are ready to have your problem solved. Divine Intervention works fast. 
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          Go with the flow and trust the process after you request Divine Intervention from the Universe. 
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          Stay aware and pay attention to your inner knowing. When you ask for Divine Intervention, your intuition kicks into fifth gear. Trust it. Do what your intuition tells you to do. If a message comes to you more than three times, that is a major sign you need to act on whatever it is you are being guided to do. 
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          Be prepared for things to not go your way. One day, everything will make sense if you do not get what you want. Usually, if you do not get what you want, it is because the Universe has something better for you in store. 
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          After you ask for Divine Intervention, do not ask again. Ask and let it go. Of course, you will think about it, but do not try to figure anything out. I highly recommend putting what you want on a vision board after you ask. 
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          The key to making this work for you is to have unswayable faith that it will. After all, why not try it if nothing else is working? You are never alone. You have the power to tap into an intelligence that can and will solve ANYTHING. But it does you no good if you do not activate it. Use it. It is there waiting to help you. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:28:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/how-to-use-divine-intervention</guid>
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      <title>Use This Magical Prayer to Solve Problems</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/use-this-magical-prayer-to-solve-problems</link>
      <description>Use This Magical Prayer to Solve Problems</description>
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          I am passing along a prayer I have used to solve problems that seemed unsolvable. I cannot take credit for the prayer. Wayne Dyer taught it to me in his book, Manifest Your Destiny. What I can take credit for is passing on a miracle worker to you. You can thank me later &amp;#55357;&amp;#56841; 
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          Before I give you the prayer, I need to explain how it works. First, there is a common mistake we make when we pray. We pray as though we are praying to an outside entity – God. The way most of us are taught to pray is to talk to God as though God is external. Not true. God is not separate from us; therefore, we should not look for solutions that are outside of ourselves. All we need to solve problems and to create miracles is within us. 
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          If you have a problem that you cannot solve, turn it over to God and say the following prayer out loud. 
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          I have not been able to resolve (insert your problem) in my life and I have used every technique I know. I would like to show my trust in the Divine force by simply turning (insert your problem) over to your Divine hands. As I do this, I know that the Divine force that is you, God, is also me, and I trust that this action will lead to resolution of (insert your problem). 
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          This prayer works for anyone regardless of your religious beliefs. In the event things are not going your way, try my way. It is certainly worth a shot. Say this prayer and trust the prayer is working to solve your problem each time you say it. Simply thinking you are a part of the Divine versus being separate from it raises your spiritual energy. God is right there with you right now, so call on the Divine force. 
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          One thought can change your whole world. Ball is in your court. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:27:38 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Hillbilly Elegy is Intergenerational Negative Thinking (INT) Theory in Practice</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/hillbilly-elegy-is-intergenerational-negative-thinking-int-theory-in-practice</link>
      <description>Hillbilly Elegy is Intergenerational Negative Thinking (INT) Theory in Practice</description>
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         The metaphysics, self-help book I am writing, How to Use the Laws of Attraction for Sinners: You Don’t Have to Be a Saint to Manifest Miracles, is based on my INT theory. In Chapter 2, I introduce INT in the first two paragraphs: 
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          Traits are passed on through generations. For instance, in some families it is a tradition to go to a certain college. Great grandpa went to Harvard, and that motivated his son to go to Harvard, and after many years and several generations of kids, the family has 20 family members that are Harvard Alumni. Other things can be passed on through the generations that are not so positive, such as poverty and negative thinking. This chapter helps you become aware of how you became a negative thinker through learning about how my family passed on negative thinking through the generations. You will see a pattern of women not getting what they want and settling for abuse.
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          Odds are you were socialized to think negatively. It is commonplace for families to pass down the negative thinking gene generation after generation. I call this intergenerational negative thinking (INT). The way we are socialized is how we develop our sense of self. Socialization is defined as “a learning process, one that involves development or changes in the individual’s sense of self.” From birth on into adulthood we learn how to behave and how to think through others. Think back to when you were little. Remember your parents teaching you how to behave? You were being socialized. 
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          I recently watched the Netflix movie, “Hillbilly Elegy,” and I had a serious a-ha moment. The entire movie depicts my INT theory. I noticed concepts of my theory being put into practice in each scene. The grandmother was socialized in an abusive environment and handed that violent mindset down to her daughter. Then the daughter had a son and socialized him in a chaotic environment ridden with poverty, violence, verbal abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, and negative thinking at high functioning levels. 
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          People are born into negativity, and they do not realize it. Negativity is their norm. Next thing you know negativity is the family culture, and it can continue for hundreds of years until someone breaks the cycle. In “Hillbilly Elegy,” it is the son that breaks the cycle, and he questions his family’s values in terms of their level of responsibility for their misfortunes. One thought started his journey to escape social rot. 
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          Same with me. When I started studying metaphysics, I viewed my socialization through a different lens. This caused me to see myself differently, and I realized I was the furthest thing from a victim. I also realized my family members were not victims. We were all responsible for everything that had happened. With this one thought, like the son in the movie, I started my work to break the cycle of INT. 
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          You can too. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:26:24 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>See and Speak Your Way Out of Bad Situations</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/see-and-speak-your-way-out-of-bad-situations</link>
      <description>See and Speak Your Way Out of Bad Situations</description>
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         Recently, I had surgery. I do not want to disclose what type of surgery I had, but just know that what was supposed to be a minor procedure went haywire. My Amtrak train derailed at full speed, and it was scary. After several weeks of experiencing one complication after another, I am finally on the mend. I chose to discuss my journey in this week’s blog because there are lessons to be learned from my struggles. 
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          Week two of recovery, I had a complication that resulted in two more surgeries. By the third surgery, I was inconsolable. I could not see my way out. Everything I learned from metaphysics it was as though I could not apply the concepts. I was stuck in fear. Fear is a powerful negative emotion that attracts in more negativity, and the more fear I felt the worse my situation got. 
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          After the third surgery, I made my mind up. I decided to stop the madness and get back to what Dr. Wayne Dyer taught me years ago – Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Shaking in my shoes, and tormented by uncertainty, I said out loud, “I am perfect health. I am healing.” I kicked the manifestation into fifth gear, and I saw myself jogging, happy, and feeling great. I held on to this vision all day, and before my morning and evening transcendental meditations, I invited spirit in to speed up my healing process. 
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          I saw my way out of a bad situation. Worrying, obsessing, and googling my symptoms (God, do not ever do that) was making me worse. You know why? Because I was focused on the sickness instead of focusing on healing. I was complaining to people and making comments like, “This is horrific. I am in a nightmare. I don’t feel like I am ever going to come out of this.” The more I talked like that, the more I spoke bad health into existence. 
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          I caught myself. When we speak this way to others, we truly do not realize we are doing it. For a solid month, I spoke negatively and with conviction about how badly my surgery had been. The moment I decided to change my thoughts about my derailed train, my words changed. I started telling people, “I am on the mend. I am finally healing the way I am supposed to. All is well. Thank God!” 
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          Guess what? When my thoughts changed, and my words changed, my behavior magically changed. Instead of being hateful, I softened, and became more aware of what my family had endured during my recovery. My thoughts were no longer focused on me, and my empathy grew. I went from feeling sorry for myself to feeling grateful for the help I had during this tough time. Within 48 hours, I felt better. And three weeks after changing my attitude, I am in the clear! 
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          The lesson to be learned here is we have a choice. In any situation, we can choose to wallow in our misfortunes, or we can choose to turn those misfortunes around. All we have to do is see our way out of bad situations. Then we speak our way out. Hypothetically speaking, if you are sick, think about how you speak to others about your illness. Are your words gloom and doom, or do your words portray healing? How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as a victim that will never recover, or do you see yourself in perfect health? 
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          Facts are however you see yourself is how you will be. Make the right choice.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:23:11 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>With my luck, it will show up faster than it normally does.</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/with-my-luck-it-will-show-up-faster-than-it-normally-does</link>
      <description>With my luck, it will show up faster than it normally does.</description>
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         Why would you ever say, “With my luck, things will never work out.” Why are we socialized (i.e. brainwashed) to even use the word “luck” in association with something negative? Reverse your thinking and start saying, “With my luck, it will show up faster than it normally does.” This week, I am letting the metaphysics guru of all gurus handle the teaching. Watch this video and learn how to become a collaborator with fate. Take the advice in the following video and your whole world will change in an instant. I am living proof this way of thinking and living works. 
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          Video: https://youtu.be/SILxvGCO1Uk 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:21:22 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Trick to Use for Envisioning</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/trick-to-use-for-envisioning</link>
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         To manifest anything, you must SEE yourself with it. Like, literally SEE yourself with it. Of course, this work takes place in the mind and sometimes our mind plays tricks on us, which makes it difficult to focus on those visions. Have you tried to envision something you want, and stupid thoughts take over? Here is a trick to use to keep those stupid thoughts away. 
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          In your mind, create a movie scene where you are the main character. For instance, if you are trying to manifest a spouse, think about what you want your marriage to look like. When you are clear about what you want in a life partner, take your thoughts to the big screen. What I am referring to is the big screen in your mind where you can be anything. 
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          Watch yourself in this mind movie. Create scenes. Sit back and watch yourself interact with your imaginary husband or wife. See the two of you cooking together in a kitchen or buying something together or doing yardwork together. Watch your life unfold on the big screen in your mind. 
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          As you watch your life unfold, make sure you see yourself the way you want to look and/or feel. If you are overweight and want to be thinner, then see yourself thin on the big screen. If you are ridden with anxiety, but want to be calmer, then see yourself at peace on the big screen. See yourself healthy, smiling, and wealthy. It is your movie. Why would you see yourself in any other way but perfect? 
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          As you watch your movie, you will start to feel what it is like to have these things you are envisioning. That is the key to manifestation. Watch your movie every day and create new scenes as you go. Take this work a step further and make a vision board that reflects what you see in your movie. 
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          Good Luck! I would LOVE to hear about your experiences with this exercise. I started using it about 14 years ago and I still use it to this day. So far, my big screen has played out just the way I produced it. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Envisioning Exercise I Used to Quit Smoking, Lose Weight, and to Attract in Higher Quality People</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/envisioning-exercise-i-used-to-quit-smoking-lose-weight-and-to-attract-in-higher-quality-people</link>
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         Last week, I read a paragraph from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book, You’ll See it When You Believe It. I discussed how he explains we do not need to focus on our behaviors when we set our minds to make a change. What we need to focus on is our thoughts, and then our behaviors follow suit with what we are thinking about. Little did I know when I started envisioning myself as a non-smoker my visions would manifest a healthier, happier lifestyle all the way around. Envisioning creates a snowball effect. 
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          I was never a real smoker. What I mean by this is I did not always keep a pack of cigarettes with me. I went for days without smoking, but when the weekend hit, I went out with my friends and smoked and drank myself to death. Smoking cigarettes seriously made me feel awful and I remember waking up with the worst taste in my mouth. Yuk! I knew how nasty smoking was, but smoking is a tough habit to break. I unsuccessfully tried to quit all together about fifty times, and then I started envisioning not being a smoker. 
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          This is how I started. During my daily envisioning sessions, I saw myself feeling great while jogging uphill. Jogging up a steep incline was something I could not do very well after a weekend of overindulging in Marlboro Lights. When I was too tired or hungover to exercise, I gained weight, so my weekend habits impacted me negatively in more ways than one. In addition, the people that surrounded me were smokers and they were not supportive of my efforts to quit. They made fun of me for trying to quit and preyed on my weakness for wanting to smoke after I cracked open a cold beer. 
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          It took about one year of envisioning how it felt to be smoke-free, and I finally kicked the habit. I did not focus on my behavior, just my thoughts. Within one year, I no longer wanted to smoke, and I felt so much better. I also did not want to be around smokers, and guess what? That alone eliminated a lot of toxic people from my world. 
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          Now, do NOT get me wrong here. I am NOT saying all smokers are toxic people, but a majority of the people surrounding me were smokers and they were toxic. Making a natural separation from toxic personalities was an unintended consequence, but when you partner with the Universe it works in mysterious ways to get you where you need to be at the right time, at the right place, and with the right people. 
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          I still have several friends that smoke, and it does not seem to bother them the way it did me. But these people would never pressure me to smoke, and they have told me on numerous occasions how proud they are of me for quitting. This exercise is for you if you want to quit smoking. Try this exercise if smoking makes you feel like death. Give this exercise a whirl if you hate the taste in your mouth from cigarettes. However, do not pay one ounce of attention to this if you love to smoke and if it does not negatively impact your life. 
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          With me, smoking was associated with many self-destructing behaviors. I loved to smoke, and sometimes I even miss it. But it was a self-defeating behavior that opened doors to other problems. If you feel bad, you attract in more bad things, so since smoking made me feel bad, it became less and less important when I started envisioning how great I was living a non-smoking lifestyle. 
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          A healthier weight naturally accompanies a healthier lifestyle. Since the binge drinking and binge smoking has stopped, maintaining my weight is not as difficult. Plus, the people around me live healthy lifestyles, so there is no negative influence to overeat, binge drink, binge smoke, or skip working out. Remember you are what you eat, but you are also who you associate with. 
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          Every one of these positive changes started with a simple thought. If you want to rid your life of a habit that is causing you problems and haunting you, try this effortless exercise. 
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          If you haven’t already, subscribe to my YouTube Channel and follow me on social media. And thank you, thank you, thank you for being here! 
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          YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKbXbC045q4Gd6tsMuFihg 
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          Instagram: pbs111 
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          Facebook: @PBSwope 
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          Twitter: @PBSwope 
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          Want to share something with me in private? Email me at paula@paulaswope.com. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:13:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/envisioning-exercise-i-used-to-quit-smoking-lose-weight-and-to-attract-in-higher-quality-people</guid>
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      <title>My Favorite Inspiring Quotes about Envisioning</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/my-favorite-inspiring-quotes-about-envisioning</link>
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         Since envisioning has been my focus over the past few weeks, I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes that have inspired me since I started my spiritual journey 14 years ago. ALL of us have the capability through a Divine power to use envisioning to manifest what we want. Each quote is relevant to what I have been teaching – Think it, Speak it, Feel It, Get it. 
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          “You’ll See It When You Believe It.” ~Wayne Dyer 
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          Dr. Dyer put a twist on the old cliché, “You’ll believe it when you see it,” to reverse our social conditioning. Envisioning helps us believe we have it when we do not, but once we believe we have it we see it. 
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          “You are what you believe you are.” ~Anonymous Author, Impersonal Life 
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          If you believe you are not deserving of abundance, then you will never get it. However, if you believe you are deserving of all of the wealth the Universe has to offer, then you will get it. 
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          “For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” ~Mark 11:23, The Bible 
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          This quote is all about speaking things into existence. Say it and you have it. 
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          “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.” ~Elvis Presley 
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          What Elvis refers to here is when you envision the Universe steps in and shows you what actions to take to make your dream come true. 
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          “If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.” ~Steve Harvey 
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          Steve’s quote goes hand in hand with Dyer’s quote about seeing when you believe. 
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          “Every thought we think is creating our future.” ~Louise L. Hay 
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          I love this quote. The Universe cannot distinguish between good and bad. It gives us what we think about the most; therefore, every thought we have (good or bad) is what we get in return in this life. Be choosy with your thoughts. 
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          “If you don’t like some of the circumstances of your life, by all means don’t think about them.” ~Wayne Dyer 
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          Highly relevant to Louise Hay’s quote listed above. If you are focused on things in your life that you do not like, you are going to get more and more of what you do not like. 
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          “I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves.” ~Louise L. Hay 
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          In my video this week, I talk about how you need to start thinking about how you want to be first and do not worry about your behaviors. When you start thinking more positively, things fall into place miraculously without much effort. 
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          “The Universe is an equal opportunity employer.” ~Paula Swope 
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          Yes, this one is mine, and it is so very true. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can connect to Source (i.e. Universe) at any time. If you are hard-headed, like I was, it might take you a little bit longer to get aligned with the Universe, but facts are the Universe does not discriminate in who it blesses. What you receive is completely left up to you, so do not by any means think about anything you do not want! 
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          “The ancestor to every action is a thought.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 
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          Emerson is talking about the same concept as Elvis. 
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          “Imagine myself to be and I shall be.” ~Wayne Dyer 
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          Again, think it, feel it, say it, and then get it. 
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          “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” ~Napoleon Hill 
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          Same concept here…think it, feel it, say it, and then get it. 
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          “Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true.” ~Napoleon Hill 
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          When you envision your dreams, you start behaving differently, and feeling differently. You do this on your own with the Universe as a silent partner. YOU and YOU alone can use your thoughts to create anything you want, and that is what Napoleon Hill refers to here. 
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          “So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach, so we never dare to ask the universe for it. I’m the proof that you can ask the universe for it.” ~Jim Carrey 
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          Jim Carrey is a great visionary and powerful manifester. Before he became famous, he was just like you and I, but he tapped into the Universe and created a world for himself that is full of abundance, wealth, health, prosperity, respect, prestige, and power. 
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          “The thrill is to keep envisioning what can be.” ~Oprah Winfrey 
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          Oprah has used the laws of attraction her whole life and she is one of the most powerful manifesters in the world to the point she can manifest things in real time. Oprah knows the fun and excitement you feel when your visions are so vivid that they seem real. When you can envision what you want and get excited about it when you do not have it that is when you are aligned with the energy of the Universe. And that is when you receive. 
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          Click here to see my latest YouTube video and SUBSCRIBE! 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:12:16 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Kick Your Envisioning into Fifth Gear with a Vision Board</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/kick-your-envisioning-into-fifth-gear-with-a-vision-board</link>
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         For the past two weeks, I have focused on envisioning. It is my absolute favorite metaphysical concept, and I believe in it wholeheartedly. This week, Ellen DeGeneres and I are going to show you how to give your envisioning work power by teaching you how to make a Vision Board. In case this is a new concept to you, a Vision Board is nothing too complicated. It is a display of pictures and words that illustrate the things in life you want to manifest. You can put anything you want on it. There is no right or wrong answer when you make your Vision Board. 
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          When I started studying metaphysics and the laws of attraction, it was not long until I learned about the power of constructing my own Vision Board. I think I was 29 or 30 when I made my first one, and the timing for making the board was impeccable because I knew what type of life I wanted. Knowing what you want and what you do not want plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your board, so make sure you know exactly what you want before you start this exercise. If you need help, go back to the my blog entitled Your Thoughts are the Bricks that Build the House You Live In, but You Must Figure Out What Type of House You Don’t Want to Get the One You Want. 
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          My first Vision Board contained images of me with a soulmate. While flipping through a magazine, I saw a picture of a man and a woman. Their backs were turned to the camera and they were wearing bath towels while brushing their teeth together facing the bathroom mirror. Something about that picture resonated because my intimate relationships had been so empty, superficial, unhealthy, and I never felt close to anyone I had ever dated. Certainly not close enough to be sharing a bathroom! But when I saw that picture, I knew that type of relationship was what I really needed and wanted. I cut the picture out and I placed it on my board. 
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          I was never the girl that dreamed of a white wedding. I never bought bridal magazines or longed for a fairytale wedding, but I did admire beautiful engagement rings. In another magazine, I stumbled across an image of an engagement ring I adored. The ring was white gold, 2 carats, princess cut, halo design with a split diamond band. I loved that ring and had never seen one like it, so I cut the picture out and placed it on my board. 
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          Other images on the board demonstrated what a work from home lifestyle looked like to me. I also placed images that reflected home ownership, financial independence, and properties by the ocean and the lake. 
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          Keep in mind when I made this board, I was broke, financially dependent on my father, very single, and unemployed. 
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          It is now 2020. I am 43. The relationship I have with my husband is the relationship that was depicted in that image of the couple sharing a bathroom while brushing their teeth. I am a homeowner who is financially independent and with a cushy work from home career. Through destiny, manifestation, and the Divine, my husband and I have access to properties by the lake and the ocean. 
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          And guess what this is a picture of? 
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          The diamond ring in the middle of the two diamond bands is the engagement ring my husband presented when he proposed marriage in 2015. It is the exact same design I placed on my Vision Board about eight years before I received it. 
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          In July 2019, I made another Vision Board to reflect my current wants. Plus, I am writing a book, which is the biggest project I have ever taken on, so I need to make sure I communicate what I want to the Universe clearly. Some of the images on my Vision Board are petty material wants that we have, but most of the images portray the important stuff. For instance, notice the image that has information about the Paula Swope Foundation. One of my dreams is to acquire enough wealth to send any kid to college that has a burning desire to escape poverty. 
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          Another dream I have is to become a New York Times Best Selling author, so notice what I did with the images on my board. It is as though I have already obtained that status and am doing book signings at famous bookstores. 
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          Here is an image of the whole board. I am still adding to it, as you can see there are blank spots, but do you see that black Mercedes? I placed that image on there in August 2019. By December 2019, I owned the vehicle. 
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          When you make your Vision Board, take your time. After all, you are creating your reality. It needs to be well-thought out. Place your Vision Board in an area of your home where you see it every single day. Mine hangs on the wall beside of my bed, so when I wake up, the first thing I see is my reality. It is also nice to wake up to a positive affirmation like “Riches of Every Sort Are Drawn to Me!” 
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          Ellen DeGeneres is a dedicated practitioner of metaphysics, and she is known for manifesting her reality with Vision Boards. Click here to watch her talk about how she accomplishes goals with Vision Boards -  https://youtu.be/EqsbtOOECXw. 
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          I would love to see your Vision Boards, so share images of them if you feel comfortable. 
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          Thank you for being here. Greatly appreciate your willingness to allow me to teach you how to do this. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:45:06 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Transcendental Meditation Gives You Superhuman Strength</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/transcendental-meditation-gives-you-superhuman-strength</link>
      <description>Transcendental Meditation Gives You Superhuman Strength</description>
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         Transcendental Meditation (TM), hands down, is the greatest investment I ever made in myself. TM is a simple practice founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that anyone can master right away. Other forms of meditation were not as effective (for me) because they involved “work.” I had to get the practice right before I could reap any real benefits, but this is not the case with TM. I started reaping benefits immediately. 
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          There is always good news and bad news, right? I will start with what you might perceive as the bad news. TM requires a monetary investment as well as a time commitment. To get started you must receive one-on-one instruction from a certified TM teacher, and there is a fee attached to this training. The training takes three days. Once you get the legwork out of the way, you are good to go for the rest of your life. TM is a tool you can use forever. 
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          Have you ever experienced true bliss? Let me describe what I mean by true bliss. True bliss is feeling as though everything is perfect and I do not have a worry in the world. When you transcend, which is what TM helps us do, you feel true bliss in that moment. Before TM, I had never, for a second, in my life felt like everything was ok. In a moment of happiness, my ego stepped in and told me, “Don’t be foolish. This happiness will not stick. You will lose it. Remember everything that is wrong in your life.” TM absolutely ridded my mind of those stupid, useless lies. 
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          TM works even if you do not believe it works. I learned this during my training in the summer of 2017. This is an evidence-based practice backed by empirical data. TM is effective in reducing blood pressure, anxiety, all stress-related conditions, increasing brain function, promoting cardiovascular health, reducing the appearance of aging, reducing depression, eliminating insomnia, and helps with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The only effort you put forth is being dedicated to practicing TM twice daily in 20-minute increments. If you do not practice twice daily, it will not work. There is no way around this. You practice once before breakfast and once before dinner. You need to practice your TM two hours before or after you eat. The slower your metabolism, the better your meditations are. 
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          Throughout my lifetime, I have struggled with high blood pressure. At 22, my blood pressure was 150/110. At 43, my blood pressure is perfect. Since childhood, my anxiety has been through the roof, which aggravated my blood pressure. Not anymore. Most of the time, I am at peace. Even when difficult situations arise, I do not come unglued, and I do not worry near as much as I used to, if at all. If anxiety or worry creeps in, it goes away quickly. Even in the middle of a scary pandemic, I have not worried. I instinctively know I will be fine, and my family will be fine. 
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          Years ago, I started taking Xanax to ease my anxiety, especially during times when I had to speak publicly, fly on an airplane, or during times when I knew social anxiety would debilitate me. For example, going out to bars in my hometown was a trigger for social anxiety because fights and arguments broke out after hours and hours of binge drinking. Before a night out on the town, I anticipated these negative events happening and the anticipation gave me great anxiety. I popped a Xanax to deal. 
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          As I got deeper and deeper into metaphysics, my nights out on the town diminished. The calmer my mind and body got the less I wanted to engage with negative people and negative behaviors; however, the anxiety was still there. When I knew I had to fly on an airplane or do public speaking or meet new people, the anxiety took me over and I felt as though I was shaking from the inside out. The anxiety caused chronic fatigue, foggy brain, racing thoughts, weight gain, digestive issues, and gastrointestinal issues. Not to mention the high blood pressure. TM has taken care of all of this. Magically. I have not taken a Xanax since 2017. 
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          Going into TM is just like going into metaphysics. Your focus is on taking actions, like meditating, making a vision board, and saying positive affirmations instead of focusing on changing your behavior. Your behavior magically changes without any effort on your part. I did not go into TM thinking I needed to step relying on Xanax. Magically, I stopped relying on it without even thinking about it. One year went by and I realized, “Holy shit. I haven’t taken a Xanax in one year.” 
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          My sense of humor is something I have always been known for. When I struggled with anxiety, I lost my ability to think on my feet. I was not as clever. TM put me back to my natural state, and my natural state is being lightning on my feet. Again, this happened magically without any effort on my part. 
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          In my book that I am working on, you learn about why I developed anger issues. Like most of us, I had a lot of family problems that resulted in bad relationships with other people and self-esteem issues and guilt and resentment and all of those negative feelings that cause us to hold on to anger with a death grip. Anger is like anxiety. It is debilitative and does not serve us well in any way, shape, form, or fashion. TM rids your mind and body of anger. It is the most unbelievable thing. Life after TM is a life without anger. 
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          Now, do not get me wrong. When I encounter an annoying, difficult personality, I get irritated. But I rarely, very rarely, allow that pesky irritation to turn into full blown anger. TM gives me the power to tame it and tame it relatively fast. Usually, if I feel a twinge of anger, it is gone within 24 hours versus 24 years. 
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          TM helped me release anger without any effort. Suddenly, I woke up one morning, this was probably 3-4 months after I had been practicing TM, and I was not mad anymore at anyone. I harbored deep anger towards many, many people, and I had carried that anger with me for way over two decades. It is a wonder I did not walk lopsided from the 200-pound chip that resided on my shoulder. For example, the man I was involved with for eight years (before I met my husband) was a notorious womanizer. After I broke away from him, I felt a strong hatred towards him for treating me the way he did. When I thought about him, I felt rage, and the hatred and anger were so strong that the feelings made me physically ill at times. 
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          Without trying, I was able to forgive him and numerous others and let that useless anger go. When you are no longer angry at someone, that is a sign you have truly forgiven that person, and at that point you have won. Before TM, I was not able to do this with complete fidelity and authenticity. I said I had forgiven someone, but I really had not. I could still feel anger when I thought about those who had wronged me. Not anymore. It is as though I could care less. It is magic. TM is a magic potion. 
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          I have always been a hard worker, but I have often worked hard and not accomplished much. I have also worked hard for pennies. Dedicate my whole life to a job and have nothing to show for it. That was my life before TM. Maharishi says, “Exert Less, Enjoy More.” I was confused when I first heard him say this, but it makes total sense to me now. TM gives you superhuman strength. I do not work as hard because I am guided all the time by a divine force, and the TM keeps me connected to that source. I am three times as productive without additional effort. I am three times as smart without even thinking. With less work, and less effort, I make three times as much money as I did prior to TM. 
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          Again, TM is a secret weapon. It is a magic potion. It is the key to true happiness, success, health, and all that the word “wealth” encompasses. I thank God that I found it, and I encourage you to do the same. 
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          I will leave you with this - https://www.tm.org/. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:45:05 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Meditation is a Secret Weapon</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/meditation-is-a-secret-weapon</link>
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         Before I tried meditation, I seriously thought it was weird. I also believed I was not smart enough or capable enough to practice it. Again, those thoughts were products of my socialization and, again, those thoughts were false (aka lies). Anyone can meditate, and the benefits are nothing less than life changing. 
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          In the literature, benefits of mediation are well-documented. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: 
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          Reduced stress and anxiety
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          Improved sleep
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          Greater sense of clarity and productivity
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          Lower blood pressure
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          Greater sense of calmness throughout the day
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          Reduced cortisol
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          Lower risk of heart attack or stroke
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          Improved brain function and memory 
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          I can honestly tell you I have experienced each of the benefits listed above, and then some. I experimented with several meditations before I found the one that was meant for me, and that is Transcendental Meditation, commonly referred to as TM. In this week’s blog, I am providing an overview of some of those meditations I used that produced results. I probably tried twenty different meditation practices before I settled into TM, but I am only discussing three (including TM). The following meditations I recommend to anyone who wants to experiment with mediation. 
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          Wayne Dyer’s Getting in the Gap Meditation 
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          I was introduced to this one about 13 years ago. When I first tried the practice, I became very frustrated because of racing thoughts. I could NOT calm those racing thoughts down. Each day, a person has an average of 60,000 thoughts. Most of these thoughts are repetitive, and they do not serve our highest good. Racing thoughts drag us down. Dyer designed this meditation to eliminate those racing thoughts. I used to practice it twice daily, and like anything else practice makes perfect. 
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          After practicing the Getting in the Gap exercise for about one year, I was more comfortable with the meditation and did not resist it as much. I never mastered this one, but I was successful with taming my racing thoughts. This meditation was like an ice breaker, and I was no longer fearful or intimidated by meditation. If you cannot calm your mind down, I highly recommend this one. You can check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Gap-Dr-Wayne-Dyer/dp/1401947549. I recommend starting with a guided meditation, and no one is better than Wayne. Let him teach you and let him guide you. 
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          Not only does this meditation help reduce racing thoughts, it helps with manifestation. We do Japa with this one. Japa is when we repeat the sound of “Ahhhhhh.” When you repeat this sound over and over, you feel the vibration inside of your body, and the combination of the sound and the feeling creates miracles. Repeating the sound also helps to take your mind off those racing thoughts that do not matter. Repeating the sound of “Ahhhhhh” greatly reduces stress and anxiety. When you come out of this meditation, you are calm, and your mind is clearer than it was before you meditated.
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          I found this meditation to have lasting effects, as well. When I first started meditating, I had a low level of emotional intelligence. I fell apart daily over trivial, petty things. Practicing japa increased my levels of emotional intelligence. It made me stronger and wiser. I no longer had meltdowns over not being able to find a parking space or not getting the dress I wanted or having an argument with a friend or family member. I became level-headed and proactive versus reactive. Those knee jerk reactions I used to have simply vanished. My behaviors changed and I did not even have to try. 
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          Malti Bhojwani’s Gold Ball Exercise 
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          I found Malti on Facebook in 2012, and ended up buying her book, Don’t Think of a Blue Ball. Malti explained a simple meditation practice in this book that I still use to this day. At night, before sleep, envision holding a gold ball in your hand. Get a clear picture of it. Inside of the gold ball, see yourself the way you want to be, or envision something you wish to manifest. Hold the vision inside of that gold ball until it is crystal clear. Then imagine your hand absorbing this gold light. See your body, your entire, absorb this gold light. Watch it slowly make its way through your entire body. 
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          Usually, I was not able to make it through this entire meditation because I often fell asleep when I was visualizing the gold light being absorbed by my body. This one is relaxing, but it also puts you in a good place before you go to sleep. It helps you focus on good things instead of bad things right before you sleep. This is important, and it is especially important if you are trying to be a more positive thinker. Never go to sleep upset. Those days when I fell apart over nothing, I went to sleep in a disturbed state. I never woke up feeling at peace. Instead I woke up with an icky feeling that something was not right. This meditation helped ease that anxiety at bedtime, and the result was waking up in a more peaceful state. 
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          I believe this meditation helped me to quit smoking. I also believe this meditation helped with manifestation. I used to envision a life inside of the gold ball that consisted of a close relationship with a soul mate type of partner. I was very much alone when I first started using this meditation with no prospects for a life partner in sight. Well, all of that changed, and I am now married to someone that compliments me in every way. He is just what I envisioned in the gold ball. 
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          If you want to know more about this meditation, check out Malti’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Think-Blue-Malti-Bhojwani/dp/938160715X. 
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          Transcendental Meditation (TM) 
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          I call this my secret weapon. I learned about it from Jerry Seinfeld. I do not know about you, but my favorite celebrities have an impact on me. Because I admire them, I am open and receptive to taking their advice. When I first heard Jerry talk about TM, I knew it was for me, but I put off learning more because I was told it was expensive to be trained. I always kept it in the back of my mind, and when I moved from my hometown to Prospect, KY, I learned we had a TM center close by. 
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          TM requires a monetary investment and some effort to get started. Before you can adopt a TM lifestyle, you must be trained by a certified TM coach and there is a fee. In 2017, it cost $1,600 for my husband and I to be trained. The training takes three days at a TM center. During the training, you are assigned your very own mantra, and this mantra is private. You share it with no one. Using the mantra, you meditate twice daily – 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. Tm is an effortless practice. 
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          TM is my secret weapon because it gives me superhuman powers. I am not exaggerating. During my TM training, I watched videos of the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru who developed TM. In these videos, Maharishi talked about the benefits of TM, and one of the primary topics was wealth. Maharishi said a person’s income increases greatly when he or she adopts a TM lifestyle. This is true. My income is three times higher than it was when I started TM in 2017, and so is my husband’s. And what is funny about the whole thing is I work less and earn more. 
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          With TM, my urge to be right has diminished greatly. My blood pressure is much lower. I went to the doctor two weeks ago and it was 116/60. No matter what comes my way I do not get upset. I might feel a twinge of anger, but I am more resilient, and I am able to let that anger go quickly. Research shows TM reverses aging. Although I am growing older, I am looking younger. People tell me that all the time and I have pictures to prove it. Pictures without filters, of course. 
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          Before TM, I used to get nervous before I had to go to business meetings. I really do not know why, but I just did. The nervousness interfered with my ability to think clearly, and I stumbled on my words during meetings making a bad impression on clients. I do not behave this way anymore. I do not have even a twinge of nervousness before meetings, and I think more clearly in the moment. A life without anxiety is sheer happiness. On occasion, I have a tough day, as we all do, but with TM it goes a little easier, and things always pan out in my favor. Always. 
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          Information comes to me at the right time every time, which eliminates mistakes. Here is a recent example. I am a grant professional, and grant writing is a stressful business. Several months ago, I worked on a complicated application for a client. It took two months to prepare and when I submitted the application package, I felt a major sigh of relief. I submitted this application package one day before the deadline. That night, I went to sleep. At 5 am, I woke up, and a thought came to me instantly. It was like a voice said, “Paula, you submitted the wrong project budget.” Frantic, I jumped out of bed, went to my computer, booted it up, and looked at the package. Sure enough, I had submitted the wrong project budget. 
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          Right then, I emailed the grantor and told them what I had done. By 8 am they had emailed me back explaining that I should not worry. They re-opened the portal and allowed me to resubmit the project budget. Most grantors are not willing to accommodate us like that. They were helpful, compassionate, and the grant ended up getting funded in the six figures. You experience things like this all the time when you practice TM. 
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          I am such a devoted TM practitioner that I enrolled in the Maharishi International University in May of this year and am taking a few courses here and there. If you want to change your life, I strongly recommend that you explore TM. The TM website is excellent: https://www.tm.org/. 
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          If you have not already checked me out on YouTube this week, click here to access my latest video: 
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          If you experiment with any of these meditation techniques, please share your thoughts and experiences with me. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:45:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/meditation-is-a-secret-weapon</guid>
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      <title>Cancelling negative thoughts out when they creep in</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/cancelling-negative-thoughts-out-when-they-creep-in</link>
      <description>Cancelling negative thoughts out when they creep in</description>
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         This is easy. The moment “I can’t” crosses your mind, make the shift. Say to yourself and out loud the following statements: 
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          I can. 
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          I intend to (insert your desire). 
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          I am (insert what you want to be). 
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          I am receiving abundance. 
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          I am capable. 
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          I am loved. 
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          I am enough. 
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          Using this technique is how you make a shift in your thinking but keep your expectations realistic when you first start making the shift. The first time you make the shift it is likely to feel unnatural. Do it over and over again until your new way of talking and thinking feels natural. Believing what you think you are is the key to manifestation. If you are diligent with making shifts in your thinking patterns, and you continue to vocalize your new, positive beliefs about yourself, it will not be long until you feel better all the way around. 
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          When I was in an “I can’t” mindset, basically for 20+ years of my life, stupid stuff happened to me ALL THE TIME. If something stupid was in a 50-mile radius, it found me. For instance, I was the person that never found a good parking space. I was the person that got injured, stuck in long lines, and I was also the person that was told “NO” a lot. I had such “bad luck” that people joked about it. If I went out to eat, I was the person at the table that never got what I wanted. Whatever I ordered the restaurant was always out of that item. It was unbelievable. I vocalized to people that my sole purpose for being on this earth was to be tormented. Those around me got a big kick out of that. 
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          What I was experiencing was not bad luck at all. What I experienced was a product of my thinking. The quality of my thoughts and words was bad; therefore, my experiences were bad. Of course, these are mediocre problems I am using for illustrative purposes. My “I can’t” mentality (aka making excuses) screwed me up in more ways than one. My excuse mentality held me back in life emotionally, financially, professionally, and my relationships with others were not healthy. I go into vivid details about my personal experiences in my book, and some of those experiences will make you laugh, but some will make you cringe. It will not be long until the book will be available for you to read. 
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          People have asked me how long it took me to reverse my thinking patterns. Know that each person is different, but it took me years to brainwash myself into not believing the bad stuff. I went into metaphysics headstrong and had decades of negative conditioning to reverse. I have come a long way, but I am still trying to master this completely. As long as you stick with it, you will keep getting better and better and suddenly you will be too positive for any negative influences to infiltrate your space. The key is dedication. 
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      <title>“I Can’t” Is the Worst Thing You Can Say</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/i-cant-is-the-worst-thing-you-can-say</link>
      <description>“I Can’t” Is the Worst Thing You Can Say</description>
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         I have heard people say words are just words, and maybe that is true in some cases, but within the realm of metaphysics words are highly significant. Words are significant because they are correlated with the quality of our life and the experiences we have daily. Certain words we say out loud can make us or break us, and there are two words you are saying regularly that are blocking you from achieving your highest good – “I Can’t.” 
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          “I can’t” statements will hold you back in life in more ways than one. Again, always remember, you are what you believe you are; therefore, if you believe you can’t do something then you can’t do it. “I can’t” is the most self-defeating thought you can have because the Universe responds to what we think about and talk about the most. Think about what happens when you constantly say, “I can’t.” Allow me to paint a picture. 
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          Back in the day, I went on many job interviews. I always searching for the perfect employment opportunity, but as I looked through want ads or job opportunities in the newspaper, I thought to myself, “I can’t get that job. I would love to have that job, but I can’t get it. I can’t compete with the other candidates. I’m sure of it.” Those were my thoughts as I searched for jobs. 
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          When I applied, and got called in for a job interview, my thoughts were, “This is a waste of time. They aren’t going to hire me, because I can’t compete with the experience of the other candidates.” I had conversations with people that went something like this: 
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          Me: Well, I’ve got another job interview tomorrow. 
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          Friend: Oh great! Are you excited? 
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          Me: No. Why would I be? It’s a waste of time going to this interview. They aren’t going to hire me. 
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          Friend: Why do you say that? 
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          Me: Listen, I can’t compete with those other candidates. I am sure they outrank me in experience. Besides, I can’t ever seem to get the jobs I want. Something always interferes. 
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          Friend: I hate to hear you feel that way because you might get hired. Maybe you should look at it differently? 
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          Me: I can’t look at it any other way. It’s my reality. I can’t get ahead. Ever. 
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          Thinking this way caused me to not get hired. My “I can’t” mentality made the decision for the employer. I am not sure exactly how many job interviews I went on when I was a negative thinker but it was A LOT, and I never got hired. 
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          Not only did I have myself convinced that I could not do certain things, but I also had others convinced. So, it was not only me that was sending negative messages to the Universe. I had other people thinking that I could not accomplish anything. What this created was a snowball effect, a chain reaction, that led to one bad, disappointing experience after another, and these experiences were not just career related. I had bad experiences with everything from going out to dinner to more serious things like relationships with people. 
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          The scary part about the “I can’t” mentality-driven person is that they often do not realize they are an “I can’t” person. Unconsciously thinking and saying “I can’t” is dangerous to our health and well-being, and when “I can’t” is our automatic response to anything our lives are going to be one big disappointment. Trust me. I know. I have lived this. 
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          But there is light at the end of this never-ending tunnel if you are willing to make a shift in your thoughts. Before you know it, you think differently, speak differently, behave differently, and the Universe, in turn, responds to you differently. Let me show you how this is done. 
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          You are going to eliminate “I can’t” from your vocabulary and you are going to replace these two words with different words that are self-empowering. When “I can’t” rears its evil head, immediately change the thought with “I intend to (insert your desire here).” Go back to your “I am” statements when you struggle with diminishing those false “I can’t” thoughts and replace “I can’t” with “I am wealthy. I am successful. I am receiving abundance. I am capable.” It will not be long until you are thinking and saying out loud that you CAN do things. 
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          When I first started doing this, I did not believe what I was thinking, and I did not believe what I was saying. The negative stuff, the bad stuff, was easier for me to believe, so my mind and body pushed back with a vengeance when I started changing my thoughts. I stuck with my new way of thinking despite the doubt that crept in every time I said, “I can.” And, one day, suddenly I believed what I was thinking and saying, and it was not long until I manifested my first dream job. Notice I say my first dream job. I have manifested three dream jobs in my lifetime with my “I can” mindset and am working my way towards a fourth. 
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          First step is to recognize how often you think and use the words “I can’t.” Think about the conversations you have with others. Do you vocalize “I can’t” a lot? If you do, become aware that you are doing this, so you can make shifts in your thoughts when “I can’t” shows up. Consider “I can’t” to be comparable to the “f” word. Saying the “f” word offends people; therefore, we only use it in certain company or not at all. View “I can’t” this way. View it as the forbidden fruit. You cannot use the words, or you will be punished with disappointing experiences. 
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          Check out my latest YouTube video here: (insert link). I give you some pointers on how to eliminate your “I can’t” mindset. As always, I want to hear your personal stories and your experiences as you work through ridding your world of self-defeating thoughts and words. Share those with me if you feel comfortable through commenting below, or email me at paula@paulaswope.com. 
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          THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being here. 
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          Much Love, 
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          Paula 
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      <title>Negative Emotions Cause Death and Illness</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/negative-emotions-cause-death-and-illness</link>
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         Awhile back, I decided to conduct my own research study. I distributed a simple survey via social media and through my email distribution list to collect (at least) 1,000 responses to find a correlation between a person’s thoughts and their life experiences. The survey had 5 simple questions: 
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          Would you say most of your thoughts are positive or negative? (open ended) 
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          Do you focus on living or dying? (open ended)
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          Would you describe yourself as lucky or unlucky? (open ended)
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          Are most of your life experiences pleasant or unpleasant? (open ended)
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          Do you believe your thoughts are connected to your life experiences? (Yes or No) 
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          I go into more detail about my findings in my book, but for now I am focusing on the most significant finding. My results reiterated what I thought about negative emotions, illness, and untimely deaths. I believe causation exist between negativity, illness, and dying. I wholeheartedly believe negativity causes illness and death. 
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          Here is what I discovered. Those who said their thoughts were mostly negative also said they focused more on dying than living. That group of respondents claimed to have numerous health issues like chronic diseases. This group described themselves as unlucky and many stated they had financial issues. Several respondents said they knew they would die of a fatal disease. The same respondents answered that most of their life experiences were unpleasant. 
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          On the other side of the fence, the positive people answered the questions quite differently. Those who said their thoughts were mostly positive did not report any health issues or thoughts of dying. They also said their life experiences were mostly pleasant and not one respondent from the positive group mentioned any financial issues. 
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          Strap on your seatbelt for this one. Most of the respondents chose to remain anonymous, so I do not know who many of them are. However, some of them came forward and reached out to me after they took the survey to discuss their thoughts about the questions. One of those people is someone I had known for over 20 years. I cannot reveal this person’s identity, but I can tell you this person was in the negative respondent group. 
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          What I learned from this respondent was that they fantasized about dying because they thought life had handed them an unfair raw deal. They openly discussed being broke and sick and how tired they were of being broke and sick. The respondent made comments like, “I’d rather be dead.” “I’ll never be able to afford my medicine anyway.” “No one loves me.” 
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          Since this is someone I knew, I was aware of their struggles, and their health issues. This person had many health issues and was quite young. Notice I referred to this person in the past tense, because they are no longer with us. They ended up dying an untimely, horrific death surrounded by toxic people. This person’s thoughts literally put them in the grave. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/negative-emotions-cause-death-and-illness</guid>
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      <title>Becoming Aware of Your Most Dominant Thoughts Is the First Step to a Better Life – A 48-Hour Exercise to Help You Make Shifts in Your Thinking Patterns</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/becoming-aware-of-your-most-dominant-thoughts-is-the-first-step-to-a-better-life-a-48-hour-exercise-to-help-you-make-shifts-in-your-thinking-patterns</link>
      <description>Becoming Aware of Your Most Dominant Thoughts Is the First Step to a Better Life – A 48-Hour Exercise to Help You Make Shifts in Your Thinking Patterns</description>
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         Rich keep getting richer and the poor barely get by. If it were not for bad luck, I would not have any luck at all. 
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          These sayings have been passed down generation after generation throughout history. They are profound because there is a reason the rich keep getting richer. There is a reason some people are unlucky while others cannot lose. 
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          The way you think determines your “luck.” Every thought you have ever had has played a role in where you are today. Are your thoughts focused on perfect health or do you live in fear of getting sick? The LAST thing you want to do during a crisis is to think worst case scenario. The COVID-19 Pandemic is a perfect example of a time when you can use the laws of attraction to stay healthy and safe. If you worry about catching the virus, you are more likely to catch it. Any kind of worry is a negative thought that attracts in more negativity. 
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          My goal with this first blog is to increase your awareness of what you think about the most. This is to get you on a path of thinking more positive thoughts. 
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          Start by taking inventory of your daily thoughts. The best way to keep track is to document your thoughts in a journal. If you do not like to write, then simply pay attention to your inner dialogue. For instance, when you see an attractive person, are you jealous? Do you judge that person because you are jealous of their physical appearance? If you feel this way towards others this is textbook negative thinking. 
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          Do you have a friend that has more material wealth than you? Are you jealous of that person or are you happy for that person? If you are jealous and if you compare your life to your friend’s life to the point that you feel badly about yourself, this is negative thinking. 
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          When an opportunity comes your way, how do you feel about it? Do you automatically think, “I can’t?” Thinking you can’t is a negative, self-defeating thought that causes you to attract in more negativity and failure. A positive thinking person gets excited about a new opportunity and never second guesses their capabilities. I want you to see the difference between positive and negative thinking patterns. 
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          During this COVID-19 Pandemic, people are losing their jobs and filing for unemployment. If you are one of those people, how do you feel? Are you worried? If so, are you spending your time talking about the situation with others? Are you on the phone with your friends saying things like, “This is going to bankrupt me.” This is the type of negative thinking that WILL bankrupt you. Remember the Universe gives you what you think about the most. 
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          When you talk about your negative feelings, you give them power. The Universe is always paying attention and giving you what you think about and speak about. 
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          Over the next 48 hours, I want you to become aware and pay attention to your most dominant thoughts. When you realize you are thinking negatively, simply recognize the thought and make a shift in your thinking. Shift that negative thought to something more positive. For instance, if you have a thought that you are going to contract the coronavirus, that’s ok. Notice the thought. Then say to yourself, or say out loud, “I am perfect health.” Every time your mind starts to play tricks on you, make a shift with a positive thought or a positive affirmation. 
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          Here are some simple affirmations for you to use over the next 48 hours to deter negative thoughts. 
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          If you are worried about your finances and your mind is in fifth gear running numbers and figuring out how much money you owe, become aware of the thoughts. Take a few deep breaths and realize your mind is playing tricks on you. Say to yourself or say out loud, “I am wealthy.” Say and think, “I intend to feel good.” Repeat these affirmations over and over. 
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          When you are jealous of others, notice the feelings. Do not force these feelings out. Experiencing jealousy is human nature, but jealousy hurts YOU not the other person. Jealousy creeps in, so when it does, the first step to taming these thoughts is to recognize them. Once you recognize them, say to yourself and say out loud, “I am grateful. I am loved.” 
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          Do not put pressure on yourself during this process. Keep in mind a lifetime of negative thinking cannot be reversed in one day or two. Set realistic expectations for yourself for the next 48 hours. This is nothing more than a self-exploratory exercise to help you become more aware of the quality of your thoughts, so you can shift your thought patterns when you are thinking negatively. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/becoming-aware-of-your-most-dominant-thoughts-is-the-first-step-to-a-better-life-a-48-hour-exercise-to-help-you-make-shifts-in-your-thinking-patterns</guid>
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      <title>Happiness is an Inside Job</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/happiness-is-an-inside-job</link>
      <description>Happiness is an Inside Job</description>
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         Unhappiness attracts more unhappiness. You must rid your world of people and behaviors that cause unhappiness. Try these six steps. These six steps are glorious for so many reasons. First, they work. Second, you do not have to spend money (except on #2). Third, you can start using these steps today. 
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          The number one key to happiness is to surround yourself with healthy people, nontoxic personalities. Take inventory of the people around you and think about how they make you feel. If they make you feel nervous, guilty, scared, worried, or resentful, they are robbing you of happiness. Do not allow people to hijack your positive energy. Toxic people love to do this. 
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          If you do not feel well, you cannot be happy. A key to improving the way you feel is drinking water. Did you know “water stimulates the flow of nutrients and hormones that release those feel-good endorphins you need to feel happy?” Each day, I consume (at least) 64 ounces of water before noon. On an average day, I take in over 80 ounces of water daily. Invest in high quality water, such as Fiji or Core. Your body is your temple. It deserves the best. 
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          Stop setting expectations for how another person should behave. If you expect a person to act a certain way, you are going to end up disappointed nine times out of ten. Are you a person that gets easily offended? If so, I bet you expect people to act a certain way. This behavior is a happiness thief. 
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          Stop reacting. When you feel yourself becoming upset or angry, take a moment to breathe and think about the reality of the situation. Before you react, ask yourself this question – Is this situation going to matter one year from now? Most likely, in day-to-day situations, it is not going to be relevant in one year. Thinking this way is proactive. Try it. It will serve you well. Having the willpower to stop reacting raises your level of emotional intelligence, helping you control your emotions. 
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          You may or may not realize this, but you have total control over your emotions. You do not have to get upset over anything. Allowing negative emotions in is a choice. Of course, I am not referring to situations where you lose a loved one or any other heartbreaking scenario. I am referring to average day-to-day occurrences that trigger negative emotions, like a disagreement with a co-worker, not finding a parking space, or not getting the attention you feel entitled to. Being proactive keeps you from losing your shit. 
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          Money does not and will not make you happy if you are an unhealthy, unhappy person. Accept this as truth. Happiness does not have a price tag. Money and material things are only a source of happiness, and what you will find is when you achieve true happiness the wealth follows. Happiness attracts wealth. Wealth is a high energy and poverty is a low energy. When you are happy, the Universe matches you with like energies. When you are happy, you are a magnet for wealth. 
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          Years ago, when I was poor and starting my metaphysics journey, I learned a trick from Louise Hay. In case you do not know who she is, Louise taught positive philosophy and was a self-help guru. The trick I learned from Louise was to look in the mirror and say, “You are a Magnet for Divine Prosperity. You are a Money Magnet.” I felt so unbelievably stupid doing this, but I did it every morning every single day of my life until I believed what I was saying. Try this trick. After some time has passed, you will start to believe what you are saying, and that is when the magic happens. 
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          Adopt a meditation practice. Even if you reject the idea of meditating, do it, especially if you are unhappy. Meditation brings happiness. I was miserable when I first started meditating. Meditation changed my whole world. 
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          I wish someone had laid this information out for me when I was a teenager. Being armed with this intelligence at a young age would have prevented so much unnecessary heartache. Using these six steps has helped me create so many miracles. You can do the exact same thing. I am no smarter or any more special than you. Remember what I told you from the very beginning. The Universe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/happiness-is-an-inside-job</guid>
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      <title>Watch What You Say to Other People</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/watch-what-you-say-to-other-people</link>
      <description>Watch What You Say to Other People</description>
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         Your thoughts translate into words and this kickstarts the process for manifesting things. The words you speak all day long are creating your world, and these words include what you vocalize to other people. We speak things into existence. 
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          What are you saying about your life to other people? I used to constantly talk negatively about myself to others. People laughed when I said, “I have been put on this earth to be tormented.” I said this all the time because I had so many stupid, demented experiences, and those were usually caused by the toxic people I associated with. Toxic people left. Stupid experiences stopped. 
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          Joking about how bad my life was provided entertainment for those around me. They laughed and had fun at my expense, while my words wreaked havoc on my existence. The more I vocalized what a loser I was, the more I was stuck with a rundown property in Loserville. 
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          Talking badly about yourself to others causes groups of people to view you negatively, and this is like collective thinking. If several people think you are destined for disaster, their thoughts (just like your thoughts) are signaling the Universe that you want havoc instead of happiness. See the danger? 
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          What other people think of me is none of my business, but your reputation IS important. The way people view you plays a role in what your world looks like. If the consensus is you are smart, successful, fortunate, healthy, and destined for greatness, you are more likely to be living your best life; however, if people view you as a loser, you are sending the wrong signals. And you are likely painting a negative picture of yourself through the words you speak. 
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          Pay attention to your daily phone conversations and the random talks you have with friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. Are you speaking about yourself negatively? If you are, become aware of what you are allowing people to know about you. They are not entitled to know everything about your life, so think about changing the context of the conversation. Do not allow other people to be entertained by your hardships. 
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          When others are entertained by your hardships, especially large numbers of people, your ability to manifest good experiences is greatly hindered. Even if your life is not good, change the way people view you through the conversations you have. It is tempting to air dirty laundry. It is tempting to confide in others. Before you do this, think about one thing. Vocalizing your troubles attracts in more trouble. 
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          Taste your words before you say them. Before you vocalize anything, ask yourself the following questions. 
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          How will the other person view me? 
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          Is this a negative thought about my life, or a positive one? 
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          Am I allowing other people to be entertained by my downfalls? 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/watch-what-you-say-to-other-people</guid>
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      <title>Envisioning is the Key to Getting Anything You Want</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/envisioning-is-the-key-to-getting-anything-you-want</link>
      <description>Envisioning is the Key to Getting Anything You Want</description>
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         Manifestation happens when our thoughts come together with our energy to create something. Since I started my spiritual journey 14 years ago, I have manifested numerous things, including: 
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          Cars 
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          Properties 
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          Husband 
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          Success 
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          Network of successful people 
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          Jobs 
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          Health 
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          Beauty 
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          Jewelry 
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          Money 
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          Ability to give to others in need 
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          Respect 
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          Education  
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          Self-reliance 
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          Confidence 
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          Independence 
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          Emotional intelligence 
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          Envisioning is the secret. Seeing what you want when you do not have it is the key to manifestation. My mentor, the man that changed my life, Wayne Dyer, said, “You’ll see it when you believe it.” If there is something you want, I am going to tell you how to get it using your mind. If you follow my lead, and do everything I tell you to do, you will learn how to envision for the purpose of manifesting. 
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          If you are willing to engage in the following practice every day, you can use envisioning to create your reality. 
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          Go to a quiet place where no one can disturb you. Make sure you have ample time. You do not want to rush through this. I suggest lying down, but the most important thing is to be comfortable. Once you are situated comfortably, give your mind a few minutes to rest. Take some deep breaths and relax as much as you possibly can. Close your eyes. Let those racing thoughts go. Relax. This is nothing more than daydreaming, so no need to put any pressure on yourself. If you have trouble getting settled, ask the Universe to help you focus. 
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          After you rest for 5 minutes or so, think about what you would like to have. Envision this thing for as long as it takes to get a clear picture of it. See yourself with it. Watch yourself, in your mind, in possession of this thing, until you feel excited about it. 
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          Here is a concrete example of how this works. 
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          Many years ago, I wanted independence so badly, but I had been manipulated and controlled by my father for so long that I believed I could not make it financially without his help. The car I drove belonged to him, and he threatened to take it away all the time. I stayed worried, because of his threats, which brought in anxiety and more negativity. During this time in my life, I was truly miserable, so when I learned about envisioning and manifesting, I thought, “Why the hell not?” 
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          When I first started envisioning, I laid in the floor of my closet, sometimes for 1-2 hours at a time, and I saw what independence looked like for me. Although I did not have two pennies to rub together, I envisioned myself owning my car. I saw myself handing Dad the keys to the car. In my visions, I handed the keys to him, thanked him for his hospitality, walked out of his office, and got into the car I owned and drove away. I saw myself happy and confident. 
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          At first, I did not believe what I was seeing. My ego would creep in and say, “You don’t have any money to buy a car. There’s no way you can make this happen.” I worked through those negative thoughts and kept my focus on what I wanted. After two weeks, I was getting excited during my envisioning sessions, and before I knew it the vision felt real. Despite the fact I was still driving the car he owned, and he was still holding it over my head, I was growing more confident by the moment. I even told my friends that I was giving him the car back without any idea about how this was going to happen. 
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          In my mind, I owned a car and I was free from his control. I could feel what independence felt like, and this is the key to manifesting anything. You feel it as though you already have it, and daily envisioning sessions will get you there. I used to joke and say, “I’m brainwashing myself.” 
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          After one month of focusing on independence, specifically the car, something happened. I received a letter in the mail from Dad’s secretary stating I had one week to turn the car in, or it would be seized. At first, I panicked. I threw a pity party and then I became livid. I felt like a victim, but that was my ego talking. 
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          The next day I learned I was owed $3,000 backpay from a contracted job I had the year before. The money literally fell out of the sky. When I got this call, my whole attitude changed, and I thought, “Oh my God. I can use this money as a down payment on a car!” Two days before I was supposed to turn Dad’s car into him, I received my $3,000 check. I deposited the check and went straight to a car dealership. I used the money as a down payment and they financed me.
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          The next day I took Dad’s car to him. In my visions, I handed him the keys, but when I arrived at his office that day, he was not there, so I handed the keys to his secretary and left a thank you note for him. I walked out of his office door and I drove away in my new car. I was so proud of myself. I was happy and I was confident, just as I envisioned. 
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          You will get the full story with more details in my book, but for now my goal is to share a concrete example of how the Universe reacts when you start envisioning what you want. 
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          If you participated in my first three exercises, you should have an idea of what you want to manifest. Each day envisioning yourself with that thing. Whatever it is, a piece of jewelry, a home, a relationship, career, whatever. See it. Feel it. Believe it. When you start to feel excited during your envisioning sessions, you are getting closer to manifesting this thing into physical form. 
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          AND…do not think about HOW anything will happen. Leave that piece of the work to the Universe. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:49 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Toxicity and How It Starts in Families – A Story about My Great Grandmother</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/toxicity-and-how-it-starts-in-families-a-story-about-my-great-grandmother</link>
      <description>Toxicity and How It Starts in Families – A Story about My Great Grandmother</description>
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         Several weeks ago, I introduced my Intergenerational Negative Thinking (INT) theory, a theory that explains how negativity starts in families. In the memoir section of my book, there are deeply personal stories about abuse, brutal beatings, and sacrifice. Each of these stories are told to teach you how negativity starts and how it trickles down to generation after generation in families. 
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          In my situation, the women who suffered in my family carried that suffering like a family tradition. They kept passing it on and passing it on. I selected a story from my book to share with you about my great grandmother, Christine. Her toxicity trickled down to negatively impact my grandmother (Rose), my mother, and then me. A toxic environment resulted in generations of women not getting the lives they wanted and deserved. As you read the following excerpt, think about the toxic people in your life. Did you learn behaviors from them? Do you model their behaviors? Odds are, you do. 
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          The following two paragraphs are one scene, one tiny moment of my grandmother’s (Rose) life. The story is disturbing, but I am intentionally telling you this so that you get a glimpse of the torture Rose endured while being Christine’s caretaker. Since this is only two paragraphs from an entire chapter about my mother’s family, you need to know a couple of things before you read. 
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          When Rose married my grandfather, Henry, she took on the responsibility of taking care of his mother, Christine. Henry told Rose, “Mommy acts a little odd,” but it did not take long for Rose to realize this was a major understatement, possibly even deception. Christine suffered from mental illness, but in the early to mid-1900’s mental illness was not as understood or accepted as it is today. Christine was misunderstood, not diagnosed, and in desperate need of medication, so her abusive behavior was not her fault; however, enduring her abuse was not easy for those it was inflicted upon. 
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          What started out as an ordinary day turned into a life-changing moment for Rose. Being a talented seamstress, she had gotten some new material to make a dress for herself. She was excited to bring a pattern to life she had found in a magazine a few days prior. Plus, sewing was a creative outlet for Rose. After all, she was sequestered in a house all day with Christine. When Christine laid down to take naps in the afternoon, Rose sewed. That was usually the only time of the day Rose had any peace and quiet. 
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          Rose was sitting at her sewing machine working on the new dress. Deep in thought and heavily focused on what she was making, she became distracted by the feeling someone was staring at her. She looked up from her sewing machine but saw nothing. An hour later she still felt as though she was being watched. She kept getting glimpses of movement out of her peripheral vision, but every time she looked for someone nothing was there. Suddenly, she heard Christine yell, “ROSE!” 
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          In the dead silence, Christine’s loud voice jolted Rose and she stood up from her chair quickly. It took Rose a moment to believe what was right in front of her eyes. There Christine stood stark naked. When Christine knew she had Rose’s attention, she started laughing the way she did when she set her baby on fire. Rose stood there in disbelief, frozen, not able to utter a syllable while Christine’s laughter became louder and more hysterical as every second went by. As Rose came to herself and realized exactly what has happening in front of her, she noticed Christine had shaven her beautiful head full of cold black hair, including her eyebrows, pubic hair, all of it. While Rose thought Christine was taking a nap, Christine had been shaving her body hair completely off and calculating another evil tactic to terrify Rose. 
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          The reason I selected these two paragraphs from my book is I want you to think about how damaging it is for a person to live in a toxic environment, day in and day out. Think about how a toxic environment molds our personalities and shapes our behaviors. Do you think Rose was a happy person? That is a rhetorical question, obviously, but sometimes we do not realize we have been molded and shaped in a toxic environment until we hear someone else’s story. 
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      <title>Your Thoughts are the Bricks that Build the House You Live In, but You Must Figure Out What Type of House You Don’t Want to Get the One You Want</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/your-thoughts-are-the-bricks-that-build-the-house-you-live-in-but-you-must-figure-out-what-type-of-house-you-dont-want-to-get-the-one-you-want</link>
      <description>Your Thoughts are the Bricks that Build the House You Live In, but You Must Figure Out What Type of House You Don’t Want to Get the One You Want</description>
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         By now, I hope you participated in my first two exercises, because it is imperative to become aware of what type of thinker you are before you go too deep into your spiritual journey. In week two, we experimented with some “I AM” statements, and I hoped this served as a fun, light-hearted exercise that helped you get your feet wet with using positive affirmations. This week, you are going to participate in an exercise that will provoke you to think critically about your life. Facts are you cannot get the life you want until you figure out what you do not want. 
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          Several years ago, I used this exercise to make a major change. I was working full-time at a nationally respected institution and although I respected the institution and enjoyed some of the work, I was not happy. My salary was way less than what I wanted it to be, and my time was controlled by my employer. Although I knew I wanted something different, I was not sure what it was I wanted. So, this is what I did. 
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          I sat down and I took inventory of what I did not want in my life. This is what my list looked like: 
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          I do not want to be micromanaged. 
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          I do not want to be controlled. 
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          I do not want to be underpaid. 
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          I do not want to be under mandates to travel all the time. 
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          I do not want to get up early. 
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          I do not want to punch a timeclock. 
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          I do not want to have a boss. 
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          I do not want to manage people. 
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          I do not want to be disrespected. 
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          I do not want to be undervalued. 
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          I do not want to be limited. 
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          I do not want a desk job. 
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          I do not want to be insulted. 
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          I do not want to be in a position that limits my creative ability. 
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          I do not want to have a job. 
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          I do not want to be unhappy. 
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          I do not want to be tired. 
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          I do not want to be nervous. 
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          I do not want to plan events. 
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          I do not want to be an extrovert. 
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          I do not want to work in a noisy environment. 
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          While writing these “do not want” statements, I had an epiphany. I realized I was spending a vast majority of my time, day in and day out, doing things I did not want to do. When we do things we do not want to do, we are frustrated, and frustration is a negative thought and feeling. What do negative thoughts and feelings attract? More negativity. 
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          After becoming aware of what my real problem was, I used the “don’t want” statements to create statements that reflected what I DID want. Here is the “I want” list I created years ago: 
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          I want freedom. 
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          I want to be in control of my time. 
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          I want a six-figure per year salary. 
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          I want to be in control of my time. 
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          I want to sleep as late as I want. 
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          I want to be in control of my time. 
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          I want freedom. 
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          I want to work with others to accomplish something great. 
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          I want respect. 
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          I want to be valued. 
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          I want freedom. 
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          I want to work from home. 
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          I want respect. 
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          I want to be creative. 
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          I want a career. 
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          I want happiness in my work. 
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          I want to be rested. 
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          I want peace. 
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          I want to be a writer. 
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          I want to make my own decisions. 
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          I want silence. 
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          Notice an overarching theme? Obviously, my main issue with my employer was control. Being controlled was killing me mentally and physically. I was overweight and tired. 
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          I meditated on the career I wanted and envisioned working from home being a writer and earning a six-figure income. Despite the fact I was still working in this job I hated, my meditations, I AM statements, and visions already had me feeling what it was like to be in a joyful career. Being able to feel what that felt like is what gave me the gumption to resign from this energy-draining position to pursue the life I wrote for myself in those “I want” statements. 
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          Each “I want” statement I wrote was a brick, and each one was used to build the house I lived in.
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          Within six months of making these lists, I had resigned from the position and was pursuing the career I dreamed of. I was able to manifest everything I wrote on the “I want” list. The result was a happier, peaceful, more beautiful home. 
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          Writing “do not want” and “I want” statements is just another exercise to help you raise your awareness of what the quality of your life really is. If you are unhappy in any situation, try this exercise. It does not have to be about your work. You can use it for relationship issues, health issues, whatever your issue may be. These statements help you figure things out and find a path to improve your situation. 
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          When you start thinking about what you want instead of focusing on what you do not want, the Universe comes in like a silent partner to help you. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:45 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Do Not Take My Word for It: A Look into Famous People that Use the Laws of Attraction</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/do-not-take-my-word-for-it-a-look-into-famous-people-that-use-the-laws-of-attraction</link>
      <description>Do Not Take My Word for It: A Look into Famous People that Use the Laws of Attraction</description>
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         Last week, I released my fifth exercise - Envisioning is the Key to Getting Anything You Want. Although I have used envisioning to manifest numerous things, as I explained last week, I can still feel your doubt coming through my computer screen. I understand your skepticism. After all, I am an unknown. My name is Paula Swope not Paula Kardashian or Paula DiCaprio or Paula Rockefeller. Why would you believe me? 
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          This week, I am letting the celebrities do the teaching. Everything I have talked about up until now has been discussed by some of the most famous people on the planet. For example, I have taught you the following lessons: 
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          Understanding the concept of metaphysics and the laws of attraction 
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          Speaking things into existence using “I AM” statements 
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          Recognizing the quality of your thoughts 
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          Becoming aware of your dominant thoughts 
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          How socialization causes negative thinking 
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          Visualizing what you want for the purpose of creating your reality 
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          Deciding what you want and what you do not want 
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          In this week’s video, Famous People Talk About The Law Of Attraction, you will listen to people like Jim Carrey, Steve Harvey, Will Smith, Wayne Dyer, and others talk about the exact same methods and concepts I have been teaching you. 
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          In the video, Steve Harvey says, “If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.” Well, he is referring to my envisioning exercise. Will Smith explains you decide what you want, decide who you want to be, and the Universe responds accordingly. Remember when I asked you to make those “do not want” and “I want” lists? That is exactly what the Fresh Prince of Belair is talking about. 
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          I want you to understand I did not invent metaphysics. I sure wish I could take credit, but I cannot. What I have done is I have used metaphysics to improve my life as so many celebrities have. Celebrities are the “special ones,” right? They have the most money. They are the most talented. They are the beautiful people that have astounding influence over our behaviors. We want what they have. We buy products they endorse. I can go on and on. 
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          When you look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous, you may think life is not fair. Stop thinking that way. As you have learned by now, I refer to the Universe as an equal opportunity employer, which means the Universe does not discriminate in who it blesses and responds to. So, why are celebrities so special and other people so ordinary? The answer is simple. Celebrities know the secret, and the secret is the laws of attraction. 
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          Watch this video to listen to some of your favorite celebrities talk about how to use the laws of attraction and why you need to - https://youtu.be/AjpyuOSifAA. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:44 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Play Pretend to Manifest Money</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/play-pretend-to-manifest-money</link>
      <description>Play Pretend to Manifest Money</description>
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         When you were a kid, did you play pretend? You know what I mean. Did you pretend that you had imaginary friends or that you were a princess or queen? We all did it, and I still do it. Playing pretend is the exact same thing as envisioning for the purpose of manifesting. Playing pretend is a highly effective way to manifest money. Trust me. I have done it. 
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          This week, I want to spoon feed you some ideas. These ideas are things you can do right now to kickstart your manifestations to accumulate money. With your imagination, you can make money appear in your life. Again, I have done it A LOT using exercises like the ones outlined below. 
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          Print off a blank check. You can find them online. Fill the check out in the amount you want and put a date on the check. Make the check out to you or to you and your spouse or significant other. Sign it as “The Universe.” 
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          Get some fake money. You can order it on Amazon. Fill your wallet with the fake money, so you see the money everyday in your wallet. Count the hundreds or thousands of dollars each day and thank the Universe for the wealth. 
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          Help someone. Find opportunities to give as often as you can. When you see the Salvation Army person ringing that bell, stop and give every cent you have in your pocket. Do this without fail. 
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          Make a vision board. If your focus is on accumulating wealth in the form of money, make sure your images accurately represent the material things you plan to buy. Hang this vision board in a spot that is highly transparent. You need to see it every day. 
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          Every day of your life say these positive affirmations and write them down. Say them out loud all day. Write them down as much as possible. If you have time to kill while you are in a meeting, write these affirmations down. 
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          “I am wealthy.” 
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          “Richest of Every Sort are Drawn to Me.” 
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          “I am a Money Magnet.” 
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          * I did not design these affirmations. I learned them from Dr. Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay. They work.
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          Decide on an amount of money and ask the Universe for it. Ask once and let it go. And never ever never ever think about HOW the money will manifest. That is the Universe’s job, so step back and get out of its way. 
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          Let’s play pretend! 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/play-pretend-to-manifest-money</guid>
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      <title>Does Your Inner Speech Match Your Intentions?</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/does-your-inner-speech-match-your-intentions</link>
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         Years ago, I purchased Wayne Dyer’s book, The Power of Intention. Before I read this book, I had no idea how my inner speech was interfering with my life. For instance, I used to only focus on what was missing or what I did not like in my world. Well, focusing on everything that was wrong only attracted in more wrongness! Wayne Dyer taught me how to match my inner speech with my intentions, and taking this action changed my life. Here is how this works. 
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          If you have been following my blogs, you know that many, many years ago I was in a living situation with my mother that made me miserable. During that time, I talked negatively about the situation and was constantly focused on everything I hated about the living situation. I said things like, “I hate this house and I hate this subdivision. I have no privacy.” Day in and day out I thought this way and talked this way and guess what. It got me nowhere. 
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          My intention was to leave that house and acquire a place of my own, but my inner speech was not focused on that goal. On page 65 of The Power of Intention, Dyer explains this simple concept by explaining, “When your inner speech focuses on the way things have always been, you act upon your thoughts of what has always been, and the universal all-creating force continues to deliver what has always been.” You must make a shift in your thinking when you are focusing on what has always been. Here is an example. 
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          Stagnant Inner Speech 
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          “I hate this house I am living in. I have no privacy and I am so sick of sharing a space with another person. I am irritated all the time.” 
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          Inner Speech that Matches to Intention 
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          “I see my new home in my mind, and I see myself happily living in it. I see myself working in the yard and entertaining family and friends in the dining room. With my luck, I’ll get my new home quicker than I anticipated and at the perfect price.” 
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          I am using the home scenario as an example only. The inner speech concept applies to everything in our lives from jobs to relationships to health and our overall quality of life. Moral of this story is stop complaining and shift your words to reflect the life you want versus the life you do not want (aka – The way things have always been). 
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          Your words and your thoughts are two things you have complete control over. Your words and your thoughts can be your Superpower, or they can be your worst enemies. The glorious piece of this puzzle is that the Universe is there waiting for you to decide how your thoughts and words will serve you. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:39 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Create Your Future by Writing Your Own Obituary</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/create-your-future-by-writing-your-own-obituary</link>
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           Paula Beth “Boss” Swope (December 25, 1976 – August 16, 2068) 
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          “After all of this good shit I’ve done, if I go to hell, I am going to be royally pissed.” Those who knew Paula best heard her say this a lot in her deepest Steel Magnolias southern accent. Paula passed peacefully in her sleep at her Upper East Side townhome in Manhattan at the age of 92. Her fiery, determined ass made her debut on a snowy, cold Christmas Day in 1976 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, KY. Her parents jokingly referred to her as the “gift that kept on receiving.” It was evident early on that Paula had an eye for things that shined. As she rose to fame and fortune in her mid-forties, her family told her she was getting above her raising. Her response was, “God, I hope so.” 
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          Growing up in Madison County was not easy for Paula as she loathed public school, small town living, and the feeling of being fenced in that nearly killed her creative spirit. She showed leadership ability early on, and these leadership skills followed her through adulthood; hence her widely known nickname, “Boss.” Her nickname was the inspiration for her third best seller, “The Boss Curriculum: Metaphysics 301,” that ended up being one of the best-selling books in her genre of all time with nearly 100 million copies sold. 
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          Not bad for a high school dropout. Paula’s career serves as evidential proof you can show up late to the game and still win. By the time she was 32, she had obtained a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. At 50, after she had been on a spiritual journey since she was 29, she completed her PhD in metaphysics from the Maharishi International University (MIU). Paula openly accredited metaphysics with changing her life, and she talked about this candidly during her now famous commencement speech at MIU that she gave in 2032. 
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          Her willingness to be vulnerable helped thousands of people raise their quality of life. She wanted people to learn from her mistakes, so they did not waste years of their lives on toxic people, people pleasing, and unhappiness. Her nonfiction teaching memoirs garnered so much attention from readers and the media that she landed her own television show in 2028 entitled, “Comments from the Left Side,” where each day she opened her segment with her favorite Billy Joel quote, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints, the sinners are much more fun.” 
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          Paula became famous for her manifestation abilities. During her lifetime, she used the laws of attraction to manifest lucrative careers, properties in Kentucky, Florida, Hawaii, Europe, and Manhattan, two yachts (one named “The Manifester”), one husband (Will), financial freedom for her family, ten number one best sellers, happiness, peace, wealth, a grantmaking foundation, and beauty right up until the bitter end. She shared her secrets in her books that are well-known for simplifying metaphysical concepts. From the age of 42 until the day she died, she was wholeheartedly committed to helping people see the light. Early on in her career, she said, “If I can just find a way to make a living helping people I would have it made.” That is exactly what she did. 
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          Paula was generous, much like her beloved idol, Elvis Presley. Like Elvis, Paula worked hard to provide a better life for her mother, and like Elvis she gave away as much as she made. Through the Paula Swope Foundation, she helped pay college tuition for thousands of underprivileged, smart students from deeply rural areas of Kentucky. Not to mention the philanthropic support she provided to nonprofits like Harbor House of Louisville, Humane Society, and numerous others. 
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          Paula practiced what she preached, and she lived a happy, peaceful life with her husband of 53 years, Will. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Pamela Wilder (Johnson), and by her older sister, Lisa Angel (Wilder). She is survived by her two stepchildren, Nick and Claire Swope, and by her beloved husband, Will Swope. Two days before she died, she said, “If I go before Will, I can’t wait for him to show up in Heaven and walk up on me laughing and talking with Elvis.” Paula is also survived by two nieces, Kassie Angel and Kenzie Wilder, and nephews, Kendan Angel and Owen Swope, and her crew of lifelong friends. 
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          A celebration of Paula’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on October 7, 2068, which would have marked her and Will’s 54th wedding anniversary. The celebration takes place in Memphis, TN at the Guesthouse at Graceland. If Will makes it until October 7, 2068, he and Paula’s closest friends and family will spread her ashes at Elvis Presley’s grave at the Graceland Estate located at 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116. 
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          In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Paula Swope Foundation. Send an email to paula@paulaswope.com for more information about how to make your donation. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/create-your-future-by-writing-your-own-obituary</guid>
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      <title>Abuse Caused My Interstitial Cystitis (IC)</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/abuse-caused-my-interstitial-cystitis-ic</link>
      <description>Abuse Caused My Interstitial Cystitis (IC)</description>
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         Ongoing abuse manifests into physical form, usually in the shape of an illness or injury. In my case, continual exposure to abuse caused my body to manifest an incurable, rare bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS). PBS are my initials (Paula Beth Swope). Cute, huh? 
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          You are what you eat, but you are also who you associate with. A person who eats fast food every day is more likely to have health issues than someone who eats fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and avoids fatty foods with saturated fats and preservatives. A person who drinks water instead of carbonated drinks is going to be less susceptible to heart disease, aging, will have a stronger immune system, and numerous other health benefits. Same goes for who you spent most of your time with. Spending time with good, moral people manifests good, moral experiences and things. Associating with bad, toxic, unethical people manifests bad, toxic, unethical experiences and things. 
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          Loving and investing time in abusive people and staying in relationships that make you unhappy and cause you stress are as toxic to your health as fast food or hazardous waste. Being in a negative relationship puts you at higher risk of developing heart problems (such as a fatal heart attack) than those in healthy relationships. For women, like myself, that have been or are in relationships with high levels of conflict have high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, physical wounds, slow wound healing, and high rates of obesity.
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          In my book (that I am still working on) I talk about my health when I was in the height of my toxic relationships. Between the ages of 18-25, I experienced the following: 
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          High blood pressure
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          150/110 
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          Obesity 
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          Peak weight was 204 pounds 
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          High pulse rate 
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          Racing heart 
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          Broken bones 
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          Broken fibula 
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          Broken foot 
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          Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) 
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          Relentless Head Colds (i.e. Upper Respiratory Infections) 
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          Chronic Fatigue 
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          I can keep going. Studies show being in toxic relationships keep the human body in fight-or-flight mode, which leads to fatigue, a weakened immune system, and organ damage. More often than not, when I was in abusive relationships (both platonic and intimate) I felt fatigued after stressful situations. I suffered from pesky head colds from the time I was a child all the way through adulthood, and I have organ damage, as well. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) in 2017 after suffering with bladder issues since the age of 18. 
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          My IC diagnosis is significant because I know I developed the bladder condition because of abuse (i.e. staying in toxic relationships). Empirical data show a higher proportion of patients with IC report a history of abuse. Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse are reported by a higher proportion of patients with IC. One study showed 76 women diagnosed with IC were evaluated, of whom 49% reported a history of abuse. Of those reporting abuse 92% reported emotional abuse, 78% reported physical abuse, 68% reported sexual abuse and 49% reported domestic violence.
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          When you are involved with toxic personalities, you do not feel well; therefore, you cannot attract in things that make you feel well. Ever had a lump in your throat or your stomach from being nervous? That is how jealousy, worry, guilt, hate, anxiety, nervousness, and anger feel when it is so strong that it manifests into physical ailments. You become bitter and bitterness makes you angry and anger makes you fearful and all of these emotions translate into physical illnesses, such as interstitial cystitis, sprains, obesity, viral infections, insomnia, foot problems, upper respiratory problems, and more.
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          I want you to stop what you are doing right now and take inventory of the people around you. Think about who you spend most of your time with. Choose 5 people. Now, take inventory of who they are through taking the following survey. These questions will help you to gauge their character. 
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          Does he/she use drugs? 
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          Does he/she binge drink? 
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          Does he/she treat you with respect? 
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          Have you ever been hurt (physically or emotionally) by this person? 
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          Does he/she speak negatively to you? 
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          Does he/she thrive on your bad news? 
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          Does he/she thrive on your good news? 
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          Does he/she work? 
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          Does he/she have a college degree? 
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          Does he/she steal? 
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          Do you consider he/she to be a moral person? 
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          Do you trust him/her? 
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          Would you leave this person alone with your significant other overnight? 
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          Does this person constantly pressure you to do things you do not want to do? 
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          Would this person support you if you accomplished massive success? 
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          If you are close to your parents, do your parents like this person? 
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          If you have a pet, does your pet like this person? 
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          Do you feel like this person is jealous of you? 
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          Do you act like you are fine when you are not fine? 
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          Does this person scare you? 
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          Pay close attention to your answers. If your answers look like this, get rid of the person. 
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          Yes 
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          Yes
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          Yes 
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          I want to zone in on question #4 - Have you ever been hurt (physically or emotionally) by this person? If you were drawn to this blog post, my guess is your answer is “Yes.” Seize this opportunity to reflect on how this person makes you feel. This stirs up some emotions, but the exercise helps you come to terms about whether you need to be in this relationship, whether the relationship is family-related, platonic, or intimate. 
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          When you reflect on (and are honest with yourself) this relationship and this person (or persons), are you enraged? Does the rage consume you? If so, do not ignore these feelings, because that is your intuition speaking to you. Your intuition speaks to you in different ways. Your intuition tells you what you need to know about someone, but you must be willing to listen and you must be aware of how your intuition speaks to you. If you have a lump in your throat, that is your higher power (i.e. intuition) telling you to get the hell out of a situation. 
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          Sometimes we do not realize the damage we do to ourselves when we invite in negativity. In my case, I invited in permanent damage. IC cannot be reversed. Tolerating the abuse was not worth it, and I am hopeful this blog opens your eyes to that. The whole reason I am writing a self-help book is to make you become more aware of how negativity is harmful. For the most part, we do not realize how certain behaviors impact us, such as tolerating abuse from a friend, family member, spouse, whoever. 
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          Was tolerating abuse worth developing IC? Hell no. Keep me in mind the next time you accept abuse. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/abuse-caused-my-interstitial-cystitis-ic</guid>
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      <title>Answers to YOUR Questions</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/answers-to-your-questions</link>
      <description>Answers to YOUR Questions</description>
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         Paula, when will your book be available for purchase? 
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          Beginning of March 2021! I got my ISBN the other day. 
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          How much will your book cost and will it be available as an e-book? 
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          Paperback - $19.95 
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          Hardcover - $24.95 
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          eBook - $15.00 
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          You will be able to download the eBook from my website and other vendors, such as Amazon. 
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          How many chapters are in your book and how long is it? Is it an easy read? 
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          My book has 13 chapters total, and it is an easy read. Chapter 13 is the actual curriculum. I outline weekly exercises you can do to reverse your negative thinking patterns. The book will be under 200 pages. 
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          I do not understand what you mean when you classify this book as a teaching memoir. What is a teaching memoir and what is the purpose of a book like that? 
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          The first five chapters are dedicated to telling stories. These stories are about my family and how certain family members were socialized to think and behave negatively and then those people passed on their negative traits to the next generation and the next generation and the next generation. My goal for telling these stories is to make you aware of how major influencers in your life shape the way you think, and this happens often before you are old enough to even realize you are being taught to think and act negatively. 
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          First step to changing your negative thinking patterns is to become aware that you are a negative thinker and how you became like that. Odds are it is not your fault. Hearing my stories and my willingness to be vulnerable enough to tell those stories will hopefully help you realize that you might be dealing with the same types of negative influences. 
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          Chapters 6-13 are dedicated to teaching you exercises that reverse negative thinking patterns. These are easy exercises that I used to absolutely turn my life around. I call the changes I have made going from havoc to happiness, and I did it all through applying metaphysical concepts, such as the Laws of Attraction, in my daily life. 
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          I understand this is your first book. Do you plan to write more? 
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          Yes! I already have two in the works. One is a children’s book, and it should be available by the summer of 2021. The other one is another metaphysics book about manifestation. I am going to keep telling you my success stories with manifestation and I am dedicated to teaching anyone who wants to learn how to have the same success. 
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          Do you plan to do speaking engagements? 
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          YES! Absolutely. First, I am going to offer virtual sessions online for people that need help working through the material and applying the concepts in their real world settings while my stage material is being designed. 
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          What does your target audience look like? Is this book suitable for a teenager? 
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          When I wrote this book, I had young Paula in mind. I really struggled from the ages of 16 – 29. Because of my negative thinking, I had a distorted view of the world and the role I played in it. My thoughts and behaviors held me back in life. Had I known about metaphysics at a younger age, I would be ruling the world right now. I would have been able to spot toxic people and toxic situations better, which would have saved me a lot of heartache. Plus, I would have realized that most of the things I had been taught to believe were not true and that would have made me realize a lot earlier in life that I was a negative thinker and a toxic personality. I had no idea I was my worst enemy until I found metaphysics. 
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          So, yes, this book is suitable for a teenager. Depending on the young person’s maturity level, I know my book would be life changing for a teenager. The material is easy to comprehend, and there is a reason for that. Some people are intimidated to explore metaphysics because they think they cannot learn. I simplify metaphysics in my book, and I guarantee that anyone will be able to understand if they want to understand. Anyone can do these exercises and it does not matter your age, income, gender, race, whatever. I do, however, foresee my material resonating with women more than men because of the nature of the stories I tell, but men can certainly benefit, as well. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:44:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.paulaswope.com/answers-to-your-questions</guid>
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      <title>People Pleasing Blocks Manifestation</title>
      <link>https://www.paulaswope.com/people-pleasing-blocks-manifestation</link>
      <description>People Pleasing Blocks Manifestation</description>
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         Spending your precious time doing things you do not want to do is causing more damage than you think. The Universe matches our vibration and our energy with like matches; therefore, if you are happy and peaceful, you receive happy and peaceful experiences in return. If you are irritated and mad most of the time you get frustrating experiences in return. This said, think about how you feel when you do things you do not want to do to please others. Are you happy or are you irritable? When I spent time people pleasing, I was often irritable for hours and hours on end and the irritability continued into the next day and the next. It was a vicious cycle. 
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          In my opinion, people pleasing causes more irritability and frustration than anything else in the world. When you allow another person to take your time and drain your energy you are sending negative messages to the Universe about who you are and what you want. Let me provide an example. I have a close friend that wants to talk on the phone for two – three hours at a time. During those calls, my time is spent holding the phone. She rarely asks any questions about my life. Instead she talks excessively about the things that are wrong in her world, so it turns into a two-three hour complaining fest. She asks for advice, and I give it, but she never takes the advice. She continues to do the same things over and over expecting a different result, and these behaviors have exasperated me for years. Now, I only agree to calls seldomly. 
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          I used to dread talking to her on the phone, because the conversations were a total waste of my time. Plus, by the time the conversation ended I felt like I had been in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson. My energy was drained, and I was highly irritated. Basically, I used to allow her to waste my time in fear that she would get angry with me if I did not talk to her on the phone. I gave her what she needed instead of giving myself what I needed. I am an introvert who craves silence and peace. I do not get my energy from others. People drain my energy. Alone time and silence are essential to my health and well-being, so why would I sacrifice that to please someone else? 
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          We are all guilty of sacrificing our needs to please another person. I was especially prone to this behavior when I associated with toxic people. Toxic people need you. They feed off your energy, and they take every ounce of your energy if you let them and then walk away without remorse in search of another host. 
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          Back in the day, I was usually guilted into going to happy hour. There was a time I enjoyed happy hour, but after 578 years of sitting on a barstool I grew sick of it. Metaphysics and meditation broke me of several bad habits and binge drinking is one. The toxic crew I hung out with did not care that I suffered debilitating hangovers. They did not care if I had other things I wanted to do. They wanted me there for their entertainment, and foolish me let them steal my energy and my time for many years. And I stayed in a constant state of irritation because of it. 
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          Being irritable manifested into ridiculous experiences. Every place I went something stupid happened. I did not realize it at the time, but my irritability manifested what I perceived as “bad luck.” If I took a trip, my luggage was lost. I often had embarrassing falls in crowded public places (funny for the onlooker but mortifying for me). Showing up to doctor appointments and not being on their schedules. I always, always, always had head colds. Always. I often got accused of outlandish things that I was not guilty of. I can keep going, but these are a few examples of how irritability manifests negative experiences. 
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          Learning to say “no” is hard when you are a “yes” person. Once I became aware of the detrimental damages of people pleasing, I started saying “no” more often. Before I understood how the Universe works, I believed doing things we did not want to do was part of life. That is the biggest lie my ego ever told me! Spending time the way you choose is just as important to your health and wellness as a nutritious diet, drinking tons of water, and exercise. 
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          Are you a “yes” person? Do you people please? If you are not sure, answer these questions below: 
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          Do you go to parties that you do not want to go to because you are afraid people will get mad at you if you do not go? 
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          Do you go along with everything your boss says even though you do not agree with him or her? 
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          Do you play with kids to please them even though playing with kids makes you miserable? 
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          Do you drink alcohol with others when you do not want to? 
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          Do you go to events that you do not like just to please your spouse or significant other? 
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          Do you give people rides when you do not want to? 
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          Do you go without sleep when you desperately need it to engage in activities with others that do not interest you? 
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          If you answered “yes” to these questions, you are spending too much of your time people pleasing, and I bet you are irritated more than you are happy. 
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          Start saying “no.” And if you have a bad feeling, or a get instinct, that you should not go somewhere then do not do it. Ease into saying “no” more often and keep these following things in mind: 
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          Every time you do something you do not want to do you are manifesting negative experiences 
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          People pleasing (aka herding cats) blocks you from manifesting positive things 
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          Irritability manifests stupid occurrences in your life 
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          Saying “no” is not selfish, it is self-care 
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          If people love you, they respect your wishes, and they do not get mad when you tell them “no” 
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          Saying “no” rids your life of toxic people (they cannot handle it) 
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          Tell the truth. If you do not want to go somewhere or do something, decline the invitation with eloquence and let the invitee know why. 
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          Sometimes we do not realize our daily behaviors are holding us back from prospering fully. Hopefully, this blog gives you the information you need to become aware of how often you are people pleasing. And, hopefully, I have given you some tips to help you say “no” more often. 
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2021 14:18:30 GMT</pubDate>
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