The holidays are here. It’s also a good time to get started with some Old Year end and New Year beginning planning activities, especially if family members are going to be celebrating the holidays with you. Start with reviewing what you have and how you own it (by yourself, with your spouse, with a child or with whomever). Do you still want to own it in this way?
Providing for grandchildren’s college expenses is becoming an important estate planning goal for many families. Many people see it as one of the best ways to contribute to the overall health of future generations. 529 college savings plans are a very useful tool to accomplish this goal, but only if you know what they are and do not have misconceptions about them.
Most people struggle to plan their financial futures beyond the next decade, while those with money and foresight are likely to think well in advance about what they want to leave their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. But what about planning for eternity? It seems too long to contemplate. Yet in the last several decades, states have begun competing with one another for the business of perpetual trusts, which are designed to last forever, or at least 1,000 years in the case of Wyoming. And people have been putting their millions and billions into them, eschewing traditional trusts, which typically end after 100 years.
During this festive time of year, dwelling on estate planning may seem like a bit of a downer. Yet the end of the year is as good as time as any to take stock of your personal finances and also make sure you have done some proper estate planning. Having your affairs in order will lift a huge burden off your family that would otherwise face a big emotional and financial toll in probate court should something happen to you.
With the holiday season upon us, the charitable giving season is also upon us. Charitable giving is important not only for income tax purposes, but can also be important for estate tax purposes.
If anyone can be called a self-help, self-actualization pioneer, it is Shakti Gawain. Years before “manifestation,” “the law attraction,” and “the secret” entered the lexicon, Shakti was sharing daily affirmations, meditations, and mental imagery practices that millions found could help them achieve goals, change habits, relax deeply, and significantly improve overall health and well-being. We hope you’ll enjoy this excerpt from the new 40th anniversary edition of her international bestseller Creative Visualization.
# # #
A very important part of the whole creative visualization process is developing a sense of prosperity. This means having the understanding, or consciously taking the point of view, that the universe is abundant, that life is actually trying to bring us what our hearts and souls truly desire — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, as well as physically. Almost everything you truly need or want is here for the asking; you only need to believe that it is so, truly desire it, and be willing to accept it.
One of the most common causes of failure when seeking what you want is “scarcity programming.” This is an attitude or set of beliefs about life that goes something like this:
There isn’t enough to go around….
Life is suffering….
It is immoral or selfish to have enough when others don’t….
Life is hard, difficult, a vale of tears….
You must work hard and sacrifice for everything you gain….
It’s more noble and spiritual to be poor….
These are all false beliefs. They are based on a lack of understanding of how the universe works, or a misunderstanding of some important spiritual principles. These beliefs are not of service to you or anyone else; they simply limit all of us from realizing our natural state of prosperity and plenty on all levels.
At the present time there is a reality in this world of starvation and poverty for many people, but we do not need to keep creating and perpetuating that reality. The fact is that there is more than enough to go around for every being on earth, if we are willing to open our minds to that possibility, and change our ways of using and distributing the world’s resources. The universe is a place of great abundance and we are all meant to be naturally prosperous, both in material and spiritual wealth, in a way that is balanced and harmonious with one another and with the earth that nourishes us.
In modern times, humankind has lost touch with its natural state of prosperity. Together, we are creating a world vastly out of balance, in which a relative few have far more than they need and are using up our natural resources at an alarming rate, while the majority suffer from serious lack. We are all responsible for creating this reality, and we can change it by changing both our way of thinking and our way of living. We need to reclaim our ability to appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Many of us in the industrialized world need to cultivate a simpler, more natural lifestyle. We need to realize that after our basic needs are met, the experience of abundance has more to do with expressing our creative gifts in satisfying ways, and learning to give and receive in a balanced way, than it does with extravagant consumerism.
The truth about this earth is that it is an infinitely good, beautiful, nourishing place to be. The only “evil” comes from a lack of understanding of this truth. Evil (ignorance) is like a shadow — it has no real substance of its own; it is simply a lack of light. You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it, by stamping on it, by railing against it, or by any other form of emotional or physical resistance. In order to cause a shadow to disappear, you must shine light on it.
Take a look at your belief system and see if you are holding yourself back by not believing sufficiently in the possibility of prosperity. Can you actually realistically imagine yourself as a successful, satisfied, fulfilled person? Can you really open your eyes to the goodness and beauty and abundance that are all around you? Can you imagine this world transformed into a prosperous and supportive environment in which everyone can flourish?
You will experience difficulty in creating what you want in your personal life unless you view the world as a good place to be and a place that works for everyone.
This is because human nature is basically loving, and so most of us will not allow ourselves to have what we want as long as we believe that we might be depriving others in order to do so.
We have to understand in a deep way that having what we truly want in life contributes to the general state of human happiness and supports others in creating more happiness for themselves.
To create prosperity, we need to visualize ourselves living as we desire to live, doing what we love, feeling satisfied with what we attain, in a context of other people doing the same.
In a spirit of fun, try this exercise to stimulate your imagination and expand your ability to visualize true prosperity:
Abundance Meditation
Relax completely in a comfortable position.
Picture yourself in any lovely natural environment — perhaps by a green, open meadow with a lovely brook, or on white sand by the ocean. Take some time to imagine all the beautiful details, and see yourself fully enjoying and appreciating your surroundings. Now begin to walk, and soon find yourself in some totally different surrounding environment, perhaps exploring a waving field of golden grain, or swimming in a lake. Continue to wander and explore — finding more and more exquisitely beautiful environments of great variety — mountains, forests, deserts, whatever suits your fantasy. Take a little time to appreciate each one.
Now imagine returning home to a simple but comfortable and lovely environment, whatever would most suit you. Imagine having loving family, friends, and community around you. Visualize yourself doing work that you love, and expressing yourself creatively in ways that feel just right for you. You are being amply rewarded for your efforts, in internal satisfaction, appreciation from others, and financial return. Imagine yourself feeling fulfilled and thoroughly enjoying your life. Step back, and see if you can imagine a world full of people living simply yet abundantly, in harmony with one another and the earth.
# # #
Shakti Gawain is a bestselling author and a pioneer in the field of personal growth and consciousness. The 40th Anniversary edition of her classic work Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Life was recently published by New World Library.
Excerpted from Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Life © 2002 by Shakti Gawain. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA — www.newworldlibrary.com.
People are living longer and longer than they used to. While that is a great thing, it is beginning to cause issues for many estate plans, especially when trusts are involved.
Managing suicidal thoughts is not an easy task for anyone. While treatment is the most important part of handling this symptom of depression, it’s not always enough. There are a number of things you can be doing to help yourself overcome these thoughts and negative emotions. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, here are a few things you can be doing to help cope.
First Step is Quality, Consistent Treatment
It cannot be stressed enough that consistent treatment is necessary for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. While you can do some things to help counteract depression and suicidal thoughts, these actions are no replacement for professional help. If you cannot afford traditional treatment, you may consider online treatment or getting advice from a free health clinic.
Build a Support Network
No one should have to overcome suicidal thoughts alone. Try to open up to people in your life who can help you through this difficult time. Know that you may have to offer them resources for how they can help, why suicidal thoughts occur, and what depression is. A support network can only be as good as their information on the problem. Of course, you may not feel comfortable opening up to anyone close to you, and if so, that’s ok. There are many suicide prevention services waiting to help you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and IMAlive at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) are both toll-free crisis hotlines available 24/7.
Do Your Best to Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best depression-fighting activities you can do. The endorphins it releases allow your mood to go up and your suicidal thoughts to be less frequent. Unfortunately, depression also makes it very difficult to do regular exercise. Even tasks that seem simple to others can appear to be impossible. Find a method of exercise that you enjoy doing. For example, if you hate running, try swimming. It’s a great workout and it’s also calming and soothing. On the good days, be sure to fit exercise in. On the bad days, don’t beat yourself up over missing a workout. Instead set smaller goals. For example, your exercise for the day may be walking to check your mail or completing one household cleaning task. These are tasks that will help you get up and moving when feeling especially depressed.
Consider Adopting a Dog
Dogs are another excellent way to fight depression. A dog can prevent feelings of loneliness by offering love and affection as well as a happy face to come home to. Dogs will also make exercise easier by insisting on playtime or daily walks. In fact, if you don’t feel up to taking on the responsibility of caring for a pet fulltime, you might offer your services as a dog walker. When you do so, you’ll get the physical and mental health benefits of being around dogs, while making some extra money on the side. Whether you’re walking your own dog or someone else’s, the outings will be essential because they’ll give you the opportunity for more social interaction as people stop to say hi to the dog and ask what his name is. It may not seem like much, but to someone with depression, it can make all the difference.
Meditate Daily
Meditation takes far less effort and can be easier to perform on your bad days. It may not have an immediate effect but, with time, meditation can help you stay calm and rational throughout your illness. It is the practice of learning to control your own mind, an invaluable skill for someone with depression. Even a few minutes each day spent meditating can make a difference. Perhaps the best thing about meditation is that it can be done anywhere. So, whether you find yourself needing a moment to quiet your mind at work or at home, meditation is a great tool to have in your belt, offering you a positive solution to calming negative thoughts.
Find an Enjoyable Hobby
Depression can suck the joy out of every activity you do, including hobbies. However, a hobby is still an excellent tool to distract your mind and hands when a suicidal thought strikes. It can also help manage other symptoms of depression by allowing you to feel as though you did something productive. Many people with depression will experience worsened symptoms after a day spent unable to do anything. Even if you only manage to knit a single hat, you have accomplished something and that knowledge can be very helpful.
Suicidal thoughts can be intrusive, leaking into every aspect of your life. However, if you can build a solid support system, make a few positive changes in your daily routine, and ensure that you are getting help, it is fully possible to recover from this condition.
Image via Pixabay by Tabeajaichhalt
If you want to leave a robust financial legacy for your family, a financial plan alone is like trying to guide a boat with just one oar. It’s only part of the big picture for your overall monetary health. A well-informed financial plan is worth your time for several reasons, but let’s look at how financial and estate planning can work in tandem to create the best possible future for you and your family in the years to come:
Guest Post by Vanessa D. Werts
Have you ever wondered what your life would be if you could conquer your fears, fully connect with your purpose for being alive, and love yourself and others unconditionally? Well, if you believe in the healing power of love, there is a pre-destined path for you to get there.
Anything love touches, comes alive and grows. The heart responds to love with exuberance, and also knows and reacts when there is a lack of it. Without exception, God put a spirit of love on each one of us when his hands touched and formed us in our mothers’ womb. After we were born, that same touch created a void that the heart is wildly in search of as we look to people for this radical love of God we once knew.
If you asked ten people what love means to them, you would probably get ten different answers. However, there is a definition and demonstration of love that every heart would acknowledge as true love, and it looks like this: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT). There isn’t a heart beating that would dispute being treated in this way.
My nonfiction book Lies and Love: Cleansing The Heart To Make Room For Radical Love (November 2016), a 30-Day Heart Cleanse for Women, is a tool for inner healing. In the Bible, it says that the heart is “extremely sick” (see Jeremiah 17:9), and it also says to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). Lies and Love offers a spiritual approach to identify and cast out the residue left behind from traumatic life experiences, then fills up those empty places with love. The cleanse is also designed to activate your God-given gifts and talents.
In the opening of the book, I share my own heart story and how daddy issues and being sexually assaulted as a teen affected my self-worth. Then God got my attention one day and taught me to value and honor myself; by his love, he healed my life and defeated every enemy of my soul.
What is your heart story? This is the question I ask in Lies and Love. As you follow the spiritual journey through the heart, you will be able to pinpoint your own heart issues. These issues or chaos, would be feelings such as anger, bitterness, fear, frustration, grudges, rejection, resentment, shame, and even hatred, that have become trapped in the heart, affecting how you view yourself and how you interact with and treat others. A chaotic heart is unhealthy and often leads to feeling insecure, unloved, unworthy, and sorrowful. Though we all may experience a range of these emotions at some point in our lives, if you feel like this most of the time, your heart needs to be healed.
Any attitude, behavior, or habit that is counterproductive to your life is an indicator that something is going on in the heart that should be addressed. Do any of the following issues play out in your life or concern you on a regular basis?
This is a short list but it makes the point that, just as the issues of life vary, so do the issues of the heart that affect how we function day to day. Only you and God know your heart story, and he wants to heal the hurtful memories of your past that keep you from living fearlessly and loving fully, today.
Before the actual 30-day cleanse commences, the topics of lies and love are explored from a heavenly perspective. Lies are considered to be anything that God did not say or provision for your life, according to Scripture. For instance, living with regret is living a lie. Why? Because having regret causes you to hold something you’ve previously done, against yourself now; it’s like having a vendetta against yourself. But the Bible commands us to always forgive, which also includes forgiving ourselves.
During the cleanse process, chaos is expelled from the heart through daily activities that are guided by scripture, encouraging women to forgive, pursue love, celebrate their lives, and live on purpose. The 30- Day Heart Cleanse is a literal and spiritual step forward into a new season of your life.
Do you want to live that abundant life you dream of, now? Believe that it is possible; let go of emotional baggage, and always remember to love. Love is the undisputed, undefeated, champion.
###
VANESSA D. WERTS is the author of Lies and Love and other fiction books about relationships, love and forgiveness. She’s a military veteran, minister, and champion for women achieving a healthy selfimage. When she’s not writing, you can find her speaking to church groups and to college students about the messages in her books. Vanessa has an abiding love to bridge the gap from people’s life experiences to the promises of God. Her website is www.VanessaWerts.com.
© 2024 Coffey Talk. All rights reserved.
