Living Together as Brothers & Sisters

 

Our world is on the cusp of change.

The Earth’s energy is shifting and lifting as we collectively raise our vibration to transition into a new age. The Age of Aquarius is expected to usher in peace, inner growth, harmony, and great love.

Yet humanity is still plagued with conflict and division. Around the world, deep divisions occur related to politics, healthcare, religion, cultures, work, and many other aspects of our lives, making us wonder how we can shift to a time of peace and harmony when there is so much discord.

In his fable, “Four Oxen and the Lion,” Greek storyteller Aesop states, “United we stand, divided we fall.” This wisdom is as true today as when it was written in the mid-6^th century BC.    

“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.”—Martin Luther King Jr.  

My beautiful mother passed away last September. She was a role model in so many ways, including how she didn’t judge others and the way she could find goodness in everyone.

One of Mom’s favorite questions was, “What’s it matter?” By posing this question, she helped us put any situation into perspective.

Over the years, this question made me pause and contemplate before getting wrapped up in irritation or frustration over what was often something trivial.

I began asking myself whether the situation at hand would matter in a week, a month, or a year. Most of the time, the answer was a resounding “no.” With that wisdom, it was easier to move forward instead of getting caught up in drama and distress.

In our society, we’ve been taught to hold strongly to our beliefs, which can be a positive, yet it can also be a detriment.

We are all unique, and because of this, we have different approaches, styles, and preferences. What if instead of digging our heels in and focusing on our differences, we attempted to consider other perspectives? If we take this a step further and reflect on what we truly want, we can find common ground.

Deep down, we all want the same things—love, kindness, joy, peace, ease, grace, etc. It’s the approach—how we get there—where we differ.

There are so many different ways to solve any given issue. Considering this, why not allow others the space to try their approach and see what happens? Or we could join forces, brainstorm together, and develop a creative, enhanced idea or solution.

As we move into a new year and a new age, I invite you to join me in reflecting on my mother’s wisdom, “What’s it matter?” Instead of focusing on our differences, let’s rally around our common values and desires (peace, love, kindness, joy, etc.) and create the world we want by nurturing and expanding these inner qualities and reflecting them into our outer world.

Photo by Steve Leisher on Unsplash.

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TRANSFORMED BY FIRE—RISING FROM THE ASHES TO FIND MYSELF by Chris Clifford: Work left me exhausted and lost. When everything I owned went up in flames, rethinking my priorities changed my life forever!

Reader Review Excerpt: “...a true story about finding strength and purpose even in the worst situations...Chris is like the Phoenix...she rises from the literal ashes, helps heal her family from trauma, sets an example for all of us to follow, and through all of this, finds true inner peace.”

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is an Amazon Bestseller! Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3RawJBR.

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CLOUD WHISPERS by Sedona Hutton: A novel of family and forgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven story filled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of the reader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story are spiritual awakenings and life lessons, which help to clarify many of the whys in each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, it also feeds your spirit and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel are unforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS Awards: IPPY Bronze medal winner for Visionary Fiction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for Visionary Fiction, and Official Selection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc.

Just One Person's Opinion

Living in a world of comparisons and competitiveness, everyone experiences doubt at one point or another.  If you’re currently having doubts about any goal (or anything) in your life, this story is for you!

As a teenager, Catherine Lanigan was frequently told she was a gifted writer. She loved writing and eagerly entered college as a journalism major. During the second semester of her freshman year, she was selected to participate in a creative writing class, taught by a visiting professor from Harvard.

Catherine jumped at the opportunity to participate in a class that was usually reserved for seniors, and enthusiastically wrote her first short story. After she submitted it, the professor called her into his office and told her, “your writing stinks.” Devastated, Catherine asked him if there was anything good about her writing—the plot, the characters, the dialogue. He responded with, “nothing.” The professor went on to tell Catherine she would never make it as a writer and it was a waste of her parents’ money for her to continue as a journalism major. Because she had a 4.0 GPA and didn’t want to fail the writing class, the professor made her a deal—if she promised to never write again, he would give her the gift of a ‘B.’

She accepted his offer, and didn’t write for 14 years.

Years later during a trip to San Antonio, Catherine came across a group of journalists and writers talking by the pool. She gathered the courage, approached them, and admitted she’d always wanted to be a writer. One man asked why she wasn’t. She told him she had it on good authority that her writing wasn’t any good.

The stranger said something that changed Catherine’s life, “It’s just one person’s opinion.” He gave her a business card and told her if she ever wrote anything to send it to him.

With new enthusiasm, Catherine went home, wrote a book, and mailed it to him.

The rest is history.

Catherine’s first book, Romancing the Stone, not only became a bestselling novel, it also became a blockbuster movie starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Catherine’s follow-up novel, Jewel of the Nile, also became a hit book and movie. Catherine continued to pursue her dream of writing, penning and publishing 33 books.

The next time someone tells you you’re not good enough or you’re not cut out to be, do, or have something you passionately desire, remember it’s just one person’s opinion. And, the next time you experience self-doubt, think about Catherine’s story and remember it’s not what others think that matters, it’s what you think…Always believe in yourself!

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.

Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b. Now available in audiobook: https://adbl.co/3hgKZpF.  

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv. Also available in audiobook: https://adbl.co/2WAsOnp.

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Contemporary Romance Bronze winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX. Also available in audiobook: https://adbl.co/2VArr7c.

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/. I blog once a month, and I don’t send spam—ever!

 Recommended Reading:

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt

 The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

 The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

 10 Secrets for Success & Inner Peace by Wayne Dyer: https://amzn.to/2QQReH5

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Dance in the Rain!

In my contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap, Ella’s aunt teaches Ella to “dance in the rain!” I love this concept and the images it invokes of a child gleefully skipping through puddles and of a couple adoringly slow dancing through a spring rain.

In The Perfect Lap, Ella’s parents are perfectionists. As a child, no matter what Ella did, it wasn’t good enough for her mom and dad. Ella could have responded with depression or by berating herself, but her aunt taught her a better way. Whenever Ella would complain, her Aunt Mindy would guide her to, “dance in the rain.”

In this simple phrase, Ella learned to look for silver linings in every situation. This phrase popped into my mind earlier this week, perhaps because it has been raining in east Tennessee or maybe it’s associated with the coronavirus.

Even though I’m currently at home and practicing social distancing, I pressed myself to find the silver linings and came up with a list of positives.

I’m being less wasteful by using dishrags and cleaning cloths instead of paper towels, and I’m reusing and recycling whenever I can. I’ve finished many tasks on my To-Do list that felt impossible to complete a couple of months ago. I am meditating and exercising more often. I’m practicing present moment awareness—listening to the birds sing, marveling at the sun casting shadows on the mountains, enjoying my dog’s joyful wiggle-jiggle—and I’m finding time to just be. I plan to continue these positive practices even after the coronavirus runs its full course.

How about you…can you think of ways to “dance in the rain” at this very moment? Maybe you have home renovations you haven’t had the time to complete. Or you’ve wanted to learn a new language or take an online class. Perhaps you’ve found time to reconnect with an old friend or you’ve begun painting again.

Despite the ongoing chaos in our world and the doom and gloom in the news, Spring has ushered into our lives, offering beauty and a sense of normalcy. Brown grass has transformed into a beautiful Kelly-green, trees are budding, flowers are blooming.

As Spring reminds us of new beginnings, let’s remember to look for the silver linings...and let’s join together to dance in the rain!

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of women’s fiction and contemporary romance blended with new age spirituality. 

***Now Available on Audio!*** The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://adbl.co/2WAsOnp

***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

Recommended Reading:

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

 Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

30 Inspirational Things To Do Without Leaving Your Home

Many of us are staying at home these days because of a ‘stay in place’ regulation or to support social distancing. Being at home can feel stifling or it can be exciting…it all depends on your perspective! Choose a positive mindset and look for the opportunities this situation creates. Below is a list of 30 activities sure to inspire!

30 Inspirational Things To Do At Home

1. Watch the sun rise or set.
2. Create a gratitude journal.
3. Take a walk.
4. Visualize your perfect future.
5. Meditate.
6. Write in a journal.
7. Practice yoga.
8. Watch an inspirational video.
9. Check out the free resources at Calm: https://bit.ly/2WzJdbW
10. Make a vision board.
11. Make a list of 101 goals you want to achieve in your life.
12. Find your muse—write a song or short story, or paint or draw.
13. Visit a museum virtually. Try the National Gallery of Art : https://www.nga.gov/.
14. Commit to one new daily activity that will improve your life (exercise, meditation, journaling, pre-day planning, visualization, walking, etc.)
15. Listen to uplifting music.
16. Watch clouds float across the sky.
17. Think about your most important goal and write down what it would take to achieve it.
18. Gaze at the stars.
19. Put your phone down and have a real conversation with a loved one.
20. Visualize world peace.
21. Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
22. Call, text, or video chat with someone who could use a lift.
23. Sit on your front porch or look out your window and watch the world.
24. Create affirmations and read them daily.
25. Listen to an inspirational podcast.
26. Take a nap.
27. Take a bubble bath.
28. Tell someone special something you appreciate about him or her.
29. Look at yourself in the mirror and say something positive.
30. Watch the moon rise. 

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. 

***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b 

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

Recommended Reading:

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Will it Matter in an Hour…or a Week?

Last fall, my husband, curly-coated retriever, and I vacationed in Alabama. On the first night at our beautiful resort, I took a walk with my dog, Milkduds. We took in scenic views of the Tennessee River, layers of mountains in the distance, and trees colored in their full autumn glory. We walked for miles before circling back. Hot and tired, I was more than ready to return to our room.

The side of the large property was the closest entrance so we trekked up a hill to get there only to find a sign next to the door that indicated a key card was required for entry. No problem. I whipped out my card and swiped it. 

The light didn’t turn green.

I tried again and became frustrated when my card still didn’t work. Resigned to walk around the property to the front door, I stole a glance at Milkduds, expecting him to be frustrated, too. Instead, he gave me a sweet doggie grin and a happy swish of his tail.

Sometimes, the little things in life suck us down. But only if we let them. I decided then and there to be more like my sweet, happy dog. 

It was just one door. There were plenty of other entrances even if they required another walk. I reminded myself if this was my biggest issue of my day, I had it pretty darn good. With my new and improved perspective, I tried my key card one more time (it didn’t work), and then tugged on the door anyway. To my surprise and delight, the door opened!

There are regularly obstacles in our lives. Like the door, how many of them are self-imposed? And, like the door, how many of our obstacles are so trivial they don’t warrant our energy and attention?

I’ve gotten into the habit of asking myself whether the issue at hand will it matter in an hour, a week, or a month? If the answer is no (and usually it is), why fret? Consider alternate options or power through and move on to the more important things in your life. 

“Intelligence consists in ignoring things that are irrelevant. ”––Nassim Nicholas Taleb

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. 

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Bronze Contemporary Romance winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

Recommended Reading:

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Photo by BRUNO CERVERA on Unsplash