It’s interesting to take note of the people in our lives, how we met, when we met, why we met, and what they mean to us.  My friend Dick Sutphen has a new book called “Soul Agreements. It’s about understanding our relationships and the influence that they have on our lives, how they shape the very direction of our lives.  This book is really a collection of stories, case studies, where real people discover how the soul agreements in their lives work, and how they can use these to overcome obstacles and create their own reality of love and success.  It’s fascinating!  It really got me thinking of some of the people who have been there for me at certain times when I needed them most.  Some of these people are still in my life, and others I have lost touch with.  You might call them angels, or you might say that we had this“soul agreement” to fulfill with each other.  Whatever the case, it is an opportunity for growth to recognize these agreements, and to live up to our end of the agreement.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

When Freddy and Brian were little, their Uncle Dave gave them a box turtle.  Freddy right away named the turtle Shelby and proclaimed it to be his, since this little Ninja Turtle fan “always wanted” a real turtle.  Of course Brian had to have a brother turtle to keep Shelby company, and promptly named his companion Shellshock.  Shelby and Shellshock live in an atrium inside our house, which is pretty much like a turtle paradise.  They’re easy to take care of, most of the time we don’t even know they’re there.  In the spring when the weather is warmer, they start getting a little more active, more playful.  I think turtles are marvelous creatures, and there are lessons we can learn from them.  We can look within for wisdom, and come out when our ideas are ready to be expressed.  We carry our home with us.  Sometimes we need to slow down and take our time.  My friend Lindsay shared with me this wonderful book that looks at the symbolism of animals – it’s fascinating!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

When we talk about “purpose” I think that we each have our individual purpose, a reason why we’re here in this specific place and time and that’s up to each of us to figure out for ourselves.  And then generally, we all have the same purpose, which is three-fold:

1. To learn and grow.  It seems to be our natural instinct to progress in this way.  We can’t grow backwards!  We look for opportunities to better ourselves, and we find them in our relationships, in classes, in books.  We practice behaviors that help us to understand who we are.  We look within. Journaling is an example of a way for us to keep track of our thoughts, dreams and desires.  It’s also a way that we can look back and see how far we’ve come.  Spiritual growth is a strong desire, one that propels us forward.

2. To express ourselves and our unique gifts.  We are not meant to sit in a shadow and be quiet.  We have something to say, both literally and figuratively.  So, just what are these unique gifts that we have to share with the world?  It’s personal for each one of us.  To find what this is for you, look at what you love to do.  Look at where you love to spend your time.  Look at what comes easily to you.  There is your talent.  Now share it!  It takes all of us, and all of our varied and diverse talents, to make this world function.

3. To help each other and serve.  Many times this goes really well with the second part, and we can use our talent to help others.  For example, my mother loves to crochet, and she can whip up a blanket in no time at all.  She and a group of her friends at the Senior Center knit and crochet items for children in hospitals.  And when they heard about our young soldiers in Iraq needing supplies, they put their sewing skills to good use and started making “cool ties” to send over in care packages.  Helping feels good.  It’s really a gift we give to ourselves.  And we have so many chances everyday to really make a difference in the world.  I started a page on coffeytalk.com called “Involvement Opportunities” that can give you ideas for places to start – and I’m sure there are opportunities right in your own neighborhood, too.  It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, as the bumper sticker says: “Think Globally, Act Locally”  It all adds up to a better world.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Are you tired of being inundated with bad news all the time?  It seems like every time we turn on the TV there’s something else disastrous going on.  It’s very depressing.  There is good news out there – but that’s not always what is reported.  Now there’s a way for us to find out about it: HappyNews.com.  This is such a terrific site – you’ll find good news stories both national and international, and stories about heroes, new breakthroughs in science, and so much more.  There is a lot to be happy about, and HappyNews.com brings it to our attention.  I, for one, say thanks for that! http://www.happynews.com

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

All over the world, throughout history, gardens have been used to aid in the healing process.  For a period of time, while 20th century medical technology flourished, the use of healing gardens had diminished.  But now, with the increased interested in alternative therapies and integrative medicine, which emphasizes healing the whole person – body, mind and spirit – the idea of the garden as a healing element has been revived.    Research has shows that viewing vegetation, as opposed to urban scenes, lowers alpha brain waves, meaning that it creates a state of wakeful relaxation.  Here are some ideas for making your own healing garden:  Add a water element, either a fountain or a pond.  Make sure the garden is visually pleasing.  Use soft, cool, mellow colors like pastels, violets, and white.  Make sure the ground is even, and not too sloped, so that it is safe to walk around.  Incorporate elements that will attract wildlife, like bird feeders and birdbaths and berry-producing shrubs.  You may also want to include some medicinal plants in your garden, like lavender for its aromatherapy benefits, and aloe vera, which is good for sunburn.  Create some spaces where you can sit and meditate, or just enjoy the view.
Spiritual Gardening on amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1930722249/brightideaspr-20/002-9998585-7100813?creative=327641&camp=14573&adid=0V5X9CFDVPW00CN8J3ED&link_code=as1 creative=327641&camp=14573&adid=0V5X9CFDVPW00CN8J3ED&link_code=as1

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

From the moment we wake up in the morning, to the clock radio or the alarm, we are inundated with sounds.  Phone calls, conversations, newscasts, meetings, traffic, the microwave – it’s all there, imposing on our eardrums without us even being aware of it most of the time.  What portion of the day do we actually spend in silence?  When do we have time to tune in to our own thoughts?  Meditation is awesome, and so healthy for us in every way.  During the day we can also find little pockets of time to escape the noise of the world.  Try this for a week:  when you get in the car, turn the radio off.  Just drive without any music or talk shows or CD playing.  At first it might be a challenge, we’re all kind of “programmed” to have this soundtrack follow us throughout the day.  But soon you’ll find that it’s so much more refreshing to have that little space of peace.  And when your kids jump in the car and start punching the buttons, it just sounds like clutter.  Silence really is golden.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

We’ve had more than our share of rain in Los Angeles this year.  It’s very unusual, but a lot of good has come with it.  Our hills are so green and pretty, and the flowers are bountifully abundant!  April is a great time to get in the garden.  Dig in the dirt, plant seedlings, pull weeds, just spend time nurturing nature.  Mother Nature rewards us with beautiful blossoms, and wonderful fruits and vegetables.  But more importantly, it’s that connection we feel with the earth that is so precious.  Spring is a time of renewal, and in the garden we can renew our spirit.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

I do a lot of cooking.  My husband and I are vegans, so if we didn’t make our own meals we’d have a pretty hard time finding things to eat.  Restaurants just don’t seem to  “get it” yet.  But I’m holding out hope, the more of us that there are out there, the more they will have to comply and have some choices for us on the menu.  Meanwhile, I continue to chop away.  I’m constantly slicing and dicing for salads and stir-frys.  Unfortunately, this puts my fingers in harm’s way, and the band-aid on my thumb is starting to become a regular fashion accessory!  My husband would hide the knives, but he doesn’t want to starve.  The last time this happened my clever hubby went online and came up with a solution: a flexible stainless steel glove!  I guess there’s more than one cook out there like me who needs an extra hand in the kitchen!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)